As they turned onto the highway, Fox and Bill found themselves stuck in heavy traffic.

"Have you ever thought how ridiculous this traffic is when we have flying transport?"

"Obviously, the transportation system in the city is not the Council's first priority. We should have taken one of the side roads." Bill replied.

Fox and Bill reached the Capitol about twenty minutes later. The chaos resembled the Katina base, as it looked like hundreds of civilians were signing up as volunteers for the Cornerian Army at last minute.

The Capitol was a tall skyscraper with glass windows. It stood about 100 stories high, and was located near the center of Corneria City. Fox and Bill walked inside and approached the greeting counter. Fox was about to speak to the receptionist, but he and Bill were stopped by General Pepper.

"Fox, I didn't expect to see you here!"

"Um, hello, sir, we... uh... decided to make a trip to Corneria to pick up some supplies for the voyage to Macbeth." Fox said nervously; he hadn't anticipated meeting General Pepper.

"Good thinking, Fox! I knew you were the right one for this job, you have such excellent judgement."

"Well, er, thank you, sir. I must ask, though, who is everyone here?"

"Isn't it great, Fox? Everyone is volunteering! I've been listening to their conversations, they're calling it 'the last war' and 'the war to end all conflict', everyone wants to be a part of it!"

"They've never acted like that, even during the Lylat Wars, why is it so different now?" Bill asked.

"Everyone is glad to hear that we're not going to let Venom advance this time."

"Sir, do you have any idea where Peppy is?" Fox asked.

"Well, it's not our place to keep track of him since he quit. You can try checking his old office on the top floor, though."

"Alright, thank you for the information, sir. I still can't understand why he would quit so suddenly though."

"Fox, sometimes a major experience, like being general, changes one's life and personality. You've changed yourself... but you're still the same Fox that saves the Lylat System from evil on a regular basis!" Pepper laughed.

"OK, sir, we're going to take a look at Peppy's office, then we'll meet you at the Macbeth conference."

"Good plan, Fox. Would you like to give a speech at the opening ceremony? I can schedule you in pretty easily..."

"Thanks for the offer, sir, but I don't know what I would say..."

"Very well, Fox, I appreciate what you're doing for us. I'll make sure you get your own chapter in the books someday."

"Heh, thanks." Fox laughed.

"OK, Fox, take care!"

"You too, sir."

General Pepper walked away; Bill and Fox walked to the elevator.

"Pepper sure thinks highly of you, Fox."

"Yes, I know..." Fox paused, he sounded troubled.

The elevator reached the top level. Bill and Fox walked to Peppy's office and opened the unlocked door. As they walked inside, they noticed that the room looked very clean and well kept. The only abnormal aspect was a small hole in the main window.

"What's that?"

"It looks like a bird flew through the window." Fox replied.

"But there's no glass... Hey, Fox, Peppy's communicator is on the desk..."

Fox picked up the device and began to read the message on screen; after a few seconds, he called out:

"Peppy! We've got to get to the detainment cells on the East side of the city!"

"But, Fox, wait! What does it say?" Bill asked, but Fox was already out the door and running down the hall to the elevator.

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Notes:

Don't worry, we will be seeing some action in the next chapter.