Yes, I've decided to complete this story after all despite my earlier premonitions. I also updated my bio and it now contains more useful information pertaining to my writings and will be updated regularly. Oh, also in case you were wondering, Lara is a red fox just like Jake. One more thing, Honor wasn't meant to be a serious story. I wrote it for about an hour and it was just for fun, so don't think about it too hard. The whole story was about how dedicated someone can be to a cause, no matter what side of a war they were fighting on.
"Andrew Oikonny! Are you sure?" asked Jake.
"Dead serious," said Pepper.
"Who's Andrew Oikonny?" asked Lara.
"Andrew Oikonny was the nephew of Andross. He was the only member of the Star Wolf team who had been captured and detained. We imprisoned him on the maximum-security prison where the X-7 virus was accidentally released. I can't believe he survived the virus," said Pepper in shock.
"Clearly he wasn't exposed to it," suggested Jake.
"No. No. He had to have been exposed to it. Everyone was exposed to it and no one survived. Unless… No, it can't be possible. That's too ridiculous to believe," said Pepper to himself.
"What!" Jake demanded.
"The only way he could have survived, and this is truly crazy, is if he developed an immunity to the virus. But that's not possible! That virus was deemed non-immunity and non-curable. I don't believe it, he must be," said Pepper shaking his head.
"Who else knows about this virus?" asked Lara.
"Just me and the president. The generals who agreed with the project died when Mantia destroyed the Military HQ building," said Pepper.
"Well let's go talk to the president," said Jake.
"Right, the vaccine should be there by now. Let's go!" exclaimed Pepper. The group ran off to the garage. A moment later an armed convoy was headed for the temporary government HQ in what remained of downtown Coastal City.
Ilex Forest and National Park just outside of Corneria City: The beautiful and cool river flowed into Corneria City and was full of fish. The river flowed through a park and dozens of creature's were frolicking and enjoying themselves. This scene was shattered by the arrival of Andrew Oikonny in his dark robes. The dark and malevolent creature calmly walked to a portion of large field and laid out a blanket. Andrew lay down and looked at Solar above. As he was contemplating his choices, a ball landed on him. Andrew picked it up and looked it over. A small kid walked over and held out his hand expecting it back. Andrew reached into his pouch, whipped out some X-7, poured it over the ball, and then squeezed the ball until it popped. He then handed it to the kid who ran off crying. Andrew started silently laughing.
"Run kid. Infect others as they attempt to re-inflate the ball. You've become a carrier and you'll die. Yet somehow I don't seem to care," said Andrew silently to himself. Andrew laid back down on his towel and looked up. A shadow loomed over him.
"Why'd you de-inflate that kid's ball?" demanded the dog (apparently the kid's father).
"Because I can. I don't need to explain my actions to the likes of you," said Andrew.
"Just because you're grumpy doesn't mean you can make others angry. Don't you feel any guilt?" asked the creature. Andrew sat up.
"I have a conscience? I wasn't aware of this fact. When did this happen? I guess I should feel sorry yet somehow I don't. Go away! You're blocking my light," said Andrew. The dog picked up Andrew.
"Say you're sorry to my kid," demanded the dog.
"Get your hands off of me or you'll live to regret it," said Andrew coldly. The dog held on. Suddenly in an incredible display of speed, Andrew slammed his knee into the dog's midsection causing the dog to kneel over and then karate chopped him on the back causing the creature to fall to the ground. Andrew straightened his robes and looked up at everyone who was watching him.
"What?" he asked. The crowd looked like they were willing to beat him to death.
"Fine. I'll leave. But don't forget that your days are numbered. You won't survive the upcoming week, none of you will. Never forget that," said Andrew. Andrew turned and left. However, before he got to the L-7, a strong wind kicked up. Andrew checked it and then popped open yet another canister of X-7. He tossed a handful of it into the air and watched as the particles floated to the tourists below.
"Never make me mad," said Andrew. Andrew finally hopped into his car and zoomed off.
President's Office Coastal City: Jake, Gen. Pepper, and Lara faced the president in his office.
"Amazing reconstruction we've accomplished since Mantia's passage through our fair planet," said the president looking at some pictures being broadcast of Corneria City.
"Mr. President, not to sound rude but we do have a major problem at hand," said Pepper. The president looked at them.
"Of course. The viral weapon X-7. I remember having a bad idea about this project, but times were different and we were in danger of being conquered by Andross. I suppose what we did was right yet it still doesn't seem that way," said the president (a barn owl).
