Anguirus111 note: As you can see by my Star Fox timeline in my bio, all of my stories are in the same timeline/universe. However, this one isn't and if I decide to write any more stories, I'll tell you which one they're from. Also, in case you don't remember from my earlier fic, Warlord Hammer is a hammerhead shark that floats upright with his tail pointed to the ground and his head up above. In case you're curious, I bumped Gorgon Found from PG to R with the introduction of my new chapter. Just click on R for you ratings and click Go and you'll find it there.
Remains of Corneria City, during the time when the Lylat Wars should have been occurring, but weren't: Dozens of Venomian and Cornerian fighters streaked over the war torn city. Smoke rose above the city and there was also smoke on the horizon. A dozen heavily armed yet damaged battle cruisers lined the sky above. On the ground stood a single tent erected where the old capitol building once stood. In the tent were several heavily battered creatures, each with scars and dried blood on their bodies. At the head of the table sat an ape wearing a leather jacket, pants, gloves, and a black shirt.
"The resistance here has been eliminated?" asked Andross.
"Yes Emperor. This branch of the group here known as the Venomian Resistance Force has been eliminated," said Gen. Pepper. Andross gave a brief nod.
"What is the overall damage now?" asked Andross.
"We're looking at extreme damage. The VRF damaged every planet in the Lylat System. It'll take months to repair the damage to Venomia City back on Venom," said Pepper. Andross nodded.
"Get it done as soon as possible because I want my city back to its former glory. Nothing says control and power like a clean and efficient capitol city," he said.
"We will Emperor," Pepper responded. Andross stood up and clasped his hands behind his back as he walked around the table. He spun around.
"Any more signs of resistance?" he said. Pepper grimaced.
"There have been riots on Zoness, Venom, and Katina. Guerrilla warfare has broken out on Fortuna as well," said Pepper.
"Have the protesters been executed?" demanded Andross.
"Yes sir. The law specifically states that all who oppose your regime are to be eliminated. I don't know why the even resist, but I guess all creatures have some rebellious nature in them. It's just that most know to repress it. Rest assured, all future outbursts will be dealt with swiftly and calmly without the public knowing about it," said Pepper.
"Excellent. We can't afford to fall apart now. After all, I have great plans for the future. One day we will travel to other stars and will rule over everyone around us," said Andross.
"We look forward to it sir. Rest assured, future rebellion will be put down. This was one of the last strongholds of the enemy. The final one we are aware of is currently being dealt with by the Star Fox team and the UVCAF (United Venomian Cornerian Attack Force)," said Pepper.
"Excellent. Dismissed," said Andross. The other generals filed out, each bowing to the Emperor before exiting the tent. Andross glanced at a frayed paper chart of the Lylat System. Andross sat down and glanced at the chart while reading current intelligence reports, also on paper. Andross erased a few notes on the chart and then wrote in new ones. He finally looked at the chart, sighed, then scowled, and took out a capsule of pills designed to keep him awake. He couldn't afford to sleep at until this 'VRF' was eliminated once and for all. This was a critical juncture in the plans he had for the Lylat System.
"Rebellion is bad for peace, I can't allow it to continue. It seems every moment to grow in leaps and bounds. I can't sleep until it's eliminate once and for all," thought Andross. Andross read his notes once more and exited the tent. His bodyguards snapped to attention and they escorted him to the communications center, which was basically a Harlock Communications Cruiser that had crashed in Corneria City during the fighting. Andross walked along the hallways until he reached the bridge. Andross sat down in a chair and sealed off the bridge. He activated the comm.
"Attention Attack Force, this is your Emperor. I demand a status update," said Andross. The screen came alive and showed the bridge of a Zeram Class Cruiser, in the middle of the bridge was a general Hammer who used the title Warlord Hammer and at his side was the Star Fox team consisting of Fox McCloud, Andrew Oikonny, Leon Powalski, and Falco Lombardi. Fox had several small scars on his head from his various battles with rebels to secure the rule of Andross. The others had various bruises and some mechanical work done to their faces to keep them alive.
"What Excellency?" Hammer asked.
"What's your status?" Andross said.
"We're currently advancing on the base. It appears to be located on a cluster of asteroids in Meteo," said Hammer.
