The mission is screwed if they have to keep sending people out there and my number is called so let's hope not for the mission's sake. [Maria knew that she was pretty useless on missions. she certainly wasn't strong enough or intelligent enough to be of much actual help. if a mission required them to be either of those things then she didn't think she could be good for it. going to camp had been the best possible choice for her. this had been the easiest mission for her yet even if it had left her worrying about some of her closest friends, Vander included. ]

Isn't dog just another word for that? Seems like my judgment stands. But see, that sounds like a challenge. Or more like you want to be one. [or more like Vander didn't want to take it easy. he had things he felt he needed to do and resting wasn't one of those things. Maria could argue with him that pushing himself wasn't going to do any good but it didn't matter. she had a hunch he wouldn't listen. best to treat the day he gave her as if it was a treat for her.] A challenge keeps things fresh. Even if you really think not going along with whatever I have in mind is your best bet. If your knee doesn't get better then I'll find a nice cane for you.