Random Jump

Chapter 7: A New Mercenary!?

"Welcome to Corneria" Pepper said slowly rising from his seat his arms now folded behind his back. "I have a lot of questions but for not introductions are in order." He said as he made his way towards Clint, His guards flanking him on both sides standing a few feet behind the General. "I am General Pepper, commanding officer of the CDF." Pepper said Seriously, his hand extended to the Human in the wheel chair before him.

Staring at the offered appendage I Firmly grasp his hand with my own giving it a firm shake, not standing down from the unspoken examination the Old hound was conducting. "Clint Bowyer, former Pilot for the United States Navy." I say proudly not breaking eye contact.

Grunting in approval The generals hand returns to its previous position behind his back as he makes his way back to his seat. "now that, that is out of the way down to business ." Pepper said once again leaning on his hands, staring down at Clint and The rest of the Star Fox team. "why are you here? And what are your intentions?" Pepper said motioning for the team to sit down as well.

Clicking my tongue in thought I close my eyes thinking on where to begin. "well first let me say this, I did not intentionally arrive here. It was an escape attempt by a random slip space jump." I said softly my hands tightly clenched together into fists. "as for my intentions.. I have none as of yet." I said softly while looking down at the table.

Nodding his head Pepper sat quietly taking in the information, taking note of only the important parts of the statement. "you said escape?, are you running from your peoples law enforcement or an escaped convict?." As soon as those words left his mouth the guards behind Him could be seen reaching for their Blasters. Fox and some of the team could also be seen reaching for their own except Miyu who only tensed slightly.

My eyes widen as I realize his assumption and wave my hands franticly to avoid any misunderstandings. "No not at all" I said panicked "The Fighter I pilot is a prototype of my own design, someone was hired to attempt to steal it from me." I said quickly, hoping to defuse the situation.

Slowly the guards along as Fox and the others relaxed and hands came off of their respective blasters. "so you are seeking asylum until your people arrive?" Pepper asked as he as well relaxed in his seat, shifting into a more comfortable position.

"More or less, yes that is the situation." I said plainly.

"so you are leaving then?" Miyu asked sadly, shocking the group with the sadness laced in her voice. Her tail slowly coming to a stop behind her and ears flat against her skull.

With that something broke inside me, I couldn't tell what but it hurt. The pain in her voice, the way she looked and her body tense. I just wanted to hold her And comfort her and tell her everything will be ok, but that couldn't be right that part of me died along time ago… so what was this feeling? "I cant say for sure Miyu, they might keep me here because I made first contact." I said in an attempt to comfort her in some way.

Nodding slightly seeming to accept that answer she relaxed slightly Clints hand resting over his shoulder and ontop of hers giving a reassuring squeeze. The group still trying to process the sudden display of affection. With Krystal being the only one with a smile displayed along her muzzle.

"you knew didn't you krys?" Fox asked through his mind.

"yes I knew it was there. But they have yet to. Miyu is accepting it more then Clint im afraid. He still doesn't understand nor know what's happening like something is preventing him to" Krystal said concern flowing off her and into Fox.

"he will tell us in time Krys, don't pry ok?" Fox asked, his hand wrapping around Krystals smaller one , squeezing gently. Earning him a nod and a kiss on the cheek from her.

Cutting through the Silence effectively breaking the unexpected moment between the Human and Lyinx. General Pepper cleared his throat Grabbing their attention. "Very well, but I have a few conditions and they are non negotiable." Pepper said holding up one finger. "First you will come to a Press conference introducing your species existence holding up a second finger he said "Two you will be immediately added to the Star Fox team as a probationary Period of time, to see if you really are not a threat." General Pepper said lowering his hand back into it's normal position.

"I'll accept those conditions General, as long as Fox will have me" I said smiling brightly while looking towards the Vulpine in question.

You could hear a pin drop inside the small conference room. The silence permeating through the air. As Fox was deep in thought. " I accept" Fox said proudly, holding his hand out towards Clint. "Welcome to the Star Fox Team". He said practically beaming.

Smiling I shook his hand proudly. "Thank you for having me" I said, just as a pair of arms wrapped around my shoulders in a firm grip. Looking up I seen the smiling face of One extremely happy Lyinx.

"Welcome to the team!" Miyu said happily

Again a strange warm feeling washed over me at the sight of her. "what is this feeling?" I asked to my self. Nodding I slightly nuzzle into her arms enjoying the warmth of her fur against my skin. Causing a small blush to cross Face, barely visible through her fur.

The small show of affection goes unnoticed by the group allowing silence to again fill the room. Until a sound of displeasure breaks through.

"Tsk" Escaped Falcos break, quickly turning around he heads towards the door ignoring the eyes staring at the back of his head. "this is stupid" Falco said slamming the door shut as he made his way back to the Great Fox.

