by West, Tracey
“Yeah, right, G. So what have we got here?” Rookie asks.
“Well, like I told G, the ruby that’s used in the play was stolen,” she says, motioning for you to follow. She walks to an open safe that’s part of the set of the play. “It used to be here, and now it’s not. I was over at the Pizza Parlor when it was reported stolen, so G asked me to come over. But I’m happy to turn things over to you. I’m working on a real breakthrough in disguise back in the stealth lab, and I’d like to get back to it.”
“Sure thing!” Rookie says confidently. “You can count on me, Dot!”
“I know I can,” she replies. “Now don’t forget to give G a report when you’re done.”
Dot rushes off, leaving you and Rookie to figure out the mystery of the missing ruby. Rookie eagerly rubs his flippers together.
“We’ve got a case to solve, and everyone’s a suspect!” he says. He points at a red penguin in a blond wig, wearing a long dress. “You! What do you know about the ruby?”
“I don’t know anything!” the actor protests, throwing her flippers in the air. “It was missing when I got here.”
You decide to leave the questioning to Rookie and start looking around the stage area. First, you examine the safe. It looks pretty clean. But when you look down, you notice something on the floor.
The stage floor is a bit dusty, and there are some strange tracks in the dust. You bend down to examine them. It looks like the tracks of something small, with four legs—no, claws. A crab?
Excited, you rush to tell Rookie what you’ve found. “Excuse me, Rookie, but I found some interesting tracks on the floor.”
But Rookie is distracted. “The ruby isn’t on the floor,” he says absently. He begins to pace. “Someone in this room must know where the ruby is, and nobody is leaving until I find out!”
Then he stops. “Look! There are some interesting tracks on the floor!”
“That’s what I was trying to tell you,” you say. “I think they’re crab tracks.”
Rookie bends down. “You’re right! Good work! Let’s follow them.”
The tracks lead to the back door and then disappear, covered by some freshly fallen snow.
“We lost them!” you say.
“Not necessarily,” Rookie says. “We know the thief is a crab. Now we just need to go to a place where crabs are found.”
If you go to the Beach, go here.
If you go to the Iceberg, go here.
CONTINUED . . .
You grab the cup of water and throw it at Protobot.
Splash! The water soaks the robot. He sizzles and sparks, and his arms begin to wildly spin around. Then the yellow glow in his eyes fades, and Protobot stops moving.
“Good job!” Rookie cheers. “You short-circuited Protobot!”
Bzzz. Whrrrrrr. Beeeeeep.
Strange sounds start coming from Protobot now. His yellow eyes blink back to life.
“System compromised,” Protobot says. “Must reboot.” Then he starts to roll away.
“Oh, man, that thing is unstoppable!” you wail.
Rookie jumps up and chases after Protobot, but the robot is surprisingly fast. He rolls away from the conference area toward the EPF mainframe.
You and Rookie chase him through the winding halls of HQ. By the time you catch up to him, Protobot has plugged into the mainframe.
“Oh no! He’s infecting the system!” Rookie cries. “We should go back and free Jet Pack Guy and the others. They’ll know what to do.”
Rookie starts to run, but you stop him.
“You wanted to impress Jet Pack Guy, right?” you ask. “Well, this is your chance. If we can bring up System Defender, we might be able to bring down Protobot for good.”
You’ve trained on System Defender before. It’s a complex system of cannons used to protect the EPF mainframe.
“You have a point,” Rookie says. “While Protobot is rebooting, he’s like a sitting duck. I’m just not sure if I have the skills to do it.”
If you decide to try to use System Defender, go here.
If you decide to free the trapped agents, go here.
CONTINUED . . .
“Let’s go to the Night Club,” Rookie says. “There’s always music there.”
You waddle back into town and enter the Night Club. A loud bass beat is thumping from the big black speakers, and penguins are showing off their best moves. On a platform behind the dance floor, a purple penguin wearing a baseball cap is spinning tunes on the turntables.
