Hey, everyone! I am back again! I was going to continue calling this The Brothers Of Invention, but the last chapter wrapped up so nicely that I think these next chapters can be their own standalone stories. This is like a little interlude of some bonus stories to help bridge the gap between story 9 and story 10 (which will be called Geeks In Love.)

Now, get ready to join The Chipmunks, Jeanette, and Eleanor on an out of this world experience! And if you wanna, watch the Alvinnn episode Lost In Space Camp, since this is effectively a sequel to it.

Alvin 2.0's POV

Prologue:

Stardate, several years ago. I don't know the exact time.

I, stil classic Alvin at this particular moment, sat alone in my room, wondering about my choice to sign up for Space Camp. Downstairs, I could hear everyone hustling around, packing whatever they'd need. I would have joined them, if I wasn't caught in the grips of an internal battle.

"I want to go! I want to go so badly. I love space stuff! I'd have fun." I thought. "No. No. It's for nerds. If I go, I'll be a nerd...forever. I don't wanna be a nerd! I don't wanna!" The debate raged on inside me. "I know I signed up, I should just commit. What if other kids from school will be there? NO! I can't do it!"

Having made my decision, I walked downstairs to find Simon asking everyone else about Space Camp. He asked me and I made my decision.

I bailed. "Sorry, but uh, you know, other things came up and I can't make it."

I could have sworn there was a small hint of disappointment in my taller brother's eyes. Nah. Must be imagining it. Why would he want ME to wreck his time at space camp?

"Did that sound convincing!? Did it!? Is he on to me!?" Anxiously, I gulped. It was extremely difficult to stay calm and not let my true feelings show. "I have a reputation to protect." I reminded myself.

Stardate, several years later…Summer June 12th…

"Alvin, hello? Earth to Alvin!" Eleanor's sharp nailed finger poked me. "Are you packed yet?"

The flashback faded from my mind as I returned to the present. "Huh?" I rubbed my head. "Oh, yeah. I'm….gettin' there."

"Well then, HURRY." She shouted, before running away from me. "Or we're leaving without you."

This was it. It was now or never. I let out a heavy sigh. The guilt from bailing last time weighed on me heavily. At least, I'd still been able to help Theodore even though I wasn't there with him.

"Why did my brain pick today to start remembering stuff?" I grumbled.

Classic Alvin's words echoed painfully through my mind. "I have a reputation to protect."

I frowned. "Not anymore." I thought bitterly. Then, I was hit with a wave of positive energy. It came out of nowhere and totally surprised me. "No. Now you have a different reputation...and it's worth protecting too!"

Feeling much better and dare I say CONFIDENT about my decision, I packed my bags with everything I needed for the trip. I made sure to take a journal with me, since Jeanette mentioned that I would need it for recording my experience and taking notes during the classes. I hoped the classes were as fun as she claimed they were.

I left my room with my rainbow paint splatter backpack on my back. I hopped down the stairs, two at a time. It was risky, but I didn't care. Fear of falling was the farthest thing from my mind.

Brittany met me at the bottom of the stairs, her ice blue eyes filled with remorse. "Are you REALLY sure about this?" She asked. "You're about to board the final bus to total nerddom. And it's a one way trip."

I chuckled. I couldn't let her get to me. "That's funny. I thought I already boarded that bus a long time ago."

"Promise we can spend the rest of the summer together when you get back?" She squeaked, quite pitifully.

"Maybe not the rest of it, but….certainly a large portion of it." I clutched my backpack tighter.

"I hope you have a fun time at ner...uh...Space Camp." By golly! She was trying her darndest to accept me. I was overjoyed.

"Thanks." I responded. Then, something else important crossed my mind. "By the way, I'm trusting you to keep a good eye on Warbie until I get back. Make sure he doesn't cause trouble."

Brittany blinked and then her mouth gaped just a smidge. "Y...You trust me?" She replied in disbelief.

I nodded and then led her into the living room and dropped a yellow notebook with a crude orange drawing of a bird on the front. "This, is the comprehensive guide to taking care of Warbie. He can be a cranky bird sometimes. #3 is especially important. Probably, probably should have highlighted it." I rambled, the father figure in me taking over.

The Chipette in the bubblegum pink dress with flower patterns on it, took the notebook and shook it at me. "I didn't sign up for this. You can't just drop a babysitting job on me at the last minute!"

"I'm sorry, Britt. Miss. Miller's got her hands full with Geizmo, Zeela, and Pippi." I told her truthfully. "She can't take on Warbie too."

"And what makes you think I can?" She asked.

"I figured he'd make you less lonely." I dragged my suitcase to the door. All my essentials hadn't fit in my backpack, so I needed one.

She softened up a little. "Okay, fine."

I opened the door and was face to face with Simon. "Hey, bro."

"Are you ready to go?" My brother in the blue and indigo two toned jacket asked.

"Yeah." I gasped. "Wait, no! I forgot my lightsaber!"

Simon set his suitcase next to Theodore's on the grass in our front yard. He turned to glare at me. "You are not taking a lightsaber to space camp!"

"But what if we get attacked by aliens!?" I protested.

"THERE ARE NO ALIENS AT SPACE CAMP!" Simon said firmly. "Repeat after me. There are NO ALIENS at space camp."

"But what if I wanna re-enact my favorite scenes from Star Wars!?" I exclaimed.

This caused Simon to do that overused Dave-style yell. "Alvinnn!"

He lost the argument though, I ran upstairs and grabbed my favorite glow in the dark red lightsaber. Then, I met him back outside.

When I got back, he and Theo were both dragging my absurdly heavy suitcase to the bus, which had just pulled up.

Simon's voice sounded strained. "What do you have in here? Bricks!?"

"Books." I squeaked. "I'm gonna spend my downtime reading.I figure that'll keep me out of trouble."

"That's a buttload of books." Theodore remarked, licking an orange popsicle that was half melted in the California sun. "Are you going to have time to read all of them?"

"Oh, I'm a speed reader." I informed them. "I'll have plenty of time."

Simon raised a brow. "Since when?"

I smiled. "Since my brain settled. I'm pretty quick at reading and learning new things."

"That's not concerning at all." My taller brother remarked sarcastically.

Warbie fluttered onto the broad shoulder of his temporary babysitter. "I can't believe I have to spend WEEKS being looked after by Brittany." He complained.

Eleanor dragged her suitcase to the bus and then hollered up at the treehouse. "Jeanette! Hurry up! We are not waiting for you!"

Jeanette came rushing down the treehouse stairs. "I'm here! I'm here! Don't leave without meeeee." She slipped and started to fall down the stairs.

In a flash, I dropped everything and rushed to the bottom of the stairs to catch the falling Chipette in my arms. "Careful, Netta." I told her, giving her a gentle squeeze.

