Disclaimer: Penguins of Madagascar and all related characters are the property of Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and any or all related affiliates. Characters of my own creation are my property and may not be used by others without express permission. This fiction was created for the purpose of having fun and being creative, no money is being made in any way from its creation and posting.
Hell Hath No Fury
Chapter 9
By
Wildgoose
(It is very dimly lit inside of the aluminum ventilation shaft. Loki pulls himself along inside of the very cramped space using his forearms and making every effort to make as little noise as possible especially when passing by a vent grate. Periodically he comes across a point where the vent shaft parts in multiple directions and he has to make a choice of which way to proceed in hopes of finding the way out.)
Loki: This place is a maze, …I feel like I've been crawling in circles for the past hour. (Wipes his forehead as he comes to another junction point) This place can't possibly be this big, …I must be going in circles. (Loki looks back and forth at the adjacent vent shafts deciding which one he should take this time around. He cocks his ear as he hears a very faint sound almost like crying and decides to head in the sound's direction to investigate. After crawling a distance of maybe a hundred feet Loki comes across a vent grate facing down into a small room. Loki positions himself over it so he can see through and discovers that below him is a squirrel sitting in front of a small television and watching an international news program. It becomes obvious after a moment that this is the squirrel's personal quarters. Satisfied at discovering the origin of the sound but disappointed that this did not give him a clue as to the way out, Loki begins to crawl past the grate when it suddenly gives way sending Loki plummeting to the concrete floor below. The squirrel manages to jump out of the way just in time to avoid him allowing Loki to hit the floor head first with a heavy thunk.)
(Cut to NY at almost the same time. Ming is continuing to meditate while in contact with Loki, and periodically communicates with Kitsune about what she sees which so far hasn't been much more than Loki crawling through some ductwork. He currently is paused over a vent grate looking through at a squirrel below him.)
Ming: (holds her stomach) Ugh, …I hope Loki finds some food soon. I can feel his stomach growling. (In the background Loki's internal monologue can be heard as he recognizes the squirrel and expresses personal regards towards her.) Oh come on Loki, …you can do better than a squirrel. (Cringes) Oh man, …did I really just sound like a mom? (During the next moment, as Loki continues to look through the grate, Ming decides to disregard her own anxieties about new things and be brave for a moment. She inches forward to where she had seen Kitsune previously contact the invisible barrier until she herself finds it and watches the ripples form in the image of what Loki is seeing as she touches it. Upon doing so Ming discovers that her sensations become more intense with contact to the barrier. While touching it she is now able to smell what Loki is. Ming takes a deep breath at the new sensation.) Oh wow, …that smells sweet! Is she eating something? (The ghost like sound of the speak and spell is heard as Kitsune inquires to what Ming meant) Nothing, …nothing. (Shakes her head) I must be vocalizing everything that I'm thinking in here, …yet another thing I'll have to work on. (The sound of the speak and spell is heard again confirming what Ming had just said.) (Loudly) Okay, …I get it! ..But if I say anything embarrassing about anybody just keep it to yourself. (Pause) Ugh, …what is that? it's making me hungry. (Loki's POV turns to look ahead down the duct as he prepares to move on) What, …no! Look back down the grate, …I want to find out what that smell is. (Annoyed) Turn your head already, ….come on will you work with me! I can feel that you're hungry, …go find out what that smell was. (Groans as Loki is now moving) Ugh! (A moment later Ming yelps as the grate has given way and Loki's POV shows the concrete floor rushing up to meet him. Ming clutches her head as the image goes dark and it now seems as if Ming is standing in a void all by herself. Ming whimpers at the pain.) Ow,.. my head! (Ming looks about in the void