Oh man. I'm sorry this took a long time to write. I get these bad writer's blocks and when i get one. I can't type if my life depended on it. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thank you.
By the time we walked outside, the skies had darken completely. Actually, even more so now that clouds filled the skies. The type of clouds that brought rain…….lightning as well.
I would look up occasionally, staring at the skies only to see them brighten up for maybe a half a second. Up to three seconds sometimes. I still found the night rather pleasant. I was a fan of rain.
I would look over at Zeria and I could tell she felt the same about the rain. It was the thunder that scared her. How I know this? Well, it was simple. When a big crash of thunder happened directly above us, she shrieked. Made me laugh.
"Shut up. I hate thunder." She said to me, glaring at me with her shadowed, gray eyes.
As I stared at her, I couldn't help, but be so attracted to her. The look she gave made me start sweating. I had to look away quickly. She just cocked an eyebrow at me in confusion.
"Come on. Let's get food before it starts pouring." Starting to walk in the direction of the burger place I heard so much about.
Zeria just stared at me walking away, a growing smile on her face before finally deciding to catch up with me.
As we walked down the sidewalk, occasionally looking up towards the sky every time a flash or bolt of lightning lit up the sky, my glance was brought over to an alleyway to my right.
It was completely dark, but I thought for sure I saw a figure crouching along the wall, but I just wasn't able to tell if I were right.
Zeria by this time did her best to look down the alleyway, but was about having as much success as I was. She was about to tell me that there was nothing down there until something caught her attention.
To her, it looked like a small orangish dot for maybe a second before disappearing. About the size of maybe of the diameter of a cigarette. That was enough proof for her. She took off running down the alley, not bothering to reach for her pistol for protection.
"Zeria! Get back here!" I yelled after her, pulling out my Taurus and running after her. I was about to wonder what she was chasing until I heard a third pair of footsteps and they sounded like they were on a mission to retreat.
I still couldn't see anything down the alleyway and had doubts if anyone was still around me until light filled the sky. A bolt of lightning raced across the sky, lasting for at least 3 seconds, actually making everything lit up like it were day out. That's when I saw Zeria a few feet in front of me, with what looked like a ram, about twenty feet in front of us.
"Freeze!" I yelled as I picked up my run into an all out sprint, easily passing Zeria and slowly started to catch up with the ram.
The ram ignored me completely and saw that I was running up faster than he expected. However, he just couldn't out run me. It was a matter of time before my foot would be resting on the back of his neck.
He jumped over a fence, hoping to be able to lose me in the crowded streets, which were not so crowded anymore, as rain started to fall from the sky.
I couldn't help, but look up. The scene, my surroundings were all too familiar. A dark alleyway, occasionally lighting up from the lightning above with rain falling harder by the second. Soon going to become a downpour. I started to hyperventilate.
The ram jumped over the fence, and hopefully would be able to lose me. The sight brought me back to normal and in an effort to slow him down, I fired a round at the ground just beside his foot.
He strafed to his left out of fear and collided and fell into some garbage cans. I smiled as I saw him fall to the ground and did my best to quickly hop over the fence before he could get back up.
I started to climb the fence as I saw the ram starting to get back up. I had one last effort before we were to begin our chase again.
"Don't fucking move!" I yelled, as I prayed to the gods, one in particular, as I threw my pistol at him. I let out a sigh of relief as the pistol came in contact with the ram's temple, knocking him back down to the ground dazed.
I ran towards the ram, immediately picking up my pistol and aimed it at the ram, who now couldn't remember why he was running. He just laid there, looking up at the barrel staring down at him.
Zeria finally was able to catch up with us, amazed at how quickly I was able to bring him down. She looked up at me, resting her hand on my shoulder. I slowly turned to her, before looking away and walking back towards the direction of the fence.
Zeria pulled her pistol and aimed it at the confused ram, as I leaned up against the side of the building, using my arm for support.
Thoughts were beginning to process through my mind, back to what I remembered a moment ago. I could feel my body starting to shake as my breaths began to shorten. Without any warning, I bent over and vomited rather badly. It felt forced and I knew if there was enough light, I would see blood within my vomit.
Zeria turned around, looking at my pathetic state and began to worry. She just couldn't walk away from the ram to check on me, he be able to escape and all of this would've been for nothing. "You alright?!"
I slowly turned my head over to her, tears flooding my eyes as I began another round of vomiting. The ram just laid there, confused as to what had happened to me.
I wiped my mouth with my sleeve, but had the aftertaste no one ever enjoyed. I looked to my right and saw a steady stream of falling water. I looked up and saw the stream making its way down a ladder.
I walked over to it and opened my mouth wide and took in a good amount of water to help rinse the aftertaste. When I was satisfied, I spat the water out towards the ground and slowly made my way back to Zeria.
"You okay, Jeff?" I didn't answer, I just rose my gun and trained it at the ram's head.
"Alright, I'm going to ask some questions and I want truthful answer. Where did you get those drugs?"
"I don't know what you are talking about, man. That was just a cigarette." He tried to explain, though I pulled back the hammer on my Taurus.
"I don't think cigarettes use marijuana. The legal ones anyway." I said, looking down at the bag the was slowly sliding out of his picket. "Now, tell me!" I yelled, firing the pistol, sending a round just to his left.
"Alright alright! I got it from a guy who works for Randall Cain!"
"Where is he now?"
"I…I don't know……….FUCK!" He yelled, releasing a blood-filled cry as a bullet had just entered his knee cap, blood quickly exiting the wound. "ZAR MEGA!"
I lowered my weapon and stared at the injured ram. The sight of him made me start hurting inside. I holstered my pistol and took a knee next to him.
"Look at yourself. Look what drugs have done to you." I said in a deep tone, almost like the tone was full of concern.
"You fucking did this to me. Look at my fucking knee!" He yelled, trying desperately to stop the bleeding.