We all boarded the bus after that, with Dave helping to load up our things.

"Have fun, and be careful." My dad said to us, before looking directly at me. "Especially you, Alvin."

"Dave, I PROMISE I'm not going to destroy the camp." I put a paw on my heart.

"I know." He knelt down and pulled me into an awkward, but warm embrace. "But this is all new to you, so remember to follow the instructions."

"Affirmative, Captain Daddy-o." I gave him a goofy salute.

Brittany hugged her sisters. "See you in a few weeks, girls. Try not to miss me."

"Won't be a problem." Eleanor teased.

"I'll miss you, sis." Jeanette kindly stated. I admire her kindness so much.

As we all boarded the bus, I could tell Brittany was still struggling to accept all this. "Have fun, Dweebus." She told me, waving a manicured hand.

Warbie flew off Brittany's shoulder and flapped along beside her. They were both so loud, I could hear them, even while on the bus.

"Do I have to go shopping with you?" Warbie groaned

Brittany folded her arms. "I told your dorky daddy that I would keep an eye on you, so unfortunately."

Gosh, I sure hoped they'd be okay together. Maybe Britt could get her fill of Classic Alvin through Warbie, and then she would accept 2.0 more! That wasn't likely, but it was certainly a possibility.

After what felt like HOURS later, the bus finally pulled up at the Interstellar Flight Academy. I was glad we had arrived. My playlist of space and alien themed songs had run out midway through the trip AND my phone battery had died shortly after. Curse me and my rotten luck.

Jeanette nearly leapt out of her seat in excitement. "We're here!"

"T minus 0 minutes until Space Camp!" I pumped my fists to the sky. "Let the fun begin!"

One of the instructors, a nice guy with a fuzzy black beard, led us all inside the facility. "Okay, Interstellar Cadets. Those of you that have been here before, go through the door on the right. Newcomers, the door on the left."

I looked at the two doors and tried to remember which one was the left door. While I was figuring that out, a nice lady instructor with short blonde hair that had a blue streak, started to talk to me.

"You're Simon Seville's brother, aren't you?" She sounded starstruck. I guess Simon was a legend here. That didn't surprise me. I WAS in Simon's territory now.

I nodded to indicate she was right.

The instructor looked at me in awe. "Only person to score 100% on the placement test. Wow! Congratulations." We'd sent in our placement tests a week earlier. They helped determine which program we'd be sorted into.

I tried to be humble about my amazing test score. "Oh, it was nothing." I waved a hand.

"It must be incredible having a brother so talented." She exclaimed.

Hold on. That doesn't sound right. Had I misinterpreted her words? "Wait…are you saying Simon's the one that scored 100%?"

She smiled. "That's correct."

I felt nervous energy run through me. "So what's my score? Still high enough for the advanced program, right?" Gosh, I HOPED!

"Hmmm." The instructor lady looked at her list attached to a clipboard. "40%. Looks like you'll be in the beginner class."

Noooo! That CAN'T be right. "Are you sure?" I questioned. How could I have flunked it? Wait, did I remember to eat candy before taking it? No. I was trying to wean myself OFF the candy. Aw nuts.

"Positive. Don't worry! The beginner class is much more fun!" She said.

I didn't know what to do, so I let my impulses run wild. I spotted my brother in blue walking by us. "Simon, they're putting me in the beginner program!" I whined. "Simon! Tell them they made a mistake! Simon! Simon!?"

My brother just kept on walking! I could have sworn I heard him humming happily to himself. What a jerk! His brother needed his help, and THIS was how he treated me? I was so looking forward to sharing everything I learned with him! Going to class with him! Doing activities with him!

The dude instructor whisked me away into the room where all the beginners go. I went through the rules and initiation process. It was irritating, but I survived. After that was over, I changed into my space suit. Eleanor had made it for me since the process of sending in my measurements to the camp directors was too long and arduous. Plus, she already HAD my measurements from when we created my new supersuit.

I was about to walk over to admire myself in the mirror, when I was stopped by yet ANOTHER different instructor. This one was a really tall and lanky man with sunglasses on.

"Young man, I'm sorry to inform you that baseball caps aren't permitted. They pose a safety hazard." His voice sent shivers through me.

This couldn't be happening! My baseball cap is my security blanket. My comfort item! I'm not sure I'll be able to enjoy anything without it! Urgh, no. Alvin, you're being silly. It's just a hat. It's just a hat. You can wear it when you're in your quarters and not doing simulators and stuff.

"At least you no longer are convinced that it keeps your mojo from leaking out of your head." Nerdy Me's smart guy voice taunted.

He had a point. Cap or no cap, I was STILL Alvin.

I sighed at the instructor. I didn't want to cause a ruckus. "Al...Alright."

I removed my beloved cap to reveal my unkempt reddish orange hair sticking up all over the place. With one last look at the cap, I sealed it away inside my backpack. I wasn't thrilled I had to give up my trademark, but, you know, safety first.

Scurrying over to the mirror, I admired my rockin' bod in the spacesuit. I looked GREAT! The extra padding really gave the illusion that I had more muscle, which I appreciated. Although, I think Ells might have overdone it with the, ehem, rear padding.

Something about my reflection seemed off, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Was it the glasses? I'd attached a band to the back of them to keep them secure on my face in zero G. No, it wasn't them. I actually looked weirder without glasses now.

Oh, right, it's the lack of the cap and the fact that my hair has like…no gel. I gotta start using gel again. I should probably write a note to remind myself.

"Yoooohooo, Space Dweeb! Did ya miss me?" For the first time in a while, my old self appeared next to the mirror I was looking in.

I was both annoyed and pleased to see him. "There you are! I haven't seen you in months." I put a hand on my hip. "I thought my brain had finally healed. Good to know it didn't." I added that last part with sarcasm.

"Yeah, I mean, I've been….around, but not like…around." Classic mumbled. I couldn't understand what he meant. "Anyway,…" He gestured to my astronaut suit. "SPACE CAMP!? ARE YOU NUTS!? I leave for a little while and you drag us to SPACE CAMP!?"

I snarled. "You think 4 months is a little while!?" How dare he desert me for months, only to show up out of the blue!? The nerve of that…hallucination!

He tried to push at me, but it made no impact. "We have to get you out of here. Where's your cap?"

"I can't wear it during training sessions. It's a hazard." I frowned. "It hurts, but….the I'm sure the rest of this experience is gonna be cool."

Classic Me gulped. "You can't be Alvin without the cap!"

I felt compelled to roll my eyes at his tomfoolery. "Can so. Now, get out of here before someone catches me talking to you."

"Make me!" He retorted.

Theodore's voice broke our little spat. "Alvin?"

"Now look what you did!" I hissed, to….the wall next to the mirror. At least, that's what it looked like from Theodore's perspective.