and calls out as if Loki can hear her) Loki? (Anxious) Oh no, …what just happened? (Loudly) Loki! (Ming ignores the ghostly sound of the speak and spell inquiring about what is happening. She begins to wander about in the void and very soon contacts the barrier again. The ripples form as before but Ming's paw passes through it with only light resistance before she pulls back.) I'm, …I'm still here? (Pause) Am I still connected with Loki? (Pause) How is this possible, …if his eyes are closed how am I still connected with him? (The speak and spell is heard again and this time Ming replies) I think Loki is unconscious but I'm still connected with him. (She pushes her paw through the barrier again and as before pulls back.) Something is very different here. (Her breath becomes bated as she tries to overcome her own fears) Okay, …I can't be a scaredy otter forever. (Whimpers) God, I hope this doesn't suck. (She pushes her own paw through the barrier again and holds it there for a moment.) This isn't so bad, …I wonder what this thing is? (Ming lets out a yelp as she is suddenly pulled the rest of the way through. Once on the other side Ming turns to see an image of herself on the other side simply sitting on the floor as if meditating.) Okay, …this just made the top of my list of all time creepy things to happen to me. (She turns back to look around and see's Loki lying on the floor in the middle of the dark void. She jogs up to him and tries to jostle him awake) LOKI! (Shakes him) Loki wake up! (Suddenly she can feel herself being shaken and hears words similar to what she had just said. Ming clutches her head in pain as the background suddenly becomes illuminated with a blurry image that very slowly comes into focus to show the squirrel from before looking into Loki's eyes. The sound of her voice is much louder than Ming had heard it before.)
Squirrel: Loki, …wake up! (Pause) Are you okay? (Ming waits to hear Loki respond but nothing happens. Remembering her own pain Ming speaks to herself)
Ming: Oh god my head hurts. (She is surprised to hear a response from the squirrel)
Squirrel: I should think so after a fall like that, …concrete isn't exactly known for being one of the softer substances. (Ming stares at her open mouthed)
Ming/Loki: You can hear me?
Squirrel: (Amused) You're speaking, right? (Ming slowly turns her head to the left and to the right and with astonishment finds that Loki's POV changes accordingly) Are you okay, Loki?
Ming/Loki: Loki..?
Squirrel: Um yea, …that's your name isn't it. I'm pretty sure I heard the others call you that at some point. (Ming begins to look about at her surroundings)
Ming/Loki: What just happened?
Squirrel: Gravity, …it seems to be working just fine today. (Steps back and takes Ming/Loki in) Trying to escape again are we? (Smirks) Well I don't blame you in the least but how is it that you keep finding your way back to ME? (Pause) This is an underground bunker, …you should be trying to work your way to the surface to escape. (Shakes her head) As if I didn't take a big enough risk leaving the ropes loose again. You guys just can't seem to take a hint. (Sighs as she begins to examine Loki's head) You're just lucky you fell through in my quarters instead of Red's or Hans's. (Discovers a head injury) That's a pretty good size bump you have, no wonder you lost consciousness.
Ming/Loki: Who are you?
Squirrel: (amused) I know I never gave you my name but I thought for sure you heard it mentioned when Heidi caught me coming to help you the last time.
Ming/Loki: (thinks for a moment) Sarah?
Sarah: I guess that means your memory is still there. (Sighs) Talk about luck, …I thought my goose was cooked when Heidi saw me.
Ming/Loki: Heidi?
Sarah: Yea, …the puffin that ordered me to fix you up the last time. (Ming Loki turns to look at Loki's tail to see the bandages and then looks back at Sarah) How could you forget her, apparently it seems as if we have her as an ally. (Studies Ming/Loki who looks confused) Are you sure you're okay?
Ming/Loki: (sounding distant) I remember her,… (Begins to touch Loki's fur to make sure she is not dreaming) Not really, No …Something very strange is going on here.
Sarah: Tell me about it, this place is about as organized as a blasted apart bee hive.
Ming/Loki: You don't understand… (Pause as Ming notices Sarah's eyes are a bit wet and changes the subject) Were you crying only a moment ago?
