Author's Notes: Hey guys I know it's been a while, but life happened again, I'm currently in the process of moving across the country for my job. I just moved to California and unpacking the new place will be hectic. The good news is I plan to be done with this story in the next few weeks. All Future chapters will be posted on Monday's before 8:00 pm PST.

Fun Fact: So, I decided to put in a little easter egg about Buck Rockgut in this chapter. In his introduction episode Skipper explains to Private that he's a well-known penguin hero, but no one else seems to see penguins as anything but cute and cuddly. Which made me think he must only be well known to other penguins. I thought it would be a fun way to include him while introducing Manfredi and Johnson.

Also the reader Agent E asked about Ms. Perky? So I added her too, just remember she doesn't get her princess look until much later in the series so this Ms. Perky is wearing the blue and black shirt and shorts.

Anyway, as always, thanks for reading and please review.


(Back with Kowalski)

It didn't take long for someone to take the bait, the new mad scientist known as Brainiac had gotten up at the crack of dawn. Not surprising, his military lifestyle didn't know how to turn off. He was vaguely aware of his habitat mates. Skipper had signed them up for a Zoo Tour as part of their cover and the tour was supposed to help newly rescued penguins accommodate to Zoo life. Having been in a Zoo most of their lives the brothers were the perfect examples for the new rescues.

Sadly, this meant that just like home Kowalski would have a role to play in the zoo. It was important to keep up appearances. If he didn't do the job he may be kicked out of the program in favor of a more social penguin. Of course, this would be greeted with a swift return home so knowing he had only a few hours before morning feeding he checked his computer.

The bait in question was several videos of Kowalski own experiments, it was common practice of his to record the testing phase of all his experiments. This meant he had a lot of footage to choose from and he spent all three days before they left editing the footage. He had to be careful, he couldn't show any shots that gave way the identity of himself or his bothers. He also couldn't allow the enemy to grow a sense of where their base was located. So, a lot of the scenery and signs had to be edited out or altered. Finally, he couldn't use any footage of weapons or experiments that his team were using or had used in the past. This of course, made sense because doing so would give them insight on how they worked and how to make more. Unfortunately, this left him with only his most theoretical experiments. Ones he had yet to fully work all the kinks out on or where dubbed too dangerous to continue by Skipper.

Yes, this was why he was chosen for this role. Lot's of people saw him as the science guy, but not many new what that really entailed. Kowalski loved to push the envelope, to test the boundaries of science. Unfortunately doing so sometimes cause him to create things that had the potential to destroy the world. Yes, the potential of becoming a mad scientist was there, had it not been for Skipper's firm hand…He shook his head trying not to think about it. He pulls up the dark web and sees that his video's have several hits and video responses.

He clicks on one and watches.

"I like the death ray thing you made." A Chimpanzee with a scar running over one blind eye said. "Know a guy who may be interested; think you'd be able to mass produce?"

Kowalski couldn't help but smile as he thought of the experiment in question. He had been trying to make a stronger cutting tool to replace his old blowtorch and miscalculated the output of the laser. The beam had cut through the wall of his lab and Skipper's favorite mug. Kowalski had nearly been strangled for that. He recorded a quick response, remembering to change his voice and speech pattern. "Depends, are they willing to make it worth my while? I don't pick up on old projects for just anyone."

He nods as he listens to it several times. Yes, all he wanted was information, he couldn't start making promises he didn't plan to keep. It could jeopardize his cover and more importantly the mission as a whole.

There are a few more similar responses to other videos, and Kowalski pretty much answers all of them with the same video. Until he reaches the last one, the response is a voice recording instead of a video, just like his. This alone stops him, someone out there was going through a lot of trouble not to be seen. He hits play on the recording and it met with a distorted voice. "You're tech shows promise, but I can't help but notice you're green to the craft. If you are looking for a mentor I would consider it."

Kowalski listen to it several times and couldn't help but wonder if he had stumbled on to something big. Even if this wasn't Blowhole, it was still odd. This individual was going through a lot of trouble not to be recognized. Just like him and in a world of criminals who were conversing on a network meant for their kind it seemed strange to hide.

He clicked on the user's name and is redirected to their page. Like his own it's mostly pictures and video clips. However, there is also some writing, which he thought was promising. Blowhole had bragged about going to college for his doctorate. He would need to read and write to pull off such a feat. Yes, this guy was promising, he pulls up his narrator app and highlights the page. Man, he loved this computer, now he had an app that would read just about anything to him.

Which came in handy since Phil and Mason weren't here to do it for him.

The whole page was basically one big monologue about how amazing this person, who went by Doc thought he was, oh yes this certainly sounded like their target. What struck a nerve was there was no clear motive, Blowhole ranted on and on about his hatred for the humans and what they did to him. However, there was none of that hatred here. Still, it wasn't a total loss, with their similarities this individual and Blowhole may run in the same circle.

