Hello Star Fox fans! Yes, this chapter was heavily delayed as well, but I have returned to continuing the franchise. After a brief period of rest and recovery, we're heading into the next major battle. Leave a review if you'd like, and as always; enjoy the chapter!
24. Coming Home
~Whether or not is time of recovery is short or long, a soldier must always return to the front lines.
The following morning, the team was gathered within the war room and Axios was reviewing the final stages of the plan to the rest of the team. While they were all in agreement as to what needed to be done, there was still one major concern that clouded their minds.
"Do we seriously have to work with Star Wolf?" Marcus angrily asked. "We went through hell making sure they were out of the picture in Zoness, why are we going to work with them now?"
Fox was not in the mood for Marcus's complaints as he was already on edge about the plan. He did not want to involve Star Wolf in the first place, but he knew that for their plan to work they would need all the help they can get.
"Marcus." Fox angrily said form across the holo-table. "I'm not happy to be working with them either but it's for the good of Lylat. You said you'd be ready to do whatever it takes to stop the Crimson Organization and I expect you to stay true to those words."
Feeling a slight sense of intimidation from his father's words, Marcus quickly silenced himself as he sensed Fox was under a great deal of stress. He was also able to notice Fox's hands were shaking as he was leaning over the holo-table along with the strain in his brow.
"Ok." Marcus softly responded.
The atmosphere of the room quickly grew tense as the team could see the strain behind Fox's composure. Krystal, who was opposite from Fox at the time walked around the table and placed a hand on his shoulder. She took that moment to link her mind to his and she was able to feel his pain. Fox's thoughts were a violent as a storm, and he could not find peace within himself. Krystal sensed guilt, anger, hate, and was nervous for Fox.
"I know what you're thinking Fox." Krystal said to Fox telepathically. "But you don't have to take it out on Marcus. He doesn't know-
"Get out of my head Krystal." Fox interrupted within his thoughts. "I'm not in the mood to-"
"No, you listen to me! Marcus has been following your orders as a soldier and your requests as a father without question or hesitation. He places his life on the line for you without not knowing the full extent of your rivalry between you and Wolf, so do me a favor and apologize to him."
Fox was silent as Krystal's words sank deep into his thoughts. Krystal broke the link between the two of them and saw Fox lower his head. He took a deep breath and Marcus noticed that his hands had stopped shaking. He watched as his father gave him an apologetic look and stood tall before the group.
"I'm sorry Marcus." Fox said. "Just the thought of having to work with Star Wolf drives me insane."
"Hey you're not the only one Foxie." Falco commented. "The only way how I can get my words through Leon's thick skull is with either my fist or my boot."
"No one enjoys the thought of working with Star Wolf." Axios interjected from another end of the holo-table. "But we'll do whatever it takes to stop the Crimson Organization. Now, this is the final push we need to bring them to an end. We're almost done with this war, but we need to be focused. There can be no more room for any personal grudges or conflicts that interfere with the mission."
His words brought a minor sense of relief to the team as they took a deep breath to calm themselves. However, Marcus was stirred by Axios's words and there was a thought that crossed his mind. He remembered that Axios's Raven was shot down as the Crimson Star spoke into the communications channels, and this brought up a question within Marcus's thoughts that only Axios could answer.
"Axios…" Marcus spoke out. "I'm glad you brought that up, because there's something I need to ask you."
All eyes turned towards Marcus as Marcus started to give Axios a look of question and accusation.
"Let's hear it then." Axios responded.
"A sunrise over the ocean is the reward for a glorious death." Marcus quoted. "Who is the Crimson Star…?"
Marcus's words caused Axios to freeze where he was. He was stunned to hear those words again and this time from Marcus's mouth. He lowered his head and tightened his fists on the edge of the holo-table as his anger and confusion stared to surface. With the entire team now looking at him with questionable stares, Axios took a deep breath and thought to himself "damn it."
"He might be my father…" Axios responded.
The team was completely silent as they were shocked to hear those words coming from Axios. They had never anticipated that the father of one of their closest comrades would be the head of the very organization that they're trying to fight.
"What do you mean he "might" be your father…?" Marcus asked out od shock and confusion. "Is he or is he not?"