"If you never started doing drugs. You wouldn't have end up in this alley with a hole in your kneecap." The ram looked up at me, glaring at me with piercing eyes. "Why do you do that shit to yourself?"
The ram's glare vanished, lowering his eyes slightly. "I got nothing, man. My family disowned me. Saying, 'I was a big disappointment to them', but this was before I started doing drugs. They're nut jobs. I hung around with wrong people and this all led to this point."
I just stared at the guy, before slowly looking up at Zeria. I stared at her for a couple seconds, before I lowered my gaze and turned back towards the ram. "I know what you mean. What's your name?"
"John." "John. My parents died when I was eight. I first came in contact with drugs by age ten. At eleven, I finally hit rock bottom and found myself smoking marijuana. By age thirteen, I gave it up, but I had a reputation which made people be scared shitless of me. It gradually gotten worse as life progressed. By twenty one, I found someone, but nine months later. She was taken from me. I alone in this universe once again. I had no one till last week. Things are starting to get better for me."
"What does this have to do with me?" The ram asked, groaning in pain, but now starting to get control over the bleeding.
"I had nothing…..just like you. I started doing drugs to try and end all problems. It made it worse for me. It's making it worse for you because did you think you have a hole in your knee tonight?" The ram responded with a shake of his head.
"You're a better person than I am. I can see a bright future ahead of you. You know why?" No response. "Because you ain't a loser like I am. You know what you have to do to get your normal life back. Here's what I'll be doing for you. I won't be calling them cops, but I will call an ambulance for you. I'll tell them that some gang members shot you and she and I were around and we called them for you. We won't say anything about you running away from a bounty hunter."
The ram just looked at me, I could see the gratitude in his eyes. I was also able to the difference between rain streaming down his face and the tears that were now building in the corners of his eyes.
"Leave this planet. Fly towards either Lylat or even Earth. Start a new life there. Get a job. Find the right girl and marry her. Hopefully the next time I see you. You'll be in an expensive business suit and not these rags on you, you call clothes."
John just looked at me, crying rather hard as he looked at me, then at Zeria. "You both are good people. I'm glad to have met you both. I'm sorry for running away."
"I'm sorry I had to shoot you." I said, rising from my kneeling position and walked away from the two. I pulled out my cell phone and called 911.
"Hello. I got a civilian in an alleyway just south of Armor Ave. he's been shot in the leg and I need an ambulance right now. First alleyway on your left, just south of Armor."
"Okay sir. Who is this that's calling?" "This is Jeff Meiners. Member of Styx Omega." "Alright, Mr. Meiners. We have an ambulance inbound. Should arrive in five minutes or less." "Roger."
I watched the EMTs lifting John's stretcher into the back of the ambulance. He lifted his hand and did his best to try and wave goodbye, just before the doors closed. I just stood there, my hands in my pockets as I watched the ambulance drive away.
I stared the entire time the vehicle was in view. When it vanished, I slowly turned to look at Zeria, as she did the same. Though, she had the biggest look of concern on her face. I started walking away, ignoring the look.
"What happened to you back there?" I turned my head and looked at Zeria, as she reached up and wiped my eyes of residual tears.
I turned around and looked at the dark alley. A wave of sadness and sorrow hitting me hard as I could feel tears returning. Barely able to say any words at all, I managed to squeak out one word. "Sam."
We all sat around in the restaurant of the hotel the next morning, welcoming back Ryan and Fay, who was extremely happy to be out of the hospital bed. We were waiting for Peppy, but those plans changed when we began to tell the story of last night.
"So, apparently Cain is located on Zar Mega as we speak. Or at least that's what the guy told us. I didn't ask how old he saw the guy, but it's still a wise idea to check it out."
"Well. That's excellent work the both of you pulled off last night. Zeria spotting the guy and Jeff taking control of the situation. You're both worked very well last night and we thank you for this information."
I just nodded, as I slowly lowered my head, remembering the alley. Everyone just stared at me with concern as I could feel tears returning. Zeria softened her face and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"He had an emotional breakdown during all of this. When he was in that alleyway, apparently. His surroundings were exactly like they were when Sam died in his arms."
Everyone just turned back towards me, as they saw me quivering from me crying so hard. Bill, who sat next to me, placed his hand on my shoulder to try to help comfort me.
"You're strong, Jeff. Able to fight the emotions to help us out. You're a tough guy." Bill said to me, as I buried my face into my right hand.
I cried for about ten more seconds, before I let out a loud grunt. I rose my head and wiped the tears away and I tried to slow my breathing. "I've wasted enough time. Let's get going."
"Calm down, kid. We got time before Peppy arrives. Take it easy." Bill said, trying to pull me back down onto the couch.
"No. When Peppy arrives, I want to be able to get a move on." Fox just rose from his spot next to Krystal, lifting his bag.
"I have a feeling you would be leaving without us one way or another. Be sure to take it easy when we get back to the Matchitehew."
"I can't make that promise." I said, bending over to lift up my bag. Everyone did the same as we all dispersed out of the hotel.
I occasionally glanced at Zeria, who's eyes were completely fixated on me. I could try to reassure her that I was fine, but she knew that whatever I would say, other than the truth. She would say 'bullshit.'
"Accord Main Base. This is Shuttlecraft, Mercury. Thank you for your hospitality." "Yeah sure. I bet you did. Thanks for the compliment anyway."
Adrian just laughed, which was a rather shock because that particular rarely to never laughed. This caused Fox to look at him with an amazed look on his face. "Shut it. It slipped."
"Yeah. Sure it did." Fox countered, while laughing himself.
Everyone on the shuttle either stared out the window to watch the world belong them flew away or talked amongst themselves.
I just sat in my chair looking out the window, unaware that Zeria took a seat next to me to check on me.
