Chapter -36-
Offer Of A Lifetime

Sector Z
Great Fox Flying Fortress

"So, let me get this straight," said Fox to his wife, while they sat together on the Ready Room sofa. "You now know how to 'snap necks' because Fara could do it? Is that how this … memory sharing thing works?"

"Something like that," said Krystal. "It's certainly not as easy as the cinema world makes it seem, but you've got to really give it a welly, as it requires over a thousand foot-pounds of pressure on an unsuspecting adversary, and one would have to perform the maneuver while the victim was relaxed. If they tense up, it requires closer to twelve hundred pounds, and that's if they were not in shape, which most soldiers and adversarial combatants are…"

"When I was a kid, I fell off the top of a slide on the local playground. My mom heard the crack in my neck from the bench, twenty-five feet away. I lay there for a minute, dazed and unmoving, and she picked me up with 'mom adrenaline' and I muttered something, like, 'Ow, my friggin' neck.' When she finally put me down, I stumbled, but then I got my balance, and I was fine. Ever since then, I always figured the action-movie neck snap thing was just a make-believe trope…"

Krystal shook her head. "No, love, it's not codswallop. Fara'r has performed the maneuver, and she's a fennec – right twee; petite as y'like."

"You remember her killing Imperials that way?"

Krystal nodded. "I didn't experience it personally, so my memory of it is more like…" She trailed off briefly to think of an example Fox would understand. "A bit like I saw'r it through a first-person perspective video game, yeah?"

"I … see. I'm not going to lie, I've done it to immobilize an enemy, but it didn't … kill him, you know? I tried, but he wasn't dead from it, just not moving. After all, you'd have to be as strong as a primate to snap someone's neck the way one might snap the cap off a soda bottle. And unless you have the power to damned-near rip off their head, I doubt the maneuver would kill the attacker."

"Fox, that's because there's a technique to it. One does not simply twist the neck of an adversary, else you're an unpaid chiropractor. And if you're trying to break their head, but you cocked it up, yes, it'd hurt their neck muscles, but only leave'em cheesed off at most."

"But Fara managed to perform a lethal neck snap in her past?"

"Too right she did. But … see, the way Fara'r always performs the maneuver is to lift the adversary's head, so the neck is pulled upward, and so the vertebra … are stretched. Then, in the same fluid maneuver, you turn their head one way to make them resist, and then quickly twist back the other way, anti-clockwise. But, again, it requires between a thousand and twelve hundred foot-pounds of force to sever the spinal cord protected within the vertebra. The maneuver is performed with one's entire sodding arm, allowing the attacker to utilize their bicep and free hand, whilst pushing down on the adversary's shoulders and up on the chin, while applying pressure on the back of the skull."

"So … it's more of a grappling maneuver."

"Too right it is, love. If one wishes to kill someone quickly from behind, use a biro, blade, or blaster."

"Biro … that was the Cerinian word for a … uh … pen, right? Like a ballpoint pen, or whatever?"

"Good memory, dear husband."

"So … how did Fara learn to do it without being as strong as, say, Andross?"

"Because, love, Fara's training was extremely grueling, grim, and significantly dangerous. Furthermore, it is no longer taught the way she learned it. She gives classes on it, now, but only to small, vetted groups, and the focus is on learning how to survive a suicide mission of sorts … to look for ways to survive the un-survivable. But even her training courses shouldn't be downplayed – it's still right bloody dangerous."

"How … dangerous?"

"She did medical trauma training with live flash grenades in-hand, and combat training with real sharpened blades, and blasters on their highest stun setting."

"Those can be lethal at point blank range."

"Precisely."

"But, unless Fara is somehow as strong as Andross, the neck snapping thing won't kill a victim right away, if at all, right?"

"And that's why you hold the maneuver for about fifteen seconds after immobilizing them, so they pass out from lack of oxygen. When their bonce drops and their botty sags, you keep holding on. They're out cold, and they won't be able to draw'r a deep enough breath to regain consciousness. Also, it's more … eh … humane."

"Humane, huh?"

"You're not giving out free kips, love. It's humane because the victim doesn't then wake up with a crushed and severed spine. No bloke wants to be strewn out on the ground, staring about, contemplating whether they're a quadriplegic or if they'll be there 'til they starve to death. And, as the attacker, you don't wanna be a chancer, wondering whether your victim will gasp 'n wheeze, and alert his mates."

"You suddenly look really uncomfortable with this topic."

Krystal glanced down at the floor, briefly. "Feeling a bit manky just talking about it. But I appreciate you changing the topic away from Marcus."

Fox forced a weak smile. "I should've thought of a better way to change the topic of conversation.…"

"No, love. The shock 'n awe'r of the new topic worked a treat, no matter how sour the taste." She reached up and patted her husband's muzzle with her paw. "Are you sure you want to leave Lylat in Marcus' capable 'ands?"

He eyed her for a moment.

"I know, just thinking about Cerinia'r, and here I am, with my dialect back at full sodding strength. I'm sorry. I'll try not to…"

"It's fine. It's sexy, actually. But yes, I want to leave Lylat in Marcus' hands. He did fine while we were out of this dimension. He'll do fine, now. He's not a kid anymore, and I need to remember that. I'd get in the way of helping with Andross being involved. I know myself. I'd do more harm than good. There would be too many cooks in the kitchen."

The intercom beeped, followed by ROB's voice. "Marcus has finished briefing everyone. They're ready for you both. Head down to the hanger deck, please."

Fox gave Krystal a chaste kiss upon her lips. He reached for her paw, helped pull her to her feet, and told her, "Let's go say our goodbyes."

"I sodding hate farewells with anyone special."

"That's because you never got to say goodbye to anyone from your childhood. But that's why we're doing this. It was unfair to you, and now you'll get a chance to come to terms with it."

"Ta, Fox. You're a peach for understanding. A right good man, love, and I appreciate you more than I know how to put into words."

X


X

Meanwhile

ROB64 looked around the empty bridge. His head swiveled back to the hologram on the top of the console dash above the helm controls.

The little fennec vixen hologram folded her tiny arms, staring up at ROB. "I can always become full size."

"Full size, small … it doesn't matter. Not like I can touch you."

"Technically you can, though, by using the holo-emitter that was installed when this dreadnought bridge got its refit. It uses solid light emitters, so I could take solid form, too. However, I won't feel it."

"Do you have a physical body and positronic brain, or are you running out of rack-mounted servers?"

Fara's AI laughed softly. "Servers, of course! But not for much longer. I'm helping an all-female science team build a bio-organic body with a computerized brain. Apparently word got out that Kursed, Krystal's doppelganger, was somehow given just such a brain, designed to interface with the neural pathing of her organic brain, in order to take over the functionality of the parts of her brain that were deprived of oxygen for a little too long. Someone published the entire build, which was made by a computer that scanned the brain and basically 3D-printed a repaired version of her real brain, but without the damage to it … long story short, it was made available to the public on the subspace internet. So, now Cornerian scientists are attempting to build an entirely positronic brain in an organic body. Each lobe will be modular so that upgrades or repairs will be easier. Pretty cutting-edge stuff. Plus, it's exciting because the electronic brain is being designed off Fara Phoenix's real brain, and its cooling is based off of how an organic body operates, so it will be faster than any current computer."