"you will have to get used to him. He grows on you eventually" Krystal said happily as she placed a reassuring hand on Clints shoulder.

"I'll have a talk with him when I can" I said Still staring at the door. "so what now? Do I have paper work to sign or what?" I said turning back to the group.

There is but, there is one last thing to clear up Clint." Fox said sternly, straighting him self and looking down to Clint, just like a officer would scold a lower ranking soldier.

"oh ok.. what is it?" I asked confused at the sudden change in His demeanor.

As if sensing the question that was coming Miyu backed away slowly from Clint, her ears flitting slightly as she sadly stepped away from him. Causing a look of confusion From Clint at the sudden lack of her presence. "who are you supposed to Exteact." Fox Asked forcefully, causing Miyu to flinch slightly.

Shock fills Clints Face, his eyes widening at the question, as his mind tried to figure out how they figured out about The A.I currently residing in his Fighter. Finally hitting him at Miyus Sudden reaction to him his eyes closed slowly. "Yes do tell" General Pepper asked sternly, his attention fully focused on Clint as well.

Sighing in defeat, I ran a hand down my face. "Well truthfully the one I'm extracting inst a person, per say" I said earning a few raised brows in response to my statement.

"Explain" Fox said, his attitude still Serious demanding Respect and submission.

"well it would he easier to show you." I sighed turning to slippy "go to my Fighter, in the cockpit there is a small slot with a number pad under it." I said plainly while staring at the Frog his attention never breaking from me. "the code is one,seven,two,nine,zero. Once that is entered a small chip will eject grab that and bring it here ok?" I asked looking at the Nervous Toad infront of me.

Looking towards Fox expectingly Slippy waits for his orders. "Go ahead" Fox said with a nod of his head sloppy bolts out of the room towards the hanger. "What is it that he is bringing Clint?" he asked.

"You will see, is there a Holographic projector here?" I asked sadly my body tense, with my hand a gripping the handles of my wheelchair tightly.

"yes" Came A response from the head of the table. General pepper tapped away onto a keyboard integrated into the table, suddenly a small globe rises from the middle and clicking into place. "why is it needed? For a this?"

"y..you will see" I said sadly as sloppy burst back into the room holding a small chip in his webbed hands.

"got it!" Slippy said walking over to Clint

"insert it into the Holograpic projector slippy" I said while slowly rolling away from the group. "once it starts please allow me to leave… she will explain the rest." I said sadly. The life practically draining from my face. Not going unnoticed Miyu instinctively started to walk towards me. Only to be stopped by my hand, a look of shock filling her face. "I need to be alone Miyu j..just stay there please." I said

Her ears once again flattening against her skull and her tail tucking between her legs and wrapping around her ankle "o..ok Clint" she all but whispered in pain of the rejection. The sight sending a lightning bolt of pain through Clints Heart.

"why? What is so bad you need to leave?" Pepper asked concerned at the sudden decline in the humans Personality.

"please I just cant stay…" I said sadly , tears brimming in my eyes as I look away from the group. Not even noticing the projector coming to life as a soft glow filled the room. A small projection of a beautiful young raven black haired and brown eyed woman appeared in the middle of the table. Her long shoulder blade length hair blowing as if wind was flowing through the room. "Clint? Where am I? I was calibrating the fighters weapons system and now i… " looking up she notices shocked faces filling the room, but to her she only cared about one person and he was in a wheelchair near the door preparing to leave. "Clint what's going on?" Lani asked Confused.

"I brought you to them Lani, explain things i..I cant be here" I said sadly as tears slowly roll down my face as all the painful memories come flooding back. The sorrow and pain permeating through the air as I slowly left the room.

The pure strength of pain and sorrow almost knocking Krystal off her feet, she stumbles back only to be caught by Fox who has a worried expression plastered across his face. "so much pain...and sorrow.."Kryatal said as a single tear rolled down her cheek staining her fur.

"w..who's pain Krys?" Fox asked as he gently wiped the tear from Krystal face, Stroking her cheek.

"Clints.." was all that was heard in the dead silence of the room. The first person to turn towards the glowing projection of the female on the table was Miyu with tears brimming In her eyes.

"what heppend to him?" Miyu asked, her hand gripping her chest tightly as if in pain her self. "why does seeing him like that hurt so much? I know my feelings f..for him are strong but this? What is this?" Miyu asked as tears rolled down her face.

"You imprinted on him Miyu" Krystal said into Miyus mind

Shocked Miyu shook her head "that cant be right only young imprint on their mothers and fathers." Miyu denied.

