Disclaimer: I own nothing

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Cain

Things are going all according to plan. Just one more push and they could proceed to the next phase. Cain made his way through his personal lab. He typed in the right codes and stepped through silently. His lab is not what anyone would expect from a 'mad' scientist. There was no mess, everything was organized and the room was well lit. It did have one thing in common with the stereotype mad scientist lab though- it was cold. It wasn't cold yet it lacked the small insignificant things that made a place warm. Friendly. There were no pictures of loved ones, no framed newspaper article which featured their success.

He made his way towards his desk where a desktop computer was perched at and sat down. He opened a drawer to his right and pulled out a file. He smiled and opened the computer. He studied the file on his flipper and the one on his computer. It was perfect.

He doesn't pay much thought about his lab. Unlike his other coworkers who have several clipping of newspaper framed and hung on the wall or pictures of friends and loved ones perched upon their desks, he doesn't need those things. All he needs is a lab where he could work properly. He doesn't need to make his lab 'homier' or 'cozier' as some would say. It isn't anything special.

No, his special place is elsewhere. No one would find it if they tried. It's a special place where he could be free to do what he like. He could do everything he wanted and no one would care- no one important at least.

He leaned back and sighed. It had been difficult finding something special for the young private. He was probably closer to the hearts of the other penguins so he could affect them more than the others. He originally had a more violent, and in his own way, comical way to torture the young one but this seemed more appropriate.

He stood up and went out his lab. It was time to go to his special place and be once again inspired.

You see, his special place isn't anywhere you could find yet someplace you could even call your own…until he claims it. His special place is in the minds of his victims. He enjoys toying with them, figuring out how they work until he knows them more than they know themselves. After that, he would create mind games to confuse and aggravate them until they snap. Sometimes, physical pain is administered but it's just for research.

Every place is unique and special. He always learns something when he's done.

He grinned, he just can't wait for his chat with young Private.

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Private was scared, no, he was terrified. Any moment, Cain may appear and take him to that chair and play tricks on him. He could still remember the reaction his team had after Cain was done with them. If they could be broken, how would he do?

There were many things that Cain may exploit! His fear of bugs being one of them! If that were to be what Cain used, he wouldn't know if he would die of fear or of embarrassment. He was always considered as the weak link of the team. They would call him the mascot, the cute guy, or even just a teammate but he never said anything about it. It was true though.

He sighed and looked at Skipper. He was slumped against a wall thinking of a way to get out.

He could just imagine just how stressful it is to be leader and have your men suffer and there was nothing you could do about it.

Maybe there's a way to lessen the fear.

Aha! Skipper always said to always expect the unexpected. He could anticipate what Cain has planned and since he's expecting it, it wouldn't be that frightening. The last thing he needed is for Skipper to have a heavier burden placed on his shoulders.

He almost wanted to tell Skipper but they may be heard by Cain.

Now what would Cain use?

His fear of roaches seems obvious enough. Maybe it was his fear of getting his team hurt? Yes that seemed like a great choice but…No, it's still a possibility. Maybe the crzy scientist would make him re-live his days as Mr. Tux.

This is hard. If he expects it, it just means that he won't be expecting it, wait what? His head hurt. Kowalski was the one good at these things.

"Private"

He gasped, he was too engrossed with his thoughts he almost missed Skipper's voice.

"You need to stay strong, you hear me soldier?"

"Yes Skipper."

He nodded. Skipper got up and put a flipper on his shoulder.

"We'll get out of here."

His captain said with a tone which left no room for debate. Private smiled at him just as the doors opened with a grinning Cain stepping in.

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Mason gave the letter to Phil who began gesturing to what the letter said.

"Oh dear, this is quite the predicament we have." Mason murmured.

"I do not know what the problem is! It's just an invitation to some party!"

"How would you know? You can't read!" Marlene exclaimed.

"You could obviously see it with the way the letters are so large and fancy!"

"Your highness isn't-" "What does it say Mason?"

Marlene said in a calmer tone. Phil was done gesturing and Mason seemed done processing the information.

Just as he was about to speak the bell rang, signaling the arrival of guests, which means their signal to go back to their habitat.

"We have to call a meeting later tonight. We have to inform the others about the whereabouts of out neighbors." Mason called out before Marlene jumped over the fence.

He sighed. This is horrible. He had the feeling that it would only get worse and it's not even noon!

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A/N: Wow, it's been awhile! Sorry about that! It's just that school got in the way again and since my teachers seem to enjoy torturing us, I won't be updating for awhile. Hopefully, I could finish the next chapter in a few days time but it's not looking too good.

Anyway, I'm sorry for any errors, I couldn't sleep cuz my conscience is nagging me for leaving you guys alone for so long! I bet you all thought you'd be reading Private's torture! HAHA! Expect the unexpected! I wonder what it could be..

Your obedient friend,

E.M.