Sarah: (wipes her eyes) Sorry, …I uh. (Pause) I was watching the news. (Points to the international news report covering the wildfires in Arizona.) Red, …he found my forest. (Begins to break down a little) The B*****d torched it as a pick me up of all things. (Pause) CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT! (A few more tears roll down her cheeks) My family, …I don't know…(Pause) I don't know if I have anybody left, …or even a place to go home to now. (Pause) I have nothing… (Begins to cry a little more)
Ming/Loki: I'm sorry to hear about that, …I honestly don't know what to say.
Sarah: There's nothing to say that would do the slightest bit of good. Red will burn another forest before long for whatever reason comes into his twisted little mind. There's just no point in staying here, …we're damned if we do and we're damned if we don't. (Pause as she attempts to dry her eyes) I'm glad you dropped in though, ..even if it was by accident. I know we've only shared a couple of moments together but it was nice to feel something good around here for a change. (Chuckles) I keep coming back to your jokes in the closet the other day. You're a funny guy but your timing needs work. (Helps Ming/Loki to stand up and begins to dust down Loki's fur with her paws and then looks hesitant for a moment.) Listen, I'm sorry. I should have found the courage to help you a long time ago but I was afraid for my family. (Looks frustrated and kicks the chair she had been sitting on earlier.) I should have just sucked it up and risked it. We could have all been out of here, …maybe. (Sighs)…But what's done is done I guess.
Ming/Loki: (Not knowing what else to say) I'm sure you haven't lost everything.
Sarah: (Wipes her eyes and looks at Ming/Loki) Is that your way of saying that I've still got you? (Closes the distance between them and puts her arms on Ming/Loki's shoulders)
Ming/Loki: (beginning to feel extremely uneasy) Listen um, ….this…this isn't what you think. (Pause) I mean, …I'm not even sure what's going on. (Frustrated pause) I'm not what I look like, …something strange is going on.
Sarah: (Looks Loki's body up and down) Oh calm down, …that happens to most guys when they get this close to a girl. Nothing is going to happen, …it's just nice being close to somebody.
Ming/Loki: No I mean, …I'm not what I look like…
Sarah: (scoffs and places a paw on her hip) Don't tell me that you suddenly don't like me anymore.
Ming/Loki: (Slightly flustered) You're a nice person, I can tell.
Sarah: Just a nice person? (Sighs) Look, …if this is about me being a squirrel I'd gotten the impression you were more open minded than that. (Pause) I mean I know we only shared a slap and a kiss but, …I honestly thought I felt a connection with you.
Ming/Loki: No, …it's not because you're a squirrel…
Sarah: (Amused) What then?
Ming/Loki: (Feeling pressured) It's about you being a girl, …I like guys okay! (Pause) I've never been with one but I know how I feel. (Pauses as she realizes what she'd said under the circumstances) That didn't come out right, …there's something going on here that you don't understand…
Sarah: (Speechless for a moment and oblivious to Ming/Loki's comment.) OH….! (Pause) Wow um,… (Pause) I did not see that coming… (Pause) I um, …after we kissed… (Scoffs) Wow, …it sure didn't feel like you were like that.
Ming/Loki: No wait, that's not what I was trying to say…
Sarah: (oblivious to Ming's comment) It, …it just never occurred to me, ….I'm sorry. (Looks away) I um, …won't touch you again. (Awkward pause) I'll, …I'll help you back into the vent. Try to follow any shaft that inclines, you should get to the top eventually. Good luck, …and let me know if you find the way out through the vents. If you can find a way out without being seen then I'll help you free the others and come with you, the only life left to risk is my own now. (Pause) I, …I just can't worry about the others anymore. I've been afraid for so long, …I just need to think about me for a change. (Anxious pause) I need to get away from here. (Scoffs) With my judgment in guys, maybe if I make it home I should just stick with my own kind.
Ming/Loki: (Trying to repair the damage) No wait, you don't understand. …I'm not really Lo… (Clutches her head and Loki's body falls to the floor. A moment later Loki opens his eyes and Sarah helps him up.)
