The Great Fox drifted slowly in orbit above Corneria, its three massive plasma engines dormant. Four small ships approached the vessel and entered the docking bay. The team had returned.
"Hey Peppy, we're back." Slippy announced as he entered the bridge with Falco behind him.
"Took you guys long enough." The old rabbit replied. He pushed his glasses up his nose and turned from the console. "Not that I was doing too much."
"What, you taking a nap, old-timer?" Falco asked, taking a seat and putting his feet up on the console. "Can't say I blame you. I nearly fell asleep myself during Pepper's speech."
"He never could resist that, could he?" Peppy chuckled. "It was supposed to just be a parade."
"Yeah, well, you know the general." Slippy spoke up, fiddling with some gadget. "Kept talking about protecting the peace and how lucky we were to have defeated the Aparoids."
"Problem with peace is we don't get paid." Falco commented.
"Yeah, but at least it gives me a chance to work on the Arwings." Slippy countered.
"You gonna build something to fly them for you?" Falco needled.
Krystal entered the bridge as they began squabbling. "Boys..." She started.
"Ahh, forget it. Those two were made to fight." Fox grinned, walking in behind her. "At least it keeps things interesting."
"Probability of preventing an altercation: 12% and falling." ROB spoke up from the helm.
"Thanks ROB." Fox rolled his eyes slightly. "See? Not much you can do about those two. Even the computer agrees."
"Well, at least Falco seems to be enjoying himself." Krystal looked over at the bird, who was grinning as Slippy defended his position.
"Yeah, they'll sort it out. If not, Peppy can handle them. Right?" He looked at the old member of the team.
"Hmm? Whazzat?" Peppy looked up from where he had been dozing off. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Fox."
Sector X
A small base hidden amongst the wreckage of a space station
"Dammit! There's nothing good here." Wolf slammed his fist on the desk in frustration. "Just little jobs for nothing more than pocket change."
"That bad, huh?" Leon grumbled. "I'm surprised there aren't too many opportunities for profit while Corneria gets back on their feet."
"Almost makes me miss working for Andross. Guy was a scumbag, but at least he payed well. Consistent, too" Wolf switched to the second page of available contracts. "Andrew and Pigma I could do without, though."
"Lucky you found me, then." Panther purred, sipping at his tea. "I'm far better company than those losers."
"Shut up, Panther." Wolf scanned the page. "We may just need to take a smuggling job in the meantime. Our Wolfens are in desperate need of repairs after that business with the Aparoids." His scowl deepened. "You'd think the Cornerian government might thank us for our contribution. Guess playing the hero doesn't do us any good."
"Leave that to Star Fox." Leon sneered. "They can lick General Pepper's boots all they want."
A small smile formed on Wolf's face. "Ahh, here we go. I think I found something."
"Good pay?" Panther asked.
"Oh, you'd better believe it." Wolf replied. "Get to your ships. We're headed for Zoness."