CHAPTER SIX: Remorse

Because of his nasty ankle injury, Skipper had no choice but to take a couple of days off. The fact that there was very little chance for him to get back to health before the Match made him feel upset, obviously, but he didn't want to cry it out in front of others.

"Stay frosty" he kept repeating to himself, while recovering in his military bunk.

Kowalski would trash about through the corridors during the breaks, his face gloomy and depressed. One day, he almost bounced against Cassie.

"Oh dear, sorry Cassie, didn't notice you coming by" he muttered, violent blush leaking on his face.

"No problemo!" chirped Cassie cheerfully. "I was just looking for you. Tracey and I have checked today's menu in our school canteen. I was just wondering, If we could dine together! They're serving delicious herring salad with tuna sauce!"

"Herring salad.. with tuna sauce? That's my favorite!" Kowalski's face brightened for a couple of seconds.

"Good then, let's go!" said Cassie and grabbed Kowalski by arm.

Two minutes later, they were already sitting round the table, together with Tracey and Cassie, munching on their favorite salad. Kowalski raised his head from above the plate and spotted Mr Snowhill, making his way towards were they were sitting.

"Mr Kowalski, may I talk to you for a minute?" he asked politely.

Kowalski widened his eyes in astonishment.

"Sure".

"Congratulations, young man. You've been invited to take part in the International Scientist's Conference in New Jersey." He said, while offering a green, oblong envelope to Kowalski.

"The w..what?"

"I've met their chairman two days ago, and told him a little about your passions and achievements" confessed Mr Snowhill. "He said he would be delighted to take you along".

"Really!" chirped Kowalski in a high pitched voice.

_)_

"Ain't that fantastic, Kowalski!" said Cassie, after Kowalski had shared the news with the group. She rasped from her chair and gave him a tight hug.

"Good on ya, mate!" said Tracey. "So, when do you have to leave?"

"Well it sais I have to arrive at least one day before the Conference" said Kowalski, sweeping his eyes over the letter. "It means I will have to leave on Friday, that is, in two days. I also have to take a lantern with me; We're going to investigate a secret, underground cave, somewhere in Newark's suburbs."

"Wow! That sounds like fun!" said Cassie. "Once again, congratulations, man!"

_00_

Kowalski didn't feel like going home straight after school. At least not for the next two hours. He would trash about in the Park, cradling his notepad, mixed feelings touring his soul apart.

"Here are some geography and science notes I made for you" said Shay, offering several paper sheets to Skipper.

"Thank you so much, dollface" replied Skipper, and raised himself up in his bedsheets.

"I've also bought you some fruits" added Shay and reached for her bag. Meanwhile Private was making some warm coffee for all three of them. Rico was in the druggery, buying some medicine for Skipper.

"By the way, where is Kowalski?" asked Shay, seeing that the tallest penguin was missing.

"He said he wanted to go for a short stroll in the park.. needed some time for himself to think things over.. or something among these lines" said Private.

Kowalski came back home at 9:00 p.m. Shay was already home, Private and Rico were in the magazine, searching for a mixer.

"I've heard from Shay about your Invitation, Kowalski" said Skipper. "Congratulations, soldier".

"T'snothin.." muttered Kowalski under his beak and turned quickly away to avoid Skipper's look. He pretended to search for something under the table.

"You should start pack your things soon" continued Skipper. "Are you sure, you've got everything you need for your journey?"

"I'm searching for a lantern right now.." mumbled Kowalski. " I need a good lantern.. Maybe in my lab.." he rushed quickly towards his private laboratory to get out of Skipper's sight. But he knew he couldn't hide there forever. On the top of that, the lantern was nowhere to be seen. He came out of his lab and spotted Skipper limping slowly towards the cupboard.

"What the heck do you think you're doing?" he cried. "You aren't allowed to leave your bed for the next two days!"

"I've just wanted to check something in the cupboard, soldier" explained Skipper. "I'm pretty sure I've got my old, military lantern in one of these shuffles."

Kowalski shook his head in annoyance and waddled over towards the table. He grabbed his journey bag and started to clean it from the dust.

"Here, Kowalski. I've found it" he heard Skipper's voice behind him. "I've found it" he handed him a yellow-blue military lantern. Kowalski took it in his flippers and felt his heart wrench. He couldn't hold it back any longer. He felt two, hot tears, streaming down his cheek.

He started to cry.