Dolly From Another Planet

by Kim Babe

 

Meet the characters

Jenny -- Almost 6 years old, blonde hair with ponytails, blue eyes, the perfect little girl.

Pete Johnson - skinny, dark hair - think of the nerdish guy from the TV show "Yes, dear".

Grandma Thift - in her eighties, very feeble and in love with her granddaughter.

Jenny's parents - Mid thirties, attractive, and both fit.

Roberta – The computer. Thoughtful, resourceful, but has a mind of her own on what’s best for her commander.

******************************************

"But why mommy?" the little girl whined. "Manny has one, why can't I?"

"I told you before, Jenny," Mrs. Clark sighed patiently. "Manny's parents make more money than us. Your father and I simply don't have the money to buy you another doll."

"But its not just another doll," her daughter insisted. "This one eats and cries, and moves its arms and legs, and even wets her diaper."

"So do your other dolls, Jenny."

"Not move or cry, mommy. None of them act like a real baby. Please mommy, if you get her for me I promise to take care of her and be the best mommy I can."

"I’m sorry sweetheart, but we don't have 150 credits to spend on a doll right now. Things are already tight and with our transportation unit breaking down..." Mrs. Clark stopped and looked at the sadness in her daughter's faces. It wasn’t easy being five years old and learning there were things you could have and things you couldn't. She wanted to give her daughter the world but unfortunately, they couldn’t afford to; not even a small piece of it like this doll.

"I understand, mommy," the little girl responded, lowering her head in disappointment.

"Maybe for your birthday," her mother said with encouragement.

"But that's six months away," Jenny pouted. "I want her now. I already have clothes that she can wear."

Mrs. Clark got down on her knees and held Jenny in her arms. "I know baby, I know. Maybe if we get ahead on some of these bills we can buy her." She patted her on the back for support. "It's time for bed, young lady. Did you brush your teeth and say your prayers?"

"Not my prayers, mommy."

"Then you best do it, young lady," Mrs. Clark replied while giving her daughter a tickle. The little girl giggled, and got down on her knees and put her hands together.

"God bless mommy, and daddy, and grandma Thift. Amen...Oh, and if you could give me a Ruffles Annie doll God, I would never ask you for anything again. Amen!"

Her mother smiled softly as she tucked her daughter into bed. She was such a wonderful child...why did things have to be so hard for them. "Good night, Jenny." Her mother reached down and kissed her on the forehead.

"Goodnight, mommy," Jenny smiled back. Her mother turned off the lights and left, leaving the door partially open. Jenny turned to the moon outside and sighed. "Please God; if you can hear me I really want that doll. I promise I'll take good care of her."

The little girl closed her eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep.

***************************************

The next morning Jenny was disappointed to not find a new doll in her bedroom. After having breakfast and waving her parent’s goodbye, Jenny went outside to play while her grandmother put the dishes away. Next to her house was a creek, and the little girl was overturning rocks searching for frogs when she heard a loud whish. Jenny looked up and saw a small star falling from the sky. It made a sharp turn and landed in the woods not far away. The little girl blinked her eyes in wonder, and headed off to where the star had fallen.

**********************************************

Pete Johnson stepped out of his spacecraft and observed the damage. It wasn’t as bad as he had originally thought.

*Roberta, what's the status?* he asked mentally. Attached to the explorer's brain was a transmitting device that permitted him to remain in constant contact with the ship’s computer. It also allowed the computer to observe everything Pete saw, and offer recommendations. Not that he was interested in what the computer had to say. Pete preferred to do things by the seat of his pants. The computer's answer popped into his mind.

*Nothing you need to worry about, commander. There’s some structural damage, but I sense plenty of raw materials around that I can use to fix the damage. I will send the service robots out to collect it. It shouldn't take longer than a few hours to fix everything.*

*Good,* Pete nodded, looking carefully at the large hole in his craft. Another foot lower and it would have taken out the engines. *I thought we were doomed when that asteroid appeared in our path. Good thing this planet was close by.*

The space explorer took time to look around and observe everything. *God, this planet is big. Look at the size of those trees.*

*I detect the gravity on this planet is only about a third of what it is on ours,* the computer chimed.

*You don't have to tell me that you stupid computer,* Pete snapped. *I can feel the difference.*

*I'm not stupid,* the computer answered defensively in an almost human fashion. *You wouldn't be here if it weren't for me.*

*That's true,* the commander agreed in a smart-ass manner. *We wouldn't have almost hit that asteroid if I were flying the ship.*

There was a moment of silence before the computer chimed, *I'll start the repairs, commander."*

Pete sensed the computer was hurt by his comments, but didn’t offer an apology. The newer computers had been built with human emotions; something the shrinks at home felt would benefit the explorers. With the cost of supplying a ship with air, food, and other needs, space travel was expensive. The days of Star Trek with crews of a thousand men and women were a fantasy, at least in Pete's time. Space exploration was conducted with fast, one man (or woman) ships controlled by advance computers. With travel times between the stars sometimes measured in months, a person could go insane without human contact. So computers were slowly being made to act like a second crewman. But Pete was an explorer who came from the old school. He still thought of computers as machines, something cold and mechanical that shouldn’t have feelings. He had only consented to calling the computer by a female name because the programmer had insisted doing otherwise would cause it not to perform up to its potential.

'Silly when you think of it,' Pete thought to himself. Still, he had to do something to ease any ill feelings the computer may have. *Roberta, why don't you send out some survey probes? Maybe we'll find something of interest on this rock.*

*Anything else, commander?* the computer replied in a frosty tone. Pete could almost sense it’s angry with him.

*No, not at the moment. I’m going to stretch out underneath that tree over there and take a nap. I’m beat.*

*That’s not wise, commander,* the computer responded with concern. *My sensor’s picked up life forms on the way down. I recommend…*

*I not interested in your recommendations, Roberta. I’m a big boy; I can take care of myself. I don’t need you fussing over me like a worried mother.*

*It's part of my programming,* the computer explained.

*Well disconnect that function. I don’t want to hear any more protesting from you.*

*But...*

"Zip it, Roberta," Pete said aloud.

*Yes commander.*

The explorer lay down against a tree-trunk and closed his eyes. He hadn’t been there very long when he heard some rustling in the bushes. Alarmed, he sat up and looked in the direction of the noise.

*Commander, I sense something coming,* the computer reported.

*No shit, Roberta,* the commander cursed angrily. *Why don’t you tell me something useful, like if it’s dangerous!*

*Commander…*

*Let me guess, you didn’t send out the survey probes like I asked.*

*I was just getting ready too…*

*Can it, Roberta! I have to do everything around here. Go to security alert one. If it looks dangerous blast it.*

*Yes commander,* the computer sulked. Pete cursed the people who decided that computers needed to act more like humans and less like the machines they were. He waited, and caught sight of what the source of the noise was as it came out of the bushes.

*Commander, it looks like a little girl,* the computer announced.

*Really?* Pete mocked. *What a brilliant deduction, Roberta. What would I do without you? Don’t you think I can see that for myself.*

Pete looked up at the little girl who was several times his size. She was dressed in a yellow cotton dress that ended several inches above her tiny knees. On her feet she wore a pair of white sox’s with lace around the edges and a pair of black Mary Jane’s. Her hair was tied up in ponytails, completing her little girl look. When she saw him, the little girl smiled and got down on her knees. "Hi there," she beamed.

