Hello Star Fox fans! Thankfully, this chapter came out sooner than most (and by sooner probably multiple days sooner...). Here is the next installment of the Crimson Star story. Leave a review if you'd like, and as always; enjoy the chapter!
10. Changes
~Accepting defeat is never an easy task, and one normally blames himself for doing so. He may not realize however that he must lose a battle in order to win a war. These sacrifices must be made for the greater good, and it can be difficult to accept that reality when the time comes.
The team was sitting in the bridge of the Great Fox II and their moods were far from content. Freddy and Abigail were slouching in a pair of chairs next to the navigation terminal, Falco was leaning forward in a chair and twirling a combat knife in his hands, Sierra sat quietly in a chair in front of the communications terminal, and Marcus stood alone right in front of the windshield looking out into space.
"We failed…" Marcus said.
"Marcus…" Fred said. "At least we're alive."
"I'm not going to let the McCloud name be ruined with us fleeing like cowards."
"We're not cowards." Abigail said. "We've apprehended so many criminals over the years and we've made quite the reputation for ourselves."
"I can see where he's coming from." Falco said. "I've been in tight situation back in the day we'd never retreat."
"But this is worse." Sierra said. "You haven't faced the Crimson Organization before; you don't know what they're like in combat."
Marcus quickly turned around and shot an angry look at Sierra.
"I'm pretty damn sure I know what they're like!" Marcus yelled. "They're a bunch of scumbag pilots that-"
"Hey! That's enough!" Falco yelled.
Marcus was silenced by Falco's words and his heart stopped for a moment. He quickly realized what was happening and he noticed the nervousness in Sierra's eyes.
"Sierra…" Marcus said.
"Yelling at each other won't solve anything kid." Falco said. "If we fight amongst ourselves we might as well surrender and let the Crimson Organization have their way. Is that what you want Marcus?"
"No!" Marcus said. "It's just that…"
Marcus tightened his fist and he bore his teeth. He lowered his head and his anger started to grow.
"I hate running…" Marcus said. "Makes me sick."
"Don't you think we hate running to?" Fred asked.
"At least we're alive Marcus…" Abigail said. "Live today, and fight tomorrow."
Marcus released his grip in his fist and he took a deep breath. He looked at Sierra once more and she could see the guilt in his eyes for yelling at her.
"I'm sorry Sierra…" Marcus said.
"It's ok." Sierra said.
"Thanks… And Thanks Falco."
"No problem kid." Falco said. "Now that your anger is aside, what next?"
Marcus walked over to a nearby chair and he took a seat. His chair was spaced out in between Falco and Sierra's, and he could see Fred and Abigail sitting in front of him. He took a moment to think and he sat back in his chair.
"Anything?" Fred asked.
"Give him a minute." Abigail said.
Marcus tried to think and he was going over any in all possible scenarios in his head. He could not think of an ideal place to continue after Zoness, but before he would give up on his thoughts, the team received a call.
"Incoming transmission." ROB said. "The recipient is the Black Sun."
"Put it through." Marcus said.
ROB activated the communications terminal and the holographic image of Axios wearing his mask and robes appeared before the team.
"You all look disappointed." Axios said.
"Way to brighten the mood." Falco said.
"Remind me again why you forced us to flee Zoness?" Marcus asked.
"Here's why." Axios said.
Axios pushed a button on his wrist communicator and they saw the image of Zoness appear over their ship's holoboard. They saw a series of coordinates highlighted on the planet and they made the connection.
"That's where the tanker fleet was." Fred said.
"So what about it?" Abigail asked. "We destroyed it, why are you showing us this?"
"There's more." Axios said.
Axios pushed another button and soon the image of the planet magnetized. The team was now looking at the holographic image of an underwater fortress. The fortress was massive in size and it was built within an underwater canyon deep under Zoness's vast ocean ceiling.
"This is why I had you fall back." Axios said.
"Whoa…" Fred said.
"That's a big base…" Falco said.
"Bigger than the Black Sun's floating fortress." Axios said.
"Why are you showing us this?" Abigail asked.
"Ask Sierra."
All eyes turned on Sierra and they could see the surprise in her eyes.
"So that's where it was…" Sierra said.
Sierra noticed all eyes were on her and she remembered.
"When I was young and in the early stages of my training," Sierra said, "I heard a rumor that the Crimson Organization was going to head quarter themselves in Lylat. They decided that they would have two bases, one in the Philat System, and another in the Lylat System."