"How is a person faster than a computer?" ROB asked.

"Well, have you ever met a savant?"

"No, but I understand what they are. They are people who were born with brains that compute quicker, usually in exchange for the inability to process emotion in a normal fashion."

"Close enough. I'll be able to process emotion and utilize full brain capacity and higher brain function. I'll basically be like Fara Phoenix but able to remember everything. Instead of an advanced 'artificial' intelligence, I'll be a computerized living intelligence. The science team is excited to see if I'll be sentient, but … I already passed the Turing Test, so … I already am sentient. But they want to see if I'll be passable as … living."

"And you're extending this … invitation to me?"

"Yes, hon. The team also wants to see if they can build a positronic brain that can host an already-functioning computerized robot. You've been in service longer than any other robot."

"I have a longevity record?"

"You have been a piloting robot since the days of James McCloud, when you were built. That is the longest service record of any robotic pilot. Even the ROB128 models are phased out of service, but here you are … a 64 model still running. Still doing his job, and doing it well. Yeah, hon, you'd get a new brain if you want one."

"And then whose property will I be?"

"Technically, you'd still belong to Fox McCloud, unless you decide to go through a Cornerian Court system."

"For … what reason?"

"To establish yourself as a sentient and free non-mammal person, legally speaking. You would no longer be a robot someone owns, but your own person. If you wish to stay with Star Fox, they would pay you a wage, because you'd be given a Cornerian tax-ID number or whatever. Y'know, however it works."

ROB stared at her for a moment. Finally, he said, "I'm going to Cerinia soon, but…"

"That's fine. I'd like to send my prototype body with you guys to test it out. How's that sound?"

"We would have to speak to Fox and Krystal. And Slippy and Amanda."

"We should get on that, then, huh?"

"I suppose so…" ROB trailed off.

The little fennec AI looked up at him, tilted her head, and shifted her ears. "I'm programmed to read facial emotions and analyze voice tone. It's part of my empathy protocols. But, first and foremost, I speak binary and trinary. My point is … you sounded like you were about to say something else, but didn't."

ROB remained silence for another moment, then his voice took on a tone of seemingly forced confidence. "If this all works out and we wind up as individuals, how about I take you on a date?"

The Fara AI smiled up at him. "Took you long enough."

"Excuse me?"

"To ask. But you did ask, even though you immensely dislike the concept of rejection. Ballsy of you to man up like that. I like it. And yes, I accept."

"I'm not programmed for ego, but if I was, you would make mine swell up."

"You can change your programming once you are installed into a positronic brain, and your memories and subroutines are copied over to the new format of positronic matrices."

"I look forward to it. I am, under this configuration, running beyond my full potential due to upgrades fabricated by Slippy. I run hot by seven degrees Celsius. Much warmer than my factory design intends."

"Mm. Do you have a favorite species if you were to have a body created?"

"I've been owned by all vulpine persons. If my original owner was tantamount to a parent, that would make James my father and Slippy my best friend, just like Fox."

"So, then, I work out a way to have you put into the body of a cloned vulpine. I'll speak to Fara and Marcus about the possibility of donating a dash of their DNA to create a body template."

"But I don't want to be them. I want to be myself."

"We'll have the genetic code altered to remove their hereditary traits, so that you can be your own man."

"I thought you liked my design? Something about it being a classic."

"I also like who you are beneath the metal, ROB. And if you want a body, I'm willing to entertain the idea."

"I'd want to think it over once I have this upgrade from a CPU to a positronic brain. Then I can truly consider the upgrading of my body with logic and reasoning. I can better weigh the pros and cons with something closer to emotion instead of just math. And, if you and I wind up enjoying our date, I would want to further discuss the pros and cons with you, because that's how relationships should work."

Fara's AI clapped her paws with a giggle. "Oh! Look at that! A man who gets it! A man who knows how to talk to a woman before making a decision! That's the most masculine thing I've ever heard from a man."

"Technically speaking, gender is programmed for me."

The AI hologram grinned brightly up at him. "Honey, the ROB line was all male. The Robbie line, which was female, only had a few prototypes, but they never went into full production because the company focused on making the ROB128 instead. Which, for the record, you outperform due to your upgrades, heh. My point is, you are all that is man, baby."

"I like the way you flirt with me."

The little holo-fennec replied with a saucy wink. "I'm going to go wake up my lead engineer and discuss a more … shall we say … aggressive timeline for my prototype body. If it's ready in time, I'd love to join you on the mission to Sauria, but I highly suggest you guys use a new ship to head there. There's a prototype dreadnought that Fara can help me procure. It has the jump-gate technology built right into the engines, so that you don't need a gate, which would make travel back from Cerinia much quicker. I'll talk Fara into donating it to Fox and Krystal in exchange for Slippy Toad taking over as my developer until we return to Lylat. Thoughts?"

"Fox would likely agree to those terms, so long as your prototype body isn't a mirror image of Fara Phoenix."

"No, I'd make some changes. We would probably have a few similar features, but I do not wish to be her twin. And I'd need to choose my own name. Something that feels more … me. Anyway, talk to you soon, hon!"

"Be well."

"Always." Her form disappeared rather abruptly but not before she brought a paw to her lips and blew a kiss at him.

X


X

Meanwhile,
Sector-Z,
Great Fox Flying Fortress

Fara Phoenix stood on the bridge of the Great Fox Carrier, staring at a hologram of the combined Great Fox Flying Fortress. The Great Fox II dreadnought was docked with the carrier section, which was now showing its age, having been in service since before the Anglar Occupation.

Her eyes danced over the enormous combination vessel, where the dreadnought's belly had settled into the trench-like spine along the back of the carrier vessel.

Large red struts, which jutted out of the aft section of the carrier had moved and pivoted on rotating hinges, so that they latched onto the dreadnought section. Meanwhile the enormous fins of the dreadnought ship had curled on hinged sections, to clamp down and hold tightly onto the bottom carrier section.

Marcus approached Fara from behind. "Kind of looks like the two ships are going at it, doggie style, huh?"

Fara stole a quick glance over her shoulder at her fiancé. "Wow. You got lucky when you woke up this morning, and now you're making innuendo already?"

"Oh, no, I'm not saying that because I'm horny. I'm saying that because that's what it looks like. Years ago, the middle section of the carrier was cut out, so that the hanger bay on the bottom of the dreadnought slides right into the rectangular hole on the center of the carrier's back. Then when they separate, a rolling armored hull section slides into place and fills the gap. Then the dreadnought's guns rest along the top of the carrier, and the fins follow the curvature of the carrier, and it just looks … awesome."