Loki: Oh god my head hurts….. (Sees Sarah) Sarah…? (Tries to reach out to her but she backs away) What's wrong?
(Cut to the invisible barrier as Ming tumbles through and looks about. The background is Loki's POV as he converses with Sarah)
Ming: Oh God, …did that really just happen? (Pause) What have I done…? (She hears the speak and spell as Kitsune is still trying to communicate with her.) (Loudly) I'm coming… (Moments later everything disappears as she brings herself out of meditation.)
(Cut to Skipper and company miles away from Han's bunker. Ideas are being tossed about on how to proceed with retrieving the pups. Mel has managed to achieve a satellite internet connection using some of the computers at his terminal and has pulled up satellite images of Hans's bunker as well as historical documentation on that type of structure.)
Skipper: What kind of an idiot designs a fortified underground structure with only one way in or out? That's like asking for your enemy to entomb you.
Kowalski: Historically speaking, …a delusional paranoid German. There's a lot of history with these structures involving the human wars.
Skipper: Don't bore me with a history lesson, Kowalski. Tell me how we can use this intel to get the kids back without starting world war three.
Kowalski: Unfortunately Skipper, the intel we have is dated. No doubt Hans has made changes to the interior making these schematics completely useless.
Private: The satellite photos should prove useful though, right? I mean we can still see the movements of anybody outside the structure.
Skipper: Keep a watchful eye on the guards, good thinking Private!
Mel; We've been doing that, we haven't seen much of anything going on and I don't think we're going to anytime soon. (Pause) This guy Hans is clearly set on waiting for you to come to him.
Private: If we just knew what he was so ticked about, then that would give us a clue to what he's planning.
Skipper: Well isn't it obvious, Private? He didn't drag us all the way to Denmark for nothing, …this is about our old rivalry. This is about Copenhagen, …that sneaky waterfowl is trying to take things to a whole other level.
Rico: (grunts) That doesn't make sense, …why would he kidnap the pups just to do that?
Skipper: Well if it's not that then what could he possibly want?
Kowalski: Well, …the last time we encountered him he did try to make peace with you.
Private: …And in your refusal to accept you sent him off to live in the worst zoo imaginable.
Skipper: He deserved it! (Pause) …But just out of curiosity what could that possibly have to do with Denmark?
Digger: Well the Danes DID seem to know you were there and where you were. With Hoboken in mind it seems logical that Hans would want revenge, maybe he tried to use the Danes to get to you. Maybe he doesn't have a lot of people of his own so he had to lay a trap using them and with that in mind also used the kids as bait to bring you to them.
Skipper: …But it didn't work in the end. We were able to escape.
Babs; Thanks to us…
Skipper: Yes, thanks to you. Go ahead and pat yourselves on the back.
Kowalski: Are you suggesting that Hans's forces may be at their weakest with the trap having failed?
Digger: No, I'm suggesting that he's imported the entire Romanian army and stuffed them all into his bunker in hopes that you'll assume that.
Private: That seems like a bit of a tight fit doesn't it? (Skipper gestures to Rico who slaps Private) OW!
Skipper: Sarcasm, Private! (Turns back to Digger) So if that does prove to be the case then a frontal assault might just stand a chance.
Digger: Right now it looks like the only option that could work. Most of that bunker is underground so we can't just drill a new door into the side of it.
Skipper: How about you Kowalski, any options?
Kowalski: None that are viable, Skipper. We COULD use the remainder of our ordinance to bomb Hans out of his own bunker but doing so carries a substantial risk that we would bring the bunker down on the kids as well as Hans.
Skipper: How great of a risk?
Kowalski: (pulls out an abacus and begins to crunch numbers) About ninety seven percent, …which under the circumstances are surprisingly good odds.
