Borderland references are completely at random. I don't own that by the way. Or Star Fox for that matter... have I said that in this fic yet?

"What the hell Peppy?" Falco yelled, slamming his fist on the old hare's desk. "You drag me all the way out here just to tell me something as stupid as this?"

If Peppy was taken aback at Falco's tone he didn't show it. "I didn't realize something as important as you clearance codes meant so little to you." He paused for a moment, taking a drink of the scotch he poured just before the avian had arrived. "I guess you can leave then."

Falco glared at his former teammate. "You know as well as I do that the only other person who could have known my codes was Fox. So, if you implying he came back from the dead and is now trying to pull a fast one on us..." Falco shook his head. "If anything it got stolen when someone hacked into your network."

Peppy took another small drink. "There hasn't been anyone smart enough to get through our systems. Slippy and Beltino spent an entire month setting up the servers. If someone even managed to break past the first fire wall the worm encrypted within it would shut down their computers almost instantly."

"Obviously not quick enough, else I wouldn't be here." Falco muttered, he stepped away from the desk, looking out into the sea of military personnel. "Have you found the source yet?"

Peppy picked up a hologram, instantly it showed the picture he'd shown Slippy earlier. "We've known for a few hours now. I sent Star Wolf to apprehend this ship and its pilot." He walked up beside Falco, handing him the screen. "Did you want a drink?"

"Sure." Falco quickly looked over the photo. "How are those sorry excuses for heroes doing?"

Peppy chuckled. "They've taken their new roles quite well." He handed Falco a glass, tapping his own glass to it gently. "You might say they've got the same drive Star Fox did when we were out saving the world."

Falco choked on his drink, and coughed a few times before bursting into laughter. "You've got to be kidding me! Star Wolf, with the same drive we had? I think you've had too much to drink old timer."

Peppy's smile faded, he swirled the alcohol around in his glass. He knew Falco was likely to react like that, and in some sense that should have given him joy. Finally, someone else trusted Star Wolf as much as he did. So why then did he feel off? He watched his soldiers move swiftly and smartly around the comms room. None of them would even question him if he removed Star Wolf from active duty.

Then again he couldn't really justify Corneria's newest defenders. They had actually been quite the asset and – if he allowed himself – he could come to call them one of the greatest teams he had at his disposal. "Take a close look at that photo Falco. You might see someone you know."

Falco scoffed but began to study the photo. "Shit." He pointed at the AI they both knew. "What's Rob doing in some hunter's tin can?"

"Slippy's working on that as we speak." Peppy finished off his drink and set the empty glass on his desk. "All we've got so far is the word of a criminal, who by the way, would have fit perfectly in your old gang. He gave us the name of a well known bounty hunter named Kursed. We've been tracking her now for the better part of the day."

Falco watched as the information on the hologram changed to Kursed. "Just a day huh?" He grinned. "Where's she headed?"

"Using your codes she had Rob take information from our servers for what we assume is her next hit." The image on screen changed to Zero. "Whoever this feline is he's not likely going to have his life for very much longer."

"Zoness?" Falco gasped, turning to face Peppy. "We've gotta warn them! We both know that planet is only for vacationing, they've got no military force there."

"We've got a small group of under-covers over there. As per former General Pepper's final requests, Corneria has military commandos and a small squad on every planet in the Lylat system. I've already sent word to the Commander on Zoness. And they'll be backed up by Star Wolf once they arrive." Peppy clasped his hands behind his back. "And since you know the planet better than most, I was going to offer you one of two choices."

"Which are?" Falco asked, trying not to sound too desperate.

"First; Simply a guide. You know the best places to find a bounty hunter, as I assume you've sold information before. And your knowledge of the planet would prove invaluable since my men are only stationed around the major cities. If you take this option I would compensate you as such." Peppy waited a minute, giving Falco time to think it over. "The second, and I believe this one is more suited for you. Head to Zoness, join up with Star Wolf – on paper only I might add – and help them bring in these hunters that stole Rob and used your old Star Fox codes to get sensitive information."

