Impulse 2:Two And Two

Impulse

Chapter 2: Two and Two

Skipper raised an eyebrow as he watched his crewmates. Private was happily sitting in front of the (now high definition) TV, eyes glued to the latest episode of Rebelde. The leader shook his had at his youngest soldier, instead turning his attention to the other two.

It was odd, seeing the two of them actually working together. Kowalski had always been the brains while Rico was more of a man of action. They'd always gotten along, of course, they were good friends and teammates… but they usually stuck to their own hobbies. Today, both seemed fine working on Kowalski's latest experiment. Even Rico's doll had been left in the corner for the past hour or so.

Had he missed something?

Of course, most of his questions were answered when Kowalski allowed Rico to push a button and whatever he was working on inside of the glass exploded.

"Kaboom!" the weapons expert echoed, obviously pleased with the result, while the taller penguin made a quick note on his clipboard.

The sound hadn't even disturbed Private. Shaking his head, Skipper approached eying the experiment. "What're you two knuckleheads working on?"

Kowalski looked up, pulling off the goggles he'd been wearing. "Thermochemistry, Skipper. Explosive chemical reactions."

Skipper cocked his head to the side, clearly interested. "Which one was that?"

"Root beer and pop rocks," Kowalski shuddered at the idea of those being in someone's stomach. "Myth confirmed."

"Kaboom!" Rico repeated, chuckling psychotically.

"Noted," Skipper responded, eying the glass container uncertainly. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to the others. "It's time for training boys. Meet me up top at 1900 hours."

Both saluted and Skipper glanced back. "Hear that, Private?"

"1900 hours. Got it, Skippa'!" the littlest penguin's eyes were still fixed on the TV.

"Good."

The leader turned to go and Kowalski began cleaning up. At least, until he felt Rico move into his personal space again. He smiled a little, despite himself. "We have to go train, Rico. Skipper's orders."

Rico gave a little 'hmph', stepping even closer and nuzzling his beak into the taller penguin's feathers. He felt like staying there a little longer. Kowalski reluctantly nudged his teammate away. "Not now," he told him firmly. "You don't want to get in trouble with Skipper, do you?"

Rico made a face at the idea. Dragging his webbed feet a little, he made his way to the ladder to go meet the team leader. Kowalski watched him go, releasing a heavy sigh. He smoothed his feathers down where the manic penguin had nuzzled. He still didn't understand. Then again, did he ever understand anything Rico did?

-

Kowalski resisted the urge to sigh as they looked out at the surrounding people, waving cutely. This had to be his least favorite part of the job. It was the only time he wasn't allowed to scribble down his thoughts and ideas. Private seemed to enjoy a bit of attention and Skipper really enjoyed any part of his job, although Kowalski had to admit it was probably worst for their weapons expert, who was far from 'cute and cuddly'.

The tallest penguin paused, glancing over his shoulder at Rico. At least, far from cute… he realized. He didn't seemed to opposed to being at least a little cuddly, for short periods of time.

As a young couple in the crowd yelled, Kowalski quickly turned his attention once more, hopping up and down for a… strategically adorable effect, getting more than a few 'Aww's, including one from the female of the pair. The male seemed to have other thoughts on his mind. The strategies expert watched in fascination as he leaned close to his mate, sniffing her perfume.

It couldn't be the same… could it?

-

Kowalski tensed up in alarm as he felt Rico move close to him again. He face heated up beneath his feathers and he turned his head away, laughing nervously. "Rico?"

The only response he gained was a light grunt of recognition. The taller penguin swallowed thickly, unsure of what to ask. Finally, "Who do you do that?"

Rico pulled away a moment, blinking slowly as he seemed to consider it. Finally, he gave a brief shrug in an 'I don't know' gesture, turning to go find his seat in front of the TV next to the others.

Kowalski stared after him. It's not the same as the humans, he tried to tell himself. Sometimes animals recognize each other by scent. Why can't Rico? … But then why doesn't he do the same to Skipper and Private?

"Bring the popcorn over here, K'walski!"

Realizing he was caught up in his own thoughts again, Kowalski quickly grabbed the bowl, passing it to Private as he asked. He turned toward his bunk.

"Not going to watch the movie, Kowalski?" Skipper asked, raising a curious eyebrow.

"It's a good one," Private threw in, smiling widely.

"Uh, I just remembered I have some calculations to finish…" Kowalski could see Skipper roll his eyes, but ignored it. He climbed into bed, grabbing his clipboard. Penguins choose a mate based on their vocals, he tried to reason, scribbling his thoughts down quickly. Females want a male that can stand long fasting periods. A bigger male. Bigger males usually have a deeper voice…

He glanced up and for a moment, his eyes locked with Rico's. Rico's not a female, he realized, looking away. And he certainly doesn't decide based on voice…