Peppy let out a shaky sigh of relief, now that his Arwing was resting on solid ground. Wasn't the solid ground he'd been expecting to land on but beggars can't be choosers, and any solid ground was appreciated at the moment, what with the state of his ship, all sorts of bells and whistles going off, telling him things had gone, but he already knew it. Could feel it, the way she was handling, could see it too, smoke coming out of places it had no business being in.
Wasn't good, but she'd gotten down in one piece, and thanks to that, so did he, and now that he wasn't in imminent danger – didn't have to worry about some bogey on his tail or Jim's or Pigma's or the convoy's they were supposed to be protecting – he could take a moment to look around the hangar he was currently docked in.
He'd seen pictures of it, but he'd hoped never to see it up close. Out of all their contingency plans, this was the one he'd liked least: an old Cornerian Army base on an uninhabited moon orbiting the uninhabited ocean planet Aquas. Way out yonder, this was. Couldn't even call it the boonies. No, this here… this was no man's land.
It had an atmosphere, but it was thin. Could breath, but only just. Add frigid temperatures and a tendency to have month long storms that made landing and leaving tricky at best, darn near impossible at worst, it was no wonder the Army'd abandoned it a long time ago.
Even they'd never planned on staying. The location was only meant to be a temporary base of operations while they secured other, more strategic areas, but they'd left it up as a sort of last resort safe house.
Like a highway sign: Rest Stop Ahead. Next Nearest Rest Stop: ?
If you don't have gas, you better get off, 'cause not only is there nothing between you and the next one, you don't even know where the next one is.
General Pepper had told them all about the place, given them the okay to use it if they had to – would have been nice if he'd let he and Jim know about it earlier, they had done their time after all, serving in the Air Force, could have been helpful on some of their other missions, and it would have just been the polite thing to do, being old friends and all – but that ain't why he'd done it. This here was strictly business.
General Pepper was the one who'd hired them, on the behalf of the Cornerian Army, to act as security for a detachment of scientists and researchers who were headed to the base on Fichina.
Wanted it to be a low key thing. Why they didn't get the military itself to do it. And it was a good thing they were there, since the convoy got attacked by, Peppy's best guess being space pirates, hoping to score some booty. Probably would have got some interesting loot too, with all that gear the scientists were hauling.
Yeah, they did good, did right by the client, but it'd been a long time since Peppy'd been in a dogfight that heavy. Came in waves, just when he thought they were sitting pretty, the next wave crash would through. Got chaotic, but the pirates were smart about it, split he and Jim from Pigma and the convoy.
Probably figured the convoy pilots would panic, assumed they weren't military and would break under pressure, and that was true enough. There was a fair bit of chatter and panic over the radio, after the first strike, could hear them over the transmitter, but those pirates underestimated how fast those bulky transport ships could move and its defenses.
They also underestimated how much of a nuisance and how much damage Pigma could inflict while sitting in the cockpit of an Arwing. Jim ordered him to stay with the convoy, keep going while Peppy and Jim took care of their share of things, and it was a good call. Got word that Pigma and the convoy were in the clear, were continuing on to their destination, but he and Jim couldn't say the same.
Both they and their ships had taken a beating, and they were forced to divert course and bunker down here, and now Peppy moved his still shaky hands – darn nerves, hated to admit it, but that battle had gotten the better of him – to open the hatch of his Arwing and get a better idea of just what exactly they could be expecting in terms of hospitality here, hoped Pepper's intelligence about it had been up to date, 'cause Peppy had the sinking feeling they'd be here awhile.
First things first though. Had to see what state Jim was in. Had been hard to get a great read on him in the heat of the battle, but like Peppy, he and his Arwing had at least landed in one piece.
The hatch popped up and his breath immediately started misting in the air once he was sitting on the wing, and looked over to Jim, who was still in his Arwing's cockpit. Got spooked though, when he realized Jim wasn't moving to get out, was just sitting there with his sunglasses off and his eyes closed, and before he really knew what he was doing, Peppy hopped down off his wing, ran over there quick, hopped up on Jim's wing in one bound and banged on the window.