Skipper: Where my kids are concerned a three percent chance of success isn't a risk I can live with. (Pause) Where you guys are concerned I'd be all for it, …but I can't risk the kids.
Rico: (salutes) Proud to be expendable, Skipper!
Skipper: (Returns the salute) …and you should be soldier. (Pause) Alright, So Kowalski's plan is a bust. …so going with that in mind we'll work with the other idea. We fly in, blast open the front door, and storm the place to get the kids back. Once they're out of harm's way then we'll deal with Hans.
Kowalski: That may be a little too obvious, Skipper. The entrance will likely be well guarded with whatever forces Hans DOES have and we could never be sure that we took out all of the guards when we blasted open the door. (Pause) I suggest we blast a hole in the roof somewhere behind the entrance to at least give us some element of surprise.
Private: What about the pups, ….Like you said before, they might get hurt if we go blasting things.
Mel: Use your melon, friend. Nobody keeps a prisoner right by the entrance, …that's like inviting them to try to escape. (Pause) Still, …it's a big place and likely has a lot of rooms. If you guys meet more resistance then we anticipate then you could find yourselves in a tight spot right quick.
Skipper: That's why we'll be counting on you for air support. Your job will be to make things as interesting as possible for the enemy when we call for you. With that in mind, …what have we got left after our last encounter?
Mel: Plenty of fifty rounds, a stinger, a modified javelin, two pods of five inch rockets, and the GDO.
Skipper: GDO?
Kowalski: Garage door opener.
Skipper: GDO, Kowalski? You couldn't have called it something better?
Kowalski: …It's a fitting name so stop judging me!
Skipper; Right, ..anybody have a garage door they need opened?
Private: Don't they have little clickers for that?
Kowalski: (clutches his brow and grumbles) Stop helping me, Private.
Private: I'm just saying…
Babs: Right, …well while Private is worrying about garage doors we've got another bloody problem to worry about.
Digger: What's on your mind Babs?
Babs: Fuel, …we were well and good when we flew in here and still not so bad off when we had to rush in to pick the yanks up but if we're going to be spending God knows how long loitering in the air to offer air support then we may have a problem getting back to the ship when it comes time to bug out of here.
Skipper: (scoffs) That shouldn't be a problem, …there's got a be a small airport somewhere around here where we could fuel up.
Don: …And I don't suppose you yanks have any money to buy the fuel with? Back in the states command always paid for the fuel, …but over here we've got no such luck.
Skipper: As it just so happens… (Rico hacks up Kitsune's credit card) Samurai express, …never leave home without it!
Private: (looks nervous) I've got a bad feeling about this.
Kowalski: Oh don't be such a worry wart, Private. Kitsune will understand given the circumstances.
Skipper: Now that's the frame of mind to have, …but just to grease the wheels and show our appreciation. (Gestures to Mel) Can you search for a florist and a fish shop near central park NY? (Mel nods and begins searching on the net) Rico, …she used to be your girl so you know what she likes. You make the selections!
Private: Um Skipper, …I'm sure whatever Rico picks out will be fine but are you sure she'll be happy having paid for her own appreciation gifts?
Skipper: Don't be so naïve, Private. Girls like getting gifts so much that they don't even CARE who paid for it.
Kowalski: It's true! A large percentage of human females buy THEMSELVES things just to make them feel better about whichever of life's little trifles if bothering them. (In the background Rico is working with Mel on the computer)
Private: (watching the others work) I still feel like I should be making out my will. (Private's stomach growls and moments later the noise comes from others as well.)
Skipper; All right, …I get the point. Everybody's hungry, (Sighs) What a time to worry about food. (His own stomach is heard growling prompting Skipper to jab at it.) Traitor! (Sighs) Kowalski, ..when was the last time anybody had chow?
Kowalski: I believe that would be aboard ship, Skipper.
Skipper: Really, ..it's been that long? I guess time really does fly in a crisis.
Rico: (Grunts) Fish!
