This is my first story posted on this website, and my first attempt at a Star Fox fan fiction. Don't go easy on me for it. This story takes place from Falco's perspective, and starts shortly after the events of Star Fox: Assault. I will be ignoring the events of Command for two major reasons. First of all, I haven't actually played Command, and thus don't feel comfortable or qualified to use anything from it. Second, there are too damn many endings for all of it to be considered canon.

A quick note on characterization: Because this story is semi-AU, I reserve the right to make subtle changes in the Star Fox team's personality. Because the story is all about how how they carry on after the team splits up, it stands to reason that the team as we know it would change as people (animals, whatever). Any complaints regarding anyone acting "out of character" will be ignored and/or laughed at, and the offenders shot.

I don't own Star Fox or any of the characters, locations, or scenarios from the series (besides my own creations). All rights regarding them belong to Nintendo.

Enjoy.

Flying Solo

Part 1 – Departure

Chapter 1 - Retirement

Falco Lombardi could hardly believe the words on the screen in front of him, though this was at least the seventh time he had read them. Peppy Hare, the Star Fox team's senior member, was finally retiring from their crew of mercenaries. I guess the old rabbit finally decided he was too old to keep at this business, especially after the Aparoid invasion.

Approximately six weeks prior, the Lylat System had faced invasion from a previously unknown alien species known as the Aparoids. These aliens had the unnerving ability to assimilate most forms of life and technology and make them bend to the Aparoids' will. Star Fox barely managed to extinguish the threat by injecting their queen with a self-destruct program made from their DNA by Beltino Toad, Slippy's father and lead scientist for the Cornerian Fleet. In the long struggle, many lives had been lost, and several others had come close to their end, Peppy's included. Going into the final battle, the team believed their eldest teammate to be dead, as he had put their flagship the Great Fox and his own body at risk to give them a chance to attack the queen. Upon escaping from the Aparoid home world after the queen's defeat, they discovered that Peppy had jettisoned to safety at the last minute using an escape pod. He had hardly emerged unscathed, however, and due to his injuries, he promised (they had assumed in jest) that he was "really gonna retire after this."

And, at the tail end of the team's vacation period, it seemed that the hare intended to make good on his promise after all. Falco had opened a single email on the computer screen in front of him, sent from Peppy Hare to the rest of the Star Fox team: Fox McCloud, the leader and retroactive namesake of the group; Krystal, a telepath and Fox's love interest; Slippy Toad, a mediocre pilot but an excellent mechanic; and Falco Lombardi himself, the team's ace pilot. Peppy's letter was succinct, leaving its intended recipients with no doubts as to the writer's intentions:

My friends, after many long years serving with the Star Fox team, both as a pilot and a makeshift commander, I have decided that I am retiring from spaceflight for good. Simply put, I am getting too old for this, and my skills and reflexes aren't what they used to be. I have no doubt that the four of you and ROB can get along just fine without me, and I wish you nothing but the best of luck. General Pepper is hosting a retirement party for me on the 14th at 1900 hours in Corneria City's Academy Hall. Here's hoping I see you all there.
Again, best wishes,
Peppy Hare

Falco leaned back in his chair, still trying to process the information. His usually arrogant demeanor had given way to genuine astonishment at his senior member's decision. Star Fox without Peppy… As much flak as I give the old man for being as old as he is, he's always been way helpful to the team. I'm not sure how well we'll function without him there to give us advice.

A tinny DING sound came from the monitor. An instant message. Falco checked the name: Fox McCloud. He opened the window to read Fox's message.

Can you believe Peppy's retiring?

Falco chuckled, glad that he wasn't the only one feeling a bit incredulous at the news. Nah, he typed, I didn't think the old bunny could resist the thrill of the fight, even at a distance.

Fox's response came quickly. You gonna show at the official retirement party? I know how you never liked to mingle with the brass…

Falco considered the question. While the Cornerian Army's parties were not exactly Falco's cup of tea, he figured he ought to show Peppy Hare the proper respect. Eh, what the hell. Might as well show.

Oh good. Slippy and I were hoping not to have to abduct you.

Ha ha. Very funny.

You and I both know how dry these things can be, Falco, but it means a lot to Peppy that we're there for it.

Yeah, yeah. I say we give the old hare a proper send-off after the official bit, though, just the team.

Is this a sincere, selfless offer coming from Falco Lombardi? I may die of shock.

Zip it, McCloud.

In all seriousness, though, where's the altruism coming from? This really isn't like you.

Falco hesitated for a minute. He rarely liked to reveal his considerate side, but… Fox was his best and closest friend. He settled for a happy medium between that and his usual carefree self.

I dunno… I just figure Peppy's helped us a crapton over the years, why not return the favor?

Makes sense to me.

There was a slight lull in which neither Fox nor Falco sent a message. Falco finally broke the textual silence after several minutes.

Still, gonna be pretty weird without Peppy along, huh? Be weird to see how the team will carry on without him.

I actually wanted to talk to you about that…

Yeah? What's up?

I was thinking about possibly leaving the team myself to pursue… other interests.