"We can't make up for the sins of the past, but we can atone for them. I agree with Gen. Pepper's recommendation to appoint Lara Jade and Jake Thomas to counter this threat posed by Andrew Oikonny and the X-7. You shall be inoculated, but the third vaccine will not be administered to me," said the president.
"Sir! You can't be serious. You have held this government together since the time of Mantia's original attack. We can't survive without you!" exclaimed Pepper.
"Pepper, you've been my oldest and most trusted friend, but you've got to believe me when I say this. I'm too old to keep this up. I've seen more disasters than most people dream of. I've been the longest serving president in the history of the Lylat System. I'm going to retire by the end of this term. Pepper, I want you to have the final vaccine. You'll need it more than me when you become president," said the president.
"Sir, I'm not going to take your place! You've been the greatest president of all time and you can run for as long as you like," said Pepper.
"No Pepper. I'm going to pass the baton to you. This system needs a great leader and you are that leader. I'll make you run if I have to so don't make me. However, this will become moot if we don't stop Andrew. Pepper, Jake, and Lara, I want you to take the vaccines. That is my wish. Now go and stop Andrew, but keep me informed. Dismissed," said the president. The trio got up and left.
"I can't believe the president's going to retire! I was very young when he took office and I can't believe he's leaving now," said Jake.
"It sure sounded like you've known the president for a long time general," said Lara.
"I have. We've been friends ever since I was a child and he was in command of the local army base. When he wanted to enter politics and no one believed him, I encouraged him. He ran for mayor and governor and then president and I stood by his decisions. As such, he constantly promoted me when no one else saw fit. I owe my generalship to our commander in chief," said Pepper.
"So are you going to run for presidency?" Jake asked.
"Of course. I won't let my friend down, especially not now. He needs all the support he can in old age and I'm not the one to refuse. I only hope that I don't let him down," said Pepper.
"I'm sure you won't," said Lara. The trio had arrived at a sealed vault.
"Here we are," said Pepper. Pepper pressed a few buttons and said a few words. The doors slid open and the group went inside. Inside the vault were several illegal pieces of technology.
"A dream come true," said Jake.
"Don't touch anything," warned Pepper. The trio walked down a couple of aisles with huge racks on both sides full of weapons. Pepper walked up to a cart in the center of an aisle. Pepper pressed a few buttons and a panel slid open at the top revealing three needles and syringes. Pepper subsequently injected Jake and Lara with the vaccine and just held the third one in his hands.
"I can't take it," said Pepper.
"You will," said the president standing behind them. The trio turned to see him and his bodyguards.
"Pepper, take it. You must! Do it now and don't make me force you," said the president. Pepper swallowed deeply and took the vaccine.
"There. That's it. You've just condemned yourself to possible death," said Pepper to the president.
"I haven't condemned anyone. You will lead and I will see to it. Goodbye you three I'll be back at HQ," said the president leaving the vault.
Corneria City: Andrew, once again robbed, for he disliked not wearing them, walked down Main St. of Corneria City. He looked at all of the shops and the things that were being sold. Andrew merely shook his head in disgust yet again at the peaceful scene before him with people entering shops and leaving them. Andrew picked up a newspaper and glanced through it. The headline read: HUNDREDS DECLARED INFECTED WITH UNKNOWN VIRUS! GOVERNMENT DENIES INVOLVEMENT! SEE PAGE 7 FOR MORE DETAILS!!! Andrew gave a brief laugh at the headline. Andrew then contemplated about going to the hospital and laughing at the dying patients but decided against for he'd probably be arrested and charged with the crime. Instead Andrew merely stretched and glanced at the street in front of him and the cars that zipped by. Andrew finally stood up and walked away. He wandered down the street and looked like a mere traveler, but between his arms and his robe were a couple of canisters of X-7. Andrew had secretly been infecting everyone in sight and was enjoying every minute of it. When the canisters were empty, Andrew had roughly covered a five-mile radius and knew that soon everyone who had been lucky enough to be on that street would soon be dead. However, Andrew knew that soon they would be on to him and that he would have to leave very soon or risk being caught. Andrew decided that he would return home and choose what to do next after one last release of the virus.
Military HQ, Corneria City: In Pepper's office, he, Jake, and Lara went over different reports of poisonings.
"The way I see it, Andrew obviously arrived here on board the passenger liner Exquisite. On the aforementioned date, everyone in the gambling establishment was somehow infected with the virus and died. The elevator operator that day specifically remembers dropping off a robed figure to a balcony overlooking the casino. That's where Andrew released the plague," said Jake.
