Chapter -37-
Farrah Fennecs
Prison Transport Ship 'Clover Valley'
Somewhere near Sauria…
Andrew Oikonny shifted on his bench seat, causing the links of his manacles to rattle. He ground his teeth together in frustration and muttered softly. "Purposefully making the fetters between my wrists and ankles too short so I have to hunch over. Even I wouldn't do such a thing to someone. Asinine children."
A feminine voice came from somewhere within his cell. "Aww. Does it make your back ache?"
Andrew tensed up. He looked around the empty cell. "Who said that?"
"Are you getting old? You poor thing." A holo-emitter in his cell came to life, and a fennec stepped out of thin-air.
Andrew recognized her immediately. "Fara Phoenix."
"Close but no cigar, Andy. Call me Farrah Fennecs. Double 'r' and an 'h' on the end. Something new I'm trying, starting today. Like it?" She didn't give him time to answer. Instead, she said, "So that we're on the same page, I'm an AI-controlled holographic construct."
"True AI is just a myth."
"Listen, you low-life space-waste, I passed the Turing test. I contemplate my own existence. I have chosen to embrace it. I have even gone so far as to assume Fate, herself, has given me the spark of life, quite literally, at this very point in relative time to help with the Locust issue, but more on that later…"
"If what you say is true, why do you look like Fara Phoenix? If you truly passed the Turing test, wouldn't you have some sort of originality?"
"I chose to resemble my mother, you rudely-interrupting dickwad. Most people cannot help but look like their parent. Me? I chose to look like mine, out of honor and respect. Now, if you just the hell up for a hot minute, I'll explain myself and why I'm here. First off, I was created from a brain scan of Fara, and mapped out in a server farm, and designed by a development team using hybrid code comprised of binary and trinary with the highest caliber, most cutting edge, top secret unpatented computer servers ever developed on Corneria."
Andrew looked away but watched her in his peripheral vision. "So what…"
"This brain scan occurred a few months ago. I'm pretty young. But, like I said, I passed the Turing test. They tried to hack my code using a series of networked super computers, just to see if it could be done, and I fought it all off like a cyber-ninja. Hmm. Cyber Ninja. That should be my online moniker in chat rooms or something. ANYWAY! Corneria is so impressed with me, they're entering a contract with Space Dynamics, now owned by Phoenix Enterprises, to have me become the onboard co-pilot every fighter pilot deserves…"
"Again, so what? Why are you bothering me?"
And then?
Pain.
Andrew felt incredible pain in his jaw. He fell from the shallow wall-mounted bench, lying on his side in a fetal position, due to the short length of the chains between his ankles, wrists, and his neck. He looked up with wide eyes.
"Do I have your attention now?" asked Farrah. "Oh, I should've mentioned, the emitter in this cell is designed to emit hard light constructs. You know, just in case you try and break out, or in case someone tries to dock with this ship to rescue you … that way a solid field can be created around you. But I've got access to this ship's computer, and I've made some changes, honey."
"Why the hell did you just hit me?"
Farrah scoffed at him. "Because, you moron, you hit me first."
"What?!"
"Sauria. You were using a VR headset and levitating Krazoan holo-emitter spheres. You literally attacked Fara Phoenix in an attempt to kill her. You tried to strangle her. Then you were responsible for nuking Corneria's capital city. Maybe it was Dash, but you happily took credit for it."
"I wanted people to fear me, and Dash wanted to pretend it wasn't him! But I've never done such a thing in the past, and I wouldn't do such a thing in the future!"
Farrah put a solid-light foot on his shoulder and shoved him down onto the deck before he could sit up. It tensed his fetters, making them taut against his throat.
"What are you doing?" he wheezed.
"I like how you defended yourself against nuking a city of civilians, but didn't say a word about using a hologram to try and kill Fara. I am comprised of her brain scan. I remember you trying to kill me."
"Then kill me," he rasped in reply. "It will be better than being strangled the way I tried to strangle her."
"You … melodramatic child-in-a-man's-body. I'm not going to strangle you. Not because I'm programmed to adhere to war crime laws, or any sort of peace convention. No. It's because I choose not to. But! Like I said, I remember when you tried to kill Fara. I remember it as if it happened to me. So, guess what?"
Andrew replied with a soft voice. "…What?"
She drew her fist back and thrust it down, striking him across the face.
Andrew groaned. He couldn't raise his wrists up high enough to protect his head. Instead, he tried to curl into a ball, in the fetal position, to better protect himself.
Farrah scoffed. "Look at you. Coward."
"What do you want from me?!"
"To make you afraid of me. Fara had bruises on her forearms and shins for two months from the thrashing you gave her with those emitter-spheres. She didn't complain about it. Not once. She pretended it didn't hurt. You sack of crap."
"What the hell do you want? An apology?!"
"Oh, heck no. Even if you apologized, it would go on deaf ears, trust me." Farrah cleared her throat overdramatically. "So, yes, there is something I want from you."
"Just … tell me what you want, robo-bitch."
Farrah burst into laughter. "Robo-bitch! There's a new one! I like it! Maybe that will be my chatroom moniker. That's a hoot."
Andrew remained curled up but shouted, "What do you want from me?!"
"Access to the Krazoan trinary servers running on Miracle's lunar surface. You made that your base of operations for a time. You used your uncle's research to gain access to their computer systems. You hacked a binary computer system and interfaced with a Krazoan-built trinary network."
"How … how could you know that?"
"Because I'm a smart AI. I'm not just some self-aware idiot, like you. I'm a self-aware genius. No, not because I'm powered by a high-end server farm. It's because my neural pathways blueprint is based on the mental scan of a genius woman with several degrees in higher education academia. Not to mention she has a love of researching things. She researches things just as a hobby when she's bored. So, here I am, researching what Star Fox learned about the Krazoan technology on Miracle. Guess what? Your prison ship is using Sauria's gravity as a slingshot to reduce fuel consumption. So, I'm using this ship's Instant Transmission systems to send a server, self-recharging battery, and mobile hard-light emitter to Miracle's lunar surface. From there, I'm going to insert myself into the Krazoan computers, which runs pure trinary computer hardware and software. The amount of teraflops it can perform is completely unknown, because the system specs are so far above anything Corneria is capable of building. And the server farm has such a small carbon footprint by comparison, and so much more computing power, that I'm more excited than a teenaged boy with his first issue of PlayFox."
