Time for some political intrigue.

And with this, all the prologues are done. The stage is set, and Marcus will embark on a journey that bring him a wealth of experiences, good and bad.

As always, read and review! I'm always receptive of any criticism any of you might have. Good night, and God bless.


Can I Make It Whole?

The capital city of the formerly glorious Angler Empire was one of a multitude of settlements located in the expansive Venomean Sea. The city, called Lagun, was the largest of these settlements and also contained the rudimentary trappings of a capital city— largest population and the seat of government. Being an empire, this seat was the imperial palace; large and protected by hundreds of visible turbo lasers and guard towers, the palace sent a clear message to all those who might dare try to invade it: Try, and Die.

But Dash Bowman wasn't afraid. As a matter of fact he found the defensive display slightly pompous in the light of recent events. The Angler Empire had been struck down decisively, and more insultingly not by a large army but by mercenary group. Not just any mercenary group of course—Star Fox.

The team hadn't been seen since the end of the Angler Blitz. Dash had once idolized its leader, Fox McCloud. And even now after leaving the Cornerian Army, he still did, and couldn't find it in him to hold killing his grandfather against him. Andross had been a...complicated man, after all.

But all the same, here he was, sitting in the Angler Empire's specially designed Diplomacy Room. It was the only underwater structure the Angler's had built to accommodate those who lived above the sea. Some might say that this was the empire rolling out the red carpet for visitors with a specially designed facility. It was well furnished, after all—comfortable chairs, nice carpet, etc. But Dash knew this was the only Diplomacy Room in all the empire.

The message was clear. The Anglers wanted to keep to themselves.

"They are probably keeping us here on purpose, you know. Running late just to disturb us."

"Oh, please. I doubt even these fish brains here would be that petty. Although after their thrashing, perhaps..."

"I hope you will refrain from such language when we speak to the empress, Ayn." said Dash, sighing.

"Hmmph."

For what Dash was about to propose today, he had brought an entourage, a group of simians that he viewed as the right individuals for events to come. They were an interesting bunch. Even with their quirks, Dash had hopes that he could trust them. They all sat at a coral table, with four chairs empty across from them. On their side, four chairs full.

And of course, the company helped calm his nerves.

On Dash's left sat Ayn Recushia, A former intelligence officer with the Venomian resistance, the left over faction from Andross' war. According to intel Dash had found about her, she had been good at her job. Had loved it, even. And someone good with information was something that Dash needed for what he was planning. Also, Interrogation had been a specialty of hers, her file read. When Dash had pressed her for more about that, Ayn herself had simply said she had taken her job seriously. If she needed to be rough with interrogation, then that simply needed to happen.

On his right sat Camus Arwin, the quiet one of the group. His file had been straight and simple; he was an ace. One of the best pilots that had flown in the Venomian fleet. After his illustrious record setting career the High Command of the forces had given him his own ship. Dash did not need to ask for details about how good of a captain Camus had been; Camus' ship had been one of a handful of craft that had escaped from the complete slaughter of Venomeon forces that history called the Battle of Area 6. Perhaps the Star Fox team's finest hour.

On the far right sat the only figure Dash could say made him nervous.

Heiddeger Blizen.

The man's intel left out little when it came to his illustrious career with the rebellion. One of Andross' staunchest supporters, he was know for weapons development and research. Even more shocking was that he had even flown as a pilot with the forces for some time, and had even made a reputation as a respectable flyboy. Not on Camus level, but nothing to scoff at.

Heidegger was also the eldest of the four, including Dash. Dash was obviously the youngest, with Ayn next, and then Camus. Heidegger's age was readily apparent. He stooped slightly, his brown fur was graying, and his face showed the wrinkles of age. Dash was not fooled for a moment. Heidegger's eyes gleamed with a still burning intelligence untouched by father time and...something else. Something else that made Dash nervous.

Especially nervous, because he couldn't figure out what that something was.

"Either way, he's late. It's unprofessional," remarked Camus.

"It is. But I agree with Heidegger. They are most likely testing us," replied Dash.

"And my patience is thinning," added Ayn.

"And staying is what we will do. Mr. Bowman gathered us just for this. It would be rude to run off now, right, Mr. Bowman?" asked Heidegger, looking to Dash and smiling a seemingly innocuous smile.

Dash only nodded. Something about him...

His thoughts were interrupted when the door on the other side of the table opened. It seemed they had hit pay dirt, because the first people out were obviously heralds of the Imperial Crown, dressed gaudily in noble blue armor with gold markings around their "fish bowels" as they were called. Out came the guards, dressed a less brilliant blue. Of course, the guards were all armed with blaster rifles. Though Angler people were short in stature, and seemingly unimpressive, Dash knew better. The Angler Blitz had been an intense conflict, a testament to Angler military potential.

Once the Angler heralds and guards parted into two rows, Dash and his associates were greeted with a view of the Angler leader, their new empress.