She just stared at me, waiting for me to turn my head to look at her, but I had entered a zone. Didn't hear any sounds, everything slowly started to blur up, but I hadn't noticed. It took physical contact to break me out of my trance.
"You okay?" I took a deep breath as I stared at my feet, before looking back at her.
"I don't know. A lot on my mind right now." "You want to talk about it?"
"Thanks anyway, but I think I'm gonna have to say no."
Zeria just stared at me. She was hoping I would want to talk to her about my problems, but when I said no. She just looked like she felt useless and I just couldn't let her feel that way.
In hopes that this would have to settle, I wrapped an arm around her and brought he close to me as I rested my head on top of hers, while looking out the window once again.
Ryan and Fay saw this and were thinking of a way to ruin that moment, but that was the last thing that was actually on their mind's. In light of everything they heard about last night, they were happy to see us like this and couldn't possibly ruin the moment.
Everything in the shuttle slowly started to get dark, as the bright sky over Accord, slowly vanished into the darkness of space. The only light now, besides the overhead lights above, were the stars.
"Always good to see that ship after leaving a planet. I don't fly that thing much anymore. I bet Natasha really misses me."
Adrian just turned towards Fox, a look like he had just been creped out. "You are strange. You know that?"
Fox just laughed as he turned to look at his ship approaching him, but something else caught his attention.
Next to the Matchitehew, was a ship about the size of a C-130 Hercules. Only it looked more like a smaller version of the Great Fox. It was Beltino's personal shuttle.
"Hey, Beltino. Peppy. Good to see you finally made it."
"Oh hey, Fox. I didn't expect you guys coming up from the surface. I was just about to ask Natasha's permission to board."
"Natasha. Lower ship alert. Me and General Hare have arrived and are approaching the hanger bay."
"Of course, Fox. Ship status green. Welcome home." "Alright Peppy. Go ahead and land."
"Thank, Fox. See you soon."
Both ships finally powered down as everyone started to make their way out of their ships. Fox immediately walked over to Peppy, embracing his father-figure in a hug. "Oh. Always good to see you, old man."
"Like-wise. I am always glad to see my friends." Peppy said, ending the hug with his son and walked over to Krystal. Fox walked over and greeted Beltino and Slippy.
"Always good to see both of you. I think this is your guy's first visit to the Matchitehew. Welcome."
"I must say, Fox. A lot more impressive than the Great Fox. This is great." "Thank you."
Slippy immediately looked up at the intercom speaker in the center of the hanger bay, scared after hearing the Russian, accented voice.
"That would be Natasha. My ship's computer." Fox explained, as he began to lead everyone towards the exit of the hanger bay.
Slippy, Beltino and Peppy were in awe after they saw the ship that took place of the Great Fox. All wished this ship was their dreadnaught during the Lylat Wars. This ship would turn the tide of any war.
"So. When are we going to be able to take readings on Accord?" Beltino asked, as he pulled off his glasses and gave them a wipe with his handkerchief.
"Well. That's the thing. When we were down there. We got a good lead that he may be on Zar Mega and we were going to head over as soon as you arrived. Now, that you arrived. We were gonna get going."
Slippy looked a little disappointed, but he knew the business. Well, almost. Though, he understood completely and would wait till the Matchitehew was heading back in the direction of Accord, but in the mean time. He allowed the bounty hunter's to do their job. Peppy and Beltino agreed.
"Then that's settled. Natasha, at full velocity. Head in the direction of planet Zar Mega." "Of course, Krieger."
I looked at the ceiling, "Natasha? I said call me Fox." "I always liked the name Krieger more. No offense."
I couldn't help, but laugh at the comment. Fox slowly turned towards me, sharing the same expression while laughing. "Your computer is too funny, Fox." "Yeah thanks, kid."
Everyone smiled at the sight of me laughing, especially Zeria. She hadn't seen me smile in about a day and she was glad to see that.
Everyone stopped as they heard the loud wind of the engine turbines starting to spin, before finally reaching maximum speed. Thus, the sound stopped.
"Well, we got some time. Everyone, enjoy my ship. Slippy. Beltino. Natasha took some scans of Accord while in orbit. That should get you started, before you can do some intense scans when we return."
"Sounds good, Fox. Thanks." Slippy said, as he started walking away with his father.
"How were the kids when you left?" Krystal asked Peppy, as she approached him behind.
"They miss their mothers and fathers and they hope you guys return home soon. Though, Claudia's there and they love her."
Krystal started to tear up, she missed her children so much and wished they were in her arms right now. This definitely wasn't the type of work that children were allowed in.
I looked at all the parents, saw they had the same facial expression as Krystal's. They loved being parents. I heard from a couple of them at times that if they had to choose between their children or their jobs? They would choose their kids.
I couldn't help, but try to remember my parents. They were very loving and supportive of me. Always tried to make time for me and my mother really knew how to cook. Always loved her meals.
The days I watched them get lowered into the ground, it was basically the end of the sweet, little boy they saw grow up before their lives were taken from them. I tried to stay strong for them however, thinking that maybe if I cried. I would show I was weak. Sometimes though, it's hard not to.
You think of the people you love that have been taken from you, you just can't help, but feel the grief finally hit its limit before the only thing you can do is cry for them.
(Note: I am actually like this. I have lost loved ones and I do try my best to stay strong, but sometimes. You just can't help, but cry for them. I'm sure all of you know what I am talking about.)
Adrian and Ryan were at the shooting range, trying to see who was the better shot. Sad thing is that this match has been going on since their loss to Zeria. They kept taunting each other, saying 'you suck' or 'you're gonna fuck up'. Those type of things, their goal was to just be better than the other.
Miyu and Fay just shook their heads in disbelief that their husbands still won't give up this rivalry of theirs. Finally, they just had to get out of there.
Bill and Electra were just looking at pictures of Jason. The sight of him when he was first born made Electra cry. Bill couldn't help, but laugh at the sight of Jason chasing after him.