Rookie starts spinning and grooving on the dance floor.
“Rookie,” you remind him, “we’re here to find Herbert.”
“Oh, sorry,” Rookie says. “Let’s look around.”
Everything seems normal in the Night Club. You don’t find any signs of Herbert.
“Let’s question the dancers,” Rookie suggests, when suddenly his spy phone rings.
Rookie looks at the screen. “We’ve got to go,” he tells you. “G has a new assignment for me.”
Go here.
CONTINUED . . .
“That catapult looks fun!” Rookie says. “Let’s try it!”
You and Rookie transport back to the tree and set up the catapult.
“Um, do you want me to go up in that thing?” you ask a little bit nervously.
“Well, sure, if you want to,” Rookie says. He sounds disappointed.
“No, no, that’s okay,” you assure him. “You get in the basket, and I’ll work the lever.”
Rookie eagerly hops in the basket. He firmly plants his propeller beanie on his head and adjusts his glasses.
“Ready!” he calls out.
You take a deep breath and grip the lever. “Okay, here goes. One . . . two . . . three!”
You pull the lever with all your might, releasing the catapult. The device flings Rookie, up, up, up into the air.
“Wheeeeeeeee!”
You watch, amazed, as Rookie grabs onto one of the top tree branches midflight.
“I think I see a puffle!” he calls down to you.
“Nice!” you reply. “But I just thought of something. How are you going to get down?”
“I’ll climb!” Rookie calls back.
Then Rookie disappears from view, and all you can see is the rustling of tree branches up ahead. Then you see the branches move as Rookie climbs down.
“I can’t go the rest of the way with just one flipper,” he calls down to you. “Catch!”
Before you can protest, you see something yellow fall from the branches. You race underneath it and catch it. It’s a yellow puffle!
Rookie jumps down next to you. “Isn’t it a cute little guy? It must have looked golden when the sun hit it.”
“Too bad we didn’t find the real golden puffle,” you say.
“Aw, that’s no big deal. I’m just glad we saved this one!” Rookie answers. “Let’s head to the Pet Shop. This guy needs some food and water.”
You and Rookie head into the Plaza, carrying the puffle. As you approach the Stage, a crowd of excited penguins surrounds you.
“You found it!”
“Where did you find it?”
“We’ve been looking everywhere!”
“What is everyone talking about?” you wonder out loud.
A purple penguin waddles up and explains things. “Haven’t you read the newspaper? The yellow puffle known as the Keeper of the Stage has been missing for days. But you found it!”
The happy yellow puffle hops out of Rookie’s arms and hops onto the Stage. Everyone cheers.
“Looks like you’re a hero, Rookie,” you say.
“That makes you one, too!” Rookie says.
The next day, the rescue of
the yellow puffle makes the front page of The Club Penguin Times. You’re happy because for a little while, you’re famous around Club Penguin. And Rookie is happy because Jet Pack Guy actually gives him a compliment.
“Nice work, Rookie.”
THE END
CONTINUED . . .
“Well, Ski Hill is closest,” Rookie says. “Let’s check that out first.”
The Ski Village is nestled in the foothills of the mountains on Club Penguin. There, penguins can hang out in the cozy Ski Lodge, check out the Everyday Phoning Facility, or go sled racing down one of the fast-paced runs on the Ski Hill.
“I’m sure the dart on that Mullet fish was in the exact spot of the top of this hill,” he says confidently. “I’m sure we’ll find Herbert up here, carrying out his evil plans.”
Your chair crests the top of the hill, and Rookie cries, “Look! It’s him!”
He jumps off the chair in a flash, somersaulting onto the fluffy snow below. Just past him, you see a tall, white figure. Your heart races. Is it really Herbert?
But a split second later, you realize the truth—it’s just a penguin in a puffy white suit. Before you can stop Rookie, he’s tackling the penguin.
