The penguins had an early start. They had breakfast, went over listening to your gut, got some popcorn, and practiced stealth.
They were practicing stealth in front of the otter habitat, when voice above them called, "Hey guys! What are you doing?"
All of the penguins looked up to see Marlene on the edge of the wall, looking down at them. Cadet glared at Skipper.
"Hello Marlene" said Skipper. "We're just practicing stealth moves."
"Okay, good luck with that!" Marlene replied. "Hey!" Marlene added as she saw Cadet. "Are you new?"
Cadet glared at Skipper again as she looked up. "Yes" she said, still mad at Skipper. "Skipper, can you guys go on ahead? I'll be back at HQ later. Skipper nodded and he, Private, Kowalski, and Rico slided off. Cadet climbed up the edge of the wall and into the enclosure for Marlene.
"Do I know you?" asked Marlene.
"Yes" Cadet replied. "From California."
Marlene looked closer. "Cadet! What are you doing here?"
Cadet relayed her story to Marlene. Marlene listened with strict attention until she finished. Cadet liked this about Marlene. She always made sure she was listening, and even if she didn't, she always seemed like she cared.
"Wow" Marlene said finally. "What a coincidence."
"Huh?" Cadet asked. Did Marlene know something that she didn't?
Marlene looked around. "Skipper is your brother."
Cadet could tell when she was serious and when she was joking. This was not one of the joking moments. "Wait, what?" Cadet finally asked.
"Skipper is your brother" Marlene repeated. "After you left, Skipper was transferred. The other penguins after him, most likely while you were in Japan. Then the lemurs came, and then I was transferred. Now you're here. It's kind of funny if you think about it."
"That can't be" Cadet protested. "Skipper and I are nothing alike."
"Believe what you want to" Marlene said. "But otters have a sharp memory. I know if he is or isn't. Anyway, if you absolutely have to know, check out the database. It has files on every animal."
"Where is the database?" Cadet asked. "I'm going there tonight."
"One, it's over there" said Marlene pointing to a building with a horizontal roof. "And second, you can't go alone. You have to bring someone with you."
"Okay then" Cadet agreed. "I'll bring you."
"No! Don't go dragging me into this Cadet. Bring Skipper or somebody. Just not me."
"Fine" said Cadet, climbing back up the wall. "I'll bring Kowalski. He might be able to understand how to find the file for the penguins."
"Bye Cadet!" Marlene called out waving. "It's nice seeing you again!"
"Bye Marlene!" Cadet replied. And then she shot out into the night.