"What you think of having another kid?" Bill asked Electra, as she just looked at her husband.
"Crosses my mind on occasion. I would like to have another child." Bill smiled at his wife, as he leaned forward to plant a kiss on her lips.
Fox and Wolf sat in the mess hall, enjoying a beer and a plate of nachos that was just loaded with toppings. To the both of them, it was one of the greatest combos ever.
Krystal decided to take this time to catch up with Peppy, reminiscing about the old days with StarFox and Matt and Katt couldn't help, but listen to their stories.
Fara and Zeria were walking through the halls, just talking about life in general and how much Fara loved parenthood. Zeria just smiled. She's been there since all the kids were born and she's enjoyed the idea of being a mother when she first saw Jericho.
They slowly began to stop as they heard faint music through the halls. Sounded kind of like New Age music. The sound was too quiet to make out. They decided to head in that direction.
"Who do you think is playing the music?" Zeria asked, trying to open up her ears to listen harder.
Fara did the same, but had an easier time hearing the music since her fennec ears were larger than a normal vulpine. "I'm not sure, but it sounds like it's coming from the gym." She said as she started to run, Zeria not too far behind.
The music was now easily heard, Fara recognizing it to be from a soundtrack made by Yanni. Zeria couldn't help, but listen to the beautiful music.
When they neared the gym, they slowed their pace and slowly approached the entrance. They peaked their heads from behind the corner and looked inside.
They stared at me sitting in a chair, my back towards the entrance. For being foxes, their ears started to hurt a little from the blaring music. They were stunned that I just sat there. Unaffected by the loud music.
They approached me from behind, but I saw them approaching when I saw their reflection in a mirror. I lifted the remote and turned the music down.
"This is one kind of music that will put me in a calm state of mind."
"I always loved this kind of music. I listened to this as well after I left StarFox. After I….." Fara started before trailing off, not wanting to finish her sentence.
"You shot Fox. I know the story, Fara." "But how?"
I slowly turned towards the two women, "I ask questions. Mainly Zeria there is the one that answers most of them."
Fara turned to look at Zeria, as she blushed from being squealed on. Fara just gave her an annoyed look, before the music suddenly ended.
"I'm gonna go take a nap. When do we arrive at Zar Mega?"
"Umm. I think I heard in about nine hours." "Goodnight." I said, walking out of the gym.
"You're a pushover. You can't make this shot." Ryan stated, as he watched Adrian fire another bulls-eye. He swore under his breath.
"Let's see. That makes this what, ten to ten." Adrian said, lowering his weapon as he stared at the smoldering target sheet.
"You guys still firing? When will you guys end?" Wolf entered the range with Fox next to him.
"Until one of us misses the bulls-eye." Ryan said, taking his stance behind the booth and aimed his gun at another target sheet.
Fox slowly walked up behind him, smacking his arms just he squeezed the trigger. The shot went very wide left.
"Oh you fuck!" "You missed." "Oh the hell I did." Ryan said, going back into his stance.
"You give up and I'll get you a Jager." "Not worth it."
Ryan stopped aiming when he heard the sound of a liquid next to his ear. He slowly turned to his right and saw a bottle of Jager rocking back and forth in front of him.
Fox was rocking the bottle and he was prepared to pour him a glass if Ryan lowered his gun and gave up.
As tempting as that was, Ryan turned back towards the target sheet and fired off a round. Bulls-eye.
"Ryan actually gave up a drink of Jager? Amazing." Wolf said, as he just stared at the husky in amazement.
"Thinking of giving the stuff up anyway. I drink way too much." Ryan said, walking away from the booth, but after he quickly snatched the bottle from my hand. "But one more never hurt anyone."
"You alcoholic bastard." Fox said, as he decided to pull his revolver and fired at the target sheet, barely using any time to aim. He just pulled and fired. Bulls-eye.
"And you show off, you bastard." Ryan stated, as he opened the bottle and took a quick swig from the bottle.
"Arriving at planet, Zar Mega." Natasha announced over the intercom, which caught everyone's attention as they saw the green planet below them.
Fox sat at his console, pressing a few buttons before he screen flickered to the surface. However, it wasn't a detailed picture. It just looked like a green blur…….with a black line.
"That's the mark we made on the planet!" Ryan yelled, pointing at the screen. Everyone was amazed at what had happened three years ago. The burned three mile was still there. Looked like life hadn't tried to grow back.
"Cool." Wolf said, before turned his head to look at the approaching space platform that orbited the planet. "And this is where the final battle took place during the Terran, Zerg and Protoss War. And there's nothing left of their technology?"
"That's what Natasha is showing me. It's like they just vanished." Slippy said, looking at the radar instruments to do the best detail scan he could provide.
"And if I recall. We head in that direction. We'll find the unknown planet I found you on." Fox said, placing a hand on Zeria's shoulder. She just nodded as she looked at the platform.
"Hey! What's that?" Miyu said, carefully looking at the screen. She spotted something that was different from the platform.
"It's not showing me anything on radar. What do you see?"
"I don't know, Slippy, but it definitely ain't part of this structure. I say we get a closer look."
"Might as well, Miyu. We continued like this and we'll just be passing right underneath. You'll be able to see you anomaly then." Fox said, relaxing in his captain's chair.
Krystal walked up behind him and started scratching behind his ear. A purr started to emanate from his throat. "You like that, sweetie?"
"You always know how to make me purr." He said, pulling his wife closer to give her a kiss.
I just stared at that unknown object Miyu discovered. It was definitely different from the platform. It was black while everything that surrounded it was like a dull chrome.
It had an odd shape to it, but I know I saw that….ship somewhere before. Looked like it was composed of two sections. The forward half looked like a razor sharp Christmas tree. The rear section, I can't really explain that. Narrow with two…engines sticking out.
"Natasha? Zoom in." The screen flickered and the object was now about five times bigger on the screen than it was a moment ago. "Now flip the image."
