Fox Wars Ch. 2
Krystal walks into the command room, General Pepper is sitting in his chair with multiple soldiers at guard. General Pepper stands just as Fox McCloud and his team enters as well. Krystal stands up straight and salutes as General Pepper walks over, General Pepper salutes as well and they lower their hands.
"I heard your mission was complete," Gen. Pepper says in his deep voice.
"It has," Krystal says. "But General, I have bad news."
"Speak soldier," Gen. Pepper orders.
Krystal takes her eyes off of Gen. Pepper and looks at the ground near her feet. "The map sir, it's gone," Krystal says.
"Have our enemies retrieved the map?" Gen. Pepper asked.
"I'm uncertain sir," Krystal said. "I was cornered and had to shoot the map out of space using an escape pod." Gen. Pepper sighs and turns around back to his chair
"Soldiers, leave us," Gen. Pepper motions his hand to the guards and they leave the chambers. "Private First Class Krystal."
"Yes General?" Krystal asks.
"Do you know what that map you were guarding contains?" Gen. Pepper asks.
"No sir," Krystal said. "When I was briefed on the mission, I was told that the map was of very top priority."
"It is," Gen. Pepper said. "That map contains the whereabouts of a weapon that could completely destroy our world. This map, if in the hands of Andross, could bring about the destruction of our very solar system."
"Why not just destroy it!?" Fox speaks out.
"Because that map could be useful for us as well," Gen. Pepper says. "If we were to be in possession of this map and the weapon, this war would be over."
"You're thinking of destroying Venom?" Peppy asks, startled.
"If it comes to that," Gen. Pepper says.
"I'm gonna guess you want us to find it," Fox folds his arms.
"It is our best option in defeating Andross once and for all," Gen. Pepper says.
"I don't know," Fox says. "This could easily be a suicide mission."
"Some would say it is," Peppy says.
"Do we even know where to go?" Slippy asks. "The map could be anywhere in the solar system by now."
"We may be able to locate it," Krystal says.
"How?" Fox asks.
"I put a tracker beacon in the pod before releasing it out into space," Krystal said. Krystal pulls out a device; she taps on a few buttons until a small holographic screen appears. On the screen is a blue dot in the middle of the screen, on the far right corner is a bright red dot, down at the bottom of the screen is 16 light years away.
"That's one fast escape pod," Fox says, almost giving a chuckle.
"Something must have hotwired its boosters, making it go on constantly," Krystal says. "We better get to it before O'Donnell does."
"It's not like he has a tracker," Slippy says.
"But odds are he's gonna be tracking us when we're out looking for it," Fox says. "Alright team; let's gear up for our next mission."
Fox, Slippy, and Krystal begin to walk out of the room, but Peppy puts his hand on Fox's shoulder and turn him around.
"What is it Peppy?" Fox asks.
"I am saddened to say I won't be going with you on this mission," Peppy says.
"Why's that?" Fox asks. "Peppy we need you on the team; you're our most skilled tactician."
"That is precisely why I must stay here," Peppy says. "I am the soon-to-be General of the Cornerian Army; I must stay to keep everything in order."
"But me and Slippy can't fight alone," Fox says.
"Find Falco," Peppy says. "He'll be…willing enough to help you."
"Peppy I don't know where he is," Fox says. "Last time I saw him, he got in his airwing and left the team."
"I'm sure you know where he is," Peppy says. "Just think like a McCloud and you'll find him. Don't worry about me now, go, you have a mission to do." Peppy gives Fox a smile as he pats his shoulder.
Fox walks over to the exit, giving one last glance to Peppy who is now in a conversation with Gen. Pepper, Fox walks out of the room.
At the Great Fox, Slippy takes out a button and presses a button; a door opens up in the Great Fox and lowers down as stairs. Slippy walks up the stair, Fox follows suit but he hears his name and turns around, Krystal walks over to him, a blaster in hand.
"Krystal," Fox says. "I really don't think you should come with us."
"I'm coming and there's nothing you can say Fox," Krystal says. Krystal tries to step onto the stairs, but is blocked by Fox.
"Krystal this mission is more dangerous than you think, than any of us thinks," Fox says. "Our lives are going to be in constant danger, that's something I don't want you to get into."
"Fox, I've been in danger countless of times," Krystal argues. "I'm getting on."
Fox tries to block her, but Krystal grabs Fox, trips his feet and makes him go landing on the ground off the stairs. Krystal puts her knee onto Fox's chest and puts her face in front of Fox.
"I'm not a child, I haven't been for a long time," Krystal says. "My mission, given to me by General Pepper, was to find that map, and it is still my mission."
"You don't know what you're getting into," Fox says, barely breathing with Krystal's knee digging into his chest.
"I know exactly what I'm getting into Fox!" Krystal says. "Have more trust in me." Krystal takes her knee off Fox and walks over to the stairs, walks up and enters the Great Fox. Fox lifts himself up and rubs his face.
"Krystal and Falco," Fox says, standing up. "We're getting the band back together."