"The Universe is an evil place,"
"Yes, Uncle Andross. It is. That's why I wanted to do away with him from the—"
"SHADDUP!"
Andrew Oikonny fell silent on instant as his uncle looked to the other one present, a sleek gray lupine, older and more experienced, more ready to serve, and clever. Although the team of Star Wolf as a whole left much to be desired, as they had lost each time going up against Star Fox, Wolf O'Donnell would one day face Fox McCloud alone, and he would win--Andross was sure of it.
"Wolf, perhaps you can fill me in on the details?"
"Yes. Of course," Wolf answered straightforwardly. "I've received word from our operatives that Fox surrendered after wingman Patrick Hare promised him a fair hearing. He was then turned over to the Cornerian tribunal. They didn't charge him with treason, nor murder. Instead he received six months probation for the lesser crime of disobeying orders. He and his...new bride, the former Miss Phoenix, now reside in the west division of Artica. They've been there two years and have one son."
Andross looked at Wolf hard and long, seeing the future and all of its possibilities.
"The operatives. I assume you've posted their positions?"
"I have," said Wolf. "They're following my direct orders to keep an eye on Fox as we speak. They both have extensive mechanical knowledge of the Cornerian transports and they're highly trained with explosives. Right now they are both employed by the Air Commission at the Corneria City terminal."
"Good. James McCloud will pay beyond his own life for what he did to me. He chose to destroy my creations....I'll destroy his. I want to know when the son's new wife is scheduled to take any trips without him. This time, her trek will prove fatal...."
Lylat: Level 8--Conclusion
The pitter-patter of rain on the rooftop was soothing, so much that it put her to sleep in his arms. Their eighteen-month old son slept in the next room and the entire house had been secured earlier, nevertheless, he couldn't help but to make one more check before turning in for some shut-eye, because he'd need plenty before morning. Earlier in the evening, he spoke to Peppy, Slippy, and Falco. All systems were go. Peppy advised him not to rush and enjoy the last few days with his family before taking on the next mission which was expected to take three months and would perhaps stretch to 300 days if there were too many complications. Also was his wife, who wanted to return to her career as a defense specialist, and he made no objections, knowing what she did was as important to her as his desire to return to active duty aboard the Great Fox. She had been expected to meet with her new boss, whose main office was on Fortuna, then return to work at the office in Corneria City right away. But for now, Fox had other concerns.
All lights on the home security panel checked out. He stood in the main hallway and looked around, then pulled a small latch on the right side which let out a 3 x 5 screen along with a number pad, and he dialed nine digits with his anthropomorphic paws. Seconds later, the face of his old friend appeared on screen.
"Fox? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, Peppy, everything's fine."
"So Miss Fara's all ready to go in the morning?"
"Well, that's what I called to talk to you about,"
"Is there a problem?"
"Well...no...not really. It's just that she's been a bit tense about flying ever since we got back from Venom. I thought that maybe if our friends were there to see her off, it'd make her feel better."
"Oh? So you want us there in the morning?"
"If you don't mind."
"I don't see any problem with that. Especially if it'll help her. She's like the daughter I never had, Fox."
"Thanks, Peppy."
"What about the little guy? You bringin' him along, too?"
"Yeah. I'll get him over to the grandparents after Fara takes off. He'll be with them until she gets back."
"Good. I'll tell the guys and we'll be there in the morning. Now go get some sleep, Fox!"
For some reason that was just easier said than done. Fox wasn't quite sure, but something was wrong, he just couldn't pinpoint it. Maybe it was just that he was a bit nervous about taking his son, Jamie, to stay with Fara's step-mother and dad, because Mr. Phoenix had continued giving Fox a hell of a hard time since the day of the engagement and hadn't failed to make clear that he really wasn't so happy about the marriage. What was even worse was the step-mother, Silvy, kept worrying Fara about Andross and his never-ending grudge, and that she was at risk of becoming his next victim as long as she was the wife of a McCloud. At least Fara was strong-minded enough not to listen to them.
Five o'clock the next morning, Fox got up, deactivated the security system, went out to fetch the morning paper, then prepared the family for a short ride to the Corneria City air terminal.
When they arrived on the concourse of gate 11, Peppy was there just as he had said he would be, along with Slippy, and Falco who surprising brought Katt with him. Not only that, Fara was pleasantly surprised when she saw Bill and Rita; the best man and maid of honor.
"Pictures!" Rita got her camera and aimed for Fox and Fara who hugged right after the flight was announced. She snapped a couple of them, then one of them with Jamie, then the whole gang. Quite a nice celebration it turned out to be and when it was time for Fara to finally get aboard the transport, Fox pulled her aside and into his arms, then had one thing to say.
"I know Peppy won't be too crazy about this, but I'll make sure we pass Fortuna on the way out,"
"Aw, don't you get into any trouble because of me, Fox." she responded with a flirty smile that always sent quivers up and down his fur.
One last kiss.
"Okay, babe. Take care. I'll see you soon, and I love you."
"And I love you." said Fara. Then she picked up Jamie and kissed his wet nose and petted his muzzle the way a mother should, placed him snuggly into his dad's arms, waved goodbye to all their friends then got into the line of passengers and headed out to board the transport.
Ten minutes until take off.
"You okay, Fox?"
Fox didn't look at Falco who stood next to him, just kept his eyes on the huge ship that was built sort of like a sleek tram with wings—this one was one of deluxe shuttles with so many frills that it rivaled the Great Fox itself, definitely the best money could buy. Next, he heard the whine of the engines as its blades spun at full speed; moments later it backed out from the dock.
"Guess that's it. She's on her way now. She'll be fine."
Falco was silent, probably because he knew it was all out of their hands now.
Then, Fox saw Fara. She was seated on the right in the fifth row window seat, and she was looking at him, too, not in a frightened way, but in a way that said she would be all right just before pressing her hand gently against her window. He then did the same at the window where he stood, until the plane taxied and headed for take off.
"Come on, Fox. We'd better get goin'." said Peppy.
He looked back one last time to see the plane lift into the sky and held on to the belief that Fara would be safe in that transport—after all, he had received an official statement from the head mechanical engineer that the inspection had been completed and approved by the on duty maintenance techs for a smooth, uneventful operation.
I've won again...Andross...I'll make sure to win every time until I finally get rid of you....
Finally, Fox turned from the window and walked away, trusting his wife to the wide open skies of the universe, and to fate, which had so far always been on their side.
Hereafter
He hung up his coat and filed the logs for the last time. There would be no more flying for a while. Didn't mean to sound like an old arrogant bastard, but enough was enough, and he seen just about all the tragedy he could take in forty-one years, which he told General Pepper before walking out of the main headquarters, this time for good.
"I think you understand, don'tcha, old friend?"
Ever so often, he'd catch himself talking to James, knowing he was long gone, but then again....
"I know you're proud of that son of yours. He's had some hard times lately...well, we've all had some hard times. But he'll get through this. He's a strong kid. And you've got quite a grandson, too. Poor little fella, already misses his mom...."
Peppy went to his kitchen and poured a glass of water to wash down the pill that was supposed to help him sleep better at night. Strange thing, he really didn't feel like sleeping, but it probably wouldn't have done any good anyway to be knocked out if the little one called for him. One last time, he peeked in on Jamie. The kid slept peacefully, seemed content while his dad went on the newest mission. The last thing the kid said before drifting off was that he had a good idea of what he wanted to dream about. He'd grow up to be a pilot, he said, the greatest the Lylat Universe had ever seen, just like his dad.
That's it! Hope you enjoyed this little first Star Fox fic of mine and really truly thanks for taking the time to read it!^_^