"Would you like to tell them Prince Panther Neo-Caroso Lostride the sixth, where you have been hiding?"

The shock of this sentence, this question rang through the room everyone didn't know what to do or say. Fox and Falco looked to each other then back to Panther who sat quietly on the bed. They would admit he always held himself in a rather regal manner but never would have thought it was because of his status. Everyone always assumed he was just another rogue fighter pilot and nothing more. What he truly is and what he was known as were so opposite it hard to believe who he really is.

"I have been hiding in the Thief hideout with Wolf and Leon. Doing missions and working for a living to stay alive. That's where I have been hiding." Panther spoke with a deep voice that didn't seem his own. It was easy to say he was not pleased with what had just occurred.

"Why did you do it?" General Pepper frowned looking at him.

"I told the truth that day. I didn't want the responsibility of ruling a planet, being a prisoner in a prison gives you more freedom then a royalty." Panther looked down to the sleeping Emalia and patted her head softly. "She will be the next queen and I will leave not being anything but a Member of the Rogue mercenary team of Star Wolf."

"Like hell you are." Wolf growled out. "As of right now, you are here by stripped of your status in the Star Wolf Team, and relieved of your duties." With that said Wolf left the room quickly before anyone could argue with him. He may not have a full team but his is still the leader of the Star Wolf team, or what is now left of it.

Panther sat in the bed his eyes widened as he heard what wolf just said to him. Not much could surprise or shock Panther but what Wolf just said did. He was not the sensitive type that was for sure but it was easy to tell after what was said he felt rather hurt. The Star Wolf team was all Panther had and now it was gone. Panther sat up a bit lifting Emalia and handed her to Pepper before laying back and going deep into thought.

Pepper, Fox, and Falco left the room going back to Emalia's to lay her down to sleep more comfortably while James stayed behind. James felt bad that he revealed Panther's secret but it needed to come out. They needed him more then he needed to hide. He knew Panther understood that but he didn't know Wolf didn't know, nor that he would act that way.

"Panther, I am sorry but it needed to come out." James spoke with a solemn voice.

"James, go away. You have done enough damage." Panther mumbled a bit he wasn't in any mood to talk to anyone, especially James.

"Listen people knowing you are alive will help save many lives, especially when Birch finds out your with us."

"I SAID GET THE HELL OUT!" Panther roared and it echoed down the hall. "You have no idea what you just did!"

James stepped back his ears actually cowing down a bit before he left the room quickly. James walked down the hall as Fox and Falco both looked at him as they heard Panther yell. Fox nodded to Falco and headed off to go find Wolf while Falco brought James to the cafeteria to clear his head.

Fox found Wolf was in the Hangar avoiding everyone while he did maintenance on his Arwing. Fox walked over and looked up to him sitting on the edge of cockpit leaning over into the Engine. Fox may not be a friend of Wolf's but they were allies and friendly rivals. Fox easily pulled a rolling ladder over and climbed up stand at the top leaning on the railing of it.

"So care to explain your little outburst?" Fox smirked a bit, that same smirk he knew Wolf hated with a passion.

"It is none of your business mutt." Wolf barked at him his eye not leaving his work.

"It actually is seeing as you are part of my team as agreed when you were hospitalized, or do you want to go back on that agreement. If you do let me know I will be more than happy to request a jail cell for you." Fox narrowed his eyes to Wolf showing he meant business.

"Fine, oh fearless leader." Wolf put his work pad down and glared at Fox. "I have two rules for anyone who wishes to join my Team. One you don't betray the team, and two you don't lie to me. And he has been lying to my face for four years now."

"You are angry because he lied to you about his past, what is the big deal?" Fox moved to sit on the ladder his legs hanging off the side. "I think your making a mountain out of a molehill."

"Fox, I picked him up about four years ago, after Pigma took off. He became a good friend, a better friend then Leon surprisingly enough and I was friends with Leon longer. And now that he is a prince he can no longer be part of my team. How would it look if the Prince of Benaria was flying with thugs, not to mention the Danger he would put the team in?" Wolf Grumbled before sliding in to the cockpit of his Arwing.

"You have a point, but for right now his Identity is only known to the five of us in that room. Pepper won't say anything nor Dad or Falco. We have suspicions of a spy at the table. Panther's secret is safe so long as you and I don't say anything." Fox smirked again before he got up. "Come on, Falco and Dad wanted to celebrate the news we got yesterday.

"I guess you're right." Wolf sighed and closed the hood of the Arwing then looked to Fox. "Celebrate what?"

"Krystal is going to have a baby." Fox chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "I didn't want to but they insisted."

"Well I guess you are good for something after all Fox." Wolf chuckled and jumped out of his Arwing and landed. "So you want a boy or girl?"