"You alright, Jim?" Peppy questioned, willing him to respond and was relieved when Jim opened his eyes, seemed like it took an eternity, but he did and gave Peppy an amused smile before Peppy heard his usual low rasp, slightly muffled by the glass. "Yeah. Biggest problem now's the hatch is stuck."
Peppy gave an amused smile of his own. "Well, it's a good thing you got me with you, ain't it."
"S'always a good thing I've got you with me, Pep." He heard Jim reply, uncharacteristically tired as Peppy worked the emergency outside release. Guess Peppy wasn't the only one shook up, as he finagled the valve and got the hatch to rise up, thing wasn't working right, another thing to add to the list, only rose up a crack, but it was enough for Jim work his way out of there and get onto the wing with Peppy.
"You alright? Seen you and your Arwing look better." Jim asked him, voice clear now.
"Oh, I'm right as rain." Peppy said, and he did mean it, was feeling pretty lucky at the moment, but he also meant it to be somewhat of a joke, and Jim got it, saw how he raised his eyes at the answer, then that smile of his turning into a smirk, before they hopped down and began looking around the hangar.
It was a colorless, empty place, but it had what they needed: lighting and electricity to run it along with a self generating power supply, thanks to intense winds. The heat was on at a low level, barely above freezing at the moment, as their breaths misted in the air in front of them. Was a little bit warmer when they got out of the hangar and into the building itself. Took a look around in there too.
There were emergency rations of food and a kitchen to prepare them in, and an adjoining cafeteria to eat them in. Nothing exciting but more than enough for the two of them. Plenty of water too, along with a system to filter it and use it again.
Functioning showers and facilities. Sleeping quarters with bunk beds. A lounge area with some couches and chairs, filled bookshelves and a coffee bar along the side.
Conference rooms and offices. A small stocked medical unit. Workshop with some tools in it. Computer labs, along with the main computer that controlled everything here, including the defense shields and the communications array, thankfully all in working order.
Everything orderly and neat, clean too. Did a good job setting this place up.
God bless the Army.
Still, wasn't exactly home sweet home, and Jim voiced that sentiment in his own way:
"Looked better in the photos, didn't it."
"And those photos weren't so hot to begin with." Peppy concurred.
Jim sighed, shook his head, before replying, "What God-forsaken place have we ended up this time, Pep."
Peppy knew what he meant. Wasn't that Jim wasn't grateful for what they had. They both knew things could have been worse. Much worse, but there was always something eerie, being in a building that was meant for a bunch of people only to find it empty.
And that feeling was only magnified. Not only was the building empty of people, the whole moon was.
"How far do you reckon the nearest people are?" Peppy asked.
"Corneria's 50 million miles back. Fichina's another 40 ahead."
"And we're the only people on this moon. Ain't that something."
"What's that thing you're always saying? You'll get there if the creek don't rise?"
"Yep."
"Creek rose."
"Plumb did."
"What's that other one? Don't give up?"
"Can't never could."
"Yeah, that too. Though that one's just confusing, Pep."
"My Lou don't much care for it either. Went so far as to tell her old man he talks funny. I told her, it don't sound funny if you heard it all the time. She don't believe me though."
"Kids'll be kids… Let's say we get something to eat. Got a saying for that?"
"Naw. Let's just eat."
Got a call from Pigma while they were looking around in the cupboards. Figured. Pigma always knew when food was being served. Even if he was millions of miles away. Was weak though, his voice crackling across the distance.
Needed to go to the main computers to get a better connection. Eating would have to wait, but even there, couldn't get a visual. Only audio. Still crackling, but better than it had been.
"Got the message that you landed alright awhile ago, but I couldn't get a signal to you until we landed in Fichina – mission accomplished, by the way, me and the convoy arrived safe for the most part, minor damage, nothing critical, everybody's fine – but where the hell are you two again? I've been calling it Kermit the Hermit, but what's its real name?"
