The vessel begins to quake. That must mean it's getting close to blow. Skipper stumbles put keeps his footing on the button. Surely his men have made it out by now, but he can't be too negligent. He keeps watching the clock, as his heart begins pounding harder with each passing second. Completely distracted by the countdown, he doesn't see that there is still someone else on the ship.

A gigantic figure comes trudging up from behind him. It seems Shawl hadn't made it to the escape pod after all. He had doubled back in hopes of rewiring the ship. But now it's too late. There's also no way for him to move fast enough to escape before the timer ends. Looking much rougher than before, he stalks up on Skipper. The penguin is much too tired to notice. Shawl figures if he isn't getting off this vessel, he might as well enjoy at least one penguin before his fate. It delights him that it just so happens to be Skipper. All the more pleasing is that Skipper is none the wiser. How the mighty have fallen it seems. Though be it the case for both of them, at least he will be the one to get the last laugh. He is standing over his flightless foe, nearly salivating. It seems he will have a hearty last meal. This is his final stand, his farewell to the world that has swindled him out of his aspirations. For the better half of his life, he has hunted down and amassed the penguins of the world, now to have it ripped away from him at the last second… it was a cruel twist of fate.

He opens his jaws wide, preparing to sink his teeth into Skipper once and for all. The seal extends his mouth forward. Just as he lowers, something comes flying down from above. A flash of black and white zeros in on Shawl, slapping him upside the back of the head. The force hits him in just the right spot. As a result, he crumples to the floor below.

The noise and movement of the floor is enough to startle Skipper. He finally turns around to see Shawl, completely unconscious, behind him. A second sooner and he would have been seal chow. But, how… what stopped him? Skipper looks up to see his mom standing on Shawl's back.

"Skipper?" Gwen wastes no time to leap down off of the beast.

"Ma!" Skipper gasps in relief. She's alive. "You're safe!" He begins to rush over to her, but remembers the button.

Instead, she runs to him. She in a panic.

"Skipper, what are you doing here the ship's about to blow. And your brothers…" She trails off, as her eyes fall to the button. That's when she realizes what's happening. He's sacrificing himself.

Skipper stands firm. "I'm protecting them, just like you said, Ma. Now, you should go too. You don't have much time."

She doesn't take orders, she gives them. No, she can't let this happen. Grabbing his flipper, she pleads with him in a gentle voice. "Skipper, they need you."

"I don't want to lose you again!" Skipper doesn't know what to do. Why isn't she fleeing? It's like he's a kid again, completely helpless. He lowers his head and sighs. "I just want them to be safe and to make you proud."

"Skipper, your father and I will always be so proud of you."

He lifts his face to look at her. His expression is a juxtaposition of itself, as his eyes are mournful but a smile lifts the ends of his beak.

Gwen steps to the side, shoving him with her hip. With a grunt, she continues. "And that's exactly why you need to leave right now."

"Hey!" Skipper staggers back. As much as he resists, she is too strong. She has managed to push him off the button at this point.

He hesitates, looking at her one last time. Is he doing the right thing? Even if he insisted on staying, there is little likelihood that she would leave. She has so much still to live for. She has just been united with Medika, her long-lost friend... or maybe even something more. She has just been reunited with her sons. So much of their lives she's missed out on. It was stolen from her. Now, she will never get the chance to make up for lost time. If she stays, she won't ever see them again. But if he stays too, his brothers will have no one.

"Go. Now! That's an order." She commands.

Skipper gives a firm nod then takes off running. It's a literal race against the clock. Next thing, he's sprinting down the hallway. Time waits for no one, and in the next ten seconds, that is more evident than ever in the penguin's life.

"T-minus 10 seconds. 10… 9… 8…" The voice begins its final countdown.

Finally, he makes it to the prisoner's space. The exit is just ahead. He just needs to make it across the room in –

"7"

He's almost there.

