Chapter 1
-Some where in unexplored space of Lylat-
Fox sat in his seat, falling asleep from boredom. Krystal and Falco were watching their leader as his eyes started to close. Falco got up from his seat and tip toed over to Fox. He grabbed the back of Fox's seat and genlty pulled it back, making Fox more comfortable. Krystal watched on, curious what the avian was up to. Falco began to leave, waving over to Krystal to follow. Even more curious, she followed, leaving the sleeping vulpine along. Falco turned to Krystal as the door shut behiind her.
" I need your help with something." Falco said with a devilish smile, Krystal took a step back. " I've got a great prank to pull on Fox. You see Fox and I have a history of pulling pranks on each other when we have nothing better to do. It's sort of our way of showing how much we like each other. The more annoying the prank, the more we like each other. I need help pulling this one off."
" I don't know Falco. I don't want to do anything to hurt Fox in any way." Krystal said, with a look of disbelief on her face.
" Don't worry. All pranks I pull are safe. I just need help setting him up for it. He'll suspect something if I do it alone. And I'll take all the blame if he gets mad. I promise." Falco said.
Krystal wasn't too thrilled about the idea of pulling a prank on Fox, but some how Falco conviced her to help him. Falco pulled her close and explained the details of his prank. When he finished they returned to the room, Krystal took her seat again as Falco stood behind Fox. Falco suddenly flung the seat into it's original position, sending Fox onto the floor. Fox growled at Falco, muttering something about a good dream ruined. Just then Slippy walked in.
" Fox we're nearing a space station. We should stop for fuel and supplies." Slippy said.
" Ok Slippy, when we're near enough to dock, I'll send a trasnmission to receive permission to dock. Then you can handle anything we need. And Falco stays onboard! We don't need him blowing our money or causing any trouble." Fox said lazily.
" Oh, come on Fox. Is it because I woke you up?" Falco said in a mock whine.
" No, it's because we only have so much money." Fox said putting a paw over his eye's.
No one said anything else. They approached the base, and Slippy stood by Fox's side. Waiting for him to contact the station.
" Slippy open a channel to the station." Fox said.
And Slippy did so immediately. A rough looking reptile appered on the screen.
" Unknown vessel, I am Commander Suaren. What is your business in this sector?" Commander Suaren asked.
Obviously they didn't know about the StarFox team. Falco already didn't like the guy, Fox knew that he wouldn't leave the ship now.
" I am Fox McCloud, Leader of the StarFox team. We are merely traveling by and, request that we have permission to dock so we can refuel and restock on supplies." Fox said calmly, Commander Suaren looked at Fox, as if unsure.
" One moment." Commander Suarem said, then disappeared off screen. Falco turned to Fox.
" Obviously he's not in charge there." Falco said.
" Hush Falco!" Fox said quickly. A few moments later Commander Suaren reappeared.
" Fox McCloud, you have permission to dock and do what you need. But be warned, if any member of your team causes any trouble, you will be held responsible for their actions." Commander Suaren said.
" I understand, and I will except all responsability of my team." Fox said.
With that they docked. Fox looked down at Falco with a serious look. Slippy was still standing by Fox's side.
" Falco do I have to stress to you how importent it is that you behave yourself?" Fox asked.
" No Fox. I'll sit right here untill we leave. Promise." Falco said.
" Fox, I think you should come with me to get the supplies." Slippy said.
Fox looked down at Slippy. He did seem like an easy target when he was alone because of his size. Fox reluctently stood up and followed Slippy. They soon had a list of the supplies they needed and left. Things went smoothly, there was no trouble in getting their supplies and fuel. Fox was tired and wanted to get out back to the Great Fox to lay down. As they returned to the GreatFox an alarm went off. Fox was concerned at what could have set it off. He and Slippy were standing in the cargo holds door way. Suddenly some guards began to head towards them.
" Slippy, go inside and make sure everything is secure." Fox said urgently.
" But Fox, what about you?" Slippy asked.
" Just go!" Fox said.
As the guards approached Fox stood his ground. Fox knew that he didn't do anything wrong, so he had no reason to run from the guards. They soon stopped right in front of Fox, one guard stood only inches from Fox, he was taller and obviously larger.
" Fox McCloud?" The guard said, Fox nodded." Commander Suaren wishes to speak with you."
Fox followed the guards to the commanders office. He was speaking with a guard at the moment and looked fairly upset. The guards left and Fox was left alone with Commander Suaren.
" Fox McCLoud, I request you assitance. Your team is a mecenary group correct?" Commander Suaren said, Fox nodded. " Well you see Mr. McCloud, there is a group of pirates approaching. They've attacked this station before, many times. It shames me to say so but, our guards are no match for these pirates skills. I request your team's assistance. Of course you will be compensated for your assistance."
" Of course, sir. The StarFox team will get rid of these pirates." Fox said.
He then left to get the team ready. When Fox arrived at the GreatFox, he rushed to the bridge, where everyone was waiting for him to return. The door opened, and Falco walked into Fox.
" Fox, I was just about to come get you." Falco said.
" What was the alarm baout Fox." Slippy asked.