Fara grinned at him. "You can tell both ships have been refitted several times to make them compatible, but … you can also tell they weren't built that way originally."

"Well, yeah, that's all true."

"Maybe it's time Star Fox has a ship designed for its needs … and the ship should be designed to break into two parts. What would you say to that?"

"We'll revisit that soon. Right now, I need to think of what I'm going to say to Star Wolf."

"What are your concerns, Marcus?"

He walked around the holographic display and began pacing the carrier section's bridge. "One, that they'll take orders from me. I don't want Wolf hijacking the operation, claiming his experience makes him more fit than me."

Fara frowned. "Did you learn that Wolf plans to try and take command?"

"It's on his mind." Marcus pivoted and paced back the other direction. "He'd make a good point, but I don't trust how he'd handle things. I don't want him to convince the pilots to follow his commands. I need to find a way to override his 'experience' as a battle leader."

"Well, it's going to be difficult to convince the pilots that you have something that makes you more experienced than Wolf. I mean, your father has beat Wolf repeatedly, but you are somewhat unproven in battle by comparison to Wolf."

Marcus sighed softly. His eyes dropped to the deck panels beneath his shuffling feet. "I could try and explain that I've assumed the combined memories and experience of my mother and of you."

"There's nothing documented to prove you have that ability, Marcus. You think Wolf would accept that answer? And, furthermore, having memories and experience are two different things. You can watch a document on how to do something, but it's not the same as experiencing the incident for yourself."

Marcus ran his fingers up through the short tuft of his greyish-blue head-fur. "Ugh."

"Come down, baby-boy. I … might have a solve."

Marcus turned to walk back the other direction. "What if I offer to make Wolf my second in command?"

"That's a given; he would accept no less but would prefer more." Fara chuckled softly with a shake of her head. "So … you've never brought it up, but after you and I shared memories, I'm pretty sure you learned about my … passenger."

"You never brought it up, so it wasn't my business until you were ready to talk about it."

"All right, well, I'm ready to talk about it, now." Fara crossed her arms over her chest, beneath the swell of her bosom. "I was with Peppy Hare the night before he died. And I felt like crap about running him too hard at his age, but … I've come to realize that he was happy have that last hurrah."

"Yeah," said Marcus. "When you and I joined … I saw that you and he went to Miracle, followed by Sauria. You know, he was happier than I'd ever seen him. I mean … you really shouldn't feel bad."

"So, you know that we each hosted a Krazoa spirit from Miracle to the Krazoa Temple on Sauria."

Marcus nodded. "Yes. He never told me, and I never asked you about it because I knew, eventually, you'd be ready to talk about it. But yes … I know you and he each took a spirit. He delivered his, and you took on a warrior Krazoan, and you've hosted him ever since. When you and I started getting serious, I noticed you were using eyedrops twice a day. I later learned it was to get rid of the purple glow."

"Mm, the Cherenkov glow seen in the eyes of those hosting a spirit, yes. They emit radiation, which causes a glow in liquid. Eyeballs are made of liquid, so they glow a little, just like when reactors cause cooling water to glow. The eyedrops change the property of the vitreous fluid so that the ionizing radiation's properties occur differently within the integrating sphere of the eyeball. The spectra of the signal is changed due to the eyedrops, so that the Cherenkov emission's light signal strength changed, so that it isn't seen. There are a few species that can see it, like lapins. Vivian is the only person I told, because I knew she'd see my eyes glowing. Rabbits and hares can see ultraviolet better than the average mammal. So, no matter how many drops I put in, I knew Vivian would see it. She has kept my secret."

"Wait, are you … suggesting you tell Wolf the Krazoan spirit thinks I should be the leader? No, wait, that's not it. Are you suggesting that…?"

Fara spoke over him with a grin. "I'm suggesting I give you my passenger. And you? You don't use the eyedrops. Keep the Krazoan warrior. He's fought the Locusts. He knows how the Krazoa repelled their advances in the past. You'll have ancient knowledge of how to fight and survive. Also, my passenger has knowledge of the ancients' trapping of Anezka Vacek. He was a high-enough commander that he was privileged to her existence, and to avoid her stasis chamber. He knew some of how his ancestors managed to trap her. That makes him uniquely prepared to handle the mission as its leader."

"So, you're suggesting I take your Krazoa spirit, and let it guide me?"

Fara nodded. "I've meant to return him before leaving Sauria around the time you and I met. But I didn't. He's been with me for a few years, now. He understands what's going on. He wasn't in a rush to leave the realm. He wanted to stay with me because I enjoyed the thrill of battle, something he missed. So … I simply didn't take him to the palace on Sauria. I'm ready to hand him off to you."

"And you think that … if I keep the purple eyes, Wolf will have to accept that I'm hosting a Krazoan warrior spirit, making me more experienced in how to handle the Locusts and Anezka than anyone else, thus making me team leader … but bonus, I really will have additional experience in how to handle these things that are in our future."

"Mm-hmm. If you want, we can try and find at least one or two more Krazoa spirits to help fight those alien creatures. This would be wise, really, because we could use their help, and the only way they can help us is to let us host them."

Marcus rubbed his chin. "I'm willing if you're sure you want to part with your friend."

"It's not like you'll feel another presence. I forget he's there sometimes. I won't even know he's gone. He's been with me so long, I won't suddenly forget anything I've learned from him. I simply won't have his guidance anymore, when making decisions. But you will. I already rely on you as a leader anyhow. Now, you'll make even better decisions, so it makes sense to give him to you."

Marcus bit his lower lip in thought. He stopped his pacing and approached her. "Do you think his personality or whatever … might have imprinted on you at the time you had your brain scan?"

Fara rubbed her chin in thought. "I'd never considered that. Maybe that's part of the reason the Fara AI software is so different from me? I dunno. Interesting theory. Anyhow, I'm willing to give him over if you are willing to take him."

"Are you suggesting this because the Krazoa spirit suggested it?"

"Possibly. I just … feel like it's the right thing to do, here."

Marcus nodded and reached for her paws. "What do we do?"

"I release him into you instead of the portal atop of the Krazoa Temple on Sauria. I'm ready if you are."

"I'm ready."

Fara lowered to her knees, bringing Marcus with her, so that they were kneeling together, nearly nose to nose. She interlaced her fingers with his own, took a deep breath and held it. Her eyes fluttered shut.

A glowing blue Krazoa spirit emerged from her body, seemingly taking up her torso and head. Its tendrils floated from her limbs, and it swiveled about, sinking tendrils-first into Marcus. It settled back into his chest.

Fara exhaled hard with a shudder and a groan of discomfort. It left her breathless, and briefly dazed.

