..… Entry #1 …..

"Skipper's log: It's about 1400 hours, somewhere deep in the jungles of Mexico. I've decided to settle here, after separating from Manfredi and Johnson. It seems as good a place as any to spend the remainder of my days. It's almost as far from Denmark as I can get and it's nice and secluded… that way, I won't be a danger to anyone anymore. Maybe this is the isolation I deserve…

"Anyway! Turns out, I found a tourist camp just a couple of miles south. It had gobs of stuff to scavenge through. Given the price on my head, I rooted through for some tools first. Something I can use to protect myself, when Hans or the Danes eventually come after me here. I found the niftiest crossbow! It's got a nice red handle and the grip is pretty good. You never know the things you'll find out in the world.

"Besides the crossbow, I also found this tape recorder. Yeah, it's pretty corny but I decided to start this log. I guess, it gives me someone to talk to… and a trace that I was here, when something happens…

"But anywho, it's just like the logs that ship captains and heroic voyagers would keep, right? Yeah, yeah…

"Anyway, signing off."

..… Entry #2 …..

"Skipper's log: It's, uh, uh… about 0100 hours… if I had to guess. I'm not really too sure anymore. It's been a long night. I can't really manage to sleep… I haven't for the past few nights. Every time I do, I … I jolt myself awake. What if they come while I'm asleep? I'd never know. That would be the obvious time for them to capture me. I'd be a fool to let them! Yeah, I have to… - I have to keep watch.

He sighs. "What am I doing? I can't stay up all night. And I certainly can't sleep during the day either… the Danes aren't the only danger now that I'm back out here in nature.

He laughs humorlessly. "Maybe it would be for the best if a jaguar or something snatched me. It sure beats getting sent to a penal colony or work camp. And at least someone would get a meal out of it. It might be best for everyone if that happened, actually… I've endangered just about everyone who's ever trusted me.

There is rustling in the bushes nearby. Skipper begins to hyperventilate and cries softly. "Not now, please. Not now. They're here! They're after me…"

Several minutes later, the rustling stops. Whatever must have been in the bushes had no interest. Skipper whispers again, now even more agitated. "Urrh, I need some sleep. I - I … this is torture! No, this is what I deserve, right? First, I turned Sam away and now I put Manfredi and Johnson at risk. I'm, I'm just a hazard. I can put up with this. I have to put up with this.

"Not everyone can be the hero. Just like Hans said. Yeah, he's, he's right. Heck, he's even a commander in the spy agency now. He must have done something right. I was never meant to be anything more than a burden. Now it's best I keep my distance.

"Yeah, that's what I'll do. For my safety, but more importantly for the ones I care about. I'll stay here in the jungle. I'll make do. Yeah, I'll, I'll make do.

"S-s-igning off."

..… Entry #3 …..

"Skipper's log: when's it going to be, huh? When are they coming for me? I know, it's only a matter of time before Hans and the Danes track me down again." Skipper is nearly out of breath when he talks, barely coherent.

"Um," he swallows, "uh, 0300 hours, I think… I can't sleep again. Every little noise wakes me up and sends my thoughts spiraling like a whirlpool."

Skipper hesitates in turning off his only source of company. "Signing off."

..… Entry #4 …..

"Skipper's log: I, uh, can't seem to remember what day it is. All I know is I've been out here for at least a few weeks. A month maybe? Right? A month? Yeah."

..… Entry #5 …..

"Skipper's log: I had a dream Sam and I were back in Antarctica. And you know what? I was happy there."

Skipper sighs. "Who even am I anymore?"

..… Entry #6 …..

"Skipper's log: It's late morning, approximately 1100 hours if I'm reading the sun correctly."

Skipper sighs. "I didn't get much sleep again last night. Not sure why I even -"

The recording is interrupted by the sound of a far-off scream. "Help! Help! Somebody please help!"

Against his better judgment, Skipper drops the tape recorder and takes off towards the sound.

..… Entry #7 …..

"Skipper's log: 1300 hours. I can hardly believe what just happened." Skipper is breathless but much more invigorated.

"I was just entering my latest log entry, when I heard a noise from over by the river. It's usually where I get my fish, so I knew the way. There was a whole family of tapirs crossing when it looked like one of the little ones got his foot caught on a submerged branch. If he didn't get out soon, he'd be swept under the current.

"The father had crossed the river and was waiting with his kids. There was nothing he could do. But, when I got there… when I got there, I just dove in.

"I didn't even have time to think about it. I just dove in. Who knows if I had the strength to move the branch or contend against the raging, swirling currents? But I did it!

"And wouldn't you know, I managed to dive down and free the little guy's foot."

Skipper chuckles breathlessly. "Looks like I might still be good for something after all."