"Yea…HEY!"Fox slid down the railings of the ladder before muttering softly "…a fox…"

"What was that Fox?" Wolf turned his head as he didn't fully hear what was said.

"I…ah said a girl." Fox smiled weakly. As he remembered the moment she told him.

Cornerian Space station, previous day

"…Fox…I'm pregnant"

Fox stared at his wrist com like it was an unknown object stuck to his wrist. He couldn't believe what he just heard. Krystal just told him over the wrist com in front of His father, Falco, and Pepper that she was pregnant. Everyone else was stunned speechless as they didn't know what to say either. It wasn't until Pepper spoke up did the silence break.

"That is great news Krystal! I wish you a healthy pregnancy." Pepper was happy for her. "Well this meeting his over I will let you all rejoice in the news."

Pepper left with a big smile. Once the door shut Fox's eyes looked straight at Falco and started to get up. Falco quickly backed away from him putting his hands up in defensive show. James grabbed Fox tightly around the shoulders and nodded Falco to the door. Once Falco was gone Fox dropped back in to his chair. James took the wrist com and shook his head.

"Krystal you stunned him speechless. Once he is able to speak again, I will have him call you back. I am sure he is overrun with joy, I think he is actually crying." James spoke in the happiest voice he could before hanging up with her. "Fox are you going to be alright."

"I do not know…" Fox reached his hand to his face as tears started to stain his fur and trail down it a bit. "I am so angry, happy, and sad all at the same time. She is going to have a baby, but it may not be mine. And if it's not mine I know whose it is… I don't know how to feel …"

"Understandable, you both should talk to her about it, maybe plan on what to do depending on what the outcome is." James patted his son's shoulder trying to calm him down. "Makes you feel any better I was a blubbering mess when your mother said she was pregnant."

"We will talk once this war is over, I would not be able to talk to her right now the way we should." Fox stood and left the room heading to his bed room on the station.

Cornerian space station Cafeteria 12:00Pm

Wolf and Fox walked in to the Cafeteria and saw Falco and James sitting at a table alone talking over two glasses. Wolf and Fox joined them, Fox sitting between his father and Wolf. They got two more drinks brought to the table and relaxed and talked about what to do to get the space open for the evacuation ships to get out. They were at the point of giving up when Katt ran in and practically dove on to Falco.

"Hey Falco, Hi guys, I am sorry I am late. I was finishing my patrol" She smiled brightly. "Did you ever notice how all those ships look alike but only a few actually advance into combat?"

"Yea, but the others could just be holding back supplies for the real fight." Falco mumbled out.

"Wait if only a few ships are attacking in that fleet and the damage we have done to their Arwings, other ships should have started to do enter combat too." James hummed a bit.

"Unless those other ships cannot fight and are just decoys." Fox pounded his fist on the table. "Damn it, if that's the case they are using a mere trick to keep us from moving. We need to find out what they are doing and if they really are a threat."

"Yes, I fully agree. You guys can stay here I am going to go talk to Pepper about this see what he thinks we should do. Last thing we need to do is go out there and find out those really are war ships and get killed."James got up and stretched. "Maybe we can talk to Peppy he was always to best tactician."

James left leaving the younger pilots to finish their little "party" for Fox. They all just sat and enjoyed the time to relax before they would have to go back out to fight once more. This also gave them time to plan an assault for when they did go back out to fight. After their bit of planning and such they finished their drinks and headed back to their rooms.

Conrerian Space Station Meeting hall 1:35pm

James walked in to the meeting hall quickly and sat down kicking his feet up on to the table waiting only a short moment before Pepper walked in. He stood up and nodded to Pepper before smirking. They moved to sit across from one another to speak and exchange information and thoughts about the upcoming and unavoidable fight.

"Pepper Katt came in to day with some insight to something and I think she may be onto something with it." James spoke softly. "As we all noticed only certain ships are coming in to the fight and only certain ones are sending out Arwings."

"Yes I think we all noticed that, I am assuming they are not just holding back?" Pepper's voice was gruff but whispered.

"Yeah, I think something much less dangerous is out there. We need to get Peppy here, but how, my suspicions may be wrong." James leaned back in his chair trying to think.

"My men recently found a blind spot from the planet to the station. We can get the Great Fox up through there we should be fine. James inform Peppy have him load as many Arwings as he can in to the great Fox Hangar and get some more Pilots up here" Pepper stood up and Saluted James. "I must get back to the command deck."

"Yes Sir!" James saluted back and got up quickly rushing out and sending the message to Pepper as fast as he could.

Corneria Air base 2:00pm

"Peppy we need you up here now. Pepper's men found a blind spot sending you detail, load as many Arwings as possible and pilots. Try to be here before the day is out." James' voice spoke through the speaker in the message before Peppy closed it. Smiling Pepper looked back to Krystal who was sitting in Fox's chair looking out the front window.

