Authors Note: It is best to have read the other stories in this series to fully understand this story. My previous story was, "Destiny and Pride: The Trials". I warn you that everything here has a meaning, if not in this story, in a story that will eventually come. (Anything in parenthesis, like this is a thought). Also, the characters, Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, Slippy Toad, Fara Phoenix, and Katt Monroe are NOT my creations. They are © Nintendo. The characters Zenth, General Howard Taloon, and Commander Lokan are my personal creations. If you wish to use them in your own FanFic, see the contact info at the bottom of the story. I must give a special thanks to cybergum, who did some friendly reviewing and made a few suggestions, and also to MilesAMatthias, because an idea popped into my head while talking to him. I don't really know MilesAMatthias had anything to do with the actual idea though, but oh well… Also, the Food and Drug administration has nothing to do with this! Wherever you see FDA, it stands for Fortuna Defensive Army. On a final note, this is part two of my series, "Destiny and Pride". Ok, everything is straightened out, let's go to the story…
[Chapter 1: Mystery Revealed?]
After the hardships that the Star Fox team endured on their voyage, the Great Fox finally made it to Fortuna. Everyone on board woke early to prepare themselves for atmosphere reentry. Zenth was readying himself mentally, remembering the rough exit off of Corneria. Once again, no outward signs where shown, not that any of the other members would have noticed. Touchdown on the surface of Fortuna was not as rough as he had expected. Immediately after landing, the crew left the ship, leaving only ROB64 behind to see what needed repairs.
Star Fox was lead towards General Howard Taloon, of the Fortuna Defensive Army. The hawk greeted Star Fox and started to explain to them what they were here for. "As you may know, the FDA has some of the leading decoders working for it. But it seems we could not decode a message found on this disk, which was found on Corneria, and was wisely sent to us for decoding." Taloon held up the disk.
"And Pepper thought this may hold a clue as to our enemy?" Fox inquired.
"Yes, but our team has tried everything, including tracing it back to ancient languages. The only hope we have of decoding this message is to put this disk in your hands. I'm truly sorry we could not have done anything further," Taloon explained.
"That's fine General. Thank you for at least keeping this safe, and hopefully concealed," Fox replied while taking the disk.
"Yes, he have kept this disk well hidden from all, but our top team. We also will allow you stay docked here, and also we will refuel, and resupply you, while you decide your next course of action," Taloon offered.
"Thank you General. Now we will be fully prepared," Fox replied as everyone left to return to the Great Fox.
Star Fox returned to the Great Fox, pondering over their next actions. "Fox, give me that disk. I'll start right away," Katt said as she snatched the disk.
"Well, we need a destination as soon as possible. The sooner we strike the weaker they'll be," Fox turned to everyone else. "Suggestions?"
"We could look for any strange actions on each planet and sector," Peppy suggested. "We don't know how long it will take to decode that message."
"They probably will try to strike us soon," Fara started. "Maybe we should try to capture a group of them for interrogation."
"That's all fine with me, as long as I don't have to see them," Zenth replied. "But, of course, we have to watch out for any last tricks they may pull."
"Maybe we could research their ship design," Slippy said. "That may give us a clue as to what planet their from."
"Ok, so we'll start looking into strange activities in different parts of Lylat. Peppy, I'm going to leave that up to you. If we get attacked, we'll have to just try to capture a small group, and possibly salvage a ship, if possible," Fox revealed his plans.
"Sure thing Fox," Peppy agreed. "But first, we should actually eat something. We haven't had time to eat all day!"
"I'll see what we can do about food here, Peppy. Slippy, you should assess the damage done to us from before and help ROB with the repairs," Fox commanded.
"Alright Fox. No one has looked into the damage yet," Slippy agreed.
"We better start being more vigilant," Zenth said. "We don't need to die from anything that could have easily been prevented." With that Zenth walked out of the room, as everybody else attended their own duties.
Katt studied the message very carefully. "Well now, this is very encoded… It makes no sense at all… hmmm…" Katt could hear footsteps behind her. She didn't turn around, believing that it was just someone from the team.
"Katt? I know you heard me, don't be so careless," Zenth stepped into the room. "Anyway, I just wanted to take a look at this myself."
"You worry so much, I knew it was you," Katt replied. "Well, four eyes are better than two."
"I doubt you knew it was me. Forget it," Zenth replied as he turned his eyes toward the screen. "There not taking us lightly, I see…" Zenth looked at the message carefully. (Almost… It almost means something…) The wolf looked for any pattern that could reveal the message's meaning.
The rest of that day went by quietly for a change. At night, though, Zenth could not find enough peace to lay sill. (I need to think about that message…) Zenth lay down, and remembered the encoded message. He could see it solving itself, and was horrified by what it revealed. (It can't be that… It's not possible! I will just have to check the original message tomorrow… I'd better be wrong…). Zenth could not get another moment of peace in his mind. He spent the entire night just lying in his bed, hoping he had not memorized the message correctly.
The next morning started early for the crew. Zenth sleepily entered the galley, where breakfast had already been prepared for everyone. "Well, I guess I'm a little late…"
"What was that you said yesterday, Zenth? Something about being more vigilant?" Falco humorously mocked Zenth.
"I should start listening to myself then, shouldn't I?" Zenth replied. "But first, I need to actually get some sleep. Can't be alert without energy."
"Bad night?" Slippy inquired.
"It's nothing…" Zenth lied.
"So Peppy, you find anything interesting yesterday?" Fara asked.
"I only looked into Corneria's records. Only minor disturbances, all of which we solved. Of course, that's not including our little mix-ups. I hope to speak to Taloon today."
"Ok, Peppy. I'll try to contact Bill on Katina," Fox replied. "Katt, any progress with the decoding?"
"We'd better get our time's worth if I ever do figure it out! They really put effort into it, so it must contain some useful information," Katt replied.
Zenth tried to ignore this conversation. (I could be wrong… I just have to verify my idea) Zenth thought to himself.
After breakfast was done, everyone returned to their regular duties. Zenth went back to view the encoded message. "No luck, Katt?" Zenth inquired.
"Not yet… This must make sense somehow," Katt replied.
"Or it could be something to just throw us completely off-track," Zenth said. He looked at the monitor again. (Seems I am right… This has to be destroyed somehow. I cannot allow anyone to possess this knowledge) Zenth thought. (But maybe, I will have to reveal its contents…)
End of Chapter 1. Go on, or rest for a bit…
Contact this author at:
Zenth@sfx64.com