"Can we look this ship over for ourselves?" asked Lara.
"No. The ship had to be destroyed because the virus was still circulating through the casino. Luckily the troops were wearing protective gear so they weren't infected, but all those who didn't were," said Pepper. Another manila folder arrived at the general's office.
"We've received a couple of reports of Andrew's dirty work. Our soldiers have discovered traces of the virus at both a national park and on Main St. According to reports from dying eyewitnesses, a robed figure was seen in the area right before they got sick," said Lara. Jake slammed his hand against Pepper's desk.
"I can't believe this! Over a thousand people have died and we've been powerless to stop it! I say we post out warrants for Andrew's arrest!" exclaimed Jake.
"Unfortunately we can't. We've no evidence that he has anything to do with this. Sure he dropped off several empty containers of X-7, but that's all that they were, empty. No particle was discovered on them and he could easily say he found them and was returning them to us," said Pepper. Pepper's comm. system beeped and he went over to answer it. An image of a robed figure appeared.
"Hello Pepper," said Andrew.
"How did you get this number!" demanded Pepper.
"Is that any way to treat your old enemy? No, of course not. I just called to say that I'm leaving this miserable planet once and for all! This planet just isn't worth the effort to destroy using the X-7 virus. I'm going home to get more of it and not even you can stop me. I though you'd like to know that I'm planning one last release of the virus," said Andrew.
"Where?" Jake asked.
"At the house of Pepper's old friend. The man who agreed that this plague should be created, the man who destroyed my life, the president," said Andrew. Pepper immediately ran for the door.
"You're too late. Did I forget to mention that he's already contracted the virus? The president's done for. Goodbye Pepper," said Andrew who then burst out laughing before the screen shut off. Pepper ran out of the building and headed for the military hospital.
30 minutes later, Military Hospital, Coastal City: Pepper burst in to the room containing the president who was lying on the table.
"Mr. President!" exclaimed Pepper. The president looked up at him.
"What's up my friend," said the president.
"You're dying," said Pepper weakly.
"Yes I know. You've got to lead the people now. This plague has struck and the people need a new leader. Yes, that's you Pepper. I've already made it happen. As of the moment I contracted the plague you've become the new commander in chief. Take the reigns of presidency and lead our people into a new age. I have complete faith in you. Now then, I must get going," said the president. The president stood up and started to leave the room.
"Where are you going? You're not ready to leave," said Pepper.
"I've still got one week left until I waste away. I intend to spend it in retirement doing what I do best, fishing. I look forward to your first week of presidency. Good luck President Pepper, sir," said the president. The president left the room leaving Pepper behind.
"If he can continue on under this condition than so can I. I will lead the Cornerian's into this new age. I will never forget you my friend," thought Pepper.
Passenger Liner Comanche: Andrew, still in robes, boarded the liner with his large box of Viral Weapon X-7. Andrew went to his room and sat down and entered into deep meditation. The Comanche departed Corneria headed for Zoness.
Pepper's Office: "So now what?" asked Jake. Since Pepper had become president, he couldn't fully devote his attention to the X-7.
"It's up to you two now. My hands are tied with the presidency. I'm really sorry," said Pepper.
"Yeah, yeah. Do we need a general to be with us on this project?" asked Jake.
"I've pulled several strings to not allow a new general onto the project. It hasn't earned me any brownie points, but then again that's not the kind of guy I am," said Pepper.
"Thanks," said Lara. Pepper nodded and left accompanied by his bodyguards and the movers who were transferring his stuff to his new office.
"Now what're we supposed to do? Pepper's hands are tied and we've no idea where Andrew has disappeared to," said Lara. Jake pulled out a small comm. card.
"What' s that?" Lara asked.
"Oh nothing. It's just a way out," said Jake. Jake pushed the card into the comm. system and instantly a Velociraptor appeared.
"Hi Dan," said Jake. The raptor groaned.
"What do you want?" asked Dan.
"Relax. I'm not here to turn you in. I need information regarding," began Jake.
"Andrew Oikonny and the X-7 virus," said Dan completing the sentence.
"How did you know that?" demanded Lara.
"I know everything Ms. Jade and I've been troubled by the virus like you have. Andrew is on his way to Zoness. According to my sources his home is located at the old prison facility on Venom where he was originally being held. I wish you two the best of luck," said Dan. The comm. screen shut down.
"Let's go," said Jake.
"You trust this person? How do you know his information is accurate?" asked Lara.
"With Dan it's best not to ask. His information is correct and I should know, I've relied on it for over twelve years. Now let's go," said Jake.