Coming to a decision Kowalski recorded a response. "After reviewing your page, I have decided to consider your offer. What would this mentorship entail?"

He nods and hits send, yes short and sweet. After he was done he went to Rico's page and saw that he too had several hits. He would be getting some calls soon if he hadn't already, he pulls out some beakers and decides it's time to do some real science. With all his planning for the trip he had yet to test Nigel's DNA against Private's for any similarities. He takes out Nigel's feather and prepares it for testing before doing the same to Private's. If he had one of those high-tech machines; testing the DNA would take no time at all.

Sadly, Kowalski would have to rely on his own judgement as he compared the two samples which could take some time. He has just enough time to prepare the samples before the morning rush commences. Hearing a human calling out "Breakfast!" He abandons his cloak and ushes out to greet them. Several other Penguins can be seen peaking out from their holes, they're scared, obviously due to the human being in the encloser. Most if not all of them have probably never seen a human before.

Kowalski runs up to the Zookeeper and gives a happy call, trying to show the others the young man was nothing to be afraid of.

"Oh, you must be our visitor, Brian was it?" The man said, no doubt Skipper had their names altered for their protection.

Kowalski gives another happy call, greeting him.

The young man gives him a friendly pat. "Well, I'm Zookeeper Dillion, say why don't show our friends how things work here?" He puts his hand in a bucket he is holding and pulls out a fish. He waves it around so everyone can see before he throws it to Kowalski's open mouth.

Kowalski takes advantage of the free meal while making a show of the fact that he has food. It works several of the others poke their heads out in interest. "Come on." He calls out to them. "It's just food."

"Food?" A penguin asked.

"Food?, Food!" Several echo and then they stampede on over.

"Good job Brian." Dillion throws him another fish before serving the others.

Kowalski shook his head as he allowed himself to bleed into the crowd. He forgot how naive his fellow penguins were. There was a reason why they were referred to as Snow Clowns, silly, uncoordinated, and cute; a lot of his kind were easy going and easily amused.

Dillion greets them all, being sure to use their names and give each equal attention. Kowalski had to admit the kid was really serious about his job. He could really give Alice a run for her money, but only in the quality of care. As nonchalant as she was Alice was a heard worker who took care of the whole Zoo back at home. So, he tried not to judge her too hard, still it was a nice to be given such personal care and attention.

"Alright guys Brian is going to take good care of you, I'll see you at lunch." Dillion says as he finishes feeding them and makes his leave.

And just like that all eyes are on him, and all hopes of disappearing back to his work go out the window.

Several come up to greet him but not many make an effort which make sense. Penguins are usual tight knit within their colonies and it can take some time for outsiders to get accommodated. This, however, is the worst scenario. None of the penguins here seem to be acquainted with anyone, making a lot of the interactions awkward at best. It didn't help the Kowalski was already extremely awkward without the added stress. However, two penguins in particular tried to be friendly, strangely though a lot of them were giving them a wide birth. Almost as if they were afraid of them.

"Greetings newcomer." The taller and lankier of the two greets him. "I got to say you're quite a natural when it comes to the giants."

"Giants?" Kowalski asked.

"Yeah the tall hairless monkeys." The shorter and pudgier one said. "Names Johnson, and this is my brother Manfredi."

"Oh, you mean Dillion?" Kowalski said. "He's actually a human, a Zookeeper to be exact his job is to take care of us." He explained realizing just how green his habitat mates must be. "How long have you guys been here?"

"A couple of weeks." Johnson answered.

"We were found tangled up in a fisher's net." Manfredi explained. Both brothers had rough voices.

"All of you?" Kowalski asked stunned.

"No just my brother and I." Johnson cut in. "We all ended up here for different reasons."

Kowalski nodded his agreement; he knew the feeling. "My brothers and I were found stranded on a floating ice floe." He admitted.

"Brothers?" Manfredi looked around. "Funny I didn't see anyone else new."

"Oh no they're back home." Kowalski explained. "I'm here to help you all get acquainted with Zoo life. It's a program the Zoo's use to help rescue wildlife adapt to new homes."

"Oh, a guide to the city life." Johnson said as if it was obvious. "That makes sense."

"So how long have you been at your Zoo?" Manfredi asked.

"Since I was a hatchling." Kowalski admitted not seeing a reason to lie, these two were obviously just your average civilians.

"So, you know all the ins and outs. That's a relief, this place is so loud and alien." Johnson said looking weary.

"I know living in a city can be a cultural shock." Kowalski tells them. "But you'll see in time, Zoo life is great, all you have to do is get along and be nice to the humans."

"Sounds doable." Manfredi agrees.

