Disclaimer: Penguins of Madagascar and all related characters are the property of Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and any or all related affiliates. Characters of my own creation are my property and may not be used by others without express permission. This fiction was created for the purpose of having fun and being creative, no money is being made in any way from its creation and posting.

Hell Hath No Fury

Chapter 22

By

Wildgoose

(After a couple of days at sea having leapfrogged their way home from Denmark, to an aircraft carrier, to the Coast Guard cutter that brought them originally, to the final fifty mile trek to the Blues home base in Florida, the penguins and company are egger to finally get home. Still in flight during the last fifty miles under the cover of darkness, the inside of the helicopter is illuminated with red light making everyone inside appear like mere shadows of themselves. Conversation is abound amongst all of the animals, even to a small degree from Hannibal as he is currently awake albeit under the influence of strong pain killers which Heidi was able to lift from the sick bay inventory of the Eisenhower. Heidi is in close proximity to Hannibal attending to his needs despite an occasional angry glance towards Hans in the background.)

Heidi: Stop staring at my brother, …he's sorry for what he did and staying angry isn't going to help you recover at all.

Hannibal: (Scowls) He arranged the death of my girlfriend!

Heidi: No he didn't, Red acted completely independently when it came to death. My brother never ordered the death of anybody at that exhibit. If I recall correctly, Red was only supposed to do just enough to grab your attention and get you to Florida. (Hannibal scoffs in disbelief and turns his head away)

Hannibal: She's still dead….

Heidi: Actually, I think she's not. I overheard a communication from your dad to your zookeeper and if I recall correctly she was mentioned as being cared for by a nearby vet under the direction of said zookeeper. (Hannibal turns to face her)

Hannibal: (hopeful) I think my subconscious has been trying to tell me the same thing but I thought I was just going nuts under stress or something, please tell me you're not just pulling my leg to try to give me hope.

Heidi: (Smirks) I'm a physician, ….I'll set a leg bone if I have to but I'll never pull one. (Hannibal breathes a heavy sigh of relief)

Hannibal: (Looks slightly upbeat) She had brothers, …what of them? (Heidi shrugs prompting Hannibal to look away again.) …But she's okay?

Heidi: I'm afraid I don't know the specifics, just that she lives.

Hannibal: (Smiles weakly and sighs in relief again) It's something.

Heidi: (Smiles) You must really love this girl to have done what I've heard about.

Hannibal: (Doesn't answer but instead pauses in thought and then changes the subject.) What I heard before, is it true that Blowhole killed Hans's daughter?

Heidi: (Looks amused at the change in subject, then nods) A frame up to keep your people occupied and out of the way while Blowhole destroyed the world.

Hannibal: How old was she?

Heidi: Four months I believe.

Hannibal: (Looks off in thought for a moment and then lets a single tear roll down his cheek) So young, …I think I would have lost it too.

Heidi: (Curious) It kind of makes what my brother did forgivable doesn't it?

Hannibal: (Grumbles in response and then looks concerned as he changes the subject) I missed all of the action, what happened to Blowhole?

Heidi: (Rolls her eyes at the subject change) He was thwarted, but nobody really knows what happened to him in the end. We think he might have escaped. (Hannibal grumbles and rolls his eyes. After a moment of relative silence Hannibal begins to probe his injuries.)

Hannibal: (Grunts in pain at touching his injuries) Thanks for fixing me up.

Heidi: It was the least I could do for giving that monster Red what was coming to him. You've got to be the bravest kid I've… (She is cut off by Hannibal)

Hannibal: I was overconfident and acted stupidly.

Heidi: (Beside herself) Say what now?

Hannibal: I let my belief in my own training and ability cloud my judgment; it didn't even occur to me at the time that he would do something underhanded in a fight. (Pause) It almost cost me my life.

Heidi: (Pauses to search for a handle on the moment) It sounds like a hard lesson learned, but as long as you did learn then it wasn't for naught.

Hannibal: I guess that's one way to look at it. You know, this is the first real conversation I've had with you and I can already tell that you're a far better person than your… (He cocks his head to look around Heidi for a moment.)

Heidi: What?

Hannibal: Nothing, I was just noticing that Rico keeps looking at you like he's waiting to talk to you alone or something. (Amused) Is there something going on between you guys?

Heidi: (Laughs) Hardly, we beat the snot out of each other, got locked in a pantry together, rendered first aid to each other, and then shared a meal. Basically he still owes me a movie so perhaps he's looking to pay up.

Hannibal: (groans in pain as he laughs a little) Don't make me laugh, it hurts to much! (Pause) It sounds like a heck of a first date.

Heidi: I suppose if you really want to call it that, …but I'm too busy for a relationship.

Hannibal: Tell that to Rico, he's still looking to get that movie in. (Pause) Watch out for the popcorn, that's what gets the relationship ball rolling and you're too busy for that.

Heidi: Is this coming from your extensive experience Mr. smart alleck?

Hannibal: I'm just saying…

Heidi: (Shakes her head) Yea, yea, ….you know you have something in common with my mother. She was always pushing for me to look for somebody too. (Pause with an evil smirk creeping across her face.) Of course it WOULD drive my brother nuts if I dated one of his former enemies, and you REALLY can't put a price on sibling rivalry. (Looks behind her to see Rico look away) A penguin though, …I don't know. (Sighs) Well, I suppose I should go see what he actually wants. (Gets up to waddle away)

Hannibal: Take your time, I'm not going anywhere. (As Heidi waddles away Yoshi and Loki make their way over to talk)

(Cut to the NIKE base sometime later as the blues helicopter approaches to touch down. The landing pad is the only point in the whole base that is illuminated making the yellow crosshairs on the pad easy to see. Once the craft has landed and powered down the pad begins to descend beneath the surface until the helicopter disappears from view. Once at the bottom of the sub level everyone begins to disembark the craft with some of the blues getting back to their usual routine by beginning post flight maintenance. Steve and Nicketti approach to welcome them.)

