Star Fox: Internal Affairs

Chapter 1 – Broken Promises

It was a good thing Peppy was always prepared. If not, the Star Fox team would still be drifting through space in their fuel depleted Arwings. Instead, Peppy had called up an old friend from Katina and one of Peppy's hidden Great Fox's was delivered to them. Being one of only three stashed throughout the Lylat system, it was a lucky day for the Star Fox team.

Fox McCloud, the leader of the most trustworthy team of mercenaries in the galaxy, stared at one of the many screens on the bridge of the Great Fox. It blinked with symbols and numbers that only Peppy, Slippy, or ROB could understand. Fox was more of a fan of action than technology.

"Hey, Peppy, how long 'til we reach Corneria? We still need to pick up that payment for saving the Lylat System," Fox reminded the team.

"Now, Fox, the money is not what's important," Krystal stated. The sultry vixen strode over to Fox. The 'fearless' leader shifted a bit.

"Even so, we could still use that bounty." Peppy turned in his Captain's chair. "This Great Fox doesn't have all of the new gadgets that the one that we lost did."

Falco perked up. "You mean the one that you lost. If you didn't pull that stunt that almost got you killed, we would be in Corneria right now."

"Falco," Slippy said, "did I just hear a sense of care in your voice?"

"No, it's just that he's the only one that knows how to get back to Corneria from that giant anthill we just blew up." Falco turned away, hiding his blushing face.

Krystal smiled. "Well, regardless of where we are, let us all be thankful for everyone's safety," she remarked. Her tail flicked slightly as Fox smiled at her.

"While we're on Corneria, we should probably check on how General Pepper's doing!" Slippy said.

"But that's after we get the money," Falco corrected.

"Fine, whatever."

ROB chimed in over the intercom. "Warp signature confirmed. Making jump to Corneria airspace."

Fox sighed. "Ahhh…home sweet home."

It was a grand reception. The team rolled through the streets of Corneria with banners and flags trailing in their wake. Various species lined the roads, all intent on showing their gratitude for the system's saviors.

Falco was at the front of the car, soaking up the attention that the crowd was giving him. Slippy waved erratically at the crowd. Fox and Krystal sat side by side in the back seat, taking in the views of the adoring crowd.

The parade route concluded at Corneria City Hall. The team filed out of the car and scaled the marble steps of the Parthenon-like structure. At the top, they were greeted by General Pepper's aide, Major Scraps.

"Welcome, lady and gentlemen. Let us take this meeting inside."

The Star Fox team turned and waved to the crowd one last time. They entered the Romanesque building and walked into a great hall. Numerous portraits of former Cornerian leaders were hung high on the walls. Old-faced dogs stared at the team until they entered General Pepper's private office.

Slippy jumped. "The General! He's okay!"

However, sitting behind the General's desk was a large rottweiler. The dog was clad in numerous military medals and campaign ribbons. He stood to meet the team. This dog easily towered over Falco by half a meter. This stranger appeared to have muscle in places where most people don't even have places.

Slippy took a step back. "Who are you? And where's General Pepper? And-."

The canine's voice shook the various military commodities on the desk. "QUIET!" Slippy stepped backwards into Fox. The dog cleared his throat. "Please, have a seat."

To Fox, it sounded more like a command than an offering. "No, thanks."

"Very well," the dog replied gruffly. He strode back to his desk and continued. "As you have noticed, Corneria is pleased with your safe return. The dog looked pained to say the word. "You have saved the Lylat System."

"Again," Falco added.

The stranger continued as if he didn't even know Falco was there. "You may be wondering where General Pepper is."

"Yes, we-," Krystal started.

The dog cut her off. "He is injured beyond active duty. I will be replacing him until he is better." The canine smirked at the word.

"And who are you?" Fox asked. His concern for Pepper waned as his curiosity about this newcomer peaked.

"I," the dog stated, while polishing an insignia on his hat, "am the acting General of all Cornerian forces. I am Lieutenant-Colonel Jerevicious Kain." His eyes lingered on Krystal.

"Yeah, well, nice to meet you stick," Falco nonchalantly joked.

"Kain," the lieutenant brashly announced.

Slippy, still curious about the General's health spoke up. "What's wrong with the General?"

"He is incapacitated from the injuries sustained from your," Kain emphasized the word, "assault on his flagship. He is bedridden and comatose."

"Hey," Fox snapped, "if we hadn't destroyed his infected ship, all of Corneria would be underwater by now!"

Kain was unconvinced. "Nevertheless, Pepper is out of duty."

"You know," Fox said, as he knew it wasn't worth the time to squabble with this ignorant dog, "we just came for our payment."

"Ah yes. You bounty hunters are all the same," Kain said as he reached into his desk. "I don't know why Pepper deals with the likes of you anyway." He handed Fox a check. Krystal flinched. Her action went unnoticed by the team, who were intently eyeing Kain.

Fox opened to check and realized there must have been a mistake. The quantity in the check wasn't even half of what Pepper had originally promised them. "Hey, Kain," Fox started.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Kain," the dog corrected.

Fox ignored him. "We were promised more than this."

Kain grunted in disgust. "Of course you remember the extensive damage you caused to Corneria City!"

Falco stepped up. "That was those stinking Aparoids that attacked the city, not us. If you haven't noticed, we were the ones saving your-." Fox pushed Falco back.

Kain continued as if not interrupted. "Your negligence caused damage on a large scale. We simply needed the money for repairs. Not to give to questionable," Kain paused, "mercenaries."

The entire team was shaking with anger. Slippy's eyes were bulging and Falco hands were balled into tight fists. Fox looked dead into Kain's eyes. Krystal, however, had her hand to her temple. She seemed in pain. However, as before, her actions went unnoticed, overshadowed by the current events.

Just as Fox was about to open his mouth, a messenger of the Cornerian army burst through the door of the office. "Sir." He was panting. "Sir." The aide struggled to catch his breath.

"Out with it, Private!" Kain barked.

"Sir, we have just made long range contact with known enemy vessels. They are spawning uncontrollably and have the ability to jam some of our radars."

Fox turned to the messenger. "Do you mean…"

"Sir," the aide straightened to his full height, "the Aparoids are back!"

The team turned to face their leader, who turned to face the interim General. Fox and Kain met eyes in an icy stare. For a full thirty seconds, neither moved. Then, Kain spoke.

"It seems your mission is not yet complete. Go. This time, destroy the Aparoids. Keep them away from Corneria and you might just get your payment."

Fox stared at the dog for another five seconds before abruptly turning on his heel and exiting the room. Falco and Slippy followed suit.

Krystal lingered behind for mere seconds. She glanced at the massive rottweiler. Their eyes met, and, for a moment, the telepath sensed that Kain was within her body. She blinked rapidly, and the feeling was gone. Kain was walking towards his desk. Krystal did not know what just happened, but all of her sense told her to follow Fox closely. Krystal did just that, all the way to the Great Fox.