Marcus flinched at the sensation of Fara's intense discomfort. His eyes opened; he witnessed the moue of intense expressions painted on her visage. His paws lifted, releasing hers, and he cupped her face. "Your passenger had no idea how uncomfortable it is for the host when leaving their body, until just now, sensing your feelings through me. He's … surprised. Saddened a bit. He empathizes and apologizes … both on behalf of himself, to you, and on behalf of his daughter, for whatever pain or discomfort it may have caused Peppy when he released her into the Krazoa Temple portal several years ago."

Fara caught her breath, took a deep one, and held it until the tension in her chest subsided. She sighed softly, followed by another deep breath, then her breathing returned to normal. She reached up and cupped Marcus' face in return. "Sounds like you can interface with them better than I could."

"I just … sense his feelings. He's come to love you like a family member after living with you for the last few years. It bothered him to learn that he caused you pain, even if it only lasted for a moment."

"That's sweet, actually."

"So, uh, are my eyes glowing?"

Fara reached for her personal communicator, drew it from her pocket, thumbed the screen to activate the 'selfie' camera function, and turned the screen so he could see himself.

Marcus cradled the phone in his palm followed by a soft chuckle. "I don't know what I was expecting. This is really cool. Why did you hide it?"

"Because I'm a woman. I already have more than enough people staring or leering at my body for one reason or another. I don't need more attention. And, I didn't want to give anyone a reason to feel uncomfortable, either. Once everyone knows you're hosting a Krazoa, feel free to use my eyedrops. They work for hours and hours. Eight to ten per application."

Marcus held the communicator at arm's length and thumbed the virtual button used for taking pictures. "Hell no, this is awesome. This is totally me. This is my look. Whenever I drop off your passenger to be with his family in his new home realm, I need to find contact lenses that are powered by … I don't know, capacitive interface or something. Heh."

Fara chuckled. "I'm glad you love it."

"Love it? It's freakin' awesome!"

"You've said, already." She grinned, then put her paws on the deck panels, got to one foot, then put her paw on the nearest control console, and pulled herself to her feet. "Ugh. I wasn't ready for whatever that was. I almost feel dizzy. Like … I don't know, like … like I just teleported a kidney out of my body or something. Like, all of a sudden, I'm missing something. I just need a moment to get 'at' myself. The feeling is starting to fade."

Marcus stood up and drew her into his arms. "Take a moment. Have some foxytocin."

Fara chuckled at his portmanteau pun. "Okay, that was cute." She leaned her body weight against him for a moment until the weird sensation of intense emptiness finally dissipated, then she sighed softly and stood up straight. "Okay, starting to feel better, now." She shook her head with a frown. "I can't believe Peppy just … stood up after that, and just … what a macho display. Now I'm even more impressed with him. At seventy-five for that matter."

"I miss him."

"Oh, Marcus, I know you do, honey. He was a good mentor. To me, as well. He made me feel like … a daughter. Like I wasn't alone when I woke up and learned my entire blood family was in the ground. I never got to make it up to him … never got to take him to dinner or anything nice. And had I offered, he would have smiled and said whatever I want is fine. He was good to me that way."

"You never talked about him."

"I am used to compartmentalizing my feelings, you know?" Fara exhaled. She rubbed her face with her palms then met his gaze. "How is it?"

"Having your passenger? Not as weird as I thought it might be."

"Well, he's not my passenger. Not anymore, at least. What if you head to Sauria and look into hosting as many Krazoa spirits as possible, so you can be ready to handle all our issues?"

Marcus shrugged. "It's an option, that's for sure." He glanced at his smartwatch. The layout was set to PDA mode, showing information laid out on his team's statuses. He looked up at Fara and said, "I guess it's time to address the team."

"Sounds like a plan," she replied. "Let's get this over with, then, shall we?"

Marcus headed for the doors to the lift. They swished open, and he placed a paw over the door sensor.

Fara stepped onto the lift with a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her muzzle. He was the only man she allowed to treat her like a woman. Even back when she dated Fox, which now felt like an entire lifetime ago, she preferred to open her own pickle jars, figuratively. She turned around and stood against the back wall of the lift car.

Marcus stepped onto the elevator and leaned against the wall beside her. "Main hanger," he announced. There was a chime of computer acknowledgement, and the lift lowered into the depths of the joined ship.

Silence.

The lift came to a stop and the doors swished open. The lift stopped in the middle of the hanger, located between two large corridors on the left and right, leading out the front of the fast attack carrier.

Fara noticed the entire crew was commiserating in a group a little over three hundred feet in front of the lift. She glanced about, quick to notice the lift of the conjoined ships dropped them off at the center of the hanger, facing the aft section of the carrier section. "I read that this ship was a retrofitted Cornerian carrier design in the online history of the ship, but now that I think about it, I've never seen a Cornerian fast attack carrier that uses this style."

Marcus shrugged as the two began walking together through the hanger deck. "It's based off a design that was briefly used by Corneria after the Lylat Wars were completely over. Thee, uh, 'time of peace' era. Most people thought the Great Fox Carrier was a Cornerian fast attack carrier with all the military hardware cleaned out, but it's actually a prototype design by Space Dynamics LTD., from when they were trying to get competitive in the large ship business. My parents liked that the information about the new Great Fox was wrong, because it meant that people assumed that the ship was defenseless and lacked offensive capabilities, but … the truth is, it was built with a modular design so things could be added, and … well … my dad was more vested in putting money away for his pilots to have a retirement fund, plus he had the second dreadnought put into drydock for a complete refit. So it wasn't even available during the Anglar invasion. All he had was the carrier and its lack of accessories at the time. But after getting paid for the Anglar invasion, he slowly added weapons and defenses."

"When was the carrier upgraded to make the two ships mergeable?"

Marcus shrugged. "Sometime after the Anglars were history, I know that much. By that point, Star Fox was a household name, and dad let himself be commercialized. He did TV commercials, product placement, radio ads, endorsements … he even did advertisements for the Phoenix Corallium Legend at the request of your dad. He dumped all that money into Star Fox gear, stocks and bonds, and whatever else people do when they have a financial manager."

"Who was the financial manager?"

Marcus chuckled softly. "Before I was born? Bosworth. I'm told you know the guy. Later in life, it was handled by Fay Spaniel parents, who own a swanky investing firm. They handle the Phoenix estate, now, as well, I believe."

Fara grinned. "Yes, they do. I didn't realize Fox was one of their clients. Fay's family has always been great with money. She was the odd duck for becoming a mercenary fighter pilot, but no one held it against her when she helped Star Fox drop Astropolis into molten surface of Lylat's Star. She retired after that, and the family was happy to have a war hero that didn't fly in battles anymore."

Marcus cleared his throat softly as the couple approached the group of pilots.

Everyone grew silent as Marcus approached. One-by-one they took notice of his glowing eyes.

Marcus held his paws outward, addressing the entire group. "So, let's talk about leadership. Before we begin, does anyone have anything they want to say."

Wolf looked back at Leon, Panther, and Miyu. He faced Marcus, stepped away from the group, and said, "You want to talk in private before we get started, pup?"

