It was a peaceful morning. Until the invasion alarms went off. They all jumped up, in various fighting stances...only to see the baby otter.
"Marlene? How did you get in here?"
"I dunno. I only came to see the baby."
Her golden brown eyes stared cheerfully up at them. They didn't smile back.
"Alright! I'll knock next time." And with that, she climbed into the box. Skipper rolled his eyes.
"Mammals."
"'Ou 'eal'y 'a'e ma'als." Rico said.
"What's to like?"
The chick stared wonderingly as Marlene cannon-balled into the turquoise water. She popped up and doggy-paddled towards him.
"Come in! Come in! Come in!" She chanted. He took a step forward. Rico lifted him up and placed him in the water, holding under his wings. The baby gave a little wriggle with his feet.
"Let him go. See what he does." Skipper told him. Rico did so.
"Look, he's floating!" Marlene laughed. She reached out and tugged his little grey flippers. He kicked and managed to go forwards a little.
"He's learning!" Kowalski pointed out.
"He most certainly is. He'll be as good as Shelley once he learns to get his head under."
"That's the worst part."
"We have Marlene. I bet he'll do what she does."
"Yeah?"
"She made him want to go in the water. Maybe she'll show him how to go under one day."
"How long did it take you guys to learn to go under?"
"My mo' sai' i' too' me' ' we'k 'n' ha'f."
"Took me two. My dad said it was a miracle I got to it at all. He really knew how to exaggerate."
"Li' fa'er li' s'n."
"Hey! I still haven't forgotten you trashing the place!"
Kowalski unsuccessfully tried to disguise his laughing with a couple of coughs.
"It isn't funny." Skipper sternly told him. " Anyway, how long did it take you?"
"A day or two."
"That's not normal."
"I know."
"Did you get scared?"
"Yeah. Well, it's over now, it doesn't matter." Not wanting to talk about it anymore, he said quickly, "Private's doing well."
"Yeah. He's doing great."
And the inglorious curse of Writer's Block strikes again! Sorry it took so long! I'm very sorry and unfortunately I can't say it won't happen again! Updates are gonna be slow. I'm very very sorry you guys. I love you all and I'll update when I can, I promise, but it's going to be a little further between. I'm very sorry. Did you like this chapter? Hope you did. REMEMBER REVIEWS AND CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM ARE VERY WELCOME AND ALWAYS WILL BE!
Love from Shania
