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Star Fox: First Contact

Chapter 12: The Recruit

Whinnyham had brought marines with her onto the Great Fox's bridge, along with a doctor. The latter had brought a needle, the former had brought blaster rifles. Which wasn't a problem, as the entire Star Fox Team was there as well. Also wielding rifles with the exception of Falco, who was carrying a singularity projector. Some might have called that overkill. Some might have called it sabre rattling. Right now, however, Miyu didn't call it anything. Her mind was too tired to think of fancy terms, and if it came to the weapon being used, her body was too tired to get out of the way.

Looking at everyone else on the bridge, Miyu wagered that they felt the same way. The only exception was Efi, who was seated on one of the bridge's chairs. Her hair unbound, her eyes narrow as she watched the doctor extract blood from her arm.

"We're testing you to see if you carry any pathogens," Whinnyham had explained. "For the next six months, you're to be confined to this ship. You will not interact with any Cornerian on any planet, moon, space station, starship, or otherwise. The Star Fox Team will undergo mandatory screening for any contacts over the same period. Failure to comply with these orders will result in apprehension and transfer into CDF custody."

No-one had objected. The Great Fox could operate in space for much longer than that, and Efi had been cooped up on a ship for centuries. She may not have liked it, but she'd remained silent. And as she watched Whinnyham pick up the Equinox's flight recorder, Miyu could tell that she didn't like this one bit either.

"That's all that's left of my people's history," Efi said.

Only difference was that this time, she voiced her frustration.

"I know," said Whinnyham. "But your ship is gone. Your people are gone. This machine is so antiquated, it'll need special technology to run."

"So leave it here."

Whinnyham shook her head. "No. This device is now the property of the Cornerian Defence Force, along with whatever data it holds."

"After I helped save you." Efi looked at the doctor, then the marines. "All of you."

"For which we'll always be grateful for. Which is why I'm letting you stay on this ship, and in doing so, breaking more protocols than you have fingers." Whinnyham looked at Fox. "With the captain's permission of course."

Fox said, "Efi's free to stay on this ship as long as she wants. She's earned it."

Efi looked at Fox and gave a small smile. He didn't return it. Not from any lack of warmth, Miyu figured. Rather that the same unease that plagued Efi. That plagued all of them. Without the efforts of Efi Orisha, none of them would be standing here. And all she'd got for her efforts was a participation trophy.

Whinnyham handed the flight recorder to one of her marines. He put it inside a big box. Efi let out a sigh. As if she knew that this was the last time she'd ever catch sight of the thing.

"So," Peppy said. "You got what you came for. And we get…?"

Whinnyham gave the hare a small smile. "How very mercenary of you." Peppy opened his mouth to speak but she kept talking. "Fear not. You'll see your ship's account go up by a few zeroes before the day is out."

"We better," said Fay.

No-one said anything for a few moments. It was in those few moments that Miyu almost wished that the drones were still operational. Because as terrible as the Warden ship had been, it had at least been an enemy she could fight. Could shoot at without remorse. And in the end, defeat. Whinnyham however…she wasn't an enemy. No matter how she and the rest of the crew might feel about her. After all, Whinnyham had fought the same battle that Star Fox had. And many fighter pilots and crewmen had paid the price.

"How about the Epona?" Slippy asked. "Will you be alright?"

Whinnyham looked out the bridge's windows, to where the supercarrier was parked. "I've called in two other ships – the Olimar and the Zebes. The former will help us with repairs. Should be here in about thirty-four hours." She snorted. "Plenty of time to write a few hundred condolence letters."

Miyu winced. Hundreds was small fry compared to the millions of lives that had been lost thanks to Andross. But even so, she'd seen such missives be sent and received. Years later, she wasn't sure which was worse. The sending, or the receiving.

"And the Zebes?" Fox asked. "What's that for?"

"Salvage." Whinnyham looked at Fox. "For the Warden ship."

No-one said anything for a moment. Not until Miyu decided to break the silence.

"Salvage," she repeated.

"That's what I said, Miss Miyamoto."

"You're salvaging that…thing," she said. "After everything it did. After everything it was designed to do."

"Yes, I am. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Maybe," Miyu murmured.

Whinnyham sighed. "It's very easy to take the high road, but you'll find that the path becomes very narrow; liable to let you fall off. I needn't remind you that this entire episode began as a salvage operation." She paused, holding her cap in her hands. "That thing cost me the lives of over fifty fighter pilots, and over three-hundred crewmen," she whispered. "If there's anything good that can come from this…" She looked at Efi. "I assure you the technology will be put to good use."