Again, the screen flickered and the image flipped itself. "Enterprise." Fox mumbled, but still loud for everyone to hear.
I stared at the ship, before finally the thought finally completed itself in my head. I ran over to a computer terminal and started typing in the name I saw. 'U.S.S Enterprise. NCC-1701-F'.
When the searched completed, everyone had finally joined around me and began to read the information Natasha provided.
"It was a human ship. How it ended up out here? I don't know." Adrian said, as he continued to read.
"Ship commanded by Admiral……..Jeff Meiners?" Fara read, as she, along with everyone turned and looked at me.
I just stared at the screen and pushed a few buttons before the screen changed. Showing the picture of the human. "Huh. This guy is pretty good-looking for a human."
Fox just turned his head and looked at me, before looking back at the view screen. He just stared at the Enterprise. "Let's head over there. All of us except for Peppy and Beltino. I want you guys within the protection of my ship. In case something about this turns sour."
Peppy and Beltino looked at stared at Fox. They nodded their heads, but they were not happy about it. "Adrian. You're flying."
Adrian perked up his head and turned and looked at Fox. A smile on his face. "Sounds good to me."
The Mercury flew out of the hanger and made its way up towards the Enterprise. As the ship got closer into view, we were able to determine that this ship had been under attack. Though, it was hard to determine how it fit perfectly into that hole in the platform?
The ship was pretty amazing to look at. Black hull glistened as we flew underneath it. It almost reminded you of obsidian. The razor style saucer section was an unique design. Plus, it had curved spikes sticking out at certain parts of the ship. Looked like a superb war vessel for the human race.
Though, it had been under attack. Probably from Cain, but what kind of power did he have to crippled this here ship? Or even almost take out the entire human race? This was beginning to get a little creepy. Almost like the Lector mission all over again.
"Right there. This is where they land their ships. Looks like a cramped hanger bay, but it looks like it can house the Mercury. Take us there, Adrian." Bill ordered, as he had been doing scans of the ship up close.
Adrian looked at Bill's screen and saw the blinking light, indicating that was the hanger bay. It was on the dorsal side of the ship, just in front of the nacelles. "Got it."
He pulled on the joystick and pulled it at a right angle, the ship responding flying upwards to the starboard side of the ship.
"This is the weird. Something doesn't feel right about this. You sense anything, love?" Fox whispered to his wife, as she was staring at the ship in front of her. She had a tense look on her face, but she also remained calm.
"I don't sense anything out of the ordinary. Everything seems normal."
"I know better than question your judgment. Alright. If you say so. Let's see what we have here." Fox said, embracing his wife's hand with his own. Immediately feeling her grasp tighten around his.
"The ship does look dead. I see a bunch of windows, but not one light is on. And those nacelles are suppose to be glowing with…..anti-matter? Doesn't make sense?" Katt questioned her readings, as she sat opposite of Bill.
Matt leaned forward over his wife's shoulders and started reading. "They used an energy source called Dilithium. Apparently, they allow the ship to travel at what they call, Warp Drive. They have to be kept in some sort of chamber called a Core. If the core takes enough damage, the Dilithium crystals become destabilized and induce a Warp Core Breach. Thus, destroying the ship."
"This ship had a core breach. But the core was shutdown and the breach was averted. Though, when all of this happened. It was about twenty years ago. This ship has been powered down for that entire time. I don't know if it'll be able to start back up. I don't think it's as easy as turning a key." Bill replied, reading where Matt had left off.
"About one minute till landing." Adrian called out, as he turned the shuttle around, heading for the stern of the ship.
"This bastard is huge. I don't think as big as the Matchitehew though." Wolf said, staring at the abandoned vessel. "About thirteen hundred meters in length. Five hundred shorter than Matchitehew." Bill answered. "But the weapons are slightly higher than your ship, Fox."
"Really? And here I thought my ship was state-of-the-art." Fox said, leaning forward to look at the stats of the Enterprise.
"Hey, Bill? Isn't there suppose to be some sort of door in front of the hanger?"
Bill looked at Adrian, then at the screen. "Yeah. There should be. Why?" "'Cause it ain't there."
Everyone looked out the cockpit window and saw that the door was gone. It looked like it had been blown away with enough force, part of the hull was missing. Indicating that the door rip it away as it floated away.
"There seems to be a containment field in front of it. Looks like we can pass through it, but if not. Hang on to something."
Adrian slowly thirsted the ship forward, closing the distance between the shuttle and the hanger bay entrance. Everyone gripped onto something solid as the ship was only a few meters away. "Brace."
I just held on, waiting to be toss slightly forward, but as the seconds went by. Nothing came. Nothing happened. But it did grow dark. Oh wait. We're inside.
Adrian lowered the ship, but it was hard to do as there was no gravity within the ship. Once he finally got the ship settled on the metal floor, he activated the magnet legs. "Alright everyone. Welcome to the Enterprise."
"Bill? Is there air on this ship?" Fox asked, as he started heading for the rear of the ship, but made a quick stop in front of the air helmets.
"We should be fine. A little stale, but if we get the air recycled within two hours. There will be no harm to us."
"Alright. Sounds good to me. Let's get a move on and start this ship back up. Or at least get the air working normally." Fox yelled, as he pushed the button to lower the ramp.
Everyone had grabbed their weapons, just in case there was some sort of resistance, but the two telepaths were not finding a signal soul on the ship. Kinda of disconcerting.
It was dark in the ship, with the little light from space, we had to activate our flashlights on our weapons. Wolf and Fox just enhanced their visions on their optic implants. As Fox also slipped on his sunglasses. Now able to see perfectly in the dark.
"Nice metallurgy. This ship seems way ahead of its time. I would love to know the history of this ship." Ryan took extra interest to the ship, gazing at the welding, the type of metal used. He had to admit, it was a bit more impressive than when he first arrived on the Matchitehew.