Steve: Okay people, …this should be one heck of a debrief. Command wants to know about that weapon you guys found, …and frankly so do I. Word has it from the girls reporting from your own situation room back home that you guys shocked the heck out of NORAD when they detected a launch from Denmark of all places. The weapon dropped off of the radar so I assume that was you guys. (Looks at Hans and Heidi) …And what's with the extra compliment here? Is one of these puffins Hans? (Pause) What, did you guys take prisoners or something? (The penguins begin to use their translators. All conversation between human and animal utilizes this device.)

Skipper: (Points) This is Hans.

Steve: (Grumbles) This puffin kidnapped your kids and probably had a hand in everything else that went down overseas. (Reaches into his boot and draws his service piece leveling it at Hans) Sorry guys, no prisoners today! (Heidi reacts by stepping in front of her brother to shield him) …And who's this one?

Skipper: This is Heidi, she's the physician tending to Hannibal, and Hans's sister. (Pause) There are no prisoners here, put the weapon down and we'll explain in the debrief.

Steve: So she's an animal, animal doctor? …And for some reason I'm not aware of you guys are willing to trust somebody working with Hans? (Pause) Are you guys sure that this is Skipper and not some sort of cyborg that replaced him? I mean, where's the paranoia?

Skipper: Now hold you're horses there, zookeep! I've got plenty of paranoia to go around for everybody.

Kowalski: It's true, so much so that it's measurable. (He holds up a Geiger counter like device that clicks away when held near Skipper.) How's THAT for weird science?

Skipper: You see, plenty to go around. As it happens Paranoia isn't warranted with the frienemy on our own turf.

Steve: That's a neat little toy, Kowalski. Did you build yourself a bull crap detector too? (Kowalski responds by holding up another little device.) You WOULD! (Sighs heavily and puts the weapon away) I'm going to assume that this will be one HECK of a debrief because I would have thought you'd have snuffed that puffin a long time ago under the circumstances.

Skipper: The thought occurred to me on a thousand times scale I assure you.

Steve: (Reluctant) I'm going to trust your judgment, Skipper. Don't make me regret it.

Nicketti: Anyway…no doubt you've all had a long trip home so grab some chow and some sleep. We'll debrief in the morning. (Looks at the blues climbing about the outside of the helicopter.) You too guys, it can wait a few hours. (The blues begin to grumble about letting the work go but comply none the less.)

Steve: (Kneels down to look at Hannibal on his stretcher) Man, I do not look forward to hearing what your mother will have to say to YOU!

Hannibal: (Otter English) That…makes…two…of…us. (Heidi looks impressed with a smile across her beak)

Heidi: You speak human? That's impressive…

Hannibal: It's not easy.

Steve: …And you there, girl puffin. (Heidi uses the translator to reiterate her name.) Right, sorry. (Pause) I'm going to assume that you bogarted that little piece of equipment from one of our guys. (Pause as Heidi nods) I'll be expecting to get it back. (Pause) Anyway, I'll help get Hannibal situated so you can grab some food and sack time yourself. (He picks the stretcher carrying Hannibal up.)

Heidi: (translator) Not too long ago you were willing to put a bullet through me to get to my brother, now you're mister helpful?

Steve: I'm helping Hannibal and if you're really his M.D. then it's beneficial to help you as well. Try not to read any more into it than that. (In response Heidi flies up and lands on Steve's shoulder then clutches her bandages in pain.)

Heidi: (Translator) Allow me to take advantage of your hospitality then.

Steve: You'd just better not leave droppings down the back of my shirt or I'm going to make puffin soup. (Steve walks out of the room with the two leaving the others behind)

Private: Kowalski, how do you even know if that crap detector even works?

Kowalski: Simple, …I can say something completely absurd and the thing will instantly be able to detect the crap. Say something on the level and nothing happens. Observe… (Kowalski holds up the device and speaks to it.) "The zookeeper loves Kitsune with all his heart." (The device doesn't respond) Now I'll say something fundamentally untrue. (Holds up the device again and looks about the room to notice Babs) Um, …I know! "Babs is thinking Private might be the one to have eggs with" (The device doesn't respond. After a moment Kowalski starts to smack it around.) Huh, I guess it still needs work.

Private: Maybe it just doesn't work at all.

Kowalski: Nonsense, I'm the smartest person there is. Everything I make works eventually! (The device goes berserk) There you see, ….it's just a calibration issue. (The device goes berserk again)

Private: Then again, maybe the device works just fine. (Pauses to think about what Kowalski said about Babs) Then again… (Kowalski continues to fiddle with the device as the scene cuts to later on in the blues mess area. Conversation is abound amongst all as can be told by Steve putting cotton in his ears to drown out all of the bird chatter.) (Turns to Nicketti) Well, …I guess they can't use the translators all of the time.

Nicketti: We're better off, would you really want to know everything that they're saying? (Steve shakes his head and looks thoughtful. Nicketti studies his expressions for a moment) What's on your mind?

Steve: (Sighs) Hannibal and his girl, if this Heidi really is some sort of vet then we're going to need her. I won't be able to take Hannibal to any human vet, especially the zoo's, without raising a lot of questions about his injuries. I don't think I could come up with a plausible cover story. (Pause) Then there's his girl, to leave her in professional care will cost me a pretty penny especially if she requires long term care, which she probably does.