Miyu remained silent. Though she was certain that similar words had been uttered years ago. When someone in the Cornerian Army gave Andross the go-ahead to test the gravity bomb.

Efi looked at Whinnyham. "That ship killed my world, and my people," she whispered. "Strip it to the bone for all I care."

Whinnyham took a step forward and stuck out a hand, as if about to pat Efi on the shoulder. Seeing the way the girl was looking at her however, she apparently thought better of it. Withdrawing her hand, and putting her cap back on.

"I'll take my leave," Whinnyham said. She looked at the crew, starting with ROB (standing in the corner, remaining silent), then Miyu, then Efi, then finally ending with Fox, giving a small smile. "For what it's worth, your reputation is clearly deserved. Pepper made the right choice, entrusting you with the Arwings all those years ago."

"Duly noted," Fox murmured, not returning her smile. He nodded towards the Epona. "Your ship's waiting."

Whinnyham's smile faded. "And so it is." She put her cap back on, and gave a look at Falco, or more specifically, the weapon he was carrying. "You do know those things are illegal, right?"

Falco patted the projector. "Bite me."

Whinnyham didn't say anything. She headed for the bridge's exit, the doctor and marines following her. A few minutes from now, she'd be in Hanger 2, boarding her shuttle. A few minutes after that, she'd be back on the Epona.

"Bout time she left," Falco murmured.

"Show some respect, Falco," Peppy said.

"Respect is earned, not given." Falco looked at Miyu. "You know I'm right."

Miyu looked at Efi, then Fay, then the ground. She twiddled her thumbs, as she reflected that after all that had happened, she couldn't hate Whinnyham. As Fox had said on this very bridge, the universe mostly operated in shades of grey. Whinnyham had done what she thought was right, and had given it her all. Maybe tomorrow she'd be an enemy. Maybe the day after that, an ally. But for now, Whinnyham was heading off the ship. To begin the process of repairs, of salvaging, and providing some comfort to the families of those whose lives had been lost this day.

"ROB," Fox murmured. "Let me know when Whinnyham's shuttle launches."

"Affirmative."

"Expecting trouble?" Peppy asked.

"Always."

Slippy laughed nervously. No-one else did. It occurred to Miyu that under normal circumstances, they'd have engaged in some post-mission activities by now. Drinking, eating, videogames, maybe even a holo or too. But not this time. There was a weight on all of them. And, Miyu reflected, looking at Efi, a weight pulling them down as well. Which, she supposed, was still nothing compared to the weight that the girl still carried on her shoulders.

Her world was gone. Her ship was gone. Her family, her crew, her legacy, was gone. And all she had to console her was the knowledge that something like this would never happen again. Provided that this was the only Warden ship out there.

Miyu began to speak. "Efi-"

"So!" the girl exclaimed. "What do you guys do for fun around here?"

No-one said anything.

"Come on," she said. "You're pilots. Don't you kick back after a mission? Food? Drink? Fun stuff?"

Miyu could see some mouths moving. Everyone wanted to say something, but no-one knew what to say, or when to say it.

"Guys?" Efi whispered.

Slippy walked forward. "Sure we do," he said with a smile. "Hey, you wanna come with me into storage? I mean, there's all kinds of stuff in there. Probably food you've never tasted."

"Which is probably for the best in some cases," Peppy said.

Miyu knew the hare was trying to be funny, but it was without mirth.

"Go on," Fay said, giving Efi a soft nudge. "Whole new world, right?"

"Yeah," Efi murmured. She gave Miyu a look. "Whole new world…"

Miyu went to say something, but the words were caught in her throat. She watched as Slippy led Efi off the bridge.

"Whinnyham's shuttle has just exited Hanger Two."

And listened to ROB speak. Finding that it removed none of the weight from her shoulders.

"So," Falco said. "I'm just gonna take this baby back to my room." No-one said anything. "You guys want me to take your rifles as well? Make a stop at the armoury?"

No-one said anything.

"Guys?"

Fay sighed and handed him her rifle. "Knock yourself out."

Miyu, Fox, and Peppy followed suit. Falco looked like a one bird army. One that headed off the bridge himself, as if headed off for war.

"Gonna head off myself," Peppy said. "Send a message to the family."

"Yeah, me too," Fay said. "Better they hear about what happened from me than the Press Corps." She looked at Miyu. "Coming?"

