Scene 1

Antarctica

"It's coming! Dan! Come quick! He's hatching!"

"Coming Teressa!"

*Teressa & Dan watch as their first egg hatches*

Teressa: *picks up hatchling & cradles it* "Oh, Dan! It's a boy! What should we name it?"

Dan: "Um, how about Skipper? It means leader."

Teressa: "Yes! That's it! Baby Skipper."

Skipper: "Mama!"

Teressa: "Yes, darling! Mama. And Dada." *gestures toward Dan*

5 Years Later...

Skipper: *runs up to Teressa & Dan* "Hi mom! Hi dad!"

Dan: "Hi son! How was school?"

Skipper: "Oh, it was a lot of fun. Is it okay if I go to Jake's to play?"

Dan: "It's alright with me. Teressa?"

Teressa: "Just be home by dinner, Skipper. And remember your manners."

Skipper: "I will! See ya later!"

Teressa/Dan: "OK! Love you!"

Skipper: "Love you too!" *runs out of home*

Jake's Place

Skipper: *runs up to Jake who is outside* "Hey, Jake! What's up?"

Jake: "Eh, not much. Mom's making dinner so I've really nothing to do. What brings you here?"

Skipper: "What a coincidence! I came here to play with you! That is if you want to?"

Jake: "You bet! You want to continue our snowball fight competition?"

Skipper: "Game on my friend!"

*Jake & Skipper take their positions & begin throwing snowballs at each other*

Skipper: "Gotcha! A point for me!"

Jake: "Laugh it up now, my friend! You're going down!"

Skipper: "That's what you think! Victory will be mine!"

Jake: "Keep dreaming!"

Skipper: "A dream that's comin' true!"

*scene fades away with them throwing snowballs at each other*

8 Years After Birth...

Teressa: "Skipper! Come here darling!"

Skipper: *enters room* "What's up, Ma?"

Teressa: "Come here...There's something I want to give you..."

Skipper: *approaches Teressa & takes the seat next to her* "What?"

Teressa: "I want you to take this locket. It's been in my family for generations. It's to remind you that no matter where you are, I'll always be with you." *hands him locket*

Skipper: "Oh, Ma, you don't have t--"

Teressa: "Hush, hush, now. Take it. I want you to have it. I love you so much son."

Skipper: "I love you too Ma."

*Teressa & Skipper hug*

Dan: *enters room & joins the embrace* "I love you too son."

Skipper: "Love ya, Dad."

12 Years After Birth...

Skipper: "Come on Ma & Pa! Hurry! The migration's gonna leave without us!"

Teressa/Dan: *come out of home* "Coming dear!"

*Skipper/Teressa/Dan begin to walk in direction of migration*

2 Months Into The Same Migration...

Skipper: *hears rustling beneath their feet* "Ma! Pa! What was that?"

Teressa: "What was what dear?"

Skipper: *hears it again* "That!"

Dan: "Wait...I've heard that sound befo--" *looks at Teressa alarmingly* "Oh no..."

Teressa: "What?"

Dan: "Nobody...move...a muscle. That is the sound of a leopard seal swimming under the ice beneath our feet..."

Skipper: "Leopard seal? Didn't you say they were dangerous?"

Teressa: "Yes...Now hush son...It could hear us!"

Teressa/Dan/Skipper: *wait silently & motionless*

*leopard seal bursts out from under the ice & the trio begins to belly slide out of there*

Teressa: "Run!!!"

Dan: *goes up next to Skipper* "Skipper! Whatever happens...Whatever you hear...Keep going! Don't look back! Just keep going!"

Skipper: "But Da--"

Dan: "Just do it!" *sees a hole in the snow & pushes him into it...causing Skipper to pass out*

The Next Morning...

Skipper: *wakes with a headache* "Ooooooh...my head...
...
MOM! DAD!"

Skipper: *leaps out of hole & begins searching* "MOM! DAD! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

*no response*

Skipper: *sees a twinkling in the snow & approaches it* "My mom's locket..."

No matter where you are, I'll always be with you...

*Skipper remembered those words...He'd never forget them. He began walking. And walking. And walking.*

Skipper: *passes a large iceburg, gets angry & begins to punch & kick it fiercely*

*he stops abruptly & begins crying*

*anger filled his body. And from that point forward, he punched & kicked iceburgs with all of his strength every day, to release the anger bottled up inside him, making him the strongest penguin in Antarctica*

Scene 2

Antarctica

Angela: "John! Could you come here for a second?"

John: "Yes dear?"

Angela: "Could you look after Kowalski for a while? I need to go get his lunch."

John: "Sure, not doing much right now anyway."

*Kowalski was now 4 years old*

John: "What's up, scamp?"

Kowalski: "Hi, Dad. I'm just drawing pictures in the snow. Look! This one is of us & Mom! And this one is of me & Steve!"

John: "Steve & I."

Kowalski: "No, look, you can clearly see it's me..."