"I wouldn't call getting info on whomever the hell Zero is sensitive information. Plus the idea of having to work alongside that god awful lizard makes me want to puke." Falco crossed his arms, tapping his beak with his fingers. "But I've been ignoring the call of the sky for too long. I'll help you out Peppy, and work with Star Wolf this once. But on one condition." Peppy waited a moment before motioning for him to continue. "If any one of those so called heroes tries something stupid I will put them down."

Peppy chuckled. "While I can't officially agree with that request, I will truly miss anyone who doesn't make it back from a mission." He extended his hand. "It's good to work with you again Falco."

Falco grinned, grabbing Peppy's hand and shaking it firmly. "Just like old times Pep. Tell me, is Skyclaw kicking around here still?"

"Hanger 18, and you might want to thank Slippy when you get back. He's been giving it more attention that you these last few years." Falco gave him a mock salute before tossing the hologram and dashing towards the hanger; eager to feel those G forces once more.

"General Peppy to Beltino Orbital Gate. Skyclaw is clear for use of the gate system to Zoness. Priority one." Peppy smiled, finally someone he could trust was working for him.

It didn't take Falco long to find his old battle companion. "Hey girl, looking good." He ran his hand along the underside of his modified arwing. "Let's get that sleeping mask off ya." He untied a few knots before pulling off the form fitting silk tarp. He couldn't help but smile; this was the first time since Fox's death he had been anywhere near the Cornerian Military base. As he finished up his inspection he placed the nearby ladder against the hull. Instantly the canopy began to open; his ship's computers powered up and started running diagnostics. "Let's both stretch our wings, what do you say?" With his same old flourish he flipped into the seat. As if it was agreeing with him the computer adjusted his seat perfectly, and closed the canopy. "Board's green." He turned his head to see the hangar doors opening wide enough for him to fly out of.

"Pilot; Falco Lombardi. You are cleared for take-off. Use of Beltino Orbital Gate confirmed."

Falco grinned. "You're making this too easy Pep." The ladder he used was pushed away as his engine began to lift the Skyclaw upwards. "Let's show these folks a thing or two old girl." With a whoop he gunned the throttle, skillfully passing through the doors and blasting towards the Orbital Gate. His grin turned into a smile as the familiar - and almost welcoming – embrace of the G forces fought against him. Within minutes he had broken Cornerian's atmosphere; barrel rolling and somersaulting as much as he could before he reached the gate.

"Skyclaw? Now there's a site for sore eyes! Gate's been set, Zoness is waiting for you on the other side."

Falco blasted around the Orbital Gate, flying recklessly fast – not to mention close, until he finally lined up his ship with the gate. "It's been a while, but damn. I've still got it." With that he passed through the gate, leaving Corneria behind.

"You know." Kursed looked over at Shattered who had just finished disassembling his sniper rifle. "We might just get into one of those close encounters. Everyone's talking about them! I hear they're great fun too!" She pumped her shotgun, as if to entice him, before resting it on her shoulder. "Interested."

Shattered placed the last piece of his rifle into a case and shut it. He grabbed his blaster and holstered it before looking over at the vixen. "This may as a surprise to you, but most people here don't carry weapons. In fact, this place is basically a vacation island, and an expensive one at that."

Kursed laughed. "What are you saying? That we should rob Zero to death? As intriguing and dreamlike as that sounds I'll have to pass." She hooked her shotgun over her left shoulder. She grabbed the only other blaster and holstered it.

"You should really get into stand up; I think it'd suit you perfectly." Shattered replied sarcastically. He grabbed a few grenades and set them on his belt. "Here." He tossed a reflector shield at Kursed who caught it. "It's a reflector; I found them while on board the Great Fox. Seemed to be a waste just laying there." Kursed looked down at the hexagon shaped device; unconvinced it worked. "If you need it just tap the blue button in the center. It'll create a shield in the same hexagonal shape."