Miyu looked at Fay, then Fox, then back to the poodle. "I'll stay here."

Fay gave her a look.

"We're all coming back to this bridge eventually." She gave Fay a pat on the shoulder. "Go on. I'll catch you around."

Fay didn't look convinced. But nevertheless, she headed off the bridge. Leaving Miyu alone, with only a silent robot for company. And Fox himself, staring out into the darkness of space. Biting her lip, Miyu walked over. Standing beside him. In silence.

"Feeling like this isn't much of a victory?" she murmured.

Fox remained silent.

"Yeah, me neither." She whistled. "First time in four years I said that. Heck, probably longer."

Fox snorted. "Standing in the ruins of Corneria was a victory?"

"It did, once I heard about Andross's defeat. But this time?" She looked at Fox. "What's our sign of victory for this?"

Fox looked at her, frowned, then returned his gaze to the glass. To the darkness of space, and his reflection staring back at him. "Dunno."

The two stood there for what felt like an eternity. The only passage of time being Whinnyham's shuttle moving through the dark. Its ion engines two points of light in the gloom. Getting ever fainter. Further away from them. Disappearing into the dark. Into the bowels of the ship that was still standing. And past the debris of the one that wasn't. This, apparently, was how the story ended, Miyu reflected. This was the taste of victory. Bitter. Coarse. Victory that no amount of food or drink could turn into sustenance. She looked at her reflection. Wondering if it had an answer for the weight that dragged her down.

It did. And she looked at Fox.

"Can I ask you something?" she whispered.

"Shoot," Fox murmured.

Miyu took a breath, and spoke her words. Looking as to how the pilot beside her smiled.

As did his reflection.

As did hers.

They ended up having food and drink on the bridge. Which, given the sorry state of things, made it feel less like a ship, and more like a graveyard.

Miyu had been here before. Back in her Army days. After flying from a sortie, she and her buddies would sit down, grab a cold one, remember who'd died that day, and try and remember who'd died up to that point – she and her fellow pilots had lost count very quickly. One of the perks of joining Star Fox was that so far, she hadn't had to list a single pilot who'd fallen in battle. But even then, the feeling was the same. Hundreds were dead. They'd defeated an automaton, and couldn't even enjoy rubbing in their victory in its metallic face.

So it was in silence that she sipped her beer. It was cold, but not refreshing, despite a peppy hamster on the can assuring her that Recharge would do just that. What the hamster was doing now, Miyu had no idea. Probably living off royalties.

"Oh hey, Whinnyham's paid us."

Miyu's eyes turned to Falco. So did half of team's. He tapped the data pad he was holding.

"Cha-ching, cha-ching, come to poppa."

"You do realize that's going to all of us, right?" Fay asked.

Falco turned the pad around so that she could see it. "Take your share. Plenty to go around."

Miyu didn't say anything. No-one did. If the bridge had become like a graveyard, then discussing payment had become like discussing inheritance. And having inherited her family's accounts, being the sole surviving member…Miyu sipped her beer. She didn't talk about that. And she didn't want to talk about money now.

"We did good today," Peppy said. He held up his can – Wonderbuzz, depicting a white rabbit in front of a red heart. "No matter what it cost us."

"But what did it cost us?" Slippy asked. He nodded towards the bridge's plexiglas – towards the Epona.

Peppy held up his can. "To the pilots we fought alongside today. For the hundreds who gave their lives so that millions could live." Miyu watched as his gaze shifted towards Fox, however slightly. "And to the Star Fox Team. All for one, and one for all."

"All for one, and one for all," the team repeated, before each taking a sip from their own beverages. Miyu, lowering hers, glanced at the food set up on a table (barely touched), and at two people standing apart from the festivities. ROB, who was standing in the corner, observing them silently, ready to be their butler. And Efi. Leaning against a wall, taking small bites of a chocolate bar. Taking a breath, she headed over. Leaning against the same wall and sipping her beer. Watching the rest of the team drink, and occasionally eat, in silence.

"That's beer, isn't it?" Efi murmured.

Miyu looked at her. "Want some?"

"Where I came from, I wouldn't be allowed to drink until I was eighteen." Efi took another bite of her chocolate. "Course, I'm not on Atlas anymore."

Miyu wasn't sure what to say. So she took another sip.