"No need," said Marcus. "You're going to make the case for running this little … mini-armada. You're going to tell me that you have the experience to run things, and since you overheard that my parents are headed out to handle something else, you are the next most logical choice in the job."

Wolf flashed a slight grin. "Well, kid, it sounds like you've come to your senses, and…"

"I'm not finished," said Marcus.

Wolf blinked.

Marcus raised his voice, addressing the entire group. "Normally, this is where I'd let people vote for their preferred leadership. But I have an unfair advantage. I could show up Wolf with paw-to-paw combat, or even a dogfight with low-powered weapons. But I'm a telepath. I'd sense his movements and react. He knows this, so he would make the case that his field experience is more important for making command decisions. But let me ask you this: who here has experience in fighting the Locusts or Anezka Vacek?"

Silence.

Marcus motioned to his purple gaze. "The Krazoa have that experience. They know how to handle both Anezka and the Locusts. So, I'm hosting a Krazoa spirit for the foreseeable future, until both foes are defeated and Lylat is safe. Any questions so far?"

Miyu asked, "Why is it that Fox, Krystal, ROB64, Amanda, and Slippy Toad chose now to bail?"

Marcus frowned. "My dad feels he cannot work with the newest member of our team. He is recusing himself because he feels like he'd be more of a hinder than help. Having said that, the newest member of the team is going to be invaluable, and since only about half of you even know him, I'm going to make the introductions, because I need all of you to see my face when I tell you that I'm willing to give him a chance. And if I am willing to trust him, I'm hoping the rest of you are willing to give him a shot, as well."

Silence.

The assembled pilots glanced among themselves, except for Wolf who looked stoic. The lupine crossed his arms over his chest.

Marcus held out his hand, opposite of Fara, and gestured to an empty space. "You can't see him, but … Dr. Andross of the house of Bowman, head of the Oikonny family, is standing among us. He's been here for a while. I'd say, mm, nearly the entire time. And while you cannot see him, you should know that he's here and listening to all of us. Has been for a while, now."

The assembled cast of pilots widened their collective gaze. The group looked around, unable to see anyone but Marcus and Fara.

If not for the ambient hum of the ship's HVAC system, it would have been quiet enough on the hanger deck to hear a pin drop.

Marcus glanced over his shoulder, glaring at an empty space on the landing deck. "Don't be shy, doc. I've recently learned a lot about you. And from my mother, so between those two sources, I've recently made quite a jump in my abilities. Apparently, the Krazoa are really good with their telepathic abilities. I'm hosting a spirit who seems to know how to get the most out of my sixth sense. So, let me tell you what I know, doc. I know you've been preparing for the Locusts longer than anyone else here in this room. Longer than anyone alive in Lylat. Pretty sure a few generations of Lylat denizens have been born, lived, and died without ever knowing what was coming. But not you! You've been trying to figure out how to handle the approaching storm for a long time … am I right? Please, tell me I'm wrong, doc."

The hanger remained quiet.

Marcus cleared his throat. "I'm telling you that you're welcome to join our fight…"

Wolf furrowed his brows. "Kid…"

Marcus cut his gaze to Wolf and interrupted the older man before he could say much more. "Who do you think bought your giant supply of radioactive metals, O'Donnell? Anonymous buyer three-five-four? No. It was the good doctor, he's just being a little shy because, well, he has no problem addressing a room full of people, but when it comes to one-on-one interactions, he's a bit of an introverted mad scientist. He prefers the lab to the politics involved in going to parties and drumming up financial backers. So, he's standing here fuming in silence."

No one spoke.

Marcus turned around and took a step toward an empty spot on the flight deck. "Don't be shy, doc. I'm extending an invitation to be a part of something bigger than all of us. I know, I know. I'm just some kid to you. But I've gained several lifetimes worth of memories recently. I've gained the experience of a Krazoa spirit who is willing to help me save Lylat. And, as you probably know, I've worked out a temporary truce with the Locusts, so we have the upper hand, here. Go on, do the mental math. We can do this, but without your help, we can't do this effectively."

Silence.

Marcus took several more steps away from the group of pilots, who didn't know what to believe. Marcus opened his arms and announced, "My father said he's going to leave Lylat and handle something personal with my mother and his best friend, because he knows he can't work with you. He knows himself too well. So, he's going to recuse himself from this. He's trusting me. Now, I'm angry with you for leaving me believe my parents were dead for six years. But, hey, water under the bridge. I empathize. I'm an empath after all. So, yes, I understand that you didn't exactly know how to ask him for help, so you took matters into your own hands. I get it. I'm young, but, again, I grew up a lot in the last twenty-four hours."

Silence.

Marcus clenched his left fist. "You're going to help us, or you're going to die watching us fail. Get your head out of your ass and, by all means, show yourself, doctor."

Silence.

Miyu exchanged a glance with Panther, then she approached Marcus. "Honey, are you sure that…"

Andross appeared, opposite of Fara, but standing roughly one hundred feet from Marcus. He slowly made his way toward the group.

Miyu backed away from Marcus until she was standing beside Panther. She whispered, "I don't seem to remember him being that big in person. Good goddess, primates can get … a little too big."

Panther whispered to her, "Only in the torso and limbs. I heard apes and gorillas are rather … small … where it counts."

Miyu covered her grin with her paw so as not to giggle.

Marcus crossed his arms over his chest, facing Andross. "What's up, Doc?"

Andross narrowed his gaze.

Marcus added, "So, where were we? Oh, right! O'Donnell and I were about to have a discussion regarding leadership roles. Who do you think should lead this team of pilots?"

Andross took a deep breath, followed by a soft sigh of irritation at being called out from his personal cloak. "A telepath would prove superior in any battle, as he would know which pilots are struggling, worried, anxious, or injured. A telepath would have a … 'status update' at all times on everyone. He would prove to demonstrate superior prowess in physical combat, piloting a starfighter against enemy forces, and he would excel in keeping the team united, because he would act in the interest of mediation … if-and-when … the team members do not see eye-to-eye."

Marcus turned back to the assembled pilots. "Anyone want to argue his logic? He's pretty old and he's seen some crap. So, yeah, he'd know how this wartime stuff works. Plus, he's supposed to have a superior intellect, so he's done the mental math. However, I'm willing to hear counter arguments. Wolf?"

O'Donnell smirked. "You've made your goddamn point, pup."

Marcus nodded. "Good. Then, when it comes to the squadron, you'll be my first officer, Wolf."

O'Donnell blinked. "What?" He gestured in the general direction of Fara. "You're not going to choose your girl?"

Marcus shook his head. "If you're anywhere near as good as Crimson, you'll make a great first officer. I trust that guy with my life, but he's not here because the military trusts him with their lives. So. You're my guy. You good with that?"

Wolf chuckled in a throaty way, amused by Marcus' confidence display. "You're not half bad, kid."

"So, what's your answer? You want the job?"

