Here we go again, another chapter of Star Fox Annihilation. Hard for me to believe I'm this far along on the story, I didn't think I'd make it this long. I'm happy for all of you who are sticking with the story, gives me hope that I'll finish it someday.
This chapter will mostly be a combat chapter, well half of it anyway. I know it's been a while since there's been combat in this story, and a long time since I've written any, so I hope it lives up to your expectations. Other than that I can't think of much to say.
Hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 14: RAID!
Macbeth, Cornerian military base
Huh, what a day? Fox thought as he collapsed into a recliner in the break room.
The cushioned recliner felt good as Fox sank into it, becoming one with it. He put up the foot rests and almost immediately closed his eyes. After a long day of meetings and conducting business arrangements he knew a nap was well earned. Ever since Daria took Krystal for training that morning Fox had been busy making sure the money from the Saurian contract was put to good use, mostly to making repairs on the Great Fox. Though the local businesses certainly had what he needed they were quite stubborn in giving it to him, most couldn't even start till the next day. If it wasn't for Peppy's assistance he would've gotten furious more than once, the hare certainly had a talent for conducting business. Taking care of business was harder while he had to look out for Vixy. Thankfully, Miyu, Fay, and Slippy were willing to watch her, which was one less thing he was glad not to be worried about.
At least now I can finally get a nap, till Vixy demands play time at least. Fox thought as he tried to drift off.
No sooner did Fox begin to feel himself start to drip off into the dream realm he heard the door fly open followed by a loud sigh. He opened his eyes to see Krystal enter the room covered in sweat and dirt, and breathing hard. Though it was hard to tell in the low lighting he could make out minor bruises and cuts on her body, mostly her arms as she approached him, more specifically the recliner beside him.
"Dang Krystal, you look like you've seen better days." Fox said with a soft laugh.
Krystal glared daggers at Fox, nearly causing him to step back. "Blame your sister; she's been working me nonstop at the range trying to teach me how to use Cornerian weapons. Seems pointless since I have my staff."
"Yeah, that sounds like my sister. She seems to get some kind of joy pushing people to the edge."
"From what my telepathy picked up that's only slightly true. She does it mostly to make sure the person is fully ready for combat. As she stated, the harder the training the easier the battle."
Fox smirked. "Yeah that's definitely Daria. That's what Todd would say all the time when he trained her, so naturally she started saying it."
"Well, she's not wrong with that saying, though it feels like she's taking it to the extreme."
"I think that's because the same was done to her and far worse and harder. Todd was a pretty harsh teacher when he trained her, I would say worse than how she is with you. On top of that the Tier1 training is absolutely ridiculous, hardly anyone passes the initiation and even fewer make it all the way through. If what I've heard of true training less than three out of every hundred trainees that attempt the basic Tier1 training program actually succeed, and if they do then they move on to advance training."
"Seriously, it's that hard to become what Daria is?" Krystal exclaimed.
"Oh yeah, it has to be, Tier1 operators are the best in the Lylat System, training to become one takes at least two years. So you can kind of understand what Daria went through to get to where she is today." Fox replied as he laid a hand on Krystal's shoulder. "Don't worry about Daria for now, just relax for the time being."
"Best order I've heard all day. You will not need to tell me twice."
Before Fox could reply Krystal laid down on the crouch and stretched. Within moments she was curled up and seemed to be nearly asleep.
Seriously, how could anyone fall asleep so quickly. Fox thought as he looked at Krystal. I guess Daria really did push her to the limit.
Fox laid his head back and closed his eyes. Though he had perhaps the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen by his side there was hardly any desire to attempt anything. He knew she was tired and probably not in a flirting mood, so he decided be best to let her sleep.
Just as Fox was about to drift off he heard the intercom buzzing on the wall. The suddenness of it nearly caused Fox to jump off of the couch. Krystal, on the other hand, jumped clear off the couch almost screaming.
"AGAIN! Dang it I'm about to rip that thing off." Fox growled as he stood up and held Krystal to calm her down.
"Sorry Fox but we got an important message from Colonel Patrenksi." Slippy's high pitched voice echoed over the intercom as Krystal seemed to calm down.
"Alright, patch him through."
"Right away, Fox."
After a couple moments, Colonel Patrenski's voice came through. "Fox, are you there?"
"Yeah, I'm here, what's going on?"
"Quite a bit, I got news on the Venom embassy situation."
Fox looked at Krystal shocked. "Really, I figured it'd be days if not weeks before we heard anything."
"So did I, but, apparently, once the information was on General Pepper's desk he put his full attention on it. You know how he is once he fully focuses on something."
"True, did he make any progress?"
"Oh yes, orders just came in, we have been cleared to launch a full scale assault on the embassy." Colonel Patrenksi replied, Fox detecting a hint of excitement in his voice over the intercom. "Also, they want Star Fox to lead the assault."
Fox nearly jumped with joy but kept his cool remembering Krystal was beside him. He regained his composure quickly before replying back.
"That's good news, Colonel, I'll get to work so my team's ready for the assault."
