CHAPTER III

ORDERS

"Fiora." Krystal breathed the word. It was a name she hadn't said or heard in years, ever since the Fall of Cerinia. Fiora, her sister, elder by one year, and quite possibly the person she had been the closest to before meeting Fox. She had long ago resigned herself to the fact that no one, including her sister, had survived the attack, this just couldn't be right. "Miyu, can you tell how she is?"
Miyu nodded, "I can. There's no serious degradation of the hair cells, no visible damage. If I had to guess I would say she was in reasonably good health, and very much alive."

Krystal shook her head, "But there were no survivors."

She felt Fox place an arm around her, "Well, I guess you were wrong."
Those words, You were wrong for some odd reason infuriated Krystal. Smacking Fox's arm away from her she screamed, "I WAS NOT WRONG! They were all dead! All of them! Mother, father, sister. Every damn one of them was DEAD!"
She saw the shocked looks on Fox and Miyu's faces. Gods had she really just gone off like that? This was something she should be happy about, her sister was alive! Why was she angry? Why? "I...I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I'm sorry."
Fox shook his head, "It's all right. I think I know what you're going through. To be honest I would be angry too if after years of knowing my father and mother were dead someone just shattered all of that. It's a lot to have to handle all of a sudden."

Krystal felt tears brimming, Fox was so understanding. And he was understanding because he knew what she was going through, what she had been through. He out of all the people she knew had come closest to having lost their entire world. Fox's mother and father had been his whole world, and they had been torn from him once. Just as Cerinia had been torn from her. "Thank you Fox." Krystal looked at Miyu, "And thank you Miyu. I appreciate what you did for me. Will you still be needing that hair?"
Miyu smiled reassuringly and shook her head, "No." Taking the phial of hair she handed it to Krystal, "Feel free to have it."

Krystal took the phial and looked at it, this was the most she had seen of her sister in years. Unscrewing the cap Krystal took the lock of hair out and brought it to her nose. She breathed in the scent, rich, musky, just like a vixen should smell like. Except she could also smell the subtle differences, the faint bit of hickory that, for whatever reason, her sister had always smelled like. Smiling a bit she replaced the hair and said, "Well, thank you again Miyu."

"No problem." The lynx replied.

Fox looked at Krystal, "We have a meeting with Whitefur today, but that isn't for a couple of hours. What do you say we grab a bite to eat somewhere?"
Krystal smiled, "Good idea, I'm famished."
Fox took her hand and she felt him squeeze it, "All right. I'll see you later Miyu."

"See you Fox. Take care of yourself. You too Krystal."

Krystal wagged her tail a bit, "We both will." Then she and Fox walked out of the medical suite.

After leaving Corneria Medical Krystal followed Fox across the street to a little diner called the Hungry Fox. The two's arrival was greeted by an exclamation of their names by the somewhat startled looking waitress, and hushed silence as the patrons turned to look at them. Krystal felt her ears flush, she hated all this attention. It had been months since they had saved Corneria, it would have been nice if people could have moved on by now. Of course Krystal realized that the fact that people were so fixated on the Star Fox team wasn't just because of what they had done, but what they had come to represent in Lylat, and especially to Corneria. Hope. Star Fox meant hope to these people, the hope that once again their planet and their solar system could beat the odds and make it through another crisis. Fox looked at the waitress and said, "Booth for two?"
The waitress, a young tigress nodded, "Um yes, yes we have one. Would you two like it?"
Krystal could sense that Fox was feeling just a bit frustrated, she knew how much he hated people tripping over themselves around him. However as befitted his heroic and humble image he kept his cool and just smiled, "Yes, we would love it."
The waitress nodded and led them over to the booth. The diner was not overly crowded, and the waitress had the astuteness to realize that the two would prefer somewhere just a bit more private. So she led them to a window booth that was surrounded by unoccupied space. Krystal sat down across from Fox and the waitress handed them each a menu. "What would you like to drink sir, madam?"
Krystal smiled a bit at her use of the term madam, it was a bit better than being called ma'am, but it still felt so formal. Fox said, "Coffee."