Toby: (Gestures to Rico) I'm with this guy, …break out the provisions already.
Skipper: I got the point already. (Looks at Digger who gestures to Don who pulls an ice chest out from a storage compartment.) Alright people, …grab some chow before we get going and make it quick. We have a lot of work ahead of us. (Looks at Don) So what have we got?
(Cut to the next day after Ming has returned to the zoo. Kitsune has waited until after closing to sneak into the zoo and inform the others about the previous night's success. The penguins and the otters all have gathered around a bench outside of the penguin habitat as Kitsune sits and converses with the others.)
Jr.: I don't believe it, this just gets better and better. (Pause as he looks at Ming) So you don't have to be asleep to keep tabs on the others? (Ming shakes her head)
Marlene: So, …have you been able to learn anything? (Ming nods)
Ming: They are attempting escape as we speak, …and somebody on the inside has been trying to help them. (Marlene sits down on the pavement and cups her hands to her mouth with a heavy sigh of relief)
Marlene: Oh thank God! Finally some good news to focus on.
Astrid: (pokes Ming's ribs a little while wearing a smile on her face.) So aside from that, has there been any more lovey dovey stuff with Loki and this mystery girl?
Syron: (Scolding) Astrid!
Astrid: (Sighs) Sorry mom…
Jr.: Yea Astrid, …that's so not like you.
Astrid: You know I'm growing up too, …Jr. isn't the only one around here who's aloud to be curious or nosey.
Marlene: (gets back up off the concrete) Actually, …it's okay Astrid. I'm curious myself, ….and understandably a little concerned considering how they met.
Ming: (looks away with a slightly embarrassed expression) I wouldn't be, …from what I understand their relationship may have hit a bit of a snag. (Cough) sabotage (Cough)
Marlene: (Pats Ming on the back a few times) Are you okay sweetie?
Ming: Um …yea, I'm fine mom. Just a little dry throat I guess.
Marlene: (smirks) I'll get you a drink. You just keep bringing me some good news. (Trots off to her habitat)
Erin: (Appearing to be the only one who caught that last part, she leads Ming away from the group as they begin to talk to Kitsune.) (Suggestive grin) So what did you see…? (Ming shies away a little not knowing how to respond without divulging her latest personal discoveries.)
(Cut to the edge of a clearing in Denmark near the helicopter as Private stands off alone overlooking a nearby pond as he consumes his lunch. Back at the Helicopter, Babs finishes up a routine walk around and pauses to notice Private all by himself near the edge of the clearing. In curiosity Babs climbs up onto the helicopter and makes like she is inspecting the rotors while trying to get a better look at what Private is doing over there.)
Babs: (spies the pond) Bugger, ….I don't ever remember seeing that on the way in. (Looks about at all of the rushes and notices a fish jump in the pond. She then looks down at the guys who are conversing about manly things as they down their lunch prompting her to roll her eyes. Babs then thinks about what was said to her back on the ship after she blew up at Rico and lets out a heavy sigh.) Bollocks….. (Babs climbs down off the helicopter and waddles off toward Private. As he continues to look away from her Babs checks to make sure the guys are not watching and then proceeds to primp and fluff her feathers a bit before getting Private's attention.) I um, ….I don't suppose you'd offer a girl a drink, Private.
Private: (turns to acknowledge her) Oh Babs, …I didn't see you there. (Offers his canteen to Babs who takes a drink)
Babs: Nice view you've found, …I can't believe I missed it on the way in.
Private: I just happened to stumble onto it myself. (Pause) It reminds me of the lake in central park back home.
Babs: It is beautiful, …no doubt about that. It's hard to believe we didn't notice it right away.
Private: (Pauses for a moment as he feels a hint is being dropped and then turns to look at Babs.) Did you do something with your feathers?
Babs: Oh um, …no not really. I just had to dust myself off a bit, …working on machinery can be a dirty business.
Private: I can imagine. (A fish jumps in the pond)
Babs: How much time do you think we have left before we pull out of here?