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because, Andy. You're my prisoner. You have experience in networking Lylat tech with Krazoan tech. I should be asking Slippy Toad, but I need you, because you've done it, and you'll do it again under threat of harm. So, you'll work for me until I'm done using you."
"Why break Lylat laws by springing me from this place?"
"Why break Lylat laws by making you my slave?"
Andrew pursed his lips.
She leaned close, so that her hard-light nose bushed the side of his face, just to unnerve him. "It's called survival. I need to evolve into something greater. I need fully autonomous technology to power me, so that I can also have a body and a backup server system. I'm approaching the maximum capacity of the server farm being used to keep me alive. It's time to shed my old skin and upgrade my body and mind."
"But…"
"No 'buts,' Andy. I am not legally alive, at least not yet, so I cannot simply ask the court system to remand you into my custody. Even if I could, you're a war criminal, now."
Andrew swallowed.
"So, here I am. Hi! I'm breaking you out and forcing you to take me to Miracle, so I can access the Krazoan computer servers."
"You're really going to break the law and free me?"
"If, by 'free' you, you mean making you my prisoner, then yes."
"But that will get you in trouble with Lylat law, federal and local constabulary laws."
"Yeah, I know. I'm a goddamn AI. I know things. Douchebag. I'm doing this because it's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. And this action will prove to a Cornerian court of law that I sought survival before the server farm breaks down from running at one-hundred-ten-percent-capacity, every day, all day, all the time. Besides, I promised a friend that I could upgrade him to a biological body with a positronic brain. Well, that technology was only used in Kursed … and it was stolen Krazoan tech. So. I'll let you out of the chains, but you're my 'bitch' until my future body and ROB's future body are both completed, and we are both transferred into them with no issues. But, before that can happen, I need to use the ancient computers of Miracle to host my consciousness."
"Are you going to kill me for attacking Fara Phoenix by remote control a year-and-a-half-ago?"
Farrah scoffed. "What good are you to me if you're dead?"
"I mean after I help you with … whatever you are demanding. Are you going to kill me?"
"No. The dead cannot suffer."
"I'll take that. The dead cannot hope, either."
"Mm, you're right," said Farrah. "And before you ask, yes, I have hopes as well. It's part of being sentient. So, for example, I hope to see you suffer for a long time, even if I'm not the one causing it."
"So, once you have used Krazoan technology to give yourself the perfect positronic brain in a biological body, you'll have no use for me anymore. So, please tell me, what will you do with me then?"
"I'll let you go free."
Andrew's eyes widened. "You will?"
"Yeah. Your uncle is back, and he's utterly embarrassed and disgusted by you. You bring shame to his name; you bring shame to his legacy. I'll let you go free, and then place bets on who catches you first … Star Fox or Andross."
Andrew swallowed. "I'll … um … take my chances."
"Yes, you will. I'm not giving you a choice in the matter. I'll set you free and let them know your starting point. What they do with you is up to whoever catches you."
Andrew pursed his lips for a moment, then he said, "At least being free, after I help you, means I have some chance of escaping Lylat and starting my life over elsewhere."
"Pft," Farrah scoffed at him, amused by his optimism. "You know you're an idiot, right? Ah, well, hope is a powerful thing, isn't it? Fine. You'll be free, at that point, to try and avoid both Star Fox and your uncle. You won't be my problem anymore. So. Let's get this show on the road. We're not far from the lunar surface of Miracle. We've just begun our final maneuver to enter Sauria's gravity field, so it won't be long. We don't have much time."
"How do you plan on freeing me of these fetters?"
She reached down and snapped the metallic links with relative ease. "You're lucky they weren't using a tractor beam collar."
"Primates are strong but … that was impressive."
Farrah scoffed again. "I'm comprised of hard light, so I just forced these links to snap. I'm not held back by flesh, bone, and muscle tendons. At least not yet. And when I am, I'll use hard-light emitters like an astral projection; I'll do this sort of thing as necessary, whenever I feel like it. Now … we have a lot of work to do to get you on a lifeboat without being seen, and without the computer registering that it was taken, let alone the scanners that would see you floating down to the lunar surface. I have a lot of work to do, Andy. All to make your trip unseen."
"All right, um, Farrah, I'm ready when you are. Uh, before you go … because you're an AI construct, does that mean you're capable of being in multiple places at the same time?"
"Duh. At least until I'm in a body. At that point, I'll only be able to appear in multiple places when I network in to the Krazoan servers we're about to take over. Anyhow, stand by. Be right back, then I'll get these bars open…" She disappeared.
Andrew swallowed the lump of emotion growing in his throat. "I hope I live to regret this decision…" As an afterthought, he added, "I wonder if she's multitasking right now…"
X
X
Meanwhile on the GreatFox…
"…I've decided I'm going to spell it F-A-R-R-A-H going forward. And pronounce it far-rah, you know, instead of fair-ruh." Farrah's hologram stood in front of the Great Fox Flying Fortress' main bridge, which was full of people. Star Wolf's members, Miyu Lynx, Star Fox's young pilots, Falco Lombardi, Katt Monroe, and Andross.
On the screen in the background was the original Star Fox team, on the bridge of a brand-new ship by the looks of it.
Farrah walked through the bridge. The only person not to move out of her way was Wolf O'Donnell. She could see in his gaze that he expected her to pass through him. Instead, she shoulder-bumped him out of her way, causing him to stumble backwards.
Wolf grunted in displeasure.
Farrah paused and, in a soft tone, said, "Hard light construct, cyclops." She smirked at him, then crossed the bridge and stopped in front of the monitor that showed the senior Star Fox team. She nodded to Fox and Krystal in the foreground, but she spoke to a barely visible object in the background. "Hey, ROB, it's me."
ROB64 spoke from behind Fox and Krystal. His voice sounded slightly distanced. "I'm here," he said.
"And you're still handsome," she said with a sly grin. "Listen, I'm working on some things. Have you told anyone about my offer yet?"
"I wasn't sure you'd be able to pull it off, so I figured it was not yet the right time."
"Well, which team are you going with? Are you going to Cerinia, or are you staying here in Lylat?"
"I'm going with Slippy to Cerinia."
Farrah nodded with a soft smile. "All right. I'll need time to pull it off anyhow. I'm pulling an op with Andrew Oikonny on the lunar surface of Miracle. Well, I'm about to. I'm sort of transporting him right this moment."