"Of course, I'll let know when the assault is ready." Colonel Patrenksi responded and sounded like he was hanging up only to stop suddenly. "Oh, Fox, there is something else you should know."
"What is it, did something happen?"
"Well, I'm not sure how to say it but pretty much as soon as we got the orders from General Pepper we had two heavily armed and armored individuals show at the front gate. They are Sharpscales."
"Sharpscale, at a Cornerian military base?" Fox exclaimed out loud, hearing Krystal stir behind him. "Have they shown any hostility? Have they stated why they're here?"
"Yes, though they were almost gunned down at the gate. They just walked up like they owned the place and demanded to speak to you. It took some convincing to get them to turn in their weapons as they were armed for war. So far, they've been pretty docile and haven't started any trouble."
"That's . . . all I can think to say is surprising. Sharpscale are not known for surrendering their weapons, even in peace times. They must really want to speak to me. Did they say why?"
"No, though given the timing I'd say it has something to do with the Venom embassy. I believe these are the two Daria talked to on her mission, it would explain a lot." Colonel Patrenksi replied.
"Huh, yeah, I can see that given the timing. Alright, I'll meet with them. Can you lead them here?"
"Possibly, due to security measures it might be difficult but I'll get them escorted to you as soon as possible."
"Thanks, Colonel, I'll be with you in a bit."
Colonel Patrenski's call ended, leaving Fox and Krystal alone. As soon as Colonel Patrenksi was gone Fox leaned back against the couch with Krystal who barely moved. He knew it would take a while for the two Sharpscales to be brought to him. Cornerian military bases took security very seriously, so two heavily armed, even though they had currently been disarmed, couldn't just walk through a bass. Giving Colonel Patrenksi time to work things out would take some time, which he could use to relax. Normally, he would try to have a conversation with Krystal though she was exhausted after training with Daria so Fox decided to let her rest for the time being.
After a while, Fox turned and looked at Krystal who softly smiled back at him. "So, you want to meet some Sharpscale?"
"Uh, sure, it will be nice to meet a reptile that is not aggressive or want to have his way with me. Sharpscale aren't like that are they?"
"Oh no, from what I've studied about Sharpscale, they take mating very seriously, to them it's not something they just casually do. A Sharpscale usually is quite selective of their mates, often having sex with just their mate throughout their entire lives, it's rarely ever casual. On top of that, Sharpscale despise rapist, to them that stuff is punishable by death, and they've been to follow through with that."
Krystal softly gulped and began following Fox down the hallway towards the hangar. "That sounds both good and scary at the same time."
"That's the Sharpscale for you. Thankfully, as long as they don't view us as enemies they'll be quite friendly."
"For our sake I hope so, it would be nice to have more friends around here."
"Same here, though we have to meet them first." Fox replied with a smile.
Fox and Krystal turned the corner to the hangar only to see Daria sitting in a chair, seeming to be waiting on something. She was dressed more leisurely, wearing loose fitted cargo pants and running shoes. The loose but somehow cleavage revealing top she wore seemed to be comfortable for her. Even after training Krystal she barely looked tired, thanks to the incredible endurance Fox knew she had.
"Took you long enough to get here bro." Daria said as she looked up at Fox with a smug grin.
Fox smirked. "You were eavesdropping on the call, weren't you?"
"Not intentionally, but yes, I did. You need to work on getting the communication lines on the ship secure."
"I know, it's on Slippy's list." Fox replied with a slight sigh. "I'm guessing you're waiting for us because of the call."
"I think that'd be obvious. If this is who I think it is coming our way I want to see them."
"You think it's Diana and Torygg?"
"Of course, there's no one else it could be. Besides, at least with me present they'd have a familiar face when they see you, which may put them at ease."
"I guess I can't argue with that. But, do I have a choice in the matter?" Fox asked.
"What do you think?"
"No, no I do not."
Daria smirked. "Hm, took you long enough to figure it out. Now, let's go meet them."
Fox let out a loud sigh as Daria stepped aside to let him lead the way. The smirk on Daria's face was almost enough to make him laugh. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Krystal trying hard not to laugh. As much as he wanted to speak Fox just shrugged it off and proceeded down the hallway to the hangar. Daria and Krystal followed him, Krystal keeping close to him as Daria stayed back a little ways.
Once they got to the hangar bay foot Fox pushed the button opening the door and lower the steps with Daria and Krystal behind him. What Fox saw approaching them from the runway nearly caused him to gasp. In the distance he could make out two large Sharpscales dressed in full combat armor, minus helmets and their weapons, being escorted across the runway towards them by more than a dozen armed Cornerian security guards. He'd heard stories of the magnificent armor the Sharpscales wore but never imagined he'd actually see it, let alone two of them strutting towards him with such confidence. They barely seemed to acknowledge the Cornerian soldiers escorting them and approached with a determination that Fox had rarely seen in . . . well, anyone. To him, it was quite a sight, even glancing at Krystal she seemed to be stunned.
"Those . . . those are Sharpscales?" Krystal stuttered.
Daria nodded. "Oh yeah, magnificent warrior specimens aren't they?"