"6"

He dives out of the hatch and into the icy water. It's a rush to his system. Instinctually, he feels relief. But his adrenaline is still pumping strongly. It's a good thing too. He still needs to clear the blast zone in time.

"5… 4…"

Like a jet, he surges up through the water. The farther he goes, the lighter the water. Finally, he can see the sunlight hitting the surface. He's close to breeching the surface. But has he made it far enough? He'll be cutting it close. That's for certain.

"3… 2…"

Skipper winces. He's not far enough.

"1"

He feels a current of water gush up from underneath him. Out of the corner of his eyes, he sees a gigantic, bright flash. He is jostled up the rest of the way. It's an indescribable force that he wouldn't stand a chance swimming against. The blast is sending him the rest of the way up. As he moves, he hears the roar from below. However, he is too distracted, by the thrashing to analyze it.

Skipper isn't the only one to hear the explosion. Above, the Antarctic ice is crowded with freshly liberated penguins. Among them, are Kowalski, Rico, and Private. The three stand fretfully at the water's edge. Their eyes scan for any sign of Skipper or Ma. They hadn't seen her, but maybe she is still pursuing Shawl.

When the explosion sounds, it is muffled under the waves. It sends the water lapping up over the shore, right up to the feet of the penguins. They watch intently. However, in the seconds that follow the blast, their intensity dimmers. They each lean back in their own timing.

"Was that …?" Private looks to his older brothers for confirmation. Maybe, it is his imagination.

Rico nods solemnly. "Kaboom."

"I can't believe it. Skipper's actually –" Kowalski whimpers tearfully.

While Kowalski is mid-sentence, Skipper erupts from the water. The splash is enough to gain the attention of any penguin standing close enough. He gasps for air, as he rests his flippers on land. His escape took a whole lot of energy. Clearly, still recovering, he is out of breath. His eyes scan the shoreline. A little farther down, he sees his team. They are all staring at him with wide smiles. He's made it… either that or they're all dead… Skipper presses a flipper up to his cheek. Nope, he's still alive.

"Skipper!" They all nearly cry out in unison. Is he okay?

Frantically the three lift Skipper out of the water. Normally being assisted with anything would bruise Skipper's pride. Not now though. He is just relieved to be alive. Still, the strength of all three of them is more than what is needed for the task. They escort him to his feet, as soon as they have fished him out.

He barely has enough time to gain his balance. He is ambushed with three sets of flippers. The team hugs him tightly. Could it be that they are finally safe? Yes, and they want to take advantage of the moment. The team is all here and they are safe and sound. They were so worried about their Skipper. And the fact that he was willing to sacrifice himself for them shows them just how much he really loves them.

"Hi there, boys." Skipper sighs in relief, embracing the hug.

While Kowalski and Rico let go, Private squeezes Skipper even tighter. Still regaining his breath, the older penguin has the wind knocked out him a bit. But, he's happy.

"It's so good to see you!" Private murmurs into Skipper's soft belly. He doesn't think he'll want to let go of Skipper again. In response, Skipper smirks and gives the young soldier a couple pats on the back.

Kowalski begins looking around. Skipper is here, but where is Ma. Had Shawl snatched her? If that's the case, they need to go after him ASAP. This mission might not be over yet. She should be here, if she's not, they'll have to rescue her.

"Where's Ma?" Kowalski asks his brothers. Maybe one of them had seen her amidst the other penguins.

Skipper clears his throat, and Private releases his grip. Skipper steps forward. This is going to be difficult to tell them. With his back to the water and facing his men, Skipper sighs. "Ma was holding down the button when the ship destructed."

"Ma…" Rico mutters. So that's how Skipper had escaped? She saved him.

Skipper lifts his chest and prepares an oration for his team. "But, if there's anything I've learned from this journey of ours, it's that unconditional love has no bounds. She gave everything she had to save us. It's the kind of love that comes only through strong care and empathy for another. She had defeated Shawl, her archenemy, but she gave it all up in an instant for us. There's a lesson to be learned there."