Kursed smirked, still not compelled to believe the vulpine. "We'll see." She hooked the device on her belt. "So, let's recap while we make our way into the city." She quickly put on a long, lightweight trench coat to cover her guns

Shattered nodded and put on a similar coat before motioning for Kursed to lead them on. "I'll be in contact Rob, but let us know if anything happens to the ship. Relocate if need be. Shattered, out." The vulpine jogged to catch up to the vixen. "So, Zero is likely to be in one of three night clubs."

"Yes, but it's likely going to be The Bunker it's his VIP club, getting in could be a problem. Unless you can come up with seven thousand credits for your cover fee." Kursed grinned. "I've got my ways of getting in for free."

Shattered chuckled and cracked his knuckles. "Oh, I'm sure I can think of a few myself."

Kursed shook her head. "Down boy, we want him to stay in the club. Causing a fight would only cause him to run like the bitch he is." Shattered scoffed but didn't reply. She glanced over at him. "I'm serious Shattered, leave your ego behind."

"Whatever." The vulpine muttered. "So once we get in we're going to have to make our way to Zero quickly. With the music likely mind numbingly loud and the light set to seizure mode; we shouldn't have too much resistance. We might not even need to use our weapons until we've got the cat cornered."

Kursed looked up at Solar, which had begun to set. "We've got about an hour until the club opens, and a few more after that until it'll be at maximum capacity. I know a smaller place about a block down the street; we can hold up there."

"Sounds to me like you're taking me on a date." Shattered grinned as she gave him an icy glare.

"You would be so lucky." She spat.

"Remember, we're on the lookout for two bounty hunter's." Commander Loden Erato said to the small group of soldiers in front of him. The vulpine was dressed in typical Cornerian military fashion. His squadron - five of Corneria's finest – were all in the process of checking their equipment. They stood just outside Corneria's Zoness base; A much smaller, and in Loden's opinion, severely underfunded outpost big enough to land only three dreadnaught cruisers at a time.

The visor on Loden's helmet dropped down, displaying new info straight for General Hare. "One is Kursed, and you'd better believe every single rumour you'd heard about her. She will end your life without a second thought, and that's without conventional weapons."

There were a few murmurs as his group looked around at each other. "That's not all. As you can see, she's working with another hunter. We don't have any information on this one what so ever. So expect the worst from them." He double checked his own weapon quickly before looking over his squad. "The General has requested that Kursed be brought in alive; we are to assume the same goes for this other hunter as well. We'll take teams of two and patrol sectors three, eight, and eleven. This is where their target has his clubs. Once we reach these clubs we will provide support as we can. Any questions?"

The silence was the only answer Loden needed.

"You've got your teams, move out and keep your eyes and ears open. We'll rendezvous back here at O three hundred." Loden pressed two fingers to the right side of his helmet. "General, we're en route. We'll leave the channel open for Star Wolf once they arrive. Erato out."

"Star Wolf is actually coming to back us up?" Loden's partner chuckled. "Coming to steal another victory eh Commander?"

"Just another day in the office." Loden replied with a smirk.

"I think I might have been here once before." Shattered looked around the older tavern before taking a small sip of his beer. "Back when it had a name, and possibly a street sign that actually lit up."

Kursed downed her first shot of rum before replying. "Must have been before this place became a safe haven for hunters like us." She pointed over to a small group of people playing cards. "Can you spot the cheater over there?"

Shattered took another drink of his beer as he glanced over at the group. The all looked like years of stress had taken their toll on them; and this bar served as their last escape from accepting that fact. There was, however, one canine that seemed to be living the high life. "Him, the Sheppard."

"That's what I thought too. It's the way he holds himself, each time he think's no one is looking he scratches his wrist. It's got to be a card swap." Kursed gulped down her second shot, enjoying the burning sensation that followed. "Seems to me like they're playing for real money."

"Real money, definitely. But I'm pretty sure it's when he brushed his hands against his shirt. Do you see that pocket there? That's gotta be his stash of cards, and he's misdirecting attention to his wrist. Should someone notice that and call him out he'd be able to leave free and clear."