"Hold on. We need a plan. We can't just go and confront him, we need backup," said Lara.
"I'll think of something," said Jake. The two left. They entered into a military transport and blasted off to Jake's freighter, which subsequently entered into warp.
Venom: A small ship landed in a courtyard inside the weather torn maximum-security prison. Andrew walked out of the ship and into the blowing sand. Andrew wandered into the building and headed for the chemical detoxification center.
3 hrs. later: The military transport and Jake's fighter landed outside the CDF military base located on Venom. Despite the horrible weather on the planet, a local trading outpost and colony had sprung up outside the base giving the planet a few non-military inhabitants. Jake and Lara entered into the military building just as a large sandstorm kicked up. When the duo entered into the building Bill Gray, who was stuck on the base, greeted them.
"Hey Jake," said Bill.
"Bill! What're you doing here?" asked Jake.
"I'm just trying to keep this base on its feet until a permanent commander can be stationed. This base has only been up for a few months and its had more problems than one could possibly imagine. Oh well, we received the orders from now President Pepper and we're ready to assist you. Although I've got to ask, what do you want at the old derelict prison?" asked Bill.
"First I 'd like to congratulate you on your promotion to general and perhaps it's best if we speak alone about the prison," said Jake. The three of them entered into a conference room.
"Have you read the reports about the mysterious deaths on Corneria?" asked Lara.
"Who hasn't? The entire military's been spooked and I must admit it scares me to death," said Bill.
"What you don't know, and this can't leave this room, is that the deaths were caused by a designer virus that was supposed to have been eradicated at the prison colony. The virus wasn't destroyed in time and a canister was released into the prison's water supply killing all of the inmates except for one. That prisoner was Andrew Oikonny and he's been releasing the plague on Corneria. We're going to infiltrate the base and destroy all of the remaining samples and bring Andrew back into custody. Unfortunately that may mean that your team could be eradicated," said Jake. Bill shuddered.
"I'll join, but I'm not forcing anyone else on this mission. I'm going to put up a volunteer sheet and say that there will be a distinct possibility that they won't return. In the meantime, I must sign out some vehicles and find blueprints for the prison. This isn't going to be easy because the prison was officially declared off limits fifteen years ago so I can't promise you anything," said Bill leaving the room flustered. After he left, Jake turned to Lara.
"That could've been better," said Jake.
"How would you feel if death looked you in the eye?" asked Lara.
"True. Let's just hope for the best," said Jake.
3 hrs. later: Bill, Jake, Lara, and fifteen mice marines were crammed into the briefing room. On the center of the table was a 3-D version of the prison. Bill was pointing out various details on the map.
"Here's the hidden anti-breakout weaponry. Not exactly state of the art, but it still packs a punch. I'd watch out for those, but if we can manage to break into the main courtyard we should be okay. We'll enter through this door here and proceed inside. Our main target is the chemical detoxification facility. We're assuming that's where Andrew is holed up. However, once we get to this point right here after the jail cells, we'll split up into two teams. Jake and Lara will proceed into the facility while the rest of us try and get to the warden's office. Once we're there my old access codes should be able to arm the explosives set into the facility in case of a full-scale breakout. We leave, and the facility goes boom taking the prison and the surrounding area with it," said Bill.
"Right. Thanks a lot Bill. Anyway, Lara and I are immune to the viral agent and that's why we'll proceed to the facility alone. I want you all to know one thing. If we're locked inside the facility and you've reached the warden's office and are in a position to blow this whole facility, I want you to make no mistake. Blow it up! That virus cannot escape this facility and infect the base and colony. So our lives are no more important than yours. Thank you," said Jake.
"Let's go troops," said Bill. The troops exited the room in an orderly fashion and into the garage. Two of the troops entered into Landmasters while the rest entered into an A.P.C. The soldiers stowed their gear and the convoy was off.
"We're about five hours from the prison, but it'll take about seven because of the sandstorms," said Bill. As the three vehicles moved out of the safety of the town's outer wall, they were immediately buffeted by sand and wind.
"Can't we fly there?" asked Lara. Bill shook his head.
"It's too dangerous with the weather this time of year. Also, the prison's security system was designed to destroy any incoming air transports. The prison ships landed five miles away at a now abandoned airfield. Unfortunately that airfield was destroyed by a large sand tornado three years ago and now no ship can approach. However, we recently detected a small craft landing inside the prison facility which means that your friend managed to deactivate the power and shut off the skyward cannons just long enough to set down!" yelled Bill over the A.P.C. engine and the sound of the heavy gusts outside buffeting the machine.