With that, Gwen pops out from the water behind Skipper. He is too wrapped up in his own words to notice. On the contrary, his brothers see her right away. The three excitedly share elated glances, with their beaks open.

"I know! Powerful stuff." Skipper is nailing this! He goes on. Maybe, since he's doing such a good job, he can finagle another message in as well. All else fails, he might have a future as a motivational speaker. Like, look out ted talks. Either that or as a con man, whatever works.

He begins pacing. "What does it truly mean to love unconditionally? I mean, probably forgiving a big lie someone told you… repeatedly, right?"

Kowalski can sense where he is going with this. "Mmm Hmm." He crosses his flippers skeptically.

Gwen, now on her feet, places her flippers on her hips. "I think they'll find a way to forgive you, Skipper."

He spins around fast. Is that Ma? It couldn't be. Sure enough, it is. She is waddling up towards them. With a smile, she is amused by her son's antics but more importantly happy to see them all.

"Ma!" Skipper exclaims, both shocked and relieved.

"Well, you boys didn't think you'd get rid of me that easily?" She laughs. "Once I had apprehended Shawl, all I had to do was roll him over onto the button. Also, it helps that there was an emergency exit right behind the control panel."

"An emergency exit?" Kowalski asks. He is stunned. In fact, they all are. Well, that knowledge could have saved them a lot of hassle.

She extends her flippers. They really are all together now. As another group hug breaks out, she holds onto them tightly. All those years apart, but they are finally together and safe.

"My boys." She squeezes tighter.

"You know, Ma, the four of us are always going on missions of our own." Skipper begins.

"And there is always plenty of room for you with us back home at the circus." Kowalski continues.

"You boys are too sweet." It's a sweet gesture, but she has to let her boys leave the nest. They have their own lives. She puts flippers on Skipper and Kowalski's shoulders. "I think it's time I retire from the secret agent life. That is until Shawl decides to wreak his ugly head again."

Private tilts his head. "But won't you be lonely?"

That's when Gwen's glance meets Medika from across the ice. They share a smile, as Medika rushes over. When they meet, Medika blushes and wraps her flipper around Gwen.

"I don't think you'll have to worry about that." Gwen looks to her sons and winks.

Medika laughs.

The Penguins finally start picking up on the dynamics between the two. They were partners back in the day. Now, it makes sense. The more Kowalski thinks about it, the more he can visualize them together. They do would make a great couple, both are nurturing and caring but independent and strong.

"Woah, Ma's got game." Private blinks.

This emits a groan from the other penguins. Gross. They don't want to think about their mom being a player.

"Private, don't ever say that again." Skipper is nauseated.

Private shapes up right away. "Yes, sir."

Ma and Medika giggle. She knows her sons are happy for her.

Skipper turns back to his team. "But, uh, in all seriousness… I think an apology is in order."

Kowalski, Rico, and Private exchange glances. Is Skipper really going to apologize? He's usually a lot more stubborn than this. It seems like an odd but pleasant change of pace. They wait.

"And?" Kowalski prods.

"Well, it's in the works. I'll have it to you boys in the AM." Skipper shrugs and is about to go on his way. Seems like they've forgiven him. It's the thought that counts.

"Hey!" Rico calls out his brother. They really do deserve an apology.

"Fine, I'm sorry." Skipper sighs. Though this is uncomfortable for him to admit that he is wrong, he is sincere. He's just struggling on the formulation of his words. "It wasn't right for me to lie to you boys, even if I was just trying to protect you…"

"Ahem." Private clears his throat.

What more can he say? Right, there was a phrase that Private taught him… about responsibility. He rakes his brain, until it comes to him.

"But I understand that the impact of my words is more important than the intent." Skipper confesses. Ah! That's it.

