Author's Notes: Sorry for ghosting again, this new job really burns me out by the end of the day, but here we are again, hope everyone is doing well, and I hope you enjoy this next chapter! Thanks for reading and please review.

(Back with Kowalski)

He knew it was risky snooping around with two civilians, but fitting in with the locals was a part of his cover. Kowalski followed as Manfredi and Johnson led him towards the head office. The Zoo itself had closed over an hour ago and besides the night watchman no other staff was around.

He marveled at the way the two knew every step and turn of the elderly gentleman in question.

"Earl is pretty chill." Johnson says as they move quickly, keeping to the shadows and avoiding what few cameras on the premises. "He doesn't check the habitat's for each of us, just looks for anything out of the ordinary."

"He does walk around every hour." Johnson cut in. "So, we have to avoid where he's going to be and turn off the main office light."

"Will the TV be noticeable?" Kowalski asked.

"No, we just stream YouTube and read the subtitles." Manfredi said with a shrug.

"You can read!" Kowalski exclaimed.

"Well sure, can't you?" Johnson asked. "I thought with your fascination of human technology you'd figure it out."

"No, sadly I usually have to use pictures and context clues." Kowalski admitted sheepishly. "Would like to know how if you got any tips."

"I learned from YouTube." Johnson tells him. "Can show you a couple of vids."

"I'd like that." Kowalski admitted.

"We got to take a detour here." Manfredi says as they slip through the fence of the monkey habitat.

"Off to watch your tub?" A Spider monkey chatters above them in the trees.

"Yep, want us to bring you back anything?" Johnson asked.

"Some Cheetos please." He tosses a few coins. "Oh hey, who is the new guy?"

"This is Brian." Johnson answers. "He's visiting as a part of a rehabilitation outreach program."

"Good evening." Kowalski greets him.

"Outreach? Yeah, I heard about that, shame how so many animals get mistreated, sold as pets caught in fishing nets." The Monkey shakes his head.

"Yes my hope is I can help the others open up to each other as a group, they seem pretty much to themselves for the most part." Kowalski said, playing the role. "And pretty weary of Dillon before they realized he had food."

"The humans part will be harder." The monkey tells him. "I myself never had a bad encounter. I was raised like a human toddler for 3 years before coming here. My owner was a nice old lady but passed on recently. Name's Hank by the way."

"Well, we'll be seeing you on the way back." Johnson assures him as they get moving again.

"Want anything if the Cheetos are out?" Manfredi asked as if just remembering.

Hank shrugs. "Not sure, ain't found another one I like."

"I find the cool ranch Doritos are quiet enjoyable." Kowalski suggested. "Use to be obsessed with the Nacho flavor, but it was replaced with its spicier version which is not as great. I also like the mini bags of popcorn."

"Popcorn is good." Hank said. "Those go fast though, but hey if they're both gone I'll try this cool ranch, thanks friend."

"Of course" Kowalski smiles and waves a goodbye.

"You're alright Brian." Johnson praises.

Kowalski's smile grew at his words; if he was being honest he'd admit he had missed his brothers dearly. Of course Manfredi and Johnson could never replace them, but just being with them; doing the things he'd normally do with his brothers…it shouldn't be enough and yet it was. It was as if the two had always known him like they were meant to be apart of his life.

They made it to the window of the front office which was left partly open.

"Earl turns off the buildings AC at night." Johnson explained. "Keeps the windows open so just enough cooling air comes in." He starts to shimmy up the water drainage pipe to reach it.

Kowalski has to give him credit for effort, but he knows there is a better way, but should he suggest it? He goes to dismiss the idea, of course he can't show off his military moves to a bunch of civilians, even if they are Buck Rockgut fans. But then he sees Johnson struggling and starts to second guess his dismissal.

"This was so much easier when they had that recycling bin under the window." Manfredi tried to explain.

" I-I have an idea." Kowalski stammered.

"Sure thing man, shoot." Manfredi encouraged him.

