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Paternity Pursuit
Chapter 16
By
Wildgoose
(The scene opens up as much as three weeks after the last chapter, it is early evening as can be told by the last remnants of the ball of fusion inferno that is the sun dipping below the horizon resulting in that rare dim green flash. It is a beautiful site as some of the last daytime zoo employees stop to watch the sun set before passing through the closing gates to leave until the next day. Once those people have left it is not long before conversation amongst the animals can be heard. The scene at first focuses on the lemur habitat as King Julian has charged Mort with continuously attacking the electric fence until it runs out of power.)
Julian: (As Mort's fur becomes singed a little more with each attack.) Keep it up, Mort. The fence cannot be having an endless supply of power! The Sky spirits have told me in an in your mind vision type thingy that we shall all be free from our prison soon enough.
Morrise: The sky spirits told you that, huh?
Mort: (As he stumbles about with a few strands of fur on fire from his last attack.) I smell like smoke! (Giggles a little)
Julian: Get back to attacking that fence before it regains some of it's power and we will be back on square one. Which is actually a bit metaphorical because there really are no squares.
Morrise: Um,…. your highness? The power for the fence comes through underground wires from the city. It's not going to run out of power any time soon, …and I think Mort is starting to suffer brain damage from all the shocking.
Julian: Really? How can you tell?
Morrise: He's starting to make sense when he talks. (Mort stumbles back from the fence yet again.)
Mort: I'm starting to think this might be dangerous. (giggles a little)
Morrise: (Gestures toward Mort.) See what I mean?
(The scene changes to the penguin habitat. The entire group is standing about on top of the concrete island in the center of their pond. A moment later Marlene pops through the entrance way of their H.Q.)
Marlene: Hey guys, …I thought the zookeeper was supposed to be coming back but the fences are all still on.
Kowalski: (Impressed) Marlene, …how did you get into our H.Q?
Skipper: Hey, …that's normally my line!
Marlene: Um, …I got in through the storm drain. The grate is in the back of your cave, remember?
Kowalski: (Looks depressed that he didn't remember.) Oh, right.
Private: Marlene, …where are your pups?
Marlene: Playing in Kowalski's room.
Kowalski: Are you crazy? There's all kinds of dangerous scientific equipment in there. If they touch the wrong thing they could end up being sucked into a parallel dimension.
Rico: Kaboom!
Kowalski: Right, ….or they could just blow us all to Japan. (Kitsune picks her head up with interest.)
Skipper: Right then. Kowalski, …get down there and see to it. I don't want those pups being blown any farther than the far side of the zoo.
Marlene: (Annoyed) Skipper…?
Skipper: Alright fine, …no farther than the popcorn stand. (Marlene scoffs and turns away as she folds her arms.) See to it, Kowalski. (Before Kowalski can act there is an explosion in the lair and several objects are blown out of the H.Q entrance into the air.) What in the name of halibut was that?
Rico: (Pinches his beak and begins to wave the other flipper back and forth in front of his face.) P. U.
Kowalski: Based on the foul odor I would say that they got into my new super explosive bean fuel. I'd been working on a way to increase their gastronomical propulsion capabilities incase we ever had to race the lemurs for pinks again. (Pause) What, …more power means more speed.
Marlene: Yea,…provided you don't explode your bowels first. (Looks about.) Speaking of which, …where are my kids?
Skipper: Not to worry, Marlene. That explosion was nowhere near powerful enough to have killed them, ….or sent them into orbit. (Marlene scowls at him.) Oh right, …I'm supposed to be a concerned dad. (Sighs) Right then, …Kowalski give me a report!
Kowalski: (Whips out an abacus as well as other antiquated equipment.) Based on my calculations, Skipper. The pups were blown into the air approximately two hundred and fifty feet and using the constant of gravity in my calculations, …..carry the two, …..they should be descending on our position right about, …..(The increasing sound of laughter is heard coming from above.) NOW! (The penguins spread out and catch the pups as they land one after the other.)
Loki: (laughing) AGAIN! (The other pups high five each other.)
Skipper: No can do little guys. (turns to face them.) Loki, ….I can see you're living up to your name. From this point Kowalski's lab and Kitsune's quarters are off limits. I don't want to see you guys getting hurt. (A loud groan of protest is heard from the pups as they leap off of the island into the penguins pond.)
Marlene: I will give the zookeeper this, …he hit the nail on the head when he named the youngest boy.
Private: Have you given any thoughts to what you might name the oldest boy? Maybe something that compliments his personality?
Marlene: I'm not so sure, ..so far his personality seems to consist of imitating Kitsune and reading. Somehow I don't think the name "Samurai Jack" ® will suit him very well.
Private: He can read, …..already?