My baby bro picked up on what was happening, really quick. "Is Classic Alvin back?" He asked excitedly, looking kinda adorable in his astronaut suit.

"Unfortunately." I muttered.

Theo tilted his head. "You mean fortunately?"

Classic Alvin laughed. "Tell Theo he looks like a space turd in that suit."

"No. I won't be telling him that." I was growing impatient.

"Huh?" Theodore was confused.

I decided I had to tell him something. "Classic me says "hi."

That made my baby bro smile. "Oh, uh, okay….hi, other brother. I hope you're okay….wherever you are."

"I'm good. Well, as good as I can be." The ghostly munk replied.

"He is okay, but Classic has to go now." I said firmly. "Right, Classic? Back to wherever you go when I need to focus?"

"Can't he stay a little longer?" Theo's big brown eyes glanced at me sweetly.

I shook my head. "No." I hated doing this, but I didn't feel I had a choice. I turned away from the transparent munk, who was actually no longer glitchy oddly enough. When I turned back, he had vanished. Thank goodness. I knew he'd be back, but I needed to devote my mental capacity to surviving whatever surprises Space Camp threw at me.

"Bye, Classic!" Theodore squeaked, waving at the wall. "Hope you can come back soon. Alvin 2.0 gets really stressed without you."

It was true. I couldn't deny that.

Still, I didn't want to talk about past me right now. I walked out of the initiation chamber. "What's first on our schedule, Theo?"

"Lunch!" My little brother rubbed his chubby belly. "And then, the first classes."

"Stupendous." I really needed some food. I hadn't brought snacks for the bus ride like Theodore.

So, with that, I followed my brother to the lunchroom. It was time to see what Space Camp had to offer. It was time to find out if I actually belonged here, or if I should have just stayed home and played videogames.

ALVIN: Tag, you're it, Theo!

THEODORE: You want me to tell the story?

ALVIN: Yeah! Go for it! I did the whole last chapter!

THEODORE: Well, okay, if you say so.

Theodore's POV

It felt really good to be back at Space Camp. I was so nervous and unsure the first time I came here. I also had to deal with a bully named Red who was very mean and made fun of how not athletic I was.

After getting stuck in the advanced simulator and then thinking I was actually in space, I conquered my fear of crashing into asteroids and showed everyone I was more than the guy who pukes in zero gravity.

At Space Camp, we all get codenames and that year mine was Vomit Comet. It was so embarrassing. I didn't like it at all. I really hope I get a better codename this year. I think I deserve one.

We entered the lunch area and I led Alvin inside. It felt weird being the one helping Alvin. It was almost like being his big brother, even though I'm younger than him.

The poor guy looked lost. He fidgeted with his shoulder length hair. I could tell that he was getting overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds and smells in the room, though not as much as I was.

I tried to control my supersenses in a way that let me ignore all the chattering of the other space cadets. Alvin needed me, and I needed this headache to clear up.

"I'll save you a seat." I pointed to a spot at a small table. "You get your lunch over there." I showed him the line forming near the counter.

"Cool. Thanks." He scampered off to the line.

Eleanor sat down at the table with her food. It was green and gooey and slimey. I couldn't tell what it was supposed to be. I sure hoped it tasted nicer than it looked.

"Oh good, you're here." I said to my best friend. "Does this mean I can go get my lunch now?"

Eleanor nodded, her ponytails swishing and bobbling. "Yeah. I'll handle saving seats."

"Super duper!" I joined Alvin in the rather long lunch line.

A little while later, I watched as a cafeteria worker dropped a yellow square slab onto Alvin's plate.

My brother wrinkled up his nose. "This is it? This is the food? There's...nothing else?"

The worker sighed and added a glob of green slime to Alvin's plate.

"Thanks...I guess." He mumbled.

I got my icky space food and then we all met up with Eleanor and Jeanette at the table.

Jeanette took notice of Alvin's disgusted face. "Oh...I forgot to warn you about the food." She said softly. "You'll get used to it."

I sat quietly and focused on the taste of the food. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. It was very meh tasting.

Eleanor stuffed her cheeks with the yellow gunk. "Don't listen to her. This stuff is flavorful...at least."

"What flavor is it supposed to be?" I wondered aloud.

"No idea." Jeanette frowned.

Alvin picked at his food. "Is class long and boring?" He asked.

"It's pretty short, but a lot of information is thrown at you. You'll want to take notes." The Chipette with the purple glasses replied in her soft and warm voice.

"Phew." Alvin murmured. "Is there anything else I gotta know."

I swallowed my yellow cube gunk. "You should be careful of the super spinny thing." I told him. "It goes really fast and spins your brain around."

"He means the G-Force training thing." Eleanor added, sipping on her water.

Alvin's blue eyes sparkled. "Is that the thing that looks like a bunch of loops!? That spin you every which way...including upside down!?"

"Yeah!" Jeanette shouted.

"Ohoho!" My brother was really getting into this now. "I can't wait to try it."

Eleanor smirked at him. "I can't wait to see if you can handle it."

"Of course I can handle it!" Alvin took a spoonful of the slime. "If I can handle eating alien slime, I can handle that."

Eleanor rolled her pretty green eyes. "We'll see."

"So…Do we get to see Simon at all?" Alvin asked, picking at the unappetizing yellow rectangle on his plate.

I shook my head. Someone had to tell him the bad news. "The advanced group eats lunch in their classroom while they work."

"Oof." He frowned. "I really dodged a bullet by not bein' in the advanced class."

Jeanette nodded. "At least you can have a break to chat with your friends each day."

Eleanor raised her water bottle. "To friends?"

"TO FRIENDS!" We all smacked our water bottles together in a toast.

Soon, it was time for class. We all sat at our desks and got ready. Eleanor pulled out a teal colored notebook. I was ready to learn as much as possible. Maybe someday Simon will actually build a rocket that sends us all into space! Jeanette took out her purple notebook and passed me a green one.

I caught Jeanette doodling a few pictures in her notebook while she waited for the class to begin. I didn't say anything though, cuz it wasn't hurting anyone.

Alvin opened his special decorated notebook. It was covered in stickers. Hey! I think those are stickers I bought him. Awww! He actually used them!

My brother began to talk softly under his breath. My ears picked up every word. "Stardate June 12th." He began. "I have arrived at Space Camp at last. I don't know exactly what awaits me, but I am excited to find out. The food here is atrocious. I am gonna have to borrow some snacks from Theodore later." No he isn't. If I share them, he can have them. No stealing. "But besides that, this place looks like it'll be chok full of new adventures!"

One of the other students, a boy with scruffy blonde hair and really dark eyes looked at Alvin's notebook. I felt my fur bristling. This guy looked familiar and that could only mean trouble.

