The next day Skipper slid by Marlene's habitat. Liberty watched from her den's mouth, her deep amber eyes intent on what Skipper would do if..
..Marlene waved. Liberty heard the sweet call, "Hi Skipper!"
Liberty kept watching. Skipper stopped, waved and went on. It was a simple wave. Hardly even a wave but more of a simple gesture. Marlene seemed confused. She was. "I wonder what's got him in a rush today." she thought. Usually Skipper would drop by in spite of a tight schedule and talk. He hardly payed attention to her. Then her eye caught Liberty from across the zoo. She could see the lioness watching Skipper. She couldn't help but wonder if it was possible......

Liberty saw Marlene watching her and low growl rose in her throat. At ALL costs she wouldn't let this otter take her true love from her.

"Busy?" A voice asked. Liberty looked over her shoulder. Kowalski was standing beside the hole that led down to the sewer. It was open.
"Do you ALWAYS travel by way of stink zone central?"
Kowalski's brow arched,"Stink bomb..central?? Um, well if you mean the sewer then yes, nearly all occasions. It..rather increases the secrecy of our entraces."
"So..why are you here?" Liberty asked.
Kowalski blushed. He looked as though he knew what he wanted to say but saying it was the closest thing to impossible.
"I-..I-I just, wanted to say hello. We didn't necessarily get to introduce ourselves. I'm-"
"-You're Kowalski. Skipper told me."
"Well, er- yes. Well, I won't..waste your time then. Good-bye." With that he left the den.