CHAPTER FOUR

"SUNDAY EVENING"

"…Sorry about the mess in the Jag, Mr. JQ" said Ron.

"Nothing a vacuum and shampoo can't handle. As Kim says, 'no big.' I'm glad neither of you were hurt."

"When were you going to tell us about Robby," asked Kim. The older man and two teens were seated around the table again. Robby was serving sandwiches.

"My father had a strange sense of humor. When I left 'home' to be on my own, Dr. Quest felt I still needed some living assistance as well as some protection. So he built this robot modeled after a silly sci-fi show I used to watch. Also, just between you and me, Robby stores all my father's old research—including his bio-robotic brain project." Their eyes opened wide. "I'm sorry for misleading you. Technically, I told you the truth—all the research my father considered potentially dangerous was destroyed; no one would ever find any record of it in the house. But he stored micro-file copies inside a secret compartment in Robby, perhaps in the hope that someday humans would stop developing and using technology to kill themselves. I didn't find out until after he died several years ago. If someone were to disable Robby with the intent of searching for something, he has internal self-destruct mechanisms that would render him into a smoking shell."

"But Jonny, just think of the good Dr. Quest's research could do," said Kim.

"And think of the harm that has already been created by people like the Lipsky family when they've stolen Dr. Possible's research—yes, I know who is who. Have the scales tipped back towards the benefit of the planet yet? Until the hearts of humanity change, Kim, don't expect technology to bail us out of the messes we create."

Kim was not quite convinced but decided to drop the issue. "We didn't mean to be nosy, but as Ron may have told you, we found about your secret computer room downstairs."

"I may be a cynic, but I'm not naïve. I'm responsible for my father's legacy, and as long as there are still old enemies around that he accrued over the years, and now new ones like Drew Lipsky, I keep an eye out on what's happening around the world. Plus I can get access to the Disney and Discovery channels when I want a rare TV fix. I might hire your Wade Load for some consulting work, though."

"Speaking of Wade," Kim said, "he's arranged for us to fly back to Middleton in a few hours. We still have school tomorrow and homework to finish tonight. It has been very interesting meeting you, Mr. Quest. I hope we can meet again someday." Kim signaled to Ron that it was time to leave.

"Likewise, Ms. Possible. Before you go, I have something for you." He gave a disk to Kim and a house key to Ron. "That is a CD copy of one of my favorite jazz albums, Provocative Percussion. I thought you might enjoy it." Kim and Ron blushed. "And Ron, whenever you two feel like you need a break from saving the world, or get an urge to visit Mouse Land just down the road—though I prefer Knott's Berry Farm myself—or if you'd like a post-M Word getaway, you are always welcome here. Maybe the next time you visit, you'll need only one of the guest bedrooms." They turned an even deeper shade of red.

Kim parked the Sloth in the Stoppable's driveway. They were quiet, feeling somewhat shy around each other.

"So, what did you and Shego talk about, KP?"

"Nothing much, the latest on villain and superhero fashions, that sort of thing. What about you and Jonny?"

"Boats, cars, you know, guy stuff. Well, I still have two pages of Barkin's report to finish before tomorrow."

"Same here. See you in the morning." "Ron…" She gave him a warm kiss and a tight hug before he left the car.

"Owww! Watch the ribs, KP." He grinned. "See ya tomorrow."

Kim watched him as he opened the front door. She saw a toddler with dark black hair and a naked mole rat perched on her shoulder jump into his arms, squealing "Bubba, Bubba!" Kim smiled.

Kim returned home, finished Barkin's assignment, and wrote in her diary. Dr. Anne Possible saw the light in Kim's room. "How was your weekend, honey?"

"Fine, Mom."

"Well, don't stay up too late. Good night."

"I won't. Good night, Mom. Love you."

Kim wrote for several more minutes, then typed the last two words of her diary entry: "Mission: Accomplished!"

She crawled under her covers, hugging her pandaroo, and dreamed of Rufus humming Wagner.