As Agent Altair stepped off the plane in Antarctica, he immediately felt the cold biting into his skin. He had never been to the South Pole before, but he had no time to acclimate to the new environment. He was on a mission.

Dubai, 17 hours earlier

Altair nervously entered the room, panelled with black and blue and with a huge screen behind Mr. Hurra's chair as he awaited his briefing. -

"Excuse me, sir, did you just say penguins?"

"Yes, that's correct, Agent Altair. I need you to locate the Penguins of Madagascar."

"I'm sorry, sir, but may I ask why? Are they a threat to national security?"

"No, not exactly. We have received intel that there is an unknown enemy targeting penguins around the world.''

"Understood, sir. But I have to ask, why me? There are surely other agents who are better suited for this mission."

"There are, but most of them are currently on other assignments. You are the only one available at the moment. I need you to act fast and get to Antarctica as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir. But forgive me, I still can't quite wrap my head around it. We are a government agency, why are we chasing after penguins?"

"Agent Altair, you need to understand that in our line of work, we can't always choose the assignments we get. Sometimes, we have to venture into the unknown and do whatever it takes to complete our mission. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry for questioning your orders. I will do my best to retrieve the device."

"Good. I trust you will fulfil your duty, Agent Altair. Report back to me as soon as you have any new information."

"Yes, sir. I'm on it."

Antarctica, Adelie Land

Tearing winds bounded seaward as Altair caught sight of four penguins.

''Are these the Penguins of Madagascar?''

Sighting him, Skipper moaned, ''Hey! Can't a penguin go on a vacation without being bothered by some House of Wisdom mission?''

Altair briefly responded, ''Not when nearly every enemy you've encountered has been connected in some way and is plotting a final blow. Come with me please if you want to survive.''

''What?'' Private asked, his head tilting

" Every. Single. Penguin. Is. Under. Threat. More will be said later."

They crossed the shelves of ice, Altair shivering and stumbling, but eventually scrambled to the deck of the plane and the soothing heat rushed in.

The Atlantic

The penguins obeyed and the blinding lights of the plane rose. Soon they were careening through the Atlantic.

''Next stop, Canada! There we can rally our allies to take them down.

''Bleurgh!'' Rico spluttered.

Altair started, ''Are you speaking or did you drink the lemonade because that stuff tasted like a goat's b-"

"He means we are able to defend ourselves." Skipper muttered.

"We can take down a few petty nemeses like Dr. Blowhole or Dave!" Kowalski protested.

Altair's face turned grim.

" The Master's not just some ordinary criminal. He's the one who's been supplying our enemies with weapons and technology. He's a very dangerous man. He's been planning this for centuries. His family has a long history of evil. His 32nd great-grandfather, Tarask Veritius, seized control of an underground network of evil forces in 1191. He used his power to conquer the city of Messina by treachery and burnt down half of Malta, and only my 32-great grandfather remained. . Now, however, he won't stop at a small underground enclave, but he will sustain a massive empire. The House of Wisdom has to stop this man at all costs! I myself have a personal grudge, for he has captured my dearest friend Otto! Nor has he spared any of your penguin brothers, sisters and uncles, aunts and parents!"

"It shall be done." Skipper agreed, " but how do we do it?"

''Did you just pay zero attention to what I said about Canada? The North Wind Base?''

Embarrassed at the thought of returning to the North Wind, Skipper put his flipper on his face.

"Can you also stop tugging my beard? Oh, here we come!"

Dusting and placing on his embroidered tunic and tying his ceremonial turban. marched out with his trail of allies to request entry.

Sighting us, the gate to the base of the North Wind clanked open, blue and white lights flashing all around the plane.

As they entered the main room, Altair saluted Agent Classified. " It's an honor to finally meet you, Agent Classified. I've heard great things about you.

"The pleasure is all mine, Altair."

"I am with the House of Wisdom, a force for justice to combat the corrupt all over the world. I have a very troubling problem."

The wolf motioned to a chair. Everyone sat.

"There is a certain enemy known only as The Master. He has been fighting us and providing the likes of Dave or Dr. Blowhole with money and technology. He is now preparing for the finishing attack. With one full-scale attack he could make us crumple like paper.

At the name of the Master, Agent Classified winced.

" I don't have too many weapons, for me I have a sword and perhaps a bow. It's not much but these are easy to hide and to use for me."

"What say you, agents? Are we ready?"

A resounding cheer filled the air. The screen began to glisten and shimmer into the world map as reported criminal activity was pinpointed. Lo! A new alert was traced to JFK Airport where hooded men crept across onto the runway.

"GO! NOW!" Altair begged, as everyone rushed to the jet hangar and collected their weapons.