"Still sensing nothing, babe?" Fox asked his wife, as he remained close to him. Though, she was in such close proximity because she was trying to relax Fox. Also trying to turn him on. Which was working, but couldn't understand why she was doing this. What did he care. Not one bit.
"I wonder if this ship has a computer?" Adrian called out, finding the door that leads out of the hanger bay. "Please state identification."
Everyone looked around, listening to the female voice. There was no accent or anything. Sounded just like an emotionless voice. "I think that's a yes, Adrian." Miyu whispered to him.
"Computer? Begin power up procedures?" Fox called out, looking at the ceiling. "Access denied. Need proper authorization. Ship is in total lockdown."
"How do we unlock the ship?" "Need proper authorization and voice activation from designated commander of vessel."
"Computer. This is…..Admiral Jeff Meiners. Please unlock all subsystems of starship Enterprise. Ship is back in my hands."
The computer started a process of beeping as everyone just stared at the ceiling. "Proper authorization and voice recognition confirmed. Welcome back, Admiral." "Thank you."
Everyone just turned and looked at me. Amazed and confused at the same time. I just ignored them. "How the fuck did you know that would work? More importantly. How did you know you two had the same voice?!" Ryan yelled, in his usually amazed tone.
"Just had an assumption. I went with it and now the ship is back to normal." I said, as I walked past them. "Nice work, kid."
I stopped and turned around to see Fox smiling at me. I nodded in approval before I started walking again.
"Guess he's useful for something." Wolf mumbled to Fox, a grin across his face. Which Fox couldn't help, but chuckle at.
Everyone stepped into the hallway after Adrian opened up the door, no sign of light anytime soon. However, a second later. Everything flashed red then it darkened and it kept repeating this process every second. It was like a red, very slow strobe light.
"Hexagon shaped hallways. Interesting design. Which way do you think we should go?"
Fox looked around, wondering how to answer the arctic wolf's question. Either way we go, it'll just lead us to the sides of the ship. Though, Fox continued to ponder.
"Why don't we split up?" Fara suggested, as she emerged into the hallway. Already making up her mind on going to the left.
"I would prefer to stick together, but there are some things we should check out. Alright. You seven, (Matt, Katt, Ryan, Fay, Jeff, Bill Electra), you guys go right. We'll (Fox, Krystal, Wolf, Fara, Zeria, Adrian, Miyu) go left. We'll check out the command center. Go check the engines."
"Right, bud." Bill called out, placing a hand on Electra's shoulder to guide her through the dark hallway.
Fox watched everyone head in the direction they were told before he got on the phone. "Peppy? Fox."
"Yeah, Fox! You guys make it?" "Yeah. We made it. It's pretty something over here. When we are certain everything is secured, we'll bring you guys over." "Alright, Fox. Sounds good. Everything is excellent over here. Beltino is scanning for any signs of Cain, but so far. Nada." "Alright, Pep. If you find anything, you got my number." "You bet." Click.
Fox pocketed his phone and continued to walk along side his friends and wife. The hallways continued to keep him on edge, but his senses were telling him that the ship was empty. Even Krystal was feeling the same thing. He was just having a hard time relaxing.
"You worry too much, sweetie." Krystal told him as she leaned forward and planted a kiss on the side of his muzzle. Which he couldn't help, but turn towards her and smile.
"Hey look!" Miyu called out, as she came to an intersection, but on one wall. It had a basic map of the ship. "According to this map. The….bridge? Huh? They use bridge too. Anyway, just down the hall and up four decks."
"How might one do we get up four decks? I don't see any stairs." Wolf called out, looking in both directions, but it all looked the same to him. Already, he was lost.
"Look." Krystal leaned forward and stared at the map. Pointing her finger on a white, vertical line. "This must be some sort of elevator system. Let's find it."
"You heard the lady. Let's go." Fox ordered, as he started walking down the hallway in the direction of the elevator.
"What the fuck is a Turbo Lift?" Ryan yelled, as he stood in front of the elevator lift, but it appeared to be inoperable.
"Computer? What is the situation on the…Turbo Lifts?" "Turbo Lifts are waiting for password." "Password? I don't fucking know!" "Password accepted."
Everything shot their heads straight up, everyone was completely stunned. "Was it password or I don't fucking know?" "Password."
"It's so obvious. It's impossible to get." Bill yelled while laughing. I just stared at the ceiling, having a hard time at how simple that really was.
"Come on, kid. The engine room awaits us." Fay said, as she gently pushed me into the small lift area, but we were all able to fit.
"Please state what deck." "Umm. What deck is the engine room on?" Matt asked, looking at the black pad next to him.
"Engineering is on deck twenty-eight." "Deck twenty eight then." The computer accepted the command and it started moving downward. Amazing, no one felt the lift move.
"This is nice. Don't have to use stairs. I can get use to this." Ryan said, as he leaned up against the side of the lift and waited for those doors to open.
"You're pretty lazy, aren't you?" I turned to him, shaking my head at him, but he didn't seem to notice.
"Yep. I really am. Stairs have never been my friend."
"You know, Ryan. We could use these lifts for a bit of privacy when we aren't doing much."
I just cringed my face, as I just covered my ears. "You guys disgust me."
"What's wrong, kid? Don't like the idea of thirty year old sex?"
"Oh God. Get my out of here!"
The door finally opened and I was the first to get out. Trying my best to stay away from the horny canines. Made my skin crawl, but I had to admit one thing. Fay was pretty damn hot for thirty.
"This way. Engineering is just down the hall." Katt ordered, as she pushed her way out of the small lift and turned left. Everyone had followed her and after about thirty feet later. The came across another intersection, but to the right. Was the Core.
It looked like it was completely dead. No power was running through it. The helix coils that flowed the Dilithium Crystals, along with the plasma was not flowing. I would expect anything less. From what we read, the Core was shutdown to prevent a breach.