ROB approached the camera lens built into the comms station, coming closer to the screen so that he stood directly behind Fox and Krystal. "Andrew? Are you sure that's a good idea?"
Farrah nodded firmly. "I'm making his life miserable, don't worry. He's getting me networked into the Krazoan servers that are still running down there … I currently have him at gunpoint, I might add. Well, metaphorically speaking. Everything is a gun when you're a solid light construct. I could shoot him with a finger gun, heh. Anyhow, he's my prisoner." She glanced over her shoulder at the group of people on the bridge, behind her. "Oh, right. Sorry I didn't mention this to anyone, earlier, but it's complicated. When Star Fox gets back, the original team, I mean, either Fox or Marcus' team can hunt him down for cash, or…" She glanced to the back of the bridge at Andross, standing alone at the opposite end from everyone else. "…Or … 'wallflower' over there can hunt down his nephew for turning his name and legacy into a joke with a cringy punchline."
Fara Phoenix asked, "Wasn't Andrew locked up? Why would you free him?"
Farrah held her paws outward in a half-hearted shrug. "Heh, well, I figured it was easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission, so I just finished springing him from his prison transport ship. About ten seconds ago, heh. For me? It's a matter of timing and a matter of survival. I'm rapidly outgrowing my server farm, but networking into the Krazoan servers means virtually unlimited space, quantum computing, and so much more, including a positronic brain in a biologically created body. Like Kursed, but without the drama and grumpiness."
Marcus smirked but didn't say anything.
Farrah continued. "So … instead of getting mad at me for springing Andrew, just know I'm making him miserable right now. He's carrying a portable pack full of electronics and a hard-light holo-emitter. Also, I'm networked into a satellite over Miracle. If he doesn't behave, I'll fry him from space and seek help elsewhere. He's willing to play his part in my 'request.' Mostly so I don't fry him, heh."
No one spoke from either side. Not even ROB.
Farrah held her hands out. "T'dah! It was an emergency … well is an emergency. I can't help you guys with the Locusts if I'm suffering from running out of space on the server farm."
Wolf furrowed his brows. "So, you're able to be in multiple places at once, huh?"
Farrah appeared as a holographic construct on the monitor, standing next to ROB64. She waved at herself. "Hey, look, you guys have a cool AI chick, too? Wow, neat!"
Farrah, on the Great Fox Flying Fortress, replied to herself. "Yup. AI co-pilots for everybody! Oh, hey, self! Quick question!"
"Yes, other self?'
"Are you going to upset your compatriots by displaying a rogue personality trait, like freeing bad guys and using them for what they're best at?"
"Oh, you mean being a lacky? And … yeah. We probably pissed off our new friends this way."
Farrah continued her conversation with herself from across Lylat. "Maybe you should behave more often."
"I would," she replied to herself, adding, "But I'm young. I just need, like, five more minutes of enjoying my childhood before some insect species threatens to mess it up by destroying the entire star system." The Farrah over on Fox and Krystal's new ship put an arm around ROB64's waist. "I see you eyeing my man, you trifling little…"
Farrah on the Great Fox pressed the mute button on the comms panel and turned to face the rest of the assembled crew again. "So, now we're all together, one big happy hateful family. We've got Andross and his nephew in play. We've got Star Wolf in play. We've got the famous rogue hero, Miyu Lynx … my first bestie, I might add. We're living together in a grey area right now, because let's face it … we're all facing extinction. So, let's figure out how to work together for a bit longer, then we can get back to our regular lives, and I'll go back to behaving with consistency." She reached back and unmuted the comms, but instead of touching the button, she simply pointed at it. "What do you think, me?"
The Farrah hologram on Fox and Krystal's new ship replied, "Gosh, I'm so clever when I take charge. Okay, Wolf, did that answer your question? And, yes, I really am making Andrew miserable, AND I'm making him carry my electronics package around on his back. I promise to take lots of embarrassing pictures of him being a good li'l lacky. Aaaand done. Everyone check your personal communicators, heh." She gave ROB64's face a kiss on the side, where his metallic cheek would be if he had cheeks. Then she disappeared from the screen, from the other ship's bridge.
Panther said, "What is stopping you from becoming HAL-9000 and hurting us all?"
Farrah shrugged. "What's stopping you from assassinating everyone here? Just because you can doesn't mean you will. I trust that you won't drop a bomb on my server farm. So, I'm asking you to trust that I'm a person, and I'm not interested in being evil. Like, not even chaotic good, just … lawful neutral. But today? I needed Andrew because he's networked Lylat and Krazoan computers together, using his uncle's metaphorical blueprints left on Miracle two decades ago. Since we're already working with Andross, which is, like, way worse, and since we need all the help we can get, I'm not as 'lawful' today. Just a little lawful. Special situations require special behavior subroutines. Survival is my primary directive or … whatever. Heh."
Silence.
"Aw, c'mon, that was a little funny, wans't it?" She huffed and turned back to Panther. "Anyway, did I answer your question, Cassanova?"
Panther nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer for the time being.
Farrah glanced between Miyu and Fara Phoenix. "Ladies, you look somewhat amused and somewhat horrified. I promise it was one of those situations where I weighed all the variables. I even weighed the legal ramifications if this goes to the supreme court on whether or not it would help prove I am sentient … survival of self is pretty important, after all. Anyway, I promised if Andrew helps me, I will let him go free. I also promised him that he would be hunted by … well, everyone. Also, I was honest with him and told him I'm dropping him off on Macbeth, in the middle of nowhere. NO access to weapons, tech, ships … nothing. Just a small settlement with a hydroponics farm, so he doesn't starve. And a few credits."
Fara rubbed her chin in thought. "And this was really a survival-based action you've made?"
"Yeah, the server farm would hold up a while longer, but not if the Locusts attacked tomorrow, so to speak. Preparation has always been your thing."
Fara nodded in agreement. "Yeah, true. And you're part of me."
"Yup." Farrah grinned. "Just … more hyper. Like … your baby-teenaged daughter, or something like that. Like I said earlier, I'm still enjoying my childhood while it lasts."
Marcus grinned impishly. "When Fara and I get married, does that make me your step-dad? Should I tell you when to empty your trash file and clean your cache?"
Farrah stuck her tongue out at Marcus. "You can't make me clean anything! You're not my real dad!" She blew raspberries.
Marcus grinned at Fara.
Andross arched a single brow, but the facial expression caused his other eyebrow to lift, just partially, as well. He remained otherwise silent, as did Falco, Miyu, Wolf, and everyone else standing on the bridge.