John: "No, that's not what I mean. The correct grammar is Steve & I. Not me & Steve."

Kowalski: *Kowalski looked back at the picture he drew of himself & his best friend* "Can I go see Steve after lunch?"

John: "Sure, son. If it's alright with your mother."

Kowalski: *smiles*

2 Years Later...

Kowalski: *approaches John on a cold night* "Dad? Can I ask a question?"

John: "Sure, son. What is it?"

Kowalski: "What are all those little white dots in the sky?"

John: "Those are stars. Why?"

Kowalski: "I'm just curious. What about the floating colored lights?"

John: "Now, I don't really know what those are. They're just lights. I don't know what causes them."

Kowalski: "But I want to know more! My curiosity is killing me!"

John: "Now, just calm down. You make all A's in school. Isn't that enough smartness in just one penguin?"

Kowalski: "I guess." There's got to be a way for me to get answers...

11 Years After Birth...

Kowalski: "Hey, Ma!"

Angela: "Yes, son?"

Kowalski: "I was walking home from school today, & I saw these really big creatures not too far off the reserve, what are they?"

Angela: "Why don't you describe them for me."

Kowalski: "Well, the were much bigger than us, they were really poofy, an--"

Angela: "--HUMANS! Now, Kowalski, you must promise me you will never go near them or let them see you!"

Kowalski: "Why?"

Angela: "It was humans who killed my parents! They are not to be trusted."

Kowalski: "But, I thought maybe I could get them to answer my que--"

Angela: "--No buts! Do you hear me Kowalski?!"

Kowalski: "Yes, Ma. I hear you."

The Next Day...

Kowalski: *sneaks off reserve, very quietly passed the humans, to where they have all their papers, steals 3 maps, & sneaks off back to the reserve*

Kowalski: "Yes, this should give me all my answers!" *looks at all the papers* "Hey, these are the stars! But why are some of them colored?"

*Kowalski asks teacher why there are colored stars, she states that they aren't stars, they're planets*

Kowalski: *that night he finds a stash for all the papers he will retrieve & compares the map of the stars to the stars above & sees the resemblance*

3 Months Later...

Kowalski: *about to go off reserve but Steve sees him*

Steve: "Kowalski!? What are you doing!?"

Kowalski: *turns around* "Steve! I was just, uh--"

Steve: "--It looks like you were about to leave the reserve! What do you think your doing! You know that's against the rules not to mention dangerous!"

Kowalski: "You don't understand! I have so many questions & those humans are answering them! All I do is look at their charts & listen to their conversations! Don't you se--"

Steve: "--Your spying on the humans! Do you realize the danger your putting yourself in?!"

Kowalski: "Please, Steve! You can't tell anyone! I need to know! The solitude of not knowing the wonders of the world is eating me alive!"

Steve: "OK, first, don't use big words around me. You know I don't know what the heck you're saying. Second, what if something happens to you? What am I supposed to do then? What about your parents? What are they supposed to do?"

Kowalski: "I've been doing this for 3 months now & I know how to sneak around them!"

Steve: "3 MONTHS! YOU'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR 3 MONTHS AND YOU NEVER TOLD ME!?"

Kowalski: "Yes! But I knew you would react this way! Please! You can't tell anyone!"

Steve: "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. I guess I'll just leave you now. And Kowalski, if you're seen, don't come crying to me." *stomps off*

Kowalski: "Steve, don't do this to me Steve! Come on, come back!" *sigh* *continues his research*

12 Years After Birth

*Kowalski is sitting at the side of his home thinking*

Steve: *walks up to him* "Hey."

Kowalski: "Hey. What brings you here?"

Steve: "Look, man the last year's been torture without you. We're buds. I came to make you a deal. If you & I can pretend that never happened, I'll support you in your...um...what did you call it?"

Kowalski: "Um, research. You really mean it? We can be friends again?"

Steve: "Yeah. Did you make your round today?"

Kowalski: "No. Wanna come with?"

Steve: "Sure. But I ain't gonna go off the reserve. I'll just watch you while your learning & give you a heads up if I spot any trouble. K?"

Kowalski: "Sure. Thanks."

Steve: "No prob. Let's go."

Off The Reserve...

Kowalski: *listening to the humans talking while hiding under their vehicle*

Human 1: "OK, so the Sun is letting off high levels of solar energy, the solar wind levels are high, so we should see many lights soon."

Kowalski: *whispering * "So the colored lights come from a "solar wind" from the "Sun". Huh." *sneeze* "Oh no..."

Human 2: "Did you hear that? It sounded like it came from under the truck..."

Kowalski: "I gotta get outta here..." *darts out from under truck & makes a break for the reserve*

Human 1: "There!" *Human 1 & 2 chase after the penguin*

Kowalski: "STEVE! GO!"

Steve: *belly slides away*

Kowalski: *hits a rock & flips out of control, landing in the snow*

Human 2: "Oh my goodness! We should help it."