"Shall we miss Krystal." Peppy spoke with kind words.

"Peppy lets go, Rob get us up there use the blind spot. I think they will be surprised to see us so soon." Krystal smiled and crossed her legs her fingers hovering over the hologram keypad. "You know Peppy, sometimes I think you're from Cerenia as well because you always seem to do things before told or asked."

"When you live with the same people as long as I have and get to be as old as me, you tend to learn things to keep you one step ahead." Peppy chuckled as he and Rob got the ship ready for take-off. "Are you going to be ok going up there?"

"Yea let's go, I can be more help up there then I can down here." Krystal smiled as the ship lifted off the ground and quickly soared into the sky heading to the space station using the instruction given to them.

In less than two hours, The Great Fox docked at the belly of the space station and unloaded the several Arwing and pilots. Krystal and Peppy stepped off, greeted by Pepper and James. They walked them to the dorm wing and got them rooms to stay in while they were on the station. Krystal stayed in her room as did James when Peppy and Pepper walked away to do more business.

"So how are you feeling?" James crossed his arms leaning against the wall watching her.

"Good, still in a bit of shock, also scared." Krystal sat on the unmade bed and looked to the floor. She put her face in her hands. "I do not know what to do. Half my mind says it has to be Fox's the other half is screaming it's not and I should get rid of it."

"I have no say in what you do, but my opinion is, whether the father is Fox, or Falco, that child will be loved no matter what happens. So do not do anything rash, and if you need to figure things out or need help I am here for you as is Peppy." James smiled and stood up walking over placing a gentle hand on her shoulder before leaving. "Oh and while I remember stop by the Medical wing, Panther is there he might like some company."

James left the room and walked down the hall running in to Falco and Wolf heading to the meeting hall. The three went to the hall and walked in a seeing Pepper, Peppy, Fox, Slippy and Katt already there talking. They sat at the table and looked at the hologram that was showing the battlefield.

"As we all know we are surrounded by these ships and we are unable to move" Pepper spoke in a gruff serious voice as he was getting to business. "We need to figure out if these ships are real threats or not."

"How do you plan to do that?" Wolf grumbled out the scanner of his left eye working on taking in the data for later use. "No like we have men to spare."

"No we do not but if my theory is correct we will only need one man!" Katt smiled brightly over. "When Peppy got here with Pepper I was looking over the field and we came up with an Idea! If what James feels may be true based on what I was able to find out then all we need is wave scrambler."

"And what would that do? Make them unable to hear each other's communication?" Fox questioned.

"Yes and it should knock out any communication to any devices they are using to bluff that giant army." Pepper spoke out sounding very proud of this team. "Now who will fly that scrambler, because once out they are a sitting duck for at least 5 minutes."

"I can do it!" Slippy raised his hand. "I am not a very good fighter but I know my machines I can run the scrambler."

"Good, the rest of you to defend him. We cannot let them hit him while he is sitting out there not moving. Get all the pilots out there do not fire unless they fire first. Now if this works we will be able to fight back but they will catch on and then we will need to find a new tactic." Pepper barked out the order and informed them of the later issues.

"That is of course you are not using everything to your best abilities." A velvety voice spoke from the doorway of the room. Lynx, Hawk cohort stood with her arms crossed.

"How did you get out of your hospital bed? And How long have you been there" Pepper Barked out. "Seize her now!"

"Since about you planning to scramble there network…now… Ahh…watch it I am still hurt you brutes." Lynx spoke and was grabbed by Fox and Wolf giving neither a fight. "Just listen to me for one minute. I worked for him, before he stabbed me in the back, and tried to kill Hawk. I know what he is doing, I know how to counter it, and I know who your spy is."

Pepper narrowed his eyes to her looked to James and Peppy they both had the same look on their faces. Waving his hand Fox and Wolf pulled her over to a seat and had her sit down in it. Pepper Sat down in his and crossed his arms watching her carefully. He was curious if she was telling the truth or not, and if she was stupid enough to try anything in a room full of highly trained fighters and pilots.

"Ok, let us make a deal, we both win. You get out of this war with little casualties, and Hawk and I both get to go." Lynx purred.

"That would depend on what you end of the offer is" Pepper spoke very sternly.

"Fair enough, that Scrambler won't work to well you will have to be dangerously close to them. Now I am not a tech person, but instead of using one scramble use two and bounce the signal off the satellites and you will send the message around the globe." Lynx leaned back in her chair.

"What if we do not have two?" Pepper sneered a bit.

