A/N: Yeah, another shorter one, but I loved doing this one. ^^

The Penguin Credo

19. Mind

Kowalski pulled the goggles over his eyes, watching the little symbols cross his vision as he scanned over the land. "Area is secure, Skipper," he announced into his two-way radio. He jumped down from the tree, sliding along the rope and landing solidly on the ground.

He stepped carefully through the brush of the jungle, keeping himself alert and ready. "I'm getting a reading on larger life forms close by. We'll have to be careful."

"Affirmative," came the response on the other line. "Keep your eyes peeled, Kowalski. If there's any sign of trouble, get out of there, got it?"

"Got it," Kowalski responded, turning around. Now if only he could find-

The tallest penguin stopped dead in his tracks as he came face to face with a pair of large, yellow eyes. He swallowed thickly. "Skipper… I could use some back up."

20. Body

Skipper's eyes widened as he heard the contained panic in Kowalski's voice. "Rico, go!" he ordered sharply.

Rico saluted and shot off, sliding on his belly in the direction that the strategies expert had gone. A couple yards behind him, he could hear Skipper and Private, but he focused on his given mission.

He hopped up again as he spotted the familiar figure of his teammate. Kowalski was fighting as well as he could, but it was a battle already lost against three wolves. Rico regurgitated a chainsaw and the buzz caught the beasts' attention.

Three sets of eyes widened and Rico grinned as they whimpered, turning tail to run. The weapons expert was almost disappointed. Almost.

"Nice work, Rico!" Skipper praised, patting the hefty penguin on the back. He turned his attention to the injured Kowalski, frowning.

21. Heart

"Private!"

Private acted quickly, nodding and waddling quickly to their hurt teammate. "That was pretty brave, K'walski," he told him, smiling. Rico regurgitated the needed medical supplies, and the smallest penguin began to wrap the wounds.

"I would rather have not needed to be brave," Kowalski responded. He chuckled, but the movement caused his wounds to jostle and he cringed.

"Careful," Private told him, patting Kowalski's shoulder before continuing. "Are you alrigh'?"

"I think I'll be fine."

"Good." The shorter penguin made sure the wounds were tightly wrapped and stood up again. He offered a large smile, holding out a flipper to help Kowalski up. The intellectual returned the smile in thanks and took the flipper, pulling himself up.

"Thank you, Private."

21. Soul

"Are we still a go for Operation: Grease Lightning, Skippa'?" Private asked hesitantly, turning his eyes to the team leader.

Skipper frowned, turning his eyes to Kowalski. "Still fit for duty, Kowalski?"

The strategies expert frowned, testing the weight from one leg to the other before giving a small nod. "Affirmative, Skipper."

Skipper smiled, proud of his team's strength. He put his flippers on his hips, fully facing the other three. "I won't lie to you boys. There's going to be some trouble here. Wolves travel in bigger packs than three."

Private swallowed thickly, straightening himself. One each of his sides were Rico and Kowalski, who listened just as closely to the leader.

"But if we get this done, we won't have to deal with them again any time soon." Skipper's gaze traveled over each of them. "I know we can do it. From now on we stay together. No one goes ahead, understand?" Another nod from the others. "We work as one, just as we've trained. Now…" he paused, smiling slowly. "Who's ready to send those mutts crying to their mommies?"

All four cheered in unison.