Marlene: Like I said, …he's been imitating Kitsune and he appears to be a quick study. (Kitsune hands her a note.)
Kitsune: The reading is not though imitation, ….I've been instructing.
Kowalski: How are you teaching him to sound out the words?
Kitsune: (writes) It's complicated, …but effective.
Skipper: Well, …..it appears you've got yourself a potential pup genius Marlene.
Marlene: (pulls Skipper close) WE'VE got ourselves a pup genius, Skipper!
Kowalski: I've been meaning to ask about that, …..
Marlene: I know where you're going Kowalski and you can relax, …we're not breaking the rules of nature. Skipper is simply serving as a male role model for the pups. (Pauses and runs her paws along Skippers chest feathers.) Although I'll admit I've thought about bending them once in a while.
Kowalski: Ah, ….I probably shouldn't have asked then. (Clasps his flippers about his head and begins pacing in circles) Images, …I've got to get the images out of my head before the nightmares come! (Squeezes a little harder) Oh god,… the images come with sound! (Jogs off into the H.Q. voice fading as he goes.) A drill! I'll bet I can get them out with a drill!
Private: Oh dear, …do you think Kowalski will be alright?
Kitsune: (Writes) Probably not. (pause) Dibs on his equipment! (The sounds of a drill and a shrill scream come from inside the H.Q.)
Marlene: Um, …you guys might want to go check on him.
Skipper: (rolls his eyes) I suppose somebody should. (Long pause) Rico, ..go stop Kowalski before he lets his brains out to play. It's too great of a security risk if they wander off. (Rico belly slides into the H.Q. and shortly after the metallic clack of a metal cane can be heard approaching the habitat.) Good lord, …what is that noise?
Marlene: Ooh, ….I'll check it out Skipper. (She climbs onto his shoulders to get a better look around.) It's our zookeeper, …he back. He's using some kind of metal walking stick to get around. (As Marlene jumps down Steve approaches the railing of the habitat, reaches down, and opens a control box in the sidewalk to shut down the electric fence. After that he awkwardly climbs over the railing into the pen, picks up a wooden plank hidden in the surrounding bushes and hobbles over to the island.) Wow, …he's coming to visit us! (Once Steve reaches the animals he sits down on the concrete.)
Private: (begins to drool) Is that fish I smell in the bucket? (The zookeeper reaches in and tosses Private one.)
Steve: (Removes a backpack from his shoulder and opens it handing several pads of paper and a box of pencils to Kitsune, then proceeds to distribute the fish.) Eat up guys, …I don't want to talk to you on an empty stomach. (The animals begin to eat.) So Kitsune, …I understand you removed the otter at the Philadelphia zoo from the breeding program. (Kitsune stops to swallow her fish and then nods.)
Marlene: (nervous) You didn't kill him right? You promised.
Kitsune: (writes) On my honor, …I did not kill him. I only used the computer in the vet's office to remove him from the program. (She smiles as the scene flashes to the operating room in the Philly zoo's veterinary office, present time. On a table is a sedated otter that is currently having his groin shaved to prepare for surgery.)
Vet assistant: Doctor, …hadn't this animal been selected for the breeding program?
Vet: (looks over at a computer monitor on a nearby table.) He had been, ….but I guess something didn't work out so well if the administration changed their minds and decided to have him neutered. (Shakes his head.) What can tell you, …I just work here. (Continues prepping the otter for the procedure.. As the scene flashes back to New York.)
Marlene: So what are you smiling about, Kitsune?
Kitsune: (straightens up and writes.) Nothing important. (Pause) So that's what you brought yourself in here to tell us?
Steve: Not quite. (He pulls a small box out of the backpack.) This came for you Kitsune, …from Japan. (pulls a piece of paper out of the pack and hands it to Kowalski as Rico is bringing him back.)
Kowalski: I'm better now, ….Rico beat some sense into me.
Steve: This is for you, …Kowalski. It came over the fax machine about twenty minutes ago.
Skipper: Somebody sent Kowalski a fax? (pause) What's it say Kowalski?
Kowalski: (studies the paper at different angles for a significant amount of time.) Oh nothing important, ….it's just personal stuff. (Kitsune has already begun writing notes to translate any conversation to the zookeeper.)
Steve: Risqué` is more like it. (Skipper scowls and snatches the paper in order to look at it.)
Skipper: No secrets from your commanding officer, Kowalski. (Begins to look at the paper.) What the deuce is this….?
Steve: (after translation) THAT, ….is a photo copy of a penguins butt. Sounds like Kowalski's got a girlfriend.
Kowalski: (snatches the page back) That's Erin and she intended this just for ME. Thanks for the embarrassment, Skipper.