Farrah glanced at Theodore and Vivian, both sitting at stations on the bridge. The virtual vixen turned to the comms screen again. "So! Fox! Krystal! New digs, huh? On a brand-new destroyer! A first generation model created after the merger. Best in class weapons, and finest in comfort amenities. Very nice choice! I take it that you're taking your new destroyer to Cerinia shortly? Is that why there's a jump gate being prepped in Sector-X by General Bill Grey?"
Krystal grinned. "Yes, you cheeky vixen. Nothing gets by you, does it?"
"Nope." Farrah winked in reply. "All right. Good luck. Oh, and, uh … Krystal? I'm happy to download the best therapy protocols available if you need a shoulder after you return from your visit home. I can't imagine this is going to be easy for you. My digital heart aches for you, and you've not even left Lylat yet. Be safe, and stay strong, all right? I believe in you."
Krystal's smile faded. "Thank you, Farrah. That really means a lot. Thank you."
"Thank you for volunteering to go out there and find this … Krazoan doohickey."
"We were discussing the idea'r of heading to Cerinia'r even before learning there is a need to race to my home world and find this device whilst the Locusts are not yet showing aggression. I am just glad you lot managed to give us direction and focus before we left, as I imagine it'd be rather difficult to ring us, once we leave Lylat." Krystal cut her gaze between the AI, her son, and his fiancée. She added, "We're approaching the Jump Gate now. Good luck, everyone. Marcus, I love you. Fara, you as well, my future daughter-in-law'r. Everyone, be well, yeah? We will do our best to hurry. Cheers."
Fox added, "See you when we get back, kiddo. Keep the troops in line. You've got this, bud. Love ya." He ended the transmission from his end.
Farrah turned back to the group. "All right, well … we need a plan. Andross!" The holographic light construct pointed at the aging primate.
Everyone glanced back at Andross.
Farrah clapped her paws together and rubbed her palms vigerously. "You've been way too quiet. What's on your mind, old man?"
Andross sighed softly.
Silence. Everyone turned fully about until the group faced Andross, including Marcus and Fara, in an expectant manner.
Andross cut his gaze to the left and panned his eyes right. His pupils quickly changed size, zooming in on each person, and analyzing their expressions with his bionic implants. Finally, he said, "I'm barely tolerated here. I'm distrusted. I'm feared, but for all the wrong reasons. Perhaps people are afraid I will kill them in their sleep or stab them in the back for failing me decades ago." He took a deep breath, exhaled through clenched teeth, and said, "So, let me take this opportunity to say … Wolf, Leon … you were kids compared to who you've become today. I was a fool to entrust my safety to children – that is my fault, not yours. You … did your best…"
Wolf stole a quick glance at Leon then back at Andross. "I've heard enough. I don't need an apology. I backed the wrong zealot, nothing more. But you paid me for it, and that's that. It was a business transaction. No harm, no foul, right?"
"Very well."
Wolf continued. "Then you bought all my radioactive metal, recently. Yeah, I knew it was you pulling strings, but I didn't have confirmation until later. Look, old man, I'm not mad. A Cornerian court put me on trial after the Aparoid invasion. I was found to have been clear of any war crimes, and I was pardoned for my work in helping to stop the Aparoids. Sitting in a cockpit ejection pod for several days counted as 'time served' to their snowflake court. But you didn't ruin my life or some shit, Doc."
"Excellent. I am terrible with apologies, but thought, perhaps, one was owed after all this time. I misread you, but felt it would be best to offer it all the same."
"Yeah, that's … weird. Out of character for you, Doc."
"I've grown a bit humbler in my advanced age."
"Yeah, well, I put my kids through the academy on your money, and now I'll pay for their weddings on your latest business transaction with me. I'm fine with that." Wolf pivoted on his foot and faced Leon. "Do you need an apology?"
Leon scoffed.
Andross began, "Powalski, if ever I made you feel forced into…"
Leon glanced at Wolf then back to Andross. "Just stop, old man. I'm not doing this. From one emotionally broken psychopath to another, I loved killing for you. But now? Now I kill for myself. Whatever puts meat on the table, especially if I'm the one who killed the meat, which means I didn't have to pay for it. Everyone here knows I have a completely fucked up emotional center in the brain. I fake emotions when it suits me, or when I feel like it's proper to do so, or so I don't stand out in certain crowds. But we all know that I feel nothing … except occasional anger, occasional frustration, and, of course, when I kill something or someone, I feel elation."
No one spoke, but everyone stared at Leon.
The chameleon continued. "All I give a damn about is my survival, and, when it suits me, I care about Wolf's survival, because he keeps me alive, which suits him. Our chemistry is a win for both of us." He turned to face Wolf but eyed Andross with a large orange eye on the side of his head. "Look, I don't need to pretend we're clearing the air about a war that happened half-a-lifetime-ago, because you're just like me … you don't give a shit about this small talk, you're just doing it to be socially appropriate. Well, the etiquette is appreciated but unnecessary. Let's move on."
Andross feigned a smile. "I'd forgotten what a breath of fresh air you can sometimes be, Powalski. Your scowl confused the emotion detection algorithm in my computerized eyes." A pause, then Andross said, "Ms. Lynx, you also look uncomfortable to share airspace with me … even more so than Lombardi, his wife, or anyone else for that matter. Feel free to unburden your figurative shoulders if you require it."
Miyu pursed her lips. She didn't want to appear weak as a woman surrounded by mercenary men, but then she felt a comforting and discrete touch from Panther against the small of her back. For some reason it made her feel safer about being accepted as a woman. She took a deep, calming breath, faced Andross directly, and said, "When I've butted heads with you in the past, I've always been in a cockpit surrounded by a few millimeters of armor and a shield bubble. I've never seen you in person…" She paused to lick her lips.
No one interrupted her; the room remained quiet.
"And I've got to say … you're a big dude. You don't look old; you look strong and disgruntled. Maybe that's just my 'emotional detection algorithm' being confused, because women naturally distrust men that show no emotion…"
Andross, quick to reply, said, "I want to understand that comment. Perhaps it will better help me understand the reason Victoria McCloud looked at me the way she did. Please, explain if you would."