"Eremi." Peppy answered.
"Right. Eremi. So damn many, I can't keep track of 'em all… I analyzed the status report data from your ships. Don't get tempted to fly those things. I know you're going to screw around with it anyway, Peppy, but seriously, they need some major repairs and you don't have what you need to fix 'em. They won't make it. We're working on getting you a ride out of there, but you're going to have to sit tight for awhile. Meteorologists are saying the weather's going to be too bad by the time they could get out there. But you should have everything you need. That true? My Arwing's alright. If I have to, I can stock up on some supplies and join you two."
"Won't be necessary." Jim replied.
"Oh, thank God."
"You don't need to sound so happy about it, Pigma." Peppy added.
"I said I'd do it if I had to, didn't I? But come on, can't blame me for not wanting to get stuck on some deserted moon with the two of you for who knows how long. Don't worry, I'll do enough living for the three of us while you're grounded there."
"What did you have in mind, Pigma?"
"I'm so glad you asked, Jimmy, because I'm planning on having me a ball. Gonna get dressed up real nice, beautiful gal on each arm, hit the casinos. Hit 'em big, maybe even enough to retire from Star Fox. You two could still consult me if you were in a real bad place. I'd help you out; what are old friends for. I'd even allow you to stagger your payments to me."
"Remind me just why we are friends again, Pigma." Jim deadpanned.
"Nobody's better at getting us out of a tight spot." Peppy answered in his place, with Pigma following up with.
"I confess, your honor. Everything they say about me is true. I'm a fiendishly clever, amazingly talented, jaw dropping handsome..."
"How long you going for?" Jim interrupted.
"Even we ain't bored enough to listen to this." Peppy added, before Pigma wrapped it up.
"...no good lying son of a sow, but I'm your two's no good lying son of a sow."
"You know what, that might be might be the kindest thing I've ever heard you say." said Peppy after, in the somewhat still silence that followed.
"Got a tear in my eye." Jim chimed in.
"Oh, shucks, you two are too much, getting me all emotional like this. Hell's Angels, that's who we are. Peppy gets us some good points with the man upstairs, Jimmy, but you and I? We're going to have some real explaining to do. But who could resist Peppy's adorable rabbit ears? Even his cursing's wholesome."
"What are you going on about?" Peppy asked, irritated.
"Holy smokes." Pigma offered.
"What in tarnation." Jim returned, dryly.
"Dagnabbit."
"I've never said, dagnabbit!" Peppy interjected.
"You would, if everyone didn't give you grief over it rhyming with rabbit." Pigma countered, before adding, "I'm also fond of: what in blazes? Got any more, Jim?"
"It's all cattywampus."
"This whole thing's all cattywampus. Already stranded, don't need you two razzing me."
"Alright, we don't want Peppy flying off the handle. Sorry Peppy, couldn't resist one more, but back to earlier. We're friends because Jim's the only one that would take me. That's the God's honest truth. That's why I fly with you two. The military didn't suit me, and commercial was too boring. You let me get away with some real rebel shit. You don't mind if I have a few slugs of whiskey before we hit the sky. Got my flask on me right now."
"Aren't you precious." Peppy said sarcastically, causing his teammates to snicker.
"Knew you'd get in on the fun, eventually, Peppy. Oh, but that reminds me, we're both in some pretty damn cold places at the moment. Hell hath frozen over indeed. I'll be sitting pretty where am I, but you two might not be so lucky. Might even have to shack up together, cuddle up under some blankets. You could bend Peppy's ears over to protect your own, Jimmy."
"You know I hate having my ears touched."
"I know. That's why I try to touch them as much as possible. But that isn't my fault! They're so soft! Feel so good under my hooves! That settles it, I'm finding me some bunnies. Any tips, Peppy? Tail off limits too?"
"You're incorrigible."
