K-O. So here's the third chapter as you already knew. This will be the introduction of some VERY important characters so pay close attention.
Ch. 3 Testing
The ship pulled to a stop. The people on the ship began to unload excitedly. Kowalski grabbed his bag and got off of the ship as fast he could. Once on the dock though, he didn't know what to do. This dock was definetly not very tropical as the sky was gray and the people here still wore their parrot coats. Kowalski wanted to take the time to figure out where his exact location was but there were people everywhere so he dived into the nearest bucket. There, he took out his clipboard and thought of options. Right now the most important thing was to find whomever it was that would pick him up. The problem was that he had no idea what he or she looked like, and he was sure that going looking for him/her wouldn't do him much good since he didn't know his way around. He remembered his parents telling him frequently "if you ever get lost stay where you are, it's easier to find you if you're not moving". He drew option one as staying in place. After that he couldn't come up with any more options so he sat there listening to the waves of the sea and the cries of the seagulls. Soon he heard some tapping outside of the bucket. He peeked out of his apparently not-so-good hiding place and came face to face with a penguin like no other that he had met before. This penguin had some yellow coloring under his beak and he had some yellow feather tuffs coming out of the side of his face. The strangest part about him though was the belt he wore around his waist, which was adorned with a bunch of pockets no doubt filled with all kinds of military implements. He had a friendly face but Kowalski could still recognize the alertness in his eyes.
"Hello soldier" said the penguin; his voice was raspy and sharp. Kowalski stared. The penguin laughed at his flabbergasted expression.
"Guess I'll have to do the talking than. I'm Commander South." Kowalski shakes his head and comes to his senses jumping out of the bucket.
"I'm Kowalski" He drew himself up straight as he said his name, realizing that his parents weren't here anymore to talk for him or encourage him on whenever he met new people. From now on he would be in charge of himself.
"Kowalski eh? So you must be Lieutenant Kowalski and Commander Helen's son. How are they?"
It was a simple question. Kowalski had definetly been able to answer more complex ones with total confidence yet, somehow as soon as the Commander said those last three words Kowalski felt as though the wind had been blown out of him. He struggled to answer without air, his body beginning to shake. He felt a cold dread spreading through him as he remembered. Hard as he had tried these last two days to hold back the memories he just couldn't do it now. The images flashed through his mind, the ice breaking, the whale trying to get them, his parents side by side, the ocean turning redder with every wave.
"Kowalski? Calm down soldier!" Commander South sat him down on a piece of wood "Now, take a deep breath." Kowalski did as he was told.
"Open your eyes" Kowalski opened them. Commander South was looking directly at him "You need to get yourself together. Whatever it is that happened you can't let it control you." Kowalski nodded. He tried to think about something else, anything else and out of habit took out his clipboard. He took note of his surroundings and of the penguin in front of him. Little by little he began to feel in control of himself.
"There now" said Commander South as soon as he saw that Kowalski was calm "Can you tell me what happened?"
Kowalski took a deep breath. He could do this.
"A killer whale ambushed us just when I was about to get on the ship" Commander nodded.
"Yes, they work with Blowhole. How did you survive that?" Kowalski looked at Commander South confused.
"How did I survive?"
"The whale tried to get you after it got your parents right?" Kowalski shook his head.
"No. The whale took my parents underwater and they all stayed there." The Commander seemed to be deliberating something.
"You had some great parents you can be sure of that. A killer whale wouldn't have stopped at nothing to get a hold of all of you. Your parents must have made sure that it would never be able to."
Kowalski was staggered.
"Well," said Commander South suddenly "time to get a move on. We want to be in the station by 0200 hours. Follow me." Commander South began walking away with out even looking back to see if he was following. Kowalski hurriedly grabbed his bag and ran to catch up with him. Commander South was definetly faster and more agile than he looked. He moved from hiding place to hiding place in swift movements that Kowalski found hard to imitate. They continued this way until Commander South came behind the wheel of a sleek, black car parked behind a fish store. Commander South took a look around before he opened the car door.