Shattered looked down at his beer as one of the canines stood up to stumble his way to the bathroom. Kursed wanted to argue her companion's observation; but after watching the Sheppard for a minute longer she saw what he saw.

"I guess Jay was right about you. For someone that hasn't been in this business long you certainly act like a veteran."

Shattered smirked and stood up. "Want anything else?"

Kursed studied him for a moment. "Yea, I'll take another round." She pulled some credits from her pocket and place them in his head. "Keep the change." She watched him walk toward the bar, feeling a sensation she hadn't felt in some time.

Attraction.

Instantly she pushed that to the back of her mind. Before thoughts of Fox could break her focus. She placed her placed her head in her hands as she rested her elbows on the table. "Damn alcohol."

"Don't tell me you're a lightweight!" She heard Shattered laugh as he set down a fresh shot of rum in front of her. Kursed grabbed the glass without looking and downed it. "And that answers my question how?"

"It doesn't." Kursed looked down at her watch. "We've got to move, Zero's club should be just about jam packed. You figured out your way in?"

Shattered reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a Cornerian Military I.D. Badge. "They won't be able to refuse me. All I got to say is something about a drug complaint and I'll get a one way ticket to Zero myself."

"And if he asks for proof of your so called complaint?" Kursed asked standing up.

"Paper work was never a strong point for the Cornerian military. I'll say it's delayed, but I doubt they'll even question me being there. Those bouncers will likely assume I'm a corrupt officer looking for some tail." Shattered chugged his beer and turned to look at the group of canines once more. "Gentlemen, your Sheppard friend there has been playing you since you sat down. I suggest you get your money back." The group looked at from Shattered to the Shepard; aggression building quickly in their eyes.

"We take fifteen percent as consultation fees by the way. Don't make us come collect." Kursed grinned. They left as soon as the first punch was thrown and began the short walk to the club.

"So, how do you plan on getting in?" Shattered asked.

"Oh, you'll see." They saw the line before they heard the music. "And I'm sure it's going to piss off quite a few people too."

"Oh." Shattered shook his head and chuckled. "Great."

"It's a good damn thing our Wolfen's can cross Lylat in a matter of hours." Panther grumbled shifting slightly in his seat. Like the other two members of Star Wolf he had his ship set to autopilot and simply watched the stars and planets pass by. It occurred to him that they had yet to receive a vacation since taking up Star Fox's old job. The past four years had happened in the blink of an eye. Constant missions, conferences, and even an award ceremony or two. Panther could barely remember any of it; Sometimes not believing he was living his own life.

"Having that frog upgrading our ships is a delightful change." Leon hissed. "We should have stolen him from Star Fox a long time ago. I'd even put up with his voice if it meant finally beating Falco."

"Enough." Wolf barked. "We'll be breaking Zoness's atmosphere in a few minutes. Peppy has already informed the local military presence of our arrival. We're each going to team up with a group. On screen are your groups." Wolf paused for a moment, letting their computers load up images of their squads. "The commander's name is Erato. He used to be a mechanic on par with Slippy until Peppy decided to give him a crack at an army job. Turns out this vulpine has quite the head on his shoulders. While we're assisting his squad he will be your superior so show him some respect."

A bright green light caused all three of them to look to their right. "Looks like another damn rich guy paid his way into the Orbital Gate queue." Leon scoffed before a rather unique looking ship blasted through, travelling at combat speed. "Oh you have got to be kidding me."

"That's right bitches! Guess who's back to help your sorry hides?!" Falco shouted as he blasted towards the wolfens. "Go ahead and ask Peppy, he's already cleared me to be here. But before that you might want to, oh I don't know, take evasive action?"

"Son of a-" Leon took control of his wolfen and broke formation to avoid Falco's barbaric approach. "Wait till I get my hands on you Bird. I'll make you wish you'd never come out of hiding!"

"Stand down Powalski." Peppy's face appeared before all four of them. "Falco has my permission to assist in the arrest of Kursed and the other bounty hunter. He will be temporarily working with Star Wolf until we have both hunters in holding cells here. Peppy out."