" Turns out there's a group of pirates who have repeatively attacked this station before, and they're on their way here. The Commander asked if the team could take care of them. And we are." Fox said.
" We're gettin' paid, right?" Falco asked.
" Yes Falco. Now come on, let's get this over with." Fox said.
The team raced down the the hall to their Arwings. They hoped in and checked all systems.
" All systems green." Fox said as he looked at his controls.
" This is going to be a piece of cake Fox." Falco said.
" Don't take this lightly Falco. We don't know much about these guy's or their fighting techniques." Fox said.
" Ok Fox." Falco said.
" Same goes for you Slippy. And don't let them get behind you." Fox said. He could hear Falco laughing. " Be careful Krystal."
" I will Fox. You becareful too." Krystal said.
With that behind them, they launched they're Arwings. Soon the pirates came into sight as they neared the space station. Fox and the others faned out in front of the pirates mother ship, The GreatFox behind them.
" This is Fox McCloud, of the StarFox. I'm giving you fair warning to back down, or we will be forced to take action." Fox said over the com-link, he just wanted to see their reaction to being confronted.
" This is Stalker, leader of this pirate crew. I will not stand down, if you wish to fight, then so be it. If you'd like to back down, say so now or we blow you to pieces." Stalker said, laughter was heard on the other end.
" Everyone, be ready for a full assault." Fox said to his team.
Soon many ships emerged from the large craft. The team spread out and began to attack the pirates ships. They were a serious group, they had excellent skills and Fox often found himself having to evade their ships constantly.
" Fox, I got some bogeies on my tail." Falco called out. " I can't shake 'em."
Fox quickly turned to Falco. He shot down all the ships chasing his friend.Only to recieve several shots to his own ship.
" Fox! You ok buddy?" Falco asked.
" I'm fine Falco. Just be careful." Fox said evading more shots.
" Alright, thanks for the help Fox." Falco said as he shot down more ships.
Fox Kept his sight on the mother ship. Even more ships poured out. but Fox knew that there was a limit to how many shops there were inside. Soon Fox heard Slippy cry out over the com-link.
" Fox, I need some help." Slippy cried out urgently.
Fox turned to see Slippy being swarmed by many ships and he was taking a lot of damage. Fox didn't hesitate, he fired many shots. The enemy ships immediatly left Slippy. Fox chased several down and took them out. Suddenly Fox saw many ships returning to the larger craft.
" Looks like we've got them on the run." Falco said.
Fox saw a ship with a different build fly out and head straight for him. He guessed it was Stalker. He pulled out of the way, just in time to avoid a collision.
" Your gonna pay for what you did Fox McCloud!" Stalker yelled over the com-link.
Fox managed to evade Stalker's shots, just barely. Falco and the others took care of the remaining ships. Fox flew past Falco, Stalker close behind.
" Hey Fox, need some help?" Falco asked.
" No Falco, I can handle this." Fox said.
Fox was evading most shots, but he felt a couple hit. His sheild went down fast. Stalker's ship was powerful, that was for sure. Just then, Fox got an idea. He suddenly stopped and Stalker flew past him. Now it was Stalker's turn to run. Fox shot his ship several times, but it didn't seem to have much effect. Stalker flew far from the station and Fox's team. Fox decided to risk trying a nova bomb. He lined up his sights and fired. The bomb made a direct hit. Stalker's ship seemed to wabble as it recovered from the blast.
" I'll admit you're good McCloud, but I will destroy you!" Stalker said.
Fox didn't respond to Stalker. He lined up his sights once again. He fired another bomb, this one hit as well and Stalker's ship became unstable. Fox took advantage of the moment and sent his final bomb into Stalker's ship. It began to jerk and sparks were flying of it. It looked as though it would explode.
" If I go out McCloud, you're coming with me!" Stalker shouted.
Suddenly his ship reversed and crashed against Fox's. Their ships were stuck together for a moment. Fox did a few barrel rolls and Stalker's ship came loose. It exploded just as it pulled from Fox's Arwing. Fox attempted to escape with all his ship's power but he was caught in the explosion. He was being thrown around. Fox closed his eye's as he tried to brace himself for anything. Fox opened his eye's for a moment and he saw a rift in space that pulled him out of the explosion.
Suddenly he was in a desert. Fox tried to land his Arwing but it's controls were failing. Fox's Arwing skidded across the desert sand. He braced himself for the crash landing. When his ship finally came to a stop it's windshield shattered and Fox was showered with glass. He winced in pain as the glass imbedded into his face and the rest of his body. Fox began to pick the shards out of his flesh. He sat there as he removed most of the glass, there wasn't many large pieces and they didn't cut very deep.
Fox pulled himself from his Arwing. He took a few steps and turned to look at his battered craft and fell to his knees. If Fox could find some help he may be able to repair it. Then he looked down at himself. He needed to see a doctor. Fox had a copper taste in his mouth. Just then noticed it was night. Fox looked at his surroundings, for a sign of civilization. In the distance, maybe a mile or two off, he saw a building. He only noticed it because of its lights. Fox got to his feet, and began to walk towards it. Hopefully, who ever lived there could help him. As Fox walked he couldn't help but wonder what his team was doing right now.