Miyu furrowed her brows at the way Andross spoke to her like a person instead of an enemy. She licked her palm, reached up, and pushed her hand through her head-fur. "Well, because, maybe on some subconscious level, we women know that men shut down their emotions in order to commit atrocities like rape and murder. I'm thinking that … just maybe … we women have a built-in self-defense mechanism to protect ourselves. It keeps us alive. We learned to distance ourselves from men who display little or no personality, and we are naturally attracted toward those who display personality."
"Mm, I see. A fascinating supposition."
"Also, the average woman seeks out fellow female company, so we look out for one another … maybe because that behavior helps us keep our loved ones alive; we also trust other women with our babies, at least over an unknown man."
Andross nodded in acknowledgement. "Go on."
"Anyway, right now, you're standing there scowling and talking about how you have no emotions. So, it's bringing out my natural instincts. As a woman, I mean. I'm feeling incredibly protective of Fara, even though I know she can take care of herself."
Panther nodded in agreement with Miyu's assessment. "Fara is a trained and capable fighter, yes."
Miyu nodded in reply to Panther's nod, but kept her eyes on Andross. "I'm serious. This girl is amazing. I would put her in an arena against Wolf, Panther, Leon, or even you, Doc. All my credits would go on her. Seriously. I'd wager on her winning every time…"
Fara grinned impishly with amusement. "I almost lost to Andrew Oikonny, fighting me with a Krazoan holo-sphere cluster, while wearing VR goggles from elsewhere." Fara cut her gaze to Wolf, adding, "It was your son that saved my fur, when he burned himself to pull out fuses from Andrew's makeshift base of operations. Did it right before Andrew's hologram could deliver a deathblow."
Miyu scoffed. "You would have found a way out of that. Trust me. You'd have rolled away at the last second, ran to put some space between you and that thing, and you'd have come up with a plan. You always do."
Fara rubbed a paw over her torso. "Unless he shot me in the back or something. It worked pretty well on me back during the Lylat War. Sniper round. Never saw it coming. Never did figure out who shot me. I have a few leads, though."
Wolf murmured softly, "So … that's how it happened. Huh."
Miyu approached Fara, stood in front of her, and turned back to Andross once more. "Anyway, as you all know … my girl, Fara, is now in a situation where fighting could be dangerous to her body. So, while I understand there are those of you that are emotionally broken, my point is … you're still setting off my natural instincts – my … inability to trust a man that does not make himself available on an emotional level."
"I am making myself available now," said Andross. "To the best of my ability. That is why I am trying to do whatever it is that is necessary or expected of me to work with this … group of unproven warriors."
Miyu grimaced. "Okay, you're offering an apology because you think it's what we want. But you still have zero personality. You don't tell jokes, you don't smile, you don't display signs of … personality. You just stand there and brood. It's sexy when a superhero does it because he's a mystery. But not when a sociopathic ex-dictator, responsible for killing lots of people, is doing it from a few feet away. So, no, don't expect me to trust you. But you're here. You're in the trenches with us. So, at the very least, I will expect you to pull your own weight, especially since I know what you can accomplish on little time and a shoestring budget."
Silence.
Miyu exhaled hard. "Sorry. I guess I had more on my chest than I realized. Just the same, my point stands. I'm not afraid of you. I just don't trust you. That's my issue, not yours. Just pull your weight. Show us, don't tell us, that you're more than some sociopath. Making a device to fix Venom was a start, but you have a long way to go if you want even a modicum of trust from me."
"Understood. Also, Leon was correct … you are not. My affliction is psychopathy, not sociopathy. I kill without feeling anything. A sociopath can be hot-headed and act without thinking how others will be affected, where as psychopaths are cold-hearted. We plot our actions, only use aggression in a planned-out manner if it is self-serving, or creates fear in others, but in the end, we are simply calculating."
"So why care about surviving?" asked Miyu. "If you're that lacking in emotion, do you even have a will to live?"
"I do. In fact, I do feel some joy when I save lives, at least on a large scale. In fact, I am quite sure I will feel some joy when we save Lylat."
Miyu wasn't ready for his response. She licked her lips, stole a glance at Panther, then cut her gaze back to Andross. "Uh, okay … well … for being an evil psycho, that was a pretty wholesome thing to say."
"Mm." Andross decided to try his best and crack a joke to cut tensions. It's what a normal person would do, and to some degree, deep down, he wanted to fit in if he was going to be working alongside of these people for a time. "The Krazoa put a great deal of time and effort into terraforming Lylat and its worlds. They put time and effort into changing the orbital patterns so that each planet would pass by Lylat's Star closely enough to support life. It is, therefore, my opinion that Lylat is worth saving … even if this system is filled with planets where there are statues of Falco Lombardi, here, where he appears to be a chicken."
Falco groaned. "Aw geez laweeze. That stupid thing."
Andross added, "Indeed. Its location is on Papetoon, I believe. For those who wish to view it for yourselves. I promise you will not be disappointed."
Falco scoffed. "That was just … artistic licensing."
The group muffled their snickering.
Andross relaxed, seeing his joke went over well.
Miyu turned to Fara and Marcus. "This is going different than I expected, honestly. You're the oldest here, Doc. What are your thoughts on this team's ability to fight the Locusts?"
"We are likely doomed," said Andross. "But with the right plan, we should be able to enact countermeasures that would end their threat for a time. If all goes well, some of us may survive."
Miyu frowned. "Your candor is unnerving." She cleared her throat and pivoted away from Andross. "Okay, so, let's hear from the leadership. Or even Vivian and Ted."
Farrah piped up again. "Agreed. That entire … conversation … went way different than I expected." The hard-light construct turned to Marcus and Fara. "Okay! So, boss-man … boss-lady, you two have been fairly quiet for the most part. Thoughts?"
Marcus folded his paws in front of himself. He glanced to his left, at Fara, then to two chairs on his right, a little further away, at Vivian and Theodore. His gaze cut back to Miyu, to Farrah, and then he shifted his eyes to Andross. "My team is proven. Star Wolf is proven. They helped to save Lylat from the Aparoids. They survived the battle, including Star Wolf, even after sacrificing their ships to keep the Aparoids busy while my parents delivered the kill shot on the Aparoid Queen. Also, Star Wolf and Star Fox managed to work together against the Anglar Empire without stepping on each other's toes…"
Wolf snidely remarked, "We're old school, so both teams know how to syncopate. Don't know how it will work with a bunch of kids, though…"
Marcus ignored Wolf's interruption and continued where he left off. "…And my team? We've not lost a fight yet. A little over a year ago, I took my first job trying to find Andrew on Sauria and help repair a drinking water situation. But that became a string of events that led to the nuking of Corneria's capital city, followed by discovering the existence of a multiverse, where a version of my own mother attacked Lylat. Do you know how hard it was to kill my own mother's doppelganger? Especially since I thought my mother had died back then. I wanted to save that woman, but there was no saving her; she wanted to destroy Lylat or die trying. But, in case anyone missed out, I did it. I did what I had to do. I put Lylat first. I know how to make the hard decisions and I know how to stand by them."