Falco laughed as he fell into formation behind Wolf. "What's the matter Leon? Afraid to get out classed by me once again?"

"Falco, if you are assisting Star Wolf then you will follow my orders. Understood?" Wolf growled. "And as much as would love to deal with your guy's dick measuring-"

"I get it. Don't worry Wolf, I want this over as much as you do. Maybe even more considering your team's role during the Anglar Blitz. Fox might still be alive if you didn't let Krystal join your team."

Wolf sighed, he was tired of having his team's reputation under constant scrutiny. "Not the time or the place Falco." Falco went to say something but stopped. "You okay with covering the skies in case they manage to escape?"

"More than ready. Skyclaw and I have a lot of catching up to do."

Leon chuckled. "More catching up than you and Monroe ever did."

"What you say, lizard?" Falco looked over at Leon's ship, resisting the urge to blast his sorry excuse for a ship to pieces. "Because I'm pretty sure we've more than just caught up."

"Both of you shut the hell up!" Wolf yelled. He took a deep breath before contacting Loden. "Erato, Wolf here, we're entering Zoness now. We'll meet up a.s.a.p."

"Solid copy Wolf. Glad to have the help. You should be able to track our beacons, but we'll more than likely be waiting in front of the clubs by the time you get here." Ledon replied. "I just got word from General Peppy that we'll be having Falco Lombardi as air support, confirm."

"Confirmed, it's just in case those bounty hunters decide to make a run for it. If you hear any commotion before we get there you are permitted to start the extraction. Wolf out."

Shattered couldn't do anything but shake his head as he watched Kursed walk into the club.

As he had guessed, he had no problems what so ever getting into the club with his fake ID. But Kursed's entrance was anything but subtle. "Was that necessary?"

Kursed grinned, fixing her shirt. "I told you it'd make a lot of people mad, I just didn't think you'd be one of them."

"Because flashing your boobs doesn't draw attention how?" Shattered sighed as she brushed past him and into the loud, packed club. With a quick scan of the crowd they began to move towards the VIP section. Their progress was slow, as many people were too drunk or drugged up to care about personal space.

It took them the better part of ten minutes just to cross the dance floor. They looked at each other and nodded before moving towards the two bouncers standing in front of the VIP entrance. "Credits or Card?" The taller bouncer yelled over the music.

"Card." Shattered yelled back showing the overly muscled rabbit his ID. "And if you don't want this place closed down permanently you'll let me and this one through."

"No feds." The rabbit replied, he pressed a finger to his ear piece and pointed to Kursed. "Boss wants to see you."

Kursed smiled devilishly. "Oh I'm sure he does." She looked over at Shattered. "Try not to make a mess."

The second bouncer, an otter, led Kursed up a flight of stairs and out of view. Leaving Shattered to stare down the rabbit. "We can do this one of two ways." Shattered set down his cause and raised up one finger. "The first being this."

He quickly grabbed the rabbit's head and forced it down and lifted up his knee. The hit was enough to daze the bouncer long enough for Shattered to follow up with a few quickly punches to his chest and abdomen. The rabbit swung wide, missing the nimble vulpine completely. Shattered quickly got behind the rabbit, kicking him hard in the leg; the force of the kick cause the rabbit to fall to one knee. Giving Shattered the perfect opportunity to deliver a hay-maker straight to his jaw; the blow sent him to the floor. "Well I'm certainly glad you went with option two." He straightened up his coat and picked up his case before making his way upstairs.

As he reached the top he pulled out his blaster. There was an eerie quiet as he walked quickly towards what he hoped was a job well done. He stopped as he reached a corner, resting against the wall as he cautiously moved his blaster in sight of whoever might be walking down the hall. After a few moments he poked his head around the corner, seeing the otter, who was supposed to be escorting Kursed, knocked out on the floor.

"Shit." He didn't have much time. He picked up the pace, jogging until he reached a heavy door. "She did say he was paranoid." With a grunt of effort he pulled the door open and slipped inside.

