Private was walking across central park, the fiery orange sky was sign that it was dusk and the sun would be setting soon, with that notion in mind the young Private waddled at a faster pace, hoping to make it to the snow cone stand and back at HQ before time ran out.

"Why on earth would Skippa' make me go out for snow cones at this hour, none the less by myself?" The fresh memory of Skipper giving him the command was still buzzing about his mind.

4 minutes earlier

"Private, I need you to high tail it over to the snow cone stand on the double."

"A-All by myself sir?

" Did I stutter Private? Now get to that stand before 1900 hours-" Skipper then grabbed onto Privates shoulders, "-or you will be in for some serious grade A disappointment, Comprende?"

Private gave a slight shutter as his commanding officer barked his orders in an almost threatening tone.

"Y-Yes sir."

With that the young operative made a hasty exit lest be once again berated by Skipper.

"All right men, coast is clear."

Suddenly every animal from the zoo was crowding by the penguin habitat, as the remaining three penguins jumped outside Skipper wasted no time 'briefing" the animals on their specific duties.

"All right, Chimps: you're in charge of writing, Bada, Bing: you're in charge of heavy lifting, Burt: balloon duty." Soon Marline came face to face with Skipper. "Hey, hey…uumm…what's my duty?" she said with a brimming smile.

"Uh…you're in charge of….." he paced a bit before giving an answer, "Uhh……decorations, just don't try to make it too girly for my taste."

Skipper the jumped to the railing giving out his final command.

"All right people, we are go for Operation: Surprise."

Present time

Private was running as fast as he could while balancing three snow cones, he thought he might as well eat his own to save time and trouble, but even with that he knew his deadline was running short.

"Got to hurry! Must not face extreme disappointment."

Waddling as fast as his feet would let him, he belly slid the rest of his way as he finally entered the zoo, the sky was a blotchy, damp purple as he landed at the top of the penguin HQ. Hoping that he still made it in time he wasted no time entering.

"Hello? Skippa? K'walski? Rico? Anybody?"

The HQ was black and abandoned, soon he felt his heart sank.

"Oh no, what if I'm too late, I didn't make it in time and Skippa doesn't want me on the team anymore."

Private fell flat on his bottom and felt just as empty as the HQ, on the verge of tears, something came knocking at the entrance followed by a familiar voice.

"Nonsense Private, it's only 6:50."

"Huh?"

"Get out here Private."

Without second thought, young private jumped out, and was no sooner blown back with everyone in the zoo yelling, "SURPRISE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRIVATE!!!!!!"

Private now saw the brightly lit up zoo with party decorations, streamers, balloons and games, not to mention the party table filled with every delicious fish food recipes Rico could think of, bottles of "confiscated" soda, dishes filled with Private's favorite candies and of course the presents. Private became so taken back he was once again on the verge of tears.

"Oh guys, this is too much, I-I don't know what to say."

Kowalski came up to him with his notepad.

"I believe the appropriate thing to say is PARTY TIME!!!!!"

With that keyword said everyone cheered and began enjoying themselves and began mingling with the other animals, Kowalski immediately dived into the dishes of candy, still being mindful of Privates favorites, while everyone else helped themselves to the food and soda. After a few minutes everyone invited Private over to open his presents, and as usual Julian had to be the center of attention.

"Ok, ok everyone, my present for the penguins birthday is first, and since it comes from the king it is automatically making it better than everyone else's. Maurice, bring to me the penguins present."

Maurice walked over carrying a fair sized package that was crudely wrapped and had his face drawn on every square inch of the box, when Maurice gave Private the present Julian rushed over and grabbed the package.

"No, no, let me to be opening it for you."

Much to the annoyance to everyone, King Julian opened the present himself, revealing a crown very much like his own.

"Haha, it is the birthday crown, the birthday person gets to wear it all day, it is still not as important as mine but you know."

"Why thank you Julian." Private said putting on the crown as not to upset the lemur.

"The nerve of that lemur, eh private?" Skipper said walking by.

"Oh he's not so bad, I think he really wishes me a happy birthday and all."

After unwrapping everyone's presents, which consisted of peanuts from Burt, bananas from Phil and Mason, Rico's favorite fillet knife, a Spanish guitar from Marline and a peanut butter winkey vending machine from Kowalski, Skipper motioned Private to meet him away from the others.

"Private come with me, I have a very special present for you."

Private followed Skipper to the other side of the zoo, away from prying eyes and ears of the other animals.

"Private." The penguin then stood in attention as soon he was addressed.

"It has come to my attention that you have served on this unit for a considerable amount of time, 3 years to be exact, and you have come father than any of us expected when we first met you, and hard work and determination should never go unrewarded, so it was this day I chose to rise you among the ranks."

"Skippa, you don't mean-"

"Oh but I do, as of this day, I your commanding officer hear by promote you, congratulations…Lance Corporal."

Private couldn't help but let a tear or two show itself as he embraced Skipper.

"Thank you so much Skippa, I promise I won't ever let you down."

"Lance, I gave you that position because I trust you, and I would never lie to you, I would trust my own life in your hands."

"Skippa?"

"Yes Lance?"

"Can you still call me Private?"

Skipper smirked.

"Of course."