"Coffee." Parroted Krystal.

The waitress smiled, "All right then, I'll be right out with it."

Krystal glanced out the window before looking at her menu. This area of Corneria City had been one of the least damaged, and one of the first repaired. As such the scarring that was present on many of the buildings around the city was not in evidence here, though the less physical scars were still present. For one, the squad of Cornerian Guard patrolling the street. Krystal remembered that Fox had told her when they had returned to Corneria that having troops in the streets was something unheard of on Corneria. But people tolerated it, the prime minister and the newly promoted general Peppy had promised that the troops would leave by the end of the year, and it was difficult not to trust Peppy. Still, it was somewhat unsettling to see assault rifle toting troopers on a pedestrian sidewalk. At least it was to people without the benefit of Krystal's telepathy, people who couldn't sense the fact that these men and women felt just as uncomfortable scrutinizing passing citizens for threats as passing citizens felt being scrutinized. Though she was sure no one would complain when a little girl that Krystal saw took a fall and scraped her knee. One of the troopers rushed over and helped the little girl up, and the team medic was quick to apply a spray bandage. Krystal smiled as she felt the gratitude of the parents, there were things about Cornerians and the Cornerian military that Krystal found so very different from the other worlds she had visited in her life. Sometimes they just seemed less...military.

"Gawking at the soldiers Krystal?" Fox asked.

She turned to look at him and smiled a bit, "I suppose. It's just nice when they do something like help a little girl, it proves they aren't soulless."
Fox nodded, "No, they aren't. Actually Corneria has been criticized in the past for the way it's military operates. Some say we operate with too much compassion. For instance the fact that our troops are trained and taught to take prisoners whenever possible, always accept surrender when it is offered, and help the wounded no matter who they are. All of our rules of engagement are meant to minimize unnecessary casualties, no matter who those casualties are."

Krystal opened her menu and glanced at the selection, "Why would anyone criticize that?"

Fox shrugged, "They say it makes us less combat effective. And they're probably right. But after fighting so many wars on our own planet and showing no quarter, well Cornerians would really rather not fight whenever they have another choice. Not to say we would ever surrender. We draw the line there."

Krystal smiled, "It makes you more noble. And it means you've learned from the past. Something that few people and even fewer worlds do. It's not something to be ashamed of, it's something to be proud of. Now, I think I'll have the pancakes and eggs."
"My we do think alike don't we?" Fox replied.

Just then the waitress walked back over to their booth and set down two steaming mugs of hot coffee. "Are you ready to order or do you need more time? If you need more time that's all right."

Krystal looked at her and tried to project a bit of reassurance, she could tell that the tigress was more nervous than she had to be. "I'm ready. I'll have the pancake and egg special."

Fox looked at the waitress and said, "Same for me."

The waitress smiled and took down their orders on a pad of paper before collecting their menus and walking off. Krystal looked at Fox and said, "Tip her nicely."
Fox quirked an eyebrow, "I've never been stingy."

Krystal shrugged, "No. But I can tell she's very nervous about serving us."

Fox sighed and looked at the table, "Damn celebrity status. It's so annoying these days."

Krystal reached across the table and took his hand, "I tend to agree. But still, it gives people something to think about other than the fact that about a quarter of the jewel of Lylat is still in ruins."

Fox smiled a bit, "I suppose. Though I think the real jewel of Lylat is sitting across from me."

Krystal giggled a little, "Flatterer. Now, what time is our meeting with brigadier Whitefur?"
Fox glanced at his wrist comm. "0900. But to be safe we should get there a little early. I'll message Falco and Slippy and make sure they know to be there. Though Whitefur probably has already."

"He is very organized when it comes to this sort of thing." Krystal said.

Fox tapped away at his wrist comm. screen, "Yeah, that he is. Total opposite of me."