Human 1: "Do you think it's alone?"

Human 2: "Maybe. Do you think we should take it back to New York with us? The Central Park Zoo doesn't have any penguins. We could make a few bucks."

Human 1: "Hey, you're right! C'mon. Let's go. I'm freezin' my butt off here."

Human 2: "Tell me about it." *puts penguin in a large cooler full of snow* "Let's get outta here."

Back At Kowalski's Home...

Steve: "Mr. & Mrs. Kowalski's parents! Help!"

*Angela & John come out of the home*

Angela: "What is it? Where's Kowalski?"

Steve: "He was captured by humans! He's been learning things from them for over a year now! I wanted to tell you but he made me promise not to! I'm so sorry!"

John: "Oh my God! Hurry, maybe we can catch them!"

*Angela, John, & Steve searched far off the reserve, but Kowalski was nowhere to be found*

Scene 3

Antarctica

2 Days Before Migration...

*a 15 year old Rico was waddling along when he heard something...*

KABOOM!

Rico: "Whoa! What was that?!" *curious, he followed where the sound came from*

KABOOM! KABOOM!

Rico: *kept going & stopped suddenly when he saw lights exploding in the sky* "Whoa...Cool..." *he just kept watching when he saw large creatures sending these exploding lights into the sky* "Hey, my mom told me about these beings, they're humans!" *he went back to his home as fast as he could go*

Rico: "Mom! Dad! You'll never believe what I just saw! These exploding lights were in the sky! And humans were creating them!"

Lithia: "Rico! I told you never to go near humans!"

Rico: "But Ma! I didn't go near them!"

Lithia: "Well, don't start thinking about it now. They could very well kill you without remorse. You don't go anywhere near them. Understood?"

Rico: "Bu--"

Jordan: "--Uderoo?"

Rico: *sigh* "Yeah. Understood"

Migration Day Is Tomorrow...

Lithia: "Rico! Are you ready to start the migration tomorrow?"

Rico: "Yeah, Ma! Ready!" I have to go see the fireworks one last time...

The Next Morning...

Rico: *wanting to see the lights one last time, he went to watch* "Hey, what's that?" *he could hear a light yelping coming from the back of the truck the humans had, so he sneaked over to the truck & carefully whispered* "Hey!? Is somebody up there?"

Voice: "Yes! Can you help me!? Please!"

Rico: "Um, hold on!" *he noticed the hole on the bottom of the lock on the cooler, so he went over & saw something that could easily fit into it* "Here! This might help!"

Voice: "Hurry!"

Rico: *unlocked the cooler & helped the penguin out* "Let's go!"

Voice: "Look out!"

Human 2: "HEY! Yo, Bradley! This penguin somehow tried to free that penguin we caught earlier!" *he said as he grabbed up the penguin* "2 penguins for the Zoo! We are definitely gettin' some green for this!"

Rico: "NO! Let go of me!"

Voice: "It's no use! If they want you they'll have you!"

Rico: *coughs up the head of a hammer into Human 2's face*

Human 2: "AAAAH! How did he do that?!" *drops Rico & him & Voice belly slide away*

In The Middle Of Nowhere...

Rico: "Hey, are you OK? I'm Rico."

Voice: "Yeah, I'm fine. Kowalski." *extends flipper*

Rico: "What does that mean?"

Kowalski: "Oh, that's how I've seen hu--I mean other creatures greet each other. You grab my flipper & we move our flippers up & down."

Rico/Kowalski: *shake flippers*

Kowalski: "Thanks for saving me back there. I never would've gotten out of that cooler."

Rico: "Hey, no problem...Uh, where are we?"

Kowalski: *looks around* "I don't know. We're way off the reser--Wait? What were you doing this far off the reserve?"

Rico: "I heard this loud boom. I had to know what it was."

Kowalski: "Oh, those are fireworks. They're very complicated mixtures of different explosives. By the way, how exactly did you get that hammer-head down your throat without choking? How did you even cough it up?"

Rico: "Oh, it's sort of runs in my family. I don't know how we do it."

Kowalski: "It makes your voice sort of rough."

Rico: "Yeah, I get this gift on my Dad's side. His voice went out by the time he was 23. He sort of talks in grunts & squeals now. He says I'll eventually get that way."

Kowalski: "Well, I suppose we'd better start walking. Our rookery should be migrating to the feeding grounds."

Rico: "Which way is that?"

Kowalski: "I don't know. I was hoping you'd know."

Rico: "Nope. I guess we'd better just take our chances then."

Kowalski: "No, we'll leave tonight. I've spent a little over a year studying the stars & I'll know which way to go once they come out."

Rico: "Um, whatever you say...So when did you get captured?"

Kowalski: "About an hour ago. Those humans are just horrible...My mom was right..."

Rico: "Yeah. Mine too. They're probably worried sick about us right now."

