So I had a thought.

Why not write a story where the Star Fox team, instead of going on some universe-saving adventure, goes on a routine mission and I show what that looks like? Kind of like a "day in the life" kind of situation. Plus, the idea of a mission done by just Fox and Krystal as a team is a fun idea. It's like a buddy cop movie, except...more romantic.

So here's part one of that idea. As always, read and review, and enjoy! God bless, be safe, and have a great Easter! And remember, I'm still looking for anybody that want's to be an editor.


The Shakedown, Part 1

The alarm did not do the job of waking up Fox this morning. Rather, he found that the on-board communications system for the ship did that for him. With its steady ringing noise, the comm system brought Fox back from the land of dreams and into the still dream-like reality of having the best vixen in the universe sleeping next to him. Still, sleep was a good thing and he would be lying if he thought he wasn't a little annoyed.

After a yawn, he took the time to answer the call. Reaching up and pressing the button for ship communications on the wall by his bed, Fox contacted ROB-64, the robot who had served as the Star Fox teams trusty mechanical helper droid for years.

"ROB? Who's trying to contact us?" Fox asked.

"Pepper Hare is contacting us from Corneria, sir."

With his ears perking up Fox smiled. Ah, an old friend.

"He has a job for the team, sir." ROB continued.

Now that was interesting. And important. After everyone had left the team, Fox had basically cut Star Fox off from all business. Not only was the idea of doing work all on his own impractical, considering the kinds of work that the team was known for doing, Fox hadn't had it in him to do anything productive during those dark days. It was horrifying what self-loathing could do to someone, if they fixated on it long enough. But, thankfully, those days were behind him now. Krystal was back, so that meant Star Fox was at least a two-person team at the moment. And two tails were better than one for this business.

"All right, tell him I'll be there in a minute."

Fox got out of bed carefully so as to not wake up Krystal, and walked over to his closet to change. In honor of finally having to the will to work again he put on his classic outfit; Green flight suit, khaki jacket, red scarf, and his white boots. Stepping out of his room he walked down the hallway towards the lift that would take him to the bridge. After the short ride, he stepped out of the lift into the bridge, nodded to ROB, and smiled as a holographic image of Peppy Hare appeared over the holo-deck.

Peppy hadn't aged that badly. His fur was becoming whiter, his ears were drooping, and the fur by his mouth had grown longer, but despite all this Fox could tell that Peppy still had a calm and calculated disposition about him. It came out in his voice, and in his eyes. As the former-pilot-turned-general smiled at him fondly, Fox also gathered that he still had that warmness and kindness that had made him like a surrogate father.

"Fox," Peppy began, "It's good to see you up. I hope I didn't wake you."

"You did, but it's no problem. Not when work is involved." Fox replied.

"Good to see you eager as well. I was hoping you hadn't gone lazy on me." Peppy joked.

"Ha! You know I'm ready for a bit of action most of the time. So, what do ya need me and Krystal for?"

Peppy raised an eyebrow. "You have Krystal on call as well?"

"Of course. We promised to look after each other. I'm not going to go back on that promise." Fox had dropped his smile in favor of a serious gaze.

But Peppy smiled again, as if in relief. "That's just what I wanted to hear. Now, on to what I need you to do. I will start by saying it won't evolve your Arwings, but it will involve combat. Still with me so far?"

While he was a little confused now, Fox nodded.

"Okay. Hold up, let me get an image on screen."

Peppy looked down for a moment, and Fox heard the sound of buttons being pressed. A moment later, the image of mug shot popped up right next to Peppy's face.

If there ever was such a thing called a standardized "look of a criminal," the figure in the mug shot definitely had it in spades. It was lupine woman, with hard blue eyes and brown fur and a nasty looking scar coming across her left eye. Her mouth was locked in a scowl. Not the most approachable looking lady in the universe.

"This is Regna Rodriguez, also known as 'Double R,' a relatively well known terrorist-bomber who has usually been hired for various criminal organizations, particularly dangerous anarchist ones," began Peppy, speaking professional. "Two months ago authorities finally caught up with her on Corneria, and she was imprisoned in a national penitentiary colony in orbit around Fichina. However, due to an explosive prison riot, she was able to escape amidst the chaos, stowing away on a provisions ship bound for Katina. She must have killed everyone on board, because the ship never made it to any Katinian port, according to records.

