Disclaimer: Alrighty… This is the starfox section, yes? Which means you nice readers out there should probably know which characters are from the game and which are not, yes? Well, with that in mind, all the characters you recognize from the game are ©Nintendo. All the other characters are ©Alaina Pouliot and Alice King. Thank you for not smoking, and please enjoy your flight. If at any time you have a strong urge to swipe the toupee off of the shiny head belonging to the man in front of you… Please do only in moderation. Sit back, relax, enjoy…and get that llama out of here!
Strange Behaviors
Chapter 1: "Drop Your Ranks!"
It was six O'clock in the evening at the Katina air force base when the assembly hall doors were opened. New recruits, officers and staff, casually dressed, filed in to claim a spot on the dance floor or at the refreshment tables. Each individual was dressed to his or her own tastes, many in jeans and colorful T-shirts. Yet despite all of the diversities, each person gathered at the annual dance shared a common similarity: the navy blue formal dress jackets, yielding their separate ranks. Above the sea of navy blue jackets, Bill Grey, Commander of the Katinian Air Force, looked down from the stage. He straightened his jacket, cleared his throat, and leaned against the podium, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. By this time, the energetic buzz from the room had quieted down, as people quickly finished their conversations, and turned their attention to the stage.
"Thank You," Bill smiled, now having everyone's attention. "I just want to start the evening by welcoming you all to the thirty-second annual 'casual dance'. As most of you know, this is the most informal event ever to grace the face of 'Katina Base'- And, that rhyme was not intentional…" Bill paused, glancing across the ranks as the room echoed with light laughter. "This is the part we all love. And if this is your first year here, then I'm sure you'll learn to get used to it very quickly." Bill grinned and stepped away from the podium, raising his left hand into the air. "Ladies and Gentlemen… Drop your ranks!" When his hand dropped, it was followed by the sound of hundreds of navy blue jackets being dropped simultaneously to the floor. The burden of military rank had been lifted, and the most laid-back night of the year had officially begun.
As Bill made his way off of the stage, Effy, his friend and colleague greeted him with a savvy grin (Not unusual for Effy). "You know what I love most about this dance?" She asked, her jacket draped casually over her shoulder.
"You don't have to listen to me for an entire evening?" Bill laughed.
"Well, that, and I get to pick on you all night without any fear of consequences." Effy grinned devilishly. "It's like open season on your butt!"
Bill shook his head and chuckled. "And you think I will forget all about it in the morning too, I suppose?"
Effy sighed, realizing he was right. "Oh yeah." She paused, looking up at the saucy grin on his face. "You love it when you're right, don't you?" She shoved him playfully, but he didn't push back. He never did. Instead he just smiled, and adjusted his balance. The band played on the stage behind them, and the two of them began paying some attention to the music. Bill bobbed his head lightly to the beat, his floppy ears bouncing in unison. Effy chuckled to herself, watching his ears flop against the top of his head.
"You wanna dance?" Bill asked suddenly.
Effy grinned. "Do I get to step on your feet?"
"Only if you feel it necessary." Bill held out his arm, Effy took it willingly, and the two of them made their way out to the dance floor. The music was light and bouncy, with a strong beat that practically carried those who were dancing around the floor. Once in awhile, Bill would catch Effy off guard with a spin or a dip that she wasn't ready for, and Effy would later return the favor by purposely stepping on his feet. Song after song they would dance as friends dance, laughing at each deliberate attempt one made toward catching the other by surprise.
As the music faded out, dancers stopped to catch their breath and wait for the band to chime in with the next song.
"My feet hurt," Bill commented wryly.
Effy looked pointedly down at his feet. "They look like they hurt."
"What are you talking about? I'm wearing shoes. How can you tell?"
She grinned. "Your shoes look like they're in much pain."
"Wha…?"
"Never mind. I love doing this to you."
He shot her a strange look. "Do you want something to drink?" he asked, mercifully changing the subject.
Effy shrugged graceful shoulders. "Sure. Why not?"
"Um. If you're not thirsty, you wouldn't want a drink."
"That was a rhetorical question, Bill."
"I know that. I love doing that to you." He raised his eyebrows mockingly as he threw her own words back in her face.
The lioness just rolled her eyes. "You." She turned and headed for the refreshment table, not waiting for him to follow. Bill just grinned again and did so.
"A glass of punch, please?" Effy asked the man at the counter, a tall and skinny black panther wearing an apron over t-shirt and jeans. He just smiled at her and poured.
"Sure thing."
Her little plastic cup was completely empty and she was handing it back for more by the time Bill made his way over.
"Better make that two," he said, and then glanced at Effy's cup. "Or should I say three?"
The server ducked his head. "Whatever you say, Commander."
"Hey, wait up a sec. I'm not commander tonight, remember? I'm just another guy… An oddly handsome guy…. But still, just another guy."
"And modest too," Effy quipped cheerfully.
Mr. 'not a commander' ignored that noticeably. The panther just smiled again, affected as everyone else was by Bill's infectious smile, and picked up another cup. Then he frowned and looked at the others apologetically. "I'm sorry, but the jug of punch is empty. There's another in the back if you'll just wait a moment."