"Axios I remember reading your memories from the Black Sun Conflict…" Krystal interjected. "Your father was killed in a house fire here on MacBeth. You and your brother Corvo have lived the life of bounty hunters to sustain your lives ever since. You've ha dno contact with your father, and the detectives even said he was dead."
"That is what you saw." Axios responded. "You saw what you saw because that is what I believed at the time, but now I'm not so sure anymore. My father would always read stories to me as a child, and when I was training he would always tell me that a sunrise over the ocean would be my reward in the next life; a glorious death as he'd call it."
"So the Crimson Star said something that your father once told you." Falco interjected. "That doesn't say much."
"As Much as I'd hate to say it, there's more. I did some digging in Sigma's archives and I found something."
Axios pressed a button on the edge of the holo-table and the team was now looking upon Sigma's Black Sun ring.
"Show them everything." Axios instructed Sigma.
"Are you sure you wish to proceed?" Sigma asked. "These are data files that were saved when I was serving under Corvo."
"Just do it Sigma."
Within moments, the Black Sun crest disappeared before the team and was replaced with a video file that was saved by Corvo. Corvo was currently within his large meditation chamber within the Black Suns headquarters and he was speaking into camera that was recording him.
"He's back." Corvo said in the recording. "I'm not sure whether or not I should feel joy or grief, but he's alive. Now he has taken leadership over the Crimson Organization. He's the new Crimson Star, and right now I'm powerless to approach him. Axios doesn't know, he can never know. He needs to continue believing that he is dead. If he had found the truth, he would go after him on his own and would most certainly die. I'm not sure what the Crimson Organization is planning next, but I have to protect Axios from the truth. My father… Our father… is the Crimson Star."
The recording stopped and the team was all staring at Axios with looks of concern and worry. Axios simply looked at the rest of the team with a look of anger and irritation as there was more pressure on him rather than the rest of the team. As Axios looked about the team, his eyes fell on Sierra who was also concerned for Axios.
"You're not the only one who's fighting against a father." Axios said to Sierra.
"Axios, how long have you known?" Fox asked.
"I knew the moment the Raven was shot down in Zoness. Only my father could have known that quote, and then Sigma shows me this video file to confirm. It's all the proof I need."
"And you're ready to confront him?" Marcus asked.
"No. But do I have much of a choice?"
The rest of the team went silent as they realized that they did not have a choice either. Their options were to attack or flee from the Crimson Organization, and they knew they could never flee. With their doubts finally put behind them, the team studied the holo-table once more as Axios brought up a hologram of a Cornerian frigate that was going to be entering Sector X.
"This is our target." Axios started. "A class three Cornerian patrol frigate. It doesn't pack much firepower but that doesn't mean it's also lacking for defenses. The plan is simple; we'll make contact with them and get our man inside."
"And you think they're just going to let us waltz in there with smiles on their faces?" Marcus asked.
"They will once they see me." Peppy responded. "Because I'm going in the frigate."
"Whoa there gramps…" Falco interjected. "Aren't you a little old for combat?"
"If things go according to plan then there won't be any need for violence." Axios commented.
"Ok." Marcus said. "Now what comes after hijacking the frigate?"
"This will be the tricky part…" Axios responded. "We're going to jump towards Corneria, and we're going to turn the military against Roberts."
Axios paused himself as he made eye contact with Peppy. He shot Peppy a look mixed with concern and worry. "I hope you got your speech ready…" Axios said to Peppy. "Cause if you can't sway the hearts and minds of the soldiers, then we won't have anywhere to run this time."
"They'll listen to me." Peppy reassured Axios. "Trust me on that."
"So how do we get Roberts to step down?" Marcus asked. "He'll bolt from orbit before we get a chance to confront him."
"Allow me." Sigma interjected as the Black Suns ring appeared before the team. "Due to the fact that you have successfully destroyed the Zoness HQ, Roberts is likely to confine himself planet side and away from space. A ground infiltration team will be necessary to approach him as he will have Crimson agents protecting him."
"That's where Wolf and his team come in." Axios commented. "We're going to deploy them into the Cornerian Capital Building to eliminate the Crimson guards. The rest of us will be providing cover in the air in case the Crimson Organization decides to send fighters to shoot us down."
"It all sounds so simple…" Marcus commented. "Find Roberts, get the codes, go through the gate and finish this war. What's the catch?"