"Hey, small fry. What's with the stickers? Are you still in preschool?" The boy taunted.

I narrowed my eyes and came to my big brother's defense. "Hey! Stickers are fun for all ages! Don't pick on him!"

"You don't actually believe in aliens, do you?" The mean boy asked Alvin.

Eleanor stood up on her desk."You heard Theodore. Leave Alvin alone!" She snarled like an angry cat.

My brother looked embarrassed. "Guys, guys. I appreciate the help, but I can handle this dude myself."

I guess Alvin didn't want other people defending him. It makes him feel...less manly and tough.

The redheaded chipmunk turned around in his chair. "You won't be laughing when aliens come and invade the planet. I bet they'll suck your brains out first. Oh wait, that's right. They won't. You don't seem to HAVE one." He chuckled. "And with that, I shall end my rebuttal."

"Nerd alert." The boy laughed.

"You look like someone I know." Jeanette said to the mean boy. "Have you attended Space Camp before?"

"Nah." The scruffy guy said. "My twin brother did."

"Twin brother?" I felt smaller than usual. "You're related to RED!?"

"Who's Red?" Alvin asked me.

I whimpered. "That bully from last time."

"Ohoho, so apparently bullying runs in the family." Alvin folded his arms.

"Fred!" The instructor guy entered the class. "If you're going to pick on people, we will send you home. There's a no tolerance policy here."

"Yes, Mr. Tibbits." The rude boy sunk in his chair.

Eleanor started to laugh. "So your name is Fred? Your brother is Red? Were your parents THAT unoriginal?"

Mr. Tibbits folded his arms and stared at Eleanor. "That goes for you too, young lady."

My best friend sighed. "Sorry, Mr. Tibbits." She replied. "I won't do it again…" She smirked when he turned away. "When you're listening." She added with a sneaky tone.

We all made it through class and learned all the stuff we needed to know about the simulators and some really cool space facts. I could tell Alvin struggled to pay attention and take notes, but he did his best.

An hour later. We were all taken into the large room where the simulators were kept. We met another female instructor with cherry red dyed hair, like brighter and redder than Alvin's orange hair. She announced who would be paired together for the first simulation exercises.

"Jeanette and Anita." She said.

Jeanette jumped up and down, happy with the choice.

Anita looked a bit unsure of herself, pushing up her glasses and fidgeting with her hands a bit.

"Theodore and Alvin."

I really wanted to be partnered with someone else, like Eleanor, but this was the first exercise. It's not like these pairs aren't changeable later.

"Eleanor and Fred."

The feisty blonde Chipette gave Fred the "I'm watching you." sign.

I boarded the simulator with Alvin, strapping myself inside.

"According to the class, our first assignment is to work as a team to maneuver the spacecraft through a bunch of asteroids." Alvin informed me. I could tell he was slipping into his more focused 2.0 persona. I was getting better at knowing when he was in 2.0 mode and when he was more like my old brother.

Still, I was irritated. I didn't like him trying to take over. "I know, Alvin. I was here a few years ago." I replied.

The simulation began and my brother waved the joystick back and forth like crazy. "Whoah whoah! WHOOOOOOAH!"

The whole spacecraft moved. I prayed my lunch wouldn't come up.

"IT FEELS LIKE WE'RE REALLY IN SPACE!" Alvin shouted.

"Can you hit the green button?" I asked, trying to keep Alvin on course. "and then the blue one?"

Alvin followed some of my directions. He managed to avoid most of the virtual asteroids.

He almost crashed into the last one at the end, so I took over, moving us out of the path just in time.

And that ended test one in the simulator.

Alvin unbuckled and stretched his arms over his head. "Okay, so, not as easy as I was expecting. Still a blast!"

I rubbed my nauseous stomach. "Phew, yeah." At least I wasn't TOO nauseous.

"You saved us, Theo" Alvin picked me up and hugged me.

I smiled. "Hey, I handled the advanced simulator before. After that, this was a piece of cake. And now I'm hungry for cake." I giggled.

As we exited the big fake spaceship, I looked out across the room to see the other teams come out of their simulators.

Eleanor's simulation didn't go so well. "Fred, I told you to take your stinkin' feet off the control panel!" She said loudly.

Fred just ignored her and she followed him around still very upset.

Anita looked sad. "Sorry. I'm no good at this." She told Jeanette.

"It's your first time. You're doing okay. But, maybe next time I should be the one driving." The Chipette with glasses squeaked.

Eleanor stumbled over to us. "Fred is the worst partner in the history of partners."

"Yeah. Seems like it." Alvin agreed.

I took a little bit of time to admire how strong and powerful Eleanor looked in her spacesuit. Then, I realized that all our spacesuits had dark blue belts and suspenders, but Alvin's were the maroon color of the advanced class. I guess Eleanor thought he'd be in the advanced program just like he did.

The blonde Chipette rubbed her hands together as we left the simulation room. "I wanna make him pay." She declared.

Jeanette nibbled one of her nails. "Eleanor, don't do anything that's going to get you kicked out." She warned.

Alvin fidgeted with the suspenders of his space suit. "More like don't do anything that's gonna get ME kicked out." He added.

"Why would they blame you?" I asked, genuinely curious.

My brother scoffed, similar to the way Brittany would scoff. "Because they won't notice her, and EVERYONE blames me."

Eleanor thought about what he said and decided it wouldn't be worth the risk. "Okay, okay. I won't do anything." She promised.

I touched her shoulder tenderly. "Thank you, Eleanor."

Jeanette headed off down the long white and gray hallway. "See you boys later. We have to get to our rooms!"

"Peace out!" Her younger sister flashed the peace sign and followed her.

Alvin and I trekked to the room we'd been assigned and began unpacking our things. I brought a tiny Talking Teddy backpack clip with me and some snacks...since space food is weird tasting.

"Dibs on the top bunk!" Alvin shouted, scrambling up the ladder. He fluffed the pillows and then scrambled back down. "Oops. Almost forgot!" He took a book from his suitcase and his cap from his backpack. Then, back up the ladder he went.

I smiled up at him. "I don't mind." I said. "The bottom is safer anyway."

Alvin buried his nose inside his book.

"What are you reading?" I asked.

"My Teacher Glows In The Dark." He replied. "Book 3 of the My Teacher Is An Alien series."

That's when Fred entered the room. Apparently, we had to share with him.

"Yo, alien boy. Why are you so obsessed with aliens?"

Alvin closed his book and pushed up his glasses with one finger. "As a scientist, I have to be open minded."

Another boy laughed. "You're actually a scientist? I don't buy it."

Alvin grinned. "It's the truth. Alvin Seville's the name and I'm the world's greatest rockstar scientist...who also knows karate."

"I'm Chase." The other boy introduced himself. "And I see you've already met Fred."