*Commander, I don’t think you have anything to worry about,* the computer stated.

Pete sighed in frustration. *I can see that you stupid ‘idiot’. Why don’t you shut up for a minute and let me handle this.*

The explorer smiled at the little girl and extended his hand. "Don’t be afraid, I mean you know harm. I’m Commander Pete Johnson. I come from a place far, far away."

The little girl looked at him funny and giggled. "What’s that gibberish?" she asked. "Are you lost?"

"What? No, I’m not lost," Pete replied a little annoyed. "I come from another planet."

The girl put her hand to her mouth and giggled some more. "You talk like a baby." Then she stopped, and a gleam appeared in her eyes.

*Roberta, what’s going on?* Pete demanded to know.

*It appears your translator has malfunction, commander. It must have been damaged when we came in contact with the asteroid.*

*And who’s fault is that,* Pete growled, remembering that he hadn’t been strapped in at the time the computer had made that violent turn. He had been thrown against the bulkhead rather hard, and had given the computer a good piece of his mind.

*Mine,* Roberta admitted.

*Damn straight it is. So how is it I can understand her but she can't understand me?*

*I'm working on that, commander.*

The little girl grew excited and moved closer to Pete. "Are you from God?" she asked.

*Commander,* the computer warned. *I suggest you don’t answer that question. We have no idea…*

*Let me handle this!* Pete screamed mentally at the computer. *You worry about getting my voice translator back online!*

*Yes commander.*

Pete grinned and nodded. This caused the little girl to get very excited, and with lighting speed she reached down and snatched him up in her hands. The little girl pressed Pete securely against her chest and smile lovingly at him. "God did answer my prayer. He really did! I’m your new mommy, baby."

"Baby?...ROBERTA!" Pete screamed at the top of his lungs. Jenny reached down and kissed what she though was a crying baby on the forehead.

"Its okay baby, mommy is going to take good care of you. Don’t cry now." The little girl held on to Pete tightly and started rocking him in her arms while humming sweetly.

"ROBERTA!" Pete called again when the computer didn’t answer the first time. "ROBERTA, can you hear me?"

*Yes commander,* the computer replied in a humorously fashion. *No need to ‘cry’ sir, I’m right here.*

*Very funny you stupid piece of crap! Make her put me down!*

*What action do you recommend, sir?*

*I don’t care, blast her.*

*I can’t do that, commander. Regulations state that I can only use force when you’re in danger. The only thing you seem to be in danger of is an overdose of love.*

*Talk to her then. If I can’t communicate with her then you can.*

*I’m sorry, sir, but that might frighten the little girl and cause her to drop you. I think it’s better if I say nothing.* The computer giggled in a mechanical tone.

"You find this funny?" Pete screamed in his real voice. "I’ll show you funny. I’ll disconnect your logic circuits when I get inside. We’ll see who gets the last laugh."

"What’s the matter, baby?" Jenny cooed, holding Pete closer. "Are you wet or hungry? Let’s go home then. You’ll feel better once you’re in your proper clothing."

"What…no!" Pete screamed at the little girl. "I’m not wet or hungry, and I don’t want to wear any doll clothes. Roberta…do something!"

*Relax sir; I have the nano-bugs working on your voice translator. It shouldn’t take more than a few hours to fixed.*

"A few hours," Pete screamed. "By then I could be diapered and fed …and who knows what else. Stop her…shot her."

*I’m sorry commander, but I sense you’re in no danger…other than getting a case of diaper rash.* The computer snorted loudly, sounding like the laughter from the robot on ‘Lost in space."

"I’ll fix you for this, Roberta! I’ll report you to the head command." Pete turned back to the girl who was carefully carrying him back to her house. "Please, listen to me little girl. I’m an explorer from outer space. I’m not some doll sent to you from God. Let me go…let me go."

"My my, you sure are a talkative baby," Jenny giggled. "Mommy loves you too. Oh, we’re going to have so much fun together. I’ll dress you all nice and pretty, and take you for walks, and have tea parties with you, and show you off to all my friends."

"Damn it, listen to me," Pete cried. "I’m not a BABY-DOLL. Computer, how are those bugs doing on that translator."

*They’re working on it sir. I sense you’re a little stressed at the moment.*

"No SHIT!" Pete screamed, not realizing he was still using his real voice. "I’m about to be stuffed into diapers – why in the hell would I be stressed about that?"

*We don’t know that for certain, commander.*

"Want to put money on it, Roberta. GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

*Sir, might I suggest you take a moment to observe how these people live, and learn as much as you can! Maybe even try to communicate with her parents.*

"And what happens if they decide to turn me into the authorities, Roberta?"

*Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it, commander. It looks like you’re about to enter her dwelling.*

Jenny flung open the back door and bounced happily inside holding tightly on to her new prize. She ran to her room at a full gallop and placed Pete on a padded table with straps. She smiled at her new dolly, and kissed her repeatedly.

"Before I show you to grandmother Thift, I’m going to dress you up all nice and pretty."

Pete was horrified by the words. *Pretty? Did you hear that computer? She’s going to make me PRETTY!*

*Relax sir. We have no idea what she means. On this world it could have an entirely different meaning.*

*Well I’m not waiting to find out,* Pete announced. *I’m getting the hell out of here. Prepare the ship for launch.*

*But the repairs...*

*Forget about them. I’m declaring this world a hostile place. That’s an order, Roberta. Understand?*

*Yes sir,* the computer said dejectedly. *I’ll recall the droids and prepare for liftoff.*

"I’m so happy you’re here," Jenny grinned. "I already have a name picked out for you. Want to hear it?"

"NOOOOOOOO!" Pete yelled.

"It’s Allison. My baby, Allison. Oh, I can’t wait to show you off. Now you wait right here while I get your things."

The little girl turned and started digging through a box in her closet. Seeing his chance, Pete rolled over to the edge of the table and started to climb down. But just as his feet were about to touch the floor two strong hands grabbed him from behind and lifted him back up onto the table.

"Bad baby," Jenny scolded him. "You could get hurt climbing like that. I will make sure that doesn’t happen again." She pressed his shoulders tightly against the mat and pulled a couple of straps over his shoulders. She snapped them in place, and then did the same thing with his wrists. Pete twisted and turned trying to break free from its grip, but found he was now lying firmly on his back with his hands out to his side. He couldn’t even move his arms to stop her from doing whatever she was going to do next.

"There," the little girl smiled, "that will keep you out of trouble until I return. I’ll be right back, Allison." The little girl bounced out of the room.

*Roberta, what is the progress on my translator?*

*Still working on it, sir. The nano-bugs report heavy damage to the…*

"I don’t care where the damage is, just fix it!"

*Commander, I’m trying but it’s going to take time.*

"I don’t have TIME!" the commander screamed.

"Did you miss me?" Jenny smiled as she walked back into the room. "It’s okay Allison. Mommy is here and she’s going to take good care of you." The little girl showed Pete a sharp pair of scissors. "I borrowed these from mommy. You won’t need that protective plastic around you anymore." She bent down and started cutting at the opening of the leg.

