Kursed to Love

Summary: When Krystal started her life as a bounty hunter named Kursed, Fox also changed professions. The consequences cause the reformation of a new Star Fox no one expected. Combines several endings to Command.

Insert Disclaimer here.

Chapter 10: Speech

Protector Dash Bowman looked out at the masses that had assembled to hear him speak. They were from several planets, each planet a member of the Venomise Empire. Beside him was Protector of Titania Sly Trend, a female raccoon who hated her name, and who Dash had been developing a liking for.

"How do I look?" she asked.

Unfortunately, Dash was not the one in control of his body.

"Fine," Andross answered through Dash's voice.

Sly frowned. Normally, Dash would give her a complement.

Dash stood and the chatter of the assembled died down. Everyone had their attention on him. Dash smiled, "My friends, thank you for coming. It means very much to me, knowing that I can count on you.

"Starting two days ago, hostilities between Venom and Corneria have resumed. It was not a path I wished, nor one that anyone else wished. Many of you have already come to me expressing your disappointment that this has happened. Some of you showed outright disgust." Several attendees shifted uncomfortably in their seats. "Many of you even threatened to leave the Venomise Empire. I almost feel ashamed, knowing that those I trust believe I am to blame for the renewed hostilities, for this is not the case." Again, many shifted uncomfortably.

"A week before, I was to attend a meeting with the Cornerian General, who promptly shot me in the chest. Were it not for the alertness of the guards, I would have died. I was in an emergency regeneration tank for five days. In those five days, several small colonies on new worlds not inhabited by Corneria were attacked and destroyed by Cornerian vessels.

There was a murmur of shock and disbelief from the crowd. Corneria was attacking colonies that couldn't fight back?

Inside Dash, Andross mentally gave himself a pat on the back. They were in his power now; they all were.

"True, not all of Corneria is to blame, but those who lead are to blame. They are using their army as pawns in battle to make us angry and strike back, so that they have an excuse to wipe us out. Their own soldiers do not even know the true intent of their superiors. They are being lied to, and we are suffering the consequences. This is unacceptable!

"We no longer live on a world that is meant to be looked upon with distain. We are strong! We are resolute! We have made our home on a world that was once inhospitable. Isn't this a sign of our power?

"The Cornerians have underestimated us! We must never let it happen again! Corneria is no longer the center of power in Lylat! Venom's time has come! We will be victorious, but only if we stand together! Together, we will show them our true strength!"

The crowd erupted into roars of applause. Everyone was on their feet, applauding, cheering, agreeing wholeheartedly that Venom's time had come.

Andross had won again.

Back in one of the entrances, Wolf O'Donnell snarled in frustration. The last thing Lylat needed was another war. He turned to his two wing mates, Leon Powalski and Panther Caruso, and said, "We're leaving. I'm not getting caught up in this again." They nodded and left with their captain for their headquarters in the Sargasso Region.