"Y'know, either this translator needs an upgrade, or there's some kind of cultural convergence going on here," Efi said. "I mean, that's beer, and I'm eating chocolate…so either this is different stuff that tastes the same, and is only being translated into stuff I recognize, or this stuff evolved separately in different star systems." She took another bite. "I like chocolate…"

Miyu began to speak. "Efi-"

"I mean, it was hardly a luxury or anything. You could get chocolate from a vending machine. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, chocolate milkshakes, iced chocolate, chocolate ice-cream…even when the Warden was attacking, there was still chocolate. Mostly for the kids…people were starving, but there was always chocolate, somehow, from some place…" She took a final bite and screwed up the wrapper. "And now I'm still eating chocolate. Homeworld's gone, Warden's gone, and yay, chocolate…" She made a sound that was hard sniff, half chuckle. "Guess I should learn how to drink as well. I mean, it's your star system, not mine." She looked at Miyu. "What's the legal drinking age here?"

"It's-"

Efi grabbed the beer can from Miyu's hand and took a sip. Staring, Miyu let Efi put the can back in her hand, before managing to swallow.

"Oh God, that tastes terrible."

Miyu chuckled. "Your choice kid." She wiped the rim of the can before taking another sip "Kinda does taste like shit, actually."

"Got any better tasting beer?"

"Maybe." She gestured to the table. "How about some food?"

Efi didn't say anything.

"Have you had anything to eat on this ship since you came aboard,? I mean, besides chocolate?"

Efi still didn't' say anything. She just leant back against the wall, watching. Hurting. Miyu didn't need to even guess why. But what stuck in her mind, if not that of the alien beside her, was the word "kid." Because that's what Efi was. A kid. Even Slippy, the youngest of the crew, had been nineteen when he'd got into an Arwing for the first time, and that had been four years ago. Kids were meant to grow up with friends and family. Kids were meant to grow up safe. Kids weren't meant to have to entertain the notion that they were the last of their kind, or spend their life speaking through a translator. Perhaps Efi had avenged her homeworld today. Perhaps celebrations would be held on Corneria to celebrate this victory. But if so, the dead wouldn't hear them.

"Do you think Whinnyham will keep her promise?" Efi murmured. "That the Warden technology will be put to good use?"

Miyu grunted. "Depends how you define good use."

"Hmm." Efi walked over towards the windows, and looked at the Epona. She sighed, before saying, "part of me wants to hate her, you know. But I don't. I can't. Heck, I can't even hate the Wardens now."

Miyu walked over as well. "You don't hate them?"

"Can you hate a machine? And even if you can, what use is hating it when it's gone?"

Miyu didn't answer. She suspected that plenty of people, Fox most of all, still hated Andross. Maybe they always would. Maybe Andross would remain a symbol of hate – a benchmark that no other tyrant could live up to. That no crime could match. The Cornerian Defence Force might put the Warden technology to use, for good or ill, but as long as their actions remained short of Andross's, they were in the clear, as far as history was concerned.

"And look at me," Efi whispered. "I'm talking with an alien who shot me, as if we're friends." She giggled. "Well, sucks to be you I guess. You've got me for six months before I'm dumped somewhere."

"Efi…"

"Which is fine, y'know." Efi looked at Miyu, and the lynx could see that she was trying to hold back tears. "I mean, I found my way to this system on the Equinox. I can do plenty of drifting by myself." She took a breath. "Think I'll have some more chocolate."

She started to walk, but Miyu put a hand on her shoulder. Efi looked at her.

"How about something else first?" the lynx asked.

"Something else?"

Miyu looked at Fox, who nodded. She looked back at Efi. "Come with me."

The walk to the centre of the room didn't take long. It only took slightly longer for the muted conversations of the rest of the team to fall silent. Unless Fox had spoken to them, no-one knew what Miyu was about to say. But they knew when a speech was about to come.

"Um…"

Only problem was, the speeches usually came from Fox or Peppy. And if this was indeed a speech, it wasn't one that Miyu had actually prepared.

"I just want to say that…that…"

Falco groaned and lay back in his chair. "You have a tongue Miyu, use it."

"Yeah Falco, I bet that's what your last girlfriend said."

Laughter spread through the room at Slippy's joke. But more importantly, it gave Miyu the precious seconds she needed to compose her thoughts. To start using her tongue, so to speak.

"I think it goes without saying that this victory isn't like the types we usually have," she said. "We're together. We're alive. Hundreds of Cornerians aren't. I…" She took a breath. "I remember Corneria. I remember seeing pilots shot down, and people dying in the streets. I remember what Andross did to our world. And…" She looked at Fox. "And I remember seeing you guys fly over. Turning the tide. Saving us. Going on to save the entire system. It's why I wanted to join you. And it's why, bumps in the road aside, I'm glad that I'm still here."