Nicketti: Crying broke all of a sudden?

Steve: No, just minimizing expenses. That vet keeps trying to milk me for donations to her wildlife care fund. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind helping out when it counts but I don't want to do it forever. (Groans) There's another problem too, I didn't take into account how I was going to transport all of the animals back to NY. It was a tight fit for just the penguins in the back of the truck, now I have them, three otters one of which is on a stretcher, probably Hannibal's girl in a similar situation, and possibly one or more puffins. I have no idea what we're going to do with Hans, I guess the debrief in the morning will help decide that.

Nicketti: So how are you going to solve the transportation problem?

Steve: (Smirks) I suppose I could let the otters go back the way they came, by driving themselves. (Nicketti stares at him for a moment) Seriously though, unfortunately I'll have to bend over and take it in the rump for Kitsune. (Smirks) It's just not fair, she's unwilling to part with the Porsche in lieu of a family vehicle and it looks like I'm the one making the concession. (Sighs)

Nicketti: You're letting a penguin walk all over you?

Steve: (Smirks) No, …she'll make the NEXT concession in whatever it is or I'm going to spite her by taking fishing trips, photographing whatever I catch, and then releasing it.

Nicketti: How will that spite her? (Steve looks at her and cocks an eyebrow) Oh right, she's a penguin. (Pause) Wow, all of that fresh food you could have brought home. (Smirks) That's pretty creative, if it were me I would have just one up'd her and bought a Ferrari or something. You know, since you have resources.

Steve: They're not unlimited you know. (Pause) Anyway, the fish would hit more where it counts.

Nicketti: (Laughs) Why is Kitsune so unwilling to part with her car?

Steve: It's her first vehicle and she won it in a martial arts tournament by beating one of the world's best or something.

Nicketti: Ah, …a trophy. I guess I can understand that.

Steve: Yup, …and in the end if all else fails I'll get her with the pipes.

Nicketti: Bagpipes? (Snickers) You still play those?

Steve: For years, you know that. …And I'm fairly good to boot.

Nicketti: I know you are, I've heard you. However they're a rather acquired taste.

Steve: I know, and Kitsune hasn't acquired the taste. That's why it would be effective motivation to get her to compromise. She hates them! (Nicketti laughs and they continue to converse as the scene snaps over to the animals. While the others eat and joke around Rico has managed to separate from the group and make his way over to sit with Heidi who had been sitting with her brother.)

Rico: (As he sits down waves to Hans) (Grunts) How's it going former evil guy!

Hans: Surely you don't intend to continue calling me that.

Rico: (Grunts) I dunno, ...it just sounded cool.

Hans: (Glances back and forth at Heidi and Rico) Sister, don't you think you could keep better company? Seriously, what would mom think?

Heidi: That I was the black sheep of the family, the same thing she always did.

Hans: (Thinks for a moment) Because you liked to observe humans, I remember. (Smirks) She thought you were crazy.

Heidi: So did dad, but look at me now.

Hans: (Grumbles) Yes, look at you now. Cohorting with a penguin, mom would roll over in her grave.

Heidi: If she were IN a grave, she was eaten by a shark remember. She'll just have to roll over in the things belly and give it indigestion. (Hans rolls his eyes and moves to another spot at the table as Heidi chuckles.) I could really get used to getting to him. (Turns to look at Rico) SO, …what movie did you have in mind?

Rico: (Grunts) Die Hard! Lots of explosions and the girl gets saved at the end.

Heidi: Interesting, …I suppose that would make it a chick flick in your mind. (Rico nods with enthusiasm) I don't suppose we could find some sort of middle ground…

Rico: (Grunts) Awww…. (They continue to banter back and forth)

(Cut to the penguin HQ back in NY as Erin comes from the Shortwave down to the theater room with the latest transmission from the zookeeper.)

Erin: (As she enters the room) Good news people, our guys will be home in a few days. (A cheer fills the room from everyone else)

Marlene: (Enthused) The kids, …how are the kids?

Erin: Yoshi and Loki are fine!

Marlene: (Nervous) You left out Hannibal, Erin. How's Hannibal?

Erin: Hannibal is, …not so fine but we already knew that. …But he will be in time; the zookeeper is making sure he's getting the best care. (Marlene looks withdrawn and sits back in her seat as a tear rolls down her cheek) He's going to be okay, Marlene. He's on his way home to you!

Marlene: …But he's still hurt.

Erin: True, …although word has it the bad guys are much worse off with Hannibal having played a significant role in dispatching one of them personally.

Marlene: I don't want a war hero, …I just want my kids home in one piece.

Erin: …And we're working on that. (Pause) In the meantime if you want to get your mind off of that bit of news you could always occupy yourself by planning a little welcome home get together. (Marlene smirks)

Marlene: That's a thought.

Syron: That sounds like a mission we can handle from here, girls. I want options ASAP! Meg, you and Elisa handle the decorations with Marlene's supervision. Pepper and Astrid, you handle the food. Try to come up with something other than plain fish, see what that cooking website has to offer. Erin and Jr., stick by the radio in case we receive any further transmissions. Marlene, …I know you've been worried to death but try not to explode on the kids when they get home. You'll have plenty of time for that later. Let's move out people!

Jr.: …But the show's not over yet!

Syron: What? (Looks at the guide to notice that there is still an hour yet in the program they had all settled down to watch.) Oh right, …we seriously need to get ourselves a DVR! Fine then, move out in sixty minutes!

Erin: What are you guys watching?

Syron: When animals attack! It's the best show ever; these humans are so dumb it's hilarious. (Erin works her way onto the couch)

Erin: Any popcorn left?