Until recently, her whereabouts were unknown. She must have hidden underground for a time. And now-"

"She's back," said a soft, pleasant voice that sent wonderful shivers down Fox's spine.

Turning around Fox beheld Krystal, donned in a t-shirt and sweats, walking toward him. She stood next to him, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Fox blushed in response.

"Good morning," said she.

"The same to you," said Fox warmly, hugging her and kissing her in turn.

"And good morning to you as well, Peppy," Krystal added.

"It's good to see you, Krystal. And yes, you are right. About a week ago we received a tip from one the Cornerian Intellegence Beruau's insider agents in the criminal underworld. She's been spotted on Corneria, and I would like your help in apprehending her."

Fox thought for a moment. While he was glad that Peppy was offering them work, while it was true that Star Fox in the past had apprehended criminals, there was something bothering him.

"Why not have the CIB handle it? They have agents in place, don't they?" Fox asked.

Peppy nodded. "While that may be true, it is worth noting an interesting quality of Regna: she is notoriously paranoid. She is known to have a very small circle of associates she works with. Even more so now that she has been captured once. Believe me, if she so much as saw someone who looked like a spook, she'd run and start blowing more people up. Which is why we need you. Star Fox hasn't been active for the past few years, which means you have somewhat of an element of surprise to you and Krystal. And because of that..."

"...we are more likely to get the jump on her." Krystal finished.

"Exactly." Replied Peppy. "What's more, I'd like to think the both of you know how to mingle with the more seedier parts of Corneria better than most of the CIB's agents. Fox, you've gone undercover a few times yourself. And Krystal can certainly learn. On top of that, her telepathic capabilities are the kind of thing CIB agents dream about. She's perfect."

"This is true. Well, Peppy, I don't see why not," said Fox, nodding. He turned to Krystal. "You good?"

"A mission together again, at last," replied Krystal, smirking.

"Then you're stuck with the both of us, Peppy." Fox affirmed, turning back to Peppy and smiling.

"Excellent. Now, to tell you the intel we have now," began Peppy. "Our insider was able to pick up rumors that Regna would be appearing at Club Gallant in Corneria, one of the clubs in the rougher part of the city. She's meeting with a personal confidant of hers, a supplier of explosives. Apparently, she's so paranoid right now she won't have anyone meet with her wherever she is currently living, even if they are part of her inner circle. While it may be a rumor, it's the only thing we can act on, and I'd rather be there with the chance she could actually make an appearance. It's surprising enough that she could actually be making an experience."

Just then, the image of Regna was replaced with a map of Corneria, with a red blinking dot indicating what Fox guessed was the location of Club Gallant. Peppy continued, "Your mission is simple. Find Regna, and take her in. Preferably alive. However, we have not ruled out the possibility of an altercation. If you have to use deadly force, do it. But only if you absolutely must. You are going to need to blend in, so I do recommend disguises. Do you have any questions?"

"How seedy is this place? What are our chances of meeting resistance from other criminals in the area?" asked Krystal.

"Although Club Gallant is not the nicest place in Corneria, it isn't crawling with criminals," answered Peppy. "However, I would still recommend not letting your guard down completely. As a matter of fact, I would try to find a way to get Regna out of the club so you could take her down more easily. But above all else, please be careful. That goes for the both of you equally." Here Pepper gave them a stern and commanding look, the kind of look he gave when he was in charge of operations while he still was on the team.

Fox had missed that look, so it was nice to receive it again. And judging from the way Krystal smiled, she shared those feelings as well.

"Affirmative, Peppy." Fox replied.

"Good to hear. The CIB will provide you with a vehicle on the day of the operation."

"Isn't that unnecessary? I mean...I already have my own car." Said Fox, with an ear twitching in confusion.

"The CIB would rather you use something...less conspicuous, Fox." replied Peppy, raising an eyebrow.

"Did you just insult Monica, Peppy?"

"Monica" was Fox's own car, currently parked back at the old McCloud family home. His father had owned it before him, and it was beautiful in every sense of the word. A sleek old time sports car from what James had called "the glory days of the Cornerian auto industry," it was silver in color and badass in feel. A head turner in everyway, Fox loved it. And so did the rest of the team when they used to ride into town, where they would play music so loud and head bang so hard that Fox was impressed nobody had shattered an eardrum or broken a neck yet.

And of course, insulting Monica was an unwritten "blasphemy" joke among the team. You insult the car, you get the airlock. End of story.