"Is that possible?" yelled Lara.
"Anything's possible!" responded Bill.
"Did Andrew ever visit the city?" asked Jake. Bill reached into his pouch and withdrew a datapad. Jake flipped the pad on and looked at images of a hooded figure.
"We always assumed he was a desert hermit who arrived illegally. No one bothered with him because he'd come and leave uneventfully. We've checked all of the civilians at the outpost and colony and we've determined that none of them have come in contact with X-7," said Bill.
"That's good. Woah!" yelled Jake as the A.P.C. suddenly shifted to the side.
"You'd better be prepared for more of those because the terrain isn't exactly stable," said Bill.
A.P.C. e.t.a. with the prison, fifteen minutes: Jake suddenly gave out a brief burst of laughter.
"What's so funny?" demanded Bill.
"I was just thinking how back when You, Katt, James, and I were looking for the StarFox team, I would never imagined I'd be with a group of CDF military personnel seeking to eradicate a virus created by the Cornerian Government," said Jake.
"Fate is a funny thing," responded Bill.
"I would never have imagined I'd cast in my lot with the CDF and go legit. Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself knowing Gen. Pepper well enough to have him actually call me in for a job that the government guys could have done for free. Add to that trying to help locate and destroy the virus as an outside contractor. It's totally unbelievable," said Jake.
"Do you regret living the mercenary life?" asked Lara.
"No. It was fun while it lasted but like all things, I adapted," said Jake.
"I sometimes miss those old days when you knew what was what. Today everything is bogged down by procedures and reassignments. It's hard to hold onto your core fighter pilots," said Bill.
"How is generalship going?" asked Jake.
"It has its ups and downs. I still am stationed at Katina although it's extremely hard to juggle meetings and flying with Husky Unit. I sometimes wonder if I made the right decision when I accepted generalship," said Bill.
"Only you know the answer to that," said Jake truthfully. An awkward silence filled the A.P.C. when suddenly the comm. system burst to life.
"Heads up folks! Lock and load because we've arrived," said the driver of the vehicle. Bill sat in a seat in front of some screens that showed video footage from live camera mounts located outside the vehicle.
"Okay, I want the two Landmasters to fall back behind the A.P.C. If I can't deactivate the security system, we may be able to convince it that you're merely escorting in a prison transport," said Bill. The tank ahead of them stopped and waited until the A.P.C. passed by before it started up again. As the approached the main gate, two mounted laser cannons emerged from the ground and aimed at the convoy. Bill activated the external speakers.
"This is Commander Bill Gray of the CDF. Automated gun turrets stand down!" yelled Bill as the storm outside increased. The two cannons shifted back and forth scanning the convoy.
"Identity confirmed, Bill Gray," said the prisons automated voice system. The two turrets retracted into the ground and the main gate creaked open. The three vehicles proceeded inside and into the courtyard.
"Now the real fun begins," said Bill. The marines suited up into combat gear while Jake and Lara put on some environmental suits.
Warden's Office: Andrew watched the marines exit their A.P.C. and head in one row to the main entrance of the facility. Andrew briefly considered exterminating them at the main gate, but chose not to.
"Let them come and tremble before what I've created," Andrew thought to himself. When the main doors opened, Andrew left the room and headed for the lab.
Main Prison Facility: The marines burst in and held their blasters pointed forward into the main hallway.
"Clear," said the squad leader. Bill, Jake, and Lara cautiously entered into the hallway.
"Okay. Proceed inside carefully," said Bill. The marines carefully took up positions farther down the hallway and were followed by Jake, Bill, and Lara. A strange squeaking noise was heard and everyone tensed as a robot appeared from behind the corner. However, the robot was merely a cleaning robot and it started brushing up the dust that had collected in the hallway. Suddenly laser bolts rang out of nowhere and killed two of the marines before they knew what was happening. Everyone cowered behind potted plants and receptionists' desks as two automated defense drones skidded to a halt in the middle of the hallway and opened fire on them. The marines fired back, but the robots were designed for multiple hits and fired back from the center of the hallway.
"This is Commander Bill Gray of the CDF! Stand down!" yelled Bill over the laser blasts. However, the robots paid no attention to him and continued to fire.
"Why isn't this working?" asked Bill desperately. Jake sneaked a quick look above the receptionists' desk he, Bill, and Lara were stuck behind before crouching back down.
"The robots voice identification modules have been pulled. If you look at the robot's left side you'll see wires hanging out. That's where the module was located. I guess Andrew doesn't want to be disturbed," said Jake.