"Are you named after Chase from the Paw Patrol?" I asked, as I checked on my favorite plushies inside my suitcase.

The teenage boy laughed. "No, no, I hope not."

"It would be cool if you were." I jumped onto my bed.

"No it wouldn't." Alvin, Fred, and Chase all agreed with that apparently.

"So, Alvin Seville, huh?" Chase climbed onto the top bunk on the other side of the room. "I didn't realize you're an undercover geek."

"That's because I wasn't until a year ago. Wait…" Alvin set the book aside after marking the pages with a pretty purple flower bookmark that he'd probably gotten from Jeanette. "We're not in Santa Barbara right now." He gasped. "I'm supposed to be using my alias."

"Alias?" Chase raised an eyebrow and swished his hand through his wavy dark hair. "Oh don't tell me you're that Albert guy."

"Can you keep a secret?" I felt my lip tremble.

Alvin groaned. "I guess the cat's out of the bag. Yeah. I am. Don't tell anyone. Please. I'm not ready for the public to know about….all this."

Chase glanced at Fred, who was now listening to music through his earbuds. Then, he looked back at Alvin. "Your secret's safe with me. I don't get it, but I ain't gonna judge. Sorry for calling you a geek."

Alvin smiled a bit and then went back to his reading. "Thanks."

We did two more classes that day and went to a seminar about space exploration. When we got back to our rooms after dinner, we were all wiped out. I hit the pillow and I don't remember even dreaming.

The next morning, we were all up bright and early. I looked at the schedule we'd been given. "According to this, it looks like we'll be doing a pretend spacewalk tomorrow."

"Sounds tremendous!" Alvin hung upside down from the top bunk, wearing his alien head red and cyan PJs.

I nodded as I changed out of my mint striped PJs and into my spacesuit. "From what I remember, they take us to a big room that's decorated to look like the moon or Mars and we wear full body astronaut suits and helmets. It's really really fun."

Alvin stuffed his hat into his backpack and peeled off his PJ top as we entered the bathroom connected to our small suite. "Ohoho! I love that! Finally, some super immersive action. Those simulators are great, but they're lousy at immersion."

I recalled my trip in the advanced simulator. "The advanced ones are more realistic."

"Of course they are." He rolled his eyes. "Bet Simon's having a blast without me." He luckily didn't dwell on that long. "Anyway, what else is on the ol' agenda?"

I looked at the schedule again. "We're using the multi axis trainers on Thursday. That, I'm not looking forward to. It's like...well...have you ever rode the Gravitron at a carnival? It's like that...10 times worse." The feeling of puking started to twist my poor tummy.

"Good thing I remembered these." Alvin finished changing into his spacesuit and showed me his motion sickness pills in his suitcase. He needed those because the concussion messed up his ability to tolerate spinning too fast.

"Yeah." I smirked. "Otherwise, you'd be the Vomit Comet."

He ruffled my hair playfully.

After breakfast, which was a bunch of freeze dried pasty stuff that might have once been oatmeal, we went to a room decorated to look like the surface of the moon. Even the walls had been painted strategically to resemble the dark mystery that is outer space.

We all got helmets and could talk to each other through little microphone things inside them, just like real astronauts! It was super neat! I loved the feeling of being a Munk on the moon.

The door to the room closed and suddenly everything started to feel lighter. They'd dialed down the gravity so that this room felt as much like the moon as possible!

Eleanor leapt into the air and floated for a bit before falling back down. "Moon gravity is like being on a trampoline! Whooohooo!"

Jeanette tripped and landed in a crater. She laughed it off and got back up.

Alvin did flips in the air as he bounced around. "To Alv-infinity and beyond!"

I giggled. He was such a nut sometimes. "That's Buzz Lightyear's catchphrase."

My brother bounced higher. "Not today."

I shrugged and began bouncing around with them. We all eventually played moon tag and the time just flew by. Soon, the gravity was restored and we all were back on the ground, feeling heavy again.

"What's next?" Alvin asked, removing his space helmet and shaking out his long-ish hair.

Jeanette wobbled as she readjusted to Earth gravity. "I think we have another class."

I looked over the schedule, since I felt like that was my job and I took it very seriously. "This next class is all about the Milky Way."

Jeanette frowned. "I still don't understand how Dave could hate the Milky Way."

Alvin giggled so hard, that he almost coughed.

"Should I tell her?" I asked, my face feeling all warm and tingly.

My brother nodded. "Yeah."

I took off my helmet and tucked it under my arm. "Uh...I was lying." I admitted. "Alvin didn't want you to ask Dave to the father daughter dance and he told me to say anything to get rid of you."

The Chipette with the bun looked surprised. "Oh" Her face flushed with embarrassment.

"I'm really sorry." I added. "But, at least you know Dave likes the Milky Way."

"What about mountains? Those too?" Jeanette questioned as she turned her helmet in to the instructor.

"Yeah. Those too." I felt kinda bad. I should have told her that I lied after the dance was over, but I forgot.

"Oh splendid. I have soooo many photos of mountains to show him!" The brunette girl skipped away happily.

The next classes went by and then we did another simulator test. After that, we went outside and stretched our legs completing a space themed scavenger hunt. Then, there was a coloring assignment and a quiz about famous astronauts. I got 70%! That's a really high grade for me!

That night, we returned to our rooms a bit less exhausted than before.

Alvin ranted to me as we sat on the bottom bunk together. "Okay, so, Jeanette was wrong. These classes are a LOT of work. It is basically extra school. If it weren't for the fun activities, I'd probably be bailin' right about now."

"It's only day two." I reminded him. "It'll get better. You just have to adjust."

"Maybe I made the wrong choice, Theo." Alvin hugged his knees.

I guess he wasn't completely happy with his decision to come here. That's not surprising. He's never 100% satisfied with any decisions, honestly.

I cuddled with my pillow. "What makes you say that?"

"I feel like I'm making a mistake. Plus, I'm worried about Warbie. Who KNOWS what misery Britt's inflicting on the poor guy?" Alvin went on.

I handed Alvin his phone. "You could always text Britt to check on him."

"Good thinking." He texted her and I watched over his shoulder.

[Hey, Brittany. How are ya? Is Warbie doing okay? I miss you guys.]

That calmed him down a little while, and he went back to reading. I watched a Paw Patrol episode about the pups being astro-dogs on my phone.

Right before we were ready to call it a night, the song Know Your Energy began to play at full volume. Oh right. It's Alvin's ringtone.

Alvin tossed the book aside and scrambled to answer the phone. "I gotta get that. It's my ex-wife."

Chase's eyes were huge. Understandable, given this situation. "You're 9 years old and you have an EX-WIFE!? How does that even happen!?"