“Gotcha!” Rookie cries triumphantly.
“Rookie, get off me!” barks a deep voice. The penguin pulls down his hood. It’s Jet Pack Guy!
“Uh-oh,” you whisper.
“Sorry, Jet Pack Guy,” Rookie says. “I thought you were Herbert.”
“Do I look like a polar bear?” Jet Pack Guy asks. “I’m testing out a new field suit for G.”
“My bad,” Rookie says sheepishly.
Jet Pack Guy sighs. “Let’s go back to HQ.”
The three of you transport to EPF Headquarters, where G is pleased to see you. The blue penguin is known as Gary the Gadget Guy outside the EPF.
“Excellent test, Agents,” G says. “That suit took a beating from you, Rookie, and I got some useful readings.”
“You mean it was good that I tackled Jet Pack Guy?” Rookie asks.
G nods. “Definitely.”
Jet Pack Guy shakes his head. “Not bad, Rookie!”
THE END
CONTINUED . . .
“My intuition is telling me that the red penguin’s friend’s brother’s cousin really did see the golden puffle,” Rookie says. “To the Forest!”
“Why not?” you say, and you and your new friend waddle away from the Town Center toward the Forest.
When you leave the Plaza and step onto the snowy Forest path, you’re struck by how peaceful things suddenly feel. The majestic pine trees surrounding you keep out the noisy sounds from the busy parts of Club Penguin.
Not that the Forest is deserted. Several penguins are waddling around, making new friends and talking about their favorite spots and games on the island.
“We need to interview everyone here,” Rookie says, sounding snappy and professional.
“I’ll stick with you,” you say. You’re a little bit nervous about investigating on your own, and Rookie seems to know what he’s doing.
Rookie approaches two penguins who are talking under a pine tree.
“Excuse me,” he says. “Has either of you seen a golden puffle?”
“Sure, it’s one of my favorite plays,” replies one of them, a pink penguin.
“No, we mean a real golden puffle,” you clarify.
The pink penguin shakes her head. “No, but I heard that guy talking about one.” She points to a green penguin.
“Sure, I saw it,” says the green penguin after Rookie asks him. “It was flying! I saw it fly over those trees over there.” He points to a spot in the distance.
“Wow, that’s great!” Rookie says excitedly, but then a red penguin approaches.
“I saw the golden puffle, too,” he says. “But it wasn’t flying. It hopped down into a hole.”
If you head for the trees, go here.
If you climb down into the hole, go here.
CONTINUED . . .
“The last time I used the Aqua Grabber at the Iceberg, I saw a crab in the ocean,” you say. “I think his name is Klepto.”
“I think you’re onto something,” Rookie says. “Klepto is a notorious thief. He’s always trying to steal the Puffle O’s in the Puffle Launch game. Let’s head to the Iceberg!”
You and Rookie take out your spy phones and use them to instantly transport to the Iceberg. As usual, it’s crowded with penguins in hard hats using jackhammers to drill into the ice. They’re trying to get the Iceberg to tip over, but as far as you know, that’s never really happened. But penguins keep trying.
“To the Aqua Grabber!” Rookie says. Invented by Gary the Gadget Guy, penguins use this minisubmarine to explore the ocean depths, looking for treasure. It’s a round craft with a clear, bubble-shaped dome over the cockpit, making it look like some kind of UFO.
Once you and Rookie are inside, Rookie works the controls to lower the craft below the ocean’s surface. The blue water becomes darker, the deeper you descend. Down below, you see brightly colored plants growing on the ocean floor. Orange starfish skitter among them.
“It’s beautiful down here,” you say.
“It’ll be more beautiful if we can find that ruby,” Rookie says. “Keep your eyes open for anything suspicious.”
Rookie steers the Aqua Grabber back and forth. Huge air bubbles rise up from vents in the ground, and Rookie steers right into one.
“We’ve got to make sure we don’t run out of air,” Rookie warns.