"Are you sure? About the voice recognition units I mean" said Bill.
"Positive. Dan and I used to 'obtain' these robots all the time. They always had a 'malfunctioning' voice recognition unit so we had to pull them before they were resold," said Jake.
"Those drones weren't obtained illegally were they?" asked Lara.
"Of course not, it was completely legit," said Jake. A loud explosion rocked the entire room as the drones continued firing on the helpless marines.
"Things aren't going so well," said the squad leader over the headsets. Jake groaned and started rummaging through the weapons case Bill had brought with him. Jake finally located a shoulder mounted blaster cannon and pulled it out. Jake took aim and blew out the ceiling above the drones. The debris rained down crushing them.
"There, problem solved," said Jake.
"Thanks," grumbled the squad commander. Jake checked the charge on the cannon.
"Five shots left. What a waste. I could get you one with more shots of course it'd be for a slight fee," said Jake.
"We're fine with what we have. Let's keep moving," said Bill. Jake shrugged and advanced forward to the squad leader who was looking over the two dead marines.
"What a waste," said the leader.
"I'm sorry for your loss. My deepest apologies," said Jake truthfully.
"Let's just finish this mission and go home. We'll return for our fallen comrades later," said the squad commander visibly shaken. Jake just wandered off in a daze away from the group.
"What's up?" asked Lara running after him.
"Those marines died because of me," said Jake.
"No they didn't," responded Lara. Jake turned to face her.
"You know as well as I do that their orders are fake. I made them and those marines wouldn't even be here without them," said Jake.
"Never think that! Those marines came of their own free will and nothing else made them come along. Snap out of it," said Lara.
"Hey you two don't get so far ahead!" yelled Bill after them. As Jake and Lara tried to return to the team, a large blast door slammed shut between them. Bill and the marines ran up to the door and started pounding on it. Jake switched on the shoulder-mounted blaster cannon he had absent-mindedly brought with him and aimed it at the door.
"Get away from the door! I'm going to blow it open," said Jake over the headsets. Jake aimed the cannon at the door and hoped Bill's team was far enough away from the door. Jake squeezed the trigger and large energy shell came flying out striking the door. Smoke soon filled the corridor as the large explosion rang out. Jake and Lara both hit the ground as parts of the ceiling started to cave in. Finally when the smoke cleared Jake and Lara ran to the door to see it still standing upright with only a small dent in it.
"That didn't go so well," said Bill over the headsets.
"Yeah. Do you think you can reach the warden's office?" asked Jake. Bill looked around and saw a dozen security drones appear behind them from adjoining hallways that immediately were closed by blast doors.
"I've got to say no on that one," said Bill. However, the drones didn't fire, they merely motioned to the exit, Bill noticed that their voice recognition units had been pulled also.
"Why?" Jake asked.
"Look, we've got about twelve security drones telling us to leave and I don't think they're making an offer we can refuse," said Bill.
"I hear you. Just wait out in the A.P.C. If you come under fire though, you should leave, it's not worth you lives," said Jake.
"We're not going anywhere once we reach the A.P.C.," responded Bill.
"Fine. We'll try to carry out both of our missions," said Jake.
"Good luck," said Bill and then he and the team left the prison. As soon as they entered the courtyard, dozens of blast doors closed over all the doors and windows in the prison.
"Sounds like someone doesn't want to be disturbed," said one of the soldiers.
"Except by Jake and Lara," responded Bill.
Prison: Jake and Lara cautiously advanced down the only hallway not blocked off by blast doors.
"This cannon is heavy," said Jake. Since they didn't have the case with them, Jake was forced to lug the thing down the hallways along with the weaponry he had already equipped himself with.
"Yeah well you choose to bring it. Hey here's the warden's office," said Lara. She was about to go inside when Jake stopped her.
"No. We'll worry about that later. Let's keep moving. The decontamination lab is that way," said Jake pointing down the lone hallway.
"Fine," said Lara. The two of them wandered down more hallways before finally emerging into a darkened room. In the center of the room was a pedestal with a beam of light on it emanating from the ceiling high above. On the pedestal was a broken container with a sticker that read X-7. A small locket was in the center of the canister and when Lara popped it open it showed a picture of a female prisoner.
"I wonder who she was," said Jake. Instantly another beam of light hit a chair a few feet away. In the chair was a robed figure holding a canister of X-7.
"She was my fiancé, Sarah Andrews," responded Andrew.
"What happened?" asked Lara. Andrew held up the container in his hand.
