Me: *waves to audience* Hello my fantabulous crowd of readers, I'm sure, as you are reading a fic, that you have surely read one previous to his one, and many others too. Well, I remember, back when I was young, sweet, and innocent, wayyyyy back, the very first Fanfiction fic I ever read. Those of you who have been here as long as me will surely recognize the works of this wonderful author, tell me you remember~

"Either the artist is really bad… or that's the ugliest duckling I've ever seen." To his surprise Rico reached out a flipper to touch the ugly duckling. Kowalski was struck by the impression that Rico felt a kinship with the obviously different bird. He carefully turned the page.

The little duckling was crying as the others laughed behind him.

"Now he's being teased," Kowalski murmured. Rico was spellbound as his gaze shifted across the page. "And he's running away."

"Alone," Rico whispered.

Does anyone remember the Ugly Duckling? A story written by the author that inspired me to be an author, and she is none other than Esperata! With her captivating words and her magic masterpieces, I simply had to give writting a chance, and though my stories will never be as good as hers, I would still like to thank dear Esperata for getting me into this (unknowingly x]) and also, for always having a most amazing story ready to read.

Kowalski: The emotion, the whole array of descriptions mixed with the humor, drama, and suspence that she knows well to use, they are truly fantastic

Skipper: Even I err..love, the way she writes, I mean, in a manly way,

Marlene: *rolls eyes* Uhu, but, Esperata is quite amazing, my favorite story of hers is Skipper's Log, and-

Skipper: What!

Marlene: Oh I mean, it's a great story and...uh...

Julien: Silly otter *smirks*

Me: Okay then, quote time!

"I'm absolutely, hopelessly, irrevocable and undeniably in love with Marlene."

Click

Marlene's emotions had been on a roller coaster ride since she'd started listening to Skipper's log entries but nothing had shocked her like that last line. She played it back over and over, unable to believe what her ears were telling her.

Not for the first time since she'd entered the penguin's HQ her eyes welled up with tears. If what was on the tape were true… and she could see no reason why Skipper would have lied when talking to himself… then everything that had happened… everything she'd said…

Marlene: *glares angrily*

Skipper: Was that me? No, that wasn't me...I, it was...savotage!

Private: *chuckles*

Kowalski: Hmm...

Me: Oh, whoops, *clears throat* wrong quote...err...shall we move on to another story then? How about, One for Sorrow, that's a great KowalskixRico fic~

"Do you mind sitting here a bit before heading back to HQ?" Rico didn't reply but simply sat himself next to his team-mate and looked with interest around him. As he tried to regulate his breathing again, Kowalski watched Rico stare in apparent interest at inconsequential things about him. The wind blowing an old wrapper across their path entertained him for a few minutes, then the clouds billowing gently in the sky. Rico could find enjoyment in the simplest things.

The usually silent penguin gestured at a cloud and exclaimed,

"Puppy!" Kowalski followed his gaze.

"Hhhmmm…. Stratocumulus I believe." Rico gave him a bemused look. "That probably means we'll have rain." Rico shook his head and pointed again.

"Puppy!" he insisted. Kowalski stared at the clouds until suddenly he saw what Rico meant.

"Like… a beagle?" He squinted as Rico nodded. "With floppy ears?" Rico settled back happily. Then he pointed across to another cloud.

"Fish!" Kowalski saw it much quicker this time.

"Yes," he agreed watching with fascination as it apparently swam across the sky. "Something like a pike." He glanced across to the next formation. "And a crab."

Rico grinned as he watched the sky crustacean creep across their view.

Kowalski found he was simply enjoying being with Rico. It was as if he was sharing Rico's pleasure in just being. He relaxed back.

Me: Love them all, Diary of Kowalski, Eye of the Beholder, if it's written by Esperata it's sure to be great! Why oh why couldn't she be Marski? She rocks at pairings, *sigh* but she's a Skilener. Ah well, I know other Marskinians out there. Right?

Crowd: *silent*

Me: It can happen! Sheesh, until next time folks, submit your author suggestions, and read stories by Esperata! Also, GO MARSKI!

Oh and, Almost forgot to remember, I need YOUR help. (Oh god I sound like Dora!) I have for...quite a longggg time, been meaning to write a tribute for this one special author, but I can never get to it, he's written so many stories, and they are all so highly reviewed that I simply WANT to be sure I know what I'm tributing about before I do it, so. I want the BIGGEST Skullshovel fan, and I do mean THE BIGGEST, to help me out. Do you know all of his stories, or most of them? Are you willing to co-host with an insane teenager all for him? If so, would you, please, please, PLEASE, message me. This tribute MUST be worthy of him, and therefore I need someone who knows his stories like the back of their hands. So, MESSAGE NOW! Don't be shy child! Do it for Skullshovel!