"The catch is we can't kill anyone on this mission unless we're dead certain they're Crimson agents." Fox responded. "If we shoot down a single Cornerian fighter, then Roberts will be able to take that to turn the military back into his favor."
"Great…" Falco sarcastically commented. "Something to look forward to."
"We still have disruptor rounds." Fred said. "Just use those. They won't damage the fighters but they'll shut down its major systems."
"Your rounds would only work in space Fred." Axios as he turned his head towards Fred. "But if you shut down a fighter within the atmosphere, then gravity will send it down to a crashing end."
"Oh…"
"Let's just take this one step at a time." Marcus responded. "Let's get the frigate before we start jumping to conclusions. When do we leave?"
"We're leaving as soon as you're all ready." Axios responded. "Wolf and his team are being moved to the Great Fox II by my pilots as we speak, they'll be waiting for you."
"Well…" Krystal commented. "Better not keep them waiting."
"Are you all ready?" Axios asked. "This will be the last push before the end. After this there will be no turning back."
His words sparked nervousness within the rest of the team. Knowing that they could potentially end the Crimson threat within the next several hours gave them hope, but it also gave them more pressure than they desired. Their heads all lowered slightly to think more about what they have to do since there was a higher risk of not returning.
"Well it's not like this mission will be the worst we ever have." Fred spoke out as he lifted his head. "My parents and I are surely in."
"My family too." Abigail responded as she smiled at Peppy. "Someone is going to have to look after the general when we're out there."
"Don't count us out either." Falco said as he placed his arm around Katt. "We've probably been through worse anyways."
Axios turned his gaze towards Sierra and the McClouds to gauge whether or not they were ready.
"I'm ready." Sierra assured Axios. "My father has to pay for his crimes."
"What about you Marcus?" Fox asked. "Ready for one more push?"
Marcus took a deep breath and he slowly lifted his head. He smiled at Fox and Krystal and gave them a look of determination they hadn't seen before. "Think you can keep up?" Marcus asked as he grinned at Fox.
Fox and Krystal smiled at their determined son and then turned their gaze towards Axios.
"I've had Sigma construct a copy of the Arwing II for you to fly Fox." Axios said. "Sierra will fly the Nightshade, and I'll be in the Archangel. Pilots one and two will be with Star Wolf at all times, and Three and Seven will be joining us in the air. We launch in ten minutes, so get to your fighters."
With his command issued, the group left the war room and they quickly ran to the hangar to mount their newly rebuilt fighters. However, Axios was still in the war room and he let his head slowly drop as his hands slid along the edges of the holo-table. Noticing he was troubled, Sigma appeared before Axios.
"Axios?" Sigma asked. "My scanners are showing mild pain in your chest from an elevated heart rate and blood pressure spike. There is also minimal shaking in your hands and your pace of breathing has quickened. You're nervous, why?"
"Not just nervous…" Axios responded. "Scared to death."
"Is there something you would like me to do?"
Axios took a deep breath and he made a decision. He stood tall before Sigma and lifted his head into an attention stance. "Sigma. I need to record a video file." Axios spoke out.
"Understood." Sigma responded. "To whom will this be sent to?"
"No one. But the next time Marcus walks into this room, I want you to play it for him."
"I don't understand…"
Axios paused himself and slowly lowered his head. His thoughts were racing back and forth within his mind, and he found himself torn. "You're not supposed to…" Axios responded.
Axios staying behind did not deter the rest of the team from preparing for battle. As soon as they reached the hangar, every pilot quickly ran towards their respective fighters and the Star Fox team boarded the elevator platforms while those who would be flying in the Great Fox II took the tunnels to its separate docking platform. The docking pad for the Nightshade, Black Mist, and the Havok slowly lifted the group towards the launch tunnel where the rest of the Star Fox fighters were waiting. One by one the group mounted their fighters and fired up their engines, and one by one the Nightshade, Black Mist, Havok, Skyclaw, Cat's Paw II, Dart Frog, Bullfrog, Tadpole, Sky Bunny II, Arwing II,Cloud Runner, and the Arwing II copy all shout out of the tunnel and into orbit.
"Now this is more like it…" Falco happily commented as he looked to see the eleven fighters on the side of his own. "Let's just get all the most bad ass pilots and fighters and put them in one squadron."
"Just don't get carried away bird boy." Katt responded.