"It's a long story." Alvin groaned. He answered the phone. "Brittany! So good to hear from you!….uh huh. Oh? Urgh! Brittany, I told you, don't feed him gummy worms after 5pm no matter how much he begs…" The chipmunk rubbed his temples. "Why? Why? Oh, I dunno. Because it keeps him awake all night. It says so right in the guide! Please tell me you read the guide."

I could hear Brittany shouting angrily into the phone, but I couldn't make out all of what she was saying, only little bits like. "Oh my gosh, you seriously…how am I supposed to?…Alvinnn!…This is all your fault."

"Uh oh…KERRRRR" Alvin started to fake that the phone was cutting out. "I'm sorry, Britt. KERRRRR….bad reception. Gonn KERRRRR…ha….KERRR et you go." He hung up the call.

He flopped on the bed and turned his phone off. "Any more bright ideas, Teddy boy?" He asked, glumly.

"Fresh out." I murmured. "I wish she listened to you more."

"Ha!" Alvin slapped his stomach. "That makes two of us."

"Well, uh, goodnight, Alvin. Remember, tomorrow's a new day. You'll get the hang of this space camp stuff." I yawned.

He grinned and then started to climb up the ladder. "I will!" He said with confidence. "I love a challenge! And this is one heck of a challenge!"

Oh good. I like ending days on a positive note. I know Alvin wished he could be in Simon's class, but I really liked being here with him. I was all alone last time I came here, because I couldn't sleep in Jeanette and Eleanor's room.

Spending time with Alvin 2.0 was kinda like having both him and Simon around, but don't tell him I said that. He gets angry when people call him Simon or say he's like Simon.

I closed my eyes and prepared for the rest of the weeks ahead. Would Alvin settle in? Would he decide to bail? I didn't know, but either way….I supported him. I had a feeling he'd be just fine. Alvin was usually fine. Plus, he had his alter ego back to help him. He's got this.

THEODORE: Jeanette, Alvin says he'd like you to narrate next.

JEANETTE: Oh, uh, I wasn't expecting this. I don't know…

THEODORE: Come on, you'll do awesome!

JEANETTE: Well, I did wanna talk about Space Camp from my perspective a little. I suppose I can, but only for a little bit…because I know I'll write a lot in Geeks In Love.

THEODORE: You've got this!

JEANETTE: Thank you, Theo.

Jeanette's POV

A couple more days passed by and Alvin slowly but surely grew more accustomed to the routine. He told me it was tough, but that as long as I was here, he felt like he could take on the world. I'm so glad he's had this wonderful opportunity.

Eleanor enjoyed the activities too! Though she and Fred got in a few spats, it was never anything that resulted in them being purged from the program and sent home on the bus of shame.

Theodore had really come into his own since the first time here. He was almost like another instructor, advising the newcomers about literally everything. I was so impressed!

Theodore and I also got some time to chat on our way to the multi axis trainer. It started with all four of us hanging out together, but then Eleanor and Alvin ran ahead.

"Race ya!" Eleanor challenged him.

Alvin wriggled his eyebrows in a cute way. "You're on!"

They both sped down the hallway, giving me a chance to ask Theodore about something I didn't want to mention in front of Alvin.

"Is Alvin still having nightmares?" I went to twist my friendship bracelets, but they weren't on my wrist. I couldn't wear them with the space suit on. The gloves covered them up anyway.

"Actually, no." Theo dropped his voice to whisper. "He's been sleeping with your shirt. I took a picture, but you can't share it with anyone."

The chubby boy showed me the photo on his phone. There was Alvin, all cuddled up with the purple plaid shirt I'd given him. I bought myself an identical one, so I didn't mind him having it. He was so CUTE!

"Awww. He looks so...peaceful." I commented.

Theodore giggled. "It's like his security blanket."

"Hey, slowpokes!" Eleanor called us, having reached the room where our next activity was held, just seconds before Alvin. "Kick it up a notch!"

Theo slipped his phone into his backpack. "We're coming!" He squeaked excitedly.

"Yeah!" I added, dropping to all fours and scurrying down the hall. I find that is a much more efficient way to travel, even though people give me weird looks.

As soon as we entered the room, Theodore started to shiver. "I hate that thing."

"It looks…uh…a bit more…intimidating than I expected." Alvin rubbed his arms and looked almost as nervous as Theo.

"The multi axis trainer sounds scary, but it's not that bad." I assured Alvin.

"Unless you're Theodore." Eleanor adds.

Theodore raised an eyebrow at her and scowled. "I wish we got our codenames BEFORE we ride this thing." He crossed his arms. "What if they call me something worse than the Vomit Comet? Like…the Pukey Way or something?"

"It'll be fine, Theo." My sister patted his shoulder. "But, just to be safe, you didn't eat a lot of lunch today, did ya?"

The chubby boy shook his head. "I didn't eat much at all. I'm too nervous."

"When do we get our codenames?" Alvin wondered aloud.

"The start of Week 2." Eleanor reported.

"My codename last year was Penumbra. Simon's was Dork Matter." I said, as we lined up in front of the crazy looking machine designed to test our endurance.

Alvin burst out laughing. "Dork Matter! Haha! That's rich! What was yours, Ells?"

"I didn't get a codename last time I was here." My shorter sister frowned. "They forgot about me."

"Ahahaha. That's even funnier than Dork Matter." The red spectacled boy snorted.

Eleanor raised her hand to her lips. "Zip it." She growled.

We all took turns in the machine, with some of the human students first, then me. Eleanor went right after me. I met up with her, feeling very dizzy.

"How'd you do?" I asked.

She flexed her arms. "Awesome, as usual." She gestured to the machine that Alvin was now strapped in. "Might wanna check on your favorite guy."

I watched as Alvin's chest rose and fell with several panicked breaths.

I positioned myself so he could see me while strapped to the device. "You're gonna do great, Alvin!" I cheered.

"Yeah." The redhead agreed with me. "I've ridden plenty of spinning carnival rides. This can't be any worse, right?" He didn't sound super sure of himself, but at least this was something.

I stepped back away to watch from a farther distance and the instructor pushed the button to start the machine. It began to rapidly spin Alvin every which way. I gulped. He didn't look like he was having a good time.

"I WAS WROOOOOONG!" He screamed. "THIS IS WOOOOORSE!"

"YOU'RE ALMOST DONE, ALVIN!" Eleanor cupped her hands around her mouth. "POWER THROUGH!"

"AHHHHH! GET ME OUTA THIS THING!" The boy continued to wail.

The instructor helped Alvin out of the trainer once the exercise was over. "I...I don't wanna die." The chipmunk mumbled, staring off into space. "My...My head hurts."

"You're not going to die," Another instructor said, carrying Alvin over to us. "Just relax. Breathe."

Eleanor walked up and grabbed Alvin's hand. "You're okay, Alvin. You just had a panic attack. That's all."