"Get in soldier." Kowalski threw his bag in and jumped in. The car had tinted windows so it was dark inside. As his eyes adjusted Kowalski made out the leather seats and two cups on the cup holder. A closer looked showed that they were filled with fish. Kowalski's stomach growled audibly as he sat down.
"Hungry?" asked Commander as he got in. Kowalski nodded his head.
"When was the last time you ate?" said Commander handing him a cup and taking one for himself.
"Yesterday afternoon" answered Kowalski holding back the urge to swallow the fish cup and all.
"Didn't you carry rations with you?"
Kowalski blushed.
"I accidentally left some fish outside so they spoiled. I didn't realize it so I ate the rest and when I realized what had happened there were no more left." He looked down ashamed of his carelessness.
"Well, why didn't you take some food from the humans?" asked the commander.
Kowalski felt himself blushing even more.
"I also accidentally set their kitchen on fire." He waited for the scolding that he was sure to get. His dad had told him that military folk were very strict. To his surprise Commander South began to laugh loudly.
"You sure are something soldier" He tapped on the front seat "Take us to the base Shimmy."
Kowalski turned to see who the commander was talking to and would have chocked on his fish had it not been for Commander South slapping his back.
"You, you-YOU HAVE A HUMAN DRIVING!" Kowalski managed to choke out. Commander South laughed. Kowalski couldn't figure out if this was a naturally jolly guy or if it was just him that he found so amusing.
"More like a human dummy, see?" He knocked on the dummy's head and a hollow sound resonated. "It's just in case a human looks in and sees no one at the wheel."
Kowalski realized that it was indeed a fake human, if a very real looking one at that. He settled back and resumed eating his fish relieved that their cover hadn't been blown.
"You all set Commander?"
Kowalski almost chocked a second time. Had the dummy talked?! The commander didn't even bother hitting his back he was too busy laughing. He gave one last chuckle as he answered.
"Yeah Shimmy, get her going" The car started up. Commander South turned to Kowalski.
"The dummy's for camouflage. Shimmy here is the one who drives." He pointed to the seat and standing on the dummy's lap Kowalski could see a penguin turning the wheel. It saluted him smiling. This penguin was more like the penguins Kowalski was used to. This beak was all orange and he had no feather tuffs. He was a bit shorter than Commander South with light brown eyes that glowed with mischief.
Kowalski settled on his seat. He took a guarded glance around before beginning to eat again.
"So Kowalski" began Commander South still smiling "How much training have you had so far?" Kowalski took out his clipboard and wrote down the total amount.
"Well, my father trained me since I was an egg on mathematical concepts along with historic literature. He also taught me basic concepts of –" Commander waved his flippers.
"All right, I think I've got an idea. So you're covered in the intellectual level, but what about combat?" Kowalski stared. Combat?
"You mean like fighting?" he asked
"Only kind of combat that there is." Replied commander smiling.
"Oh" Kowalski looked down "I never really …started on that"
It was Commander South's turn to look surprised.
"That's definetly a first," said Commander South after a minute " Don't worry, I'm sure we can curve. Before we figure out in what group to place you in though, we have to give you a physical analysis to make sure you're healthy."
"A physical analysis?" asked Kowalski. He could remember his dad telling him about how he also had to take a physical analysis when he first joined the service. His dad had also admitted that he had been afraid of the optometrist; there had just been something about having someone aiming a light at you and looking at your eyes so directly that crept him out.
"Of course. As soon as we get to the base you're going straight to the hospital wing for your check-up. We've got ourselves a new doctor who promises to have a surplus of certifications on file. You'll be fine don't worry yourself. Now, tell me, how did you set the kitchen on fire? That must have been amusing to get out of."
Kowalski told him the story. Both Commander South and Shimmy laughed at the end.
"Quite the luck you've got boy." Said Commander South chuckling.
"It amazes me that you were able to put it out after it had spread so far," said Shimmy from the front seat "Spinning the extinguisher around like that was an intelligent move."
"Actually, I doubt whether I would have been capable of it if I had done it on purpose." Replied Kowalski.
The car pulled to a stop. Shimmy rolled down his window. Outside there was an intercom.