Kowalski: "Yeah. We should probably get a few hours of sleep if we're to start walking tonight."

Rico: "Yeah. Night! Or...Afternoon...As it were."

Kowalski: "See you tonight..."


Scene 4

Antarctica

*enter Susan to a sick Caleb bearing fish soup, an egg is seen rapped in blankets next to Caleb*

Susan: "Here eat this. You need to keep your strength up."

Caleb: "Susan, we both know I'm dying. I can feel it. My mother had the same symptoms. She was gone within 3 days."

Susan: "No. You can't leave me. We have to raise our baby...It must have a father!"

Caleb: "I know you will take good care of our son or daughter. Why don't you get your brother to help you?"

Susan: "He's gone all the time. I barely get to see him."

Caleb: "Susan, he can help you during migration. That's about the only time you'll need big help. By then he will have no choice but to join in on the migration. You will do just *breath* fine. I've been sick for 2 1/2 days. My time is coming. You must be strong...for our baby."

Susan: *begins crying* "OK...I love you..."

Caleb: "I love you, too." *drifts slowly to sleep*

Susan: "Caleb! No! Come back to me! No! You can't leave me!" *begins weeping harder*

*crack*

Susan: *looks up*

*crack*

Susan: *sees egg hatching* "Oh, Caleb...You just missed it..." *goes over and cradles her newborn boy* "I'll name you Private. It was your grandfather's name..."

The Next Morning...

Susan: *running up to her brother* "Nigel! It happened...He hatched!"

Nigel: "Oh, Susan! How wonderful! Uh, where's Caleb?"

Susan: "...Uh...Nigel...There's something I need you to do..."

Nigel: "What is it, sister?"

Susan: "Caleb. He's...gone. It happened last night. While you were away...I need you to help me along the migration. You have to help me raise my son."

Nigel: *takes Private from Susan* "Oh, Susan, I don't know if I can."

Susan: "Please. I have no one else..."

Nigel: "OK, my dear. I will try. So what's the chap's name?"

Susan: "Private. After Caleb's father."

Nigel: "Private. A lovely name."

5 Years Later...

*Susan & Nigel alone in the home while Private plays outside with his friend*

Susan: "Nigel, this is getting to me. You go away for a long time, sometimes even for days. You've got to tell me where you go..."

Nigel: "Susan, you know where I go. To the far side of the reserve, feeding the children."

Susan: "No you don't. I went there yesterday to say hi & you weren't there. What's going on Nigel?"

Nigel: *sigh* "I guess you'll find out sooner or later. I'm a secret agent. I go all over the reserve to help those in need."

Susan: "Secret agent? Why have you never told me?"

Nigel: "I didn't want to worry you or put you or Private in any danger. You have to promise me you won't tell anyone. Especially Private."

Susan: *sigh* "OK. Fine. But be careful out there. You know I need you."

Nigel: "Don't worry. I will."

11 Years After Birth...The Migration

*Susan & Nigel waddling along in that year's migration/Private waddling with his friends*

Nigel: *whispers to Susan* "Hey, do you hear that?"

Susan: *listens*

RUN!!!

Susan/Nigel: *belly slide toward the sound*

*2 penguins are seen trying to escape a leopard seal*

Nigel: "I'm going to help them! Stay here!"

*Nigel goes to save the penguins*

*Susan follows disobediently*

*Nigel attempts to save the penguins but only manages to save the female, however she is badly injured*

Nigel: *goes to the female penguin* "Ma'am! Are you OK? I'm so sorry I didn't get here sooner..."

Penguin: "It's OK. I know I'm not going to make it so I need you to promise me one thing."

Nigel: "I'll try."

Penguin: "If you meet a young penguin named Skipper, tell him I said I love him..."

Nigel: "OK. I'll do just that."

Penguin: "Thank you. Thank *breath* you..." *drifts to sleep*

Nigel: "Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry, miss. Susan, it's OK now you can come here..."

Susan: ...

Nigel: *rises to his feet & looks around* "Susan?"

Susan: ...

Nigel: "Oh no. No, no, no. This can't be happening...SUSAN!!!!" *echos her name*

*no response*

Nigel: "I can't believe this." *buries the female penguin & walks slowly back to the rookery of migrating penguins*

Back At The Migration...

Lithia: "Hey! You! Have you seen my son? I've been looking for him ever since the migration started."

Nigel: "I'm sorry, no."

Lithia: "Oh, man. Hey! Have you seen my son?"
*walks to another penguin*

Nigel: *goes to Private* "Listen, Private. There's something I need to tell you."

Private: "What is it Uncle Nigel? Where's momma?"

Nigel: "There was an accident, your mom is...gone. I'm sorry."

Private: "Gone? Where'd she go?"

Nigel: "Um, she's...in a better place."

Private: "No, you don't mean..."

Nigel: *nods head slowly*

Private: *begins crying* "NO! This can't be happening!"