Serious? Like, what kind of other interests? As far as Falco was aware, Fox's only real time commitment had ever been the team…

Romantic interests, mainly.

Falco mentally slapped himself for not realizing sooner. Fox and Krystal had hardly been able to keep away from each other since he had saved her life on Planet Sauria. Falco himself had just rejoined the team after a years-long hiatus during which he had done some freelance work around the galaxy. That was the first time that Falco and Krystal met. The two of them were on friendly enough terms, but nobody knew her better than Fox. Rumor had it the two had actually been dating ever since he saved her life, though when asked, Fox would deny it with a stutter and Krystal would only giggle.

Right. You thinkin' about poppin' the question?

I've already got a ring picked out and everything. And if she says yes, I'd like you to be my best man.

Falco was taken aback. He had asked the question half jokingly, not expecting such a serious answer.

…Well?

Falco had sat stunned for a full two minutes; he had barely realized that he hadn't responded. Yeah, of course, man. I'd be honored.

Thanks a bunch, Falco! Good to know you're on board with this. Just don't tell anyone else about it yet, huh? I want you guys to be there for the proposal.

No prob. Maybe at the after party? We'll figure somethin' out later.

Sure thing. Thanks again, Falco. With that, Fox logged off.

The falcon swiveled around in his chair, idly studying his apartment, which itself was far too upscale for the sparse amount of time Falco actually spent there. On the coffee table in front of the couch was a back issue of Falcon's Health as well as a balance toy modeled after an Arwing, the Star Fox team's signature individual spacecrafts. The desk itself was home to not only Falco's personal computer, but also several music CDs, a couple advanced flight maneuver booklets, and a small notepad with a few personal reminders written upon it (Falco picked up a pen and quickly scrawled "Peppy Retirement Party – 14th 1900, after party here" and "Fox proposal"). The rest of the apartment had all of the common furnishings of any other residence: a queen-sized bed and full-length mirror in the bedroom, a sectional couch (which Falco slept on more often than the bed itself), the desk, coffee table, television, and various kitchen appliances, most of which was seeing much more use than usual.

Falco walked into the kitchen to grab a soda from his refrigerator. Note to self: buy some booze for the party, Falco thought as he closed the door. As he popped the tab on the small aluminum can, he leaned back against the counter, allowing his thoughts to take over. First Peppy, then Fox and Krystal… At this rate, the Star Fox team would soon completely disband.

What would that mean for him? Everyone else had some sense of direction. Peppy would enjoy the rest of his years in retirement, Fox and Krystal would make a life for themselves somewhere, and Slippy could make a killing as a mechanic on any planet he chose. This team was the only sense of organization Falco ever really had in his life, and as a pilot, it was really all he was qualified for. He could always enlist in the Cornerian Fleet… But that lifestyle had never appealed to him. He had a certain disdain for authority that made taking orders near impossible for him. Even if they were to offer him a position as an officer, Falco lacked the level of discipline required for the military. I suppose I could try to form my own team… That hardly appealed to him either. Even though he didn't like taking orders, he didn't like the prospect of giving them any better. Besides that, that would mean searching for other team members, and he wasn't sure how to judge potential recruits, or for that matter, where to find potential recruits.

He took a long swig of the cola in his hand. Why am I thinking about this now? I've still got some time before I really have to worry. For now, I should just be happy for my teammates. I should actually get to work on planning for the upcoming week. The 14th is in four days. He stood up straight and started back to his desk, turning to the fridge for a split second. A lone photograph held by a magnet to the door caught his eye, and he stopped mid-step. The photograph depicted the Star Fox team as of a few months ago, not in any sort of military poses, but as a casual group picture. Falco removed the photo from the door to examine it more closely. Fox was front and center, an ear-to-ear grin clearly visible on his face. Falco was slouching at Fox's right side, one arm around his shoulders in a brotherly manner, while Krystal stood at Fox's left with her arm around his waist. Peppy stood on Falco's other side, his wizened face bearing a small, gratified smile. Slippy was practically bouncing on Krystal's left (even in the picture, it was easy to see how energetic he was), his trademark goofy grin plastered across his face. Surely a ragtag band of misfits, but all of them were so obviously at ease with each other, they could be mistaken for a family.

A smile formed itself on Falco's lips against his will at this thought. He would never say it out loud, but Falco had always considered the Star Fox gang to be his family. Not that anyone would have needed to ask him; it was evident in the way that he acted around them in everyday moments as well as how he worked with them in combat. As the ace pilot, he felt a vague sense of responsibility to his teammates to help them through any mission. Of course, he masked his true feelings by complaining whenever they needed his help. He was sure that Fox, if no one else, knew the truth; after all, he had asked Falco to be his best man.

Falco felt a twinge of sadness again as he realized that his family would be going their separate ways soon. He replaced the picture on the door of the refrigerator, then headed back to his desk to send out invitations for Peppy's after party. I don't know how much longer I have with these guys. Better make the most of it.

Reviews are awesome. People who review are awesome. If you took the time to read this, please do us both a favor and be awesome.
You can also read this fan fiction on NintendoLand, which I will update a day or two ahead of this.