Elisa: Sure. (Speaks up) Hey Amiga's, who's sitting on the bowl? (Everyone shuffles about on the couch and eventually a partial bowl of popcorn is produced.) We kept it warm for you.

Erin: (Disgusted) Nah, that's okay I think I'll make myself some more.

Elisa: (Puts the bowl on the floor) Suit yourself. (Marlene standing in the background looks at what they are watching and then decides to leave the room. Astrid having noticed works her way off the couch and follows)

Astrid: (Once outside the room) You're not going to watch with us?

Marlene: No, …that stuff just reminds me that my kids could have been killed. Just thinking about Hannibal being hurt tears me up inside, I mean I know he's going to be okay but still… (Chokes up a little) He's my son… (Pause) …And the fact that all this happened because he had to go looking for a girl, an older girl, ..I mean…

Astrid: Look, …I know I'm in no position to tell anybody how to feel but can't you just respect the fact that he loved her enough to go through hell and back? I know I'd want a guy who'd be willing to do that for me.

Marlene: You don't think that Jr. is that guy?

Astrid: He sort of is, …more likely he'd come up with a technological way to do it though. Send a drone he built instead of doing it himself or some junk like that. He's a knight of the times, I guess. I just have to pretend to see the shining armor.

Marlene: So what exactly are we getting at here?

Astrid: I dunno, I guess just respect his feelings. Was what he did stupid, yes. …But he's a young adult and I hear that we tend to do things like that so as a mother you should just learn to overlook it. As long as this girl loves him back then be happy for him, …but if she turns around and burns him then I'll be happy to help you GET her.

Marlene: (Smirks and then pulls Astrid in for a hug) Now THAT'S a deal! (Sighs) If this ends up going the distance though then I want grandpups from her before she's too old. (Groans) I swear this girl had better be worth it.

Astrid: If Hannibal loves her then I'm sure that she is, ….but hey maybe Ming can spy on her for you.

Marlene: Nah, …I think she can only do that to her siblings. It was a good thought though. (The two continue to talk as Astrid walks Marlene back to her habitat if only to say hi to Ming.)

(Cut to the next morning a number of hours after the debrief, Steve has finished submitting his report to command and the blues have gone back to their post flight maintenance only too happy to bury themselves in engine parts and the like. Hans has been informed that while he will not be going back to Hoboken, his crimes still merit a yet to be determined form of punishment. Until that point he will be escorted to NY to await that determination. Toby and Don have been asked to keep watch over Hannibal while Steve pulls Heidi aside to talk to her and then walks past the helicopter.)

Steve: (With Heidi on shoulders) Do you have to sit there, I feel like a have a big parrot or something.

Heidi: (All conversation utilizes the translator) I don't walk as fast as you and I don't feel like flying that slow, so yes. (Pause) So what do you need already?

Steve: Toby and Don verified that you did the surgery on Hannibal and vouched that you know your stuff. I was just curious about your background.

Heidi: It's long and complex, the short of it is that I nested in the air ducts of various vet offices trying to pick up whatever I could and practiced what I'd learned on the office patients at night. At one point I stole the credentials of one vet and used them to take online courses in medicine. My equipment I've picked up wherever I could. (Pause) Anything else?

Steve: How long will you be able to care for Hannibal?

Heidi: As long as I'm needed, but I'll need to count on you for supplies. Don't worry you'll get my bill. (Steve laughs as they reach his truck and he lifts her off his shoulder to get in placing Heidi in the passenger seat.)

Heidi: (Nervous to suddenly have been placed in a confined space) What is this? Where are we going? (Heidi begins to waddle about the cab looking for a way out.)

Steve: Calm down, I'm bringing you with me so we can talk alone. (Steve gestures through his window to Nicketti nearby who hits a button to raise the landing platform above the surface. Once there Steve starts the engine and begins to drive away.) I'm glad to hear that you'll stick around, Hannibal needs you. To be honest, we need you. Along with my report, the captain of a certain aircraft carrier submitted a report as well regarding your demonstrated abilities. Long story short, command wants me to try to recruit you.

Heidi: (Absolute surprise) Recruit me?

Steve: We could use our own MD; it would save us a lot of questions and headaches when it comes to our people getting patched up after a mission.

Heidi: (Very nervous) …And what if I say no, you'll pull over and snuff me?

Steve: I don't work like that. Well, …maybe if you've REALLY ticked me off, but I digress. This isn't a demand, it's a serious request.

Heidi: (Very long silent pause) What's in it for me? (Steve glances over with an annoyed expression and the scene snaps to much later in the day as Steve returns in an entirely different vehicle. As the landing platform reaches the bottom Nicketti smirks at the vehicle.)

Nicketti: You traded your truck for a minivan?

Steve: I would have had to have picked one up eventually anyway with Kitsune's family intentions, and with the cargo I have to haul home I just took the initiative now is all. (Pause) Trust me, …I would much rather have my truck.

Nicketti: (Begins to walk around the vehicle) Fully loaded? (Steve nods) Front and rear moon roofs?

Steve: They have their purpose; Heidi helped me pick it out. (Nicketti smirks and begins to walk away)

Nicketti: I can only imagine what the dealer had to say.

Steve: He had a lot to say when a puffin utilizing a translator started critiquing his figures showing all the different ways he was trying to bend me over. If I wasn't having such a good time watching I would have been worried about the attention she was drawing.

Nicketti: So what kept it all off the news?

Steve: I blamed it all on ventriloquism. It was hardly believable considering that you could see Heidi doing the typing but the guy didn't seem to want to question it. (Nicketti laughs)

Nicketti: I'll go tell the guys to get ready to pull out for home then. (Pause) What about Hannibal's girl?