Nigel: *hugs him as he weeps* "I know, my boy. I'm crushed too."

*Private & Nigel begin walking alongside the migration slowly & silently, & gently weeping*

Scene 5

Antarctica

Skipper: *waddling along a long way behind the rest of the migrating penguins (however they can be seen on the horizon)*

Why did this have to happen? It's all my fault. If I hadn't passed out there may have been some hope for them. Why'd they have to go & save my life. It should've been me. Why, oh, why wasn't it me...

*frustrated & angry he sits down in the snow...just thinking...& starts weeping again*

(????): "What's the matter, cupcake?"

Skipper: *looks up at the penguin standing over him* "Who are you?"

(????): "My name is Buck Rockgut. What seems to be the problem?"

Skipper: "My parents were just killed by a leopard seal...& it's all my fault."

Buck: "Your fault? Why is it your fault? Did you ask the seal to attack your parents?"

Skipper: "No, but--"

Buck: "No buts! You did not cause that attack. Leopard seals are just dangerous carnivores. You are not to blame for that."

Skipper: *sigh* "I suppose your right. Why are you here?"

Buck: "I just saw ya here. Thought I'd see what the dealeo was. Name?"

Skipper: "Skipper, Mr. Rockgut."

Buck: "That's Buck to you soldier. No need for formalities here."

Skipper: "OK...Buck. What am I supposed to do now?"

Buck: "We should get going."

Skipper: "Back to the migration?"

Buck: "Negative. I'm gonna show you something. Something that might keep your mind off your problems."

Skipper: *follows Buck*

Buck: *leads him into a cave*

Skipper: "What are we doing here? Why don't you want to migrate?"

Buck: "Listen candy corn! Do you want to keep your mind off your parents or not?"

Skipper: *nods head slowly*

Buck: "OK then. Listen up. I am what you call a secret agent. Do you know what that is?"

Skipper: "Well, yeah. I've heard rumors that penguins in our rookery have been chosen to be agents to help protect the flock. Only no one knows who they are. You're one of them?"

Buck: "Yep. And now I'm gonna teach you how to be one."

Skipper: "Me? A secret agent? How am I supposed to do that?"

Buck: "I saw how you handled a few of them ice burgs when you were throwing your little mantrums. Like this morning. You tore the crap out of it. There were icicles everywhere after you finished. We could use someone like you."

Skipper: "But I'm only 12 years old! That's against the rules!"

Buck: "Who says I'm one to follow the rules?"

Skipper: "...Um...I...There..."

Buck: "Stop 'stuttering & spit it out ya small potato!"

Skipper: "...Um...Fine. What do I have to do?"

2 Years Later...

*Buck & Skipper outside practicing*

Skipper: "HIYAH! HA! HO!" *kicking & punching an iceburg, he jumps, turns, & kicks the iceburg with all his strength, causing many icicles to break off & fly out*

Buck: "Now that's what I'm talkin' about. These past 2 years have been good to you."

Skipper: "Affirmative."

Buck: "Now that your training is complete, do whatever you want. But you step out a line even an inch...I'll take you down. You hear me?!"

Skipper: "Affirmative, sir."

Buck: "The flock will be back in T minus 2 months. That is if you want to join them again."

Skipper: "...Maybe."

Buck: *salutes & leaves him*

Scene 6

Antarctica

Kowalski: *awakens & sees darkness, then waddling over to Rico* "Rico, wake up!"

Rico: "Wha?" *slowly awakens*

Kowalski: "It's night. But we have a problem. There are too many clouds. I can't see any stars."

Rico: "What are we gonna do?"

Kowalski: "I dunno. I can't wait here for the stars to come out...I'm just too hungry."

Rico: "Yeah. Same here. So what do we do then?"

Kowalski: "I suggest we begin walking. Maybe we can find some food."

*Kowalski & Rico waddle till they find a small opening in the ice*

Kowalski: "Here! Maybe we can find some fish. But stay close to the surface where there's some light."

Rico: "OK! Let's see what we can find!"

*both dive into the small pool & search for fish*

3 Minutes Later...

Kowalski: *comes out of water with his flippers full of small fish*

Rico: *same as Kowalski*

Kowalski: "All I could find are these small fish. Did you have any better luck?"

Rico: "Nope. Small fish. That's it."

Kowalski: "Here, put it in a pile. Then I'll half it."

*the fish is halved*

*Kowalski & Rico finish eating*

Rico: "That wasn't really enough. I'm still hungry."

Kowalski: "I know. I am too. I guess we have no choice but to keep going."

Rico: *sigh*

*Kowalski & Rico begin waddling again*

4 Hours Later...

Rico: "Can't...move...on..."

Kowalski: "We have...to t...try..."

Rico: "My feet are...killing me..."

Kowalski: "Mine too..." *falls face forward*

Rico: *comes next to him* "We should rest..."

Kowalski: "We should, but, *pant* we have to try to find the flock..."