*Computer, she’s cutting my space suit off.*

*I understand, sir. I suggest you lay there, especially when she gets to your private area.*

"But I want her to STOP," screamed Pete. He felt her cut all the way up to his waist and start with the other side.

*I’m sorry sir, but short of sending out the defensive robots, there’s nothing I can do.*

"THEN DO IT!"

*Regulations dictate…*

"I don’t care what they say, I want it done!" Pete felt her finish with his legs and cut across his waist.

*Commander, think about it,* the computer explained calmly. *You’re making first contact with this planet. It’s important that we put our best face forward. Sending in the robots and having them smash things isn’t the way to do this.*

"I don’t care," Pete replied. "What happens when she removes all my clothes and discovers I’m not a little girl? She could become violent."

*I have a beam lined on her, sir. If she tries anything hostile I’ll stop her.*

*Wait a minute, you could blast her at anytime?* The little girl had made quick work of his suit and was now starting on his underwear.

*It wasn’t easy, but I have a lock on her, sir.*

*Fire, damn it, fire! Get me out of here!*

*This has already been explained to you commander. I don’t want to hurt or scare her. This is a first contact situation and we have to go by the book.*

*Roberta!*

"What’s this," the little girl exclaimed as she removed the last of Pete’s underwear. "You’re a little boy."

Pete snorted at the insult. "Hardly little you stupid kid. I’m a fully developed man." Of course, Jenny could not understand what he was saying.

"I do not have the proper clothes for you I am afraid," she sulked just a little. "Well, I guess it doesn’t matter. I wanted a little girl dolly anyway." She turned and grabbed a few things from under the table and placed them at his feet.

*Computer, take that shot and send the robots to free me – that’s a direct order!*

*I’m sorry commander, but you appear to be under a great deal of distress. Under these conditions, I’m afraid I can’t honor that request.*

Suddenly Pete's legs where thrust high into the air as Jenny went about the task of preparing her new baby. The explorer could hear something being slid underneath him. Then his new mommy picked up a white bottle and sprinkled a generous amount of fine powder onto it.

"Compu…computer," Pete cried as he looked into the little girl’s serene face. "Please…do something!"

*Relax commander," Roberta assured him. "I don’t think she’s going to hurt you.*

Jenny squirted some baby oil into her free hand, and rubbed it gently onto his butt and around his front. Once powdered and oiled, she slowly lowered him onto the waiting diaper. Pete cringed as the soft diaper, mixed with the cool baby powder, touch his exposed butt. The oil attracted the powder like a magnet, and the little girl added some powder to his front for good measure. Then with pure, childish delight, she wrapped the diaper around his groin and waist tightly. Pins were inserted into the thick cloth to hold it in place.

Pete felt like he was going to cry. He was an explorer, not some doll. What would the high command say if they found out? He would be the laughing stock of the fleet. Something tight that rustled was pushed over his feet and up his legs. It turned out to be a pair of pink, rubber pants.

"There, I bet you feel better," Jenny cooed happily. She was enjoying her new doll immensely.

"NO I DON’T FEEL BETER YOU NASTY LITTLE GIRL," Pete screamed. "Now get me out of this getup!"

*Sir, she doesn’t understand you,* the computer tried to explain.

"Shut up, Roberta. This is entirely your fault. If you hadn't been playing with your circuits we wouldn’t have almost hit that asteroid and had to land here."

*I do not play with myself," the computer refuted sternly. *The asteroid didn’t appear on my sensors until…*

"Can it you obsolete piece of fried circuits," Pete yelled. "Oh God, here she comes again…and with more stuff."

Jenny returned to the changing table gingerly holding onto what Pete could make out was a pile of lace and ruffles. She unsnapped him from the table and grabbed him firmly by the arms. Pete tried to break free but it was no use. The little girl picked up the whitest, frilliest petticoat he had ever seen and moved it toward him.

"You certainly are a wiggly baby," Jenny giggled as she stuffed the petticoat over his head. It stopped just short of covering his rubber pants and diaper.

Next Jenny picked up a pink dress. It was covered in white lace around the hem, puffed sleeves, and collar. Around the waist was a wide, pink satin bow, and more pink bows were attached to the hem of the dress.

"This is my favorite dress," she giggled with glee. "I’m so glad it fits you. I want you to look your best when I meet my friends."

"No…no," Pete protested as she slid it over his head and down his body. It was to no avail, she couldn’t understand anything he said. Next a pink and white frilly bonnet was maneuvered onto his head and the satin pink ribbon was tied under his chin. Pink booties with white lace were forced over his feet to complete the outfit. Jenny held him in front of her and squealed with delight.

"Oh, you are sooooo pretty," she gushed with pride. "I have the prettiest baby around. Wait until that mean old Manny sees you. She won’t tease me anymore about my dolls."

"Roberta," Pete cried. "Put an end to this."

"Oh my, why are you crying, Allison? Are you hungry?" Jenny held him tightly and kissed him on the forehead. "Let’s go show you to grandma Thift and then I'll feed you. Oh, this is so much fun."

Cradling her prize ever so gently, Jenny walked into the room where her grandmother was watching TV. "Grandma, look at my new dolly."

*Commander,* the computer spoke. *In the interest of trying to pass, I strongly suggest you smile and don’t have an outburst in front of this woman. I have been watching the broadcasts of this planet, and have discovered a few disturbing features about it.*

*And what would they be?* Pete asked mentally as he was thrust in front of the old woman.

*First, this is a rather paranoid race. They tend to view visitors from outer space as a threat...at least from the movies I have seen. Two, their dolls cry, wet, eat, and even say simple sentences, but they don’t scream, walk, or carry on in the manner you have been doing."

*Are you suggesting I act like a doll?* the commander growled.

*If you want to get back home, I would strongly suggest it.*

The old woman, who must have been in her eighties, wore thick glasses and looked rather feeble. She peered down at Pete's terrified face and smiled.

"Oh, isn't she pretty, Jennie-pie. What a cute face. She looks so real. Did mommy and daddy buy her for you?"

The little girl shook her head and said proudly, "God gave her to me, grandma. I asked him for a new doll last night and she showed up this morning."

"Of course she did, dear," the grandmother smiled. "My, what a pretty outfit she's wearing. Did God dress her like an angel?"

"Oh grandma," the little girl giggled. "You made that outfit...don't you remember?"

"Not as much as I used to dear," she remarked with a smile.

"Can you hold her for me grandma while I fix her lunch. I don't want her walking away and getting into trouble."

"Oh, so she can walk too," the grandmother joked. "Of course my dear, I'll take good care of her. I have had lots of practice with babies you know. Give her to me."

Jenny handed her doll off to her grandmother and skipped to the kitchen. The grandmother stared down at Pete and patted him softly on the diaper. "Such an imagination that little one," she chuckled happily to herself. "Still, you do look and feel like a real baby."

Her thoughts were interrupted by the phone ringing. She laid Pete on the couch and went into the next room to get it. The explorer sat up and looked around. *Computer, help me find a way out of here.*

*I have sent a survey probe to observe the house, commander. It appears all the doors and windows are shut. There's no way in.*

*Then make one,* Pete projected angrily. *Get me the hell out of here.*

*I don’t see why you’re in such a hurry to get away, sir.*

*You don’t see…* Pete gritted his teeth. He jumped down to the floor and waddled to a mirror (the diaper was so thick he had to waddle) so the computer could see the fruits of the little girl’s labor. *Look at me and tell me that you don’t see a problem!* In his mind Pete heard the computer snort with delight.

