Freighter in route to Macbeth: "So, we know for sure that Mantia is definitely going to pass through Macbeth, Fortuna, and Corneria," said Dan looking at a map of the system.
"I thought of that. I know it isn't for the best but we're going
to have to split up in order to properly combat this threat. I want Slippy and Peppy to proceed to
Macbeth. Falco, I want you to return to Corneria, and I'll try to protect
Fortuna," said Fox.
"I'll help you at Fortuna, Fox,"
said Dan.
"With any luck I'll get some real
action when Mantia decides to take on Corneria," said Falco rubbing his hands
in anticipation.
"A shame we didn't realize this
sooner because we can't return to Corneria. Falco, Fox, and I will drop off here. Falco, you'll have to fly back to Corneria by yourself. When we're dropped off, the freighter will
then proceed to Macbeth where it will drop off Peppy and Slippy. Everyone got that," said Dan. Everyone nodded.
"Sir, what about us?" asked the
pilot of the ship.
"After you drop off Peppy and Slippy,
head to our base of operations and wait. If you hear of my death, simply put into effect operation 316," said
Dan.
"Yes sir," said the pilot.
"Now then, let's check out your new
ships," said Dan. He and the Star Fox
team entered the central bay of the ship. Dan walked up to one of the fighters.
"As you well know, the Wolfen class
was, maybe still is, the primary fighter for the Star Wolf team during the
Andross Wars. They handle almost
exactly the same as your Arwing fighters so you don't need any new
training. Just fly and shoot, it's that
easy," said Dan.
"Approaching Fortuna, exiting warp
in one minute," said the ships intercom.
"Let's go," said Dan as he walked
off to his own custom designed fighter. Fox and Falco also walked off to their new fighters.
"Exiting warp," said the
intercom. The freighter exited warp
above Fortuna. Dan, Fox, and Falco
exited the ship, which promptly reentered warp headed towards Macbeth.
"Later," said Falco as he flew off
back to Corneria. Fox and Dan flew into
Fortuna's atmosphere.
"Attention fighters, this is Fortuna
control. We just received the message
from General Pepper, you are clear to proceed to the military base," said the
comm. system.
"Roger that," said Fox. A squad of Fortuna fighters formed around
them as they went to prepare for the oncoming assault.
Macbeth: The freighter exited warp
above the planet and Slippy and Peppy flew off. On the surface of the planet there were several small flashes of
light.
"What's going on down there?" asked
Peppy.
"Apparently Mantia decided to not
leave the planet as quickly and is attacking the planet as well. Mantia also decided to bring a nice present
along, a giant crab. The crab is
currently attacking Space Dynamics Co., Ltd.," said the sensor operator on the
freighter.
"Let's go," said Slippy. The two fighters sped towards the surface at
maximum speed while the freighter mad preparations to enter warp.
"Handles like our Arwings," said
Peppy.
"Its control figurations are also
similar," said Slippy. Ahead of them
they saw the large crab battling several laser equipped mining drones. Behind the crap was a demolished train that
had run into the crab.
"Let's lock and load Slippy," said
Peppy. Their two fighters zoomed down
firing at the crab. The crab roared in
defiance at the two fighters before continuing to destroy the large production
facility with its claws.
"We've got to stop it," said Slippy.
"But how are we going to, it's too
tough," said Peppy. Their fighters
zoomed around and made another pass on the creature.
"It's moving rather slowly," said
Slippy. Then, all of a sudden their
collision alarms went off. Both ships
jerked to the side as Mantia flew by.
"This ends now!" yelled Peppy. He fired a bomb that exploded on top of Mantia. The bomb hardly fazed Mantia as it keep
flying onwards. Two laser cannons
emerged from its wings and fired on the production facility.
"How do you feel when being so
helpless?" asked Mantia. Peppy roared
in anger and zoomed after Mantia.
"You're not escaping this time! I'll die before you leave this planet," said
Peppy.