This is a special bond Miyu a lot different from a paternal imprinting, something inside you drew you to him that is why you feel his pain, and he feels yours in some way. Your bond is affecting him in some ways." Krystal said calmly in a soothing tone.

"w..what do I do? I don't even why he is hurting or how I can help" Miyu cried through her mind.

"listen and find out, I believe this..Woman is about to tell us their story" Krystal reasoned. While placing a gentle hand on Miyus back.

The metal conversation between the two goes unnoticed as the attention of the group is concentrated on the Hologram of the beautiful Girl infront of them. Shifting in her spot from the attention Lani sighs resigning her self to her fate. "well I guess I will begin now." She whisperd

"That would be wise" General Pepper stated as he leaned closer to the table, his hands propping his chin in place. "start where ever you like."

Nodding Lani places her arms behind her back with her eyes closed. "my name is Lani. I am an advanced artificial intelligence made and designed by Clint." She said eyeing the group cautiously. "I used to reside inside his homes personal mainframe and help with Clints daily needs and work on any prototypes he invented" she stated.

"YOUR THAT FILE I COULDN'T GET INTO!" slippy yelled.

Smiling Lani nodded in response to his outburst. "correct, and I must say you did give me a challenge. Not many have the privilege to such a claim" Lani praised the now blushing Toad.

"aww it was nothin" Slippy said embarrassed.

Turning back to the assembled group she smiles. "I now reside in this chip that is normally stored in Clints Fighter." She said. "I'm kind of a second pair of eyes if you will, now that does not mean his skill is something to Laugh at." Lani beamed with pride.

"why did he hide you from us?" Fox demanded drawing the A.I's Attention. His stance still firm and imposing.

"Because he did not know how you would react to him and my presence" she said in a serious tone. As she walked to the edge of the table and glaring down at the Vulpine challenging him.

Not backing down Fox stepped forward his chest slightly puffed out and his stance at attention. His face locked in a stern glare. "Well now he is under my command temporarily and with you under his. You now fall under mine" Fox stated loudly. "you will stand down as of now" He said flatly no if's and or buts.

Smirking Lani slowly backed away and gave Fox a nod of submission and taking her orginal place on the table. "very well" she said earning a grunt of satisfaction from Him as he backed away getting into a more relaxed state. "seeing as we are now apart of your group I will tell you why he hid me exactly she said while waving her hand. A series of fast playing images flashed infront of her, to fast for anyone to make out besides one.

"THAT'S HIS FIGHTER! AND STRANGE WEAPON SCHEMATICS!" Slippy hollers as he rushed to the table side leaning into it.

"correct" Lani stated befor the images disappeared from sight. "I hold every piece of data, designs and information on every protoype Clint has ever thought of including that jet and rifle he brought with him" She said folding her arms back behind her.

"Will you hand them over?" General Pepper asked about forcefully attempting to intimidate the A.I

"General…" Fox warned.

"No" Lani said, her eyes burrowing holes through the old hounds head. "I don't care what you do I will not hand these over without Clints permission." Lani deadpanned befor continuing. "I also have what you would call a dead man's trigger coded into my system" she said

"What is a dead man's trigger?" Miyu asked curiously

Turning to the Lyinx Lani smiled. "simple if Clint is ever held hostage or is used in an attempt to gain the information. I have a protocol I cannot resist no matter what I try, I have to destroy every bit of that information as well as my self." Lani said with what seemed like sadness and melancholy.

"you might as well ignore that program you will never have to use it, right General?" Fox asked, turning to the old hound.

"it seems like there is no choice in the matter" Pepper said with mild annoyance.

"good" Fox nodded befor turning back to The hologram. "my final question, why did Clint leave when you appeared and was so… distraught?" Fox asked.

Visibly flinching Lani took a step back. A look of pure pain and sadness across her glowing face. "I knew you would ask that" she said uncomfortably. "do you really wish to know?" she asked.

"yes!" Miyu blurted out, quickly covering her mouth in embarrassment. "s..sorry" she said to the surprised Group.

Nodding Lani sighed softly, both of her hands clenched firmly at her sides. "I am remodeled after his dead wife down to every detail.. her voice,hair,eyes, face,body type and even her clothes she last wore before being killed" she said motioning to the dress she was in.

The entire room fell deathly silent, all their eyes widening at the information that they were currently trying to process. "She was killed in action.. during a recon mission over an enemy controlled island, she gotten into an outmatched dog fight." Lani said as her face fell with her bangs covering her eyes. "She was in Clints squad and they could do nothing but talk to her and hear her fighting alone".

Low gasp could be heard as Miyu took a few steps back with hand covering her mouth and tears streaming down her face. Krystal wrapped her arm around the Lyinxs Shoulders in an attempt to comfort Her distraught friend. "Did he see her die.." Fox asked sadly tears staining his fur. Regretting ever asking the question in the first place.