"I'll need Johnson to come down, but I was thinking we could get on each other's shoulders so we can reach and then the one at the top can pull each other up." Kowalski explained. Okay so it wasn't a full military move, he doubted the two could back flip while hanging one to each other allowing them all to swing in like monkeys on a chain.

"Sounds doable, give me a sec." Johnson jumps down and lands with ease.

"So the idea is have the one with the strongest arm strength to be on the bottom because they have to hold the max weight the longest." Kowalski instructed gesturing for Johnson to get on his shoulders.

"Are you implying that you're the strongest?" Manfredi laughed.

"Don't let my pencil form fool you." Kowalski said slyly. He wanted to brag about how he once held all his brothers weight at once but decided to leave it as a mystery.

Johnson shrugs but awkwardly climbs onto Kowalski's shoulders. When it becomes apparent that his brother isn't going to fall. Manfredi climbs on top of Johnson's shoulders.

"Still think I'm not strong enough?" Kowalski couldn't help but gloat.

"Okay-okay." Manfredi laughs as he climbs onto the windowpane and opens the ajar window before climbing in. "Last time I judge a book by it's cover, honest."

He reaches down for his brother who allows himself to be pulled up.

Johnson rights himself before reaching for Kowalski, he's a bit too high, but he surprises them both by managing to reach with one jump. "It's always the quiet ones." Johnson joked.

Kowalski couldn't help but smirk, okay maybe he was being a bit smug, but it wasn't like he was pulling out any special moves. Besides Johnson and Manfredi seemed nice enough, and being familiar with them could ultimately help his cover. A bang of guilt hits him…hard! Manfredi and Johnson were nice guys, he shouldn't be taking advantage of them like this.

"Now comes the fun part." Manfredi climbed into a rolling chair and swivels towards the desk where the computer is.

Kowalski and Johnson join him and watch as he logs into the computer with ease.

Kowalski can't help but fell excited, he always wanted to learn to read, just think of all the learning opportunities, the science that cold be unlocked if he could only read about it.

"Now don't get discouraged if it takes a while to pick up on." Johnson warned as he pulled up the first video.

Kowalski nodded as the computer started to play a video on the ABC's, he supposed if you had to start somewhere then this was it. Of course he know the song, many of the school children around the Zoo would sing it from time to time.

"So as you probably know these letters make words, if you can learn what sound each letter makes you can form words and eventually learn to read." Manfredi was saying.

Kowalski's eyes were like saucers, he never thought he'd have such an opportunity as this, sure, he'd have to get back to his computer eventually, but for now learning to read could be the best use of his time. He watches as the video changes from the ABC song and starts to explain what sound each letter makes. He suddenly wished Rico was here with Skipper's log recorder, it would be nice if he could listen to it later as well.

Risking coming back here every night just to learn to read could also compromise the mission if they got caught.

"What's the matter?" Manfredi said. "Your face fell, discouraged already?"

"Oh no I was just wishing I could record the video to use outside the office." Kowalski said. "I know we could always come back but…"

"Scared we'll get caught?" Johnson asked.

Kowalski nodded. "I went through a lot of trouble to be here." He tried to explain. "My brother didn't want me to go, he's…very overprotective."

"I know how that is." Johnson said giving Manfredi a look.

"Hey, I don't see anyone else watching your back." Manfredi pointed out.

Kowalski faked a gasped. "What I thought I made an excellent look out, you know when you two climbed into the window."

Johnson laughed as Manfredi looked somewhat apologetic.

"Sorry friend, not use to having someone else to look out for him." Manfredi admitted.

His heart stuttered at the word friend, now that he thought of it he really hadn't had anyone else ither. Just his brothers, sure he thought he had Eva, but that felt more like a one-sided relationship, even at the best of times.

"Oh I know that look." Johnson said.

"What look?" Kowalski asked.

"The look like your heart has been ripped out." Manfredi answered.