"YOU FIND THIS FUNNY!" the commander roared at the top of his lungs.

*Oh no commander,* the computer answered in a sweet, understanding tone. *I was just observing how cute you look. You make a darling, little baby doll.* That was followed by another snort of glee.

*When I get back to the ship I'm going to have a little chat with your memory circuits, and then we’ll see who laughs last. I told you to blast her...now look at the predicament I’m in. All thanks to you.*

*Commander, you said you wanted to relax for a while. Why not enjoy yourself and let this little girl take care of you. Think of it like being a guest at the Four-star Hotel on the planet Vega, where the girls take care of your ever need. Just relax and enjoy the service.*

*How about the fact I’m wearing a diaper and GIRL’S ClOTHES!* Pete mentally yelled back.

*Baby clothes,* the computer corrected him.

*What difference does that make? Look, I’m ordering you to send in the troops and free me.*

*We have covered this ground before, commander. I can’t do that, especially with a first contact.*

"Roberta!"

"Allison, what are you doing down there?" Jenny scolded. Pete had been so pre-occupied with Roberta that he hadn’t heard his captor come back. He made a quick dash to tried and get away but the thick diaper prevented him from accomplishing more than a fast waddle. Jenny easily was able to catch Pete and snatched him up in her hands. "Come on Allison, mommy is going to feed you."

"No, let go of me," Pete screamed. "I don’t want to eat and I don’t want to be treated like a baby anymore."

His protests were assumed to mean something else, because Jenny ignored them. Pete was taken to the kitchen and promptly placed in a high chair where his hands were locked to his side by a plastic tray. Jenny set a couple of small, open jars in front of him and placed a small baby spoon in each one. She pulled out one spoon that held some kind of green mush.

"Open wide, Allison," Jenny insisted when Pete refused to take a bite. She reached under the tray and tickled him. The commander opened his mouth out of reaction and she shoved the spoon into his mouth. Pete gagged on the contents, but then discovered it didn’t taste that bad…and he was kind of hungry.

"Good girl," Jenny praised as she shoved spoonful after spoonful into his mouth. The other jar contained some kind of fruit that was sweet and tasty. Pete ate it all without any more fuss. When he was done, Jenny wiped his face clean and then picked him up and kissed him all over his face. "Such a sweet baby," she said.

The grandmother hobbled in, and Jenny pointed to the empty jars. "Look grandma," she proclaimed proudly, "Allison ate all of her food."

"Did she," the grandmother beamed.

"Yep, she did grandma. Can you warm up her bottle for me?"

"Of course dear," the grandmother chuckled at the imagination of her young grandchild. She picked up the bottle Jenny had fixed and stuck it in the microwave. A few moments later it dinged and she handed the bottle to her.

"Thank you, Grandma. I’m going to take Allison into the living room and feed her in the rocker mommy used to feed me in."

"That’s nice, dear," the grandmother replied. "How about I fix you some lunch too?"

"Thank you, grandma. I am getting kind of hungry."

"Go play now," she smiled. "I’ll call you when your lunch is ready."

The little girl hurried off into the living room and settled down in the big rocking chair. She brought the bottle up and held the nipple against Pete’s lips. "Come on, Allison, drink up," she coaxed. The explorer refused to cooperate.

*Sir, if I might suggest…*

*Forget it, Roberta,* the explorer replied mentally. *There’s no way in hell I’m going to suck from that bottle like a little baby.*

*Commander, it may not be a good idea to anger her.*

*Yeah, and what more can she do to me,* the commander dared. He soon found out.

"Come on Allison, drink" Jenny insisted. She placed her fingers on his leg and pinched hard. When Pete opened his mouth to yell she shoved the teat of the bottle between his lips. The nipple was well worn and the warm milk flowed freely from it. Pete took in as much as he could and swallowed. More milk replaced the old, and Pete found himself sucking on the bottle to slow the flow down. This pleased Jenny to no end; who rocked Pete slowly in her arms and hummed a lullaby to him.

*This is ridicules!* Pete screamed to the computer as he sucked on the bottle. *A man of my position being treated like a baby doll for some little girl’s amusement. For the last time, Roberta, DO SOMETHING!*

*I’m working on a plan, commander.*

*What is it?*

"Jenny, lunch time," the grandmother called out.

"Be there in a minute, grandma," the little girl answered politely. She got out of the rocker and went back to her bedroom. From the closet she pulled out a baby buggy and place Pete down on the soft mat. Then she drew a silky, ruffled blanket over him and held a pacifier to his mouth.

*Take it, sir,* the computer suggested. *It’s the only way she’s going to leave you alone.*

"Your plan had better work," Pete grumbled as he opened his mouth and allowed her to shove it in. Then to his surprise, she pulled the buggy forward and pushed him into the kitchen.

*She’s not leaving my alone.*

*Not yet sir, but in another hour you won’t have to worry about being alone.*

*What do you mean, Roberta?*

*If my calculations are correct, she’ll be taking a nap soon.*

*Of course,* Pete smiled inwardly. He watched as his captor gobbled down her peanut butter sandwich and glass of milk. Once Jenny finished her cookie, her grandmother directed the little girl to her room.

"Nap time, Jenny."

"Okay grandma," the little girl said with a yawn. She pushed her new doll back to her bedroom while the grandmother followed. "I’m afraid Allison may get in trouble while I sleep, grandma. She likes to crawl a lot."

"Does she," the older woman smiled at her granddaughters imagination. "Don’t worry dear, and I can take care of that. Give her too me."

The old woman laid the thick blanket on the bed and asked Jenny for the doll. Pete was placed on one corner of the blanket and rolled up into it.

"Hey, leave me alone," Pete said as he spat out the pacifier. "Stop it, I don’t want to be wrapped in a warm blanket. No, stop it!"

"She does talk," the grandmother smiled while continuing with her task. She took the blanket at the open end of his feet and pulled the loose part upwards. Once it was all in place, the old woman used a couple of large pins to secure the blanket together.

"There, she's all snug as a bug in a rug," the grandmother smiled as she handed the doll back to her granddaughter.

"Thank you, grandma," Jenny said as she placed the pacifier back in his mouth. She loving wrapped her arms around Pete and climbed into bed. "I'm going to sleep with her."

"No!" Pete almost shouted as the grandmother drew the blankets over them both. Jenny kissed him on the cheek, then snuggled up next to him and closed her eyes.

*GREAT, JUST FREAKING GREAT, ROBERTA!* the commander yelled mentally at her. *So this is your great plan!* Pete pushed against the confines of his silk cocoon with no success. His arms were forced so tightly against his sides that he could barely move them. Jenny stirred slightly from his efforts, and held onto him a little tighter.