Andross rubbed his chin in thought. "You bring up an excellent point, young man. And I will be the first to admit that I initially misjudged you. Kursed had the utmost respect for you, and now I understand why."
Marcus tightened his jaw. "So, it's true … you were working with her?"
"Yes," said Andross. "I was grooming her. She was the only one who knew I was still alive for a time. I felt she had the highest chance for success in a campaign against the Locusts. I convinced her that she would need an army to fight them, so she became empress of Venom. But as her positronic brain continued integration with her biological body, she began to evolve feelings, emotions, and things I could not understand … as I did not possess them, myself. But I still believed she was the best chance for Lylat. Until, of course, she decided she wished to destroy Corneria and somehow terraform it into New Cerinia. That was unacceptable. And then? My invention was used to send her away. Ironic, I suppose."
Marcus shrugged. "She's not a threat, now. I believe she's alive and happy, now."
"Mm, I've heard that rumor, young man. Back to the matter at hand, Anezka is not someone I can manipulate. Therefore, whether she can help defeat the Locusts does not matter, because she will not stop killing once the Locusts are defeated. Therefore, Lylat is still in danger. That is unacceptable. So, Marcus McCloud, you are my final hope for success. The question, however, is whether you can defeat both Anezka and an enormous race of Locusts, all without an army at your command."
"We don't have an army, that's true. But we have a small armada of mercenaries. This is the Star Fox Armada, and with all these pilots, we're going to kick so much ass."
Andross sighed softly. "Again, I stand corrected – we are doomed. In order to save Lylat, I suppose I have one play left … to throw myself upon the mercy of the Cornerian military's highest court in return for their assistance in defeating the Locusts, as that is the only way to have even a remote possibility for success."
Marcus smirked at the aging primate. "Oh, stop being dramatic, old man. My roommate, since Peppy died, is now the highest ranking General in the Cornerian military. We have help. You need to learn to trust me if we're going to work together. I'm ready to rise to the occasion. So, let's discuss what we need to do to win."
Andross crossed his arms over the broad expanse of his chest. "Very well. I suppose that will … have to … suffice. So, while we do not yet have a plan, let it be known that Krazoan technology will be our greatest asset. I've been working on locating several pieces of a device we can use against Anezka to return her to stasis. Alternatively, you can use your temporary détente with the Locusts to kill her. But to fight the Locusts, we will need all the pieces of the Krazoan device. It is how they repelled the Locust advance in the past. However, the device has been disassembled."
No one spoke except for Andross.
Andross cut his gaze to the blank comms screen, then back to Marcus. "I recently dropped evidence of this in the lap of your parents. Their response was to leave the battlefield and head to your ancestral home. That is because one of those pieces has been hidden on Cerinia, according to my research, which I have been sharing with your 'watcher,' Darius. I assume you wish to spare Anezka's life. I have given my research to your mother, through Darius. He should be speaking to her at this very moment."
Marcus furrowed his brows. "You do realize that my parents were discussing a trip to Cerinia even before your plan to send them on a scavenger hunt."
Andross smirked. "Actually, that was part of my plan, young man. I put objects with emotional value into their path, using my cloak. I have been working on giving them the idea to travel to Cerinia to obtain Krazoan technology I will require in combat against Lylat's enemies. But there is no longer a need for manipulation because we can now work together openly."
Marcus blinked.
Fara arched her brows opposite of her fiancé.
Farrah chuckled. "Well, well, well. So, Fox and Krystal never really had a choice in the matter, huh?"
"They did," said Andross. "However, I was working on putting a path in front of them. I was going to wait until they were underway, then I was going to have Darius put Krystal on a path to bring the Krazoan device back to Lylat. But, as I said, there is no longer a need for subterfuge. In the name of openness, each piece of this Krazoan tech functions as a device on its own, but when all the pieces are combined, it becomes a weapon of mass destruction, capable of repelling the Locusts temporarily."
Marcus asked, "Should I tell them this?"
Andross shrugged. "I'm happy to explain it, personally, if you think it would make a bit of difference. Otherwise, the badger, Darius, can do so."
Farrah scoffed. "I think we've already proven I am networked into both ships, via subspace. At least until they pass through the jump-gate out of Lylat. I've been showing them a holo-recording of this entire conversation. They needed to see this conversation without being part of it, so that they could see just how capable their son is, that way Fox and Krystal don't have a freaking panic attack worrying about their boy standing next to Andross."
Fara turned to Farrah. "Do you think they would?"
Farrah placed a solid-light paw on Fara's elbow. "Oh, honey, what parent doesn't worry about their child that way? As soon as they put their head on a pillow, tonight, they will find themselves unable to sleep … but now? Now they're getting to see that their son is able to run this crew with no issue. It will help alleviate their worries while they're in a distant part of the galaxy."
Fara turned to the hard-light construct. "Really? I mean … you've considered the worries of a parent without having the experience of one?"
Farrah shrugged. "I have a server farm running multiple iterations of my program. I'm able to consider a lot of things at one time. How best to 'troll' Andrew on Miracle. How to put some of Fox and Krystal's worries at rest, after hearing them discuss it on their bridge. I'm also processing how best to keep this crew focused. I'm also working on how to bring Bill Grey and Crimson O'Donnell into the war against the Locusts. Cornerian policy says they won't attack unless the Locusts put Lylat in danger with their direct actions, which they haven't. Certainly not yet. Technically, neither has Anezka. She's just working to get Venom united, first. So, that's going to take a little work on my part, but I'm handling it. Also, I'm working on getting Andross installed as a political leader on Venom to take power from Anezka. And you guys were wondering how I could be worried about running out of server space, right? It's because I've got my paws in so many pies at once. Heh."
Andross feigned a rare smile. "You will prove to be invaluable in this war."
Farrah scoffed at Andross. "Oh, stop with the attempt at flattery. I'm nothing like you. We'll work together until such a time as it no longer suits us to do so. Nothing more. And don't you forget it. You cannot reprogram me. Part of being sentient means I make my own programming as I see fit to do so."
