There was something strange going on at the penguin exhibit in New York City's Central Park Zoo. "Skipper!" called a tall, thin penguin. "The people are here!"
Another penguin, Skipper, looked over at him. "Kowalski, report. Are they carrying fish?"
"Negative." responded the first penguin, Kowalski. "It's not a feeding visit. It looks like she has a pet carrier."
Two more penguins waddled up. The smaller of the two said, "But why would she have a pet carrier?"
"I'm not sure, Private, but that's what we're going to find out." Skipper motioned toward the tunnel that led outside. "Come on, men, let's go investigate." They began to waddle out. Skipper turned around. "Rico!"
The fourth penguin looked up.
"Are you coming?"
Rico squawked and followed him out.
They reached the outside of the enclosure and came face-to-beak with the zookeeper. "Hey, guys!" she exclaimed. All four penguins flinched. The zookeeper had an annoying, obnoxious voice. She placed the carrier down and smiled. "Meet your new friend!" She opened the door of the cage, and a penguin wandered out. It was a little shorter than Kowalski, but had a relatively similar build. The zookeeper smiled. "You guys play nice now!" She picked up the carrier and left the enclosure.
Private was the first one to speak. "She's really annoying."
The other penguins murmured agreement, and Skipper turned to the new penguin. "So, you're a new recruit?"
The penguin was silent.
"Come on, it's okay, you can talk to us!" He nodded. "I'm Skipper, this is Kowalski, Rico, and the Private. And you are…?"
The penguin finally spoke. "I-I'm Kylie."
"Hoover Dam!" Skipper exclaimed. "They brought a lady into the company! Well, Kylie, what brings you to New York?"
"I was a transfer. From the New England Aquarium in Boston."
"Really?" Private stepped forward. "I've never been to Boston!"
Kylie grinned. "And I've never been to New York."
"Come on, Kylie," Kowalski said, motioning toward the tunnel.
"Good idea, Kowalski," Skipper said. "Yes, Kylie, follow us."
Rico leapt forward and into the tunnel. Skipper and Kowalski followed, and Kylie waddled near the end of the line, chatting with Private. Skipper looked over at Kowalski. "She's your charge. She is to begin training as soon as possible. There's something about her I like."