"Hey where's Axios?" Fox asked. "Why isn't he-"
Fox was interrupted by a new radar signature that was quickly approaching the group. He looked over his shoulder and noticed the black figure of the Archangel quickly approaching the squadron. To avoid collision, Axios rotated the Archangel upside down and he sped directly over the cockpit of Fox's Arwing II. Time slowed down for a brief moment as he and Axios made eye contact with other, and Fox noticed Axios give him a quick wink in his eye. Time resumed and Axios rotated his fighter right side up and he was in front of the group.
"Show off!" Falco called out.
"Who… Me?" Axios sarcastically remarked. "No…"
The rest of the team could be heard chuckling through their communicators after Axios stunt and they felt more energy within them compared to when they were in the war room. "Set coordinates for Sector X." Marcus instructed as the squadron broke through the atmosphere. "We got a Cornerian frigate to hijack."
"Would never expect those words to come from you pup…" Wolf devilishly said over the squadron's radios.
The team noticed the Great Fox II already in orbit with One and Two, Peppy and Lucy, and Star Wolf on board. "And to think you schmucks are supposed to be the good guys." Oikonny responded. "My arm still hurts!"
"You had it coming you dumb ape." Sierra responded.
"I personally look forward to working more closely with you…" Panther spoke out. "My dear Krystal…"
"You so much as touch my mother…" Marcus angrily spoke out. "And I'll make sure that hand will never touch anything again."
"Such a devilish tone from the so called hero of Star Fox…" Leon commented. "You are no more different than us. When this is over, I look forward to-"
"To reiterate what my son just said…" Krystal angrily spoke out. "If you so much as look at him, I'll flay you alive… with my mind…"
The entire group instantly silenced themselves as Krystal's tone was beyond terrifying. Hearing those words spurred some fear with Fox and Marcus as Krystal never displayed that tone before. "I'm scared for you dad…" Marcus telepathically said to Fox.
"Remember Fox…" Wolf spoke out. "This doesn't change anything between us…"
"Would never expect it to Wolf…" Fox responded.
"Coordinates have been set for the jump." ROB spoke out. "All fighters stand by."
With the Great Fox II now joined by the 13 fighters of Star Fox, everyone prepared for the jump to Sector X. Within moments, each fighter slowed to a stop in the MacBeth orbit and suddenly picked up speed. After a mere minute, everyone shot into hyperspace towards Sector X and vanished from MacBeth. After they had left, there was one individual who remained behind; alone in the MacBeth base to monitor their upcoming battle from across the Lylat system.
"Good luck to you all." Sigma softly said to himself. "And Axios… I will obey…"
Their jump only lasted a few minutes, and they had reached their destination. Within moments the Star Fox team arrived at Sector X, and they were looking at the floating remnants of an old destroyed research facility that was built by Andross.
"Brings back memories eh Fox?" Falco asked.
"Sure does…" Fox responded.
"This brings back horrible memories!" Slippy called out. "I hate this place…"
"I wonder why son…" Peppy chuckled.
"Ok guys." Marcus spoke out while trying to keep the group focused. "We're looking for the Cornerian frigate. It should be arriving very shortly."
"Anomaly detected on long range scanners." ROB announced over the communicator. "The Cornerian frigate will be entering space zone in approximately one minute."
"Guess we're right on time." Fox commented.
The group slowly scattered around the Great Fox II and started to form a perimeter around it in preparation of the frigate's arrival. Within moments, the Cornerian frigate apeared on their radars and they quickly saw it appear before their eyes. The frigate was a little more than double the size of the Great Fox II but did not carry as much fire power. "There she is." Falco spoke out. "All you gramps."
Within moments, Peppy received a call on board the great Fox II. "This is Captain Kayle of the CSD Helius." Kayle spoke out. "Star Fox, you are here by charged with treason again the Cornerian military and are under arrest."
"Are you so sure about that Captain Kayle?" Peppy spoke out into the communicator.
"Wait a minute… I know that voice… General Hare? Is that you?"
"ROB, brig him up on screen." Within moments, Peppy was looking upon an anthropomorphic Rottweiler dressed in a brown Cornerian uniform. Peppy noticed that Kayle had three medals over his heart and also noticed his rank from reading all of his badges. At the same time, Kayle was looking upon Peppy in the bridge of the Great Fox II and Kayle could not believe his eyes.