"Password?" asked the intercom.
"Two blue swords and a wheel" replied Shimmy. A gate opened in front of them as Shimmy drove in. Kowalski's eyes widened as he took in the scenery of the vast building before him. The walls were topped with barbed wire, watchtowers stood on every corner, and in every one of those towers he could make out the outlines of someone holding something that looked very rifle-like. He got out his clipboard and took note of the security tactics this place had.
"Don't let the façade get to you soldier," muttered Commander South "the real defenses are a lot less noticeable."
Kowalski was taken to a waiting room.
"The doctor already knows that you're here," said Commander South " wait here and we'll come get you later." With that he left Kowalski by himself in the waiting room. Kowalski took out his clipboard and began to write. He was the only one there. There were a number of penguin anatomy charts along the wall. The room was not very big; there were only 4 other chairs besides his, a palm tree, a desk on the corner, and a small center table. He could hear a clock ticking somewhere above him making his nerves buzz. His dad had been afraid of the optometrist, but he had told him that it was mostly just an illogical fear. There was no reason to panic.
In order to pass the time Kowalski went over to take a look at the anatomy charts. Kowalski loved knowledge, but some of the pictures were making him a bit sick. It was amazing the amount of diseases that a penguin could acquire.
The door opened suddenly making him jump. Kowalski turned and saw his doctor for the first time.
Kowalski couldn't stop staring. This doctor was even creepier than the pictures. He was much like Commander South in the yellow beak and tuffs but his beak was twisted into a sort of forced smile/sneer that he doubted Commander South would ever wear and his yellow tuffs were twisted and broken giving him a slightly demented look. It was the eyes that got to Kowalski though. They seemed to be dilated to twice the normal size of what would be expected in a room filled with light. The edges were an electric blue that didn't help out for a sane look on him.
"Why hello there" said the doctor "I am Dr. Reece. Please come in." He beckoned inside. Kowalski hesitantly walked in. He went to sit on the examination table but Dr. Reece stopped him.
"Oh, no, you sit here." said Dr. Reese as he pointed to a reclining chair. Kowalski followed the doctor's orders. On the wall next to him he saw rows of certificates. Feeling that he was in good, if a bit creepy, hands he leaned back on the chair.
"All right," said the doctor "Now, I'm just going to put this little strap on you to make sure that you don't try to run away and hurt yourself." He reached under the chair and pulled out some straps, which he used to bind Kowalski's flippers and chest. Kowalski was starting to fell less relaxed as the straps dug into his skin from how tightly the doctor had closed them.
"Now, I'm a dentist, so the first thing I'm going to check is your beak. So, all you have to do is relax and take very deep breaths, ok?" He produced a black mask with a tube attached that reminded Kowalski a bit too much of the red container from the night before. He was starting to feel anxious.
"I don't feel that this is normal routine" said Kowalski trying to keep his voice from shaking.
"You're right" said Dr. Reece. " I was planning on putting you to sleep and than taking you to Blowhole so that he could question you himself, but you're right. Somebody might notice that, so instead we'll do things the normal way. If you tell me what I need than I promise to kill you quickly, if you don't well, let's just say it won't be pleasant." He walked towards his cabinet and pulled out a very sharp-looking knife. Kowalski could practically hear his heart's rapid beatings. This could NOT be happening. Dentists weren't supposed to threaten you with knives were they?
"You can't get away with this," said Kowalski at a pathetic attempt to scare the doctor "Commander South is coming to get me soon, and if he sees you pointing a knife at me he won't be very happy."
Dr. Reece laughed sending shivers down Kowalski's spine.
"You really think that I can't get you to talk, kill you, and hide all of the evidence before he gets here?" he asked closing in on Kowalski. Kowalski didn't answer, he didn't trust himself to speak without it coming out as a squeak. Dr. Reece seemed to be enjoying seeing Kowalski so terrified.
"Now, can you open up wide and tell me where your parents are?" Kowalski searched for a way out. Than he remembered what his mom had told him; "If you're ever caught keep your captor distracted while you think of a way out." He had to answer these questions if he wanted to buy himself some time.