"I don't know if I'd put it like that sis but you are correct." Fox replied to Daria then turned to Krystal. "I told you they'd be big, though I didn't think they'd be this big or armored. I've never seen a Sharpscale in full battle armor before so this is new even for me."
"Just wait till you see them in combat, they're a force of nature destroying everything in their path." Daria added.
"If I do then I hope that they're on my side."
"Well, for now they are and I don't see why they wouldn't be. So, let's at least see why they're here."
Fox nodded to Daria as the guards stopped the Sharpscales at the bottom of the ramp. Fox, Krystal, and Daria walked down the ramp the approach them, stopping at the bottom. The female Sharpscale stepped forward towards Fox but the moment she did the guards raised their weapons at her, but she barely flinched.
"Guys, there's no reason to be hostile towards our guest, they've shown no aggression here." Fox shouted at the Cornerians escorting the Sharpscale.
The security guards looked at each other for a moment before lowering the weapons and stepping back. Fox couldn't help but notice that the Sharpscale had barely moved a muscle, even after the guards raised their weapons at them. They probably didn't see the guards as a threat to them having such confidence in their armor and skills. It would make sense to Fox given what he'd read about the Sharpscales.
The two Sharpscales approached and bowed their heads to Fox, out of respect, and the female spoke first. "Fox McCloud, leader of the Star Fox team. My name is Diana Sharpscale and this is my brother Torygg. It is an honor to meet the man who defeated Andross."
Fox bowed his head back to them. "It is an honor to meet you as well. I have nothing but respect for your tribe and my sister has told me quite a bit about you. It was quite impressive to hear."
Diana seemed to blush, though her scales hid it well. "Why thank you sir, that means a lot coming from a legend."
"A legend would be an understatement." Torygg responded. "The Sharpscale clan greatly respects you and all of Star Fox for what you did with Andross."
"Uh, thanks, I'm still not used to hearing it. I greatly appreciate it, especially coming from the Sharpscales."
Daria walked down the ramp and stood beside Fox just as he finished speaking. "I knew I'd be seeing you two again."
"Ah, Daria, it's nice to see you again. If we had known you were the sister of Fox McCloud we would've been nicer to you."
"You guys were already pretty nice to us, well nicer than most people would've been in that situation. We really appreciate that and the help you gave us, even though the higher ups would never admit it."
"That's hardly a surprise, wouldn't be the first time Cornerians have treated our tribe with distrust. I'm just glad there are good ones like you and your brother out there." Diana said then turned to Fox. "I believe you are curious as to why two Sharpscales would enter a Cornerian military base and demand to speak to you?"
"Curious is certainly not the right word for it, more like greatly intrigued . . . and honored." Fox replied as he became serious. "So, why have you come here asking for me?"
Diana and Torygg looked at each other for a moment, clearly unsure how to respond to Fox's question. They whispered back and forth for a few moments so quietly that Fox couldn't hear them. He looked at Krystal a couple times to see what she thought but she just shrugged her shoulders each time.
After nearly a minute Torygg finally stepped forward and replied. "As much as it feels awkward to say it, we know that the Cornerian government has looked into the information we gave Daria and that General Pepper had cleared it so that an assault on the Venom Embassy can began."
"Wait, how do you know that?" Fox sharply asked.
Diana rubbed the back of her head as she responded to Fox's question. "Well, we've been monitoring the situation closely with tech we . . . stole from a Venom spy facility. It's how we monitored you."
"Hm, you do realize that could get you into a lot of legal trouble right?" Daria replied.
"Yes, though it was an off the books facility the Venomians were using to keep tabs on the Cornerian military, so I don't think us having eliminated it will be much of a problem."
Daria turned to Fox. "She's got a point bro."
"I know, that does explain a lot but it does leave a question unanswered." Fox replied then looked back at Diana and Torygg. "Since you know the assault has been cleared why come here and speak to me?"
"Simple really." Torygg answered with a stern smile. "My sister and I want to join you on the assault."
Fox's jaw nearly hit the floor at Torygg's response. He never imagined anyone would ask him such a question, let alone it being a Sharpscale. To ask such a thing was bold to say the least, with it being a Cornerian military operation. He knew the officials would immediately turn Diana and Torygg down, if not laugh them off the base. However, since they came to him they probably thought he'd give him a better answer, possibly even let them join. Doing so was certainly against Cornerian military policy, however, since Star Fox was a mercenary unit, those policies meant nothing to him. He had a suspicion if he said no that they'd still attack the embassy, just not as part of the Cornerian assault. That would almost certainly get them killed or at the very least on Corneria's black list. He suspected having them fight alongside him would save everyone a lot of trouble, especially Diana and Torygg. Fox was also curious to see them in battle with his own eyes, he'd always wanted to see a Sharpscale in battle.
Fox smiled as he looked at Diana and Torygg. "Hm, two Sharpscale assisting me on a raid against Venomians. I'd be stupid to say no."