"Say what's up with everyone else?" Kowalski asked. Everyone was giving them nervous glances.

"Ain't you friend." Johnson said.

"Yeah sorry that's our fault." Manfredi cut in. "My brother and I have a bit of a reputation."

"Oh?" Kowalski asked curious now.

"Yeah we're a bit accident prone." Johnson admitted fearfully.

"OH!" Kowalski repeats looking nervous now. He didn't want to be rude, but he wasn't looking for trouble either.

"It's okay if you want to start avoiding us too." Manfredi told him. "Everyone does."

"We've gotten use to it." Johnson admitted.

"No, its fine." Kowalski said, doing some damage control. Mission or not these penguins were scared and isolated in a strange land. Kowalski and his brothers strive to help others no mater how small the problem. "I'm sorry I'm a bit out of my element." He admitted. "My brother usually leads the conversation, me I'm a social kluts." He laughs nervously.

"First time away from home, I get that." Johnson assured him.

"We'll we got your back." Manfredi said. "We may not known much about Zoo life, but we've been here long enough to show yah around. Right Johnson."

"Yep after all what's the penguin credo?" Johnson asked.

"Never swim alone." Kowalski said with a smile. "I take it you're fans of Buck Rockgut?" He asked.

"Of course, everyone knows who Buck is." Manfredi said.

Which was true, unlike the brothers, Buck Rockgut was always in the spotlight. The elders of the colony would tell stories to the hatchlings about the adventures of Buck Rockgut. He was a penguin hero, and Skipper pride himself to be just like him, of course Rico and Kowalski followed his lead.

"Man, if I could do what he did every day." Johnson said dreamingly.

"Like you could handle the double lifestyle, unlike our new friend here." Manfredi gestured to Kowalski.

He nearly died on the spot. "Me double life? What?" His voice cracked. Had he already been found out?

"We saw you brining in all kinds of supplies last night." Johnson told him.

"Oh that?" Kowalski laughed it off. "I'm from the big apple." He explained mentally kicking himself. "I'm not use to such miniscule accommodations. I like to fiddle with various things the humans use in my spare time, learn how they work. Yeah human Technology is kind of a fascination of mine."

"That's pretty cool." Manfredi admitted.

"Yeah nothing to be embarrassed about friend." Johnson told him. "Manfredi and I sneak into the main office after hours to watch the TV." He whispered.

Kowalski perked up. "Really? Isn't it locked."

"Like a lock door could stop us." Johnson laughed.

"Sure, didn't stop Rockgut." Manfredi added. "Hey maybe you'd like to join us."

Kowalski smiled; these guys reminded him of his brothers. "That sounds great." He admitted. He didn't see why he couldn't take a break or two, after all he really couldn't do anything until he got more responses.

Speaking of those Kowalski couldn't wait to share with his brothers what he had found. The mysterious villain who reached out to him may not be Blowhole, but now he had a connection inside the mad scientist circle. Hopefully in time that connection would grow into a whole network and then he could use it to find their target.

Yes, Skipper would be please, and the thought made him puff out his chest a little. He knew his brother was worried about them all going solo for their first time. Of course, he had every right to be, this was a dangerous world they were messing with. The criminal underworld of the animal kingdom was full of the worse villains the world had to offer. If any of them were found out they'd be chopped liver long before any of the others came to help them.

Still, he knew he was ready for this. He was ready to show Skipper that he could more than just follow orders. He could be a leader too, help him carry the burdens that often came with the role. Yes that was his goal, and he was off to a great start, he just hoped his brothers were having similar luck.


(Back with Rico)

Rico's many responses had him very busy indeed, like the rest of his brothers he was up early, and it was a good thing too. The outside of his lair was flooded with potential customers. Rico had to admit the thought of criminals being early risers had not occurred to him, no wonder they never caught a break.

His first customer a tom cat, who was missing an eye, came in asking about his flamethrower. Rico of course was reluctant to give it up. The thing might look worthless, but it was the very first weapon that Kowalski made specifically for him. It was also the first one Skipper allowed him to use unsupervised. Needless to say he was very fond of the item in question, but the buyer wasn't taking a hint.

"Come on!" the cat hissed in an annoyed tone. "I'll give you 150 sardines for the junk."

Oh he did not just call HIS Flamethrower junk! Rico starts to babble some very choice words to the guy but luckily the cat can't understand him.

"Man now I no why you had someone else voice your videos, that speech impairment is intense." The cat meowed.

Rico takes that moment off reflection to gather himself, really Skipper would be impressed with his obvious display of control. He forces himself to form proper words, it's no easy, his speech has gotten better with practice, but no amount of time and practice could fix his handicap completely. "First weapon-very valuable." It's slurred and still quiet jumbled, but the tom seems to understand.