"Sierra," Marcus said, "you're not saying that this base…"
"This is the Lylat headquarters for the Crimson Organization." Axios said. "I made you flee because even if you defeated the Five, the organization would have sent everything against you and Corneria."
"Are you telling me we accidentally discovered the Crimson Organization's min base?" Fred asked.
"Well now I feel like an idiot…" Falco said.
"Don't be." Axios said. "This is crucial that you have discovered it, and your discovery could not have come at a better time."
"Why is that?" Abigail asked.
"I want you to return to MacBeth. I have something for your fighters, something that'll help you combat the Five in flight."
"Is it a ship mod?" Fred asked.
"Better."
The team looked amongst themselves and then they looked at Marcus. Marcus leaned forward in his chair to think about his choice.
"Ok," Marcus said," we'll do it. ROB, set a course for MacBeth."
"We're already en route to Corneria." ROB said. "Are you sure you'd like to change route?"
"Yes. Do it."
"Affirmative. Changing course to MacBeth now."
"And keep us away from Zoness." Falco said.
"Far… away from Zoness." Sierra said.
The Great Fox II deviated from its current trajectory towards Corneria and it turned back out towards MacBeth. While the team ventured outward to MacBeth, there was a pair of foxes keeping close tabs on the general. Fox and Krystal were currently within their home at the time enjoying a moment with each other within their living room. However, their moment would eventually come to an end as Fox was placing a jacket on and preparing to leave their home.
"How long are you going to be gone?" Krystal asked.
"I'll come back in a few hours." Fox said. "I want to make sure Peppy is brought up to speed."
"Are you sure you want to tell him about Axios?"
"Now would be the ideal time."
Fox walked over to a wall in the living room and he approached an electronic picture frame of Marcus as a young pup. Fox placed his hand on the frame and a white line scanned his hand print. A hidden door opened up next to him and he was looking at three weapon racks with multiple ammo baskets below.
"I'd hoped you'd never have to open that door again…" Krystal said.
Fox was frozen by those words and he lowered his head. He took a deep breath and he reached out for his blaster and he loaded a fresh clip into it. He placed a few more clips into the back of his jacket and he closed the door. He turned and faced Krystal and he could see a look of irritation in her eyes.
"Krys…" Fox said.
"I know." Krystal said. "Thing are different now."
Fox was surprised when he saw Krystal grab her jacket and put it on.
"That's why I'm coming with you." she said.
"Krystal, I don't think-"
"Oh don't even get me started. Remember Star Wolf?"
Fox's eyes widened and he was frozen in place at the thought of what happened prior to the Anglar Blitz.
"Point taken." Fox said.
Krystal walked up to Fox and she reached into the weapons locker. She pulled out her staff from the locker and she gave Fox a questioning look.
"Are you going to stop me?" Krystal asked.
"I've tried that multiple times during the Black Suns Conflict." Fox said. "And since I failed every time; I just gave up."
Krystal chuckled at the comment and she sheathed her staff behind her jacket.
"Let's get going." she said.
Fox and Krystal left the house and walked to their car. They both drove to the Cornerian capital with the intent to check up on Peppy. After a few minutes of driving, they found themselves within the streets of the Cornerian capital city. Krystal took a moment to admire the scenery from the car as the streets were filled with people walking on the sidewalks and going about their daily lives.
"It's strange isn't it?" Krystal asked.
"Huh?" Fox asked.
"These people, they're just going about their lives without the fear of any new major war."
"They have us to thank for that."
"And Marcus too. He has the same celebrity status you and I have."
"Thankfully he's working instead of signing autographs all day."
Krystal chuckled at Fox's comment and she sat back comfortably in her seat. After a few more minutes of driving, the pair had reached the street level of the Cornerian capital building. Fox and Krystal both dismounted the hover car and they were greeted by a shofar driver.
"Greetings sir." the shofar driver said. "I'll move- Oh my… Fox and Krystal McCloud! What an honor!"
"The honor is ours." Fox said. "Do you know if the general is in his office?"
"We have a meeting with him set up in a little bit." Krystal said.
"He should be up there. I'll have your car stored in the executive lot behind the capital building." the driver said. "Again, it was an honor meeting you both."
"Thank you." Fox said.
Fox and Krystal ascended the stairs into the lobby of the Cornerian capital building and Fox was surprised.
"They surely cleaned up since the fire fight." Fox said.
