Chapter 3

Rolling over, stretching, I can't keep from smiling when I see that the sun has risen quite high in the sky. WhenDaR feels me moving around he pulls the covers up over his head, and I giggle. "If we don't stop this, we are going to sleep our entire vacation away."

Whenhe doesn't answer me, I tuck my head back under the covers and curl up to his side. His runes pulse lightly across his chest, showing me that he is relaxed. "We are getting too old to carry on like teenagers all night."

"If we were currently that age, we would still be at it, and don't act like you didn't enjoy every moment of it. Several times you were screaming quite loudly."

"Oh, DaR stop it. Do you think the kids heard us?"

"I hope so, paybacks are hell, as you put it."

Ismack his chest playfully. "You are terrible."

"No, I am not, but it's a possibility that I am scarred for life. I can't tell you how many times I have come around the corner on Falcor only to have to turn around and head the other way, because one of them is making out right where everyone can see. You simply can't get that crap out of your head … ever."

"Well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, my dear. They come by their orneriness honestly. You are absolutely no different."

"That's a matter of opinion. I might start it in the hallway, but I would never finish there. The very thought of anyone seeing you that way would be enough to ruin my mood, or possibly make me rip their eyes out."

"No one ever accused you of sharing well, DaR."

Beforehe can say anything back, I hear SAGE's courtesy beep. Something she started doing, especially if we were in the bedroom. Pulling the covers back down off my face, I hear DaR sigh. "SAGE we are up, whatcha need?"

"Good rising masters, Luna wanted me to tell you that things have moved up slightly and that we should be leaving in a few hours."

"You were able to get everything here that quickly?"

"Yes. I too was shocked at the availability of the items we needed were here on TargresFour. This planet truly has everything."

"SAGE, I haven't even had time to talk to DaR about this, but I am sure it won't be an issue."

"MistressKira, I have also acquired appropriate clothing for you to wear for the trip, and I've packed both of your bags. We will continue to have access to anything that we might need out there, but unlike here, I can't acquire them immediately."

"Honestly, I think that's the point, SAGE. Luna says we are going to rough it."

DaRuncovers his head and sits up, "Kira, what are you two talking about?"

"We're going camping."

"Nahh, I am out. I like it right here. I had enough of that crap when we were in training as younglings."

"Oh, come on, everyone is going."

"Did they know of this, or is it the first they have heard of it as well?"

"They probably just found out. This is something Luna wanted to do with you guys. She thinks it will be fun for you to experience camping the way we did it back home."

Crawlingout of the bed, I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing when he growls. "How long do we have to participate before we can leave?"

"I am not certain. Possibly only one night. It really depends on how the adventure goes; I reckon."

"Kira, you know I don't like taking my family into unauthorized locations."

SAGEinstantly speaks up. "MasterDaR, I have sent Guard bots ahead to secure the area and I will have the shuttle on standby at all times."

Heplops back down in the bed and pulls the covers up over his head again. I crawl up over him, pinning his arms down before uncovering just his face. "Don't be a sourpuss. If you expect to have a bad time, you will. Look at it this way, you can show us all your survival skills. If you're good, I promise to act impressed. I may even let you save me from some invisible threat."

Inan attempt to appear distressed, I pressed the back of my hand against my forehead and tilted my head back. "Ohhh, save me, my alien commander."

DaRflips me over in the bed, tickling me so hard I can hardly catch my breath. "That was the worst save me act I have ever witnessed. You and the others are lucky I find you so irresistible, or I might simply stay here alone."

"You know, you're not too bad to look at yourself, now get your big ass off me. I am curious to see what SAGE has laid out for me to wear."

"Hump, now clothing is more important than being in the bed with me. I think I am slightly insulted at the moment."

Ikiss the end of his nose and crawl out from under him when I hear some of the others talking outside. "Come on, you know it won't be long until they all barge in."

"Who's idea was this family vacation, anyway?" he grumbles out.

"Yours!"