An hour later, Cornerian strike helicopter
Daria shifted in her seat as she tightened her grip on her rifle, letting out a sigh. Riding in a cramped chopper was never something she enjoyed, even though it was only for a short time till they'd be in the middle of a combat zone. Fidgeting was how she usually passed the time, keeping her muscles sharp and from falling asleep, though it didn't seem to be contributed it to the excitement of finally having the authorization to act on the information that Diana and Torygg gave them, though Daria wished she was on the ground with them instead of up in a chopper. She was still surprised that orders came through to attack the embassy, let alone that they were about to muster such a large force so quickly. In an hour they had managed to gather well over three hundred troops, dozens of tanks and land vehicles, and nearly a dozen aircraft, all to attack a Venom embassy. She guessed that command, more specifically General Pepper, found it necessary, certainly took them long enough to do it.
Damn, this ride feels like a showing at a bad theatre. Daria thought as she looked around seeing the others appearing to be tired or just depressed. At least things will get exciting soon.
Looking around the bay, Daria say Krystal sitting alone in her seat looking nervous. No one else was anywhere near her, despite the bay being filled with soldiers to the point where it was almost cramped. It surprised Daria to see Krystal seated alone in a craft surrounded by men. If they had been in a bar or nightclub she'd have to fight them off with a bat. However, given the seriousness of the situation, and the fact that everyone on board was a professional, it wasn't as surprising. What got Daria's attention was how nervous Krystal looked compared to everyone else, she really stood out, and it tugged on her heart to see it.
Daria got up and walked over to Krystal, taking a seat beside her. "It's okay to be nervous CB, everyone is before going in."
"I know, I just can't help it at the moment. By the way does CB mean anyway?"
"It's short for Cute Blue, saves time saying it."
Krystal smirked. "I should have known. Just to be clear, this is not my first time in a fight or war."
"I figured it wasn't, you strike me as the warrior type. However, I got a feeling this is your first time going into battle using modern weapons."
"Uh, yeah I guess. You're talking about battle with guns right?"
Daria nodded. "Yes, that's what I meant."
"Then yes, it is. On Cerinia we use our staff's or other close combat weapon as you call it. We do not have firearms, though our staffs can still be quite dangerous at a distance."
"That's what I thought, so this kind of combat we're going into will be vastly different than what you're used to. That's got to be quite a shock to you."
"It is, sure my staff has a lot of abilities that make it useful in nearly all forms of combat but this is just not what I am used to." Krystal replied with a sigh. "Tell me, Daria, were you nervous the first time you went into battle?"
"Of course, everyone is their first time, and every time after. If someone tells you they're not scared they're lying, and the system is full of liars."
"Wait, you are telling me that even you are scared, right now?"
"Of course, I just know how to suppress and ignore my fear. I don't know if my method will work for you, everyone is different." Daria answered then patted Krystal on the shoulder. "Don't worry about anything. Star Fox is going in first with Diana and Torygg, we'll follow them. You just stick beside and you'll be fine."
"I suppose you got a point, Daria."
Krystal turned her head and looked out the window at the landscape as they flew by. Daria could only guess what was on her mind though she was pretty certain Krystal was considering the upcoming battle. She had seen countless rookie soldiers with similar expressions before going into battle, but out of all of them Krystal seemed to be the most calm. Daria couldn't help but be slightly impressed with how calm she was, almost tranquil, a feat she'd rarely, if ever, saw in a new soldier going into battle.
Krystal looked back at Daria with a worried expression. "So, what do you think will happen when we get there?"
"Hard to say, battle is impossible to predict and rarely ever goes as plan from my experience. But if I had to guess, I'd say most likely the moment Fox, Diana, and Torygg hit the base all hell is going to break loose and our forces will do their best to surround them so no one escapes. We'll land on the roof of the embassy as planned and hopefully meet little resistance but knowing the Venomians I doubt it. Most likely it'll be a fight the whole time."
"Huh, that does not make me feel much better. Basically, what you are saying is that no matter what you expect a battle?"
"Pretty much, it always is with Venomians." Daria replied, looking at Krystal with a slight smile. "I do know one thing for certain . . . anyone in Fox's, or Diana and Torygg's way, will be crushed."
X
Star Fox Landmaster
"YOU GUYS DOING ALRIGHT OUT THERE?" Fox shouted from inside the Landmaster.
"WE'RE DOING ALRIGHT FOX." Diana shouted back from outside the Landmaster. "Just wish we had something more study to hold onto."
"Well, when Slippy first designed the Landmaster he never imagined someone would ride on top of it. So sorry about that, I'll try to drive slowly."
"Like hell you well, you'd better get us there as quickly as possible. Just don't swerve so much and we'll be fine."
Fox shook his head with a smirk. He went back to concentrating on driving the Landmaster though his mind occasionally drifted back to Diana and Torygg. Trying to keep the Landmaster driving smoothly in the window of Macbeth was a difficult challenge by itself, trying to do it with two people riding on top just added to the difficulty. But, they seemed to hardly be concerned or troubled about the ride, if anything they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Daria told me these two were crazy, didn't believe it till I saw it. Only a crazy person would ride on top of a tank at full speed. Fox thought as he drove towards the embassy that finally came into view. Then again, crazy people do make the best soldiers and the best friends.
