Well, it's time for chapter 10. Don't worry about the title. I'm not done writing, not by a long shot. I'll explain that later. As usual, *'s means notes at the bottom and (P) means a perspective change from one character or scene to another. Also, sorry this chapter is late. Real life just gets in the way sometimes, you know? Anyway, let's read now.

CHAPTER 10 – Going Home

Just then, the other three penguins came outside. "The Multi-Dimensional Transporter is 100% complete," Kowalski said. "Outstanding!" Skipper said. "For a reward for you 4 keeping level heads during all this, we'll all go get…" Skipper started to say, pausing for dramatic effect.

"Snow cones!" Skipper finished. The penguins and Marlene cheered. I also saw Marlene blush a little bit. I knew exactly why: The first time she had tried to leave the zoo, it had been for snow cones. Now she'll finally be able to have one.

"So Kowalski, what am I supposed to do with your invention? I don't exactly know where to put it, if you know what I mean," I said. "Don't worry. I added a feature that will allow us to take it back to our universe," he explained. "That's good because I don't think I could explain to my family what the invention exactly is," I replied.

Back inside, we were all preparing for them to leave and saying our goodbyes. "Thank you, guys, for dropping in. It was a lot of fun to meet you and go on that adventure," I said to the five. "Thank you. It was great for us as well," Skipper said, speaking of the whole group.

* "Thanks for coming Private," I said to him, while shaking his flipper. "No problem. It was nice to meet you," he said, in his little accent. Kowalski then waddled up. "Kowalski, you're definitely the smartest Penguin in any universe. I just have one request: Can I please have my calculator back?" I asked him.

"Sure. Here you go," he said while handing it back to me. "And it was nice to meet a human that understands us as well. And thanks for taking me to that lab. I have some great invention ideas now," he said, while shaking his flipper with my hand.

"Rico, you're the coolest bird I've ever met. Thanks for not destroying anything while you were here. Keep up the good work," I said to him. Instead of a flippershake, we high fived/flippered. "Thanks," Rico said.

Next up was Skipper. "Outstanding work, soldier. I hereby make you an honorary Penguin," Skipper said. "Wow, thanks! Am I the first human you've designated as an honorary Penguin?" I asked. "Actually yes," he said. "Thanks. I feel very honored to have been part of your team all this time," I said. "Thanks for helping me with Marlene," he whispered. "Anytime, Skipper, anytime," I replied, also whispering. We then shook appendages.

"Thanks for the fun times Marlene," I said as she walked up to me. "No problem. It was very fun," she said. "And thanks for helping me with Skipper," she said, whispering that part. "No problem, Marlene. Happy to help," I said, also whispering that part. We then hugged goodbye.

"Everyone ready?" Kowalski asked. "Yes," we all said. Ok. I am unpausing time," he said, pressing the button on the Stopwatch. Time unpaused and we could all hear the flow of cars on the highway in the distance. "Everyone ready to go home?" he then asked. "Yes, Kowalski," the four said.

With that, he turned on the machine. We all waited with bated breath to see if anything would go wrong with this Transporter. After a minute nothing had happened. "Wow, it worked without a hitch," I said. "Yes. That's because of my correct calculations this time. I have to remember to get myself a new calculator," he said.

Kowalski, Private, and Rico then jumped in the portal. "Good luck you guys!" I shouted. Just then I noticed Skipper and Marlene still standing there. ** "Why are you two still here?" I asked, confused. "Well, you said there's a lot of fan fiction out there wanting us to be together, so why not a quick picture of some to please the fans?" they both said. I laughed and quickly took a photo of them kissing.

"Now, remember, guys, you're welcome here anytime," I said to the two of them. "Thank you," they both said, and jumped through the portal. "Good luck, you two!" I shouted after them. The portal then closed and the machine vanished with it. I immediately uploaded the photo onto the internet. (P to their universe)

Though they had jumped in at different times, they all arrived at the same time back in the HQ. "It feels great to be back!" Private exclaimed. "Yeah, yeah!" Rico said, agreeing. "Skipper, what did he mean by saying good luck to you two?" Kowalski asked of Skipper and Marlene.

"Well, you see, he meant…" he started to say. Suddenly Marlene gave him another kiss on the beak. "He meant that, Kowalski, he meant that," she said. All 3 other penguins, even Rico with his love-mush sensitivity said, "Aww." "Do you think we'll ever see him again?" Marlene asked. "I guarantee it, Marlene. I guarantee it," Skipper said. ***

And that wraps up the story in a nice little bow. Oh, and I'm not done writing, not be a long shot. Go to the epilogue on the next chapter for details. Now let's get to the notes, shall we?

* Can't just end the story without us saying goodbye to each other, now can I?

** The idea of them staying for a few more seconds for a quick Skilene photo just randomly came to me.

*** Go read the epilogue. That's all I'll say on the subject here.