Krystal smiled. Oh she remembered Fox's organizational skills quite well. The first time she had seen his quarters, what with their lopsided posters, strewn magazines, and two heaps of clean and dirty laundry she had had a laughing fit. She wasn't the type to panic about messes, she just found them funny in the extreme. She still remembered Fox's embarrassed expression when she had offered to help him clean. "Well, it's a good thing I came along when I did. I straightened you out right quick."

Fox glanced at her, "Right quick?"
Krystal rolled her eyes, "Oh for the last time it's an old Cerinian expression. I suppose though it does sound a little awkward in translation."

The waitress returned and set down their plates, "Will you be needing anything else?"
Fox looked at Krystal who shook her head, looking back at the waitress he said, "I think we're fine. Thank you."

The waitress smiled, "No problem. Enjoy your meal."
The two vulpines tucked into their meal, though Krystal's thoughts revolved far more around her sister than they did the food she was eating. Fox seemed to notice, "Are you going to be all right Krystal?"
Krystal smiled a bit wanly and said, "I will be. I just can't believe she's alive."

Fox looked at her confidently as he replied, "But she is. And after we're done with whatever this mission Whitefur wants us to go on is I promise I'll help you to find her."

Krystal's smile gained a bit more luster then, "Thank you Fox. That means a lot to me."

Fox smiled back, "What are friends and mates for?"

Krystal reached across the table to take his hand again, "I don't know, but I couldn't ask for a better one."

Roughly an hour later, at 0830, Krystal and Fox walked into the Cornerian Command Headquarters. The building had been spared more bombardment than anyone had expected, it seemed the Aparoids had been more intent on attacking the population than actually hitting vital targets, and so was in a good state of repair. The building was also very old, having served as the command building for the old Royal National Defense Force when this part of Corneria had still been ruled by a royal family and class of nobility three centuries earlier. As they walked in the evidence of its former function was shown by the huge marble statue of King William IV, the king who had been the first head of state to join the Cornerian Federation. Krystal had always thought the statue breath taking, as well as the history in just this one building in Corneria City. Standing rigidly at attention beneath the statue were seven red uniformed Honor Guards. Fox had once explained to her that they were present because King William IV was actually enshrined beneath the statue, therefore his remains and his statue were constantly guarded. The guards were all quite young, owing to the fact that all but the squad leader were in fact cadets of the Cornerian Defense Academy, most cadets would end up pulling this duty at least once before graduating.

Looking around they caught sight of Falco and Slippy standing at the base of the stairway leading out of the atrium. Walking over Fox said to Falco, "Remember when we had to pull Honor Guard duty?"
Falco nodded, "Oh yeah. How could I forget? Eight hours at rigid attention next to Katt Monroe. It was hard to keep a straight face."

Fox chuckled, "Especially since she kept flicking her tail against you when no one was looking."

Falco snorted, "Yeah. I wonder how much trouble I would have gotten into if I had reacted to her."
"A lot." Fox said, "That's a serious duty."
"Yeah I know, but tell that to Katt." Falco replied.

Krystal smiled, she remembered meeting Katt Monroe during one of the victory celebrations. She had been quite beautiful, and Krystal had been glad to find someone there with a fur tone that stood out as much as hers did. She wondered if Falco knew that her repeated gibes and little pranks were actually her way of flirting. Ah well, Krystal had long ago decided that when it came to romantic relationships between friends it was best to leave well enough alone and let the two come to their own conclusions. "Should we get going? Don't want to be late do we?"
"Yeah," Said Slippy, "You know what Whitefur is like about punctuality."
"A nut job." Falco said.

Fox looked at him, "Keep in mind he is the one who gives us our paychecks now. And he's a damn good friend, so try and show the newly promoted brigadier some respect Falco."

Falco held up his wings in surrender, "All right all right."
Krystal followed Fox and the rest up the stairs. All around them officers and other personnel passed by, all of them attending to the business of rebuilding a ravaged military and protecting a war weary planet. However Krystal could also sense a certain excitement that was beyond the norm, she had a feeling something big had happened. She wondered what.