"It must have been all that training with the agency that prepared me for that." Skipper sighs, still stunned.

"And the father, he - he was so relieved when I pulled his son out of the water. The look he had in his eyes when his son was safe… it - it was… - something I hadn't seen before, except for when…. Nevermind.

"Ha, then he looked like wanted to give me a hug. So, I got out of there real quick, ha.

"Signing off."

..… Entry #8 …..

"Skipper's log: 0800 hours. It looks like the tapir family left me a present. They dropped off a bunch of fruit to me this morning. The sound of them approaching woke me up admittedly. I've been so tired lately…

He laughs, "the thought of a bunch of tapirs causing me such a scare. It was rather embarrassing, but the gift is thoughtful."

..… Entry #9 …..

"Skipper log: Things have really seemed to take a turn for… dare I say the better here.

"I've certainly made myself useful among the jungle denizens. Just yesterday I managed to free a couple of toucans from a poacher's net.

"Befriending the locals was never something on my itinerary for hiding in the jungle. But I guess, it couldn't hurt to help out, right? I'll just keep my distance is all.

"Signing off,"

..… Entry #10.…..

"Skipper's log: Welp, turns out I've gotten quite the reputation now. It seems like I've helped just about every animal in this rainforest. ' Least that's what it feels like now that most of them recognize me… and are so comfortable with me.

"I guess, it could be worse. And hey, I'm finally putting all this training to good use. Turns out, I've been sleeping a lot better lately too.

"I've even brushed up on a bit of my Spanish. The kids call me Senor Pinguino. It's kinda… adorable actually." Skipper chuckles.

"But right, not getting too attached. Bad things happen when I get attached.

"Signing off."

..… Entry #11 …..

"Skipper's log: It's, uh, about" Skipper yawns, "2200 hours.

"Completed another raid of the human camp. And I'm glad I did. Turns out one of those hair-impaired mammals must be studying military strategy, or was.

"I managed to snag an audiobook about an ancient snow monkey warrior!"

Skipper regains his cool, after geeking out. "Eh, he's no Buck Rockgut, but uh, this audiobook cassette tape sure is hard to put down.

"But, nonetheless, General Shingin insists warriors must get a full night's rest to perform at their highest, deadliest potential. Looks like I'll be hitting the hay… or leaves.

"Signing off."

..… Entry #12 …..

"Skipper's log: I haven't really made an entry in a while. I've been so wrapped up in General Shingin and his martial strategies. Between listening to that, training, and stepping in whenever I'm needed with the other animals, I've been rather busy. It's good to have something to do I guess. It feels a lot better than sitting around all day with my thoughts, ha…

"But nevertheless, I already feel stronger! Under the General's guidance and following up with my own personal training, I feel as fit as ever to protect and serve the other animals. That and… you know, defend myself if need be.

"Ah, but they haven't come for me yet! I've been here for a while now. Maybe it's safe to say they won't find me here. And even if they do, I think I can take 'em.

"Well, I'm off to do more reading… or listening. The next chapter goes over General Shingin's leadership strategy!

"Signing off."

.… Entry #13 …..

"Skipper log: It's 1100 hours and I just completed General Shingin's biography in full. Front to back!

"Ha, you know, it kinda almost reminded me of those bedtime stories… Sam would always tell me about Buck Rockgut….

Skipper pauses, catching himself. "Um…

"But hey! I'm already feeling much stronger! I haven't felt this good since my days training back at the agency.

"Now, all I need to do is maintain this training regiment.

"Signing off."

..… Entry #14 …..

"Skipper's log: It's, uh, uh, 1400 hours. Well, it's been about a week since I finished the audiobook. I've been sticking to the training, and, of course, helping the locals. But for the rest of the day…

"I guess, I just need more action. Something to keep me busy. If I'm alone for long enough, I start thinking again, worrying again.

Skipper laugh coldly, "you know, about all the things I've floundered up. Guess I need another hobby, huh?

"Signing off."

.… Entry #15 …..

"Skipper's log: Well, it's 1800 hours. Went back to the human camp again today and I found this snazzy, Spanish guitar.

"I'm gonna teach myself how to play it! It can't be too hard, right? Looks like I got my work cut out for me.

"Signing off!"

..… Entry #16 …..

"Skipper's log: This guitar playing's coming along quite well! I've learned a few songs already and made up my own. Maybe if I ever get out of here one day, I'll be a guitarist for real. I could even take my alias Diego Garcia back up.

"It's attracted even more attention from the locals actually. Especially the kids. Sometimes they'll come around to watch me play. Yeah, I've grown a bit of a soft spot for the little ragamuffins.