Bill shrugged. "No hurry, dude."
Effy cocked her head and smirked up at him as the man disappeared into the next room. "No hurry, dude?" she inquired sweetly. "I thought you didn't talk like that outside of your office."
The grey husky shrugged, not bothered. "So sue me. It slipped."
She opened her mouth to say more, but at that moment the punch server made his appearance again, holding their two glasses in one agile hand and a jug of mixed punch in the other. Wordlessly he handed over the former to the two partygoers before setting the latter down with a grunt. It was a large container and looked heavy.
"Thanks," Bill said and Effy nodded, downing the punch in one gulp. He looked at her amusedly.
"You'd better slow down there, Casanova, or you're gonna make yourself sick."
"Sick? No. I have a strong constitution." Her eyes sparkled for a moment. "After all, I work with you."
"Yeah, that would be enough to immunize anyone to too much punch."
"Amen." Behind them, the music from the last song drew to a close to the polite clapping of a scattered few. The band warmed up, playing a couple of chords as they prepared a new set.
"Dance again?" Bill asked her.
She tapped the last few drops out of her glass and into her mouth, and then set it down with a casual sigh. "Why not?" He grinned and opened his mouth and she shoved him with one finger. "And don't answer that!"
He dimpled cutely and held out his arm. She took it and they moved onto the dance floor. To their surprise, a romantic slow song started playing. It was not what either of them had in mind and they stared at each other, at a loss for a moment. Then Bill shrugged fatalistically and took Effy's hand, placing his other lightly on her waist. She went along with him and also fell into dance mode, allowing him to lead.
Her hand settled on his shoulder and they started moving. Bill was surprised to notice how good a dance partner she was. He didn't like to brag but there weren't many people who could follow him competently on a dance floor. Having a dance instructor for a mother would do that to you. Effy, however, matched every move of his with a smooth grace that made the song a pleasure. He wondered absently how she would be with something faster…like the foxtrot, for example. He grinned to himself at the thought. Actually, that might be fun. Effy was the sort of person you could talk into doing those sorts of things. She was always open to new ideas.
The music changed in beat slightly and Bill duly swept his partner into a gentle dip. Effy effortlessly went with the flow, and swung back into his arms again. Her face was flushed slightly and her jade eyes sparkled. She was enjoying this as much as he was. Her softly styled bangs were somewhat disheveled around her beautiful face. Wait…beautiful? Where had that come from? This was Effy! She wasn't beautiful; she was funny, and witty, and great to be around but not…not… She did a slight pirouette around him just then and Bill's mind shut down for a second. She was beautiful. Why hadn't he ever noticed before? And they had so much in common. He had more fun with her in a single minute than he had with most other people in the course of a day. Oh my God, Bill suddenly realized. I think I'm in love with Effy! Whoa. The husky felt a silly smile start to form on his lips. Effy noticed and shot him a puzzled look, and he immediately wiped it off again, a sobering thought occurring to him. What if she didn't feel the same way? How could she? They'd been friends for years, with no romantic thoughts in the mix. Just because he suddenly felt something was no guarantee that she did. It wasn't even likely. As far as Effy was concerned, they were still just good friends. And if she found out what he was thinking now? It would ruin that friendship, not to mention their professional relationship. There was no way he could tell her. Bill sighed quietly. He'd just have to keep this to himself, and pretend he wasn't having these feelings for his best friend.
***
Effy swept onto the dance floor with her arm tucked into Bill's. A slow song came on and she blinked up at him in surprise. He looked equally thrown for a second, and then shrugged and moved close, placing one hand lightly on her waist. She matched his pose and they joined the dance. He was good, she noted. Not that she should really be surprised. Bill was one of those people who just seemed to be good at everything. Except for singing, of course. She stifled a chuckle at the thought. A clueless DJ with a rusty turntable could hardly sound as bad. But dance he could; and didn't look half bad doing it, either. She'd noticed that he was cute before, of course, but it hadn't really registered. He was just Bill; a fun guy to hang around with, talk to, make fun of… things like that.
But now, as he spun her around the dance floor, the lights twinkling around them like something out of a fairy tale, she really noticed him for the first time. His dove grey fur was silky soft where her arms brushed against it and bright hazel eyes smiled into her own with a warmth that she didn't feel around anyone else. He was handsome, and kind…and wonderful. Effy slipped into a sort of dream, staring into those eyes, happiness consuming all thought in a sudden wave. Then she woke up with a slight start. Oh my god. I've fallen in love with BILL. This is love. That's what I'm feeling. Wow. The realization hit her like a shot between the eyes. She'd never been in love before, but had no doubts whatsoever that this was it. He swung her into a dip just then and she let herself flow with it, not really thinking about the dance anymore, her mind too blown by this startling insight. And when he straightened her, there was a strange look in those perfect eyes. A…thoughtful look. Effy shot him a quizzical glance, a slight smile on her lips. He shook his head silently, dismissing it as nothing, and spun her around. She pirouetted for him dutifully and then returned to the embrace of his arms. But an unsettling thought had occurred to her. She was in love. But was he? There was no way. After all, they'd been friends for what? Two years? And in that time they had forged a friendship the like of which lasted forever- one that could, if affection didn't louse it up, that is. It was too much to hope for that he returned her feelings. He'd never mentioned anything of the kind, and now if she brought it up she could be tearing down the best relationship that had ever happened to her. No. I won't do that, Effy vowed. He'll just never know, that's all. I'll never tell him. That way, she might lose a small thing, barely realized, but save something that meant all the world to her.