"Good. I want everyone captured if possible and then a rigorous torture for information. After they're done, execute them. I have no need for infidels. Of course deaths should be expecting during the battle, and 100% casualties would be understandable, but not preferable so be cautious as to whom you kill. But if there are any 'dreamers', I want them alive and taken immediately to the base at Sector X," said Andross.
"Yes sir," they all said. The screen shut down as they initiated radio silence to avoid being detected by the enemy. Andross leaned back in the chair and put his hands together in front of his face as he contemplated current events. Finally he stood up and boarded his shuttle for Venom.
Meteo: Two UVCAF Zeram-Class Cruisers and one Saruzin-Class Warship entered the belt. Inside the Saruzin were several UVCAF fighters waiting to be launched as well as two Wolfen II's and two Arwings.
"It'll take a few hours to reach them. Better prepare for a long haul," said Hammer over the comm. Fox sat in his combat quarters that consisted of nothing more than a bed, a chair, and a single hanging light. Nothing personal was allowed in UVCAF ships, Andross wouldn't allow it. If one focused on something other than the task at hand, they'd become less efficient in the task and become a hazard against the fleet. The situation suited Fox fine since he had no personal mementos except a pair of blasters given to him by his father before he had been executed for failure to stop the execution of five 'dreamers'. Fox had loved his father within reason, but he knew that actual love had no place in today's society because of the high death rate. Andross had even attempted to forbid caring because it could lead to emotional instability, but he knew it wasn't plausible. Thus he simply eliminated anyone who showed any sort of affection. The only way creatures reproduced was when advanced supercomputers determined compatibility between various creatures and the peak time when conceiving would yield the maximum results in terms of offspring. Andross had forbidden cloning and genetic engineering for the common creatures and he only used it for specific purposes, although those were all classified. Fox sighed and shook his head of those thoughts and pulled out a bottle of black market liquor. Andross had also forbidden liquor during military campaigns, but he wasn't very strict on this sort of rule so drinking was allowed, just not in plain sight of others.
"Attention all pilots. There will be a briefing on what to expect at our destination. Go to briefing room 1-A. Anyone late will be executed. Have a nice day," said the intercom. Fox sighed and put the bottle away. He then stood up and exited his quarters out into the hallway. The hallways were always clean because Andross valued cleanliness as well however dirty and dingy was accepted in quarters. Fox walked down several corridors and entered the large briefing room. Pilots had already begun filing in and Fox sat down with his team.
"Can't you be late for once so you'll be executed?" asked Falco to Leon in a mechanical voice that didn't convey what his original voice sounded like.
"Annoying bird. I am the great Leon!" Leon retorted. Falco groaned when he heard Leon's popular response to most questions he was asked. Fox just shook his head as the doors closed on the briefing room. A brief noise of blaster fire was heard and then silence. Fox felt sorry for the poor souls who hadn't made it to the briefing room on time, but he didn't dwell on it. An Intelligence officer strode in with a clipboard and pointer. The officer slammed his right fist against his chest and then thrust his right arm parallel to the floor and at a 45-degree angle from his body in a UVCAF greetings/salute. The pilots did the same.
"If you will all pick up the dossiers underneath your seats, we can get this briefing started. Inside you will find surveillance photograph of the installation. It's a cluster of asteroids joined together by tubes and other pylons to form a ring. The fighter defenses are unknown, but we do know that there are at least three heavy weapons platforms floating nearby and numerous cannons located on the asteroid's surfaces. You can read the rest of the information on your own. The assault will go like this. The two Zeram Cruisers will conduct a hit and run against the installation while your fighters are being launched. You'll fly against the base in several waves, knocking out the various defenses. Once they're defenseless, the Saruzin will move in and launch several troop carriers. They will proceed to infiltrate the site through what we've determined to a launch bay along with our Star Fox team. If the bay is large enough, the Saruzin will land inside as well and disgorge more troops. All enemies who are armed are to be eliminated and all civilian personnel and high-ranking officials are to be taken into custody. However the most important objective is locating and securing any 'dreamers'. If any are found, it is to be reported immediately to us back here at the Saruzin and a special team will move for extraction of the 'dreamers'. After the enemy personnel are safely off the base and the databanks are downloaded into the Saruzin, we will destroy the base and leave for Venomia City. Any questions?" asked Intel. Fox raised his hand.