"I'm sorry, did you just say, 'I'm irresistible?' I'm flattered, Peppy, I really am, but I just don't feel that way about you. Sorry to have led you on with all the ear grabbing. Here's a tip to make up for it: you just grab Jimmy's tail and use it to cover yourself, you hear me? Damn thing can make itself useful for a change besides getting stuck in things…
"-oh, I'm sorry Jimmy, I know that thing's your pride and joy, you know what this probably is? I'm going to psycho analyze myself. Save some money. I'm clearly jealous, ladies go nuts over that bottlebrush of yours. Can't say mine has the same effect, that explains everything Jimmy, all my deep seated aggression towards you is about that damn tail, or maybe I just want to have sex with you, that's a good analysis too, right? You gorgeous, sexy, wild man… hey, there's another good story: the poor, innocent, bunny rabbit in bed with the big, bad, yet… what is this feeling coming over me? The strangely attractive red fox. Oh, goodness me!"
"Why do you always make me sound like a Southern belle?"
"You are a Southern belle, Peppy. Jimmy and I have known it for ages. Even Vi knew it. She was jealous about it for awhile, but she got over it. That's why we have to protect you at all costs, but really I'm just busting your balls, trying to give you a laugh, and make it less awkward that you two are about to be spending some serious quality time together, and I don't envy you for it. I'm glad I'm not in your shoes. Good thing you're best pals. You'll be alright. Besides, you can entertain yourselves thinking about how great my social life will be without you two holding me back, while also allowing me to spend time with my best friend and one true love: sweet, beautiful, cold hard cash."
"Have a good time with that." Jim replied wryly.
"Oh, don't you worry your sweet little heads about that. I will. Money, money, money. That's the real reason I stick around, Jimmy, because you pay me so well. Sorry for lying earlier, but you already knew that, didn't you?"
"I figured."
"Can you ever find it in your hearts to forgive me? Well, you'll have a lot of time for soul searching down there, at least. I've got to get off the line, but I'll be in touch. Hang in there."
Despite Peppy's predictions, Peppy did not need to shack up with Jim that night, nor the next night, or even once that storm that everybody'd been hyping up started.
It was cold, there was no doubt about that. The heating inside this place was getting no help from the outside, had a lot to contend with, and they didn't push it. Already sounded like it was struggling at times, just to get it to a nice cozy chilly. They wore hats and coats and gloves walking around.
Made it tempting to go to bed early, just to get under some covers, and that's where he was now. He and Jim had both picked officers' rooms. Figured they'd earned it, after all their years of flying. Weren't that big, but they were each single quarters. A little more spacious than the bunk beds. Had a desk, some cabinets, attached bathrooms, and you didn't have to worry about hitting your head on the ceiling or top bunk getting out of bed each day.
Had to shake his head, though. Pigma's brand of humor wasn't for everyone, and Peppy had definitely seen Pigma ruffle more than his share of feathers, witnessed plenty of disgusted looks from plenty of folks, but Pigma didn't mind. The opposite really, went out of his way to do it, and while he'd always been outrageous, he'd only gotten more so after the deaths of he and Jim's wives. Did or said whatever he thought he had to to get a rise out of them, and admittedly, for awhile that took a lot.
Vixie, though Peppy called her Vickie, her death had shocked everyone, and he knew Jim bore a terrible guilt over it. Could still remember, clear as day, seeing Jim that evening: pacing around, eyes in slits, tail thrashing, snarling. Wasn't expecting him to say much – Jim never said much – but he did talk to him.
Told him how Vickie had surprised him at the office. She'd made reservations for dinner. They were walking to his car but Jim forgot something, went back while Vickie went on ahead, was going to get the car and drive it around front to pick him up, only she never got there, and Jim never did get back to the office. Thing exploded when she started the engine, and the sound of it sent Jim running.
Could never figure out who did it or why'd they'd done it. There was no threat beforehand, and nobody took credit for it afterwards.
Just sat with him. Helped with arrangements. Made sure Fox was taken care of. Pigma arrived later, offered to pay for the funeral.
"Least I can do, Jimmy. You and Vick have been real good to me."
And since money really was Pigma's one true love, that meant something.
