"Good morning, Skippah!" Private greeted, cheerfully. As he waddled up the beach, Celeste trudged behind him. Her light petite feet were suprisingly clumsy in the chilling morning sand.
"Good morning, Private." Skipper smiled. He breathed a sigh, and looked farther down the beach.
His eyes met Celeste's. They were dark-almost black. She kept them hidden with her low-hung-head. "Good morning, Celeste." He offered a polite smile.
She tilted her head up. At first, she was confused. Her eyes focused on Skipper who nervously waved. "Wait, he was talking to me? He did say my name. What do I do? Just don't stand here you, idiot!" Celeste thought to herself.
"Hi," She muttered, not able to speak loud. Her voice cracked.
Private smiled at Skipper. He was impressed with his effort. From now on it seemed he would have a new perspective on Celeste. Maybe he realized if Private trusted her, he should too. But could that trust deceive him. Could her unknown thirst be his downfall?
The young pinguino then smiled back at her. He tenderly reached for her soft fin, stroking it. She pulled together a smile.
Breakfast was awkwardly silent. No one started to talk, until late into the meal. Private noticed Celeste hadn't eaten much.
While Skipper began eating, she stared. It was almost like she was spacing out-hypnotized. Luckily, Skipper didn't notice; but Private did. "Celeste, no," He whispered-almost like he was praying. She looked back at him, and then Skipper.
"Skipper," She began to say, hesitantly. Not even daring to make eye-contact, o lift her head.
He looked up. "Yes?"
"Uhm... Did te sleep well?" She gulped.
"Yeah, thanks for asking, Celeste. Did you?" Skipper answered pleasantly suprised. He winked at Private who was just as suprised.
"Yes," She looked up at him finally. Private was estactic. They both were making an effort! That brought them one step closer to helping her. She had as much restraint as possible.
Maybe, he could start with the other side of the matter. Was it possible Skipper had had any details about what happened that Private could use as clues?
"Everyone ready?" Skipper asked, standing up. His men gulped down the last of their fish.
"Yeah-yeah!" Rico cheered, hopped to his feet, and raced into the waves rolling in.
"Next stop, the Bahamas!" Skipper called out.
"I was thinking of arriving at the beautiful treasure cay... da let's say nine…" Kowalski calculated.
"I hear it's amazing there!" Private awed.
"It is!" Celeste chimed in.
"You've been there?" Private pondered.
"I couldn't forget it." She smiled.
After that interesting stay in North Carolina, the penguins headed out to their successivo destination which brought them closer to ending this bizzare mission. Unfortunately, the road-or water ahead would be unexpected; and catch them da suprise.