Rico: "We can try to do that tomorrow...*pant* when it's daylight...*pant*

Kowalski: *passes out*

Rico: "Kowalski? Kowal...Kow...Ko..." *passes out*

Scene 7

Antarctica

The Feeding Grounds...

Private: *sits isolated from the group, looking at the water, thinking*

I can't believe this happened. I lost my Dad before I even knew him...Now my Mom is gone too. All I have left is Uncle Nigel. And he's gone most of the time. I wonder what happened to her--WAIT! I don't even want to know. Why? Why did you have to go. Why couldn't you have stayed. I wish you were here. Oh, how I wish you were here....

Steve: "Hey, Private. You feel like playing?"

Private: "Sorry guys. I'm just not in the mood right now. Maybe later."

Jake: "Hey, sorry about your mom, dude. She was cool."

Private: "Thanks." *friends leave*

*Nigel approaches*

Nigel: "Hello, old chap. How are you holding up?"

Private: "I'm still pretty shooken up. I just can't believe she's gone."

Nigel: "I know, I know. I am too. We just have to stay strong. That's what she would've wanted..."

Private: "I know. Uncle Nigel, what was my dad like?"

Nigel: "Ah. A good young fellow he was. He took good care of your mother. He was honest, kind. You would've liked him."

Private: "What did he like doing?"

Nigel: "He liked talking, walking. But as long as he was with your mother, he was happy."

Private: "What am I supposed to do now?"

Nigel: "...Private...There's something I should've told you...a long time ago. Follow me. We can't talk here."

Private: *follows Nigel*

Nigel: *leads him out of earshot from the flock* "Listen Private, when I'm away, I'm not...exactly...feeding the children like I said I was..."

Private: "You lied? Then what do you do?"

Nigel: "Well...I sort of...I kind of...I..."

Private: "What do you do!?"

Nigel: "Sssssshhhh! Look, what I'm trying to say is...Private, I'm a secret agent."

Private: "You're a what!?"

Nigel: *places his flipper over his beak* "Will you lower your voice!? I'm a secret agent, Private."

Private: *whispering* "Why didn't you tell me? You know you can trust me!"

Nigel: "I know I can boy. It's just that I didn't want to put your life at risk."

Private: "And you tell me this now because...?"

Nigel: "I think it's time I teach you how to defend yourself."

Private: "Defend myself? From what?"

Nigel: *not wanting to tell him about what happened to his mother, he says* "Just in case, my boy. Just in case..."

Private: "Just in case of what? Does this have something to do with what happened to my mother?"

Nigel: "No, dear boy. You just...never know when something might happen. Are you in?"

Private: "...When do we start?"

2 Years Later...

Private: Uncle Nigel's has left the flock. He's taken his position as a secret agent worldwide. He said something about wanting to catch some kind of squirrel. He's taught me so much the past 2 years. Defense, strategy. I now know everything he knows & it's my job to protect the flock. So what if I'm 13. I'm gonna have to do what a penguin's got to do...

Scene 8

Antarctica

Skipper: *practicing his regular morning self defense techniques*

(????): "I see you've learned a lot in the past 2 years..."

Skipper: *stops abruptly & looks around while in battle position* "Who was that?! Where are you?!"

(????): "Do not look so frightened. I mean you no harm..."

Skipper: *looks frantically around but sees no one* "Where are you?! Show yourself! I'm not afraid of you!"

(????): "Ah, Skipper. You have so much anger. Just because your parents were taken from you it doesn't mean you should take it out on everyone else..."

Skipper: "WHERE ARE YOU!?"

(????): *taps Skipper's shoulder from behind him*

Skipper: *swings his fist around with all his strength*

(????): *blocks his fist*

Skipper: *looks up into his face...brings his leg around & kicks*

*Skipper & ???? begin fighting*

(????): *pins Skipper down*

Skipper: "Who are you?"

(????): "I am General Shin Gin. I have been watching you for the past 2 years. I see you've been through a lot..."

Skipper: "Yeah, I really--Wait...You've been spying on me?!"

General: "No, more...observing. There is no need to fear me. I only come to help."

Skipper: "Help? Help me what?"

General: "You need guidance. You have been going down a dark path ever since your parents death. And an even darker path since you started taking Rockgut's advice. And he didn't even see it. He didn't see what he was turning you into..."

Skipper: "What do you mean? Oh, & by the way...can you get off me now?"

General: *lifts off of Skipper* "You have darkness in your heart. No one is to blame for the death of your parents. Not you. Not them. Not even the seal. It's in the seal's nature to kill. You may not like that Mother Nature has made them like that...but there is nothing you can do about it."

Skipper: "OK...Um...What exactly are you trying to tell me?"

General: "I am not leaving till the darkness in your heart does."

Skipper: "Really? How long is that gonna take?" *he says with an annoyed tone to his voice*

General: "Let's start with your strategy. You fight with too much anger. Too much hate. If you want to fight for a good purpose, we must first deal with getting rid of that."