"If that's how it's going to be,
then that's how it's going to be. Prepare to die," said Mantia arcing around to face the fighters. Peppy just slammed on the engines with no regrets. Slippy fell in behind him and fired on his
engines causing Peppy to loose momentum.
"What are you doing?" asked Peppy.
"What has to be done. Goodbye Peppy, you were a good friend," said
Slippy. Slippy just zoomed ahead of
Peppy towards Mantia who was approaching with guns blazing. Then Slippy slammed his ship into Mantia
causing the fighter to explode in front of Mantia.
"Slippy," said Peppy. Mantia roared out loud in pain as its whole
body caught on fire. Peppy then opened
fire himself on the creature, which caused it even more pain.
"Why won't you die," said
Peppy. Mantia fell into a local river
causing water to rush up on the banks. Some of the mining drones rolled up to the river and scanned the river hoping
that they could lock onto something. Suddenly energy crackled beneath the surface of the water and huge bolts
of electricity flew out destroying the nearby drones and destroying Peppy's
shields. Mantia then burst from the
water and into the sky.
"Your friend is dead and you will be
too if you attempt to resist me again," said Mantia flying away. Behind Peppy a large explosion was heard as
the crab had reached its destination and exploded. The resulting shockwave took out the production facility and all
of the mining drones that had attacked it.
"I've failed," said Peppy. Then his comm. started beeping.
"Slippy?" asked Peppy hopefully.
"Negative. This is Dan's freighter in orbit of the planet. I'm sorry about your friend. Can we take you back to Corneria," asked the
comm. officer.
"Yes, I need to tell Fox what has
happened," said Peppy starting to cry for his good friend. Then his eyes filled with rage once again
and he took off for the freighter.
Fortuna: Fox and Dan were meeting
with the commander in charge of the base.
"So, the new bio-weapons are in fact
only designed to reach their target and explode," said the commander.
"That's correct," said Dan.
"Do you think that the creature will attack us, or
the research stations a few miles from here?" asked the commander.
"I would say here only because that the creatures
have attacked important military related targets. I don't think that research facilities would qualify," said Fox.
"It's your call," said the commander.
"It's for the best," said Dan. A technician turned from his console.
"Sir, you might want to see this," said the
technician. The commander nodded his
head and on the screen it showed a newscast.
"This is Macbeth news and here's the latest. A large crab managed to literally claw its
way into the center of the Space Dynamics Co., Ltd., production building and
explode, taking the production area with it. The bio-weapon Mantia proceeded to tie up local attacks in order for the
crab to have time to reach its target. Two Wolfen class vessels were seen attacking it and one it seems rammed
right into the creature," said the reporter. The T.V. screen switched to show the fighters approaching Mantia and one
of them rammed right into the creature.
"Was that Slippy?" asked Fox.
"I think so," said Dan.
"Sir, message from your freighter," said the
technician.
"I thought I told them to go to our base of
operations," said Dan.
"Sir, the person's who's calling is called Peppy,"
said the technician.
"Put him on," said Fox who walked over to the comm.
station and activated the unit.
"Peppy," began Fox.
"Slippy's dead, he's dead Fox. It's all my fault," said Peppy.
"You can't blame yourself," said Fox.
"He stopped me from attempting to ram Mantia and in
doing so, he rammed the creature himself. Why would he do that? Why?" Peppy
asked.
"He's in shock," said Dan.
"Sounds like it. Are you sure?" asked Fox.
"Hey, I may have been young, but I saw plenty of
people in shock following Mantia's first attack so many years ago," said Dan.
"Look, Peppy," said Fox when suddenly alarms went
off all over the building.
"Mantia's approaching prepare to launch fighters,"
said the commander. Dan took the
microphone from Fox.
"Guys, he's unfit to fly, don't let him off of the
ship," said Dan, who then ran off to the launch area and his own ship.
"It isn't your fault Peppy," said Fox leaving as
well.