"I knew a girl once." Johnson said dreaming, "Prettiest Penguin in the whole rookery, but every time she saw me she…she ran away."

"Why?" Kowalski asked.

"Accident prone, remember?" Johnson sighed. "What about you? Please tell me your luck was better."

"She…Her name was Eva…" Kowalski managed to answer, I met her during another…exchange…I thought she liked me, but she was just using me…"

"That's rough man." Johnson looked sorry for him. "Don't worry lot's of fish in the sea, you'll meet someone new."

"I…I think I already did." Kowalski admitted. "I can't get a complete coherent sentence out of my mouth whenever she's around." He smiles as he thinks of Doris, he had ran into her a few times since she saved them at the docs. Skipper would often ask her to help when they were scouting the perimeter.

Of course she had proved by now that she was no threat, and Kowalski had convinced him that having a fellow dolphin keeping a look out for the enemy might be helpful. She also knew by now that they were commando's, something she had to admit explained a lot, like the explosives, and Skipper's paranoia.

Thing is Skipper use to not be so paranoid, no it wasn't until that solo mission he took for Northwind that something changed. Thanks to them and more importantly EVA! Skipper saw the enemy everywhere!

"You're frowning again." Johnson told him.

"Sorry, I don't mean to…I need some air, I'll go get hanks snacks." He declared taking the coins from Manfredi and running off without another word.

"Nice going, you scared him off!" Manfredi yelled. "We finally make a friend and…"

"I was just showing my concern." Johnson reasoned. "He seemed so down in the dumps all of the sudden…"

Manfredi perked up as he notices something peeking out of a box that read Lost And Found. "Maybe there is a way we can help." He says.

"How?" Johnsons asked.

Manfredi pulls out a small video camera, it looks like one of those play ones for kids.

"You think it actually records video?" Johnson exclaimed.

"Looks like it." Manfredi flips out a screen. "See he can even watch it without a needing another device, this is perfect!"

"Let's restart the video!" Johnsons exclaimed and moments later the brothers start recording for their new friend.

(Following Kowalski)

He had found the vending machine easy enough and gave it a good once over before using it. Ever since Dave used one to trap them during their first meeting he's been reluctant to trust one again. Which was silly, seriously like such a thing would ever happen twice…right? He looks at the selections and sees there is popcorn, Doritos and Cheetos, the Earl guy must have just restocked.

He smiles as he decides to get all three, this way Hank could try some, and he could drown his worries in chips. He makes his selections and pays the machine before reluctantly heading back to his new friends.

Friends, could he call them that? He was using them after all, and didn't that make him just as bad as Eva? Oh why couldn't he get over her already? It wasn't that he still loved her, no those felling were gone, no the pain came from the betrayal. The idea that she felt like she couldn't confined in him, how she led him on only to but a wall in between them. Part of him understood that she was trying to protect him, perhaps she thought she could keep him hidden from Blowhole. However, the other part felt like he had been played like a fool.

He never felt love before, never understood it's pull, it felt like Eva was another half that he never know he was missing. Then she broke him, and left him empty, now he had zero halves, just broken pieces.

"You're back!" Johnson looks too happy ti see him as he walks back in the room.

"Sorry, I wasn't aware I was gone long." Kowalski mumbled.

"Friend turn that frown upside down and get a load of this." Manfredi hands him a tiny video camera, almost as if it's meant for a small child.

"What is…" He stops as a video begins to play on the small screen, and as the ABC song begins to play tears swell up in his eyes. "You guys…" He doesn't know what to say, no one had ever done something so nice for him. Not even his brothers showed an interest in what he wanted to learn. Sure they tried…but Private couldn't understand his big words, and Skipper got bord if brute force wasn't needed, and Rico…well he usually stuck around in hopes something would blow up.

To have someone actually interested in what he was felt so…alien to him.

"We didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Manfredi told him.

"Just wanted to help." Johnson said, looking sheepish.

"You did." Kowalski assured him.

"Really?" Johnson asked.