Private smiles and nods. Just like he had practiced with him. Skipper isn't the only one teaching the team things. Private knew a thing or two and could teach Skipper as well. Turns out an old penguin can learn new tricks. If it's for the sake of his team, he'll do it in a heartbeat. Even if that means swallowing his pride a bit. His brothers would still win him over.

He continues honestly. Come to think of it, even if he had meant well, seeing as though his actions hurt his team, it really wasn't the best course of action. "It wasn't fair of me to lie you boys, and I'm sorry. I'll be more honest with you in the future, you have my word."

The three consult each other silently. They huddle, sharing nods and looks. It is rather quickly that they come to a consensus. Private and Rico are much quicker to forgive than Kowalski. They are immediately smiling and nodding vigorously.

Breaking out of the huddle, they turn to face Skipper. Kowalski is better with his poker face than the other two. Their smiles give the answer away. However, Skipper wants to be sure.

"Are we all good?" Skipper asks hesitantly. Though it is pretty clear, he fears that the answer will not be what he wants it to be.

"Affirmative." Kowalski smiles. He can't hold a grudge against Skipper.

"Of course!" Private claps.

"Yup!" Rico nods.

Skipper is relieved. Now they can put all of this behind them. From that moment on, he is vows to be honest with his brothers. He is grateful for the second chance and doesn't want to squander it.

Private scampers eagerly over to Medika and Gwen who are catching up with each other. "Excuse me, ma'am, do you think you could tell us more stories about of your secret agent days?" He wants to hear all about the real stories of those two and their adventures.

"Those were the days – all the trouble we got into." Medika smiles and shakes her head.

"I would love to hear about it!" Private nearly leaps.

"Maybe someday when you're older." Gwen winks and ruffles the feathers on Private's head. He is an adorable little thing.

Just as Private waddles back to his team. A little hatchling wanders up to the couple. Being from the village, she recognizes Medika but has not seen Gwen yet. She is curious about the penguin, so she tugs on her flipper. Gwen looks down with surprise. She hadn't seen the little tike waddle up.

"Excuse me, are you the penguin that saved us?" She says in a tiny voice.

Little did Gwen realize all of the penguins are staring at her and her family at this point. Perhaps, someone had recognized them from the rescue and word had spread. They all look on expectantly. It seems the chick was the only one brave enough to inquire about it.

"I did have a flipper in it, but it was mostly my sons: Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private. I'm so incredibly proud of them." Gwen turns to look at her boys. She beams at them, while the crowd breaks out in cheers.

The team exchanges elated glances. Skipper looks at Kowalski. Kowalski smirks knowingly. After all, he did once say that their time was coming. Even when bullies had made fun of their dreams or they struggled against foes, they had each other. And clearly, as a family, they could take on the world. Rico looks back at Skipper for guidance. Skipper proceeds to lead them in smiling and waving at the adoring crowd.

Just when this seems as though this would be a fitting conclusion to the story, Private chimes in. There is one last thing that hadn't been addressed. Now that they are all safe, it is the perfect opportunity to bring it up. His brothers had found what they were looking for. It is only fair that they help him now too.

"Can we look for my parents now?" He chirps. His eyes are big and bright.

"Let's go find your parents, Private." Skipper smiles and pats Private on the back. That is the only thing left on the agenda it seems. The odds of finding them are limited. But Private has been so patient. It is only fair that they at least look.

Kowalski places a flipper on Private's shoulder and looks him in the eye. Now they're being honest with him. "But just keep in mind, that the statistical odds that they are out there are really –"

"Low." Skipper gets his two cents in. He wants to be a part of this conversation too. As one of the boy's role models, he thinks its important to do so.

Kowalski sighs, regathering his thoughts. "I was going to say dismal but yes."

Skipper continues, redirecting Private's attention. "But no matter what happens, no matter what you decide, we just thought we should tell you that we're proud of you and… that we love you." Restless from the gushiness of his words, he reverts to ruffling the feathers on Private's head.

Private giggles. "Thanks, Skippah." It helps to know that he has his blessing.

[To Be Continued]