"You know I was scared to death when I heard you and Marcus were involved in that." Krystal said.
"I made sure he was safe. There's no way I'd let Marcus get hurt; I'll die before that happens."
Hearing those words brought a chill up and down Krystal's spine. Fox notice her tense up and he quickly changed his tone. He wrapped his arm around Krystal's wasit and Krystal wrapped her arms around Fox's neck feeling his warm embrace.
"Don't say things like that…" Krystal said. "You two boys are all I have. If anything had happened, I don't know-"
"If anything happened…" Fox said. "I wouldn't know what to do with my life either. You and Marcus are my only family left, and I'll always make sure I never lose you both."
Fox and Krystal smiled at each other and brought their lips together to share a quick kiss. After they had relieved themselves of their worries, they continued into the lobby and approached the front desk. Fox recognized the hare in the officer's uniform and he smiled.
"Can I help you- Oh my god…" Diana said.
"Fancy seeing you here ma'am." Fox said.
"Mr. McCloud! My goodness…"
"Friend of yours?" Krystal asked.
Fox looked at Krystal and noticed that she was giving him a look of irritation.
"Marcus and I saved her life during the lobby shooting." Fox said.
"Oh…" Krystal said. "Never mind."
The two focused their attention forward at Diana once more.
"I never got to thank you and Marcus for saving my life that day." Diana said.
"It's what we do." Fox said. "We're happy you made it out ok."
"Me too."
Diana made eye contact with Krystal and she froze.
"Oh I'm sorry…" Diana said. "My name is Diana Alders; I'm the receptionist for the offices of the Cornerian Capital Building. It's very nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you too." Krystal said. "My name is Krystal, I'm Fox's wife."
"A pleasure Mrs. McCloud. Now how can I help you both?"
"We're here to visit the general." Fox said. "Is he in his office?"
"Yes he is. I'll let him know you're on your way."
"Thanks you."
Fox and Krystal walked over to the side of the lobby and they entered the elevator. As they started to rise, Krystal and Fox had a few moments to themselves. Fox and Krystal were leaning on the ends of the elevator and they we're looking through the glass out into the view of the Cornerian capital.
"It's beautiful…" Krystal said.
"Sure is." Fox said. "The capital is a shining symbol of hope to the people. It amazes me that we've been able to defend it for this long."
"I guess now a day we have more time to admire it since we're not out there in the field anymore."
"Isn't that the truth…?"
Fox looked at Krystal and gently held her hand over the railing of the elevator. Krystal smiled and she brought herself closer to Fox. Fox wrapped his arm around her waist and the two continued to enjoy the view.
"The things you and Marcus get into these days…" Krystal said. "Sometimes I think you're plotting behind my back."
"Now why would we do that?" Fox asked cheerfully.
"You two… Sometimes you drive me crazy."
"That's why we love you Krys."
Krystal smiled and rolled her eyes while Fox held her close. The two smiled at each other again and they brought their faces close to share a kiss. However, before their lips could touch their elevator came to a violent stop and started to shake around them.
"What the?!" Fox asked.
The two of them looked up and noticed that there was an explosion top floor of the capital building.
"That's where Peppy is!" Krystal said.
Fox pushed a button on the elevator door and the elevator opened its doors three floors underneath Peppy's floor. Fox pulled out his blaster and Krystal pulled out her staff and the two quickly left the elevator. As they did, they turned and noticed that the elevator was quickly taken out by a piece of debris falling from the top floor. They both stood there and they saw the elevator fall down to the ground.
"Guess we won't need that anymore." Krystal said.
"We need to get to Peppy." Fox said. "Come on let's go."
Fox and Krystal had their weapons at the ready and the prepared for the worst. They moved through the halls on the 22nd floor of the capital building until they found a stair well. As they climbed, they were successful in reaching the 24th floor of the capital building but they couldn't reach the 25th as debris was blocking their path. As they approached the door, Krystal felt a new presence within the building and she quickly tapped into its mind.
"Fox…" Krystal said.
"What is it?" Fox asked.
"We're not alone up here…"
Fox cautiously approached the door to the 24th floor and he looked through the window. To his surprise, he noticed a group of black robed gunmen within the hall ways and he quickly retracted his head behind the door.
"Krys." Fox said.
"It's the Crimson Organization." Krystal said.
"We need to get to Peppy, right now."
"We'll have to fight our way up there."
"Are you ready?"
"Let's do it."