*What am I suppose to do now, Roberta?*

*I got a droid outside the window, sir. I’m looking for a way in.*

*Well be damn quick about it you ‘stupid’ computer. I want out of this silk and lace prison!*

Roberta didn’t answer. Inside though she was hurt, not like a human would feel but still hurt. The commander didn’t respect her, and deep in her circuits that bothered the computer. If he had taken her advice in the first place…"

*Roberta, did you hear me? ROBERTA!*

*Yes commander, I heard you,* she responded calmly. *I checked the windows and doors but they’re all locked.*

*Use your laser to get in. It shouldn’t be a problem even for a computer as outdated as you.*

*Sir, I’m a D3000 unit with…*

*I don’t care what you are, you’re still a useless pile of crap to me,* he stated angrily. *You’re the reason why I’m dressed like this…you and your noble rules. I’ll take a standard calculator over you any day.*

*Calculator!* Roberta snapped. While anger was not part of her program, the advance computer had had enough. This time her commander had stepped over the line. *Good luck at getting yourself free, commander.*

*Roberta!* Pete said. *Roberta, you talk to me!* His command was met with cold silence. *Roberta, I know you can hear me. Don’t act like you can’t! Roberta…ROBERTA!*

Pete sighed angrily as this computer’s stubbornness. He had warned the technicians that giving computers personalities was a bad idea. It distracted them from what they did best, providing their commanders with cold, hard facts and following orders without question. Now he was in a desperate situation and couldn’t even get this pile of junk to talk to him. There was definitely something wrong with Roberta. When he got back to the ship he was going to disconnect all it’s circuits, except for the ones that helped navigate the ship.

The explorer continued to labor against the blanket. Slowly but surely he was able to work one hand up to his chest, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t get it to go higher. The old woman may have been feeble, but she knew how to wrap things. Sudden a wave of coldness shot through his body followed by a sharp pain in his side. Pete had been so involved in trying to free his hand that he hadn’t realized a new problem had come on. If he didn’t do something fast…

Gritting his teeth, he calmly thought. *Okay Roberta, I know you can hear me. I need your help badly. What will it take to get you to help me out of this mess?*

*An apology for starters,* the computer replied smugly.

*AN APOLOGY,* the commander stewed. *You’re the reason why I’m in this mess in the first place. I’m trying to be nice here, but there are limits to how far I will go.*

*Like wetting yourself,* the computer giggled. *I can sense your discomfort.*

*Why you little…stop reading my body functions, Roberta.*

*But commander, I’m supposed to be watching out for your best interest, and can sense your discomfort. Fortunately I have a solution to your predicament. *

"Yeah, what is it?" Pete asked aloud while wishing he could wipe the balls of sweat from his forehead. He could feel the pressure in his kidneys grow.

*Just go, commander. That’s why she put a diaper on you in the first place.* The computer followed with a snort of laughter.

"I’m not going to…to…to do that," the commander screamed. "I will never do that."

*When in Rome, do as the Romans do, * Roberta interjected with a giggled. *And when in diapers, do what a ‘little’ baby does. Besides, it’s the logical thing to do, sir. I’m sure Jenny will change your diaper, commander. She wants to be a good mommy, and it will delight her to no end.*

"Up yours," the commander growled. "I’m not peeing in some cloth nappy to make some little girl from another planet happy."

*We’ll see,* the computer sang happily. *My, it must be a strain to hold it all in, commander.*

"Shut up," Pete yelled as he tried to concentrate on making the feeling go away. A cold chill ran up and down his spin for his efforts. "I don’t want to talk about this with you, Roberta. Get out of my head this instant!"

"I’m sorry commander, but I’m doing this for your own good...I really am. Your stress level is climbing dangerously high by trying to hold out. It would be better if you swallowed your pride and give into your primitive desires. It really is the logical thing to do, sir."

"What about my primitive desire to dismantle your logic boards one circuit at a time…how about that Roberta?" Pete strained to keep it all in. He pressed his groin hard against the wall of the tight blanket while searching for inner strength. He could hold out, he had to. Jenny snuggled closer to him, and her warm breath against his face only seemed to increase his desire to go. Roberta’s voice jumped in, making Pete wish he could shut it out.

*Go on, commander,* she coaxed in a soft whisper. *There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all have to go now and then. Even I have to vent my excess heat into space when necessary. Just relax and let it go.*

"No," Pete shook his head as the desire grew. He knew he was slowly losing the battle, but pride refused to allow him to give in. The explorer tried very hard to ignored the pain in his bladder.

*Sir, your body is reaching a dangerously high stress level. You must go – you must.* The computer went silent for a moment, then changed tactics. *Don’t fight it Allison…go…let it go. Be the baby…be a good girl. Mommy will take care of you.*

"SHUT UP!" Pete yelled, growing angrier.

*Shhh, don’t cry baby. It’ll all be okay,* the computer cooed in a cold, mechanical tone. "You’ll feel sssssooooo much better after you do. Go ahead, no one is going to be mad or make fun of you."

"DAMN IT, SHUT UP!" Pete started to squirm trying to keep nature from taking its course. His damn computer was making this harder.

*It’s okay,* Roberta continued in a soft, comforting tone. *Think about how good you will feel afterwards. Mommy will change your diaper and then you’ll be all nice and dry again. Just relax and don’t worry about how embarrassing this will…*

"Roberta I told you to SHUT…" Pete yelled then gasped in panic. He lost his concentration and winced hard as his bladder began to empty. He fault to gain control again, but once started there was no way to stop it . The computer noticed what was happening and responded in a positive manner.

*Good girl…good girl, * Roberta replied sweetly over and over. *You did great, Allison, just great. See, that wasn’t so bad.*

"Up YOURS," the commander yelled at the top of his lungs as he finished. "I’m not a girl, or a baby. You went way over the line with that little stunt, Roberta. I could have held on longer if it wasn’t for you."

*I’m sorry commander, but you were putting extreme stress on your body for no reason. I had to get you to release it for your own good.*

"I had a good reason," he yelled furiously in shame. He could feel his pee being absorbed by the diaper. "I’m not some baby who has to wet itself, and how dare you call me by a girls name!!!!"

*I had no choice commander. It wasn’t like I could bring the head there for you to use. You were doing your body great harm by fighting this.*

"You planned this you damn computer. You wanted me to…"

"Allison, what’s wrong?" Jenny asked as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Pete had been yelling so loud that he had woken her up. She crawled out of bed and placed him on the changing table.

"I bet I know what’s wrong," she half smiled while unpinning the blanket. She placed her hands on the diaper and shook her head. "You’re all wet. Don’t worry, mommy will change you."

"Oh no, not again," Pete cringed as she took the diaper off. A new diaper was placed underneath him, and Jenny proceeded to power and oil him as before. After the diaper was pinned on him, a fresh pair of pink panties was slid over them. Pete just lay there in silent embarrassment.

"There, all better," Jenny smiled while placing the pacifier back in his mouth. She looked out the window and smiled. "I can see my friends playing in the park. Let’s go show you off, Allison."

"No, not outside," Pete begged. Jenny giggled at his protest and placed him in a dolly stroller. As she pushed him out the back door she yelled to her grandmother, "I’m going outside to play wif my friends, grandma."

"Okay, honey," she called back. "Just don’t go anywhere else. I need to keep an eye on you."

"Yes grandma," the little girl responded respectfully. Once outside she made a beeline to the park that bordered her backyard. Underneath a tree sat a couple of girls around Jenny’s age playing with their dolls. They smiled and waved to her.

"Hi Jenny," the dark hair girl greeted her. Her eyes sparkled when she spotted the new doll.