"Y..yes, just as they arrived a missile struck her cockpit head on killing her instantly." Lani said slowly reseeding back into her chip. "the worst part he blames his self for her death and will not move on."

"Why does he blame himself?" Pepper asked, his face still stern and professional.

"he is the one who sent her on the recon mission in the first place." Lani croaked out befor fully disappearing back into her chip. The glow of her hologram fading from the room the lights returning back to normal. Only thing that could be heard is the silent sobs from the people who are left.

"Slippy take her back to his Ship" Fox said turning around while wiping his eyes. "Miyu I need you to find Clint and.." Stopping mid sentence Fox noticed she was no where to be found. "where did she go?" he asked confused, just catching the door closing infront of him.

CDF Solace Base: Outside Observation Deck

Sitting out on the observation deck Clint sits quietly staring out across the sea, ignoring the whispers and looks from those around him.

"I still cant even be in the same room with her, when she is like that." I said angerly to myself. "I'm so pathetic" I said aloud to no one in particular, as I rested my head against the rails surrounding the area.

"I don't think you are" an old raspy voice said startling Him.

"jesus peppy!" I said covering my heart with one of my hands. "you could have givin me a heart attack, don't sneak up on someone like that." I said looking up the the hare.

Chuckling the old hare leaned across the rails resting on his arms. "sorry my boy, I didn't mean to scare you" Peppy said smiling. "now what's with all this self pity. Nonsense" he asked while looking out across the sea.

"its not self pity peppy, just old memories" I said looking from the old hare's position and to the view as well. "I designed Lani befor my wife died." I paused slightly as tears started to well up in my eyes. "After all this time I can't be in the same room as her." I whispered

"that dosnt make you pathetic." Peppy said placing a hand on My shoulder. "you are still in pain and mourning, but that doesn't mean you can slack on your parental duties." Peppy said giving my shoulder a firm squeeze.

"p..parental duties?" I blurted out. "I'm not a parent!" I said confused. Looki g up to the old hare.

"ah but you are" Peppy said smiling. "you made Lani, from scratch code by code" he stated his hand still firmly gripping my shoulder. "you might not see her as a child, she might Not either but you are her parent her maker." He said chucking softly. "and sometimes us parents need to move past our pain for our children, no matter how much it hurts" he stated seriously, his hand dropping from my shoulder and back on the railing.

Still processing what he said inside my head I turn back to the view. "lani? My child? I guess it could be seen that way..." I mused Inside my head. "Sounds like you are talking from experience." I said.

Nodding a look of melancholy Grace's his grey features. "her name is Lucy. She's a teacher and I was in the same shoes that you are in now." He said sighing softly. "but once I noticed the pain she was in I pressed passed my own for her and now we are close then before." He said happily.

"how does this put you in my position tho?" I asked curiously.

"you don't see Lani's pain because you leave when she shows her selfie peppy said as he slowly turned to walk back into the base. "I have seen it, she needs you Clint, as a friend or father. You need to decide what to do for her sake." And with that pepys figure disappeared into the base, only to be replaced by a Familiar Feminine Figure.

"Clint" Miyu spoke softly as she quietly approached. "i..I need to talk to you" she stammered. Nervously toeing the deck under her feet.

"sure Miyu what is it?" I said pulling from my thoughts and looking up at her.

"I…i" she mumbled. As she twirled her tail In her hands nervously. "screw it.." she huffed her tail falling behind her as she quickly leaned down to His level, her face clearly flushed Under her fur.

"Miyu w..what are you doing?" I said nervously, trying to roll the wheelchair away only to be stopped by the railing. Her face only Inches away from my own her eyes closing as she edged closer. "s..stop her.. you cant do it again push her away.." apart of my self demanded adamantly. "but I can't.. she makes me feel things I havent felt in a long time… and I like it all the pain just washes away.." I said mentally battling my self.. the side wanting to winning. "Miyu.." I whispered as I closed my eyes and leaning forward.

AN: SORRY FOR THE CLIFF HANGER! BUUT HEY A GUY HAS TO DO WHAT A GUAY AS TO DO LOL. ANYWAYS THIS CHAPTER IS A LOT LONGER THEN NORMAL I WANTED TO GET A BULK OF THIS DONE AND OVER WITH. AND IF YOU ALL DIDN'T FIGURE OUT THE LANI WAS DESIGNED AFTER LANA SURPRISE… NOW THEN TILL NEXT TIME WHAT WILL HAPPEN BETWEE. THOSE TWO? WHO KNOWS! WELL I DO BUT THAT'S BESIDES THE POINT. XD IRON LORD OUT!