Fifteen miles southwest of the base: Mantia landed
on the ground and opened its mouth to let the snake crawl out. A laser beam came out of Mantia's artificial
eye and encompassed the snake.
"Beginning enlargement sequence," said Mantia. The snake started growing and growing until
it was 20 feet tall and 100 feet long from mouth to tail.
"Reach the base and destroy it," said Mantia. The snake flicked its tongue and started
slithering off towards the base.
"Next stop Corneria," said Mantia taking off.
Fortuna Base: Several fighters took off out of the
base headed to intercept the new bio-weapon.
"All fighters report in," said commander.
"Grey 2 standing by,"
"Grey 3 standing by,"
"Grey 4 standing by,"
"Grey 5 standing by,"
"Grey 6 standing by,"
"Grey 7 standing by,"
"Fox here standing by,"
"Dan here, ready to rock and roll,"
"Target is right over that hill," said the
commander. The nine fighters cleared
the hill and saw the snake approaching.
"A snake, this is just getting better," said the
commander (hereby referred to as Dallas)
"Don't let its looks fool you, that thing is
probably more dangerous than it looks," said Dan.
"Whatever, open fire!" yelled Dallas. All nine ships fired on the snake hoping to
damage it, but instead most of the shots were reflected off of the snake's
slick skin.
"You'd better evacuate the base," said Fox.
"You may be right. Fortuna base, prepare to evacuate," said Dallas.
"Roger that, we're evacuating to research station
twelve-thirteen," came the response.
"Grey 6 and 7, protect the evacuees," said Dallas.
"Roger that," the two pilots said before breaking
off of formation.
"Fire again," said Dallas. The fighters fired again, and once more, the shots were
reflected. However, this time the
snake used its tail to destroy Grey 4.
"Watch out for its tail," observed Dallas.
"Raptor's Pride (Dan's freighter) can you lock onto
it?" asked Dan.
"We could, but we don't know what would happen if we
fire," came the response.
"You're probably right," said Dan.
"Where's Mantia?" asked Fox.
"Last we knew, it was entering Meteo," said Dallas.
Meteo: Mantia was proceeding through the asteroid
field when suddenly dozens of meteors nearby exploded all around it driving
rocks against its body.
Corneria: "That should slow it down," said Falco.
"One certainly hopes so," said Pepper.
Fortuna: "You'd best make your way back to Corneria
because there's nothing more that we can do," said Dallas.
"Alright, Dan and Fox are breaking off attack," said
Fox. Their two fighters zoomed off
towards the Raptor's Pride while the Fortuna defense force went to escort the
escape convoy.
"Prepare ship for maximum warp," said Dan.
"Sir, are you sure? That's only used for cross system travel," came the response.
"You heard me. Maximum warp," said Dan. The two
fighters entered the bay and landed.
"Let's go Fox," said Dan. Since everyone was preparing for maximum warp, no one was with
Peppy as he entered the bay just as Fox and Dan left through another exit. Peppy then made his way over to one of the
Wolfen fighters. He hopped inside and
prepped the ship for takeoff. He then
took off and exited the ship.
"Sir, someone's exiting the ship!" exclaimed a
technician.
"Who?" asked Fox.
"Peppy Hare," said the technician.
"I thought someone was supposed to be with him,"
said Dan.
"It takes the whole crew to prep for warp, no one
could watch him," came the response.
"We don't have time to retrieve him. Everyone strap in, go to maximum warp," said
Dan. The freighter peeled off and
entered maximum warp leaving Peppy's ship behind, which turned to head towards
Macbeth.
Corneria: Several dozen fighters and several tanks
prepared for the onslaught of Mantia.
"Where is it?" asked Falco from his newly repaired
Arwin fighter.
"I don't know," responded Pepper.
Research facility: "The time has come for the ultimate downfall of the Lylat System. I know this means very little to you but I want you to know that you are the to be the first step in my role of dominance towards conquering the Lylat System. Go and attack Corneria City," said Mantia to a large group of large bio-weapons. The bio-weapons merely nodded and marched on towards Corneria City and the battle ahead.