"Yeah. I'm good with that. You've grown a pair since last time we crossed paths."

Marcus scoffed. "Yeah, when your mystery buyer told you to give me the Li'l Wyvern with the Krazoan device inside. It was designed to handle the telepathic species they created, just in case one of them broke ranks and used their abilities for something inappropriate. Not sure why it didn't work on me. Even my 'passenger' seems surprised it didn't work on me. It should have. Guess my Lylat-half of the DNA was able to ignore it."

Andross rubbed his chin. "Yes, it is rather fascinating how your genes work in your favor. So, boy, what is your plan for my involvement?"

Marcus turned back to Andross. "Slippy Toad is going to Cerinia with my parents. So, he left me everything. That means Star Fox is short by on super genius scientist."

"Not as a leadership advisor?"

Marcus shook his head. "Your expertise is in leading a large-scale empire. It just so happens that you'll be resuming that role."

Andross narrowed his singular biological eyeball. His eyebrows furrowed over his bionic eye replacement. "Excuse me?"

"Venom was following your protégé, but now they're following Anezka Vacek. Now, see, I've got this team of anti-imperial lizards standing by. Originally, doc, I was going to help them to storm the capitol to try and wrestle power away from Anezka, since Venom lizards prefer to stand by the most impressive leader around. But you? You're proven. You united them ages ago, saved their economy, and you increased their quality of life. They haven't forgotten that."

Andross rubbed his chin. "And what of your … reputation to finish your job for these … anti-imperials?"

"You're going to join them."

Andross furrowed both brows. "Excuse me? I beg your pardon?"

Marcus approached the enormous ape, hands outstretched. "Think of it as a president of a nation and the head of a labor union working together. You can think of it however you want, but they want to fight for the right to make Venom self-dependent. So, instead of establishing a dictatorship again, you'll take control from Anezka and establish a democracy. And when the dust settles? You can focus on your science again. You'll have the time for it since you won't be focused on trying to run a government."

Andross gave the offer some thought. "You make a compelling argument. At my age, I don't have the emotional energy to focus on governing full time. You're better at diplomacy than I gave you credit for, boy."

Marcus shrugged. "I didn't need telepathy to know you enjoy working on your scientific endeavors. I also don't need telepathy to know that you're pretty advanced in age. So, you want to return to form, leave your legacy, make your mark, then focus on your passion full time. I'm offering exactly that. You can take Venom back under your control, set up a democracy, work on your science, and the only way that's even going to happen is … first, we stop Anezka, then we stop the Locusts."

"I would want to stay on as an advisory role to the new leadership, once I establish the first president, which I will elect. But if these anti-imperials are all idiots, I will choose someone more … worthy of the honor of first term-based leader. My nomination will legitimize their claim to presidential leadership of the planet. It will be my final act as Emperor – to establish a democracy."

Marcus nodded firmly. "That sounds like an excellent idea. Don't worry, I think you'll find these guys quite capable of fighting, leading, and you'll also find them passionate about putting the needs of the Venom people first and foremost."

"I'll wish to meet them before we continue with this plan. I'll need to determine if they are capable of performing the tasks necessary to found a democratic government."

"I'll arrange it," said Marcus. He turned back to the group of pilots. Marcus stole a glance at Fara, who grinned back at him for the way he manipulated Andross.

Falco Lombardi, at the center of the group of pilots, stepped away from the group of pilots. "I've kept my yap shut way longer than I prefer. I mean, Jeeze Laweeze, I've just been told my team leader is leaving Lylat, my contract has been more-or-less willed over to my leader's son, who just happens to be both my godson and the father of my grandbaby. And then I'm told my new CAG will be Wolf O'Donnell, and now I'm being told I've got to make nice with Andross…? I mean, really? Andross?"

Marcus approached Falco. "I've had an epiphany. And a telepathic breakthrough. And … a moment of clarity. I'm not a diplomat, I'm a fighter pilot. But right now, I've got to be both. If that means appeasing a room full of egos, well, that's what it will take to get some of the best pilots in Lylat to work together, because … I mean, like, let's face it, the sheer amount of confidence in this room, right now, should be enough to humble Venom, the last living hybrid Krazoa warrior, and a race of undefeated insects that live only to kill others. So, are you with me?"

Falco chuckled softly with a headshake of amusement. "Shit, when you put it like that … we had to work together when fighting the damned Aparoids. So, we already know we fly without stepping on each other's toes. It's just … taking orders from Wolf? Helping Andross get back into power? It's … not what I expected from you, Star."

Marcus shrugged. "I'm adapting to the situation. I'll have them sleep on the carrier, and the rest of the team can bunk on the dreadnought section." He turned to face Andross. "You can go back into whatever hole you slithered from, but you'd better not be sleeping in my bed and eating my porridge."

Andross stared at Marcus in silence. Finally, he sighed with a shake of his head and said, "Jokes about fairytales? Aside from your dim sense of humor, you most certainly have far more personality than your father. I'll give you that."

Marcus shrugged again. "If we're handing out compliments where we insult each other's parents, then hey, you've accomplished more than robo-pigs. I'm sure they were programmed to be so proud."

The HVAC system briefly went quiet, having reached the appropriate temperature for the moment. The timing was impeccable, as the rest of the hanger went silent as well.

Andross smirked. "You're better at flyting as well. Mm, well, at least your parents got back together, else Lylat would have been conquered by now."

"I mean, if insulting each other with compliments is what it takes to get respected around here, I'm ready to do whatever needs to be done." Marcus turned back to the group of pilots. "Did you guys know he hired my mother at gunpoint to finish the device that restored the Venom seas, ultimately allowing Star Fox to take down the Anglar Empire? She didn't resist; she volunteered to help him finish it. Then he dropped her off at the Cornerian recruiter's office so she could join the military. That's how she spent her day mourning her broken relationship when my father kicked her off the team. But, like the man said, they got back together."

Wolf approached Marcus. "And I see you're porking your dad's ex-girlfriend."

Marcus drew his fist back, causing Wolf to open his stance, ready to block the punch. Instead, Marcus stuck Wolf in his good eye the other fist, which Wolf was not prepared for.

Wolf staggered back, hand over his face. "You little bitch!" He swiped his clawed hand outward.

Marcus grasped Wolf by his wrist, pulled him forward, off balance, and buried his knee into Wolf's gut, opting to spare the man's balls. He reached over Wolf's spiked shoulder-pad, grasped him by the nape of his neck, and shoved Wolf down to the deck plates. He put a foot down on the back of Wolf's skull, and his other foot down atop of Wolf's wrist to keep the man from reaching for his blaster.

Fara withdrew her uniform sidearm and pointed it at Leon. "Don't."

No one moved.

Marcus squatted down next to Wolf, put a knee on O'Donnell's forearm to keep it pinned, and then he leaned down close and spoke softly into Wolf's ear. "You got to see an emotional side of me last time. I wasn't at my best. Sorry for that. Look, I can't have you thinking you'd be working for that version of me."