"Fox," said Intel.
"I've asked this before, why are the 'dreamers' so important?" Fox asked. Intel sighed.
"Until our blessed Emperor decides to reveal why they are important, we will never know," said Intel.
"But surely you must," began Fox.
"If that's all, this meeting is adjourned," said Intel walking off. Fox growled softly as the Intel officer quickly left the room. The pilots started leaving when suddenly the whole ship rocked and the lights winked out only to be replaced with emergency lights.
"Shit we're under attack! Let's move to the bay," said Fox. The pilots all ran down the corridor to the bay. They all stopped by their fighters and hopped in. The emergency broadcast channel came on.
"We are under attack by magnetic mines. Go out and destroy them before they eliminate any of the task force," said the mechanical voice. The fighters began launching out into space. The Star Fox team was the first launched and immediately spotted the mines being drawn towards the ships. More fighters took up flanking positions behind them as they advanced into the minefield.
"Let's take 'em all out," said Falco.
"Right behind you," said Andrew. The fighters each split up and started pegging various mines. After a few minutes, most of the mines were destroyed although a few fighters were also destroyed as a result.
"Alright back to the ship," said Fox. The remaining fighters turned around and flew back into the ship. As soon as they landed, a message rang out on the loudspeaker.
"Debriefing now!" said the speaker. Every pilot groaned because that meant that the mission might be over before it began and they'd have to try again later. That meant that they'd be punished even for not doing anything but saving themselves.
"Let's go," said Fox.
Venomia City, Venom: Andross' shuttle landed on top of the Imperial Palace and Andross exited his shuttle and looked out at his city. The city had been ruthlessly attacked by the VRF and smoke was still rising from various demolished buildings and repair/deconstruction crews were already on the job clearing or repairing the wreckage. Andross walked in the building and proceeded down an elevator shaft. He emerged in the middle of a bustling scene.
"Your Emperor is upon you!" said a voice over a speaker. Everyone stood up straight towards the center aisle. The Emperor gave his personal salute, which consisted of him pounding both his fists against his chest and holding them out in front of him at a 45-degree angle and everyone else did the same regular salute.
"As you were," said Andross. Everyone returned to his or her various duties. General Powell walked up to Andross.
"We're delighted you could rejoin us Emperor," said Powell. Andross held up his hand to ward off the pleasantries as he walked down the aisle.
"I want a propaganda update now," said Andross. Powell nodded and clicked on a TV nearby. Andross stopped as an image came on of a normal Venomia City.
"Greetings citizens of Lylat. We're proud to announce that Venomia City is up and running despite the recent attack by the VRF. The VRF have been all but been eradicated by our glorious forces. In order to maintain more security of our capitol city, more defenses and shelters have been put in place to defend you and your family. Rest assured, Venomia is safe for the common citizen once more," said a female voice. Powell shut off the TV and walked with Andross down the aisle.
"Excellent, distribute it immediately to all colonies. However there is the problem of repairing Venomia City. How long will that take?" asked Andross. Powell grimaced.
"Even at full pace, it'll take two weeks before everything is cleaned up. I'm sorry but that's the best that can be done," said Powell. Andross groaned.
"It can't be helped," said Andross. He walked down another hallway into his office.
"What's my agenda for today?" asked Andross.
"Well to start off…hold on," said Powell. His datapad had started beeping and he started reading what was on it.
"We have an emergency communiqué from the UVCAF fleet sent to attack the base in Meteo," said Powell. Andross gave a slight nod of his head.
"Put them on," said Andross. Powell pressed a button on his datapad and a hologram activated showing Warlord Hammer.
"My Emperor, our veil of secrecy has failed. On our way to the enemy base, we ran into a group of mines. Any chance of a secret attack will surely have disappeared during the attack. We need your decision as to whether or not to proceed," said Warlord Hammer. Andross closed his gloved hands in front of his face as he contemplated what to do.
"Stats," he said. A list of information scrolled across Warlord Hammer's image. Andross absorbed all of the information before addressing Warlord Hammer.
"What do you think? Can the mission still be a success despite what has happened?" asked Andross. Warlord Hammer contemplated it for a few minutes before reaching his answer.
"I believe that the mission will be a success despite the fact that we've lost the element of surprise," said Warlord Hammer.