"General, sir!" Kayle said aloud as he saluted Peppy. "Forgive me sir, I wasn't aware-"
"That I was alive?" Peppy interrupted. "Listen closely son, the Cornerian military has been greatly deceived. Roberts is working as a mole in the Cornerian military for the Crimson Organization. He used the attack on Corneria as a diversion while his agents attempted to assassinate me."
Kayle was completely shocked to hear the news and was unsure whether or not to believe Peppy. "Roberts ordered the arrest of the star Fox team sir." Kayle responded. "And I notice that you are in their vessel. This will take a lot of convincing for me to-"
"Captain Kayle." Fox spoke out. "This is Fox McCloud, former captain of the Star Fox team. I need you to hear me out, Star Fox has been working with the Cornerian military since the start of the Lylat wars, and we've been putting our lives on the line since. Not once had we ever questioned, or disobeyed the Cornerian military, and we would even think about doing such a thing."
"Captain McCLoud... You're a hero to the people of Corneria, and I have friends who owe their lives to you. But you're asking me to believe you while you present no evidence, and you're accusing the acting general of treason."
"Captain Kayle…" Marcus spoke out. "This is Marcus McCloud, current captain of the Star Fox team. Our team had to flee Corneria that day because Roberts ordered our arrest. He was trying to assassinate the ex-Crimson agent Sierra due to the fact that she turned traitor towards the Crimson Organization. She's been helping us eliminate the Crimson agents hiding in the Lylat System and even eliminate a hidden Crimson headquarters."
Kayle was beyond lost and confused, and he scratched the bottom of his chin to think. "Crimson headquarters here in the Lylat system?" Kayle asked. "Explain."
"Did General Roberts ever alert the military that the Crimson Organization had an underwater facility located in Zoness?" Marcus asked.
"Sir!" a crewman called out to Kayle. "We just received a new data package from the Star Fox team."
"Bring is up on screen two." Kayle responded. Following his instructions, Kayle was now looking upon a holographic rendering of the hidden Crimson headquarters. Every piece of data that the Star Fox team had on the Crimson headquarters was now being viewed by Kayle, and he was mentally appalled by what he was viewing. "You were right…" Kayle spoke out. "This is intolerable! And Roberts knew of this?!"
"Captain." Peppy spoke out. "We have a plan to remove Roberts from power, but we need your help to do that. Are you ready and willing to take back Corneria from Roberts and put an end to the Crimson Organization?"
Kayle slowly turned and paced away from the monitor and took a moment to think about his next action. After a brief minute, he came to his decision. "Radio all patrolling fleets near our vicinity." Kayle instructed. "Contact patrol groups three, five, and seven and relay this information to them. Inform them of everything the General has informed me, and then all hands battle stations." Kayle turned back towards the monitor and Peppy could see Kayle's crew running back and forth behind him. "We're ready and willing General!" Kayle said as he saluted Peppy. "My ship is yours."
"Excellent Captain. "Peppy said as he saluted Kayle in return. "I want you to send a small shuttle to pick me up. I'll use your frigate as my flag ship when we arrive in Corneria."
"I'll dispatch a shuttle immediately. See you on board General."
As Peppy shut down the communication between him and Kayle, he received another call from Katt.
"Hey, Peppy." Katt spoke out. "Remind me again why you aren't just staying aboard the Great Fox II?"
"It's simple." Peppy said as he turned his head towards the entrance to the bridge. "Star Wolf is here. And all it takes is the image of me and them to ruin our chances of persuading the Cornerian military. With Kayle at my side, I will have more credibility and a stronger image. Does that make sense Katt?"
"Good enough for me."
"Just make sure we keep that ship protected." Marcus said. "We don't want to lose Peppy."
"Right." the team responded in unison.
Within moments, the crew noticed a shuttle leave the Helius and quickly approach the hanger of the Great Fox II. Peppy quikly made his way towards the hanger and was greeted by the pilot. As the pilot saluted him, Peppy barded the shuttle and the crew noticed it fly out of the Great Fox II and towards the Helius. "He's on his way." Krystal pointed out. "Looks like-"
"Attention!" ROB announced over the radio. "Three new radar signatures are closing quickly."
"I see them too." Marcus responded. "What's coming ROB?"
