Seemed like chapter 3 was good, right? As usual, *'s means there's notes. A new symbol has arisen. When the perspective changes, there'll be a (P) with the parentheses means a perspective change. Oh, and time is still paused, BTW, in case that was unclear. So let's get onto the story. Sorry if characters are out of character.

Chapter 4 – The Snack Mission

"Well, Marlene," I said. Do you want to walk or drive?" * "I think a walk would be a nice way to relax and think," she said. "OK. Skipper, please make sure Kowalski or Rico don't blow anything up," I said. "Can do," Skipper said.

While Marlene and I were walking, I couldn't help but notice she looked deep in thought. "What're you thinking about Marlene?" I asked. "Well, I'm just wondering what this all means. We're real, but not real at the same time," she replied.

I took a minute to try to come up with a reply to that. "Well, it's better to know than to not know, right? At least you know that you were on TV in this dimension than not knowing anything," I said. "I guess. But I just wonder what it means for me and…" she started to reply and then stopped. **

"You and who?" I asked. She seemed hesitant, but continued anyway. "Me and Skipper," she said. "What do you mean?" I asked. "Well, I really like Skipper, but I'm not sure what he thinks of me," she said. I was a bit surprised, but not entirely. I chuckled a bit. "You think that's funny?" she asked.

"No, of course not Marlene, it's just that I never knew. I thought it was a fan thing. I never knew that it was true. There's actually a popular phrase for it on the Internet from fans," I said. "What's the phrase?" she asked. "Well, it's actually a mash up of your names. It's called Skilene," I said, as we walked into the supermarket.

"Skilene, huh? That's an interesting mash up. I like it," she said. "That's good. Now what should we get?" I asked. "Well, we should probably get the Penguins some fish and… Ooh, plantains!" she exclaimed happily as she spotted them over in produce.

I laughed a bit. "Some things never change do they, Marlene?" I asked. "Nope. And this time I don't have to worry about what'll happen to me if I have some plantains," she said. "I still say that was Julian's fault," I said. (P)

*** Back at my home, the Penguins were busy thinking of a way to get home. "Skipper, I believe we may be able to get home with the right equipment," Kowalski said. "Outstanding Kowalski!" Skipper said. "There's just one problem. It appears that in this universe, there is no McGuffium 239," Kowalski said.

"So we're stuck here?" Private asked. "Until we can find a version of it in this universe, we are," Kowalski replied. "Cheese and crackers!" Skipper exclaimed. "Maybe the human knows something Skipper," Kowalski suggested. (P)

So after grabbing the plantains, some fish, and some oysters as well, Marlene and I started to head back. "So you really think I have a chance with Skipper?" Marlene asked. "Of course. When you bleached your fur, he still drew the unbleached you on the zoo wall. That means deep down, he likes you, too." "I remember that now! I guess I didn't realize that before! Wow!" Marlene said. "We need to think of a good idea. Not so far as bleaching your fur again, but something else," I said.

"I've got an idea, but it's risky," Marlene said. "So is love. Well, to quote Skipper," I replied. We both laughed. "So true. My feet are getting kind of tired, can we rest for a minute?" Marlene asked. "Sure," I replied as we both sat down on some grass.

"So what's your plan, Marlene?" I asked. "Well, it may be odd, but I was thinking you try to ask Skipper what he thinks of me," Marlene said. "Me? I'm not that good with relationships that much, but I'll surely try after you're all asleep later," I replied. "Thank you," Marlene said. "I think my feet feel better now, so let's head back." "Ok," I said.

When we got back, luckily everything was still intact. "What took you two so long?" Skipper asked us. "Marlene's feet got tired, so we stopped to rest. Oh, and here are the snacks." I said, handing the bags to him. "Well, alright. But Kowalski needs some help," Skipper said.

"What's up Kowalski?" I asked him. "Well, it seems your universe lacks McGuffium 239, which we need to get back home," he explained. I sighed, "So now what?" I asked. "Well, I was hoping you knew of a substitute that would work," Kowalski said. "Sorry Kowalski, I'm not sure if I know of any. Maybe we should just all rest and then come up with a plan," I said. "Skipper, do you think it's a good idea to rest?" I asked.

"I think so. Everyone find something to sleep on," he said. With that, they all went around grabbing pillows and blankets for each of them. After they were sleeping, I decided to go outside for a bit.

I guess Skipper had heard me, as he soon popped up outside. "Where are you off to, soldier?" he asked. "Just getting some air," I said. "Well, do you mind if I ask you another question?" he asked. "Sure. Why not," I replied. "So what's up?"

"Do you think I have any chance with Marlene?" he asked me. **** I was a bit, as Private would put it, gob smacked, but thought how to say something to him without giving away Marlene's secret. "Sure, Skipper. Look at you, you're the leader of a highly trained group of penguins in your prime," I said.

"Yes, but I'm a bird and she's a mammal," he said. "Well look at Melman and Gloria. They're a hippo and a giraffe and they're together. ***** "How do you… never mind," he said. "You're always calling Marlene cute and naïve. Were you trying to hint at something?" I asked.

"Yes, but I think she may never have caught on," he said worriedly. "Skipper, do you remember when you had that identity crisis and you thought you were a girl?" I asked him. "Yes, but I don't see what you're getting at," he said. "Skipper you and Marlene hugged after the DNA analyzer proved you were a guy," I replied.

"Yes, but I called mammals morons and Marlene is a mammal," he said. "Well, did you ever apologize to her for that?" I asked. "Well, no. We both just took time to cool off," he said. "And therein lies part of the problem. Maybe if you apologized, you could be better. And you could also try to stop treating Marlene as just one of the guys. That means letting her sleep and no more burping contests unless she explicitly wants in, which I doubt will happen."

"Thank you for the advice soldier. I'll see you later," he said and went back inside. After he left, I couldn't help but think of what happened today. I had met the group some hours ago and they've already admitted some secrets. And, finally, I knew Skilene was real. Now the hard part will be getting them interested in each other and getting them home.

And end chapter 4. Wow, a lot happened this chapter. The 5 are essentially stranded until we can come up with an alternative to McGuffium. But, dang, Skilene is real for both Marlene and Skipper. How will I help them get together and then back home? That's all to be answered soon. Time for notes.

* I live like 5-10 minutes away from a supermarket. That's how I have the option to walk there.

** It was kind've hard to write this out, while trying to keep Marlene in character. But I think I accomplished that.

*** I needed some more Penguins, so why not have them discussing their current problem. Plus, it's a nice conversation to set up stuff later.

**** Marlene pretty much admitted her feelings for Skipper to me, so why not have Skipper do the same?

***** Reference to both Madagascar 2 and 3.