The next day was a fairly relaxing one. At least it was supposed to be. Kowalski was supposed to find options for the travel home with the hope of nothing else happening. Meanwhile, Victor's despondent mood was felt by everyone. Here he was, devoting his life to end the reign of terror and the pieces were slipping through his grasp. The penguins actually hoped a little bit that the killer would show up on their doorstep because that was the only way they could find him now. But everyone hoped that he would cheer up soon. Rico, however, was in a good mood. He was in the midst of plotting a romantic dinner. Despite what had happened earlier, he still believed he had a chance with Kitsune; and all the girl penguins, whether they knew it or not, were making their own schemes.

Victor was reclining in a chair with his feet on the table when Meg and Elisa waddled over. They pulled up chairs and sat on either side of him.

Meg: So how are you feeling?

Victor: How does like a complete failure sound?

Elisa: Like a depressed man in his midlife crisis.

Victor: I'm only thirty one, thirty two this December.

Meg: Is there anything we can get you to make you feel better?

Elisa: Or anything we can do?

Victor: Sure. You could bring me the killer, a promotion, my wasted years back, and the man who murdered my parents. That should cover it.

Meg: Why don't we hand you the keys to the city while we're at it.

Elisa: Come on; let's go get some cheese steaks. This is the best place to get them and they'll make you feel better.

Victor: I suppose you're right. I could use some cheering up. Let's go.

He got up from the table and headed out with Meg and Elisa eagerly following. Private was watching television at the time. Pepper walked up to him.

Pepper: Doing anything right now?

Private: Just watching the telly, why?

Pepper: Well I've been doing some work on new battle tactics and want your opinion on them.

Private: Shouldn't you go to Kowalski for advice on tactics?

Pepper: I was thinking that since you're the support guy that adapts to any special skill set needed, you would be able to give me pointers on the stuff I've come up with.

Private: Alright, I suppose I shall assist you if I can.

Together they left for the planning/work room.

Pepper: This is where we make all our battle plans or do any paperwork.

Private: We just use Kowalski's lab or the kitchen table. However, we have been thinking of adding another level beneath us.

Pepper: We were fortunate enough for our HQ have the extra rooms already included. It's a good thing since we're girls. We need more personal space than guys do.

Private: I understand.

Pepper: Anyway, this tactic is mostly based off Elisa. You know basically when a girl seduces a guy into a trap. I don't claim to have invented the idea but I could use some practice. Elisa has got it down but as for me I'm not sure. And I trust myself and I trust you not to do anything.

Private: Alright then, give it a go.

Pepper: Alright, give me a moment to get into character.

She took a deep breath and put on a sultry smile. She slid into a pose that showed off what little curves a penguin has and fluttered her eyebrows. Private was impressed. Most henchmen he had seen were usually pretty dumb and this would probably get them. He was about to complement her when she moved forward.

Pepper: Hey there big fella, how are you? I seem to have lost my way to my room; do you think you can help?

Pepper moved closer and watched her plan work. She had to be brave and move fast before Private could stop her.

Private was definitely getting aroused. He supposed that he should tell her it was good enough. He didn't want to do anything he would later regret. After all, she trusted him and he had a girlfriend. That's when Pepper pressed herself against him.

Private: Pepper…

He was cut off as her beak came to his and pulled him into a passionate kiss. He was barley aware of her sweeping away the maps and charts on the table and pushing him on it. Private had fallen into her trap.

In the kitchen Victor, Meg, and Elisa had returned with their sandwiches and were enjoying them while Rico was looking up restaurants in a directory.

Victor: What're you looking for?

Rico: Fish! Sushi.

Elisa: The one place over on Sixteenth Street has some good sushi. Kitsune likes to get food from there.

Rico's eyes lit up and he slid off to take care of some business.

Meg: What do you suppose he's up to?

Meanwhile, Skipper, Syron, Erin, and Kowalski were entertaining the patrons outside. Luckily none of the patrons were penguin experts and could tell that two of the penguins were male. Closing time was nearing and the number of guests around their enclosure had begun to dwindle. Erin and Kowalski had stopped smiling and waving and were instead discussing their inventions.

Syron: Looks like we've finally got some personal time.

Skipper: Nothing like kicking back after a good day's work of pleasing the zoo goers.

Syron: Agreed. It seems like Erin and Kowalski are conversing about their field so why don't we do the same. It would be a good experience for both of us to discuss command skills and leadership techniques.