***
"Would you look at those two?" Kayote leaned casually against the punch table and looked at the server with a grin. "I have been trying to get them together for the longest time, and it finally happens. I mean, they're so perfect for each other! They already practically pick out each other's socks; they just couldn't realize it themselves. Well, I'm glad hard work finally paid off."
The panther behind the counter just smiled at the coyote and nodded noncommittally.
Kayote's wife, Phyllis laid a hand on his shoulder as she walked up, a matching smile on her face. "Work?" she inquired archly. "And just who's been doing work? You sure haven't."
"Oh come on! Are you saying I had nothing to do with that?!" He gestured to the still dancing couple.
"That's exactly what I'm saying, dear. Their love life is none of your business."
"They wouldn't HAVE a love life if it wasn't for me! I've been dropping hints ever since I first met them."
"Which just proves what a colossal meddler you are. It doesn't have anything to do with their feelings. You think anyone pays any attention to you?"
"Well…who do you think made the band start playing that slow song the minute they got on the dance floor, huh?"
Phyllis sighed. "Yes, we're all very proud of you. Now can you leave them alone and spare a dance with your wife? Or would you rather dance with the punch guy?" She shot the server an apologetic look. "Nothing personal."
He just shrugged as Kayote spluttered. She turned back to her husband. "Good," she replied to his surprised silence and dragged him out.
"But…but Phyllis! I've got two left feet!"
"Even better. That way you can step on your own."
The two (one still protesting) moved onto the floor and joined the general revelry as the slow song ended and something faster came on again. The dance was winding down by now, however, the revelers slowly but surely tiring out as the night drew to a close. Finally "Stairway to Heaven" came on, and people coupled up again to enjoy the last dance of the night. Kayote noticed that poor Roman had been ambushed by Gabby and was even now dancing with her, a put upon expression on his face as she managed to dance and keep a running commentary of her day going, both at the same time. He grinned at the dog in commiseration, before dancing on. All too soon (or not soon enough, from some people's perspective) the song was over, and with it, the dance. The hall emptied slowly as chattering people, weary but cheerful, made their way off to their bunks.
The heads of the Katinian military shared an elevator to the top floor of the building where their apartments were located, minus Kayote, who had a home with his wife and family. A strangely silent Effy and Bill, and a usually silent Roman shared the space quietly. The only thing that kept the stillness from being complete, and thus uncomfortable, was the fourth occupant of the elevator.
"Wow, what's, like, with you guys? You're all acting like Roman or something. And it's weird because normally, you're all, like, talking and stuff. But I guess its normal. I mean we did just get out of a dance, so I suppose you could be tired from, like…dancing and stuff. I sure am! Wow. I mean, I can barely get a word out from yawning…"
Roman chuckled. He couldn't help himself. Unfortunately, Gabby noticed. Not that she got offended, but…
"Oh, what? Did I say something funny? I don't remember saying something funny. Oh, come on, Roman. You've got to help me out here. If I said something funny, I want to know what it was, because, like…I could say it again and, like, make you laugh! And that'd be good, because you're too quiet. I think I've said this before, but you, like, seriously need to lighten up a little bit. It's not healthy to be so, silent all the time like that. And I thought I was doing pretty good down at the dance. You at least said, "I want to…stop dancing now." And that was, like, a whole sentence! It was a healthy expression of your feelings, even though I didn't stop dancing. I hope you didn't mind terribly, Roman, I just loved that song so much, you know…"
"Gabby," Bill cut in tiredly. "Um…we're almost at the top. So maybe you should stop talking now, so you can save all your energy for sleep. It takes a lot out of 'ya."
The bunny considered for a second. "Okay," she agreed brightly and lapsed into silence.
"Oh, thank God," Effy breathed as the door pinged open. They all split their separate ways, Roman silently waving goodnight, and Gabby actually remembering her promise not to talk... for once. Bill and Effy walked to their room doors, which were adjacent. She paused with her hand on the handle.
"Well, Goodnight," she said.
"Hmm? Oh. Yeah. G'night, Effy. Sleep well."
"If your snoring doesn't keep me awake." Before he could reply to that she was gone in a swish of smirk.
Bill shook his head wryly and entered his own room, taking only a moment to get undressed before flopping on the bed in the deep sleep of the very confused.
***
Annoying footnote: So, how you like it so far? I guess you'll just have to review to let us know, right? C'mon… I don't bite! And Pantera… Well… I don't think she'd do it in public. Wait a second! I DO bite! Sorry… Forgot all about that predicament with the dog, and the little kid…And the Supreme Court Judge… *shivers* Water under the bridge though, right? Naw, I'd never bite anyone between meals. So… REVIEW! Or I may just consider brunch!