"I actually think he did, Fox!" added Krystal, with mock surprise.

"And the jokes on you guys," chuckled Peppy, smirking. "You can't air lock me from my office, now can you? I get to live for a little while longer"

"Just watch your ass next time you're on board, Pepp." said Fox, smirking.

"Fox, you have no idea how much good it does me to see you happy again. Joking again. And I owe all of it to you, Krystal," said Peppy, giving Krystal a warm smile.

"And you have no idea how happy I am that we are together." Krystal replied, hugging Fox's right arm and causing the vulpine to blush.

"I think it's evident. Now, good luck you two. Be safe, and bag yourselves a criminal.'

And with that, the holo projector turned off, Peppy having ended the call.

"Well, Krys!" said Fox, "We're back in business. It feels good to say that."

"Indeed." she answered. Krystal looked thoughtful for a moment. "So, what's our next move? I would think we'd need to make it back to Corneria to get ourselves situated. We need disguises to blend in, correct?"

"Definitely. And we're going to need to go the whole nine yards with our looks. Not only clothes, but also our fur color. Especially yours. There aren't many blue vixens out there in the universe."

Krystal did not immediately respond. A distant look came across her eyes, and Fox immediately felt the urge to punch himself in the face. Hard. But instead, he held her tightly.

"I'm so sorry." Fox murmured into her neck.

Krystal hugged back, tightly. When she looked at him, she was smiling a sad smile, and there wasn't a trace of anger on her face.

"It's alright. It was just a slip up, and we all do that." she replied sincerely.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Fox, please don't worry. You know you run yourself ragged when you worry too much."

Fox nodded, though still small traces of self-anger hung on his mind. Krystal must have noticed, because she didn't let him out of the embrace. She stroked his face, her eyes stern in a loving way.

"Fox," she said gently.

He shivered under he touch. She was the only one who could make him melt like this. Gradually, whatever drops of anger he still had in him evaporated away.

"Okay" he crooned, "I'm fine."

"Good," Krystal replied. She ruffled his head-fur. "Now, about those disguises...I'm guessing that the fur jobs will be temporary."

"Of course. Unless you want to change you color permanently, and I will fight you on that one, because blue is amazing." Fox replied, smirking.

"Oh really?" said Krystal.

"Yes, yes it is." Fox replied empathetically.

The ride back to Corneria took about three hours with the use of an orbital gate. During this time the two of them showered, and after went over the "game plan" for the operation.

The preparations would be simple. They would stop by the McCloud home to drop off some luggage, as Fox wanted to spend some time on the planet after the mission was over. Then they would use the day to get ready for the mission, buying clothes and dying their fur in order to become incognito. They were going to need to look rough enough to blend in, but not crazy enough as to draw unwanted attention. Falco had been a big fan of more "bad boy" kinds of fashion, and there had been many a shopping trip that Fox had tagged along with, so he knew roughly where to go.

Once those preparations were done, they would head back to Fox's house, rest up, and start up the mission the following night. They would pick up the vehicle the CIB would provide, roll on up into town, make it to Club Gallant, find Regna, and bag her. In theory, it seemed rather simple.

"But any simple plan is bound to be more complicated than it seems," Krystal had noted while they were en route.

"You're learning," Fox had noted mirthfully. Krystal had ribbed him for that one.

Once the three hours were up, the Great Fox II found itself above the green and blue marble that was Corneria, it's atmosphere dotted with clouds. Fox smiled. Even with all the places he had visited during his travels, Corneria had a special place in his heart.

It was home, after all.

"When was the last time you were home, Fox?" asked Krystal, as she joined him by the captain's chair in the bridge, staring at the planet through the window.

Fox frowned. "Since Falco left."

Krystal looked at him, shocked. "That long?"

Nodding, Fox spoke somberly. "I...wanted to disappear. Thought I needed to be alone. But of course, turning inward didn't do much for me in the way of good. So...yeah, it has been a while."

Krystal shook her head. "Thank goodness I found you," she muttered.

"Why?"

"Had I not, you might have destroyed yourself."

Fox could not deny that.

"But things are different now," said Fox, turning to her. "Now, I'm never alone."

"Flatterer," replied Krystal, batting her eyes. Fox's face heated up.

"Space craft, please identify yourself." came a voice on the comm system. It was somebody from the Corneria City Space Port.

"This is the Great Fox II, requesting permission to dock," replied Fox professionally.