Skipper: Sort of like a mini leader's conference, minus the hotel and bonding activities?

Syron: Sort of. Just follow me; I know just the room where we can speak privately.

The two slid into the HQ and up to the door of the planning room. Syron tried the handle but it was locked.

Syron: Strange. Pepper didn't tell me she was doing any top secret paperwork. She needs to inform me of that. Oh well, we can just go to my room since Pepper's obviously not there.

Skipper: You share rooms?

Syron: Yep. Pepper and I, Meg and Elisa, and Kitsune and Erin get their own rooms. It would be nice if we could get Kitsune comfortable enough with letting Erin room with her. Then we would have another free room. But like you've seen, she's not good with other people.

So they went to Syron's room. No sooner had Skipper waddled in had Syron shut the door, locked it, and started leading.

By this time, Victor, Elisa, and Meg had finished their food and were just relaxing.

Elisa: I'm feeling a little thirsty.

Victor: I've got just the thing in my bag. It will cure your thirst and lift your spirits.

He goes to his luggage, rummages around, and pulls out a bottle which he proceeds to set down on the table with three glasses.

Victor: Vodka, straight from the motherland.

Elisa: I don't need a glass.

She took the bottle and chugged a few gulps straight from it. Victor raised an eyebrow.

Victor: I sense a challenge.

He too picked up the bottle and drank straight from it.

Meg: Guess I won't be sitting this one out.

She does the exact same and the bottle is passed around to see who could last the longest. Kowalski and Erin were waddling along, still discussing science.

Erin: So, want to see my lab?

Kowalski: I would be delighted.

They went into the lab and she showed him all sorts of things she had done and how things were set up. She made sure to silently lock the door. When she thought they were deep enough in and hidden enough in case someone did walk in, she turned around.

Erin: Want to see some of my favorite chemistry?

Kowalski: Sure.

Without further warning, Erin tackled him to the ground. The lab heated up with the latest biology experiment.

Kitsune had been in her room most of the day meditating. She was hoping to avoid Rico after their previous encounter. She was ashamed that she had lost control of her anger. But she was curious as to why he wasn't dead. Why had she not killed him? She had done so before with ease. Yet she had retained some control. Her train of thought was interrupted by the mess at the kitchen table. An empty vodka bottle, glasses, and food wrappers littered its surface. Some people just couldn't clean up their messes. She decided to brave the return to her room. Her room was next to Syron's and she found it hard to concentrate on her meditations. She returned to her room and to her dismay found that noises were now coming from Meg and Elisa's room. Some women, she thought; no honor. Sometimes having super ninja skills meant knowing everything that went on. It wasn't always good.

In the meantime, Rico was searching for a specific target along the back alleys of the town. He had gotten a tip and found it to be true when he saw his man down the alley. It was Jimmy the Rat, and he was selling no doubt illegal goods to other shady personnel. Rico spat out a Speak and Spell and snuck up behind him. He put Jimmy in a headlock and started typing.

Speak and Spell: Benny wants his money now.

Jimmy: Ok! Ok! I got the money for him, all of it. Just take it, whoever you are.

Jimmy handed Rico the cash over his shoulder and Rico departed without another electronic word. He looked over his score. $800, nice; he would have some left over to keep. He then headed to the sushi place that had been afore mentioned.

In the HQ, the other three guy penguins were just silently standing around the kitchen table, each with a mug of fish coffee in hand. Skipper had come and made coffee about the time that the others arrived. He could tell by the looks in their eyes that they all shared a mutual experience. He had just handed them mugs without a word. He then broke the silence.

Skipper: I hereby declare what just happened extremely classified. After today, we will never speak of it until safe.

Private: I can't believe I was so trusting. I guess your brand of paranoia is useful.

Skipper: I'm at fault too. I issued the warning that something like this might happen and wasn't even the least bit suspicious.

Kowalski: I'm a terrible person! I cheated on Doris! All the time I spent getting her and now I've thrown it all away!

Skipper: (slaps back of Kowalski's head) At ease soldier. She'll never know and it wasn't your fault.

Private: Oh but Cupid could have been watching. I'm ruined.

Skipper: You'll be fine. She seems to be the forgiving type.

Private: What about you and Marlene? I think she still cares about you and would be hurt by this.

Skipper: That's why this is classified and wait a minute, that's none of your business.

Private: Sorry sir.

It was at that point that Victor walked past them and fixed himself a glass of water, all whilst humming a cheery tune and wearing a smile.