"Awe sentimental value, I see well how about I do you a favorable trade?" He asked.

Rico raised a brow, a what now?

The tom nods and gestures to one of his buddies, he's a larger tom with black fur and gray stripes. This tom is holding a large bag of what Rico can only guess is tradable items. He shuffles through it until he pulls out what appears to be a child's toy. It's an orange keyboard with several buttons on it, and a thin rectangle screen along the top.

Rico gives him a look.

"I know it doesn't look like much, but this gadget is going to change your life mate." The first Tom offered. He passes a serries of button and then to Rico's amazement the toy starts to speak in a robotic voice.

"You press button and I talk for you."

Rico was floored, he snatched up the toy in a fit of excitement, rambling about how to make it work.

Again the Tom doesn't understand him but gets the gist. "Well there's no need to worry about spelling, the buttons are common words." He explains. "I had this one made special; a friend added a few words most human kids wouldn't know." He winked. "obviously you recognize words and how to form sentences so just press buttons, memorize where the words are, and you'll be talking like the rest of us in no time."

Rico looked at the toy like it was the coolest thing in the world, he really wanted it, not just for himself, but for the mission too. A lot of ops would go much smoother if they could interact with humans in there disguises. Instead of being a suspicious cloaked figure all the time. This could be the answer to that, and it could help Rico with his current mission. Still, he was attached to the weapon in question so of course he had to ask. "Whatcha gonna do with it?" He points to the flamethrower.

Again the Tom seems to get it. "I have a few clients that may like to mass produce them."

Rico's eye perked up again suggesting a raised brow.

"Oh no, we're already paying you, you can't expect us to give you names of our clientele too." The second tom said.

"Donni." The first tom snapped. "That's no way to treat our new friend." The first tom hissed. "Sorry mate, Donni here has forgotten what it's like to be starting out. I however, remember how hard it was to make it big. But he is right, you can't get something for nothing."

Rico nods and looks around his makeshift shop. Usually all his weapons would be in his gut, but Skipper advised against any regurgitation while on this job. It made sense, Blowhole had saw him and his bottomless pit of a stomach in action. If word got out that some weapons dealer could do that too, the mammal may see through his disguise, and it would blow the whole op. So he had upchucked all his weapons, polished them and hung them on the wall like shelving.

He pulls down a rocket launcher. "How many?" He asked.

"How many what? Names?" The first tom asked.

Rico nodded vigorously.

"Man you are an eager one." The first tom laughed. "Tell you what I'll give you one name and one more selection of our toys."

Rico wanted to argue, but one name was better than none, besides his first toy had potential to be useful to the team. He nods reluctantly and gestures to the bag.

Donni grunts, but hands it over after his partner gives him a look.

Rico shuffles through the bag, there are pretty good stuff here, a toy drone, some kid's spy goggles that Kowalski could probably convert into the real thing, and a variety of dolls? He gives the tom a look.

The tom follows his gaze and nods. "Some of our clients have kids, they like the company."

Rico was about to shrug the idea away when one doll in particular caught his gaze. She was tall with blonde wavey hair and pretty blue eyes. Which went well with her black and blue shorts and matching tank top.

"That's a Ms. Perky doll, very popular." The first tom said.

Rico looks her over, sure she didn't do much for the mission, but she could help keep him company. Give him someone to talk to so he wasn't left to his own insanity and devices he picks her up fully out of the bag.

The tom nods. "Nice choice, names Jeff, and I think we're going to get along just fine." He places the flamethrower and rocket launcher in his bag. "Now the buyer's name is Doc, not his real name of course, but he's a new time villain, great customer for a first timer like yourself.

Rico nods and thanks them for the business before they went on there way. After several more hours he finally cleared out his last customer leaving him all alone. Well except for Ms. Perky, she smiled at him and Rico smiles back. He knew she couldn't talk, but that was okay, because he could so he told her all about him, and his brothers. He told her she would probably like them and how he couldn't wait to show her off. He knew Skipper wouldn't like her at first, but once he found out he had a promising lead he'd change his tone. Besides what was wrong with having something for himself? He yawns and turns in for the night, tucking Ms. Perky in close.

"Good night." He grunted.

She gives him her winning smile.

He hugs her, 'Best purchase ever!' and with that final thought, he rolls over and falls asleep.


-To Be Continued


Author's Notes: I know the voice box toy the penguins use to talk to humans have letters to spell out the words. But this is yet another example of how the creators seem to pick and choose when the penguins can read and write. So I changed it a bit for the sake of the story.

Important! Another question Agent E had was about Rico's scar, he obviously does not have it as a baby penguin in the beginning of the movie, but it is present for the show and in all the other movies as far as I can tell. My question is do I write it in the story or just leave it to mystery?

As always thanks for reading and please review.