17th advanced artillery defense unit
seventeen miles south of Corneria City: A group of soldiers were setting up
mortar defenses and mobile laser cannons when a large rhythmic pounding was
heard.
"What is that?" someone asked. One of the soldiers grabbed a pair of
binoculars and looked out towards the area in front of them.
"Anything?" asked the unit leader.
"Not at the moment," came the response. Then, over a hill in the distance a large
crab emerged followed by different creature bio-weapons.
"Attention HQ! This is the 17th advanced artillery unit. Bio-weapons sighted," said the radioman.
"How many are there?" asked Pepper. The radioman looked at the unit leader.
"A lot, too many to count," said the leader.
"Multiple targets, too many to even give an
estimate," said the radioman.
"We are sending a squad of fighters to assist you,"
said Pepper. The unit leader grabbed
the microphone.
"A squad won't do it, there's too many bio-weapons
out here," said the leader.
"Just slow them down. Fight until it looks completely hopeless and then retreat," said
Pepper.
"Aye sir. Fire the mortars," said the leader. A dozen mortar shells were released and went flying off into the wave of
creatures. Several shots connected but
it merely slowed the creatures down for a few minutes before they resumed their
regular pace.
"Fire the laser cannons," said the leader. Several laser shots flew out at the
advancing army but again, it merely slowed their advancement before continuing
on. Then a roar was heard as the squad
of fighters flew overhead.
"Target the lead creatures and open fire," said the
flight commander. The fighters opened
fire on the first row of the creatures. Eventually, they managed to destroy one of the bio-weapons.
"The targets are stronger than before. They'll take longer to destroy than the
one's that attacked the other planet's," said the commander to HQ.
Artillery Unit: The creatures were rapidly becoming
larger as they approached the unit.
"HQ, permission to fall back," said the unit leader.
"Flight Commander?" asked Pepper.
"There's nothing more they can do. In another three minutes the creatures will
be right on top of them," said the flight commander.
"Granted. Recover the mortar units and set the laser cannons on autofire," said
Pepper.
"Roger that. Time to pull out. Mortars go and
laser cannons are to be set to continuous fire," said the leader. The unit hurried about as they set about to
fulfill the order. Then they all ran
into the unit hovercraft and took off.
"Return to Corneria City 17th advanced
artillery unit," said Pepper. The squad
continued firing on the creatures.
"This isn't going so well," said a pilot.
"I know," said the commander.
"Sir, large object approaching at extreme speeds,"
said a pilot.
"It's Mantia," said another.
"Let's try and slow it down," said the
commander. Mantia came right at the
fighters, which opened fire on the creature. Mantia just shrugged off the blasts as its three laser cannons emerged
and fired on the fighters taking out most of them. When Mantia flew by, its tail shot out electricity, which
demolished the rest. Mantia then
proceeded out to the ocean.
Corneria City: "Now what!" exclaimed Falco. Mantia was seen a few miles away, over the
ocean, opening its mouth. A dozen
creatures fell out into the water. A
beam emerged from Mantia's eyes and when it ended Mantia flew off towards the
advancing wall of bio-weapons.
"Fire anti-aircraft missiles," said Pepper. Several missiles flew out and struck Mantia
and the underside of its body. Mantia
lost some altitude but then continued onward.
"Will nothing destroy it?" asked Pepper.
Macbeth: Peppy had finally reached the planet and
prepared to land on the surface. He
checked his scans and it confirmed that the key to destroying Mantia and
avenging Slippy's death was located beneath the surface of the planet.
Outskirts of Corneria City: The wall of bio-weapons
came to a stop just outside the city. The Cornerian Defense Force was outside the city facing the
bio-weapons. Mantia hovered above the
bio-weapons while General Pepper was once again in a fighter hovering above the
Cornerian Army.
"Attack!" yelled Mantia.
"Attack!" yelled Pepper.
The armies converged on each other.