"Yes." Kowalski said, and it was true, he could fell those pieces coming together once again. Perhaps one day, he could be whole again.

"Hey, you got all the chips." Johnson realized.

"Oh yes, it was fully stocked, that Earl you mentioned must have just filled it." Kowalski explained.

Manfredi grows serious. "If he's already restocked the machines we should clear out, he'll be back here soon."

The penguins waste no time putting everything back the way it was before leaving out the window.

They made it back to Hank who was pleased to see all the goodies they had brought.

"Well isn't this a treat." Hank takes the Cheetos and opens them before eating.

Kowalski opens the Cool Ranch Doritos and offers one which Hank takes without hesitation.

"Ooey those are zesty." Hank praised. "Thank you friend."

"Of course." Kowalski answers as the brothers share the bag of popcorn.

"Earl already back inside?" Johnson asked.

Hank nodded. "Saw him go in ten minutes ago, when you didn't come out I got a little worried. You took a bit longer than usual my friends."

"We were setting up a surprise." Johnson gestured to Kowalski's new camera.

"Surprise?" Hank asked.

"I'm going to learn to read!" Kowalski said proudly.

"Well good on you." Hank praised. "My mom taught me." He said.

"mom?" Kowalski asked.

"He means the human that raised him." Manfredi explained.

"Never knew my real one." Hank said, looking sheepish.

"That's alright." Kowalski assured him. "I never knew mine either, besides, family doesn't always have to be blood. We found my youngest brother alone in the ice, he was just an egg then."

"You are truly a gift friend." Hank tells him.

Kowalski smiles and looks up as he notices the position of the moon. "Is it that late already?" He asked.

"Late?" Johnson asked, "How can you tell?"

"The position of the moon." Kowalski answers. "You see how it's in the middle of the sky? That means it's about midnight, just like in the morning when the sun is in the middle of the sky that means it's about 12 in the afternoon."

"Hank was right, we are later than usual, guess time flies when you're having fun." Manfredi bids the monkey goodbye. "Well see you Hank."

The Monkey bids farewell as the penguins race across his habitat to make it to theirs, moments later they arrive.

"Well, thanks for the adventure...and this." Kowalski gestures to the cameras.

"Maybe we can do it again tomorrow?" Johnson asked looking so hopefully it makes Kowalski's heart ache.

He should say no, he shouldn't waste time getting close, and making friends with people he'll never see again. Still tonight was nice, and the brothers really didn't have anyone else, and they seemed harmless enough. "Sure." He said and he found his smile came with ease.

The brothers smiled before leaving with a wave.

Kowalski waved in response before retreating to the hole that was his temporary home. For a moment he's tempted to watch his video gift but stops when he sees a message icon blinking on his computer screen.

His eyes narrow, and he places it down without a second thought before reaching for his mouse and clicking on it again.

It's another recorded message…

"I am thrilled to hear of your interest, as for what it would entail I like you am a scientist. I know how difficult it is for those like us in the criminal world. Those with brute force who think they can muscle their wat through every task, but you, you understand some things need a more intellectual touch. We are the ones that will dominate the world. I'm willing to share that with you, if you're interested meet me at the location enclosed at the end of this message."

Kowalski watched as a map appeared with a location marked with a big X. He looks at it thoughtfully, he wasn't sure if he should go. On one hand this could be a good lead, but to go alone would be foolish, but showing up with his brothers could spoke the owner of the voice. Not to mention it could blow his cover, four spies showing up to a location that was only shared with one other criminal.

No he had to be careful about this, he decided he'd wait a couple of days before making a move. Afterall no deadline was given, and rushing in was a good way to get himself killed, especially if it was a trap.

He examines the place on the Map with much scrutiny, the location wasn't far from him, which did raise some alarm. The odds Blowhole just happened to be this close to him was pretty much no existing. But he was pretty close to the kingdom of the animal underworld, proving that this was more than likely a different criminal. Still he might know Blowhole, he seemed to be on the same intellectual level.