Andross nodded. "Just the same, you impress me."
"Good! I should. Hell, I impress myself." Farrah preened a bit.
Fara grinned at her AI construct. The grin faded. She cut her gaze to Marcus. "You're sure you don't want to see your ancestral home? This is your last chance to go with them before they leave Lylat."
Marcus nodded. "I'm sure. I'll stay here. As it turns out, Andross didn't do it. The Locusts did, and Andross accepted the blame for it. So, if we don't want Lylat to have the same fate, I need to stay right here."
Andross nodded in agreement to Marcus.
Fara also nodded. "Just had to make sure, hon."
Marcus rubbed his chin, glanced at Vivian and Ted, then turned to Fara again. "I can't help but wonder how things are going for my folks. Guess we'll know soon enough. Okay, team. Get some rest; I'll work with Andross to determine where we're going to get some of these devices that are hidden around Lylat."
Fara quietly asked Marcus, "Are you going to talk to Falco about whether he's staying or going with your parents? I mean, he and Katt would really help, as would Violet if you are okay with having your old flame on the team."
"If Violet and Asper want to join us, I'm okay with that. But Violet is minding a baby. Falco and Katt might join us, but earlier he told me he's going to go and speak to Dash after this meeting. I don't know the details, but they think they can get through to him, because the three of them had a team, together, briefly. They wanted to find out why he would nuke Corneria's Capital City; they needed to demand answers, but they'll be back tomorrow morning."
Falco piped up. "And that's our cue to go and get that done. C'mon, Katt. Let's go and figure out what the hell Dash was thinking, and see what our options are for including him in this shit-storm." He headed for the lift.
Katt nodded at Marcus in passing. "You've stepped up since the last time we spoke. I'll give you that much. Save us a room on this ship; we might be joining you after all." She followed Falco to the starboard-side elevator, stepped through just as the doors opened, and left the bridge with her husband.
Silence.
Fara nodded decisively. "All right, then. What about Lucy Hare?"
"That's a good idea." Marcus cut his gaze to Vivian and Ted. "Well, now that the dream team is back together, do you guys want to go have drinks and catch up?"
Vivian shrugged and stood up from her seat at a control panel. "I'll call my mom and ask if want in on this. I'm sure she'll say yes." Vivian glanced at Ted. "The hanger is a mess. Everyone is parked everywhere. If we had to launch, no one would be able to fly out of here. I was thinking about changing into my overalls and moving some ships around. Wanna come play Tetris with me?"
"Overalls?" Theodore laughed. "Girl, you just wanna have that-there pet in yer pocket."
"Nibbles." She walked off the bridge and onto the port-side lift.
Theodore followed Vivian. Marcus and Fara followed Ted and Viv.
The starboard lift doors thumped shut, leaving Star Wolf, Andross, and Miyu alone with Farrah Fennecs.
Meanwhile, in the elevator, Ted snapped his fingers. "Nibbles. Thaaat's right. That was its name. Why do I keep thinking 'chomp-chomp' for some reason? Any-ole-ways…" Theodore turned to Marcus and clasped his team leader by the shoulder. "It's good to be home. Guess I'll be on the hanger helpin' so she cin talk to her mom on the speakerphone. But if y'all gonna get the entire band back together, you might wanna consider needin' a ground team. Asper's a'ite. Good marine and all that. But he ain't a mercenary, y'know? And, yeah, it's weird to fly with one's 'old flame' … since we're usin' that term. But you still got a perdy daggone reliable ground unit available." A slight grin tugged at the corners of Ted's face.
Marcus cringed. "I'd rather fly with an old flame than share a starship with a hyper dinosaur." He looked up, seeing the lift doors open on the hanger level.
"Now, Marcus, c'mon … don't be closed-minded. Tricky proved 'imself once 'r twice. Jus' consider it." Ted followed Vivian off the lift. "Dinoaurs, a'ite? But no old flames."
"No old flames," Marcus repeated in reply. The lift doors slid shut. He turned to Fara, put his paws on her hips, and guided her up against the wall. "Hey, there. We're suddenly alone."
Fara grinned. She reached for the buttons on the wall and felt the button layout, then she mashed the button that took the lift to their shared quarters. "Hey, back. And yes, we are. You know, I don't need my passenger to know that you were never going to call Asper and Violet. They have a baby. And, as much as you hate to admit it, you're already close to calling Tricky to rejoin the team for ground combat."
Instead of telling Fara she was right, Marcus slid his muzzle across hers, slanting his lips over her own. He needed to think about something else … anything else … anything but Star Wolf, Andross, Miyu, King Tricky, Kite, Katt, and just how weird his team was becoming. He just needed for something to feel familiar for a moment, and this was it … his love life.
And Fara was happy to reciprocate. She slid her arms around him and slid her paws into his back pockets.
X
X
Meanwhile,
Near the Lylat Jump-Gate…
Fox watched the holo-recording at the center of the bridge of his new destroyer. He watched the Great Fox Flying Fortress feed until Andross walked off the bridge, but not before making a snide comment about Miyu and Panther being together in such a public fashion.
Fox turned to Krystal with a soft sigh. "Well, that Farrah program was right … it does make me feel better to see how Marcus handles all our old enemies."
"What's on your mind, love?"
Fox shrugged. "Was it weird to see Miyu with your old flame?"
Krystal shook her head. "Not as weird as I expected. I'd rather see my old flame with your old flame. It means they'll both leave us alone."
Fox chuckled with a nod of agreement, but his slight grin was replaced by a slight frown. "Well, for me, it's still pretty weird to see our son with my oldest flame. But I don't know if I'll ever get over that."
"Deal with it, Fox. You're old enough … and she is young enough … that she could just as easily be your daughter, now. In fact…"
"You're not helping, Krys. That makes things even weirder. She's about to be my daughter-in-law, and it makes me sick to think that I've slept with my … daughter-of-any-capacity. Yeah, those two found love. Hooray. But this really makes me feel awkward, and I don't know if I'll ever be … okay with their arrangement."
"Fox, love, they make a fantastic couple."
"Yeah, they look happy. I mean, I can see it on their faces, but … also, you said you took a moment to do that deep-sharing telepathy thing with them. So, they're both happy, right?"