Fox looked through the window again and noticed the first gunman's back was turned. He slowly opened the door and he and Krystal entered the hall. Fox slowly approached the gunman from behind and he placed his blaster behind his jacket. He tip toed behind him and spread his arms out as he was about to grab him. Before the gunman had a clue of what was about to happen, Fox wrapped his arms around the gunman's neck and he quickly forced him to the side of the hall way. He tightened his grip around the gunman's neck and he snapped it. Afterwards, he dragged his body behind a corner and the two continued through the halls.
"Vicious aren't we?" Krystal quietly asked.
"More like efficient." Fox said.
Fox and Krystal slowly approached another corner in the hall and they noticed two more gunmen standing in between them and the next intersection.
"Any ideas?" Fox asked.
"I'll take the one on the left." Krystal said. "You take the one on the right."
Krystal quickly crossed the hall way to the other end and she readied her staff. Fox pulled out his blaster and he readied it to fire. Krystal took that moment to step out into the hall and she aimed her staff at the left hand gunman while Fox aimed his blaster at the right hand gunman. Krystal fired a fire ball at her target while Fox fired his blaster and the two of them watched as the two gunmen fell lifeless to the ground.
"Still got it." Krystal said.
"It never really leaves you." Fox said.
As the two moved through the hall they quickly moved past the corpses and noticed another hall way that led to a stair well.
"There's the door." Fox said.
However, as they turned into the hall they heard an explosion in the hall behind them. They noticed another group of gunmen quickly enter the hall and soon they were spotted.
"Fox!" Krystal said.
Fox aimed his blaster and fired off multiple rounds at the gunmen. He was successful in killing two of them but the rest quickly opened fire on the couple. Fox and Krystal ran around the corner and they quickly ran for the door to the stairwell.
"Go go!" Fox said.
Fox and Krystal smashed their way through the door and they quickly turned the corner to avoid being shot. They quickly ascended the last set of stairs and they found the door to the 25th floor. However, they noticed a fire fight between the crimson Organization and a few remaining Cornerian guards happening in the grand hall before Peppy's office and they also noticed that there were fires spreading throughout the hall.
"My god…" Krystal said.
Fox's attention quickly went downward as he noticed a group of gunmen ascending the stairs behind them. He aimed his blaster and he fired off multiple rounds at the gunmen which resulted in killing two of them.
"Krystal!" Fox said. "Through the door! Fight your way to Peppy's office!"
Fox and Krystal didn't hesitate any longer and they forced themselves through the door. They were quickly coming up behind a group of gunmen standing in the center of the hall and they would end up catching them by surprise. Krystal slid on the ground towards the first gunmen and she kicked his feet out from under him. She quickly rose to her feet and she used the spear end of her staff to stab it into the gunmen's chest. Fox took that moment to brush right by Krystal and he fired upon another pair of gunmen with his blaster. As the first three men fell to the ground lifeless, the second line of gunmen noticed they were coming and they quickly turned their attention backwards.
"Behind us!" one of the gunmen called out.
"Take them down!" another said.
Fox and Krystal sprinted up to the next line of gunmen and they assaulted them from the rear. The gunmen were too late to react as Fox and Krystal unleashed a wave of blaster rounds and fire balls at them. One by one the gunmen fell to the ground lifeless from the rear ambush and soon Fox and Krystal reached the door to Peppy's office. However, the door was locked from the inside and Fox and Krystal were still trapped from the gunmen behind them. Also, the last few Cornerian guards had been killed and Fox and Krystal were alone.
"Take cover!" Fox said.
Fox and Krystal quickly ducked behind some debris that was left from the explosion and they readied themselves.
"Fox!" Krystal said. "What now?!"
"Hold them off!" Fox said.
Fox quickly poked his head out of cover to gauge where the Crimson gunmen were coming from. As soon as he saw one appear he'd quickly point his blaster and fire off multiple rounds. Krystal did what she could by firing fireballs with her staff and she was successful in killing the gunmen whenever she had the chance. However, after a few minutes of fighting Fox eventually ran out of ammo and Krystal's staff ran out of energy.
"Fox!" Krystal said. "My staff is out of energy!"
"And I'm out of ammo!" Fox responded.
"Look out!"
Fox looked to his side and he noticed a gunman turning the corner right next to him. Fox quickly rushed the gunman and tackled him to avoid being shot. He and the gunman quickly struggled over control of his rifle until Fox was able to force the rifle barrel to point at the gunman. Fox pulled the trigger and the gunman's head busted right in front of him and Fox fell backwards. He took a moment to grab the gunman's rifle and he quickly took cover again.
