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Family Beach Day on Pabu
“Everyone ready?”
Hunter was in the lead. He usually was. Making sure they had everything with them as the hike back up from the beach wasn’t something any of them wanted to do just after getting down there.
Needless to say, it was a long walk, even for those in great physical condition, which they totally were.
The family was all ready and standing there, only waiting for Hunter. Something of a tradition this had become for sure. The Hunter Checklist as they all called it.
“Picnic basket?”
“Check!”
Wrecker was in charge of the rather large size food carriage but of course. It was a pretty hefty size basket perhaps for simple lunch filled with all the good stuff Wrecker and Shep had prepped for the family. But usually, it always came back empty for some reason.
“Swimming trunks and suits?”
“Check!”
“Wearing it!”
“In my pack!”
“Yup!”
“Water toys, towels and blankets?”
Yeah Hunter loved to be really thorough. As it was, they had forgotten things before and so, finally Hunter ending up being the one to haul shebs back up to go get them.
“It’s all here, Hunt.”
Echo and Crosshair having the totes filled with all the necessities.
“Sunscreen and med kit?”
“I have the new formula in the bottles and the med kit.” Tech interjected, having made his own concoction of the protective stuff from the sun.
“Good to hear, Tech.”
Hunter went through the list in his head one more time. Making sure he got it all.
“Alrighty then, we’re good to go!”
Hunter shooed them all to get moving. Not that he needed to really, as the family’s only beach day was their favourite one on the calendar since having landed on Pabu. Not that they did not go there during other times as well. But this was reserved for the team only. The immediate family while they had accumulated an extensive one by now from the rest of the clones. And Shep and Lyana, naturally.
Batcher was eager enough to get going too. The hound loving the water as much as the rest of them did. Even Echo taking a splash here and there thanks to his new and improved water resistant cybernetics courtesy of Tech.
The cyborg Echo was, having gotten a complete overhaul now that they had the time, or more importantly, Tech had the time to concentrate on the upgrades and improvements for Echo’s parts to make him more comfortable.
They left their family home behind, mowing in a near prefer file formation through the narrow path of steps leading ever downward and to the awaiting beach.
Reaching it in no time, their chosen spot where they made camp for the day waiting for them. A large three, which was acting as natural shade from the sun.
The blankets were neatly spread, the food and drinks put into a safe and secure spot under the tree in the shade and the floating toys filled with air. And so, it was time to take to the water.
Most of them shedding their top wear and rushing into the calming waves led by Batcher and Omega, Tech, Crosshair and Wrecker following suit.
“Hey hey hey!!!”
They all stopped in their tracks. Turning to Hunter who was holding the bottle in his hand.
“Did you forget something?”
“Already applied.”
“Got some.”
“On me.”
“Gimme.”
Crosshair took the bottle like it had offended him somehow, applying some on his person with a scowl. The man hating the sticky stuff, but it was for his own good, having burnt in the sun once being enough to remind him of the fact.
Hunter grinned.
“Good! Have fun!”
“Yes dad!” The chorus shouted as they all sprinted into the water.
Yeah, they sometimes did that. Call Hunter and Echo dad and mom just because they sometimes were that. Parents for the wayward family.
Usually it was Hunter and Echo taking a breather sitting on the blankets before diving into the water. The adults observing the kids having fun before joining in.
“It’s very nice today.”
“It is. Perfect almost.”
They remained quiet for a spell simply basking in the moment, of family and peace.
Hunter getting up, offering Echo his hand.
“Come on mom, let’s join the kids, shall we!”
They both laughed, springing into the waves with the rest of the family. Enjoying the day of sunshine and fun, together.