"Come on. There has to be some way to start this bastard."
"So this is the Bridge, huh? I feel almost at home." Fox said, as he stepped onto the bridge. Looking at the direction terminals that ran this ship.
"Look. Two command chairs for the two of us. How nice." Krystal said, as she walked down the sloped ramp that led to the command chairs and the navigation terminals.
"I can't tell what kind of terminals these are, but I'm sure they control the different systems of the ship. I hope the guys downstairs find a way to power up the engine." Wolf explained, as he knocked on the darkened screen a couple times.
"Hey guys. Look at this." Zeria said as she walked up the view screen. Everyone looked up to look in her direction, but were confused at what she was looking at.
"It's just a view screen, Zeria. Just like the one on the Matchitehew." Fara called out, starting to walk down the sloped ramp.
"Wrong." She countered, as she placed her hand upon the screen, but static electricity started to surround her hand, giving off a bright blue glow. Everyone froze at what they saw. "The screen has been shot away. There's nothing here, but a containment field separating us from the depths of space."
"What the hell happened?" Wolf muttered, approaching the railing above the command chairs.
"Apparently this ship was under attack. It must've killed off everyone on the ship. Still doesn't make sense on how this ship was pulled into a perfect hole of this platform. I just can't figure it out." Krystal gave her theory, but she just wasn't sure. She couldn't feel what exactly happened.
A loud vibration overcame the silence of the bridge, as Fox flinched and looked down to see it was his phone. He gave of a relieved sigh before he pulled it out of his pocket to answer. "Yeah?"
"Hey Fox. Cooper. We found the engine……warp core, but the thing is too far gone. It needs another power source to give it a jumpstart. I was thinking maybe you can spare a few parts from the Matchitehew in order for this to work. What do you say?"
"I'm sure I can spare a few power chargers to make it work. How many do you think this will take?"
"Umm? I don't know. I'm just hoping maybe three or four. I guarantee five, but I didn't think you would want to spare that maybe. Hopefully we can make due with just four. At least it should last us until we can get the ship to a station, maybe over Metropolis."
"Alright, Cooper. We'll head over and grab a few chargers from the engines. Meet you at the Mercury."
"Hold on there, Fox. I managed to get some juice flowing and I discovered something pretty damn nifty. Meet me in engineering. It'll cut the trip down to nothing."
"Alright. If you say so. Me, Wolf and Adrian are on our way." With that, he hung up the phone and shoved it back into his pocket. "Alright. Wolf and Adrian. We're heading for engineering. Cooper's found something."
"We just leaving the ladies here?" Adrian asked, feeling concerned about leaving Miyu in a strange place. Things didn't settle with him and he just wants to make sure she be fine.
"I know what you are feeling, Adrian. Relax. Everything we'll be fine. I promise."
Adrian just turned to look at his wife, before turning back towards the vulpine with a nod. "Don't worry. I'll be right back." "I know." The lynx called out, blowing her husband a kiss.
"Alright, Cooper. What the fuck did you find?" Wolf yelled as the three dogs entered engineering. They didn't find anyone until Ryan popper out from behind the corner.
"Hey! Look at this, you guys. This is amazing. And it works too."
The three joined the husky as they saw Bill standing on this platform and began to glow white before finally vanishing out of thing air. "What the hell?! Where is he?"
"He's on the Matchitehew." Cooper said calmly, a grin on his face.
"This is some sort of teleportation system? And it works with our anatomy?" Fox asked Ryan, before the husky's phone began to vibrate. He lifted the phone and put it on speaker.
"Hey! This thing is awesome! When can I do that again?" "Bill? Fox. You feel fine?"
"Oh yeah! That was a ball, dude! You should've heard Matt's expression. The kid said he was doing back flips off the platform because he had so much fun!"
"This is what we can use to teleport the parts for the warp core?" "Yeah! Saves a shit load of time when it comes to transferring parts by shuttle."
"When can I go?" Wolf said, very eager to try out this nifty gadget.
"Well. The kid, Matt and Bill all made it without problems. I suggest we just do this all at once. I can put a timer before the thing transports us to the Matchitehew. Be sure to stand in the middle of those white circles."
"Alright, Cooper. You saved us the hassle of another shuttle trip so when we get this ship powered up. I'm gonna buy you a Jager."
"Really? Wow. Cool, Fox." Ryan said, as he walked over to the console that controls the transporters. "Alright. Timer has been set for fifteen seconds. Let's do this!"
All of them walked onto the transport platform and waited for the timer to count down to zero. Fox felt a little anxious, but before he knew it. A white, fluxing beam appeared in front of him before long. He was back on the Matchitehew.
"You teleported us right into the engine room? Why haven't we discovered this yet? Where's everyone anyway?" Fox called out, seeing everyone except for Bill, Jeff, and Slippy.
"I don't recall. Did Slippy join us on the Enterprise?" Adrian asked, looking around to see if he could find the little green toad.
"I don't know. Who cares? Let's get this show on the ro……." Wolf was unable to finish his sentence.
No more than ten seconds after we arrived back on the Matchitehew, the whole place was shaking badly. Our whole area was lighting up with sparks and debris as we had to protect ourselves from getting stabbed.
Soon afterwards, the ship shook again. This time even harder. It sounded like something was blown off the ship. Everyone fell to the floor, the shaking no longer could be tolerated as it sounded like the ship was shaking itself to pieces.
The alarms started blaring, releasing the frightening sound that made your heart skip a beat. (If you recall. The alarm system is intro to the song, Spiel Mit Mir by Rammstein. It has a cool effect when the bass is turned all the way up. Try it. Sounds kick ass.)
Fox reached for his phone and began to call Peppy. "Peppy! What the fuck is happening?!"