Yes, it would be unwise to ignore a possible lead, he'd have to think on this one. Yawning loudly he decided to get some sleep. Knowing he couldn't report to Skipper either way he decided to give in. Sunce Skipper was in the heart of animal underworld, he was surrounded by the enemy. Which meant making any calls to his brothers could be dangerous.

There could be devices with the power to hack and listen into their conversations. So they had to wait for Skipper to take a trip outside of the criminal underbelly, something he could probly only do once a week.

Trying to forget about the message he just received Kowalski tucked himself into bed, surprisingly despite the haunting possibilities he fell asleep almost instantly.

Thankfully, he didn't dream.

(Back with Private)

He hadn't intended it, but somehow miniature Golf had become a full-blown obsession. Private couldn't help but stand proudly as the crowd around him cheered. The sound was almost deafening, and even though it had been a good week since he arrived, his nonstop winning streak didn't appear to be going away. And it wasn't going unnoticed everyone who thought they had game was challenging him and Private was loving it.

Of course it could just be that he loved the praise his uncle was giving him.

Nigel was more than happy to encourage him. "You seem to come out of your shell when you play." He explained one afternoon two days ago as they were having their tea. "You exude this confidence that I've never seen in you since we met."

"I don't know what comes over me." Private tries to explain. "It's like I feel at one with the sport, like it's always been a part of me."

"Your father use to say the same thing." Nigel looked far away as if lost in a memory.

"I think I felt him." Private admitted. "When I made my first swing. Do you think that's silly?"

"No, that's why I still come back here, every year." Nigel revealed. "we traveled many places together, Samuel and I, but we always come back here. It's like his spirit latched on you know?"

Private did, which was silly, he had never met his father, this Samuel, and yet the feeling was unmistakable. Now as he finished yet another flawless game he felt more confident than he ever had before.

"You're like a sport's icon!" Sally exclaimed. "Like Tiger Woods!"

"Whose he?" Private asked.

"Only the best golfer of all time." DJ answered. The little possum had since come out of his shell since Private had first arrived. "And sure he has the skill, but he lacks pizazz!"

"Pi-what now?" Private asked,

"You need to look the part have a name!" DJ tried to explain. "All the big sport stars have a name."

"Oh well, I don't know if I'd call myself big." Private said modestly.

Nigel laughs. "You've beaten everyone here!" He exclaimed. "Well at least you have your mothers modesty, Sam, well he could get a bit big headed when he was in the middle of a winning streak."

"Really?" Private asked, he had never hear Nigel say anything bad about Samuel before.

"Yes, well everyone has a fatal flaw, and your father was his pride, he was quite the sore winner, but I loved him regardless."

Private smiled, he get that, all siblings did something or another to annoy the other. "Well I promise I won't lose myself.

"Good every star needs good sportsmanship." Sally exclaimed.

"He still needs a name." DJ pointed out.

"Sally looks thoughtful and then exclaimed. "I know! Give me a second." She rushes off.

"Is it too late to tell her I don't want to be a star?" Private asked.

"Oh what's the harm playing along?" Nigel waved it off.

Private supposed he had a point, besides Skipper said he should work on practicing his spy techniques while he was here. And what better way to do that then by pretending to be someone else.

Sally comes rushing back all out of breath "Here you go!" She holds up a red bow tie.

"A bow tie?" Private asked taking it.

"I collect bows." Sally explained. "I think it will be good for your look, you know, more professional."

"Still needs a name." DJ teased.

"His name is Mr. Tux." Sally said with confidence. "You know because you're a tuxedo penguin."

Private smiled as he placed on the bow tie. "I like it." He said with confidence. "Mr. Tux the Outback's champion mini golfer."

"Not for long." Nigel prompted. "I think I'm ready to try another hand." He said smugly.

"Challenge excepted." Private…no Mr. Tux said a confident gleam in his eye after all what harm would another game do?

-To Be Continued