Due to the lack of reviews for my stories, I can only assume that my stories are no longer as popular as they once were. I will occasionally write a Star Fox story or two, but I'm mostly going to write The Legend stories.
Siward: The council of war sat around the table again as they assessed the current situation.
"As much as we'd all like to celebrate over the events of the past twenty-four hours, we must keep a cool head. Our campaign isn't over yet and we can't afford to become lax," said Mantia.
"Exactly. Now we must discuss the events over the past day. Greg?" asked Cook. Greg stood up with a piece of paper in his hands.
"Now we all know that our battle against the Razors Pride was a success. True we did loose twelve fighters and one warship, but we successfully convinced the Pride that the Crimson Elite and The Nuclear Knights have allied to destroy them. Jake Whitacre issued a statement earlier today," said Greg. Greg pressed a button and the large screen showed an image of a red wolf.
"My people we have been attacked! The Elite and The Pride joined forces to destroy us and we can't sit by and do nothing. We will retaliate. Elite and Pride, prepare to pay! And when we're done with them we're coming for you Skull Riderz!" exclaimed Jake. The image shut off.
"Some bad news though, during our operation, another skirmish broke out between the Elite and The Knights. Luckily Jake either didn't know about it or he assumed it was a ploy. Either way, he's convinced about whom attacked his faction and he's no longer a threat," said Greg. Porpoise cleared his throat.
"I'm thinking that dropping X-7 over the dome was probably a bad idea," he said.
"I concur but there's nothing we can do about it now," said Mantia.
"What about the Riderz? They peppered the area with their missiles," a crewmember said.
"I don't think that we have anything to worry about them. They don't know where we are so we should be fine," said Greg.
"Continue with your report," said Mantia.
"Okay. Although they haven't admitted to anything, our spies in the CDF say that they genuinely believe that Mantia is part of the Pride. We officially lost five Wolfen II's on that mission but the message transfer was successful," said Greg.
"Right. Well that's what's new. Does anyone have anything to bring to the floor?" asked Greg.
"I do. When we were attacking Katina, we fell under attack by a new Star Fox team and the CDF seemed to rally behind them," said Mantia. Several gasps of disbelief rang out among the members.
"Are you sure? There hasn't been a Star Fox team since the war," said Cook.
"I assure you, they referred to themselves as the Star Fox team and their leader is a descendant of Fox McCloud," said Mantia.
"This is not good. The Star Fox team was always the best of the best and they could inspire even the most moral less troops into action," said Cook.
"What do we do?" someone asked.
"The only thing we can do. The Star Fox team had only one equal and that was the Star Wolf team," said Mantia.
"So we assign four of our best pilots to become them," said Cook.
"No. We don't find anyone. We clone the original team," said Mantia. Murmurs emerged among the council.
"How?" Greg asked.
"Deep within the core of Venom, Andross had genetic samples of every member under his rule. He also had cloning facilities to recreate those he lost. Most of his army was composed of clones. If we can access this facility, we should be able to clone the Star Wolf team. This new Star Fox team will be no match for their incredible skill," said Mantia.
"It will be hard to conceal our approach to this facility and we won't be able to stay there very long," said Cook.
"That is why I alone will lead an attack against the Elite. Ever so often I'll yell my allegiance to the Pride and that way they'll be enraged against them. That should speed up the final confrontation," said Mantia.
"You sure this is worth the effort?" asked Porpoise.
"I'm certain of it. If the Star Fox team continues to gain fame, they'll lead the CDF into impossible victories. I should know because I speak from personal experience. This is the right thing to allocate our resources to. Besides, the information stored underneath the planet contains invaluable resources that we could use. Ships, weapons, tactical information, the information of over five hundred years is secured down there and we must obtain it or risk annihilation," said Mantia. Cook shrugged.
"Okay. But I don't want to risk a lot of our men. We'll have one Harlock-Class Frigate and six Invader III's accompanying it to the surface. We're not going to engage any enemies. We'll go in, get the information, genetic samples, cloning tanks, and get out. Is that understood? Mantia, you'll need to supply us with the information and the location of this drove of information," said Cook. Mantia nodded.