"They're…gone" He couldn't bring himself to say it. It would be like giving up, throwing them to the seals.
"Dead?" asked Dr. Reece. Kowalski cringed at the word. " So that part is true than." Kowalski was taken aback. Dr. Reece knew? How did he know? Unless…
Kowalski fought fiercely against the straps, all of his fear replaced by anger.
"Oh, a little feisty aren't we?" Dr. Reece chuckled "If I were you I'd save my energy. Those straps are practically unbreakable. Anyway, question 2. Where are the blueprints?"
Kowalski stopped struggling.
"Blueprints?" he asked. Really he was figuring that if the straps really were unbreakable than he might be able to turn that to his advantage.
"Come on now, don't play ignorant with me," Said Dr. Reece pressing the knife against his throat. "You know what I'm talking about." His eyes seemed to be trying to pierce into his mind. They were so focused that it looked as if there was an electric storm going on inside them. Kowalski tried to think of options. He wished desperately for his clipboard to think with.
"You're crazy!" yelled Kowalski.
"Perhaps," answered Dr. Reece amused "You know there's a difference between crazy and original, although I think that I might be both." He said pressing the knife down harder.
The knife was so shiny that the glare of it hurt Kowalski's eyes, not that he needed any more distractions his mind was already scrambled enough. That was it! A distraction. Kowalski pretended to try to edge away from the knife. As he expected, Dr. Reece readjusted the angle of the knife so that he would have a firm grip against his throat. As he moved the knife the light's reflection hit his overly dilated eyes momentarily stunning him. Kowalski took the opportunity to take the knife by the handle with his beak and used the blade to quickly unlatch the strap that bound one of his flippers. Dr. Reece tried to take the knife away but Kowalski jabbed the tip of his flipper to his throat. Dr. Reece staggered back holding his throat as he chocked and sputtered, the white of his eyes now a blazing red. Kowalski hastily undid the strap that held his chest. Dr. Reece leapt after him and managed to take the knife from him. He cut the air with it as he aimed at Kowalski. Thinking quickly Kowalski grabbed one of the straps and raised it in front of him, blocking the knife. Dr. Reece infuriated, once more thrust the knife at him. Kowalski ducked while struggling to undo the last latch that held his left flipper. The latch came undone and he dived as fast as he could away from Dr. Reece. The doctor jumped over the chair in an effort to get to him. Kowalski ran to the door as a nervous cry escaped him. Dr. Reece threw the knife at Kowalski. Somehow, perhaps out of pure instinct, Kowalski caught the knife in midair by the handle. He turned with the knife on hand and faced his enemy. Dr. Reece seemed taken aback by the development of things.
"I'm going to leave now" said Kowalski. He raised the knife warningly as he backed up towards the door, his eyes on Dr. Reece. He felt a gush of wind behind him as the door opened. Kowalski turned surprised and found himself once more before Commander South.
"Commander South!" cried Kowalski so relieved that he dropped the knife. "That psychotic dentist tried to kill me!" He pointed at Dr. Reece who was now surprisingly calm and smug. Kowalski waited for Commander South to act; instead he stood staring Kowalski with an amused look on his face. Kowalski couldn't believe it.
"Aren't you going to do anything?!" he cried "He's a murderer! He knew about my parents!"
Commander South shook his head.
"Of course he knows about your parents. I told him what happened."
Kowalski was speechless.
A chuckle behind Kowalski made him turn around.
"Haven't you figured it out yet Kowalski?" asked Dr. Reece smirking as he walked towards them. Kowalski backed up.
"Figured out what?" asked Kowalski really missing his clipboard at the moment.
"Why that Dr. Reece and I are in league together of course" replied Commander South.
Can you feel the suspence? I promise to have the 4th chapter up by the end of this week, maybe sooner if i hurry. PWEASSSE review! I want this story to be REALLLY good (you can tell cause i spelled really wrong) and i need ur advice in order to do that. Also, you guys are awesome at reviews :) remember to post your suggestions and questions of Kowalski's origin!