Skipper: *sigh* "I guess there's nothing I'm gonna say to make you leave then?"

General: "Negative."

Skipper: *sighs again* "Fine. How am I supposed to rid of the anger & hate then?"

General: "One word. Meditation."

One Month Later...

General: "You have progressed much from last month. I say that you are free to go do what you are destined to do."

Skipper: "How do I know what I'm destined to do?"

General: "I sense you will find out soon. Just remember that on the road your heart leads you...always take your brain with you. Our hearts can lead us the wrong way sometimes. Your conscience must go with you to tell you so."

Skipper: "OK. Thanks General."

General: "Farewell, Skipper. Remember everything you have been taught."

Skipper: "Roger that."

General: *leaves*

Scene 9

Antarctica

*Kowalski & Rico woke up in the middle of the next day*

Kowalski: *stomach rumbles* "Ugh. I'm soooo hungry..."

Rico: "Me too. C'mon. We should get moving."

*Kowalski & Rico begin waddling*

2 Hours Later...

Kowalski: *begins slowing down* "Hey...Rico..."

Rico: "Sup?"

Kowalski: "I know this place..."

Rico: *looks around* "Hey, me too."

Kowalski: "Is this...No...It couldn't be..."

Rico: "What?"

Kowalski: "I think this is our home...I think we made it back to where we live while it's not feeding season..."

Rico: "Hey, ya know...You're right..."

Kowalski: "That means...Rico! Are you thinking what I'm thinking!?"

Rico: "Totally..."

Kowalski: "Let's go!"

*Kowalski & Rico go to the pond where they knew would be tons of fish*

Rico: "Here!" *points to pond*

Kowalski/Rico: *dive in and fill their tummies for the first time for 3 days*

*jump back out*

Kowalski: "Finally. A decent meal."

Rico: "You know it. So what do we do now? We know we're headed in the right direction...Should we keep moving toward the feeding grounds?"

Kowalski: "We should but, I know that path. We won't see food until we get to the grounds. Plus it's a 2 week trip. There's no way we can hold enough fish to last that long. Unless you have a sack in that wonder tummy of yours?"

Rico: "Sorry. I don't have much. Nothing much I need to carry."

Kowalski: "Then what do we do? The flock doesn't come back for 2 years, when there hatchlings are grown enough to survive the journey."

Rico: "So...We wait 2 years?"

Kowalski: "I'm afraid we've no choice. I'm sorry Rico."

Rico: "Not your fault. This is gonna be a long 2 years..."

2 Years Later...

Kowalski: "Hey! Rico! Wake up! I think I heard something!"

Rico: "What's goin' on?"

Kowalski: "I heard some rustling in the snow!"

Rico: *stands up & looks around*

*a penguin is seen belly-sliding toward them*

Kowalski: "What do we do!? Who is that?"

Rico: "I dunno..."

*penguin comes up to them*

Penguin: "Who are you 2 & what are you doing on these grounds during feeding season?"

Kowalski: "That's a long story. Who are you?"

Penguin: "I asked you first..."

Kowalski: "I'm Kowalski."

Rico: "Rico!"

Penguin: "I'm the Skipper. State your business."

Kowalski: "Um...I beg your pardon?"

Skipper: "I mean, what are you doing here."

Kowalski: "Like I said...It's a long story."

Skipper: "I ain't goin' nowhere."

*Kowalski & Rico tell Skipper how they got there*

Skipper: "So you 2 have been waiting here this entire time?"

Rico: "Yup."

Kowalski: "OK, your turn. Why are you here all by yourself?"

Skipper: "Um, my parents...they were in an accident. I wandered from the group...Never looked back."

Kowalski: "Oh. I'm sorry I asked. That must have been painful for you."

Skipper: "Um...Moving on. With all do respect...Why exactly do you talk like that?"

Kowalski: "It sort of runs in his family...Show him Rico..."

Rico: *hacks up shoe*

Skipper: O.O "Um...Interesting. Hey, I'm waiting for the flock, too. I'm not sure if I want to rejoin, but I'm thinking about it. I'll wait with you."

Kowalski: "Do you know how long it will be now?"

Skipper: "T minus 1 month. They start migrating in 2 weeks."

Rico: "Whattdowedoow?" (Translation: "What do we do now?")

Kowalski: "I guess all there is to do is wait."

Skipper: "I'm not just gonna sit around."

Kowalski: "What do you suggest we do?"

Skipper: "Um...I could teach ya'll some self defense. You in?"

Kowalski: "Uh, sure. I guess. One question though, where exactly did you learn self defense...Only the secret agents know that. You're too young to be a secret agent."

Skipper: "Let's just leave it at I'll have my secret life & you have yours. Deal?"

Kowalski: "Um...I guess. Rico...You in?"

Rico: "Um...OK!"