"Well, it gives me something to do. And something about the Latin melodies stirs the soul. Anyway, looks like I'll be a local musician for a little while.

"Signing off."

..… Entry #17 …..

"Skipper's log: Well, just put on another impromptu show for the kids. This time the spider monkey brothers came to see me play.

"You know, it kinda reminded me of… I don't know. Looks like I'm back to thinking too much again.

"Signing off."

..… Entry #18 …..

"Skipper's log: Hey Sam, uh… yeah, I know this is pretty sappy. Not usually my style but, uh, I thought this might help me to stop thinking. You know, get it all out.

"So, uh, well I guess I'll get started… so, whatcha been up to lately? Are you and Eleanor still together, you know, doing well? And hey, look! I remembered her name this time!

"Me? Well, I haven't been too bad. I've made quite the life for myself out here in the jungles of Mexico. Sure, I've been in hiding but you know, things aren't so bad. It's not exactly a tropical paradise but I've made due.

"I've been making friends with the locals, working on my strength training, teaching myself how to play guitar. And, something that might interest you, I've actually been helping out some of the locals. Sort of like going on missions! Just like Buck Rockgut!

"I think you might be proud of me…. I - I hope you'd be proud of me, Sam."

Skipper clears his throat. "I, uh, I miss you.

"And I don't know if this will ever get to you. I, uh… hope this gets to you somehow, I guess. With all the danger I've put myself in, this might even be all that's left of me someday. That and the jungle's a real dangerous place.

"So, admittedly this is somewhat for me. But it would be good, I guess, for you to have something left of me, if you want it. I guess, it's good to have if anything were to happen… I just wanted to get the chance to talk to you again.

"Uh… I really don't know what else to say here." Skipper chuckles nervously and clears his throat. "I guess, I'll talk to you later.

"Signing off."

..… Entry #19 …..

"Skipper's log: Hey Sam! Things have been pretty copacetic here lately. The fishing's been quite nice lately. I've got to say, it is nice to not have to worry about snow down here. That's funny coming from a penguin, right? But really what kinda penguin am I at this point?"

Skipper laughs. "Anyway, I hope things are going well with you.

"Talk to you soon."

..… Entry #20 …..

"Skipper's log: Merry Christmas, Sam.

"Or, I guess you could say 'Feliz Navidad' as the locals wished me. It's uh, funny, I didn't even realize it was that time of year again.

"It's, uh, my first Christmas alone. Kinda an odd feeling.

"I know it's a little schmaltzy but I'm feeling a bit lonely this time around."

Skipper sighs. "I messed up. I really messed up, Sam, and I know that. I don't blame you for throwing me out. It wasn't right for me to ask you to put your family in danger for me."

Skipper pauses to think. "You know, Sam, one day I'm going to get out of here. And when it's safe enough to show my face, when I'm sure I won't be putting you or Eleanor or anyone else in danger, I'm going to make things right. I promise.

"See you soon, I hope."

..

A little less than a month from his last entry, Skipper's found a new motivation. He's hoping to improve in his training and somehow find a strategy for clearing his name. It might take years, but he's no longer planning to stay here. For the past year, and then some, he had left himself for dead. He abandoned himself. Actually, it had felt more like eight years. But not anymore, he's going to redeem himself.

One night in particular, Skipper sits around the fire. Having just finished a big meal, he is rather sleepy. It seems he might call it a night rather early. Well, that just means he'll be up and ready for training the next day. He begins reclining and allows himself to begin to doze off.

Just then, Skipper senses a presence. Someone is there with him, watching him. He can't exactly pinpoint who or where it is coming from, but he feels it in his gut.

"Show yourself and state your business!" Skipper calls out and readies himself in battle position. Had the Danes caught up to him? Just when he got used to his new life in the jungle.

"Oh dear, pardon me." The voice didn't sound threatening at all. It was rather silly in nature. And was that a British accent?

A tall, Adelie penguin comes stepping out of the darkness. The feathers atop of his head are starting to gray and his beak is wide. He's an odd stranger that's for sure, but Skipper doesn't let his guard down.

"I hope I'm not interrupting." The penguin apologizes.

Interrupting what? His sleep? He's all alone out here, there's really nothing he could be interrupting. Skipper assumes it's obligated courtesy.

The strange penguin calls out. "Are you Skippah?" He doesn't get too close to Skipper, perhaps to show that he is no threat.

"That depends, who's asking." Skipper doesn't lower his tone nor posture.

"My name's Nigel." He steps closer, showing himself better in the firelight. "I'm Eleanor's brother, Sam's brother-in-law."

Skipper lowers his defenses. Sam's brother-in-law? He hadn't heard from Sam since… since he had told him to leave that time. What does this Nigel character want? Maybe, Sam changed his mind. Could they be inviting him over for the holidays? The thought thrilled Skipper. This could be his chance to make amends. As much as Skipper hated apologies, he might even give one to Sam as a belated Christmas present.