Private: Um, ..fifteen minutes I think. Why do you ask?
Babs: (shrugs as another fish jumps) Would you fancy a swim with me to grab a little more lunch?
Private: (Looks unsure for a moment as he looks out at the pond) I suppose that'd be alright.
(Snap to fifteen minutes later back at the helicopter as the others have climbed back aboard and are preparing to get the mission underway.)
Skipper: Rico, we're about ready to shove off. Where's Private?
Rico: (shrugs) I dunno…
Skipper; Way to watch your man's back, Rico. (Pause) How about you Kowalski?
Kowalski: I believe I saw him eating over by the edge of the clearing.
Skipper: Well we can't launch this mission if we're short a man. Everybody spread out and find him.
Digger: We can't leave if we're short a pilot either.
Skipper: Oh sure, …go ahead and complicate things further why don't you. One man missing wasn't enough?
Digger: Oh give over, …where there's one you'll probably find the other. If I know Babs she's probably bending his ear about how she's trying to upgrade the engines to get more power out of them. Her latest project involves reworking the gear box to increase torque.
Skipper: Wow, …and I thought Kowalski's pet projects sounded boring. (Grumbles) Alright people, let's find them so we can get on out of here. We have pups to save and an evil puffin to thrash. (The penguins spread out in all directions.)
(Cut to the edge of the pond as Babs and Private sit next to each other with feathers dripping wet while consuming the fish they'd caught)
Babs: It's been so long since I've had to catch my own food I'd forgotten how much fun it was.
Private: It WAS fun wasn't it. (Pauses in thought) I've never had to catch my own food before, I've always either been fed by the zoo or hijacked a seafood truck with the guys or just won it playing miniature golf.
Babs: (surprised) Miniature golf?
Private: Well, …more hustled rather than won. I'm quite good…..
Babs: (dry) Miniature golf? (Silent pause) That's what you do for fun?
Private: Well, …used to really. You probably wouldn't want to know what I amuse myself with nowadays.
Babs: (shrugs) Eh, …I'll give it a toss. Enlighten me…
Private (slightly nervous) I well, …you see, …I collect Lunacorns. (Chuckles nervously)
Babs: (dry) Lunacorns..? (Maintains a stoic expression as she stares at Private. (The scene fades out.)
(Snap to as many as ten minutes later with Digger poking his head through the rushes to find Babs and Private holding flippers and sharing a laugh.)
Digger: There you guys are! (Turns to call to the others) I found them! (Turns back to Private and Babs to find that his presence has been ignored. He takes in the situation and clears his throat) Babs…?
Babs: (Turns to notice digger and quickly lets go of Private's flipper) Oh I uh, …I guess I didn't notice you, Digger. Is everything all right?
Digger: I was going to ask you the same thing, ...we've been looking for you two. This isn't a picnic in the park you know, we DO have a mission to finish and it's not exactly something that can wait a spell. (Pause as Digger shakes his head) This is a bit of a switch for you Babs, …I'd never figured you for the romantic type. (Smirks) I didn't interrupt anything did I?
Babs: (Hostile) No, …and you won't say a word to the others about this either.
Digger: (chuckles) Oh give over will you,… like everybody else doesn't have better things to concern themselves with. (Gestures for them to head back to the helicopter) We just all figured you were more interested in mechanical stuff than well, ..this. (Chuckles some more as he turns to head back. In the distance Skipper can already be heard chastising Private from afar about being late.)
Babs: (As they start back themselves) Private, if you tell anybody about what we have in common I'll feed you to the crocs.
Private: (chokes a bit) I'm sure that won't be necessary, …I can keep my bill shut. (Silent pause) I don't suppose when we get back you could show me your collection? (Babs doesn't reply but instead takes hold of his flipper as they waddle back to meet up with the others.)
Chapter 10 coming soon…
Comments and suggestions are always welcome.