"How many are there?!" Fox asked.
"There's six!" Krystal said.
Krystal poked her head out for a brief moment but quickly retracted it due to incoming fire.
"No seven!" Krystal said.
Fox poked his head out to fire at the gunmen but as he fired his rifle they all quickly took cover as he fired. He was only successful in killing two of them until the rest of his targets disappeared.
"Five left!" Fox called out.
After a brief moment, the gunmen opened fire again and Fox and Krystal's' cover was quickly disintegrating. Krystal lowered herself even more until her back was up against her cover and she was virtually lying down on the ground. She held her staff close and she turned her head as often as she could to gauge the position of her attackers. After nearly being shot again, she took a deep breath and she looked at Fox.
"Fox…" Krystal said.
Fox was firing his rifle at the gunmen again and managed to kill one of them before running out of ammo.
"Four left!" Fox said.
"Fox!" Krystal said.
"What is it?"
"Something bad is about to happen… I need you to be strong ok?"
"Krystal, I don't like where this is going…"
Krystal took a deep breath and she closed her eyes. She gently set her staff down and she placed both of her hands gently on her forehead. She focused on all the minds within the grand hall and she was able to tap in to everyone's mind, including Fox's.
"I'm sorry Fox." Krystal thought.
Fox was able to hear her thoughts as she was already connected to his mind.
"Do it Krystal!" Fox said.
Krystal focused her mind on everyone within the room. She could not divert her attention away from Fox as he was right in front of her. She tapped deep into each person's mind and she was able to tap into their senses of pain. Krystal suddenly felt a surge of power in her mind as her telepathic waves grasped the minds of everyone within the room. She dug deep into their sense of pain and she triggered it within everyone. She let out a scream as her telepathic powers sparked pain within her mind along with everyone else and everyone in the room heard a high pitch siren go off in their heads giving them pain like no other.
Within the room, all the gunmen instantly fell to the floor grasping their heads and rolling on the ground. They were all yelling in pain as their senses made them think they're heads would explode. However, there was one individual trying as hard as he could to mend the pain. Fox was on one knee looking at Krystal with a strained look and feeling pain like no other, but he knew what was coming before it happened. He took that moment to stand from his cover and he slowly staggered to the gunmen that were yelling in pain on the ground.
"Krys… tal…" Fox said. "You've… really out… done your… self this time…"
Fox noticed a rifle on the ground in front of him and he reached down to pick it up. He noticed the first gunman on the ground in front of his and he slowly staggered his way to him. Fox aimed his rifle and placed a rifle round within his head. Fox noticed the next gunman to his side and he aimed his rifle and fired another rifle round. He continued to slowly stagger forward and he saw the third gunman on the ground screaming to his side. Fox aimed his rifle and placed a round through his head and he noticed the last gunman slowly trying to get up and flee the room. Fox aimed his rifle and he fired off multiple shots to kill the last gunman.
"Krystal…" Fox said. "Kill it… now!"
Krystal relaxed her mind and she quickly removed her fingertips from her forehead. She felt her pain go away instantly but as soon as she killed the link with everyone's mind she quickly turned her attention to Fox. Fox dropped to his knees and he had one hand on his head trying to mend the pain. Krystal ran up to him and she placed a hand on his shoulder and the other on his head.
"Fox," Krystal said, "lie down…"
Fox was having the most painful migraine he could ever have as a result from Krystal using her abilities. He slowly let himself sink to the ground and he lied down on his back while Krystal was trying to help him. Krystal placed her fingertips on Fox's forehead and she tapped into this sense of pain. While last time she triggered it giving Fox a terrible migraine like sensation, she reversed her effects and calmed the nerves within Fox's mind. After a brief moment, Fox felt no more pain from within his head and he sat up and smiled at Krystal.
"That hurt Krys…" Fox said.
"I'm sorry…" Krystal said. "I won't ever do that again, I promise."
Fox pulled Krystal close to him and he embraced her to relieve her of her guilt from using her telepathic powers on him.
"I'm fine now Krys, I'm ok." Fox said.
Fox and Krystal rose to their feet and they took a deep breath. After they were relived, they both ran up to the doors of Peppy's office. They tried to open them but they realized that the office was sealed from the other side.