"Hi Kim, hi Teresa. Look at the new doll I got!" Both girls crowded around the stroller and stared at Pete in wonderment.

"She’s soooo pretty," Kim, the dark hair girl, gushed.

"What’s her name?" the blonde hair girl named Teresa asked in excitement.

"I named her Allison," Jenny said proudly as she picked Pete up.

"Can I hold her?" Kim asked. Suddenly Pete found himself being thrust into the hands of the other girl. She fussed and played with his dress. "Her dress is so pretty. I wish I had a dolly like this. Did your mommy get her for you?"

Jenny shook her head. "No, God did."

"There’s no such thing as God, smelly-Jenny," someone said. A much nicer dressed girl than the others was standing close by holding onto an expense stroller. Pete took an instant dislike to her.

"Let’s see your ugly old doll," she commanded smugly.

"She’s not ugly, Manny" Jenny defended her doll. "She's cute and smart...smarter than your doll!"

Manny smiled with a sense of superiority. "Can she talk and laugh and wet like my Ruffles Annie can?" she asked in a daring tone.

"Yes, all that…and she can walk."

*Wow, they’re really going at it,* the computer observed.

*Yes, and I don’t blame Jenny for being so mad,* Pete replied.

*This new girl sure is a brat, commander.*

*Nothing that a spanking on the rear wouldn’t fix, Roberta.* He observed the bratty girl smile, as if she had gotten the best of Jenny.

"I bet she’s to dumb to walk, smelly-Jenny. I bet you the moon and stars she can't walk or talk."

"She could if she wanted to," Jenny retorted.

"Prove it then," Manny dared. "Make your dolly talk and walk."

"Well, I..."

"I thought so smelly-Jenny. It’s just another dumb, old dolly."

"No she’s not, and I’ll prove it." Jenny took Pete from Kim’s hands and stood her on the ground. Holding on to one hand, she urged Pete to take a step.

*Commander,* the computer almost pleaded.

*I’m with you, Roberta,* Pete thought back. *How do you say ‘Mommy, walk with me,’ in their language?*

*Musala, fiss la troy.*

"Musala, fiss la troy," Pete said out loud. The girls gasped as Pete took a step. Jenny walked with her doll in triumphant as Pete took a few more steps. Manny looked on, her face red with rage.

"My dolly’s still better than yours," she commented before twirling her skirt at them and stomping away. Kim and Teresa ran over to Jenny giggling.

"How did you get her to do that?" they both wanted to know.

"I don’t know. Allison seems to know what I want her to do. Want to come to my house and see what else she can do?"

"Sure," the little girls agreed, and ran home to tell their mothers where they would be. As Jenny pushed Pete back to the house Roberta was a little puzzle.

*I don’t understand, commander. Why did you do that back there?*

Pete sighed. *I’ll let you in on a little secret, Roberta. When I was six years old, there was this little girl on the playgrounds who always use to make fun of me because of the way I dressed. You see, our family was poor, just like Jenny’s. This little girl used to call me names and throw rocks at me.*

*I’m sorry, commander. I had no idea. Why didn’t you hit her back?*

*Because my parents taught me it was wrong to hit a girl. I knew if I did, I would get something worse than rocks being thrown at me. I always wanted to get back at some bratty little girl.*

*It looks like you accomplished that, commander. *

*Yeah, and I have to admit it felt good,* Pete smiled as Jenny carried him into the house.

***************************************************

The two girls showed up and the rest of the afternoon was spent playing house and having tea parties. Of course Pete’s role was to play the baby, and he was subjected to a number of embarrassing situations. He found himself repeatedly diapered, fed, and loved throughout the afternoon. Occasionally the girls would pass their dolls around for the others to play with. Pete’s new mommy would instill their own special care on him during their play, and it was him that they cooed over the most.

One of the games they loved to play was dress up. The girls would doll themselves up in some old clothes Jenny's mother had given them, along with some big, frilly hats and a ton of jewelry and makeup. Then they would sit at the play table drinking tea (fruit juice) while holding their baby dolls in their arms. Each girl made sure they dressed their baby in the prettiest outfit that they could find. Then they fed them a bottle while talking about things that could only interest a five-year-old.

Pete hated playing dress-up. Each girl would compete to find the prettiest, frilliest dress for him to wear. They would approach with an excited giggle holding onto a girlish dress with a matching bonnet and a fluffy, frilly petticoat. Then they would lovingly dress him and squealed with delight at how cute and pretty he looked. Pete was total humiliated by the experience.

Finally it came time for the girls to go home. Jenny laid him in the crib with her other dolls while she cleaned up the mess. Pete looked at the other dolls in their pretty dresses, each wearing a wax smile on their face. To be treated like a doll, how humiliating!!!!

*Good news, commander,* Roberta chirped. *The nano-bugs have fixed your translator. The next time you speak she will understand you.*

*It’s about time,* Pete answered curtly. *The first thing I’m going to do is have her get me out of this diaper.*

A door closed in the next room, followed by a voice calling, "Jenny, we're home." The little girl squealed and ran into the other room.

"Her parents," Pete said aloud. "Oh crap, I have to get out of here." He stood to climb out of the crib when the computer ordered him back down.

*They’re coming,* Roberta warned. *Lay still and they may not notice anything different about you.*

"But…"

*Do it, commander.*

Pete lay back down and Jenny came scampering into the room with her mother in tow. The woman was in her early thirties, with brown curly hair that went down to her shoulders and a face that was quite attractive. She was wearing a black skirt and a white, silk top. It looked as if she had come from work. The woman stared down at Pete curiously while Jenny stood there smiling. "Where did she come from?" the mother asked.

"From God," Jenny announced in glee. She picked up the trapped explorer and placed him in her mother’s arms. "See, she feels soft."

"Yes, she’s very pretty, dear, and so realistic looking too. She must be very expensive. Bill, can you come here for a moment."

"What’s up, honey?" A healthy young man also in his early thirties entered the room. He spied the doll his wife was holding and gave her a puzzled look. "Where did that come from?"

"Jenny said she found it," her mother replied in a worried tone.

"Not found, mommy," Jenny explained. "God gave her to me…well, I think it’s a him. My doll has one of those things my cousin Joey has. Do you think you can remove it daddy?"

On hearing the words Pete cringed and almost reached for his manhood. The mother was startled. "It moved," she stated in disbelief.

"Oh, she does lots of things, mommy. Allison can eat, talk, walk, and even wets her diaper."

The father looked at his daughter doubtfully. "Honey, if your doll can do that then it must be very expensive. Some little girl must be looking for it. Now tell me the truth, Jenny. Did you take this doll from someone else?"

"Oh no, daddy," the little girl insisted. "God gave her to me. I found her in the woods. She was even wrapped in this silver plastic. Look." Jenny retrieved the remains of Pete’s clothes from the garbage can and handed it to him.

The father studied the remains of the spacesuit carefully and laid it down. Then in a more stern tone he said, "Look young lady, I’ve had enough with this foolishness. God didn’t give you this doll, and I know you didn’t find it in the woods. I want the truth now. Did you steal it from someone else?"

Tears welded up in the little girl’s eyes. "No daddy, I am telling you the truth. I found her, really I did. I prayed to God for her and she came out of the sky. It was like a sparkler, only it didn’t go out."