I walked beside them, knowing that my presence was a source of comfort. "Come on. Let's get you some water." I smiled. "And don't worry..." I whispered in his ear. "The machine didn't do anything to that precious upgraded brain of yours. I promise"

After we all had some water and sat with the shaken chipmunk, Theodore unstrapped himself and tumbled out of the trainer. A look of relief was spread across his features. "I DIDN'T PUKE THIS TIME!"

Eleanor high fived him. "Way to go, Theo!

Alvin got up on shaky feet and wobbled over. "Good job, little bro! I knew you could do it!" The redhead wobbled more, and then he puked. Luckily, it was on the floor and not any of us.

My sister cringed. "I thought you were going to take your motion sickness meds."

Alvin groaned at the pigtailed girl. "I did." He looked at Theo and whimpered. "Please don't make fun of me."

His brother smiled empathetically. "I won't."

We all left the room to prepare for the next class or activity after that. Alvin bounced back quickly from the incident on the trainer.

A few days later, we all ran a grueling obstacle course. The instructors made sure that nobody was injured or harmed in any way. This involved telling Eleanor and Alvin several times that they were being too risky and not following directions. I'll try to recall what the first instructor said about the course.

I think it was something like.

"Space cadets have to be fit and healthy. They also must be able to work their way around dozens of obstacles. This course will help you get plenty of exercise and build up your dexterity."

A different instructor explained what the obstacle course consisted of. "First you will run around the orange cones, then do the monkey bars, climb the rock wall, crawl through the silver tunnel, balance on the blue platforms, and finally cross over the mud pit."

Alvin and Theodore ran through the course in an average amount of time. Chase and Fred were slightly slower than them. Anita really struggled with it. Eleanor broke a record for the fastest time ANY camper had completed the course.

When it came to my attempt, I managed to conquer almost all of the obstacles. Unfortunately, I lost my balance at the end and fell in the mud pit. At least my space suit was easy to clean off.

"Wow. You're a mess." Eleanor greeted me as I walked away from the course.

Alvin chuckled. "Her? What about you!? You have branches in your hair!"

"I don't think the instructor said anything about climbing trees." Theodore commented.

We spent some time watching the advanced course while we waited for the rest of our class to finish up. I caught a glimpse of Simon as he dominated the obstacles like they were nothing. He must have practiced a lot! He never used to be so athletic.

"How the heck is he doing that?" Alvin scratched his head. "He's almost as fast as you, Ells."

My sister smirked. "Nothing is as fast as me." She bragged.

"Their course looks harder too." Theodore remarked.

"I bet I could do it." Eleanor and Alvin said at the same time.

My sister began climbing the fence that separated the two obstacle courses.

I started to worry. "But we're supposed to stay on our side! Remember?"

"Nobody's gonna notice me." Eleanor reasoned.

"And I DESERVE to be in that advanced class." Alvin added.

They reached the other side and I had no choice but to follow them. The advanced class finished up and started to walk back inside. That's when Alvin and Eleanor made their move…only to be stopped by a familiar face with round blue glasses.

"What do you think you're doing here?" Simon was clearly in no mood to mess around.

Alvin grinned at his brother. "Oh, just testin' this bad boy out." He rested a hand on the super tall monkey bars that the advanced class used.

"I am proving a point." Eleanor added, getting into the starting position.

"I don't really know why I'm here." I told Simon honestly. I'd come to try and keep them out of trouble, but now I was risking trouble myself!

"Did ya get your codename yet, Si?" I think Alvin was trying to make Simon mad.

I didn't agree with that. "Alvin, don't taunt him." I whispered.

"Yes I did. This year I'm Total Eclipse." Simon informed us. "It's been, err, great to see you all, but I have to get back to class. And you should too, before anyone finds you over here. You don't want to know what Space Camp detention is like." He rushed away to meet up with his class.

"He's a total eclipse alright." Alvin joked. "The Total Eclipse of positive thoughts."

"Guys, we should take his advice." I whimpered.

Alvin looked at the obstacle course and then back at the fence. He sighed. "You're right." He said in defeat, preparing to climb back over the fence.

My sister ignored us and started running the obstacle course.

Alvin and I climbed up the fence and landed back where we belonged. We also landed on top of each other.

Theodore helped us both up. "Thank goodness you're back. I told Mr. Tibbits that you were using the bathroom."

"Yeah, haha. I dunno why I let Ellie and Classic me talk me into that." Alvin admitted. "I do NOT want detention here."

I was so pleased! This was more proof that my training had paid off. Alvin chose to back out before messing up and causing trouble. He could predict the consequences of his actions!

Theodore frowned. "Where is Ellie?" The chubby boy's lower lip trembled.

Alvin jerked his thumb in the direction of the advanced course.

Theodore's eyes went wide and then he started to film Eleanor as she annihilated the course faster than a speeding cheetah! It was incredible.

"Albert, Jeanette." Mr. Tibbits caught us!

I froze and looked up at him. Theodore slipped the phone away into his space suit's fanny pack.

"Welcome back. It wasn't too tough finding the restrooms, was it?" Our teacher asked.

I shook my head as Alvin remained frozen. "No, sir."

He led us back to meet with the rest of our class, never once realizing that Eleanor wasn't with us. Boy, her superpowers are very strange.

As we were about to head back inside, I felt a sharp tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see my sister there wearing a wild grin, small twigs still present in both ponytails.

"I did it." The blonde girl said triumphantly. "And Theo's got recorded proof."

"Cutting it close, sis." I mumbled.

She just shrugged it off.

Finally, the day to receive our codenames arrived. We voted on what they should be while making miniature space themed clay creations. I chose to make myself as an astronaut. Alvin 2.0 was making a rocket ship. Eleanor made the planet uranus…because she thinks that planet is funny for whatever reason. Theodore made a few asteroids and then Alvin pretended his rocket ship was flying through them. Chase made a satellite, Anita made a star, and Fred made…a mess.

I finished adding a perfectly formed bun to my figure. "So, uh, what do you guys think my codename should be?" I asked.

"I don't know. But I think Eleanor's should be Supernova." A girl whose name I didn't know shouted out.

A few students nodded in agreement.

Eleanor beamed. She was being noticed this time! I could tell how happy it made her.

Anita raised her hand. "I'd vote for Supernova." She added.

I added a purple swirl on my space suit and an acorn symbol.

"What's with the acorn?" Chase asked me nicely.

I delicately added arms to the figure. "I'm embracing my chipmunk heritage." I exclaimed with pride.

"You're such an Astro-Nut." Another boy commented.

Theodore looked up from using a toothpick to add details to his asteroids. "Hey, that should be her codename!"

I smiled from ear to ear. "I love it."

Reagen, Chase, and Arlene received their nicknames next.