Skipper: Erin sent you penguin porn? Kowalski there are kids around here now, …you can't have stuff like that lying about.
Kowalski: (begins walking away into the H.Q. muttering to himself.) No privacy around here whatsoever….. (Kitsune shakes her head and writes a note to Rico.)
Kitsune: (writes) Don't ask me to do anything like that.
Rico: (disappointed) Um, ….okay.
Steve: Um, …I guess he wanted to go be by himself with that. (pause) Right then, ….I have something else for you Kitsune. (Hands her a package. Once opened by her the package is found to contain a number of photos of Kitsune with Mr. Takagi ranging from when she first hatched to right before his wife had died.)
Marlene: (looking over Kitsune's shoulder) Oh my god, ..it that YOU? You were such a cute hatchling…. (Kitsune suddenly becomes self conscious and hides the photos away as best as possible.)
Kitsune: (writes) We were very close, …were. (She turns away from the others and starts to walk away.)
Steve: You need to read the letter before you do anything else, Kitsune. (She stops and returns to where she had put the box down. The picks up a folded piece of paper that was at the bottom.)
Letter: "My dearest Kitsune, ….I was overjoyed to learn of you from Steve, It's been many years since we'd seen each other and I know the circumstances under which we parted were most difficult. Which is why I was deeply saddened to learn that you had been holding a terrible grudge against me that was impacting those around you. I make no excuses as I know that during the days before you left my own anguish left you in yours. I released you to the seas because I had gained enough strength after my wife's passing to see what my neglect was doing to you. You should never have been made to suffer for my loss and I pray that you will never suffer in the same way that I did, however please know that I released you because I saw that I could no longer care for you and had no wish for you to suffer further. I felt at that time that you would fare far better returning to your native land, …..my judgment could not have been more clouded as having been raised in my care you knew nothing of your native land nor how to survive on your own. I learned recently of your misfortune resulting from my judgment and can now understand why it is that you are so angry with me. For what it's worth, …never at any time did I ever wish harm upon you. My only wish was for you to be free and happy, ….to dwell with your own kind and start a family. You were always the closest thing I ever had to a child, …I always loved you as such, …and I always have and forever shall see you as a member of my family. I pray that one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me, and in that forgiveness you will continue our family by starting one of your own, passing down what you have learned and who you became during all of the good times that we had together. When I am gone from this earth, I ask only that you remember all of those happy times that we shared together and use them to create new ones of your own. Farewell Kitsune,
With Love,
Sensei
(Kitsune bowed her head in respect and allowed the tears to flow freely down her cheeks.)
Marlene: Wow, ….what did the letter say?
Steve: (After Kitsune composes herself enough to translate.) I have no idea, ….it was in Japanese. (makes a brief grimace.) I um, …..wish I could say that the letter was the last of the news I have for you, Kitsune. (She raises her head enough to look at him) That package was sent about a week ago, ….he must have known that he didn't have much time left. (Long pause) I called overseas a little while ago to see if there was anything else to learn about you. I spoke to Mr. Takagi's sister in law to learn that Mr. Takagi had passed away some time this morning. I'm sorry, Kitsune. (Kitsune bows her head once again and allows the tears to flow.) I um, …..you know if you want to talk or something. Well, …..the guys here will tell you how to find me. (He gets up and makes his way across the plank and out of the habitat to continue with his duties.)
Skipper: (after a very long period of silence broken intermittently by the sounds of the pups playing in the pond.) I uh, …..I think I can speak for everybody when I say please accept our condolences for your loss. We all at least have a vague idea of what he means, …or once meant to you.
Marlene: (writes) I no longer have a home, ….I have no family…
Kowalski: Kitsune that's complete and total nonsense. You have us!
Kitsune: ( writes) It's just another place to live, …it's not home.
Skipper: Home is what you make it, little lady. (Kitsune glances at him with a scowl.) Sorry.
Marlene: I think what Skipper is trying to say is that home is where your family is. Your human is gone, …but you have us.
Kitsune: (writes) Is this to be my consolation…? My sensei, …my teacher, …the one who took the time to bring me into the world and care for me, …is gone. (pause) I never had the chance to say goodbye, …or I'm sorry,… for not understanding that he never meant to put me through anything other than a good life. I hated him, ….for long. (Pause) Yet he never truly deserved it. (Bows her head) I have no honor…..
Private: You've got tons of honor, Kitsune. We wouldn't have taken you in any other way.
Marlene: And you've got family, ….Rico loves you. You've got my family too, …I'll need a babysitter from time to time. (pause) You can't tell me that the kids don't love to roughhouse with you. (Pause) You even named one of the little twirps after your human, …that's an honorable thing right?
Kowalski: I think what we're all trying to say is, …this is your home now. We come with it, ….for better or worse because that's what family's do.