"We're under attack, Fox! Burst missiles are pounding the Matchitehew. So far! We are rendered disabled and our weapons are dramatically losing power. It seems like it is coming from the planet's surface. We are now reading a ship approaching us. They are asking for our surrender."
Fox's heart definitely stopped for a good two seconds. With a ship that couldn't escape. Not even fight. Along with another ship that was basically out of the fight as well. How could they escape?
"Fox? We can transfer all the power the Matchitehew has to offer. You can use it to power up the Enterprise. You guys can make your escape."
"Whoa whoa whoa! Our escape? What the hell? What about you?" "Fox! Take whatever you need to power up the Enterprise! Beltino and I will slow them down while you make your escape!"
"Peppy! I will not let you died for our safety. We can save you!" "No Fox. As we speak the ship is docking with us and they have all intentions of taking out the bridge. We won't let them. I'm beginning transfer right now. Enterprise should be accepting the power as we speak. You will need to grab a few chargers though. I've been monitoring your conversation and take as many as you can!"
"Peppy! We are going to stay and fight with you!" "My boy. Hundred soldiers are coming aboard. You'll never survive and I know this has something to do with Cain. You are our only hope. Don't make this harder than it already is."
"Peppy…..you mustn't." "My time has finally come, Fox. I got lucky with Corneria and over the Aparoid home world. No way I can make it out of this."
"This is Beltino! Please tell Slippy I love him!"
"But what about when we do escape and they kill you? What then, General?" Adrian yelled into the phone, Fox sensing a tear forming in his eye.
"We have a little surprise for them. Hurry! All of you! They just breached through the door and we only have about four minutes before we no longer are able to help you! I love you, son!" "Peppy!"
There was no response, the call had ended before Fox yelled out his father's name. His hands started to tremble before he was shook out of his trance. He turned to find me, already carrying a power charger.
"Let's go! We don't have much time! We need two more chargers to get the Enterprise working!" I yelled in his face, causing the older vulpine to back away a little, but a snarl grew on his face.
"There's no time for that now, buddy! We need to hurry!" Matt yelled, getting Fox to cooperate. The plan worked as Fox, Adrian and Wolf grabbed a charger each. Making the total of six chargers for the Enterprise.
Peppy sat in the captain's chair, setting up his plan in order to make this work. Beltino covered him as he held dual yielded SMGs. "Alright, Beltino. This is how war veterans like us should die. Noble sacrifice. Or as what Spock from that show Star Trek would say. 'The needs of the many. Out weigh the needs of the few.'"
"I look forward to fight along side you. How much time do we have before they arrive on the bridge?"
"I have to say about three minutes. They'll soon overpower us, but we have a little secret for them. Don't we?"
Beltino looked towards Peppy, a smile brewed on his face. "They'll never know what hit them."
Peppy finished messing with the keypad on the captain's chair before he was satisfied that his deed was done. He ran towards the side of the bridge, as Beltino ran towards the other.
Their hands wouldn't steady. They knew that this was it for them. It was only a matter of minutes before they met their fate. However, even though they knew this was it for them. They couldn't help, but laugh.
"We both have had our share of death almost taking us away from our loved ones, haven't we?" Peppy said from across the room, which Beltino could not deny.
"The Orbital Gate with the Aparoid missiles trying to take it down. That was an exciting ten minutes."
Peppy just started laughing, it may have only taken about ten minutes, but it seemed like it took forever. "Oh man. I'm just glad I was able to know Fox and Krystal finally got together. And got to see all my grandchildren. I just hope they can grow up with their grandfather."
"The point is Peppy that they will grow up. And they will grow up knowing that their grandfather sacrificed himself, to save their parents. I just hope that Slippy takes my research to a whole new level. So many things I was never able to complete."
"Don't worry, Beltino. Slippy will make you proud and he will tell Amanda and his children how great of a man you are."
Beltino lowered his gaze, then glanced back at his watch. One minute and thirty seconds. He pulled back on actions of his SMGs and aimed back at the door. "I'm ready."
"What's the status on the warp core? Is it powering up?!" Fox yelled, as he ran over to the console were Ryan and Bill were working quickly, but diligently to get that core fired. It was like trying to get a spark out of a corroded spark plug.
"It wants to, but it just won't fire. Son of a bitch! I hate this machine!" Ryan yelled as he pounded on the console, creating a series of sparks. The sparks began to become more constant before finally.
Everyone turned quickly towards the blue, pulsing glow as the warp core had finally fired. Ryan laughed as he checked the power level. "We are at one hundred percent. Maybe some rough loving is all we needed."
"Shut up! Get this ship out of here! We got less than one minute!" Fox yelled as he watched Ryan begin pressing buttons.
Everyone turned towards the core again as the pulsing increased in speed. "We are now traveling at full impulse!"
The Enterprise started to lower itself out of its hole and started flying away from the Matchitehew. The ship attached to her began firing at the fleeing ship. Luckily for us, a bunch of amateurs were at the controls because they couldn't hit us.
"Peppy? They're escaping." Beltino called out, as he watched the Enterprise fleeing the scene, which started to relax the hare.
"Thank God." Peppy mumbled, before he could start hearing footsteps approaching fast. When he turned to look around, soldiers entered the bridge and started firing at the two older animals.
A barrage of bullets made contact with Beltino, causing him to fall to the ground. Peppy hid and watched his friend's life had drained away from him. A tear started to form in his eyes, but he started to fire at the soldiers.
He glanced at his watch, ten seconds to go. He had to make sure he stalled them that long. He managed to pick off one fighter, a mongoose in the head. "I still got it!" He yelled, before a blaster round impacted him in the chest.
He fell to the floor, life still barely in him, but he lost his grip on his weapon. He could feel his life slowly draining away, but as he gazed one last look at his watch. He smiled at the sight, Eleven forty-nine exact. That was the exact same time he was born. It was the exact same time, he sacrificed himself. To save his son. And his family.