Skipper: What's up with you?

Victor: Nothing.

Skipper: Why are you so happy all of a sudden?

Victor: I don't know what you're talking about.

Rico, meanwhile, had snuck past them and towards Kitsune's room. He cracked the door open and saw that she was deep in meditation. He figured that she already knew he was there but he moved quickly. As fast as he could, he set up the meal he had bought on the coffee table in front of her. As soon as he finished, she cracked an eye open. She knew someone was there but expected Rico least of all.

Kitsune: (writes) What are you doing?

Rico: (grunts) Well, I kind of like you and thought I'd treat you to a romantic dinner.

Kitsune: (writes) Aren't you afraid that I will lose control and kill you?

Rico: (grunts) It just makes things more fun.

Kitsune: (writes) You truly are as crazy as your friends say you are. But still not as crazy as me; I am lost in society.

Rico: (grunts) Aw you're not that bad. Sure you've got some emotional kinks but underneath that is a captivating woman that has me hooked. (Rubs his throat in pain) Wow, I don't usually talk that much.

Kitsune: (writes) Those are some of the kindest words anyone has ever said to me. I feel honored.

Rico: (grunts) I'm only saying what I'm feeling.

Kitsune: (writes) I am still curious as to how it is you don't speak.

Rico: (grunts) No one knows. Many have tried to explain it and failed.

Kitsune: (writes) Be that as it may, I have a story behind my muteness. If you would wish to hear it, I will tell you.

Rico: (grunts) I would be honored.

Kitsune: (writes) This tale explains how I came to be how I am in every aspect of life. Many years ago my sensei kept me as a pet. But he grew to love me as a beloved member of the family and I returned the affection. All the training he did, I watched and learned with him. I turned out to be highly skilled with his martial arts and meditation skills. Then sadness came. His partner died and he grieved her loss with great sorrow. He began to neglect me and life itself. When he realized that he could no longer give me the care he once did, he released me into the ocean with the hope that I would find my way to my ancestral grounds. But it was not so. A set of plastic soda rings caught on my neck and impaired me greatly. If it were not for an environmentalist boat, then I would not be alive. They saved my life but neither my voice nor my sanity. I am now cursed. Too much affection towards me will put me in a rage, as you have seen. I believe that it is mostly directed at my sensei, though he is not to blame.

Rico: (grunts) So you can't say anything at all? I feel so sorry for you. At least I can make these weird grunting noises and the occasional word.

Kitsune: So can I, if I really try.

Rico was amazed. The words had come out raspy and hoarse but she had spoken them nonetheless. It had obviously been painful, though.

Rico: (grunts) Those were the most beautiful words I've ever heard you say.

Kitsune: (writes) Those were the only words you've ever heard me say. They win by default.

Rico: (grunts) It doesn't matter to me. You know, you're a lot friendlier than they make you out to be.

Kitsune: (writes) There is something about you that makes me let my guard down. But I warn you, if you push my emotions too far, the results may be disastrous.

Rico: (grunts) I'll take my chances.

With no hesitation, Rico placed his flipper over Kitsune's heart. She froze and waited for the inevitable. But nothing happened. She looked up in wonderment at Rico and placed her flipper over his heart while he kept his over her racing one. She stayed like this for a while, savoring being close to somebody. Eventually she pulled away.

Kitsune: (writes) Is there finally a chance for me to be normal?

Rico: (grunts) As long as I can help it.

Kitsune: (writes) Thank you so much.

Rico: (grunts) Anything for you.

Kitsune: (writes) Come, let us not allow this food to go to waste. By the way, I think it would be beneficial if I teach you some of my signing. We could also spar, if you don't mind getting beaten by a girl again.

Rico: (grunts) It all depends on what you want.

Their dinner lasts well into the night as they get to know each other and grow closer. It goes better than either of them ever thought it would.

The next morning, while the men were packing to leave, the girls were sitting around and gossiping about their latest exploits.

Pepper: None of those guys were as good as Private, I bet you. He was so sweet and innocent.

Erin: Kowalski was better. He and I both share a love of science and that just bonded us so well. How was yours Syron?

Syron was debating a thought in her mind but snapped her head up when her name was called.

Syron: Oh, he was fine. Listen, I've been thinking about what we did and I think we should apologize. All those guys, except for Skipper, are in relationships. But the grapevine tells me that Skipper is in a delicate situation with Marlene. And what I did didn't help.