They became known as Planetoid, Aphelion, and SunSpot.

Theodore looked around at his fellow campers. "So what would you guys like to call me?" He asked, with a hint of trepidation.

Chase tapped his chin as he pondered what name wouldn't embarrass Theodore. "Either Nebula or Sputnik? What do you guys think?"

"Nebula sounds really epic." Eleanor told her best friend while the other students nodded in agreement.

"I think it sure beats my old nickname!" Theo squeaked happily. "No more mister Vomit Comet."

"I vote for that one." Fred snickered.

"Shut it, Freddie." My sister snapped.

Fred groaned and went back to minding his own business.

"Alvin mentioned he wants his to be Rocketman, but I feel that's already taken by Elton John, and I feel that guy deserves and suits that title more, to be honest." Anita revealed. "So what do we call Alvi…Albert?"

Chase pursed his lips together. "I dunno."

"How about... SpaceCase?" Reagen suggested. I didn't know much about her, but I knew she was much nicer than Fred.

Speaking of Fred, he was suddenly back in the conversation. "I love that name. He believes in aliens, so he's obviously out of touch with reality."

Eleanor snickered a little. "It suits him. It really does."

Alvin let out a heavy sigh. Did the name bother him? Oh no. It did, didn't it?

"We aren't trying to be mean." Anita clarified. "I think SpaceCase is cute. It makes you sound like an intergalactic detective."

Thank goodness she said something so that I didn't have to think about how to cheer Alvin up. I'd done that a lot since Space Camp started.

"Yeah...yeah it does." His frown inverted and he did that odd little half smile that he claims he's copied from me. "Now I sorta….like it."

Glad that's settled. I wanted to name Anita, since she and I had grown pretty close during this trip. I realized we both absolutely love avocado toast and then we got to talking about how much we adore The Owl House.

"Anita, how does Aurora sound?" I suggested.

"As in aurora borealis, the northern lights." Alvin clarified. "Not the one from Sleeping Beauty. Although, you are a beauty." He winked at her.

It was so good to see him flirting again. The break from it had been needed, but now the break was over.

"I love it!" The blonde girl with the light pink glasses finished working on her star.

And so, when we voted on nicknames, we all got ones that fit us perfectly! Even Fred got one that fit perfectly. Or at least, that's what Eleanor tells me. We dubbed him Astro-Hole. He wasn't pleased with the nickname, though I can't imagine why. It's pretty much the same as my codename of Astro-Nut.

In class later that day, Alvin fell asleep. I was about to wake him up, but then. heard him mumbling softly under his breath. "Warp speed ahead, Mr. Speck..." He said. "Phasers at the ready."

I smiled and giggled. Then, I grabbed Theo's attention. "What do you think he means by Mr. Speck?"

Theodore was happy to explain it for me. "I think he's dreaming we're parodying Star Trek...and calling it Star Wreck. He wrote a comic like that once. Simon was Mr. Speck, based on Mr. Spock."

"Ohhhh. That's adorable." I looked over at the peacefully sleeping boy. Then, I drew up a pretty Do Not Disturb sign with rainbows in my notebook and taped it to his back. There. Now the teacher knew to let Alvin rest. He needed to recover from his nightmares somehow.

Back in my room, I turned my phone on. I'd kept it off and in my suitcase, so it wouldn't distract me. Plus, I didn't want to be burdened with all the bad news and social media while I was trying to enjoy this summer camp. It had been a week though, so I should probably turn it on just to check my messages.

Whoah. 30 messages from Brittany? Is she okay? I scrolled through the texts. There were details about Warbie making a nest in her closet and spilling her nail polish. A question in capital letters asking why the phone reception wasn't working. That's odd. I thought it was working. Maybe she thought it wasn't because I turned my phone off. There was also a question about if Eleanor and I were doing okay. I didn't know how to answer all these messages without being up all night to do so. I had to think of something else.

[Eleanor and I are good. Camp is fun. Miss you! Sorry that Warbie is a pain! Also, phone reception is fine. I'm sorry I turned my phone off. I'll keep it on now. Love you, Sis!]

Phew, that was exhausting! Most words I'd ever typed to someone. Usually, I prefer emojis. Oh! I added some emojis to cheer Britt up. A bird emoji, a rocketship emoji, a purple heart emoji, and a hug emoji.

I set my phone aside and made my bed. Eleanor came into the room and I waved at her. "Hi, Supernova."

"Sup, Astro-Nut." She tilted her chin.

"I can't wait to see what activities are in store this week." I gushed, pulling a floppy pink bunny plush from my bed and hugging him. His name is Presto. I got him from the shop that sells magic tricks.

Eleanor climbed into the top bunk. "Me either." She stretched.

"Has Brittany texted you?" I asked climbing up to join her on her bunk.

"Oh yeah. Like 3,000 times." She muttered. "I'm ignoring her. She knows we're fine. She's just trying to make our adventure all about how lonely she is. Typical Brittany."

"What if she really is lonely?" I asked. "It must be hard kicking off summer without us."

"Eh, we'll make it up to her with a bunch of pool parties and beach trips." My youngest sister waved her hand dismissively. "Don't let her take this from us, Jeanette. For once, we're without her, and I'm actually being kinda noticed. She could have come with us. She chose not to. We're gonna be back home before she knows it."

Hmmm. Maybe Eleanor was right, but I couldn't help but feel bad for Brittany. I hoped that she and Warbie would form a close bond while Alvin was away. Then, she wouldn't have to be so lonely.

I had a lot on my mind that night, as I usually do. I tried to count some fluffy sheep so that I could sleep. It eventually worked. By morning, I was well rested and prepared for whatever surprises were in store.

JEANETTE: Wow, that is a lot of writing, I am all tuckered out.

SIMON: Well done, Jeanie.

JEANETTE: It's your turn now, Simon.

SIMON: I know. The next chapter is going to be….something.

I'm going to end this right here. I tried to cut it down, but this is gonna be two chapters. I have been dealing with a lot of sinus pressure and some bad anxiety because of it, so that's why you got Theo and Jeanette this chapter. I needed their positive energy. Hope you enjoyed them too.

How are you liking Space Camp so far? What do you think is in store next?

AND HOW PROUD ARE YOU OF LITTLE THEO!? He's come so far! I love when he helps everyone. Such a little muffin of a guy.

I freakin' love writing Eleanor, oh my gosh. She is just so fiesty and spunky. Have you guys been catching the little Alvinette bits sprinkled throughout? And how do you feel about the hallucinations of Classic Alvin returning?

In part 2, Simon learns that it wasn't as easy to get a break from Alvin as he thought. What does that mean? You shall soon see!

But for now, I'm gonna have some soup and try to clear my sinuses. Ta ta! Hope to write the next chapter before March ends! (Ideally, before this week ends.)