The team reached a bank of elevators and Fox called one. When the doors opened the team stepped inside and Fox said, "Fifth floor."

The elevator began its ascent. Krystal could sense from Fox a certain anticipation, the same feeling came from Falco and Slippy. Over the past months the team had done very little real work, there had been appearances at victory celebrations, they had attended several speeches by prime minister James Vulpine about the period of reconstruction ahead, and Fox much to his embarrassment had actually given a commencement address for the Cornerian Defense Academy. But still, that was not the sort of thing any of them wanted to be doing, what they wanted to be doing was serving their people, though Krystal had been picking up on Fox's growing...disillusionment about being someone with a penchant for heroics. For a moment Krystal wondered just how many more missions Fox would actually want to go on, how many more times he was going to be willing to save Lylat. The answer though was obvious, he would stop when he needed to, when there was something more important for him to protect, what that was though...well it was something Krystal refused to speculate on.

The lift doors opened and Krystal followed her friends out. The small waiting room ahead of brigadier Whitefur's office was very simply, but very tastefully furnished. There were several wooden framed chairs with white cushions, and a painting representing the signing of the Cornerian Federation Charter overhanging a desk behind which sat a pretty female Doberman. Krystal noticed in the painting that next to the image of King William IV was an arctic fox in military uniform. Interesting, especially since Whitefur was also an arctic fox.

The secretary looked up and said, "Ah, Star Fox. The brigadier is expecting you. He said that if you're early you are to go straight in."

Fox smiled at her, and Krystal noticed Falco doing a poor job of hiding the fact that he was making eyes at her, "Thanks."

Krystal saw that the Doberman had noticed Falco's look. Krystal could sense that she was a bit uncomfortable, even if she was flattered. Swatting Falco discreetly Krystal spoke softly, "Stop being gross. Who are you Panther?"

Falco recoiled a bit and replied, "Sorry. Last thing I want to do is be like that guy."

As the team began filing into Whitefur's office Krystal winked at the secretary, she smiled back.

Whitefur's office was not overly large, certainly small compared to what general Pepper and now Peppy had at their disposal. However Krystal could see that he had still made it his own. His desk was situated just in front of a window overlooking the Defense Academy grounds, the grounds were just adjacent to the Command Headquarters. There were two chairs in front of the desk, similar to the ones in the atrium. Directly opposite the desk Krystal saw a decoration which caught her a bit off guard, two crossed broadswords beneath a shield with a small portrait of an arctic fox in a blizzard painted on it. She had never seen a decoration of that sort. Curious.

Brigadier Whitefur, who was sitting behind his desk also caught her by surprise. He was young, very young. In fact if she had to guess she would say he was no older than Fox. Like most arctic foxes his muzzle was short and his fur was white, no doubt where he got his family name from. He was also quite handsome, and Krystal could sense that he was very comfortable in his uniform which sported a bit of gold livery. Standing up he smiled and said, "Good morning Star Fox. Glad you're early, I was afraid you would be late."
Krystal's eyes widened when she heard his voice, it had an accent that was markedly similar to her own. Granted in comparison hers was certainly much thicker, but it was still the same. Very noble. The accent she spoke with was actually the product of her noble upbringing, perhaps it was the same with this brigadier Whitefur. Either way she found him interesting already. Fox made a salute and answered, "I would never be late for you, I know how much that annoys you."

Whitefur smiled, "Well, grow up in a family where everything in the day is scheduled and one gets attached to the idea of punctuality. Now, have a seat." He noticed Krystal, smiling at her he said, "Hello, I don't believe we've met?"
Krystal approached him and offered her hand, "No, I don't believe we have. I'm Krystal."

Whitefur did something she wasn't expecting just then, taking her hand in his he placed a kiss on it and then straightened. "Wonderful to meet you Krystal. Your accent though..."