Elisa: Do we have to?

Syron: It wasn't a suggestion. I am your commanding officer and order you to do so.

Elisa: Fine.

Meg: (jokingly) So Kitsune, did you get yourself a hot date?

Kitsune: (signs) Yes actually. Rico and I shared a romantic dinner.

Erin: No way!

Pepper: Good for you. It's nice to see that you've made some progress.

Syron: Congratulations aside, we have a job to do.

A short time later, the girls had gathered the guys together and were offering sincere apologies.

Syron: And so I would like to ask for your forgiveness for our actions. We put our selfish desires ahead of morality. We are truly sorry.

Skipper: Apology accepted. Everyone's allowed a slip up now and again.

It was here Marlene walked in. Most of her time had been spent filling in for Antonio. Luckily no one was on otter expert and noticed. You would have thought that the zookeepers would notice that their animals keep changing gender though.

Marlene: Hey guys, what'cha ya talking about?

Her question was met with mumbles and reassurances that it is nothing. They shuffle about awkwardly. She noticed this and pressed further.

Marlene: Okay, seriously, what's up?

Private: It's really nothing… oh look at the time! I've got to go do that thing.

Everyone else offered their own quick excuse and was gone before she could say anything else. And try as she might, she couldn't get anyone to talk about whatever it was they were guarding. Neither Rico nor Kitsune had anything to hide for they just had a date. But all she got from everyone else was "classified." Finally, it was time to head to the airport. They reached the tarmac right before the plane started being loaded with luggage.

Marlene: We don't have to jump out of this plane do we?

Skipper: Not at all. This one lands right at JFK.

They started preparing their plan for sneaking aboard when Kitsune pulled Rico aside.

Kitsune: (writes) I will miss you.

Rico: (grunts) Same here.

Kitsune: (writes) Just remember the meditations I taught you. Release your mind from your body and I shall find you. Physically, we may be separate but our minds can meet at will. However, this will do for now.

She pulled Rico into a kiss that he cautiously but eagerly returned. He broke away and went to his team while waving goodbye. The female penguins were stunned. They had never seen her that close to someone before. And they had rarely ever seen her smiling. Her smile now suggested a happiness that she had not experienced in years.

The New Yorkers boarded the plane and headed back home not much later.

Erin: I wonder when Marlene will find out.

Pepper: Hopefully not on the way there. Then that will be one long plane ride.

The ride home was peaceful and uneventful. Private and Rico slept. Marlene and Skipper were having their first time alone in awhile while Kowalski and Victor were elsewhere.

Marlene: So, I guess it has been a while since we really talked.

Skipper: Yeah, I guess so.

Marlene: I want to say I'm sorry for how cold I've been to you and some of the things I said back a couple of days ago.

Skipper: It was my fault too. I said some pretty harsh things.

Marlene: So are we friends again?

Skipper: I never stopped considering you my friend.

Marlene: Thanks Skipper. So what did happen back in Philadelphia?

Skipper: Classified.

Marlene: Oh come on.

Skipper: Well, the girls had been alone all by themselves for a long time ad I had a moment of weakness.

Marlene: Am I hearing what I think I am hearing?

Skipper: Well, um, that depends on you interpretation.

Marlene: Skipper you tell me what happened right now!

On the other side of the luggage compartment, Kowalski and Victor were just talking. The conversation had shifted to their girlfriends.

Victor: So you're dating a dolphin and Private is dating one of Santa's Reindeer? How does that work with, you know, it?

Kowalski: Oh, that. Well I won't give you the exact mechanics of it but Doris and I make it work. I don't think Private and Cupid have slept with each other though.

Victor: You all just could never have children, right?

Kowalski: Yep. But I am working on a gene splicer that will allow genes from both species to make a new embryo.

Victor: Good luck with that. You know, I've been with some different species before but you guys got me beat.

Twenty minutes later, the plane landed. The passengers disembarked and headed to their respective homes. For six of them it was the Central Park Zoo. The group reached their habitats and turned off the robots. They could sleep for now but thoughts of the next day filled them with weariness. How were they going to catch a killer that vanished like a ghost? The penguin's thoughts were interrupted by the approach of the two badgers, Becky and Stacy. Stacy hung back a bit while Becky came closer. She seemed really nervous.

Becky: I need to talk to you Skipper. But, um, I'm really afraid, um, and…

Skipper: Just spit it out women.

Becky: I know who the killer is.