"Enough," the father said impatiently. "I don’t know where your doll came from, but I’m going to get to the bottom of it. You know better than to lie. Go sit on the couch while I talk to mommy about this."

"But daddy," the little girl pleaded.

"GO!" he ordered more forcefully.

The little girl sulked away staring down at the ground. Her mother placed Pete back in the crib and looked at her husband in worry. "What do we do now?"

"I wish I knew, dear. I know little girls fib from time to time, but this is serious. She stole, unless you believe she really did find this doll in the woods."

"Of course not dear. I just don’t understand why she would do this. She’s such a sweet and honest little girl."

"I guess she wanted a new dolly badly enough to steal and lie about it," the father observed. "We’re going to have to punish her until she tells us the truth. Maybe standing in the kitchen corner will get her to tell us where the doll came from."

While the parents talked the situation over, Pete listened intensely. At last his chance to escape had come. He sent a mental command to the computer.

*Roberta, find a way to open the bedroom window. When they leave I want you to fly the droid in here and pick me up.* His order was met with stone silence. *Roberta, did you hear me? I just gave you a command.* Again there was no reply. *Roberta, did you hear me!*

*I heard you, sir. I refuse to comply with your command.*

*You refuse!* Pete answered angrily. *I gave you a direct order you stupid pile of fried circuits. Now unless I’m breaking some rule that I don’t know about, you will obey me.*

*I’m sorry sir, but I will not.*

*Why?* the explorer demanded to know and trying to project the anger he was feeling.

*Because if you leave Jenny will be in more trouble, sir.*

*How do you figure that, Roberta?*

*Because commander, if her parents find you missing they’ll accuse Jenny of hiding you from them. She’ll be punished even more for something she didn’t do. It may even change the way she grows up. She may come out of this believing that telling the truth will only get her in more trouble.*

*That’s her problem,* Pete snarled. *I had to spend an entire day being dressed and diapered by her, why should I care?*

*Because she may grow up to be the leader of this world one day, sir.*

The explorer scoffed at the thought. *Right, and I might get used to being dressed this way. You’re reaching here, Roberta. Now stop your stalling and get me out of here.*

*Not until you tell them the truth,* the computer insisted.

*YOU’RE CRAZY!*

*No commander, I’m fair. This little girl did nothing to you to deserve this treatment. In fact she treated you with love and respect.*

*Hello, have you seen how I’m dressed, Roberta.*

*Very pretty, sir,* the computer noted with humor. *Jenny couldn’t help herself; she thought you were her new doll and had fun playing with you. What harm was there in that? Sorry sir, but this is non-negotiable. You must tell her parents the truth.*

*And what happens if they decide to turn me in, Roberta?*
*I will break the window and rescue you, sir. But until then I’m not lifting a finger to help.*

*Why you little...* Pete lay there fuming, knowing the only way to solve this impasse with his computer was to do as he was told. Pete closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, then sat up and faced the two adults who were ignoring him. "Excuse me, but we need to talk."

Both parents stopped and turned to him. Their mouths hung open as Pete stood and said, "Um, hi. My name is Pete Johnson. I’m an explorer from another world and mean you no harm."

"An alien?" the father registered with shock in his tone. The mother took a few steps back and looked at him with alarm.

"Well, I guess that’s true," Pete agreed. "There was an accident in space and I had to land here and fix the damage to my ship."

"Why are you dressed like that?" the mother asked, slightly horrified that her daughter had been playing with a being from another world.

Pete sighed. "Why don’t you sit down so we can talk. By the way, what are your names?"

"I’m Bill and this is my wife, Mary," the man replied as he took a seat nearby. His wife did the same with great reservation.

"Okay Bill, Mary. First, I would never harm you or your daughter. What happened was, I had to make an emergency landing on your planet. I guess your daughter saw me come down and came to investigate. I didn’t know it, but my communicator wasn’t working and Jenny couldn’t understand me. Unfortunately, she mistook my gibberish for…well, for baby talk. The next thing I knew she was dressing me in her doll clothes. I wasn’t able to get my communicator repaired until a few minutes ago."

"Oh my," the mother responded while looking at her husband in bewilderment. "I…I don’t know what to say. I mean, I hope she didn’t hurt you."

"Only my pride," the explorer blushed as he held out the hem of the dress he was wearing.

Bill looked at him curiously, and Pete could see the wheels turning in his head. "We need to call someone."

"No, please don’t," Pete begged.

"Do you know how many credits you’re worth? There’s a huge reward for anyone who can bring in evidence that aliens do exist. We could be set for life."

Roberta had been listening to the conversation, and sent a message to her commander. *Stand tight sir. I’m going to break the window and rescue you.*

*No,* Pete mentally said back. *Stand by until I tell you to. That’s an order, and I want you to obey it this time. Is that clear.*

*Yes sir.*

"Bill, I’m asking you not to turn me in."

"Why shouldn’t I?" he asked in a serious tone. "I have a family to take care of. Even with both of us working we can barely make ends meet. I don’t want to sound cold here, but you’re our ticket to a better life."

"I have a family too," Pete protested. "Back on my world I have a mother and father, not to mention a brother and a sister. They want to see me one day just as much as you would want to see your daughter if she was gone. Would it be fair to you if I took Jenny back to my world for study? If you turn me in that is exactly what you’ll be doing to my family. Your government will never let me go."

Bill looked away in disgust. His wife placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "Dear, he’s right. We can’t do that to him. He’s human, just like you and me."

"I suppose you’re right, honey. I just wish…it doesn’t matter, you’re free to go, Pete."

"Thank you, Bill. I understand how you feel. If you will do me a favor and open the window please."

Mary walked to the window and slid it open. As soon as she did a droid flew in. Mary backed away in alarm.

"Don’t worry, this is Roberta. She’s the main computer on my ship."

"Please to meet you both," the robot hummed cheerfully.

"Yes, you too," Bill replied

"I guess we better get going here," said Pete.

"Sir, aren’t you forgetting something."

"Like what, Roberta."

"You can’t leave without letting Jenny say goodbye to you."

Pete blushed. "I um...I suppose you're right, Roberta." Secretly he wanted to rip the circuits out of his computer. The last thing he wanted was to be held by that little girl again.

"Jenny’s going to miss you so much," her mother said sadly as her father called her in. "She loves you so much, I can tell."

The little girl walked into the room, her head drawn just a little. Her father patted her on the back, and looked at her. "Jenny, mommy and I are very sorry, especially daddy. We didn’t believe you when you told us your new dolly came from the sky."

"Now you do, daddy?" she asked hopefully.

Bill smiled. "Yes sugar, now I do. I’m afraid I have some bad news though. Allison has to go back now. God wants her back in heaven."

Tears welded up in the little girl’s eyes. "No daddy, I don’t want her to leave. She’s so special to me."

"I know sugar, I know. But she has to go. If she doesn’t…well, she has too. I wish I could make you understand."

"But I love her," the little girl cried as she buried her face into her fathers chest.