T Minus 3 Days Till Flock Return...

Kowalski: "...What if they didn't miss me. What if they don't love me anymore?"

Skipper: "Oh, c'mon. You know that ain't true. They're your parents."

Kowalski: "But I wronged them so. What if they never forgive me? I just don't know if I can take that kind of rejection."

Skipper: "It'll all work out...Trust me."

Rico: "Mypaentsontmismeithe." (Translation: "My parents won't miss me either.")

Skipper: "Will you 2 stop talking like that!? I'm sure they miss you both."

Kowalski/Rico: *shrug*

Skipper: "If anyone should be nervous it's me. I don't have anybody else. I'm sure no one even remembers me. You 2 have somebody."

Kowalski: "You're right. But...Couldn't we just...When they get here, can't we just hide, & just see how they're doing without us?"

Rico: "Hey! Gooiea!" (Translation: "Hey! Good idea!)

Skipper: "Fine. I know where we can go."

Scene 10

Antarctica

Private: *walking along with the migration, in the back, where he'd be unnoticed, where no one would pay attention to him* I've had slow a slow week. There hasn't been much trouble since the migration started. I guess that just makes my job easier. I--OW! What was that?" *feels a prick on the back of his neck...then reaches back & pulls a small dart from the back of his neck*

Private: "What th--whoa..." *his vision becomes blurred, the world tips back & forth & begins spinning...feeling dizzy, sleepy...he falls forward... unconscious*

1 Hour Later...

Private: "Oooooh...Where am I?" *looks around to find himself in some underground lair*

(????): "Good morning, sleeping beauty."

Private: "Wh-who was that? Where are you?! Show yourself!"

(????): "There is no need for fear, Private. I've been watching you...very closely..."

Private: "Who are you & why have you tied me to this chair?! How do you know my name?! I demand answers!"

(????): "Oh, Private. It is you who will be taking orders from me."

Private: "What are you talking about?"

(????): "I know about your mother Private. I know what happened to her..."

Private: "I...I don't want to know...I don't even want to know how you know..."

(????): "She was attacked by a leopard seal, Private. A large, carnivorous. leo--"

Private: "SHUT UP! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING YOU HAVE TO SAY!!!" *wiggles & tries to free himself from the chair*

(????): "If only your Uncle could have saved her...But he was too busy saving someone else..."

Private: "Wha--What do you mean...Someone else..."

(????): "He was saving someone else's mother...A young fellow named Skipper...It was his mother he was saving..."

Private: "Why are you telling me this? And why won't you show yourself?"

(????): "I only want to help you Private...Don't you want to get vengeance for your mother? If Skipper's mother wasn't there, Nigel would've saved Susan...Not Teressa..."

Private: "I...You...Um..."

(????): "C'mon...Join me Private! If you do what I say, you can have vengeance on your mother, & I can have satisfaction of knowing that the world has been set straight again..."

Private: "What do you have against this Skipper fellow? What has he ever done to you?"

(????): "Oh, it's not what he's done to me, Private. It's what I'm going to make him do for me...He has somewhat of a...talent...that I could use..."

Private: "Then why don't you get him yourself?"

(????): "Private? Don't you want to avenge your mother's death? That's all I want to do for you..."

Private: *thinks a minute* "...What do I have to do."

(????): *releases Private* "Just follow me."

Private: *stands & turns around* "Who are you? What's your name?"

(????): "I am known as...Dr. Blowhole."

Scene 11

Antarctica

The Flock's Return

*hiding in an old abandoned home, the trio of penguins watch the penguins coming into the living grounds*

*all whispering*

Kowalski: "Hey! There's my parents! And...They're..."

Skipper: *looks* "Oh. I'm sorry, amigo."

*they see Kowalski's parents holding another hatchling*

Rico: "Hey! Therine!" (Translation: "Hey! There's mine!") *starts to go to them, but stops when Lithia & Jordan start laughing*

Kowalski: "I'm sorry, Rico. I know how you feel."

Skipper: "Hey! Don't look so upset! There's gotta be another explanation for this...I'm sure they still mis--"

Kowalski: "--No, Skipper. Let's just go. I can't bear to watch."

Rico: "Meoo." (Translation: "Me too.")

*Kowalski & Rico begin to sadly walk away, & Skipper follows*

Kowalski's Parents At This Moment...

Angela: *holding baby penguin* "Oh, John. I wish Kowalski was here."

John: "I do too. C'mon. We should give the baby back to it's momma..."

Angela: *sigh* "I suppose your right..." *she remembered when she said she wanted her baby back when they got back to the living grounds...*

Rico's Parents At This Moment

Lithia: "...OK! Bye!" *she had just finished talking to her friends, & now was alone with Jordan* "Jordan, do you think Rico will ever return?"

Jordan: *looks at her with tears in his eyes*

Lithia: "Oh, Jordan! Noo! No, no no..." *breaks down crying*

To Be Continued...