"Hear hear," Fay said, raising her beer in toast.

"But this isn't about me. Not today." She turned to Efi. "This is about you."

Efi stared. "About me?" She looked out in fear. Scarce different from when Miyu had seen her on the Equinox. When she's awoken into a new, dangerous world.

"Efi, I can't imagine what you're feeling," Miyu said. "I don't think any of us can. Your world's gone. Your home's gone. Your family's gone. Your ship is gone, Whinnyham's got the flight recorder, and destroying the Warden won't bring anyone, or anything, back." She looked out at the team. "We've all lost friends. We've all lost family. But never all that. We've never been so far from home."

Efi shook her head. "I don't need sympathy."

"Actually," Fox said, getting to his feet. "I think you do. We all do." He looked around the team. "Even the strongest of us."

Peppy gave Fox a somber look. Falco, grumbling, looked away.

"Guys, I'm fine," Efi said. "You don't owe me anything."

"Maybe not," Fox said. He looked at Miyu. "But we can offer you something."

Miyu reached into her pocket. "Efi Orisha," she said. "If it wasn't for you, none of us would be here. You helped us destroy the Warden. You reminded me…all of us…that we're better than what we could let ourselves become." She took a breath. "You once told me that your family had been gone for two-thousand years. But maybe…" She took the item out of her pocket. "Maybe you could find a family here. And a new patch for your shoulder."

Efi stared at what Miyu had pulled out, as did everyone bar Fox. For indeed, how could she offer Efi a Star Fox shoulder patch without his consent? How could she have offered Efi Orisha a place on the team without his knowledge?

Easily, perhaps. But sometimes, it was indeed easier to ask for permission than forgiveness.

It was Fox who spoke. "For what Efi has lost, and what she has done, she's earned a place on the team. All for one?"

Peppy got to his feet. "One for all."

"For all," Fay said.

"For all," repeated Slippy.

Falco grunted. "Sure, whatever." After getting a look from Fox, he looked at Efi, raising his beer and smirking. "Come on kid, take the job. Service is lousy, but the pay's good."

Efi, who appeared to be on the verge of hyperventilating, slowly looked at ROB. "Does he get a say?" she whispered.

No-one said anything. Not even ROB himself, who remained in the corner. Silent.

"Then I…" Efi looked at Fay, then Fox, then Miyu. "Then I…I…"

She didn't say anything after that. Not before she hugged Miyu. Wrapping her arms around her, holding as tight as she could. Like a child hugging a mother. Or a friend hugging another. Finally letting the tears come.

"Thank you," she whispered. "For everything."

"Efi, it's been my privilege."

Miyu let her hug her for as long as she needed. Until when, she finally withdrew, to find the Star Fox insignia on her shoulder.

"Welcome to the team Efi," Fox said. "Welcome home."

Efi, taking a breath, stood up straight, and extended her hand. "Glad to be here, skipper."

"And we're glad to have you," said Peppy, walking up to the girl followed by Slippy and Falco. "As are we all."

Slippy let out a ribbit. Falco, a "yeah, whatever." And Miyu, a smirk, followed by a smile as Fay walked up beside her.

"You're a slippery one, aren't you?"

Miyu shrugged. "I have my moments."

"Not too shabby, considering that you're the one who shot her."

Miyu shrugged. "Not too shabby at all." She turned to look at Fay. "Not too shabby yourself either."

Fay blinked. "Me? After I nearly bailed out on you? After I didn't stand up for you? After-"

Miyu drew Fay into a quick hug. "Like I said," she whispered, "not too shabby at all."

Fay, smiling, didn't say anything. She didn't have to.

Watching as Efi and Fay shook hands, Miyu reflected that now, finally, after all they'd lost, and all they'd gained, no-one did.

No words left to be spoken, as the team tucked into the food and drink. As the Great Fox continued its vigil in the lonely night.

As it always would.

End

A/N

So, that's that. Thanks to those who reviewed, with special thanks to Nail Schaefer. Constructive critique is always welcomed.

At this time of writing, I have a Star Fox story on my "to write" list titled Skyfall - set in S2 continuity. That's a bit off though, and my current writing focus is on an Overwatch story titled Alive.

So, to borrow a phrase, keep flying.