In the morning, Marlene was startled into wakefulness by the two penguins leaping into defensive positions not two feet from her head.

"Woah! What?" She pulled herself up and saw the reason for their sudden alarm. "Oh. Morning Skipper." With a yawn she wandered over to him.

"Morning Marlene." She smiled at his almost shy tone and leant in to kiss his cheek.

"I'm going to take a dip. Try not to fight anymore." She glanced back at her guests who'd relaxed but were still clearly defensive. As she turned to go Skipper caught her arm.

"Thank you Marlene," he whispered. She couldn't hide her surprise.

"What for?"

"For taking care of them when I failed." She smiled and kissed him again.

"You haven't failed yet." She turned and left the boys alone.

For a long time none of them spoke. Rico angrily crossed his flippers while Skipper glanced round Marlene's habitat as though seeking inspiration. Eventually he broke.

"This is ridiculous! Kowalski, I didn't mean anything I said yesterday. I was upset and…" he hesitated again.

"Marlene told us about Denmark, Skipper."

"She did?" Kowalski and Rico nodded. "Huh."

"It'd have been better to have heard it from you though," Kowalski pointed out. "You had nothing to be ashamed of Skipper." Skipper glanced up at him.

"I could say the same to you soldier." They all fell silent again.

"So…" Kowalski began nervously with a glance at Rico. "Are we good?" Skipper looked from one to the other.

"As your commanding officer, I don't care what you do in your personal lives so long as it doesn't affect our missions." His face softened into a smile. "As your friend, I'm happy if you're happy." Kowalski smiled and shared another look with Rico.

"I'm happy," he declared. Rico nodded enthusiastically and moved to put his flipper about his taller companion. Kowalski blushed slightly but Skipper contrived not to notice.

"So, no more lies. How are we going to explain all this to Private? I don't think I can look the kid in the eye and tell him I'm wanted for court martial… even if it wasn't a crime."

"I don't think I can tell him I'm in love with Rico." Rico smiled and wondered how long it would take Kowalski to realise what he'd said. In the meantime he stepped forward with an idea. He pointed to himself and Kowalski, then he pointed to Skipper with a grunt. This done, he gestured again at Skipper before pointing to Kowalski with a grin.

"What's that mean?" Skipper frowned. Kowalski however smiled.

"Excellent idea Rico. He suggests I tell Private about Denmark while you tell him about us."

"Oh. That is a good idea. Well done soldier." He led the way outside. As they reached her pool Marlene reappeared.

"Hey guys. If ever you want a place to crash again, feel free." Skipper smiled at her as the boys waved their thanks, then all three penguins leapt out towards their own place. Private was waiting anxiously. As he saw Kowalski and Rico he rushed over to hug them each in turn.

"Oh! I'm so glad you're back."

"We're glad to be back." Skipper interrupted them with a cough.

"Now, Private. There's something I should explain. About Kowalski and Rico."

"Oh?"

"Yes." Skipper glanced back to where Rico was watching with interest and Kowalski was shuffling his feet. "I'm not going to beat about the bush with you Private," Skipper drew himself up officially. "Kowalski and Rico are a couple." He waited for Private to react then added. "Like me and Marlene."

"OK." The older penguins all stared at him.

"You don't," Kowalski began, "have a problem with it?"

"No. Why? Should I?" he asked innocently.

"No. Absolutely not," Skipper replied firmly.

"Good," Private smiled. The others glanced at each other. Rico expressed it best. He simply shrugged.

"Um… well, Skipper wanted me to tell you something else Private," Kowalski began before Skipper interrupted him.

"That's alright soldier. I'll handle it." Kowalski raised his eyebrows but Skipper had obviously steeled himself. "Why don't you two settle back in. I'll take Private for a little walk." Kowalski nodded once and watched as Skipper led Private away.

Then he turned back to Rico and noticed the large grin that had spread across his face.

"So… what do you want to do now?" Rico regurgitated a tape player and hit play.

You wanna make a memory?
You wanna steal a piece of time?
You can sing the melody to me
And I can write a couple lines
You wanna make a memory?
You wanna make a memory?