Steve: I've already picked her up despite the vet's objections. I told her we had a zoo vet coming home with us and I purchased anything we might need for the otter. Heidi will handle things from there. (Nicketti walks back to see the rear seats are folded down to make room for Margot in a carrier) No, she won't stay in the carrier. We'll find a way to keep her comfortable on the way back.

Nicketti: Good deal, …I'll go tell the guys then.

Steve: That works, Heidi can help me get Hannibal set up in the back of the vehicle here. Nicketti, see if the blues have another stretcher for this other otter. (Nicketti nods and walks off. Steve leaves Heidi with Margot and then goes to retrieve Hannibal. Sometime later everyone makes their way to the vehicle with whatever gear they're bringing back. Kowalski after a lot of convincing has drawn up blue prints for the GDO so that the blues can service it on their own as needed.)

Nicketti: (As the animals say their goodbyes) You might want to keep an eye on Kowalski, I think he has plans to try and build his own chopper.

Steve: (Groans) Great, THERE'S a headache waiting to happen. I can see it now, a cool calm day in the zoo when all of a sudden the concrete near the penguin habitat divides to reveal and underground hangar with freggin Airwolf® piloted by penguins rising up out of it. (Pause) Sure, …I could explain that one away to the public. (Sighs) Thanks for the heads up. (Steve looks about and then in the vehicle) Have we got everybody? (Pause) Where's Private? (Does his best Ben Stein) Anybody, …anybody?

Kowalski: (Translator) I saw him with Babs near the blues quarters, he may still be saying goodbye.

Steve: That's a pretty long goodbye; I guess I'll have to go look for him. (Steve turns to Nicketti to inquire where the quarters where and then proceeds off to go find Private. Eventually he finds them to notice that each penguin's quarters looked like a giant nesting box.) What the..? (Pause) Oh right, blues are used to living in burrows and such. (Steve locates Babs's box and gives a knock before lifting the hinged top) Time to go, Private. (Steve stops and stares at Private and Babs as they look up at him with caught expressions. On the floor around them is a complete set of Lunacorns with accessories and even a play set for them. Steve smirks and chooses a quote from the movie "Spaceballs") "Did you see anything? No sir, I didn't see you playing with your dolls again." (The penguins continue to stare at him without so much as a squawk.) Oh loosen your sphincters you two, you're not the first pair of wusses to play with dolls, there are twenty something year old humans out there who collect the most absurd kinds of action figures and attend conventions regarding the things. (Pause) However, if it makes you feel any better when anybody asks what was keeping you I'll just tell them you were getting your freak on. (Pause) Anyway, hurry up and finish. It's time to go private. (Steve closes the top and walks away leaving the pair to turn and stare at each other in confusion as to what should be done about the matter.)

(Cut to much later after everyone was packed up with any supplies or provisions and the animals were finally on the road. The minivan heads up the interstate after hours of driving and once inside NJ Steve deviates towards the Atlantic City expressway. Most of those in the vehicle have not yet noticed the route they are on as they are wrapped up in conversation.)

Hannibal: So Loki, what happened to Sarah? You two were practically glued to each other so I'd have figured you'd have brought her home with us. Heck, we brought along two extra puffins so I'm sure we could have made room in the chopper.

Loki: I suggested it to her and she looked like she thought about it for a while but in the end she said she wanted to make her way back to Arizona to see if there was anything left of her forest and family after Red had torched it. (Loki smirks) She told me she'd eventually make her way out to central park to see me again though.

Yoshi: So until then you'll hold out for her? Even if by some chance we come across a really sexy female otter in the park or something?

Loki: We're not committed to each other; I just look forward to her company is all. (Pause) Why, who do you know?

Yoshi: Nobody, I just wanted to see what your response would be. (Loki grumbles at being led on. A moment later Yoshi looks over at Margot who has remained silent through most of the trip.) Are you okay there, Margot?

Margot: (Continues to look at the roof) I'm, ….I guess I'm okay. I'm having trouble believing that my brothers are gone. (A tear rolls down her cheek) They did everything they could to protect me.

Hannibal: (Takes her paw in his) I did everything I could to get to you as soon as I heard about the fire. I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough….

Margot: It's not your fault, I'm grateful you at least tried. If you hadn't snuck out of your zoo then probably nobody would have come looking for me. I guess I can count my blessings in that respect, …it's just hard to feel lucky right now. (Touches at the bald portions of her body) I can't even be pretty for you anymore.

Hannibal: You'll never stop being beautiful and your body will heal. We've got the best people looking out for you.

Margot: So you keep reminding me, but I'm afraid I just don't have it in me to be upbeat about anything right now.

Hannibal: It's okay, for now just rest. (Pause and then change of subject) So how about you, Yoshi? How did you like having a legion of squirrels at your command?

Yoshi: It wasn't easy to give up, I liked being respected. They said they'd follow either of us into battle anytime.

Hannibal: That sounds like a compliment to me. (The otters continue to converse. Eventually a portion of the expressway seems to hug the coast at which point the penguins begin to speak up using the translators.)

Skipper: Hey zookeeper, I thought we were headed home not sightseeing.

Steve: I miss the shore, Okay? I haven't been down this way in a long time and my grandmother used to live out this way. Besides, I figured most of you would appreciate the salt air. I mean check it out; if you look through the tree line you can actually see the ocean a little bit. (Most turn to look out one side of the vehicle to attempt to see what Steve is talking about.