"Alright prep the ships because we're leaving within the hour. The sooner we're there and back the better," said Cook. The table broke up yet again.
½ hour later: A Harlock frigate and six fighters emerged from the mountain and blasted away under the dark side of the moon.
Katina: A meeting between Tobias, the top brass, John, and The Star Fox team was underway on a lower level of the base since the top one had been demolished when Mantia slammed into it. Outside of the base, repairs were underway to fix the damaged cannon.
"Things haven't been going so well lately," said Tobias. He clicked a remote and a small screen showed more confrontations between the Elite and Knights and how in one skirmish the Pride had gotten involved.
"The Pride have grown increasingly agitated and Jake Whitacre has gone from pacifist to warlord in a matter of a few months. Another image sprang up of Mantia attacking the Katina base and the bio-weapon and the Wolfen II fighter escaping.
"A communiqué was transmitted between the fighter and it indicated that they were going to return to the pride and regroup. We can't confirm this report, but then again the Pride hasn't used the creature in their attacks. It's all very strange," said Powell.
"What do we do?" asked Jason. The generals looked at each other nervously.
"I'm afraid it looks like we're going to see a war so great it will be just like the when the whole system went to war on itself a couple hundred years ago. Except this time the entire system will be destroyed and there will be nothing left. We have to make sure that this doesn't happen. We can't allow the Lylat System to be destroyed!" exclaimed Tobias.
"Agreed but how?" asked Felicia. Tobias walked over to a file cabinet and pulled out a large dossier. He then placed the dossier on the table.
"This is absolutely everything we could get on Mantia. It was designed by Andross to be most ultimate weapon ever created. It has grown stronger every time it has reappeared in the Lylat System and this time it's more powerful than ever. Some say the Lylat System died the day that thing was 'born' and I'm not one to disagree with them. It led Andross to create more bio-weapons and ravage the Lylat System and most likely frightened Pigma Dengar into joining Andross and turning on his team. When it reappeared it destroyed even more of the Lylat System and the only way it was gotten rid of was by the destruction of the nebula inside Sector Z. The particles from the nebula are what destroyed most of the crops on all the planets and led to the system wide war. Everything that bio-weapons done has been leading us to the brink of annihilation and it has returned yet again to complete its task. There is no stopping it this time, not without the destruction of the entire system. We are all doomed and there is no escaping our fate this time," said Tobias. Everyone shuddered.
"Why does it keep attacking us? Why hasn't it given up after failing so many times?" asked Bunny.
"That's a question we'll never have the answer to and I'm afraid what the answer will be," said Powell.
"That still leaves the question, what do we do?" asked Gary.
"Star Fox team, you need a capital ship don't you? After all, every Star Fox team had their Great Fox. Well I think I've found one for you. According to the files, a Saruzin-Class warship was built a long time ago in order to face the evil bio-weapon called The Hammer. That ship was hidden in the nebula in Sector Y. If you can locate and find it then it's yours. Good luck," said Tobias. Tobias gave them the files regarding the ship.
"Okay. Now remember, as the Star Fox team we will expect to be compensated for any enemies shot down," said Jason. Tobias just nodded.
"Payment on delivery. You keep track of your own kills and we'll pay you accordingly. Now go and find that ship because we need to ready ourselves for the battle ahead," said Tobias. The team left and blasted off while everyone else began upgrading all of the ships in the base.
Venom: Mantia burst out of warp and headed for the planets surface. The bio-weapon smashed through several cruisers on the way down and emerged over the capitol city of Venomia. Everywhere in town sirens blared as the population awoke to a massive creature attacking their city.
"Die people of Venom! Die!" exclaimed Mantia. Mantia's wing cannons emerged and opened fire on the civilians below. Hundreds of civilians were mowed down as Mantia fired at them without remorse. Mantia burst out laughing when suddenly two Elite fighters opened fire on him.
