Chapter 3: Shocking Events
Officer X. One of the many enemies of the penguins. He was tall and bulky with a blue jumpsuit and a belt full of gadgets. He had a tazer in his hand and gripped it tightly. He had a look of angst in his eye. Officer X was a worthy adversary indeed. Perhaps too worthy.
"We have unfinished business. Once I get rid of you, I can get on with my life…and find that delicious turkey." Officer X said angrily with a voice cold and unforgiving. "It ends here."
Skipper stared at the man with disbelief. What Fred had said was true. People do eat turkeys. The 'people eating penguins' part wasn't quite confirmed, and Skipper didn't want to find out today. The penguins had a stare down with the insane Officer until he made the first move.
Officer X went for a drop kick, but the penguins dodged in the nick of time. He turned to them and fired up the tazer that he'd so wanted to use. He charged towards the penguins holding his weapon like a sword. Skipper moved, followed by Kowalski and Rico, but Private wasn't fast enough. He was shocked and burned as he fell to the ground. He wasn't dead, just badly hurt and unconscious.
"Good golly wholly!" shouted Kowalski in horror.
Rico gasped dramatically. Skipper realized that if they were going to fight X, they'd need a better strategy. They grabbed Private and ran off to their habitat. Officer X followed, but stopped at the water. He had so many gadgets on his belt, he would surely be electrocuted. Instead, he waited outside the fence with a dart gun in his lap.
Inside the concrete HQ, they laid Private in the bottom bunk so that he could rest. The senior commandoes sat around the table that was held up by cinder blocks. They stared at the gray surface in dismay. Skipper broke their silence.
"Men, I need options." He said.
"Skipper, before we worry about ourselves, shouldn't we get Fred to a safer area?" Kowalski asked. "He is our client."
"Right, but I'm not risking anyone else's safety. I'll go alone. You boys remain here on lockdown until I return through the top secret entrance." Skipper said boldly.
"But Skipper-!"
"No buts, Kowalski! I've got to do this! It's a leader's job to take risks for his team, and I am your leader!" Skipper said.
He left through the lab door, moving quickly through the wiry tunnels that seemed to twist and turn forever until finally ending at the sewer. Skipper removed the lid of the manhole and looked around warily. Officer X was still staring into the penguin habitat and had no idea that Skipper was there. Skipper still moved hastily, belly-sliding through the morning zoo crowds. He made his way to the ostrich habitat, and spotted Fred and his flock. He jumped onto the brick fence where leaves engulfed him in the shadows.
"Psst! Fred! Fred, over here!" he beckoned. Fred turned his head and walked over to Skipper.
"What's wrong, Skipper?" Fred asked.
"We have a big problem! X is in the zoo!" Skipper informed.
"X?"
"Officer X! The blue suited man from earlier! Go into maximum security! That's an order!" Skipper ordered. "Bring me the ostrich."
"Alright." Fred said and walked over to the taller bird and brought her over.
"How may I help?" she asked.
"I need you to keep an eye out for Officer X. He's in a blue jumpsuit. You'll know him when you see him."
"What's in it for me?"
"What could you possibly want?"
"A date with Rico."
"Fine. Stay sharp and don't let Fred get taken away." Skipper left and slid towards the HQ.
Although he didn't like the whole 'love' thing in his unit he thought Rico would understand. Rico wouldn't be a big fan of the idea, but Skipper had to make the deal. Rico had to understand it was a risk for a fellow bird. Soon he came to the sewer and slipped under Officer X's nose. He inched through the tunnel carefully, taking his sweet time. He wasn't looking forward to telling Rico that he had a date. Finally, though, he walked across the threshold into Headquarters.
"Skipper! You're back!" Kowalski said happily.
"Yeah, what's so surprising about that?" Skipper asked confidently.
"Nothing."
"I've made a deal with the ostrich to protect Fred. But there is a downside." Skipper said gravely.
"Yes?" Kowalski said expectantly.
"Rico you have a date." Skipper said.
"Noooooooooo!" Rico dropped to his 'knees' and shouted to the ceiling.
"Remember, Rico, it's for a good cause! Saving a fellow bird!" Skipper said, trying to ease the psycho's pain.
Rico stood by his doll on the steps and kissed her. "I sowwy…" he said sadly. Then he pointed at Skipper accusingly and spoke angry gibberish to the doll.
"I agree it is sort of my fault." Skipper rubbed the back of his neck and looked at his feet.
Rico spoke more gibberish.
"Rico, you know it's not that bad." Kowalski said.
More gibberish.
"It's a friendly date. It's not like you have to marry the woman!" Skipper yelled.
In the bunk Private stirred and turned onto his side to see his teammates.
"Hello, what's all the yelling about?" he asked.
"Nothing, Private! Nothing at all. How do you feel?" Skipper said.
"Numb," Private replied. "What happened? All I remember is Officer X and the lemurs…"
"Well, you are correct about the Officer X part…" Kowalski said.
"He's outside at this moment planning an attack. We stay here until closing." Skipper filled in.
That day, the guests were disappointed. Although with Officer X being known now as the 'crazy penguin man' not many parents let their children near him. It was a gloomy day indeed. Meanwhile, our four favorite penguin commandoes remained securely playing cards and watching guests through the periscope. Of course, Kowalski did some experimenting in his lab and Private watched the Lunacorns. It seemed lazy to ignore the guests that weren't afraid of Officer X, but it was the only way to avoid him. Finally closing time came and the penguins felt safe enough to go outside.
Skipper appeared first, finding that the fishbowl was heavier due to the fish from lunch that was never eaten. He was very cautious and looked for X. Once he was sure there was no crazed officer, he stood up on the island. He beckoned the other three up and they came greeting the sun. Warmth met feathers and felt very good. Skipper ate a fish and walked out towards the horizon where the sun lay its head.
"Good job, boys. It looks like we fooled that-!" All of a sudden Officer X came out of nowhere and snatched Skipper.
Skipper struggled in X's hands as he squeezed tighter. It felt harder and harder to breathe for Skipper as he struggled. Finally he gave in and yelled to the others.
"Boys, save your selves! Kowalski, you're in charge! I'm counting on you!" Officer X started running and stuffed Skipper into a backpack. Alice watched X closely as he ran through the gate and into the park.
Hey everyone! Chapter 4 is coming up soon! So stay tuned and see ya! ;D