Wasn't too long after that Vivian told him she hadn't been feeling great, had gone to seen the doctor, and got some bad news. Turned his whole life upside down. Was in denial at first. Couldn't be. Not his Viv. And what'd they mean, it was rare, there was no treatment. They'd make her comfortable. Peppy regularly flew a ship in outer space, how could that be, just made no sense, that there was no cure.
And they had a little girl. It was really just gonna be him and Lucy, going on down the road together? Without her ma?
Hadn't wanted to burden Jim with it at first, but he hadn't done a great job of hiding it. Finally, Jim pulled him aside after a meeting. Didn't even say anything, just threw an arm around his shoulders, real strong hold, but spoke in his usual drawl.
"Go home. Vi told me. Made me promise to look after of you. Didn't want to, but she nearly broke my arm, twisting it behind my back. Told me not to slack off after she passed either. She's going to be up there, watching me, holding me to it. Good woman, you've got there. Go be with her, while you've still got time."
Followed his advice. Spent that little remaining time. And after the time came and went, Jim threw an arm around his shoulders at her funeral too.
Pigma once again paid for the whole thing, catering too.
"You two just have to do everything together, don't you? May Vick and Vi rest in well deserved peace, they're probably chattering away up there as we speak, no doubt complaining about their sad-sack husbands and saying good riddance. I'll even dare to go a step further and say they're probably laughing up there, joke's on you two. Everybody thought if anybody was dying young, it'd be you two. They worried so many nights whether or not you two were coming home, that they just decided they were going to kick it first, but don't get married again, alright? I ain't paying for more of your wives' funerals. This here's my limit."
Yep, that was Pigma, alright. Had a bunch of memories like that of him. Another classic was when he'd come to the hospital after Lucy was born. Strolled right in there, big bouquet for Vivian, took one look at the pink baby bunny she was holding and cracked a wicked grin.
"Hate to break it to you, Peppy, but she's mine. Can't hide it anymore. Don't blame Vi. It's my fault. I'm just too damn charming. People tell me that all the time." Pigma announced, before turning his attention to Viv, showing off the flowers before setting them down on a side table.
"Here you go, Toots. Secret's out. I know that's a big relief for you. Thanks for laboring to bring my baby into the world. She's damn good looking, if I do say so myself. Scoot in there anyway, Peppy. I'll take a picture of you three."
He and Viv had been surprised she'd come out pink too. Still weren't sure who she got that from, though Peppy was confident she was his. He maybe had that photo on him, always liked to bring some with him, and he got up out of bed to check, and sure enough he did. Had his favorite one too, he'd taken himself: just Viv holding Lucy, looking happy as a clam. He'd been too.
Rifled through some of the others. Some of Lou's school pictures. Had some older ones from when he was growing up, of his parents and siblings. Even had one of him and Viv going to their prom together.
Darn, they looked young. They were young. They'd been high school sweethearts. He'd been intimidated, when he'd finally gotten up the nerve to ask her out. Wasn't like nobody else was interested. Lot of guys a lot smoother and slicker than he was. Wasn't only Lou and the boys here that gave him a hard time about how he talked. His family lived way out in the country, while Viv's lived in the town center. Real nice, older manor house.
He'd kicked up a lot of dust, his old jalopy lumbering down the road to her place; kept that thing running by the seat of his pants. Belatedly realized, after he'd rung the bell that he needed to wipe that dust off his suit pants – out of date, think maybe Pa got married in those things - standing on her front stoop waiting for her, but it was all worth it, when she'd stepped out.
Dream come true, is what she was. Still was.
Wondered if she was watching him now.
Would probably whack him upside the head. Tell him to stop thinking so darn much and focus on the task at hand. Keep it nice and steady, 'cause though he and Jim were safe, they weren't exactly in the clear. Keep his strength up, 'cause they'd be needing some endurance of a different sort, so don't lose his head, trudging up memories of the past and getting all muddled. Still had aways to go, before he and Jim would be getting off this moon; had some surviving they needed to be doing, here in this vast wilderness they found themselves on.