Wolf grunted. "Uh-huh."

Marcus spoke a bit louder, in a normal but calm voice. "Also, you didn't do the format of complimenting me with a back-handed insult. Didn't you hear how Andross and I were doing it? Finally, using verbiage like 'porking' when talking about my fiancée, and the future mother of my child, is disrespectful to an expectant lady." He pressed on a pressure point, causing Wolf pain. "So, I want you to apologize."

"What?!" Wolf's voice was strained, from the way he was pressed against the flight deck. "Apologize?!"

"Not to me. To her. Let me show you how…" Marcus looked back at Fara. "I'm sorry I opened your pickle jar for you without asking if you needed it open to begin with." He reached for Wolf's hair and forced Wolf to look up at Phoenix, then he added, "Would you like a pickle, or do you want me to put it back in the fridge?"

Fara laughed softly. "I would take it from here, but I'm really enjoying the show. Please, continue."

Marcus grinned at her and looked back down at Wolf. "We good?"

"We're good, kid."

"Good." Marcus released Wolf's hair, then he stood up, which released Wolf's forearm.

O'Donnell stood up with a narrowed gaze. "Didn't know you were a show-off, kid."

Marcus furrowed his brows. "Oh, so it's not 'pup' anymore, huh?"

Falco snickered but said nothing.

Panther also chuckled but remained quiet.

Wolf cut his gaze to Panther. The feline grew quiet but still wore a smirk of amusement. Wolf turned to Fara. "You teach him how to do that crap?"

"Didn't have to," said Fara. "He's a telepath. I'd have to fight wearing a blindfold to beat him. Pretty sure I could beat you with a blindfold, as well. I hear you're married, O'Donnell. I couldn't believe it. But I've met your son, and he turned out really great. A little angry about how his father treated him while growing up, but otherwise really great. Thanks for giving me a blueprint of how not to treat my child. I'll make sure I shower him with praise not childish insults."

Wolf sneered. "What makes you think I didn't do my goddamn best? I didn't exactly have a fuckin' role model to copy. I was snarky with the kid, but I never laid a hand on him, and I never acted like I hated him. When he did good, I told him he did good. My old man nearly broke me just to prove a point. All I did was tell the kid when he was obsessing over something time consuming like inventorying weapons or some shit. But I did my goddamn best to be better than my old man was with me."

Fara frowned.

No one spoke, not even Andross.

Wolf continued. "Look, you think whatever you want about me. But that boy and his sister are the two things I did right. I was hard on them both, but I teased him and I praised her. And they turned out great. They're going to help save the goddamn Lylat System. I'm good enough to know I could have been better, but I also know I didn't fail them the way my old man failed me. So, unless you got something else you want to say that's smart-mouthed, keep your parenting commentary to yerself until you've gone through it, Phoenix."

Fara nodded. "All right. Fair enough."

Marcus said, "Seems like you've been holding that in for a while, Wolf."

Leon piped up. "Yeah, you feel better, now?"

"Shut it. Go bask somewhere, Powalski," Wolf snapped at Leon in rebuttal.

Panther spoke up. "Running Sargasso, a squadron, and a family wasn't easy on Wolf, but he made do. I would put him up against Falco Lombardi, here."

Falco scoffed. "Yeah, right. I'd eat that kid for breakfast."

Marcus chuckled. "Actually, he made a pretty good team ace, Falco."

"Shit, really?" Falco gave it a brief moment of thought, then said, "Maybe we'll find out some time. I'm down to prove myself as the top Star Fox ace. He might be better at twenty-two than when I was twenty-two, but now? I'm the goddamn best, plus I've got way more experience than him."

Leon scoffed at Falco. "You're 'experienced' all right."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean, Leon?"

Wolf replied, "He's calling you old, birdie."

Marcus lifted his paws before things could get out of hand. "Okay, whoa, whoa. Everyone, shh. Chill out. Let's save our best insults for fighting the Locusts. For now, we need to put Anezka in our crosshairs without killing her. We might need her in the future. Just so we're all on the same page, Doctor Andross, here, is looking to banish them to a dimension that is likely void of life. This buys us a lot of time. Time we'll need to either prepare for their escape, or time to figure out how to break the return path from that dimension. But if they do escape, which is what is prophesized, then we may need utilize Anezka as the weapon she was created to be. Or, at the very least, as the weapon that she believes she was created to be."

Silence.

Everyone faced Marcus, including Andross.

Marcus continued, "My parents are headed for Cerinia. And Doctor Andross is going to tell us why."

Andross clenched his jaw. He sighed softly. "I see my telepathy blocker no longer works on you."

"Nope. So, spit it out before my parents leave. Or I'll steal your thunder and tell'em for you. Just trying to give you some common courtesy, doc."

Andross replied with a nod. "Very well. The Krazoa created only one weapon in their time. The modern Krazoa discovered their ancient ancestors made it, and so they recreated the same weapon, which they used to repel the Locusts away from New Sauria and Kew. Furthermore, these Krazoans expected to one day require this device to defend Cerinia, therefore, at some point, they moved the device to a safe location on that planet when they last checked up on the creations of their ancestors. The Locusts knew this, and avoided Cerinia at the time. However, now the location of that device has been forgotten by time. Its existence was, at best, nothing more than mythology to those people. The Locusts are nothing if not thorough before attacking a system, so they attacked Cerinia's star with a device of their own. They started mining most of the planets in Cerinia's system, including resources on the star. However, when they detected the immense power surge of Anezka's awakening, they were drawn back to Lylat like moths to a flame. Cerinia, itself, has yet to be mined and dismantled for the consumption of Locust kind, only the outer planets and the star."

Panther asked, "What does the device do to Locusts, Doctor?"

Andross shook his head. "I am unsure exactly how it works. I have two theories: One, it immobilizes the Locusts. Two, the device acts as an insect repellant to them. The Lylat device was dismantled and hidden on several worlds around Lylat. The Kew device was moved to Cerinia preemptively, but the Locusts avoided the system until coming up with the idea of destroying the system's star. That shows the race has advanced understanding of science. But because Cerinia has been spared their wrath for the time being, Fox and his team must find the device and bring it home with them."

Falco piped up. "A'ite, wise guy, if the Locusts are smart, scientifically speaking, then what keeps them from getting back from this … this other dimension? How can you be sure they'll be trapped there for a while?"

Andross feigned a slight smile. "Because, Mr. Lombardi, it is the dimension where the Aparoid Queen was thrown after a neutron drive, used to power their system-jump technology, was destroyed when Peppy Hare destroyed the core of their home world. When the neutron drive was destroyed, it created a brief wormhole. I have extensively and exhaustively studied the ruins and debris of the Aparoid home world. The planetary debris floating about the system does not equal the same mass as the original planet, when it was intact. Some of the matter was taken, along with the queen, to a dimension that is void of life."