"Do you stake you life against that?" asked Andross.
"I do," said Warlord Hammer. Andross gave an evil smile.
"Good. Because of that mission fails you'd better hope that you die along with it. I don't tolerate failure very well. So go and complete your mission," said Andross. Warlord Hammer nodded and the image shutoff.
"You believe that he can pull it off?" asked Powell. Andross nodded slightly.
"Yes I do. Now I want to know who was the officer in charge of making that flight path. It should have been clear!" yelled Andross. Powell pressed a button on his datapad and an image sprung up of a red fox.
"Jake Thomas," said Powell. Andross scowled at the image.
"I want him immediately sterilized. Have his name removed from the reproductive databank. If he's already reproduced, I want his children and mate killed as well. This Jake character is to immediately be sent to a low-level garbage duty job. Such is my will," said Andross. Powell nodded.
"Yes sir. Feeling generous today?" asked Powell.
"Yes I do. Besides, I've had my eye on this officer for a while. I thing he's with the VRF and is an undercover agent. Hopefully this will send a message to all the VRF spies that I mean business and they'd better quit what they're doing or they will suffer a similar fate. Now go," said Andross pointing to the door. Powell saluted, bowed, and left the room backwards so his back didn't face the Emperor. Andross shut the door automatically from his desk and began contemplating about the 'dreamers'. He finally accessed his comm. system.
"I want my shuttle prepped for immediate passage to Sector X," said Andross.
"Yes sir," came the response. Andross stood up and exited his office. He went to his shuttle and immediately took off for Sector X and the base there.
"Soon the dreamers will reveal to me their secrets," said Andross as his shuttle cleared Venom and entered warp.
Meteo: "Good news pilots, the mission will continue. However it's now a do or die scenario. We will arrive at the base in three hours. Make sure you're ready for immediate launch. Have a nice day," said Intel leaving the room. Everyone groaned. Do or die meant that they either completed the mission or they all died. Fox walked up to the main podium.
"Okay pilots, we all know what that means. We'd better complete this mission with a 110% approval rating or we're all dead. I want you all to practice in the simulators at least for several minutes. I don't want us going out there cold. Make sure you're prepared for any scenario. Let's move out," said Fox. The pilots filed out and into the hallway headed for either their quarters, or the simulators.
3 hours later: "Okay folks this is it. It's do or die. And let's do," said Fox to the pilots assembled in the fighter bay. Several cheers rose up as everyone headed for their respective fighters and prepared for launch.
VRF Meteo Base: "Any signs of the vessels that set off our minefield?" asked VRF leader Peppy Hare inside the base of operations on one of the asteroids.
"Nope. They must've been destroyed," said Wolf O'Donnell.
"I still say we should be on our guard. We lost contact with Jake Thomas and that could mean that an UVCAF fleet is headed this way. Need I remind you what happened at our Corneria base?" asked Peppy.
"No you don't. All defensive weapons are fully charged and what remains of our fighters are ready for launch at anytime," said Wolf.
"Good," said Peppy. Suddenly alarms began blaring all over the base. Greg Parlow ran up to them.
"We have to UVCAF Zeram-Class Cruiser inbound with a Saruzin in reserve launching fighters," said Greg. Peppy rubbed his hands together.
"It's time to tell the UVCAF and Andross that we mean business. Prepare for combat," said Peppy smiling.
Space, outside of the VRF base: The two Zeram Class Cruisers flew by spewing laser fire. Some defense turrets were destroyed, but for the most part, the base was undamaged. Then the UVCAF fighters came in blasting away at the defenses.
"Keep it tight folks. The more defenses we destroy and the more UVCAF fighters we save, the sooner we can go home. Let's take 'em all out!" yelled Fox over the radio. Then several VRF fighters appeared from the Meteo Base.
"Can't let you do that Star Fox," said Wolf.
"Peppy has ordered us to take you down," said Greg.
"The way I hear it Fox, your daddy screamed real good before he died!" yelled Pigma Dengar. Fox just shook his head smiling.
"Just who I needed to see, Star Wolf. Let's take care of these guys first," said Fox. The Star Fox team split up taking on their targets in the Star Wolf team. Fox had assigned himself to Wolf, Leon and Andrew to Pigma, and Falco to Greg before they had arrived in anticipation of meeting up with the VRF's only real threat to the UVCAF.