Crazy would be an understatement, at least Fox would say so, after he met Diana and Torygg. Once they got the orders from General Pepper to attack the Venom embassy, Diana and Torygg volunteered to be on the front so they'd be the first ones into battle to slay as many Venomians as possible. It was manner they proposed that shock everyone, via on top of the Landmaster. The looks on everyone's faces when Diana proposed that would've made Fox burst out laughing, but it didn't since he was in a state of shock himself. He thought they were joking till he was getting into the Landmaster and spotted them climbing onto the roof. They ignored his protests completely with Diana just saying "drive fluffbutt." Surprisingly, they held on with ease even with the Landmaster going eighty miles an hour. Those two were even crazier than he thought they'd be from Daria's story, made him curious how they'd be in battle once they got to the embassy. He wanted to speak to them, so he could get answers to the dozens of questions he had, but with the turbulence he knew they probably wouldn't answer him. On top of that they looked to excited to finally attack the Venom embassy to really answer anything.
Fox did feel better knowing that his team was backing up the main assault as a support element. Falco, Fay, and Miyu were in the air providing air support along with a squadron of Cornerian fighters and air troop carriers, like the ones Daria and Krystal currently sat in. Slippy and Peppy were in the Great Fox providing what support they could while Rob piloted it. He hoped that Vixy was still in his room where he ordered her to stay but knowing her Fox doubted it.
After a few minutes the Venom embassy finally came into view. Even from that distance Fox could spot the wall surrounding the building, blasting through them would be a challenge. That didn't stop him from smiling as they approached at nearly full speed. Behind him was large force of Cornerian military vehicles ready for battle and the air was filled with aircraft waiting for the orders to attack. More specifically, they were waiting on him to be the first to charge in, which didn't surprise him at all, it was hardly the first time the Cornerian forces relied on him. Fox also wanted to get in to please Diana and Torygg, knowing full well they'd want to be where the action is as soon as possible.
"Diana, Torygg, hold onto something." Fox said as he accelerated. "We're going in hot."
Fox heard them grabbing a hold of the railing as he pushed the Landmaster towards the embassy. He could see it in the distance along with the defense turrets on top. Thankfully they didn't seem to be manned at the moment though he knew that would change quickly once the fight started.
Fox charged the Landmaster's cannon as high as he could and let out a shot at the wall. The shot hit the wall at the bottom, blowing a huge hole in it large enough for the Landmaster to drive through. How'd we as they closer a nearby turret opened died after that causing Fox to swerve to avoid it. Torygg responded quickly, aimed his rocket launcher and fired, scoring a direct hit, blowing it up.
"Nice shot Torygg." Fox said as he corrected his course.
"I didn't think it would hit, had to fire that shot from the hip." Torygg replied as he repositioned himself.
"Hardly matters now, you scored the hit so we're good." Diana shouted as she reached for her Gatling gun. "Just get us in there foxy boy."
Fox nodded even though he knew they couldn't see him. He sped towards the hole, accelerating just as they neared it. The Landmaster easily passed through without a scratch, only to find themselves staring at a small, armed forced of Venomians coming towards them. Diana wasted no time in opening fire, her Gatling gun cutting through the Venomians with ease since they were out in the open with no cover. Torygg went to work shooting his rocket launcher at defenses and any vehicles. Fox kept the Landmaster moving so they wouldn't be an easy target and fired at anything he could.
Within moments they had laid waste to a huge part of the Venomians forces, paving the way for the rest of the Cornerian military to enter. Though Fox could hardly see Diana and Torygg he did notice the excited expression on their faces as they destroyed anything or anyone unlucky enough to enter their path. He was certainly impressed at the amount of damage they've caused in such a short period of time.
Dang, those sure know how to destroy stuff anything in their path. Fox thought as he continued to drive the Landmaster.
X
"Dang, they sure went in harder than I thought they would." Daria shouted over the roar of the chopper's engine.
From their position high above embassy Daria, with Krystal standing beside her, had a bird's eye view of Fox bursting through the wall. They watched in awe as he, along with Diana and Torygg, charged in and destroyed almost all resistance in their way. Daria was slightly impressed, she expected them to make a grand entrance like that, though she thought they'd be a little more subtle and it'd take them longer to get inside.
"Harder than you thought, they blew a giant hole in the wall and decimated their defenses in a matter of seconds." Krystal shouted back. "I would say they took it too far."
"No such thing as too far in combat. You either go all out and win or don't and almost certainly lose. That is especially true with Venomians, show any weakness and they'll crush you."
"Huh, I suppose you are right. I guess I was just surprised at the suddenness of it."
"That's only natural in combat, you'll eventually get used to it, especially working with Star Fox." Daria replied with a shrug and a reassuring smile, getting a nervous smile back from Krystal.
Daria turned her head and watched as Cornerian forces began arriving and forming a perimeter around the embassy. It didn't take long for a heavily enforced line of tanks and infantry completely circled the area around the building preventing escape. Daria was kind of impressed that it happened so quickly, usually the Cornerian military was slow though that day they seemed to be pretty on point with the operation.
