Skipper paced back and forth in the head quarters. Private was perched against the wall, eyeing him nervously. Next to him was Rico, who was very confused since he just arrived. The only one missing was Kowalski.

"Skippa'?" Private had been standing there, watching Skipper pace for the past five minutes.

The leader ignored him.

A little more hesitantly, Private repeated himself. "...Skippa'?

Skipper slowed to a stop and stared at Private in suprising bewilderment.

After an awkward silence, Private nervously spoke up again. "What do you know?"

Skipper eyed the private questioningly.

"I mean, what is going on? Is something wrong? I mean, besides the minor blood incident. Is there something you know that we don't know?"

Skipper sighed in a way like he was somewhat annoyed with the young penguin. "Private, there are many things I know that you don't know. So how about you say something I don't know?"

Private got an unfamiliar feeling inside of him, like he was also experiencing annoyance. Annoyed at Skipper? He can't be. But he let the feeling get the best of him.
"You know what I mean."

Skipper stared at him. Those words usually would have meant no harm to him, but coming from Private?

Rico also had his eyes fixed on the young soldier. He was confused as to what was going on. What 'blood incident' was he talking about? Why is he acting this way towards the military leader? Another question came to his mind. ...where's Kowalski?

"K'walski?" Rico squacked.

Skipper was distracted from Private with this question.

After giving the question little thought, he blurted out, "Missing." His eyes narrowed. "Out in the darkness alone. It must be revenge from ... The Danes! Stealing my smartest soldier." Skipper rubbed his flippers together and glanced around the room. "Kidnapped, right from under our ... beaks."

Rico raised an eyebrow.

During the silence, the fish bowl moved, unblocking the enterance. The trio jumped around, and stood in ready-to-attack positions. A shadow climbed down the ladder, and then he was revealed in the light ... Kowalski.

The tall penguin waddled slowly but surely to where Rico and Private were standing. A track of wet footprints trailed behind him.

Skipper narrowed his eyes at the lieutenant. "Kowalski! What took you so long?" His voice lowered to a whisper, "Did you run into the Danes?"

"Huh? No. I was just ... side tracted. That's all." Kowalski held his breath, hoping Skipper wouldn't question him any further.

"Bad excuse. ...But it will do. - For now."

Kowalski heaved a sigh.

Rico, Private, and Kowalski were lined up infront of Skipper.

"Okay men. I just have one question, and one question only. Did any of you spill red paint, or any other red liquid onto the ground?" Skipper eyed each of them with suspicion. The others eyed him back with confusion.

"Nope."

"Not that I recall."

"Nada."

Skipper was silent. What if he was sleep walking? And he really stepped in blood? But why would there be blood on the ground in the first place?

Skipper's thoughts grinded to a sudden halt. Another scream pierced the air.

"The Baboon exhibit!" Kowalski yelped.

"Roll out, team!"