"Damn…" Fox said.
Krystal closed her eyes and she placed her fingertips on her forehead. She was able to tap into Peppy's mind within the office.
"Fox." Krystal said. "I found Peppy. He's in there with two other commanders and his private security."
"Tell them to open the door for us." Fox said.
Krystal tapped into the minds of the people in the room again and she found Peppy standing behind his office desk. She tapped into his mind and she opened up a psychic link to talk with him.
"Peppy." Krystal said.
Peppy was startled for a moment and he realized what was happening shortly after.
"Krystal?" Peppy asked. "What's going on? How are you in my head?"
"Fox and I are outside your door." Krystal said. "Let us in."
Peppy nodded his head and he called out to his personal guards.
"Open the doors." Peppy said.
"Sir," his guard responded, "we haven't verified whether or not the enemy has been-"
"I said open the door!"
The guard was still confused and he heard another voice call out to him.
"The general said open the damn door!" Raynor said.
After a brief moment, Fox and Krystal noticed the large office doors opening and they were finally able to see Peppy and the rest of his guards. To Fox's surprise, he also noticed Raynor with Peppy and his guards.
"Ha!" Raynor said. "Look what the cat called in."
"Raynor!" Fox said. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you both the same thing. I've been stationed to patrol the capital district ever since the first lobby shooting. I was up here being briefed by the general on security when the bomb went off."
"Thank you sergeant." Peppy said. "Secure the area. No one else gets on this floor."
"Yes sir. I'll see you guys later."
Raynor ran off into the grand hall and he disappeared behind the debris with another pair of Peppy's guards.
"Peppy, are you all right?" Fox asked.
"I'm fine." Peppy said.
"Those were Crimson soldiers that were attacking." Krystal said.
"I'm well aware of that. Guards, leave us for a moment."
The remaining guards within Peppy's office left the trio to converse privately and Fox ans Krystal felt something strange.
"You knew they were Crimson?" Fox asked.
"I did." Peppy said.
"How?" Krystal asked.
"Fox, Krystal, I've come to learn a lot of thing over my years. One thing I've been particularly good at is digging up the truth. Let me show you."
Peppy walked to his desk and he pushed a series of buttons on the top. After a brief moment, Fox and Krystal saw a holographic image of Axios appear over the desk's holoprojector.
"Hey guys." Axios said.
"Axios?!" Fox asked.
"What?" Krystal asked.
"Surprised?" Peppy asked. "Well don't be."
"Fox, Krystal," Axios said, "Peppy discovered my existence roughly a year after I left Corneria. One of his drones picked up the Archangel when I was making a visit to Papetoon."
"I sent a Special Forces team to investigate the Archangel and I realized that Axios was still alive. After I learned the truth, I agreed to keep his identity a secret, and as far as the agents I sent to investigate; they have all taken an oath of silence to never speak about the mission."
"So you always knew…?" Krystal asked.
"Ha! You thought I didn't?"
"Well that takes care of that then." Fox said. "But how did you know about the Crimson soldiers?"
"Because I told him." Axios said.
"Then how did you know about them?"
"I have my own hidden camera feeds placed within the capital building. I know everything that's happening even before Peppy does."
"Careful there son…" Peppy said.
"Any ways, as soon as one of my cameras picked up the Crimson tattoo on one of the gunman's wrists an alarm sounded on my systems. I warned Peppy to brace himself just in the nick of time."
"Good work." Fox said.
"I also filled Peppy in on our grand scheme. He knows everything we know."
"So then you know what we need to do." Krystal said.
"The Crimson Organization wants me out of the way to plant their agent as the general of the Cornerian military." Peppy said. "But as long as I hold the office I won't be going anywhere. I've been keeping tabs on all of my possible successors closely and none of them had showed any sign of treason."
"Either way," Fox said, "we shouldn't take chances."
"I've already tightened security after this event and keeping tabs on fleet traffic. I'll know everything that happens with Cornerian involvement even as far as Venom."
"Peppy, I'm a little concerned about the men you sent to find Axios." Krystal said. "Are you sure they're loyal enough to not speak about his existence?"
"Don't worry Krystal…" Axios said.
Axios was in his circular communications room when he was talking to Fox, Krystal, and Peppy. Axios slowly turned around and he saw eight figures standing behind him. The figures were all standing in a military like attention position with their hands behind their back. Axios smiled for a moment and then he turned his head forward again.
"They won't say a thing." Axios said.