"This happened. The X-7 killed her and destroyed my life. She was my only reason for living and this 'thing' tore her from me forever. I made a vow to avenge her and I have. I infected the president who gave the go ahead for the creation of the virus. Unfortunately my uncle's creation took the pleasure of letting me kill the general's who were in charge of the project, except for Pepper. I'm still deciding the right time to kill him. However, all I have is this last bottle of X-7, the rest were destroyed in a fire a long time ago," said Andrew. Andrew set the bottle down on an armrest of the chair. Jake quickly pulled out his blaster and vaporized the container.
"And it's all gone," said Jake. Andrew looked at the container's remains.
"No," said Andrew unemotionally "That's odd, why am I not overtaken with grief. Hmm, decisions," said Andrew. A ding was heard and a third spotlight appeared over yet another pedestal.
"It's here," said Andrew. Andrew walked over to the pedestal and stood behind it as a canister appeared with a white powder in it. Andrew picked it up and held it in his hand. He then looked at a red button.
"I suppose I should press it, I've always loved pressing buttons," said Andrew. Andrew pressed the button and lights came on from the ceiling down. Inside the room, dozens of rows of canisters with white powder were shown heading up to the ceiling high above. Lara walked over to the row lowest to the ground and picked up a canister.
"It's X-7," she said looking up at all the rows.
"What have you done!" demanded Jake.
"What you're looking at is one million and one canisters of X-7," said Andrew holding up the canister that had just appeared to emphasize the one.
"How is this possible, only one hundred were made and you used several of the canisters to infect hundreds of Cornerians," said Jake.
"When I stumbled blindly throughout this facility, I discovered that it not only eradicates virus', but it also replicates them. As you can see, I've been busy for the past fifteen years," said Andrew. Lara looked at him shocked.
"Why?" she asked weakly. Andrew threw back his hood revealing a shriveled up head with veins bulging out.
"Because I'm dying," he said simply. Lara and Jake both looked at him in shock.
"How? We thought you were immune to the virus and you looked fine at CDF HQ," said Lara. Andrew started coughing uncontrollably for a moment.
"No one can survive the viral weapon X-7, I've been wearing makeup to disguise my true appearance. I've only managed to avoid death, but even my time is up and I'm not going to go out with anything but a bang. I've got enough X-7 to completely saturate the atmosphere of the entire planet! Nothing will stop me from wiping out all life on this planet forever!" yelled Andrew laughing. Suddenly the ceiling retracted revealing the sandstorm above. Jake leveled the shoulder-mounted blaster cannon and pointed it at Andrew.
"Go ahead! Kill me! I'm dead anyway, but the virus is on a time delayed release. You've got ten minutes before everything dies," said Andrew.
"Except for us," said Lara.
"Wrong! Your vaccine was only designed for minimal exposure. When all of this X-7 is released, you'll die too. So go," demanded Andrew. Andrew pointed to the exit. Jake growled at him.
"Jake, the warden's office. Even if we perish at least those back at the base and at the colony will survive," said Lara.
"Right," said Jake. The two of them took off running while Andrew laughed behind them. The two skidded to a halt in front of the warden's office.
"Bill come in," said Jake.
"Where've you been? We thought you had died," said Bill.
"We're not dead yet, but we all will be in about ten minutes. I need your help to activate the self-destruct system," said Jake.
"Okay, on the warden's desk there should be a red button. Press it," said Bill. Jake pressed it and the top of the desk rotated 180 degrees to reveal a keyboard and a computer screen.
"Okay, now type in vocal access for situation 328," said Bill. Jake typed in the commands.
"It says it requires vocal identification," said Jake.
"This is Commander Bill Gray of the Cornerian Defense Force. I'm currently in command of Husky Squadron stationed on Katina. Access code: J210354. Activate situation 328," said Bill.
"What scenario?" the computer asked.
"Scenario impossible," said Bill.
"Access code confirmed. Designate time delay until explosion," said the computer. Jake quickly typed in eight minutes.
"Confirmed. Eight minutes until destruction. All blast doors have been unlocked for all prison officers to escape. Have a nice day," said the computer. Jake dropped the laser cannon onto the ground.
"C'mon let's go," said Jake. Jake and Lara both ran out of the office and down the hallways. The kept running and running until they ran into Bill and part of his team.
"What're you doing in here?" Jake asked.
"Looking for you. C'mon, we've better get out of here," said Bill. The team ran out into the gigantic sandstorm.