"I wish we were meeting under better circumstances." Nigel clears his throat.

What's that supposed to mean? Is this some sort of trap? Was this Nigel working with the Danes?

Nigel pauses, unsure of what to say next. Skipper listens very intensely. If he didn't know better, he might've seen a tear forming in Nigel's eye. It reflected the light of the fire.

"There's been an accident." Nigel continues.

The air is sucked out of Skipper's lungs. That wasn't what he thought Nigel was going to say at all.

"What do you mean 'accident'?" Skipper is firm and desperately needs Nigel to get to the point.

Nigel clears his throat once more, now certainly choking back tears. "A few nights ago, Eleanor and Sam went out for one of their walks in the park, but… they never came back."

Skipper can feel his body start to tremble. However, despite his visceral response, he can't seem to bring himself to believe that Sam - his brother - was involved in some sort of accident. Sam was invincible. Growing up, he always had the answers. He was the one to keep Skipper out of trouble. What does he mean never came back? What? Did they just leave? Maybe they went searching for him and they'd be here any day now.

Skipper interrogates further. "Where'd they go? They couldn't have just disappeared." He almost feels rage for some inexplicable reason.

"I went out to search for them, and well…" Nigel looks down to the ground. This had to be difficult for him to recall. "I found paw prints, blood, and a trail of feathers."

Skipper can feel himself shaking even more now, but he has to keep himself together. His head is starting to feel dizzy and light. He's now bracing himself for the worst.

"By the time I found them, it looked as though a family of foxes had - ..." Nigel pauses. It was a horrible sight - one he wishes he could unseen.

Skipper feels simultaneously as if he is about to get ill, go into a blind rage, and begin wailing in agony. Instead, Skipper stares off into the fire. All he can manage is "what happened?"

"By the looks of it, the foxes were in search of food, probably stockpiling for the winter." Nigel avoids eye contact as well. The two of them stare in different directions. "I have no doubt they took them by surprise."

Skipper winces. Painful and horrid images go racing into his mind, but he can't stop them. He grips tightly onto his own flippers. Sam. Did he call out for him in the end? What was he thinking about in his last few moments? What were his last few minutes like? Was he in pain? Skipper can't bear the thought. Or was it quick? Did he even have time to say goodbye? Skipper has to force himself to stop.

How could Sam be gone? This wasn't right. It couldn't be.

"Did you help them?" Skipper's voice is shaking.

"By the time I got there… there was nothing I could do." Nigel painfully reports. It was an understatement truly.

It must have been bad, Skipper assumes, without wanting confirmation.

"But, if there's one thing I know about Sam, I can say with certainty that he did everything he could to protect my sister." Nigel fills in the silence, sharing in the misery.

"Like that's any consolation." Skipper mutters sarcastically, low enough so that Nigel can't hear him. If that were the case, it likely wasn't quick. Of course Sam did everything he could to protect her. That was just the type of penguin he was. Not was, is. No. He's a fighter. And he always protects the ones he loves. Skipper stares blankly at the ground, concealing all of this within him.

"The only thing to be grateful for," Nigel begins.

Grateful? How could he even use that word at a time like this? Skipper's face sours.

"...was that they didn't have their son with them that night."

Their what? Did he hear that right?

"T-their son?" Skipper stammers, looking back up at Nigel for the first time in minutes. His eyes are clearly brimming with tears.

"Yes," Nigel confirms. He's a bit surprised that Skipper hadn't known.

"Sam had a kid?" Skipper practically repeats himself, but it is difficult for him to process all of this so suddenly. "I'm - I'm an uncle?"

"He's a few months old now. That's actually part of the reason I came here tonight." Nigel gets closer. "I was hoping you would accompany me on the next ship to London. The lad's gran and I would like to discuss some things with you. Would you like to meet your nephew?"

Of course, he did. This was all happening so fast. First, Sam - the penguin who had raised him and taken care of him all his life - was gone. He hadn't even had a chance to say goodbye. And now, Skipper had a nephew that he didn't even know about? If he could even consider himself an uncle at this point, after his last interaction with Sam, it is quite possible that his brother wanted nothing to do with him.

"Yes," Skipper stands and nods dutifully.

"All right then," Nigel is pleased with Skipper's answer. "Let's get going then."

And with that, Nigel goes waddling off into the jungle. He goes seemingly blindly. Skipper is taken aback, still stuck reeling in all of this new information. He rushes to put out the fire, collect his things, and catch up with Nigel. Somehow that old penguin was quick on his feet.

[To Be Continued]