2. Late Return
It was late and Skipper was still waiting for Private to return. But actually he hadn´t told him a fixed time when he should be back at home. So the leader hoped that he´s coming back soon. "Skipper, where is Private?" Kowalski asked and the leader startled from his thoughts. "What?" Um, ah, yes. We met Raven and he absolutely wanted to show us his new home. So I allowed Private to go with him. " Skipper replied hastily. "And when will he come back? It's getting late." Kowalski hooked further. Skipper didn´t initially know what to say. "I'm not sure. I have given him no specific time limit. Come on, Kowalski. I think, the boy has even earned a bit of spare time." muttered the leader, hoping that the scientists didn´t suspect anything, because under normal circumstances he would never have allowed him to be out so late.
The time passed by and it was after ten o clock. Skipper began to worry. But he trusted private, more than ever before. Tired, he went tohis bunk trying to get some sleep and heard after a few minutes, he also heard the loud snoring of Kowalski and Rico. But Skipper wasn´t able just to shut one eye. Restless, he rolled over and over in his bunk, hoping that the little penguin would come home soon.
After much pondering Skipper fell asleep anyway. But he had a strange dream. He was standing with Private in a dark room and the little one with his back at him. "Private, what is it?" Skipper asked, but Privat didn´t move at all. "Private, dear. What is it?" Skipper called again and his voice echoed in the dark. But then suddenly Private turned to Skipper, but so quickly that Skipper could barely see any movement from the little penguin.
Everything seemed so strange to Skipper, but when he saw Private face, he got an even bigger shock. His eyes were surrounded by deep black shadows, and he seemed very mysterious. He had a strange smile on his face, but not a normal smile. It was more of a sinister grin.
Skipper stepped back, but suddenly jumped Private with tremendous speed toward him and held the leader tight. Skipper couldn´t defend himself, because Private suddenly got more strengh in his flipper that Skipper ever had. "Skipper, you'll be mine, forever." Private whispered and lowered his beak to Skippers neck.
The leader woke up suddenly and gasped. What a crazy dream, he thought to himself. But then he looked up. Private was standing right beside him and had his head down. "Private, here you are. Where have you been so long." Skipper whispered softly with a slightly accusatory tone. But Private didn´t answer him. Slowly he let his flippers glide over Skippers body and kissed him, so he couldn´t ask any more questions.