Daria turned and looked at Krystal as the chopper flew over the embassy. "Okay Krystal, we're going to land on the top of the embassy and burst in from there. Stay behind me at all times, understand?"
"Yes ma'am, I will not leave your side."
Suddenly, incoming fire erupted from the roof of the embassy, directed at the chopper's open bay. Almost immediately the machine gun operator on the back was shot and collapsed. Everyone else on board ducked as plasma rounds flew over their heads. From her position Daria could see well over a dozen heavily armed Venom soldiers standing the roof opening fire at them.
"Damn it, stay back everyone, I'll take over." Daria shouted at she ran towards the machine gun. She quickly mounts and takes aim at the Venom soldiers on the roof and opened fire, cutting down several almost instantly. The roof provided little cover making the Venomians easy targets for her fire. She held down the trigger firing wildly at any target as they sprinted for what cover they could. A couple operators took position beside her and opened fire with precision cutting down the soldiers she missed. After nearly a minute of nonstop shooting the Venomian soldiers that remained began retreating towards the embassy roof entrance, only to make themselves open to Daria and her fellow operators. Only a couple managed to make it safely inside.
"Alright, that roof is clear. Tell the pilot it's safe to land."
Daria heard the operators pass the word up to the cockpit as she continued to aim the machine gun at the roof just in case an enemy soldier popped up. The pilot landed the chopper on roof as softly as possible but it still shook everyone inside. Daria was the first to recover with everyone else gathering their footing right after she did. Soon, the operators began piling out of the chopper onto the roof.
"Alright Krystal, as I've said, please stay behind me." Daria shouted, patting Krystal on the shoulder to reassure her."
"I will and I'm ready."
Daria nodded to her and filed out of the chopper onto the roof and took cover behind an AC unit. She quickly glanced back to see Krystal right beside her, giving her a smile. Almost as soon as they were all off the chopper took off leaving them to their mission. One by one the operators headed towards the roof entrance door to get inside the embassy, with Daria choosing to go last for Krystal's sake.
I hope Fox is doing alright down there with the Sharpscales. Daria's thought as she headed for the roof entrance with Krystal following close behind.
X
"Diana, Torygg, wait up." Fox shouted as he parked the Landmaster by the embassy entrance.
Fox shut off the Landmaster and jumped out as quickly as he could to follow Diana and Torygg. As soon as they had dealt with all outside resistance, except for a few soldiers, they jumped off the Landmaster and ran towards the embassy entrance with hardly a word to him. He didn't even have time to park before they jumped off. Fox knew they were anxious to fight and eliminate as many Venomians as possible but he didn't think they'd be so reckless about it. He couldn't say he wasn't impressed by them, they certainly had more determination than almost everyone he knew, except for Daria and a few others.
Dang, those two are fearless to the point of insanity. Fox thought as he grabbed a laser rifle and ran after Diana and Torygg.
Fox ran through the doors to almost freeze at the sight of Diana and Torygg expertly paving a way through all Venomians in their way. In a matter of seconds they had already cut through the embassy's frontal security to the point where they were desperately trying to find any cover to protect them from the Sharpscale onslaught. Diana's laser Gatling gun combined with Torygg's plasma shotgun was one hell of a force that clearly made them a threat to anyone in their path. Combine it with their armor and Fox wouldn't want to be in their path. Meanwhile, the Venomians, those that remained, were fighting from whatever cover they could find in the lobby. Fortunately for them, the lobby was designed for a frontal assault so cover was plentiful.
Torygg turned to Fox and shouted. "Stick behind us Fox, we'll draw their fire."
Fox jumped to cover behind a pillar and immediately began picking off targets. With Diana and Torygg as the main threat the embassy's security was clearly focused on them to the point they seemed to barely notice Fox, making them easy targets for him. He had little trouble finding a Venomian to shoot at, scoring multiple hits within a moment or two. Despite his actions the Venomians still seemed to have a heavy grip in the lobby, getting through them would take a while. He needed to do something while Diana and Torygg had the initiative if they were going to get through quickly.
Using the furniture as cover, he worked his way around the lobby to flank the Venomians who had erected an effective cover in the middle of the room that protected them against Diana and Torygg. As Fox made his way around he could see the Venomians attempting to mount a large machine gun, he knew Diana and Torygg's armor wouldn't hold up against it. He quickened his pace, hoping to remain unseen till he got close enough to see them clearly in his sights. Spotting five, two providing cover fire towards Diana and Torygg while the other three worked to set up the heavy machine gun, he knew it was the only opportunity he'd get. He took a deep breath and quickly stood up, taking careful aim at the machine gun's power core. Fox fired a single shot at the core and scored a direct hit, causing the core to disrupt, resulting in a large explosion, killing everyone nearby and knocking Fox on his butt.
"Nice shot Fox." Diana called out to Fox.
Fox shook his head and tried to regain his footing. From what he could see, what remained of the Venomians were running down any hallway or escape they could find to get away. Without their machine gun there was no chance they could hold back the Cornerians, let alone Diana and Torygg. With it gone they seemed to be fleeing to either get away or fall back to other defendable positions.