Private: I don't see it at all. (Steve leans a bit to point and as he twists his torso he places his elbow on a button on the console causing the rear moon roof to open. Heidi being among the few who aren't looking out the window turns slightly to look at Steve and then turns to look at her brother in the back to get his attention away from the window. They communicate back and forth with facial expressions for a moment until Hans finally understands the situation and when the vehicle slows moments later to approach a toll booth a fury of wing flapping is heard followed by surprised and aggravated expressions from the penguins.)

Steve: (twists and turns to look behind him to see what the commotion is about) What the..? What just happened?

Skipper: Hans escaped through the moon roof? Rico, get up there and see if he's still in sight! (Kowalski and Private quickly boost Rico upward so he can stick his head out of the moon roof.)

Rico: (Grunts) No good, …he's gone already! (The others lower him back down)

Steve: That can't be possible, it was closed and the controls are up…(Steve looks at the console where he had rested his elbow earlier) Oh crap, …I think that was my bad. (Sighs) I'm going to take some heat for that one. (Grumbles loudly) I should have kept Hans up front instead of Heidi so I could keep an eye on him, …I'm sorry guys. (Steve moderately punches the roof and the penguins continue to protest loudly as Steve continues to drive. Once all has settled down and the penguins have reduced themselves to sulking quietly Heidi turns her head slightly towards Steve and places her wing on his arm for a moment and gives it a pat.)

(Cut to the NIKE base in Florida as the blues are gearing up for routine night operations while listening to the coast guard frequency listening for distress calls.)

Digger: How are the engines, Babs?

Babs: No worries, I completely purged the last batch of fuel from the lines and cleaned the intake manifolds twice to make sure any traces of that bad petrol were a distant memory. We're good to go!

Digger: Good deal. (Waddles away to check on something else. Once gone, Nigel sticks his head out through the side hatch of the helicopter.)

Nigel: Everything checks out inside, we're good.

Babs: Bloody righteous! Things can finally get back to normal around here.

Nigel: Speaking of abnormal, ….you and Private were spending a lot of time together. I don't suppose somebody finally got under your feathers?

Babs: That's hardly your business, Nigel.

Nigel: Well you jolly well weren't interested in any of us and I'd hate to ponder the idea of you getting rosey with the bloody engines.

Babs: Give me a break; we're all so close here it would feel like getting with my brothers or something.

Nigel: Come on Babs, give over for a change. There's no need to be self-conscious and all, nobody believed that crock the Yanks zookeeper spilled about the two of you.

Babs: (Annoyed) You don't need to know my personal life, Nigel!

Nigel: (Amused) So you have one now, well at least we know you finally found somebody you like. (Chuckles) Well stay in touch with him; don't let the poor bloke go. We don't get very many other penguins around this place so he could very well be the closest anybody will ever get to being under your feathers.

Babs: We plan to stay in touch, don't you fret any. (Begins to waddle away) Besides, what makes you think he didn't already? You're not the only one to consider that you know. (She continues to waddle away as Nigel being in a state of surprise attempts to find a witty reply without success.)

(Cut to late that evening after most of the animals had been dropped off at the zoo and the remaining three have been brought back to Steve's apartment. Kitsune having been informed of the situation stood waiting inside the door to assist in getting them set up in the living room and then getting the area childproofed so Keiki wouldn't go bothering the animals while they recovered. Once everything is squared away Heidi begins to check up on both otters leaving Steve to go about his business.)

Steve: Where's Keiko?

Kitsune: (Gestures) With Ayame, she's been looking after her for me lately as needed. She'll bring her home in a bit assuming that she hasn't fallen asleep for the night. (Steve nods and notices the pleasant aroma of food in the air)

Steve: Oh wow, how is it that I didn't notice that incredible smell when I came in the door. (Sniffs the air again) I can't believe what a cook you've become in the past couple of years. (Kitsune smiles and gestures towards the kitchen where a banquet of fish and other foods await.) What's the occasion?

Kitsune: (Gestures) I've missed you. (Smiles again) …And I had something I wanted to talk to you about. (Pause) Just give me a few minutes; I still have something in the oven cooking. (Kitsune moves to check the oven and then gestures that it will be another ten minutes. While she is waiting Kitsune goes to the counter to where Steve placed the mail after coming home. After sorting through the junk she finds that her credit card statement has come and opens it. Snap to the bedroom where Steve has gone to get changed after the long car ride. He turns from the closet and collides with Kitsune who is standing so close their noses meet when he turns.)

Steve: WHOA! (Steps back) You really need to make some noise when you come up behind somebody, Kitsune. You're going to give me a heart attack someday doing that.

Kitsune: (Taps her foot and then gestures) How about today, is today good for you with one of those?

Steve: Say what now?

Kitsune: (Gestures) How COULD you!

Steve: (Studies Kitsune's face) Wow, …I haven't seen that look on your face since your first started working at the theater. You look like you're about to cut somebodies head off. (Pause) What's wrong?

Kitsune: (Shoves Steve back a step and then gestures) I trusted you to pay my card for me at the store and while you were off on your little adventures saving the world you ran it up! (She shoves the bill in his face.) Two thousand on GAS? (Pause) Then you sent me a gorgeous and meaningful gift celebrating an anniversary and made ME pay for it with my credit card! (Shoves Steve again) HOW COULD YOU!

Steve: Okay, the shoving is wearing thin. I have no idea what you're talking about. (Starts to study the bill but before he can get far Kitsune snatches it out of his hands with fury.)

Kitsune: (Gestures) What was wrong with your own cards? (Huffs as her face has reddened) No doubt the gas can be explained as having to do with getting Hannibal back to me, but the GIFTS! (Stomps) How could you betray my trust and my heart at the same time! How could you!