"Took your time eh?" Kursed sat on Zero's desk shotgun resting on her shoulder once more. "Absolutely the worst host I've had in some time!" She jumped off the desk, revealing a quite angered feline tied to his chair. "Oh, and he can't talk right now. He managed to gag himself on his own tie."

"Well let's finish this and get out of here." Shattered aimed his blaster at Zero and charged it.

Kursed nodded and walked around to Zero. "You know, I really should be thanking you." She cupped his chin in her hand. "Had you not been so insistent on me killing that other bounty hunter I might never have been able to get such a great job offer." She patted his cheek a few times before walking towards Shattered. "May I?"

Shattered grinned and handed her his blaster. "By all means."

"It's been a blast." Kursed laughed as she shot bolt after bolt straight into Zero's chest. The feline didn't even have the chance to yell in pain as his life faded away. Kursed handed the blaster back to Shattered before she spoke. "Almost seems to good an end sometimes you know?"

Shattered looked at the faded Star Fox logo for a moment. "Yeah." He holstered his weapon. "Let's get out of – Oh Fuck."

Kursed noticed it at the same time. On one of Zero's many screens, two Cornerian forces entered the club; along with none other than Wolf O'Donnell. "We have to assume he's on to us. Come on there's a fire escape we can use."

"Rob, we're going to need a pick up. Track my location; we're going to be on the move." Kursed ran towards the door, leading the vulpine towards the exit.

"Whoa, Wolf. I got movement up here." Falco guided his Skyclaw to follow a ship that had taken off almost in front of him. "Scanning now, I think it might be our target's ship." The computer stopped as the slow moving ship suddenly blasted forward towards the city. "Holy shit. Wolf, I've got confirmation. Ship looks like it's headed your way!"

"Copy that." Wolf stood up. "We just found a bouncer who got the hell beat out of him. Erato and his team are converging on my location."

"To be honest Wolf, you might not have time to wait." Falco was easily keeping up with the bigger ship, but with the tight quarters around the buildings he wasn't able to get a visual on who he assumed was the second bounty hunter. "Kursed has got to be on foot outside of that club by now. Get Erato's men to start sweeping the surrounding area and cut her off before she gets on this ship!"

"Solid copy Lombardi." Loden said signalling his partner to take the back entrance as he jogged down the street, scanning the alleys as he passed them. He looked up to see Falco's Skyclaw blast passed him. "Am I heading the wrong way?"

"Negative Erato. I'm just trying to get a visual on our pilot." Falco replied, cursing as he saw the ship touch down in a hotel parking lot. "Damn it all, Wolf, Erato, Everyone! Converge on the hotel to your east now!"

"There is no way we're making it there in time Bird." Leon swore under his breath.

"Falco, distract them, shoot near the ship! Something!" Panther yelled as he ran full tilt towards the avain's beacon.

"No! Peppy wants her alive, stand down Falco. We'll get Erato to track that ship from here while we get back to our Wolfens." Wolf looked over at Loden. "I want an update as soon as I'm airborne, understood?"

"Yes sir!" Loden saluted Wolf before gathering up his squad. "Zoness base this is Commander Erato, requesting a pick-up and a tracker on all ships leaving the planet."

"I... can't... believe... they didn't catch us." Shattered panted, feeling the adrenaline pump through his body.

Kursed sat down on her bed. "I can't believe they sent Star Wolf and the Skyclaw after us. Just for a damn worm like Zero."

"If Corneria is desperate enough to send Falco Lombardi after us than we've only got one place we can lie low for a while. Get a hold of Jay, I'll get us moving." Shattered made his way towards the cockpit. "Rob, give me full control, we're headed to Kew and we need to get there fast."

And boom! Chapter 10, hot off the press! I hope you enjoyed it!

Peace,

H-T

P.S. - While this might not be the best place to ask this. What would you guys think about a possible SF: Corruption sequel? Leave a review or hit me up with a PM!