"Two B-class Cornerian destroyers accompanied by one Capital ship. IFF tags identify the ships as the Tartarus and Daleus destroyers escorting the Intervention capital class cruiser."
Within moments, the three massive cruisers arrived within the space zone and the sight of them put the Star Fox team on the edge of their seats. They were uncertain of the intentions of the newly arrived ships, and they knew that if the ships were hostile; they would have nowhere to run to. Within moments, the team received a call on their communicators from the Intervention, and a screen opened before them revealing a dark grey furred hare dressed in a commander's uniform.
"This is Commander Alexander Toran of the Intervention." Toran spoke out. "Star Fox, you are to be detained and brought to Corneria under the orders of General Roberts. You have been charged with treason against the Cornerian military, what say you to these claims?"
Hearing his name sparked memories within the minds of Fox, Krystal, and Falco.
"Did you say your name is Toran?" Fox asked. "Are you related to a Commander Roux Toran?"
"Fox McCloud…" Toran responded. "My father warned me about you. He died while helping you eliminate the Black Suns headquarters. I know all about his irritation with your group."
"Your father died a hero. Without him, we would have never been able to accomplish our mission."
"That's what they all say, but that won't bring him back. The only recognition my father got from his death is his name on a memorial, and then Star Fox are praised as heroes once more. I've never been fond of hearing stories of your renegade missions for the so called good of the Cornerian military. My father may have claimed to respect you before his end, but don't expect me to. Now, you have been charged with treason, what say you to these crimes?"
"Commander Toran." Peppy spoke out. "I will speak on their behalf. I also suggest you take your tone down a notch son."
Toran was shocked to hear Peppy's words, and he noticed a new screen open in the monitor before him. He was looking upon Peppy in the flesh, and was stunned to see him. "General…" the shocked Toran said. "You're alive?!"
"All thanks to Star Fox Toran." Peppy responded. "They have not committed treason against the Cornerian military. The one who betrayed us all is Acting General Roberts."
"General Roberts is a traitor? That's a very serious accusation to be made with no evidence. Do you have any-" Toran was interrupted as a new data file appeared before him on his monitor. As he reached forward to open it, he noticed a massive surge of information about the Crimson Organization. He read about the hidden base on Zoness, their plans and location in the Philat system, and information about the Crimson Star.
"Did Roberts ever tell the military about the hidden Crimson facility in Zoness?" Peppy asked. "Because there is a lot of information he neglected to share."
"This…" Toran said as he was reading the data. "This is impossible…"
"Commander Toran." Fox spoke out. "Your father and I did not see eye to eye, but in the end we both cared about the safety and wellbeing of Corneria. Before the battle over Fortuna, he came to understand that the military needs mercenaries like us to perform missions the military publically cannot. Our allegiance has been, and always will be with Corneria. Why would we ever betray you?"
Toran was silent as his mind was flooding with a mix of rage and confusion. He did not know what to believe since he had lived his life on the basis of the chain of command, and on his father's teachings. He believed what his superiors had told him, and his superiors always had evidence to support their statements. Never the less, his loyalty that he developed towards Peppy was starting to resurface in his mind along with the thoughts on how his father eventually helped Star Fox before his death.
"General…" Toran spoke out. "Can you assure me that the data you sent me has not been fabricated to frame General Roberts?"
"The Star Fox team had to infiltrate the Crimson facility and risk their lives to obtain this data." Peppy responded. "Do you think they'd put their own lives at risk for fictional evidence?"
Toran was silent for a few moments as he was trying to make his choice. He slowly paced back into the bridge of his capital ship and all of his crewmen were looking at him with eager looks. They were all on the edge of their seats waiting for Toran to speak once more as they would be ready to follow his next command. As if hours had passed, the bridge crew of the Intervention noticed Toran lift his head and approach the screen once more.
"My ships and my crew will be at your disposal General." Toran said to Peppy. "Divert your shuttle to dock in the hangar of the Intervention. If you're going to need a flag ship to return to Corneria, use mine."
Toran quickly turned around and walked towards a crewman sitting at a communications terminal. "Open up a line with the Tartarus and the Daleus." Toran instructed his officer. "I need to speak with their captains."
"Yes sir!" the officer replied as he quickly opened up a new communications channel. "You're on line with destroyers Tartarus and Daleus."