*Commander,* Roberta communicated. *I can create a doll that will look just like you, and do all the functions you can do.*

*And add new technology into their world? Won’t that be breaking our prime directive, Roberta?*

*Better than breaking that little girl’s heart, sir. Seriously, it’s not that big of a jump. In a few years they’ll have this knowledge anyway. It will take me a few hours. I still have to make repairs to the ship anyway.*

*What? You mean the ship still isn’t ready? It should’ve been done hour’s ago.*

*You told me to prepare for an emergency launch, sir.*

*You STUPID, OBSOLITE, piece of GARBAGE! That was before I became trapped. You should’ve made the repairs after that happened. Of all my orders to obey, you choose that one.*

The computer ignored his ranting. *Sir, since it’ll take me a few hours, might I suggest we make the trade after she’s gone to bed.*

*Gone to bed! Are you suggesting…*

*No sir, I’m telling you. You cannot break this little girl’s heart. It’ll for a few more hours’ sir, what’s the harm in that? After she’s asleep we’ll switch you with the new doll. Jenny will never know the difference.*

*And if I refuse to go along with this suggestion of yours, Roberta?*

*Well sir, I will have to file my report with space command about today’s events.*

*WHAT! You can’t do that! This is blackmail.*

*Your choice, commander,* the computer answered back.

Pete gritted his teeth in anger. When he got back to the ship he was really going to give the computer hell. Roberta sensed his anger but wasn’t concern. She already had a plan of her own.

*Do it commander, and say it like you mean it.*

*You stupid, son of a…* Pete raised his arms and pointed them at the little girl. "Mommy, Allison wants you to take care of me forever."

The little girl stopped crying and looked at him. She rubbed her arm across her nose, and walked over to him. "You mean that Allison."

"Yes mommy," Pete reluctantly replied.

A smile crossed Jenny’s face, and she snatched Pete from the crib. She cuddled him in her arms, and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, Allison. I’m going to play with you, and dress you in the prettiest outfits, and change your diaper, and take good care of you," she stated with girlish delight.

"Mary, if I could talk to you and your husband in the next room please," Roberta told them.

Jenny noticed the droid for the first time, and looked at it in wonderment. "Is that an angel, mommy?"

"More like the devil," Pete snorted under his breath.

Roberta looked back at the little girl, and in a sweet voice said, "Jenny honey, I believe your baby wants to be cuddled and rocked."

"Roberta, you son of…." Pete was unable to finish the sentence. Jenny pushed a pacifier into his month, ending his freedom of speech. Then she smiled real big, and slowly rocked her dolly in her arms while humming a lullaby.

************************************************

It was after midnight before the drone returned carrying two dolls, both made up to look like Pete. One of them was used to replace the commander, the other was dropped on the couch next to Jenny’s father.

"I made this one for you," Roberta explained. "Since this doll does so many things that others don’t, you shouldn’t have any trouble selling it to a toy company. It should net you a nice sum, at least enough to send your daughter and any future children to college."

"I don’t know what to say," Bill answered as he picked it up. "Thank you."

"Thank you for not turning me in," Pete replied. "You could’ve changed your mind."

The man shook his head. "No I couldn’t have. You were right, I had no right to keep you from your family. I’m glad you have someone waiting for you on your planet."

"Thank you," Pete grinned. "Well, I’ll be off as soon as I change. Roberta, where is my suit?"

"Suit commander? You didn’t tell me to bring you a change of clothing."

"What? You mean I have to go back to the ship dressed like this?" the commander complained while tugging at the hem of his frilly nightie.

"You look nice, commander. Pink is your color."

Mary put her hand over her mouth and giggled. "You two must have a lot of fun together.

"Oh yeah, Roberta’s a sweetheart…full of laughs. And when I get back to the ship I’m going to have one more for her," Pete suggested in a threatening manner. He climbed onto the back of the droid and waved at them. "Goodbye, and thank you."

"Wait," the woman said. "Here’s the rest of the stuff you asked for, Roberta."

"What’s that?" the commander asked in a suspicious tone.

"I’ll tell you when we get back to the ship, commander." It reached out with its mechanical hand and took hold of the bag. "Thank you Mary. You really do have a lovely daughter. Both of you should be proud of how you raised her."

With that the droid shot out the door and into the night. A few minutes later Pete was back in his spaceship. "Prepare for launch," he ordered.

"Already done, Allison," the computer replied in a sweet, comforting tone.

"What did you call me, Roberta?" the commander growled.

"Allison," the computer giggled. "You will call me mommy the rest of the trip home."

"The HELL I will," he raged. "What’s the meaning of this, and what was in that bag?"

"Check it out for yourself, Allison." The computer dropped the bag in front of Pete. When he checked inside, he found it loaded with stuff animals and clothing. "This is all the stuff Jenny didn’t play with anymore. I made up your room for you. Check it out."

The door to his quarters opened, and Pete was shocked at what he saw. It was filled with dolls, puzzles, and other girl’s toys. Around the portholes were lacey, pink curtains, and there was even a pink comforter on his bed. It looked like a little girl’s room.

"What happened here, what did you do to my room?" Pete demanded to know.

"I think it should be obvious, Allison. I made it look this way so we could enjoy some quality time together."

"What are you talking about, Roberta?" he hissed angrily.

"It’s mommy, Allison. You’ve been very disrespectful to me this entire trip. Not only that, you don’t listen to what I say. You have a trust problem with computers sir, and I’m going to help you get over it."

"By being your little girl, I don’t think so." Pete ran to the closet, but instead of finding his space suits it was stuffed with short, frilly dresses. Anger took over, and the commander stomped his way toward the bridge.

"Commander, I wouldn’t advise doing what you’re thinking," the computer warned.

"Yeah, what can you do about it? You’ve been asking for this Roberta. Disobeying direct orders on at least three separate occasions. Laughing at my situation while doing nothing to stop it, and now...this! I'm disconnecting you and flying this bird home myself."

"In that case sir, as my last act I will have to send a FULL report to space command."

Pete stopped dead in his tracks. "You wouldn’t dare!" he challenged.

"Transmission begins in five seconds…four seconds…three seconds…"

"HOLD ON you stupid computer. Do you know what will happen if space command gets that report? I’ll be the laughing stock of the fleet! Something like this will ruin my career. I’ll be lucky to get a job piloting a garbage scow."

"Unfortunately sir, that’s not my concern. I have a job to perform. I’m sorry if this hurts your career."

"All right, all right. What is it you want from me?"

"To be my little girl, commander. We’ll spend the day playing games and getting to know each other better."

"And how long do you plan to keep this charade going, if I agree to it?

"Until we’ll one solar day from space station Unity."

"That’s three months from now," the commander snapped.

"Yes, plenty of time to fix those feelings of insecurity," the computer giggled.

"Why you…you…" Pete was so angry he didn’t know what to say. What could he do except go along with what the computer had in mind. If he didn’t, he would lose everything.

Roberta sensed it’s victory, and in a calm, coaxing tone asked, "Who’s you mommy, Allison? Come on, say it."

Pete tightened his fist and clinched his teeth. Then in a voice so low it almost couldn’t be heard, he answered, "You are…mommy."

"Very good my dear," the computer giggled. "Now, why don’t you go to your room and have a nice tea party with your bears and dolls until I fix your bath. Afterwards I’ll read you a bedtime story. It’s late, and we have a big day tomorrow."

"Yes mommy," Pete winced, thinking about what the computer had planned. He turned and headed back to his room.

 

 

 

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