Steve: Kitsune, calm down and back up. I didn't do any…

Kitsune: (Gestures) YOU had my card, no one else could have done it! YOU did it! (Begins to cry a little)

Steve: (Studies her for a moment) This is extremely unlike you, Kitsune. I almost never see you mix anger and emotion at the same time; it's usually one and then the other. (Places a hand on her shoulder) Are you…

Kitsune: (Snatches his hand and twists it about until it locks as Steve yelps in pain) (Raspy whisper voice) Don't you ever touch me!

(Cut to outside the penguin habitat as Kitsune stands waiting while tossing objects into Kowalski's intruder sensors to get the penguins attention. Eventually Skipper and the other guys come somersaulting out and strike ninja poses expecting to meet an unknown threat. )

Skipper: (Surprised) Kitsune, …what brings you here at two in the morning? Seriously, you should have come a lot sooner. You're missing one heck of a welcome home party in there.

Kitsune: (Writes) A highly personal matter brings me here. (Looks down for a moment) Does any of you know where my credit card is?

Kowalski: Uh oh…

Kitsune: (Scowls and then writes) I'll assume uh-oh to mean YES! (Pause) Give it back to me and then explain yourselves, if this is good enough I will let you live. I have far more important worries right now. (Kitsune reaches over the fence and holds out her hand)

Kowalski: We'd uh, …we'd love to give it to you but we uh, we no longer have it.

Kitsune: (Scowls even deeper and then writes) It was, …destroyed in an escape attempt in Denmark. (Kitsune grumbles loudly) Which of you used it? (The others suddenly point to Rico)

Rico: (Grunts) Traitors…

Kitsune: (Makes a come here gesture and then when Rico waddles over she picks him up and strokes his head then writes) I am using all of my skills to contain myself right now, I have already committed a terrible act tonight. Explain yourself! (Rico begins to go into detail about their problems in Denmark and the need to for fuel and then begins to explain that the gifts had actually come from him to try to make up for using the card in the first place. A moment of silence follows, and then a tear rolling down Kitsune's cheek.) Two wrongs do not make a right, Rico. (Pause to look at Kowalski) …And you should have known better than to listen to Kowalski's pseudo-logic when it comes to what women want.

Private: (voice squeaks for a moment) What, …what are you going to do to us? (Pause) I don't think I want to see it coming if I'm going to lose my head.

Skipper: Calm down, Private. Knowing her history as we do, if she were going to kill us then we never would have seen her coming. We'd just, you know, be dead.

Kitsune: (Wipes another tear from her cheek and then writes) Thank you Skipper for reminding me of the monster that I used to be. (Pause) …Of the monster that still tries to appear once in a while.

Private: Kitsune, …is something else wrong?

Kitsune: (writes) I jumped to conclusions earlier and dishonored myself. I don't know what will become of my marriage now.

Skipper: Look, whatever it is we'll help you out. What happened?

Kitsune: (writes) I pretzled Steve.

Skipper: (Scoffs) That's IT! (Pause) Come on boys, let's go untangle the man.

Kitsune: (Writes) You don't understand, with his PTSD restraining him is a MAJOR line in the sand I crossed. A MAJOR betrayal of trust, greater than what I had accused him of. (Pause) He will not speak to me now.

Skipper: That's quite the sand trap you've buried yourself in, but allow me to ask another question. How did you know WE were the ones who took your card?

Kitsune: (Writes) Heidi went looking through Steve's wallet after I violated him and could not find the card. When I called the number on the bill I discovered that none of my payments had ever come out of my account, they were coming from his. I have every cent I've ever deposited remaining in my account untouched. He's been paying for everything I've ever charged right down to my car insurance…

Private: So, …even if he had used your card he was spending his own money anyway? (Pause) So he DID pay for the gift, you're in the clear Rico! (Rico wipes his brow)

Kitsune: (Writes) You've missed the point entirely.

Skipper: Right, the point is how did you know it was us who took the card? (Kitsune rolls her eyes)

Kitsune: (Writes) Once I realized that he didn't have the card I used common sense, this wouldn't be the first time you guys have ripped Steve off. (Wipes her cheek and smirks) …And not the first time you've used ill-gotten gains to buy me a gift, Rico. (She kisses him on the bill.) Now did Skipper order you to use the card? (Rico nods) I see. (Pause) Two things are going to happen now. (Kitsune vaults the fence and grabs hold of Skipper now holding a penguin in each hand.) First, you two are going to face consequences. I will forgive the purchase of fuel because you brought my student back to me, and I will forgive the gift because as private noticed, Steve paid for it after all. However the ends do not justify the means. YOU…BOTH….STOLE…FROM…ME! (The POV closes on Private's face as he covers up so he won't witness the carnage. Afterwards Kitsune huffs and then writes again.) Second, …I must go and atone for what I have done. I cannot bring another child into this world bearing such shame.

Private: (trembling at seeing the aftermath of Skipper and Rico) Um, …congratulations! (Kitsune bows in appreciation and the crosses over the fence again to leave)

(Cut to the apartment sometime later as Kitsune quietly pads around adjusting the lighting. Despite the snores of the others Steve sits in his favorite chair simply staring at a lighthouse picture on the wall, his gaze does not change as Kitsune approaches wearing her Kimono with her sword resting in both palms. She gently kneels before Steve and places the sword at his feet, then bows and after this remains kneeling with both palms placed in her lap with face directed towards Steve's feet. She breaks this pose for a moment to adjust her hair allowing it to drape over one shoulder and then resumes. No one speaks for at least twenty minutes until finally the silence is broken by Steve.)

Steve: I don't want to sleep, …the nightmares will be like they were before we met.