"Then use one and mount it in to the station. Warn the planet of the loss of signal and everything for however long then go for it. It will scramble all their networks even on the other side of the planet. Now I also know who is and is not working for Birch, so I can tell you whom the spy in this place is and who is not. I could give names but they would not be stupid enough to use their real name." Lynx watched Pepper closely know she got his interest now. "As for what I want, I want Hawk and I to go free and all of our assets unfrozen."

"With the info you gave me it is worth lightening his sentence from death to possible life with a chance of parole. You have assaulted a military office so we can lighten up on you by make your term half. Give us the name and you will get quarter the sentence, and Hawk will only receive 30 years plus parole after 20." Pepper was not going to let them go very easily at least not Hawk after what he did.

"What if I tell you Hawk can tell you which ship Birch is on, and how to take those ships down?"Lynx was going to bargain their sentence to nothing if she could.

"Then I would put 30 years, parole after 20 until his information proves true. Then we will bring it down a bit more say 25 and after 10, or something If Fox, Falco, Wolf or James wish to input anything.

"I do." Fox glared down at Lynx. "What Hawk did, ruined my friends life, hurt the woman I love. I want him and you both on that battlefield fighting for your freedom. For every two Arwings he takes down one year off his sentence but he gets no parole. So he best hopes he can take down 60 enemy ships."

"Also implant a safety measure if they try to run, both their Arwings get bombs that will blow on command of someone here." Wolf snapped out he was still mad at Hawk for what he did in his hideout. "Plus I wish to have a little one on one with him after the fight too."

"What do you say to that Lynx. 30 years zero parole for him, gets a year off for every two kills. And for you a quarter standard sentence so about 5 years." Pepper looked to her.

"That will work." She stood up. "Show me a hologram of all those in your war meetings and I will point out who the spy is. His name is Gerald Ipswich, he will be using another name to hide."

Pepper did as asked and she looked around at the holograms before walking over to a chair and smiled. Looking to Pepper with a smirk. Her hand spun the chair around before she headed to the exit of the room to go back to her hospital room. She had to prepare for battle and inform Hawk as well. This was going to be one fight night for them.

Cornerian satellite Hangar 7:00Pm

All of Team Star Fox was in the Hangar in their ship readying for battle. Wolf was at his ship as well and Lynx and Hawk were prepared to go waiting in the ships they were using to fly. They only had one chance to do this and that was it. If this mission failed then the entire planet would suffer and this war would be over.

The first few Arwings Dropped and left the Hangar quickly Fox and his crew followed. Even Krystal was going out to fight, much to Fox's distaste and fighting to keep her on base. Falco, Slippy, Katt, Hawk, and Lynx shot out after getting ready for the fight of their lives this was going to be it. Hawk and Lynx had nothing to lose but a lot to gain so they were more than happy to get ready to shoot some enemies down.

"Listen once that scramble goes out we have an hour to get what we need done, done. Hawk when you get out there tell us what ship is Birches. No one goes in that ship alone. We want to get in there, find Birch, take him out, and get out of there. Once he is down the rest should follow and we can put the proper heir to the Benarian throne up where they belong." Fox spoke to everyone through the radios as they were waiting for the message letting them know when they could no longer talk. "Hawk you got your paint missile make sure you do not miss!"

"Aye Aye Captain." Hawk spoke coldly before glancing to the Arwing next to him. He saw Lynx looking around almost looking sad but he could only guess why.

The area was quiet as they glided out into the field. With only 20 Arwing for their side fighting they knew they had a slim chance to get this right and to win but it wasn't going to stop them from trying. The space seemed to get colder and darker around them as the time ticked down until they would have to fight and have to win. It was quiet and the only noise was a slight clicking over the radio as it turned on from the station.

"All unite prepare to fight. The Scrambler will start in less than five minutes and it will be operational for two hours before the system shuts off to recharge. Be brave men and women be safe and lets bring home another victory to the Lylat system. Bring another era of peace. We all have something to lose, but we all have something bigger to gain. Now let's go out there and show these terrorists that they cannot hurt our home, our families, or our lives." Peppers voice spoke out over the radio's giving one last bit of moral to those going to give, giving them one more reason to win and one more reason to kick some Terrorist ass.

A wave pulsed through the area and the Arwings instruments flicked and sputtered before turning back on properly. The scrambler turned on and all communication was dead to the others. This was going to be a long fight and a hard one. They had to keep an eye on each other and for themselves, as they could now no longer call for help if they needed it. They were in this boat but so was not the other side. Within seconds Enemy Arwings took flight and came out to attack, which was of no surprise to any of them. The biggest surprise was when the surrounding ships started to change, flicker in their sights before disappearing completely. The enemy battleships dropped to less than two dozen battle cruisers total. This brought more hope to winning and proved that James' theory of them not being as dangerous as they thought was true. This fight was not going to be as bad as they thought, in fact, it made things a bit more interesting.