"Such a pitiful response time," said Mantia chasing after them. Mantia flew after the fighters as they twisted and turned through the tall buildings.
"You can't escape me," the creature said. Then the two fighters faked him out as they first went left and zoomed to the left. Mantia was maneuverable, but not as maneuverable as a fighter and he zoomed towards a tall building.
"Oh shit," said Mantia. Then Mantia slammed into the building and it collapsed on the creature. The two fighters streaked over the collapsed building. The rubble exploded as Mantia zoomed skyward and slammed into the two fighters causing them to explode.
"Mess with best, die like the rest. The Pride will rule you all!" exclaimed Mantia. Mantia watched a large blob fly towards him composed of thousands of Elite fighters.
"Now the real fun begins," said Mantia. Mantia rushed the fighters and cut through the thick of them.
"Hurry up team 2," thought Mantia.
Macbeth: "Sir, sir, I think you should see this," said an aide trying to rouse Banquo. The lizard woke up and yawned, and gave a cold stare to the aide.
"I said to NOT be disturbed under any circumstances. This had better be good," said Banquo.
"I think it is sir," said the aide. The aide turned on the T.V. to the 24-hour news channel.
"I hate this channel! I thought I got rid of it once and for all," said Banquo. The image sprang up showing Mantia attacking Venomia. Banquo watched the screen with interest at the unfolding events.
"I want their funding increased. This is quality programming," said the lizard. Banquo pushed a button next to his bed and some steaming popcorn came out. Banquo started eating it as he thoroughly enjoyed Mantia's attack on his enemies.
Castle overlooking Venomia: Stronghold watched as Mantia battled it out with the fighters. Stronghold just watched in horror as the bio-weapon took the abuse and continued to fire back using all of its weaponry.
"I want all defensive platforms to lock onto this creature. I want this creature moved to a nearby open space and obliterated by our orbital defensives," said Stronghold talking to his aide.
"Sir watch out!" exclaimed his bodyguard who tackled Stronghold to the floor. Mantia came rushing right at them at incredible speeds. The bio-weapon slammed through the building and flew off. Stronghold watched as the whole castle started to break to pieces. His bodyguard pushed Stronghold and the aide into a nearby speeder and it took off. Stronghold watched behind him as the whole castle collapsed.
"You'll pay for that! I want every fighter on that thing now!" exclaimed Stronghold.
"Sir what is that thing?" asked the aide terrified. Mantia flew into a parallel position next to the speeder so the occupants could view the creature and its bristling weaponry.
"My name is Mantia and your day has ended," said the creature before flying off.
Dark side of Venom: A warship accompanied by six fighters streaked past the dormant defenses and towards the surface.
"I hope Mantia's doing okay," said Cook. The cruiser and escort flew over a barren piece of desert before stopping over a large piece of sand. The cruiser landed on the ground as the fighters took up defensive positions flying overhead. Cook and a small team of mice and ferret commandos exited the ship.
"Let's move before a sandstorm comes up," said Cook. The team entered an A.P.C. and drove off. They drove for about fifteen minutes before stopping at a single recessed panel in the ground. Cook hopped out and brushed off a panel next to the door. Cook punched in several buttons and the door opened. Cook went inside and entered an underground room full of panels and buttons. Cook pressed some of them and exited the underground room to see a large portion of the ground retract to reveal a downward sloping ramp. Cook closed the door and entered into the A.P.C. as it drove off and down the ramp. The vehicle passed several checkpoints before arriving in a large area. The commandos exited the vehicle and spread out. Cook activated a comm. system inside the A.P.C.
"Try and find the datacore and the cloning tanks. Then bring them back to the A.P.C.," said Cook. The commandos spread out and several minutes later they located their objectives.
"We've found the core. It's the size of a small suitcase," said a commando. Cook flipped through several pages of information Mantia had given him.
"That checks out. Andross managed to fit incredible amounts of data into a small space. Bring it back," said Cook.