“Hey, is that a cave?” you ask, pointing to a dark spot past a strand of twisting coral.
“I think so,” Rookie says. “Let’s check it out.”
He steers inside the pitch-black cave. The Aqua Grabber’s headlights illuminate the space, making you and Rookie gasp.
The cave is littered with stuff from all over Club Penguin. There are coffee cups from the Coffee Shop, empty pizza trays from the Pizza Parlor, colorful seashells, and on top of the pile is one glittering, shining red ruby.
“The stolen ruby!” you cry.
“Looks like we’ve caught that criminal crab in the act,” Rookie says. “Let’s retrieve the stolen property.”
He pulls a lever on the control panel, and a metal arm with a claw descends from the bottom of the Aqua Grabber. Carefully steering, he grips the ruby with the claw.
“Let’s get out of here,” Rookie says.
Suddenly, an angry red crab appears in the window in front of you.
“It’s Klepto!” you shout.
“He’s making a big mistake if he thinks he can get this ruby back from Rookie,” your new friend says. “Hang on!”
Rookie presses a button, and the Aqua Grabber shoots forward at an amazing speed. You glance behind you and see that Klepto is right on your tail.
“Faster, Rookie!” you urge.
Rookie steers the Aqua Grabber across the ocean floor, dodging rocks, coral, and plants. Then he frowns.
“We’re running out of air!” he cries.
You quickly scan the scene.
“There’s an air vent over by that rock to your left,” you say. “Otherwise, I think I see one up ahead.”
If you try the vent up ahead, go here.
If you try the vent near the rock, go here.
CONTINUED . . .
Protobot rolls past your hiding place.
“Rookie, do something!” you urge.
Rookie takes out a small blue pouch. “Okay, trusty marble collection. Let’s see what you can do.”
He empties the pouch, spilling marbles right across Protobot’s path. The marbles mess up Protobot’s wheels, and the big robot crashes to the floor.
“Awesome!” Rookie che
ers, giving you a high five.
“Protobot doesn’t stay down for long,” you remind him. “Is there any way to shut him down before he can get back up?”
“I’m on it!” Rookie says, jumping up. He bravely climbs onto Protobot’s back. The robot is facedown on the floor. His wheels are spinning and his arms are flailing as he tries to get up.
“You cannot defeat me,” Protobot says, but from that position he doesn’t seem so scary anymore.
“What do you know? An off switch!” Rookie cries. He presses a button, and the yellow glow fades from Protobot’s eyes.
The sound of cannon fire stops, and Jet Pack Guy, Dot, and G rush up to you.
“Stand back!” Jet Pack Guy says. “I’ll handle this!”
“Already did!” Rookie says cheerfully, jumping off Protobot’s back. “This bucket of bolts won’t be going anywhere.”
G examines Protobot. “Excellent work, Rookie,” he says, and he nods to you. “And you, too.”
“It was all Rookie,” you say. “He’s a pretty amazing agent.”
Jet Pack Guy nods. “Nice job,” he says. “Maybe you and I can work on a case together sometime.”
“Me? You want me?” Rookie asks. He turns to you. “Whoopee! Did you hear that? Jet Pack Guy wants to work with this guy. This guy right here!”
He’s proudly pointing to himself, and you smile. You wanted to help Rookie impress Jet Pack Guy. Looks like you’ve accomplished your mission!
THE END
CONTINUED . . .
“Hmm,” Rookie says thoughtfully. “The Lighthouse is by the water. The Cove is by the water. So let’s try the Cove first.”
“Sounds good to me,” you agree.
You follow Rookie out of the Lighthouse and across the island to the Cove. This out-of-the-way location is a favorite place for penguins to swim and surf. Roaring flames leap up from the fire pit, and some penguins are hanging out at the Surf Hut. A yellow penguin sits in the lifeguard chair, looking through binoculars at penguins splashing in the water.