Kitsune: (Bows and then lifts the sword as resting in both palms)(Raspy/whisper voice) I am without honor, I place my life in your hands. (Steve takes the sword, holds it for a moment and then stows it behind the chair. He then pulls retrieves his service piece from between the cushions, looks at it for a moment and then clears the breach and removes the clip before replacing it in his boot.)

Steve: If I wanted your life I could have taken it already, …I had you dead to rights when you were on the phone with the credit card company.

Kitsune: (Surprised and then recalls a reflection on the computer screen as she sat before it.) (Writes) You got the drop on me and I never noticed…? (Steve nods) Thank you for sparing me. (Pause) You've learned a lot from me.

Steve: (Huffs) What you did…..

Kitsune: (Nods and the writes) Is unforgivable….

Steve: (Huffs) I forgive you, …just realize what you've done to me. I may not be okay for a while… I…(Pauses to notice Kitsune's hair draping just over her shoulder) Are you letting your hair grow? (Kitsune smirks and nods) Um, ..anyway just stay close. I'm going to need you when I wake from my sleep. (Kitsune nods and starts to get up) No no, …we're not done yet. (Kitsune looks curious) You of all people know the value of retribution. (Steve gets up and goes to a closet and then comes back with a set of bagpipes and sits before Kitsune again.) Before the slate is wiped clean, I feel like a tune. (He smirks evilly as he watches his wife cringe at the thought)

(Cut to months later as Christmas time has come upon the zoo, a rare December snow has blanketed the area with several inches and the tracks of the zoo patrons remain on the sidewalks long after the zoo has closed. It is late at night now and the animals after having their kidsmas celebration have retired to their own habitats for a good night's rest. Margot having been brought by the zookeeper has enjoyed the night as well having met Marlene for the first time and shared many a laugh as well as memory, including the embarrassing ones from when Hannibal was young. After which, having recognized them as a serious couple, Marlene gave her blessings should they choose to be mates. Elsewhere in the zoo stories were read to all of the kids by Skipper before their parents shooed them off to bed with the threat of missing Santa. Finally when all was quiet, and the gentle winter wind would be heard rattling the icy tree branches nearby, Skipper came to join Marlene as she sat atop the zoo walls looking off at the stars.)

Skipper: Merry Kidsmas, Marlene, could you use some company?

Marlene: I could always use your company, Skipper. (Sighs) I was just thinking about what you said Dr. Blowhole did to the North Pole. (Pause) I can't help but wonder what Kidsmas will be like now, …no more Kidsmas miracles, …no more Santa, No kidsmas magic…

Skipper: Nonsense Marlene, we have all the magic we need right here. (Gestures to Marlene's heart) Kidsmas can still be what we make it.

Marlene: (Smiles) It's a shame we didn't have any of that magic to get you out of that body cast sooner.

Skipper: Tell me about it, that thing itched like there was no tomorrow. (Pause) But I had you to scratch me… (Offers a kiss)

(Snap to inside the otter Habitat as Ming wakes to notice a shadow standing over her. A stocky man in a red suit makes a shush gesture and then waves Hello. Ming studies him for a moment and then smiles)

Ming: (Plain English) How did you get in here?

Man: Christmas magic, the same way I do everything else. (Pause) I wanted to say thank you for what you did to get us out of that mess. That's quite a talent you have there.

Ming: Can you stay, …I can get some food. I don't have any cookies, sorry.

Man: That's okay, …I'm on a low sushi diet. (He strokes Ming's fur) Oh, before I go I wanted to let you know that you can direct your correspondence to me towards the South Pole until further notice. We've set up shop there for a while until we can rebuild. (Ming nods) Now be a good girl and wait until morning to look at your gifts, good night. (The man blinks from sighs leaving only a slight dust that falls to the floor. Ming smiles to herself and then lies down to go back to sleep.)

(Snap to the zoo wall where Marlene and Skipper are still sitting together sharing affection for one another when they are startled by the sounds of bells and reindeer. Suddenly a reindeer drawn sleigh flies overhead in the blink of an eye and disappears from view leaving only a note suspended by a tiny little parachute to descend upon Skipper tapping him on the head an showering him in a light amount of glittery dust.)

Marlene: Wha….was that who I think it was?

Skipper: So he did make it out of there, ..way to go Santa!

Marlene: (Snatches the card) What does it say? (Marlene reads aloud) "Selfless wishes from those you love are amongst the greatest and rarest of things, you have until the sun rises, make it count! Merry Christmas from the South Pole!" (Pause) That doesn't make sense, make what count? (She looks up from the card and jumps in fright) OH MY GOD!

Skipper: What?

Marlene: YOU! You, ..you, ….LOOK AT YOURSELF! (Skipper looks down at himself to notice that instead of flippers he is holding a pair of black paws before his eyes.)

Skipper: WHAT THE DUECE!

Marlene: You're, …you're an OTTER! Santa turned you into an OTTER!

Skipper: What could that fat old elf have wanted to accomplish by THIS! (Pause) What does that note say again?

Marlene: It says you have until morning, …why would he DO something like that?

Skipper: Tell me about it, WHAT Christmas wish?

Marlene: I dunno, …the only thing that came out of our experience together the last time we were the same specie was…(She drifts off in thought and a moment later a sly smile appears across her face.) The same thing I was thinking about while you guys were off in Denmark.

Skipper: Okay, and that was? (Marlene leans over and Kisses him)

Marlene: Let's go find a quiet spot and I'll tell you all about it in detail. (She gets up and begins to lead a clueless Skipper off the wall to another secluded location and the POV pulls back from the zoo to show the two heading off while talking about how great it is that things turned out so well.)

The End…..