"Sir, this is Sanders down at the tanks. It appears that Andross beat us to the punch. The Star Wolf team is already in them although they're in stasis. I guess the tanks served more purpose than one," said the soldier. Cook flipped through several more pages of data.
"Don't worry about it. There should be a cart nearby. Put the tanks and their control systems on it and get them back here. Try and obtain all the memory cards, reeducation systems, and all genetic samples. We've got five minutes until our undercover agents sleeper code on the defense systems wears off and they can detect us," said Cook.
"Fine but when the other soldiers bring back the core, could you have them help us," said Sanders.
"Right," said Cook. Three minutes later the troops loaded the core aboard.
"Go and help the others," said Cook. With thirty seconds left, the troops appeared in the main chamber with the gear.
"Quickly, quickly," said Cook. The gear was loaded and the vehicle took off back towards the ship. When they got there, it was already under attack.
"Crap. Keep driving, we've got to make it the ship," said Cook. The vehicle drove on as explosions lit up the nighttime sky. The A.P.C. entered into the ship as a large explosion went off nearby.
"Go, go, go!" exclaimed Cook to the bridge. The ship took off and leapt into the sky as the escort continued to hold off the fighters. One of their fighters exploded as more fighters appeared.
"We've got to keep this ship safe," Cook said. Missiles launched from the cruiser and peppered the sky. The enemy fighters scattered as multiple explosions went off. The cruiser burst free of the planet and found itself under attack by the umbras.
"Oh no," said Cook. The shields began failing as the umbras kept blasting at them. Just when it seemed they were doomed, Mantia streaked by under attack by several thousand fighters. Mantia, despite its own predicament, used its electric tail to short out the attacking umbras. The ship continued forward with its current five-fighter escort and plunged into warp. Mantia watched it leave and grinned. Mantia then dove back down to the planets surface and made a quick run against Venomia and blew up several more buildings before fleeing into warp headed for Aquas. On the surface, Stronghold watched Mantia's retreat from the military building.
"The Pride will pay," he said growling.
Sector Y: The four fighters pushed through the nebula desperately searching for The Hammer.
"This is hopeless! We can't see anything," complained Gary.
"We'll find it, don't worry," said Jason. The four fighters continued penetrating the thick cloud. After another hour of searching, Jason had had enough.
"Alright, I think we're done. I guess we'll have to find ourselves a different way of finding a base of operations," said Jason. However, just as they were prepared to leave, a large black blob appeared in front of them.
"Move in carefully," said Jason. The four fighters moved towards the blob and found themselves face to face with the Saruzin Class warship.
"I guess that's it," said Felicia. The four fighters made several sweeping scans of the ship and looked at the bristling weaponry. They finally stopped before a faded insignia on the ship, which read: The Hammer.
"It's a tribute to who we once were," said Jason. The four pilots realized that they were looking at a ship built during the days of peace in the Lylat System, a peace they knew would never return.
"Let's find the fighter bay," said Jason breaking the silence. The four fighters located the bay and landed inside. Dust covered everything in the bay, from cranes and bombs, to fighters, and offline robots. They moved towards the bridge and passed through several darkened corridors before arriving on the bridge. On the bridge, a figure sat in the main chair.
"Get down!" exclaimed Bunny reaching for her gun. She aimed it at the figure, but when it didn't move, she put it down. Jason walked to the figure and poked it.
"It's metal," he said. Gary walked over and looked at it and gasped in shock.
"What?" Felicia demanded. Gary brushed the dust off the figure.
"It's an old Rob unit. I thought they were all gone. I never dreamed I'd see one in person," he said. A blinking light was located on the robots head.
"Press it," said Jason pushing dust off some nearby panels. Gary pressed the button and the Rob unit powered up.
"RobGCN, built by Nintendo Robotics Inc., Tokyo, Macbeth. Creator: Shigeru Miyamoto. All systems on-line and at full strength, who are you?" asked the robot. Jason stepped forward.
"I'm Jason McCloud, I'm a descendant of Fox McCloud. It's been awhile since you were placed here. We've reactivated you because Mantia has returned to The Lylat System and you designed to combat it," said Jason. Rob looked around the bridge and noted the amount of dust. Then a noise was heard as something emerged from the ship. The team watched as a bright light streaked away from the ship.