After a moment of silence the voice replied. "Good to hear from you, Great Fox II. You have permission to dock.

"It's nice to know they'll be happy to see you." Krystal remarked.

Yes. Yes it was.

The docking procedures went off without a hitch, and after leaving the ship with enough supplies to tide them over for stay, Fox and Krystal boarded a shuttle that would take them to the McCloud home. The drive wouldn't be that long, even though the house was located in the more rural area outside of Corneria City. In twenty minutes, the two of them reached their destination.

The home was built of wood, colored white with a black roof, an older style that James and Vixy had appreciated; Fox, of course, grew to love it too. The material only enhanced the homely atmosphere of the building. The home was two stories; rectangular, it sat amidst the rolling green plains that Corneria's urban sprawl hadn't touched. Thankfully would never touch, considering environmental policy.

When looking at the house, one would think that it was odd that the McClouds would have needed a place of this size, considering they had been only a family of three. In truth James had opted to buy a nice sized home in case any of the wing mates on the original Star Fox team, Peppy and Pigma, needed a place to stay. Of course, Fox could remember the home became much lonelier once his mom was killed. And it was horrifying to think that Pigma might have actually slept in the house at some point in his wretched existence.

Even still...home was home.

"Nice being back here?" asked Krystal, once the shuttle had pulled away.

"Yeah. As much as the Great Fox acts as a home, this place...is another home to me. And of course it's a home for you as well." Fox answered sincerely, still looking the place over.

Out of the corner of his eye he could see her blush. She responded. "It's good the cleaning personal you hired do a good job of keeping the place tidy. I find this home to be very quaint, and relaxing."

"Same. 'There's no place like home' and all that, huh?"

"Indeed. And of course," Krystal continued easily, "It's seems like the perfect place to settle down after the honeymoon, wouldn't you say?"

"Exactly. It's certainly going to be a nice and comfy-"

And in the very next second his brain actually caught up with the universe around him.

Krystal was in front of him, having stopped walking towards the door with her bag, and was staring back at him with an adoring and teasing look. She batted her eyelashes at him, and Fox felt every bone in his body turn to jelly.

There was silence.

"...damn it, Tricky." Fox grumbled, feeling his face catch on fire with a blush as he stomped up to the door, Krystal nearly doubling over with laughter. The laughter actually served as consolation to Fox, as her laugh was always a wondrous stream of beautiful bells.

"I'm never going to get tired of that." Krystal said smugly, once Fox had unlocked the door.

"I know I already have." Fox muttered, still blushing as he walked into the house.

The room they saw first was the living room, with two dark green couches and a nice television contained within. The kitchen was next to the room, and Fox remembered fond memories of making breakfast while Slippy, Falco, and Peppy chilled out and watched some TV. These two rooms were simple in their furnishings, with a fridge, oven, and stove in the kitchen. But that had been enough for the McCloud family, as James had been more comfortable saving money rather than spending it. Fox was incredibly grateful for that, since it meant the team had some auxiliary funds on top of what they earned.

Fox dropped his bag on one of the living room couches, and sat down next to it, taking a moment to relax and soak up the atmosphere of his childhood home.

Krystal, having dropped her bag off on the kitchen counter, sat down next to him. She wrapped her tail around his waist, and Fox timidly did the same to hers. She laid her head on his shoulder, and Fox felt her warmth spread throughout his body. Like always it was intoxicating. Absolutely wonderful.

"So where will we be heading to grab supplies for our disguises?" she asked.

"Downtown. I know of some places. And fur dying parlors are common in that area as well, so we can knock out two birds with one stone." Fox replied.

"Anyways, now that we've dropped off our stuff, I'd say it's time when strolled on into town. Unless you're fine with being out late."

"No, now is a good time. I need a good night's sleep for tomorrow," replied Krystal

Fox saw her start to walk over to the door, but he stayed still to watch her closely. A small smile dawned onto his face.

Krystal noticed. "You look happy," she noted pleasantly.

Fox rubbed the back of his neck. "It's just...It's just I'm glad you are here in my home. That...you are with me again. It just feels so great." He looked up at her, flashing an awkward but loving smile.

Krystal's gave him a warm and loving look, and walked over to him and rubbed behind his right ear.

"I'm glad I'm here too," she said quietly, meaningfully. Fox sighed in pleasure, feeling her fingers caress his fur. When she giggled he sighed again, just happy being blessed enough to hear her incredible laughter.

He felt whole.