Fox succeeded in standing up just as his ear piece spiked followed by the sound of Daria's voice. "Fox, my team has landed on the roof and we've entered the building. We're clearing the top floor as we speak."
"Good, we got the lobby cleared and Cornerian forces are entering the building. I think most of the Venomians are falling back to defend key positions or destroy records."
"I'm thinking that too, we've come across very little resistance once we got inside. That means we have to hurry."
"I know, good luck on your end sis." Fox replied.
"You too bro."
Fox ended the call and ran to where he last saw Diana and Torygg only to find them gone. Quickly looking around he saw them standing at the entrance to a hallway at the far end of the lobby. From what he could see it appeared to be a heavily secured route with security doors, scanners, and guards posts currently empty. The only reason it seemed to be open was because Diana had a security badge, most likely from a guard she killed.
"Hey Fox." Diana called out. "Most of the security forces went this way. We're going to follow them."
Fox nodded as he ran towards them, catching up just as they entered the hallway. Torygg took point with Diana following close behind him. Fox stayed behind them, mostly to provide support. With their aggression, high damage weapons, and armor, it was clear to him they dominated in close quarter combat, exactly the situation they were in. Knowing that, it was obvious to Fox that his place was behind them providing support.
Surprisingly, when they entered the hallway there was no resistance, no incoming fire, and no signs of enemy life. Even as they continued down the hallway there was no one to fight. Fox began feeling uneasy, almost certain they were walking into a trap. It wasn't till they turned a corner that they stopped, finding themselves starring down a pitch black hallway. No light illuminated the hallway, making it impossible to see anything. Fox couldn't make out anything even by squinting.
"What the heck is this?" Diana said seeming to be confused.
As soon as Diana finished speaking a laser round hit her in the chest. If it wasn't for her armor the hit would've killed her, instead it barely fazed her. She responded by raising her nachos gun and firing blindly in the darkness, hoping to hit something with Torygg did the same. Fox took cover in a doorway and opened fire but due to the darkness couldn't see a thing. For a few moments both sides exchanged fire with neither having the advantage. Much to Fox's surprise, even though the Venomians were in the darkness they were shooting accurately, more so than they were, scoring hits on Diana and Torygg's armor.
"Seriously, they're using night vision to slow us down?" Diana growled.
"They're getting desperate, sister. Won't stop us." Torygg shouted back. "We just need something to help us see so we can end their existence."
"I got something for that."
Fox said, getting Diana and Torygg's attention.
Fox reached into his vest and pulled out a small, grenade like device Slippy had developed a few years ago he called a light grenade. From the way Slippy described it Fox guessed it released an extremely bright light that blinds anyone nearby for around ten seconds. Fox tossed the light grenade into the darkness, hoping his aim was true. After a couple seconds the grenade illuminated the entire hallway in a blinding light, making the Venomians visible. Fox, Diana, and Torygg immediate acted and opened with accurate fire at the stunned Venomians, cutting nearly all of them down within seconds. Thankfully the grenade stayed slightly illuminated once its time expired, making it easy for them to see.
"Never imagined a bright light would be so effective against a-holes." Diana said with a smile.
Fox nodded back as Diana and Torygg proceeded down the hallway again. As they continued a lone Venomian stumbled out from cover rubbing his eyes in front of Diana. She raised her weapon and aimed at his head but didn't fire as the Venomian was unarmed and clearly stunned.
"Diana, remember do not kill anyone that surrenders. I know after everything Venom did to your tribe it's tempting but please don't need to massacre them." Fox shouted at Diana.
"Of course, we're not without honor unlike these scumbags. We don't kill prisoners or unarmed fighters. We'll let them live so your people can question them."
"Good, you can still incapacitate him."
"That was the plan." Diana replied then hit the Venomian on the head with the butt of her weapon, knocking him out. "Let's keep moving."
Fox nodded then followed closely behind Diana and Torygg as they continued down the hallway. Much to their surprise they encountered no more Venom soldiers as they progressed deeper down the hallway. It wasn't till they came to a 90 degree turn in the hallway that Fox began getting suspicious again. Diana and Torygg kept going as if they were ready and could handle anything with Diana in front. They turned the corner and nearly froze when they saw a multitude of Venom soldiers waiting for them. Fox grabbed Diana just as a barrage of laser came at her and pulled her back to cover.
"Thanks for that Fox." Diana said.
"No problem, let me get a quick view of what we're dealing with."
Diana and Torygg let Fox slip past them and he took position at the edge of the wall. He quickly poked his head out for a second before ducking back behind cover just as the Venom soldiers tried to shoot him. Even though it was only a quick glance he got plenty of time to see what they were dealing with.
"From what I could see, there's at least a dozen soldiers out there, taking cover behind barricades. I also counted a heavy machine gun. They're pretty well defended." Fox said with a sigh.
"They seem to be really determined to defend this section of the building." Torygg shouted over the incoming fire.
"That's usually a sign there's something valuable for them to defend." Diana responded, firing a quick barrage. "Means we're going in the right direction."
"But that also presents a problem, they're so well defended that it'd take a large force to get through them." Fox added.