"What's that for?" asked Jason. Rob looked at him.
"A probe designed to determine the exact temporal location of this unit," Rob said. A few minutes later, a screen activated on the wall. Rob looked at the information being processed.
"Approximately 485 years since placed inside the nebula. Sensors indicate large bio-weapon leaving Venom. Your information appears accurate. Please surrender a genetic sample to determine identification," said Rob. A robot appeared with a needle and syringe. Jason took the needle and drew some blood from himself. He then gave the needle back to the robot, which then processed the results. When it was done it turned to face Rob.
"Genetic sample reveals a distant linkage to Fox McCloud. Access granted," said the robot lumbering off. Rob turned to face them.
"Welcome to The Cornerian Defense Force vessel The Hammer which was named after the great general turned warlord, Hammer. Please indicate the current political status," said Rob. More screens turned on as the whole ship powered up.
"Since you've been dormant, The Lylat System went to war and was divided into several factions. We are the new Star Fox team and we're currently being employed by what remains of The Cornerian Defense System under the direction of Tobias Airbas. We need your help because Mantia has returned and The Lylat System is already at war with itself and now is the perfect opportunity for Mantia to succeed in its task," said Jason. The robot processed this information.
"Where is the current location of the CDF?" asked Rob.
"Katina," responded Felicia. The ship started moving.
"What's going on?" Bunny demanded.
"We are currently moving towards CDF HQ where your story can be confirmed by the current member of the CDF. The current leader should possess the access code for this ship. If the president is not in possession, this ship will self-destruct so it will not fall into enemy hands," said Rob.
"Wait! What about Mantia?" Gary asked. Rob turned to face him.
"Mantia is a secondary priority. If the CDF has been destroyed than Mantia should be allowed to rule the Lylat System for its current rulers are no longer competent to rule it. This is directive 47 of the Mantia Defense Force plan," said Rob. Then the doors to the bridge opened and a dozen robots walked in with blasters pointed at the Star Fox team.
"You will find a seat and make yourself comfortable. Directive 56 states that any person not on file will have to be detained until their proper identification can be confirmed," said Rob.
"Then why'd you take my genetic sample?" asked Jason angrily. Rob turned to face him.
"Just because you're identity has been confirmed does not mean that you are the same as your ancestor. Once your true mission has been located you like your friends are under my care. I'm not cruel and I'm just protecting this ship, which is why I've allowed you to stay on the bridge and not in the prison cells. Have a nice trip," said Rob turning his attention to flying the ship.
"That could've gone better," said Gary as the group took their seats.
"I hope that Tobias has those codes or we're in trouble," said Bunny. The ship exited the nebula and entered into warp.
Katina: "It's happened," said Powell. He and the generals were with Tobias back on the repaired upper floor meeting room. An image sprang up revealing Jake Whitacre.
"It appears that we've had a large conflict of interest of late and I propose this to the other factions. We need a single ruling party for this system and there's only one way to prove it. We will accompany all of our battlefleets to Solar and we will battle it out until a winner emerges. The winner and their faction will have supreme control of the Lylat System for now and for all time. If you don't send your ships, my faction will personally obliterate your miserable planet. The war begins in six hours. Send your ships now," said Jake. Another image showed his fleet above Solar and then the image flicked to show Elite and Pride fleets headed for Solar also.
"What do we do?" asked a general.
"We have no choice. We will send our fleet to Solar and battle the other factions. If we win then this whole war will be over and if we loose than we weren't right to lead the people," said Tobias calmly.
"The war for The Lylat System has begun," said Powell.
Siward: Mantia, the council of war, and the Star Wolf team sat around the central table watching the buildup of ships above Solar.
"Excellent. Once they blow each other to bits, we'll sweep in and conquer them all!" exclaimed Cook. Mantia looked at him
"The Lylat System is ours!" exclaimed the bio-weapon.