As with every chapter before and to follow, Kim Possible and all related characters (other than those of my own creation for the purpose of this story) are the property of The Walt Disney Company. Everything else is all mine.

Kathleen Possible was removing the meatloaf and baked potatoes from the oven when in rushed her husband. They exchanged a kiss while he hurriedly removed his coat.

"Sorry I'm so late, Hon. We're in "crunch time" getting this Venus probe ship-shape in time for the scheduled launch next Saturday. Late this afternoon, while we were testing, a problem was found in the positioning engines."

"Not good?" asked Mrs. Possible.

"Not good at all!", exclaimed Dr. James Possible. "If even one of those engines were to fail in route, there would be no way to steer the probe and it would probably just shoot right past Venus and Mercury, straight into the sun."

"Well, let's not worry about things getting burned up and have some supper. Kim was a huge help getting things ready and setting the table. She's up in her room. Why don't you tell her it's time to eat and round up the twins."

"Will do."

James Possible walked down the hall to the bottom of the ladder leading to Kim's room.

"Kim! Time to eat!"

"Okay, Dad. I'll be down in a minute."

"Any idea where the twins might be hiding?"

"Last I knew, Dad, they were playing video games in the family room."

"Playing video games in the family room? Then why can't I hear them? Hmmm. Better take a look."

Taking a few strides back up the hallway, he peaked around the corner into the family room.

"Ah-hah! There's the explanation. I've been wondering when they would get around to trying out that soundproof enclosure."

He walked over to the side of the enclosure, only to find the entrance door was locked. Puzzled, he tapped on the door. The twins showed no response. He gave the door a couple of hard wraps with his palm. Still no response. In frustration, he made a fist and pounded on the door so hard it caused the enclosure to visibly vibrate. Jim and Tim turned around, caught sight of their father, and waved.

Mr. Possible gestured for the twins to come over. Tim opened the door and greeted his father. "Hi, Dad. What's up?"

"Supper is what's up, boys. Go wash your hands."

The twins raced to the bathroom.

James Possible stood for a moment, looked up and surveyed the ceiling. "It never ceases to amaze me how just a few months ago this room had no ceiling. In fact, those two Diablo robots did quite a number on the entire house. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and Jonathan and Rachel Stoppable were so incredibly generous in letting us stay with them until the repairs were completed." He shook his head in wonder and walked back to the kitchen.

Moments later, four out of five Possibles were seated at the dining room table. Only Kim's seat was still vacant.

"Can we eat, Mom? P-l-e-a-s-e?" Jim asked.

"Jim, you need to be patient. We're all hungry, but it's so rare any more that we all eat a meal together."

"What's holding up Kim?" asked Mr. Possible.

"She's got a hot date tonight," replied Tim.

"With Ronald, I presume?" asked Mr. Possible with a grin.

"Who else?" responded Mrs. Possible with a grin of her own.

A rattling of the ladder leading to the second floor followed by rapid footsteps signaled Kim was on her way. Rushing into the dining room, she quickly sat down at her accustomed spot at the far end of the table.

"Sorry for holding things up," she apologized. "Wade called me on the Kimmunicator, just to report on the Status of Things. Then I called Ron to make sure he was running on schedule."

"Well, now that everyone's here, Dr. Possible, would you be so kind as to lead us in the meal prayer?" asked Mrs. Possible.

"I would be my pleasure, Dr. Possible", replied Mr. Possible. "Father God, we again join as a family at the end of another busy week, mindful of all You have given us and Your unconditional love for us. We ask that You bless this food so lovingly prepared, bless our meal together and watch over us in the days to come. Amen."

"Amen!" echoed the rest of the family.

"Let's eat!" yelled the twins in unison.