"I can't even see the A.P.C. We're in trouble," said Bill. A loud roar was heard above them and the team watched as a large shadow blocked out the sun.
"What's going on!" demanded Lara.
"Hang on guys. Help is on the way," said Bill. Everyone looked to see the Great Fox floating above the prison colony. Unfortunately the prison defense systems opened fire on the ship, and the sandstorm wasn't helping either.
"They're not going to be able to withstand that beating for long," said Jake. The dreadnought coasted away from the colony and slammed down onto the ground nearby.
"Miserable flying weather," observed Lara. Suddenly a grumbling was heard and the A.P.C. rumbled to a halt in front of them.
"We've got two minutes. We've got to make it to the Great Fox or we're in trouble," said Jake. The team quickly scurried aboard the vehicle and it lurched off towards the Great Fox.
"Where're the Landmasters?" asked Jake.
"We had to send them back to base, we couldn't risk them being damaged because money from the CDF doesn't often reach this far out," said Bill. The A.P.C. continued on its forward run to the Great Fox. Suddenly it grumbled to a halt. The driver ran to the back.
"We've blown the axle, we'll have to run for it," said the driver. The team ran out into the sandstorm.
"We've got one minute until we're toast," said Jake. Suddenly two figures appeared.
"Need a lift Bill," asked one of them.
"No Fox, I was hoping to take a leisurely walk," said Bill. The team followed Fox and his companion to back to the Great Fox. As the entered into the bay, the other figure was revealed as Falco Lombardi.
"Go RobGCN!" yelled Falco. The whole ship rumbled as it attempted to return to the sky.
"The wind sheers are horrible! We're barely above the ground and that means nothing about actually moving," said Peppy from the bridge. Jake glanced at his watch.
"Doesn't matter anyway because we've got twelve seconds until the big boom," he said.
Decontamination Lab: Andrew had collapsed on the pedestal and crushed the broken canister of X-7. He held the locket in his hand.
"We've won. I've avenged you my love. I'm coming for you," said Andrew. Then Andrew died and dissolved, perhaps the most unmentioned and unknown criminal mastermind in the entire Lylat System departed it forever. Then the whole facility exploded.
Great Fox: "Incoming shockwave! Hit the deck!" yelled Peppy over the comm. Everyone hit the floor as the shockwave buffeted the Great Fox and kicked it like a giant boot. The Great Fox sailed for several more feet and slammed into the ground. Hurling everyone forward causing them to blackout. The storm continued churning for a few more minutes and then died. The team members finally woke up from the crash and exited the ship to see the giant mushroom cloud where the base had been.
"We were extremely lucky. This ship is quite durable," observed Bill.
"That it is," said Fox.
"Incoming transmission from President Pepper," said RobGCN.
"Put it through down here Rob," said Fox. An image of Pepper appeared on the main screen.
"Ah. Greetings Bill, I was told that the StarFox team was going to Venom to visit you and I thought that you might be with them. Anyway, I've called to say that Jake Thomas is to expect the full cooperation of the CDF stationed on Venom. What? Is something wrong?" asked Pepper when Bill just looked at him wide eyed.
"Funny thing Mr. President, we already received your orders to help out Jake. I wonder where they came from?" Bill asked. Jake stepped forward.
"I accept full responsibility for falsifying the orders from the president. If that means being arrested, so be it. I did what I did to save Venom's inhabitants. That's all I have to say," said Jake.
"I suppose we can skip the court martial this time. Good work Jake and Lara," said Pepper before signing off.
"Looks like someone just got complimented by the president," said Fox.
"Yeah. It's a shame what happened to the old one," responded Jake.
President's Cabin: Pepper sat by the president's bed. The ex-president had reached the final stage of the virus' effects and was forced to lie down.
"Don't cry for me Pepper," said the president in a raspy voice.
"I can't help it sir. You've been like a true friend to me," said Pepper.
"No, it's been the other way around. You've always been a true friend, even when others doubted my judgment, you stood up for me, and I thank you for that," said the president.
"Yes sir. I'll miss you sir," said Pepper.
"Pepper, call me Jack," said the president and then he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and dissolved. Pepper laid his head down on the bed weeping for his old friend.
Six Days Later: Pepper had a private ceremony for the president and while only those invited were allowed to attend, millions had stood by as his casket was sent from his home to the president's graveyard. Pepper said a final speech and the casket was lowered into the ground and buried. On the tombstone it read:
Jack PresidentHero, Savior, President
and most importantly
a true friend,
"May your journey ahead be more fulfilling than the journey you've taken,"
General Pepper.