Diana and Torygg looked at each other for a moment before looking back at Fox. Torygg reached into one of his armor pockets and pulled out what appeared to be a black, round grenade with flames on it. The grenade was very small, he could almost wrap his hands fully around it if he held it.
"You may want to hold your breath, Fox." Torygg said as he took cover at the edge of the wall.
"Is it a gas grenade?" Fox asked.
"No, it's a grenade of Sharpscale designed called the Incinerator, you'll see why." Diana replied. "Just don't breath in if you dong want burn your lungs."
Torygg tossed the grenade as best he could towards the center of the room. He then threw his arms around Diana and Fox and pulled them closets him, covering them with his body. A second later, Fox felt the incinerator explode, rocking the very foundations of the building. Flames shot out from the explosion, covering everything in sight, thankfully, Fox, Diana, and Torygg were on the other side of the wall otherwise the flames would've roasted them. Fox could feel the heat from the explosion, knowing anyone the flames touched was probably toasted and dead. After a few moments, once the flames ceased, Torygg let go of Diana and Fox and they peered out over the wall the see the room before them covered in flames with a few Venom soldiers screaming as flames burned them alive.
"Damn, that thing is just ridiculous. I see why it's called Incinerator, dang thing burned everything it touched." Fox stated as Diana and Torygg jumped out of cover and began firing at anyone still alive.
At first, Fox thought what they were doing was cruel till he realized they were showing mercy by ending the Venomians' pain. If they were still alive after that explosion they wouldn't have been for much longer due to their injuries. Thankfully, only a couple needed their lives ended though Fox was still uncomfortable about it.
"Well, know that's done there's only one thing left to do." Diana said then turned towards the end of the hallway.
Before them stood one of the largest and most secure security doors Fox had ever seen. The security door before them was massive to say the least, Fox guessed it weighed at least ten tons and stood twelve feet tall. It looked even heavier than a bank security door and far more secured, from the locks he could see. Even the Incinerator barely left a mark on the door other than a few burn marks. It was pretty obvious to him that whatever was on the other side was extremely important to the Venomians, otherwise they wouldn't have gone through such trouble.
"Dang, we're not going to get through that without some major fire support." Diana said.
"You kidding, we'd bring the whole embassy down if we used the amount of firepower necessary to break through." Torygg responded.
"Easily, these security doors are designed to withstand natural disasters and the strongest artillery." Fox replied as he looked around the room. "They're designed to only be opened by a terminal. However, there's not one nearby so it must be in another part of the building, most likely in a security room."
"You're saying we'll have to search the entire building for a terminal just to get in there?" Daria growled.
"Unfortunately, yes, unless you want to bring down the entire embassy. I'd prefer to avoid that."
Diana and Torygg both grunted loudly in annoyance, making it hard for Fox not to smirk. He wasn't happy about it either but with little other choice there was nothing he could do, besides hope that some other Cornerian unit had found a control terminal.
"Fox, you there big bro?" Daria's voice suddenly echoed over the radio.
"Yeah, I'm here, something happen sis?"
"Kind of, we finished clearing the top floor with little resistance. It's what we found that's disturbing."
"What'd you find?" Fox said as Diana and Torygg looked at him.
"We caught some Venomians trying to destroy what records they could. We stopped them but the records we found are disturbing to say the least. You'll see what I mean once you get here."
"We'll see, though down here we've come across a problem."
"Too much security for the great Fox McCloud to handle?" Daria replied sarcastically.
"Very funny, we've come to a security door that requires a terminal located somewhere else to open."
"Huh, where are you?"
"The basement, I think. It's a large security door that reads Black Hole." Fox answered.
"Hm, I think I got a solution for that. We captured the security office and I recall a terminal with that label on it. Give me a moment and we'll see if I can open it."
Daria ended the conversation before Fox could reply, leaving him no other option but to wait. He gave Diana and Torygg a shrug hoping it wouldn't take Daria long to hopefully solve their problem. After a few moments, Fox heard a distinctive beeping coming from the door's lock.
"Thanks sis."
"No problem bro."
Fox ended the conversation as Torygg walked over to the door and slowly pulled it open, its sheer weight proving difficult for even him to move. Once he got it open they were able to see what was inside. What they saw made Diana and Torygg look at each other confused while a loud gasp escaped Fox's mouth. The room was empty except for a large cylinder device that stood in the middle. It was easily over ten feet tall but very thin and covered in black metal with a console at normal waist height level. In the middle of the device was a glass container holding a mixture of red chemicals. Fox recognized the device immediately and nearly began shaking as he reached for his headset to make a call.
"Uh, Colonel Patrenksi, I think we found something you may find interesting."
To be continued.
So Fox has quite an introduction to Diana and Torygg while attacking a Venom embassy. They definitely made quite an entrance and I would dare say that Fox and Daria liked what they saw. What will happen now that the Venom embassy gone and Star Fox knowing about Diana and Torygg.
Please leave a review. I honestly want to know what you think of the story and how I can improve it.
Hope that you are enjoying the story so far. The next chapter will be uploaded as soon as possible.
This is John Storm signing off. Star Frosty ya'll.