Minerva E. Angler II. Daughter of the previous king, and if her stolid visage was any indication, not at all amused at this situation. As was per the female kind of her people, she stood taller than her male heralds and guards. Her armor was bright gold trimmed with noble blue, and an equally blue cloak was wrapped around her shoulders. Dash had to admit— the empress knew how to make an appearance.

She stepped slowly, as if to intimidate the lot of them. She sat at the regal-looking chair directly across from Dash, and her ministers followed behind her, sitting on the two seats at her side. Guards were standing at either side of her, ready to kill the simians should anyone of them even twitch in a disagreeable way. Minerva folded her fins in front of her, the light from above giving the imperial crown a top her glass bowel a sheen. For a minute there was nothing by silence. Dash, and thankfully everyone else, knew better than to speak first.

"I know of you, Dash Bowman," spoke the empress, her tone as imperious as her station. She raised her gaze as to look down at them even more, considering her height, her frown dipping lower. "I know that you fought against our forces in the war, and I know that you are related to a certain madman who shall remain unnamed. Please, give me a reason why I shouldn't have my associates here kill you and your little friends."

"I have a proposition. Something that can help the both of us, I assure you." Dash answered as calmly as he could manage, trying to ignore the tense atmosphere in the room. He was surprised none of his entourage had blown up over that comment about Andross.

"Really. For our mutual benefit? When have the Simians and Anglers EVER had a proposition to benefit the both of our kinds? As I remember, we have always been antagonistic at worst, and passive aggressive at best. Again, please give me a reason to throw away historical precedent."

Dash couldn't help but smile inwardly. Her Highness was politically savvy. Definitely the kind of person her people needed.

Methodically, Dash lifted the silver brief case he had took with him onto the table. He opened it, and turned it towards Her Highness so she could see. If the slight widening of her royal eyes was any indication, Dash had gotten somewhere.

"Credits?" she replied. "Bowman, if you think you can bribe me, then I really should kill the whole lot of you."

"It's a gift, a gift to build up your nation and forces again."

Now that caught her attention.

"...explain." Her Highness demanded.

"Being in Andross' family, I received access to his fortune recently. Needless to say, he was very busy man, and made much money with his research. What I have given you is only a drop in the bucket. I want you to build up your forces again, and I will build up the Venomean Remnent. Plenty of Simians on Venom still believe in what Andross tried to do." spoke Dash

"Andross was insane, Bowman. And his war with Lylat cost him the reputation of his Simian brothers and sisters. I am surprised people still hold him in esteem." replied Her Highness.

"He was...yes, I will admit, the power got to him. But I am not him. I have Venom's interests at heart," began Dash, pointing to himself and giving the Angler Empress a determined look. "There is a stigma towards Venom and her people, Your Highness. We both know that. If not outright racism, then a dark sort of prejudice. We both wish to end that. I want Venom to be strong again. I want her respected. The only way to do that is to make her strong, and bring our people together. So to do this...I propose to rebuild the planet together. I will do what my grandfather failed to do."

Dash saw Her Highness examine him for a moment, squinting her eyes. Then she looked at the people he had brought with him.

"And who are they?"

"Your Highness, allow me to introduce Heidegger Blizen, Ayn Recushia, and Camus Arwin. They are the people I have chosen to lead reconstruction efforts on this planet. All of them have military experience with leading, and I believe they shall do well at their jobs."

Once again Her Highness gave them all a cursory glance. Dash couldn't remember a time where he had received such a blazingly intense look in his life.

"...Ever since the loss of the last war, my people have had to wallow in pity and disheartedness. When I took the throne, I knew my job was going to be hard. And what's more, I expected no one to help me. My father had taught me that the only ones who look after Anglers...are Anglers themselves." began her highness.

"And now you bring this to me. A proposition to build up both of our civilizations again. For a mutual benefit. It all seems far too good to be true."

Dash did not respond.

"...you realize, of course, that should you be duplicitous, I will have all your head's, correct? In a very timely fashion."

Dash's spirits rose. "You mean, you will agree?"

Slowly, Her Highness nodded. "I will make sure to keep a close eye on all of you. I don't trust you completely, but as the empress I must have my people in mind. Which is why I will agree tentatively. You are all dismissed. I shall see you in the future."

And with that, Her Highness and her people departed, leaving Dash and his fellow Simians alone.

"Mr. Bowman, remind me to always compliment you on your diplomacy." remarked Heidegger, turning towards him.

Dash nodded. "I know both of our people need help. Hence the reason why I am here."

"Admirable." remarked Camus. Dash turned to him and smiled. That sounded like genuine praise. Coming from someone like Camus, that was something special.

"Now that we are finished here," began Ayn, rising out of her chair and beginning to walk towards the elevator that would take them back to the surface, "we should start planning in earnest."

Dash agreed, and all four of them began to walk. Dash noticed Ayn had hurried ahead to be closer to Heidegger.

Curious.

Camus, on the other hand, simply hung back, staring at the two in front carefully, and then looking over to Dash.

The only thing Dash could think as they rode up the elevator back to surface t was how relieved he was that his plans were finally coming together. Maybe, just maybe, he could make Venom whole.