-All systems nominal. Welcome back, Samus.- The voice of the computer was calm, as usual.

"Good to be here. What's our mission status?" I inquired, taking my seat before the helm.

-No mission, as of yet.-

"Damn. Will they hurry up?" I thought aloud. As if on cue, the communications light activated, and the Admiral's face appeared on-screen.

-Samus, we have your mission. Pirate attacks have rendered the Neutral Zone a very hostile area in recent times, all centered around planet ZBS338. The natives called it 'Zebes', I believe, back when there actually WERE natives. We picked you, not only because you're the best, but because you know the lay of the land there, and are less likely to have a disadvantage. Good luck: you'll need it.-

As the Admiral's face disappeared, my takeoff vector showed on the map, and the computer started the ship. As it took me to Zebes, my mind wandered to when I had last been there. It had been inhabited by giant bipeds with bird-heads, calling themselves the Chozo.

I remembered the caves at the Eastern Pole. The caves were the only habitable area on the Eastern side of the planet, for the main reason that the sun baked anything outside too long. Our home, and the surface above it, was called the Crateria.

-Arriving at destination. Proceed with extreme caution.-

The ship descended into the atmosphere without resistance, which immediately caused me suspicion. Why weren't they guarding this place?

I put on my Power Suit and headed into the caverns. This is the beginning...of my Zero Mission.