"Attention Tartarus and Daleus." Toran spoke out. "We are going to cease the arrest on the Star Fox team. General Roberts has betrayed us all, and we're going to find out why. General Hare is alive and well, and is on approach to the Intervention."
Toran walked back towards the monitor and took one more look at Peppy. "I better not regret this, general." Toran said to Peppy.
"You won't son." Peppy responded.
After a few minutes, Peppy found himself on board the Intervention and was greeted by a landing party to escort him to the ship's bridge. Meanwhile, the Star Fox team continued to fly around the perimeter of the Great Fox II and their hearts were filled with joy. With a small fleet at their side, they knew they had better chances on completing their mission.
"Well that tuned out a lot better than I thought it would." Falco commented.
"Always have a bit of faith." Marcus responded. "Now we got to get to Corneria. Is everyone ready?"
"As ready as we'll ever be." Falco responded. "All thirteen fighters are ready and waiting. How are things on your end Peppy?"
A monitor opened up on the team's HUD and they all saw Pappy standing in the bridge of the Intervention with Toran at his side.
"Toran and his ships are ready to go." Peppy responded. "Also, Kayle has added his frigate and sent a message to bring in three more. They'll be here soon."
"Guess now we got a small fleet of our own…" Marcus thought. "Hopefully this all turns out all right."
Marcus looked away from Toran's ships for a brief moment and his gaze locked onto the Nightshade. His thoughts turned towards Sierra, and he was concerned for her safety. He placed a finger on his head and he linked his mind with Sierra's. As he completed his link, he realized that Sierra was actually more nervous than Marcus was. He was able to sense her hands shaking on the flight controls of the Nightshade and her thoughts were racing between her loyalty to Star Fox and her father.
"Sierra…" Marcus telepathically spoke out. "How are you doing…?"
"Marcus?" Sierra thought. "Oh yea… you can do that…"
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to check up on you."
"Well, I guess you already know."
"Are you ready to confront your father?"
"Is any child ever ready to confront and fight a parent? I'm just trying to not think of him as my father anymore. But it's not him I'm worried about."
"Then who is?"
"Marcus…"
Marcus quickly felt a spark in Sierra's thoughts as soon as she said his name. He saw that she was thinking about their time together in the MacBeth safe house, the Great Fox II's med bay, and even the kiss they shared within the McCloud residence. But there was something else he had discovered about Sierra that shocked him. Marcus discovered that Sierra had developed strong feelings towards Marcus, and she was nervous for his safety. Realizing this, Marcus quickly broke the link between their minds and focused his gaze in front of him once more. His heart was racing at his newly found discovery, and he was completely speechless.
"She… loves me?" Marcus thought. "I've-"
Marcus thoughts were interrupted as he noticed a private message appear on his HUD from Sierra. He opened it and smiled when he read its contents.
"When this is all over…" Sierra said in her message. "I want you to come back alive, so I can hear you say those words too."
Marcus and Sierra locked gazes form the cockpits of their fighters as they circled the Great Fox II. Knowing her feelings towards him, Marcus found confidence he hadn't felt before, and he was more than ready to begin the mission.
It only took a few more minutes for three of Kayle's frigates to appear at Sector X. After a brief moment, Kayle spoke out to them. "Ranger, Messenger, and Quest; join the ranks of the two destroyers and capital ship you see before you." Kayle said to the ships captains. "We're going to Corneria."
As the three remaining ships were closing in on the fleet, the time had come to take the fight to Roberts. The Great Fox II would take the lead as every ship within the area prepared for a hyperspace jump. "All coordinates are locked in." Peppy spoke out.
"Star Fox is ready to jump." Marcus spoke out. "All fighters and cruisers prepare to jump on ROB's mark."
"Countdown to jump." ROB spoke out. "Three… Two… One…"
As ROB's timer struck zero, the Star Fox team and the Cornerian cruisers activated their hyper drives and launched towards Corneria. Knowing their next mission could bring about the end of the Crimson Organization, the Star Fox team was ready to achieve victory. After the group jumped, a monitor within the MacBeth safe house activated, and Sigma appeared over the holo-table. Sigma was continuing to monitor the team's status using a series of trackers on each fighter.
"They've jumped…" Sigma spoke out. "Beginning Phase One.