Private: I think that was the most un scientific thing you've ever said, Kowalski.
Kowalski: Not true, …it's all part of the nuclear family principal. (draws up a diagram and begins to explain in the background even though no one is paying attention.)
Marlene: As for the "your own family" thing, ….well that's up to you. Just think of babysitting for me as field experience.
Kitsune: (writes) It will take time for this place to grow on me. (Rico leans in close and wipes her tears with a flipper) No taste testing, Rico.
Rico: (grunts) Salty tears. Hard to believe they come from such a sweet person. (Grabs his throat in pain.)
Kitsune: (wipes her own tears) I'll do my best to fit in.
Skipper: Excellent, …just as long as you don't kill anybody you'll do just fine.
Marlene: (as the others look away and whistle) Wow, …is it the bad timing awards already?
Skipper: What…?
Marlene: We were all trying to cheer her up and then you go and say something totally insensitive like that.
Skipper: Insensitive, …I'm the Skipper of sensitive. Who are you judging?
Marlene: Oh right…(Fades to the background and focus on Rico and Kitsune)
Kitsune: (Writes) I think they're officially a couple now.
Rico: Huh?
Kitsune: (writes) Every relationship is christened with the first fight.
Rico: Do we have to…?
Kitsune: (wipes a few more tears away and then writes.) We already have, ….I almost killed you. Remember?
Rico: (grunts) You weren't mad at me. You were just in a rage.
Kitsune: (shrugs and then writes) It sill counts.
Rico: (Shrugs) So, …where do we go from here?
Kitsune: (writes) Patience,…. I still have lots of issues. Although I may be able to get past some of them with your help.
Rico: (Grunts) Really?
Kitsune: (Writes) It takes two to tango, Rico. There's that and I have terrible taste in nest pebbles, ….I could use a second opinion. (pause) Just be patient with me, …and help me to get through this. I'll likely need a strong shoulder to lean on from time to time. (Marlene and Skipper are still bickering in the background. Emphasis shifts back to them.)
Skipper: And if you think…
Rico: (grunts loudly) SHUTUP! (Pause) Go get a room or something! (everybody stops to stare at him) What…?
Private: Perhaps the conversation could turn to something more pleasant? What about naming the last pup?
Marlene: I think you may be a bit to late there, Private.
Private: I don't understand.
Marlene: He went and chose his own name. (Kowalski's bill drops)
Kowalski: But, …I had a bunch of options for his to choose from. He said I could pick a name for him! I had the perfect logical name for him! He's such a smart and talented little otter, …I was going to call him DOS! (Awkward pause) What, …it stands for Disk Operating System. Every new team needs a nerd to crunch all of the numbers, …it was perfect for him. (Begins to sob into his flippers.) I've been denied access to his very soul!
Marlene: (turns to Skipper) Uh, ….is he going to be alright?
Skipper: He's a soldier first, …he'll get over it. (beat) So what did the little guy go with, ….inquiring minds want to know?
Marlene: Well, …I do have you guys to blame for this.
Rico: (grunts) Excuse me…?
Marlene: You've been letting him watch your T.V. and now he's a fan of some show called the A-team ®. The leader on this show is some guy who always has his mind going to come up with off the wall plans in win in combat while helping people. Long story short, …he wants to be called Hannibal.
Kitsune: (writes) You know there was a bad Hannibal as well, ….that guy liked to eat his own kind.
Marlene: Oh great, …thanks for telling me. I'm going to be paranoid that my son wants to be a cannibal now. Thanks for that, Kitsune.
Kitsune: (writes) I had to cheer myself up somehow, …I just lost somebody close to me over here.
Skipper: (Sighs as he looks about) What a mission this turned out to be, …we left to find your pups a dad and we came back one huge dysfunctional zoo family.
Marlene: Really, …and how does Alice fit into all of this?
Skipper: She's like the aunt who only shows up when you don't want her around and sticks her nose into everything.
Marlene: And the night guy?
Skipper: I'm not sure yet, …I think he may be the adopted misfit. But let's never mind that, ….just enjoy our great big nuclear family while we wait for the next mission. (He straightens himself up) Heads up people! (Rico, Kitsune, Kowalski, and Private all turn their attention to Skipper) The electric fence is down and I've got my freak on for Recon! Let's see what's new around this place since we got back.
Kowalski: Wait for it…
Skipper: Move out people, ….GO…GO! (The penguins vault themselves over the fence and belly slide out of sight while Marlene stays behind and watches her pups frolic in the penguins pond. The lamp posts come alive one by one in the background at the last bits of the amber sky fade away for the night and the rest of the animals in the zoo discover their freedom to move about had returned.)
The End
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