Krystal looked at her hand for a moment, it was something she would have expected Panther Caroso to do, and had it been him she would have hated it, she would have known it had an ulterior motive. Whitefur on the other hand made it just seem gentlemanly. Looking at him she said, "My accent? I was actually going to ask you the same thing."

Whitefur nodded, "Well please sit."

Falco cleared his throat, "Slippy and I don't have chairs."

Whitefur looked at them, "If you want I can send Stacy to get you some."

Falco shrugged then, "Never mind. I don't want to be a bother. Slip and I will stand."

Slippy looked at Falco, "Who said you get to decide?"
Whitefur grinned, "You two haven't changed a bit." He looked back at Krystal, "Now, my accent is more a product of my upbringing than anything else. I was raised in a noble family, we have an estate about seventy miles outside the city. My father is actually retired military."

Fox nodded, "Yes, I believe he made lieutenant general during the Lylat Wars."

"He did indeed. He retired at their conclusion." Whitefur elaborated.

Krystal smiled, "Well, we seem to have something in common then. My accent comes from being raised a noble as well."
Fox looked at her, "You were a noble?"
Krystal met his eyes and said, "Yes. I told you once didn't I?"

Fox shook his head, "Probably, but not in so many words. Besides, it makes sense. You always had an air of nobility."

"Thank you." Krystal replied.

Looking back at Whitefur Fox said, "Now, about the mission."

"Yes, of course." Whitefur leaned forward, "Two days ago the Cornerian prime minister and the minister of foreign relations received a message from the government of the planet Aurelius Prime in the Aurelian system."

Slippy entered the conversation, "Aurelius Prime? I thought they were isolationist."
Whitefur nodded, "Indeed. They have been isolationist since our first contact seventy five years ago during some of Lylat's first extra solar expeditions. What little we know of them indicates that they have been isolationist for centuries even before we met them. At least that's what we've been told from our out system allies. However something has apparently changed. A new government coming to power, societal shift, we aren't entirely sure. But, apparently their monarch, Imperator Marcellus would like to meet with Lylatian representatives."

Marcellus? Imperator? Krystal thought those sounded familiar, vaguely at least. Strange. Fox said, "And we're going to be diplomats?"
Whitefur shook his head, "No, you are going to be representatives of our best and brightest, our most courageous. Captain Grey will handle formal diplomatic relations as a representative of the Federation parliament."

"Grey?" Asked Falco, "As in Bill Grey?"

"Yes," Said Whitefur. "He was recently made captain of the Victory. The ship is actually only a month out of dry-dock."

Fox smiled, "That's great that he finally got a command. I assume we'll be traveling aboard the Victory?"

"Yes, and in fact you may be assigned there for the foreseeable future. At least until you can get a ship of your own again."

"Well," Said Fox, "At least Bill is in command. When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow, 1200 hours. Can you be ready?"
Fox nodded, "Yes sir."

"Well then, if there's nothing further?" No one said anything, though Krystal had an odd feeling about the mission, it was nothing worth bothering over though. "All right then, you are dismissed." Looking at Krystal, "It was lovely meeting you Krystal."

As Fox stood so did Krystal, smiling she said, "A pleasure brigadier."

When the team walked out Krystal said to Fox, "What do you think of the mission?"

Fox shrugged, "Money in the bank. I've done this sort of thing once or twice. It's always easy. Just look tough and talk smart when they ask you something."

Taking his hand Krystal said, "Well, I'll stick close to you then."

Fox squeezed her hand, "Count on it."

A/N: Well another Wednesday and another update. Like all the others this chapter was a joy to write, especially the scenes with Whitefur, he finally gets a bit more character. In case you haven't noticed I have injected a bit of England into Corneria, it's just my way. Now that you're done reading the chapter though it is time for you to review it, so please don't forget to! Thanks for reading, and hopefully I'll have the next chapter up in a week, though I've had a little difficulty in the chapter I am currently working on, never fear I'll figure it out. *Mumbles about spaniels.*