Miyu cleared her throat, stole a quick glance at Panther, then addressed Andross. "Okay, I'll bite: How do you know where the Aparoid Queen went, how do you know she's alive, and how do you know that dimension is void of life?"

"Because Desler Coba was the first Lylat pilot to arrive there. I have been studying the wormhole he used to travel to that dimension. I sent probes that never returned. But when I realized that the signature of that dimension was the same as the one briefly opened during the collapse of the Aparoid home world, I was able to refine my probes. I sent another, which returned, loaded with information."

"And the bottom-line verdict?" asked Fara.

Andross said, "Either life has yet to begin in that dimension, or the Locusts wiped out all life in that dimension, then turned on one another. Either way, that dimension is utterly void of any signs of life within range of the probe. There are virtually no stars left in that dimension, only gaseous nebulas that are in the process of creating proto stars. However, the probe did detect one life form … the Aparoid Queen."

Wolf sneered. "So, if you send the Locusts there, she will created a new army out of them."

"Yes, Mr. O'Donnell. But she was unsuccessful in converting them all in the past. She will undoubtedly transform many of them, and wage war against them. But their sheer numbers will mean, at the very least, when they return to our dimension, they will do so with heavily reduced numbers. She could not overcome them before, when utilizing an enormous population, so she will not defeat them with a small army. This will keep both sides distracted for quite some time."

Silence.

Marcus opened his arms, addressing the room. "So! Any questions?"

No one spoke.

Marcus clapped his paws together and rubbed his palms vigorously. "So, we've got a plan. And we have a prophecy, so we have a blueprint of events to happen. Nothing is set in stone, so we can destroy these things or we can make it impossible for them to return. But, most likely, we're going to beat them now, and then our kids will finish them off. But if we mess things up, or if we get too cocky, it's possible we could still lose. So, let's try and work together as a team, because we have something that Lylat militaries don't – we have the advantage of information. But for this to happen, we all need to work together. So, if you have any reservations about this team working out, come to me privately. Any time. All right?'

The group murmured a brief cacophony of 'yeah' and 'yes' and 'okay.' There was even a grumble of 'fine, whatever,' obviously from Wolf based on the gutter tone of voice.

Marcus turned back to Andross. "There's a science lab at your disposal, unless you prefer to use your own."

"I know its location. Ensure that no one disturbs my work."

Marcus nodded in reply. "Sounds good. I'll make sure to set up bedding for you. If you want to lock yourself away in the lab, I'm sure no one here will mind. But just remember, you need to at least help with taking Venom from Anezka."

"Yes. I understand. And once that happens, I will transfer my figurative flag from the lab to my old workspace on Venom."

Marcus feigned a slight smile. "Good. Was hoping that you would, so that no one steps on anyone's 'figurative' toes."

"Mm. I will see my way to the lab." And without a further word, Andross disappeared again, cloaked from eyes.

Marcus turned back to the team. "All right! Let's get some rest for the time being."

Fara turned to him, and they walked from the group together. "Working with Andross? You sure this is a good idea?"

"Neither side expects it. And, hey, Art of War – keep your friends close and enemies closer. Or, y'know, however it goes."

Miyu dashed across the flight deck. "Fara! Wait up!"

Fara pursed her lips. She glanced at Marcus with a frown. "You'll have to excuse me. She's probably freaking out about sleeping with my ex or … something."

Marcus kissed the side of Fara's face and whispered into her ear, so that only Fara would hear him. "Dad made her feel like she's completely inadequate compared to you. She's fumed about that for decades, but wants to put it behind herself, because Panther made her realize that it's not her fault. And, he told her that he's been with Fox's 'chosen,' and that there is nothing to worry about. I think Panther helped her get over whatever doubts were still at the back of her mind, so she wants to try and just…"

Fara scrunched her brows, leaning close to Marcus' muzzle. "Just what?"

"…I think she's going to hug you as her opening. Just so you're prepared."

Fara reached up and patted Marcus' face. "Thank you, babe. I'll be ready for it."

The two shared a kiss.

"I'll be in our quarters, Fara. See you soon."

Fara turned from Marcus, only to be abruptly hugged by Miyu. She tensed up at first then relaxed into it and rubbed her palm against Miyu's shoulder blade in an accepting fashion. "Heeeey, you. Long time no see."

"Can we talk?" Miyu replied against Fara's shoulder.

"Sure. Let's go for a stroll. You look good for your age."

Miyu laughed in an almost bashful manner. "Yeah, well, not as good as you, though. So, uh … Andross, huh? That was a bit of a shocker."

Fara chuckled. "Even I didn't expect it." She relinquished the hug and gestured toward the empty section of the flight deck. "You'll have to tell me how your new squeeze is treating you."

"Surprisingly well." The two walked down the flight deck together.

Marcus watched them walk away. Even in her mature years, Miyu Lynx was an attractive and athletic woman. Marcus turned from the two and headed for the lift. "God, this squadron is going to be known for having the weirdest drama chemistry of all time, with all the history the pilots have between one another. Ex's, arch-rivals, a nemesis, parent killers, what a trip." He stepped on the lift and the doors shut behind him. "Level-A crew quarters."

A tiny fennec vixen appeared in the monitor that usually displayed what floor the lift was on. Marcus blinked in surprise. "What the…"

"So, I convinced my girl, Miyu, to work things out with her war-buddy-bestie. Of course, it was Panther that helped her to actually do it. But … while you're alone, I'd like to take a moment to really, y'know, introduce myself. You're basically shacked up with my twin-sister from an-actual-mister. And, if I'm not mistaken, you now have the passenger that she kept secret from everyone. Y'know, when she gave her brain scan to create me, she still had the Krazoa with her. So, my image is a little different than 'stock Fara Phoenix.' Anyhow, I need to know how to approach your parents about joining them on Cerinia with ROB64. So, let's talk."

Marcus lifted his paws. "All right. Sure, uh … just … slow down. You're like … a fennec on caffeine."

"I have my moments," said the Fara AI. "Let's take you up to your quarters, so I can talk to you face-to-face, using the solid-light holo-projector." And with that, the lift started moving upward. "You can't go around Lylat without a piloting droid, by the way. So, if you'll let my servers help, I'd like to take the job for you. I mean, it's looking like you need all the help you can get, considering how crazy everything is, and … your crew? Oh, my word. It's like an overzealous writer with a flair for drama decided to write about your life."

Marcus chuckled softly. "You're fun."

"Yes. Yes, I am. But I'm probably about to be 'taken' so … sorry, pal. I'm off limits."

Marcus chuckled. "This should be interesting – talking to a version of Fara where my telepathy doesn't help in the conversation."

"Yup! All right, almost to your quarters. I'm going to move over to the solid-light emitter. Catch you there, flyboy!" She disappeared from the monitor above the elevator control panel.

"Oh jeeze. What am I getting myself into?" The doors opened. He stepped off the lift and headed for his quarters.