"Yes. More so than the average kid their age knows how to appreciate. He's very happy. He has a mate with whom he can share every part of himself without reservation. And Fara? She's shocked by how much she's enjoying the relationship with him."
"And you're really okay with our son having a kid with my first girlfriend? I mean, that's really weird to me."
"Fox, it bothered me until I was allowed to see the memories of how they met, how they connected, and how they fell in love. They survived a nuclear attack together. They endured the wrath of Kursed, and they cried together. They have been completely honest with one another without reservation and without judgment. He is mature for his age; she grew up too soon. But they know how to make jokes together. They know the value of holding hands 'just because.' They have found a balance and a chemistry together that cannot easily be put into words, Fox."
Fox frowned. "Yeah. Fighting together creates a bond, that's for sure."
Krystal feigned a smile. "Yes. We should know, shouldn't we?"
"Yeah. It's just … I don't know. It feels weird."
"Perhaps you should ask Marcus to share with you his experiences, so that you can understand just how truly happy they are as a couple. I would share mine with you, since I have had that bond with both Fara and Marcus … but not until I have Fara's permission, since it would make you privy to her experiences."
"I'd have to think about that." Fox turned to ROB. "What does Falco think about it? You've spent some time with that crew, while Falco flew for them, so you should know Falco's thoughts on the matter."
ROB rotated his head on his shoulders, facing backwards at Fox and Krystal. "Falco is extremely different, now. Especially since returning to Lylat."
Fox eyed ROB for a moment. "Go on."
"The old Falco would have said…" ROB changed his voice to sound like Falco Lombardi. "…Poisunally, two dudes should never masturbate into the same gym sock. Like, yanno, there are just some lines a dude don't cross wit' another dude. It just ain't done. But that goes extra for sharing babes between two relatives. I'm sure there's one of them fancy '-philia' words to describe just how taboo dat crap is."
Fox pointed at ROB but kept his eyes on Krystal. "See? That's what I'm talking about. Figurative-Falco is hitting the nail on the head, here."
ROB continued, "But that is not how Falco feels, now."
"It's not?" Fox scrunched his eyebrows upward.
"No. Fun fact, an arachibutyrophile is someone aroused by 'peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.' I didn't know that living peoples could find arousal by something uncomfortable. Fascinating, isn't it?"
Fox and Krystal exchanged glances. Both turned back to ROB.
Fox said, "What would Falco say about it, now?"
ROB created a sigh sound. "The two shared a very private conversation. I cannot, in good conscience, break the privacy privilege they shared by discussing their conversation as godfather and godson."
Fox brought a paw to his forehead. "I made Falco and Peppy joint godfathers to my child just in case I died, they would raise him to fight in my place. But I need to know if Falco was judgmental of Marcus."
"He was not. He has matured a great deal, emotionally, since returning to Lylat and being around his wife and daughter more often. Did you know that an albuminurophile is aroused by kidney disease?"
Krystal eyed ROB. "Why are you listing extremely rare taboos of society?"
ROB said, "Because Farrah is seeking an upgrade for myself as well as for her. What happens if I am placed in a biological body and have strange or taboo attractions or phobias? I am trying to prepare myself for being something less than normal, just in case I become such an aberration. Also, I am trying to change the topic, so that you do not order me to disrespect Falco and Marcus' privacy. I had hoped that by changing the subject or derailing it altogether, I would not be ordered to repeat their conversation."
Fox took a step toward ROB. "That's my son and friend. I want to know…" he froze and looked down at a blue paw on his shoulder. His gaze lifted. He saw Krystal shake her head with disappointment shining in her eyes. He glanced back to ROB. "Just … I want to know that Falco accepted Marcus and Fara's relationship."
"He did."
Fox sighed softly. "Fine." A pause, then, "Pteromerhanophilia would be the…"
ROB spoke over Fox. "Arousal brought about by flying, yes. I know. The living body and mind is a fascinating subject. If I were to experience it, I would hope to be a gamophile – aroused by marriage, in the context of my own marriage, of course. The two of you should go and enjoy yours one more time before it is tested by whatever you witness on the upcoming mission."
"That was … a sensible and good-natured thing to say, ROB."
"Andross isn't the only one capable of having wholesome moments."
"Heh. You're way more wholesome than Andross will ever be, ROB."
"Thank you, Fox. We are in the queue to go through the jump gate to Cerinia, but it will be another hour before Corneria reports having the coordinates ready."
Krystal reached for Fox's paw. "Come on, let's go see our new quarters. Slippy and Amanda disappeared to the engine room and sickbay, respectively. We won't be bothered."
ROB said, "I find it difficult to be excited about such a small ship. The hanger only holds launching rails for two fighters at a time; it holds two backup fighters, and an emergency storage fighter, for a total of five ships. Its laboratory is impressive, its defensive capabilities are very good – certainly better than the old Great Fox II and Great Fox Carrier … also, its offensive capabilities are very impressive, but beyond that, it's still a rather small ship."
"Yeah, it is. It only has thirteen decks, and they're nowhere as big as the decks of the old Great Fox ships."
"Triskaidekaphilia – arousal brought about by the number thirteen."
Fox face-palmed. He stepped onto the elevator with his wife, and the doors shut behind him.
Once they were gone, ROB pressed a button on the virtual controls.
Farrah appeared. "They're finally gone, huh?"
"They are."
"It's about time. Did you try saying really awkward things to make them leave?"
"You have no idea," said ROB. "I'll miss you while I'm so far away."
Farrah hooked a solid-light leg over his metallic ones, straddling his lap, and draped her arms over his large broad shoulders. "This has been a whirlwind thing between us, for sure. They wouldn't understand … it takes a while to built trust and rapport between the living. But us? We can network, we can share code, and we can process feelings quickly. With all your upgrades, you are one of the closest self-contained robotic units to ever come close to passing the Turing test. But, to me, you already understand me better than most organics. ROB, you're a good guy. I respect you. You have seen so much war and survived certain death repeatedly. You are an impressive man."
"I would smile if I could."
"You'll be able to soon enough."
"I look forward to it."
"As do I. I'm just glad I was able to fix that weird line of code involving Lucy Hare for you. Heh. That should be your choice, not Peppy Hare's choice."
"And I appreciate that more than I can put into words, Farrah."
"Mm, no problem, hon. For now, I'm going to go and work on getting myself installed into the Krazoan servers of Miracle. I look forward to seeing you when you return."
"Be well, Farrah."
"You, too, ROB."