"You'll fail Fox because you're inferior to my skills as a pilot," said Wolf in his WolfenI. Wolf opened fire on Fox only to have the shots reflected by Fox's g-diffuser as he barrel rolled.
"Considering you're in outdated technology, I doubt that very much," said Fox. He executed a loop and came up behind Wolf.
"What the heck? Oh well, it doesn't matter because I go for quality and not technology," said Wolf. He executed a U-Turn, the only thing his fighter could do that compared to the Arwing, and he raced past Fox's fighter. However, during the passing, a single speck of light emerged from the back of Fox's Arwing. It speed towards Wolf's fighter and exploded taking the WolfenI with it.
"Nope you're wrong Wolf. Especially since the introduction of mines to all UVCAF fighters to prevent what you just did from becoming a threat to us," said Fox. He pulled his fighter around and began strafing the base along with a couple of UVCAF fighters that had pulled up alongside him. Eventually they pulled off and the rest of the Star Fox team joined him after defeating their targets.
"Let's head for the hanger and clear it and determine if it's okay for the Saruzin to enter," said Fox. As they flew towards the hanger, the two Zeram's had returned to the fight and were destroying the remaining defenses.
"There's the bay," said Andrew. Several figures rushed about the hanger trying to fix various fighters for launch.
"I think it's time we started mowing," said Fox.
"Agreed," said Leon. The fighters entered the hanger and began firing their lasers. The lasers mowed down several creatures and the Star Fox team proceeded further into the bay continuing to fire. After a few minutes, the bay was devoid of creatures. UVCAF troop transports had begun entering the bay and disgorging troops.
"Fox the bay's long enough. Bring in the Saruzin," said Leon.
"Right. Hammer, the bay's long enough. Bring her in," said Fox.
"Excellent. We're coming," said Hammer.
"Let's land and help out the commandos," said Fox. The Arwings and WolfenII's landed on the far edge of the bay. Fox and Co. leapt out and stopped in front of the commandos. Fox yanked out his fathers blasters, and the others yanked out their own various weapons. For Falco, it was two dueling swords that was his weapon of choice in close combat, but he still carried a blaster for long-range combat. Leon and Andrew carried modified weapons while the commandos carried standard issue blasters.
"Okay. Until further notice or until the Saruzin lands, whichever comes first, I'll be your leader. We have to secure the main base of operations and make sure that no self-destruct device can be activated after the Saruzin lands. Let's move. The bridge should be this way," said Fox. They proceeded out into the hallway and straight into a contingent of VRF troops.
"Open fire!" yelled Fox. Laser blasts erupted from both groups and several troops were felled. However there were more troops in the UVCAF contingent than the VRF contingent so they were quickly disposed of.
"C'mon let's move. Leave the civilians behind, any who escape will be routed by the UVCAF forces outside in space. The bridge is our main priority," said Fox. The Star Fox team and the commandos marched down several hallways and dispatched various troops who were alone. There was more chaos than actual order inside of the base so it was fairly easy to get to the bridge since most of the civilians thought they were VRF forces and Fox was more than happy to give them that idea since it made things easier than slaughtering them all when they resisted. Eventually the team reached the bridge. They stopped right in front of it and they all pulled their weapons.
"We don't know what's beyond that door and since Andross doesn't belief that stun weapons or non-lethal weapons in general should be allowed in combat, shoot for their knees. If they can't walk, they can't move. However, if anyone does make a reach for a console or button of some sort, shoot to kill. Let's move. 1…2…3… Go!' yelled Fox. They burst into the bridge and startled everyone working there.
"Freeze VRF scum!" yelled Fox. A few creatures froze, but some started moving to do various things.
"Open fire!" yelled Falco. The Star Fox team and the commandos opened fire on whoever was moving. The blasted a couple creatures to dust, but they managed to incapacitate most of them. Peppy Hare quickly ran out of an emergency exit before he could be subdued.
"I've got him! Make sure that no self-destruct system has been activated. I'll be right back," said Fox running off as the commandos got to work. He followed Peppy down several corridors before finally emerging in a secret hanger. Peppy was just about to enter his ship when Fox fired a blast between him and the ship. Peppy froze in his tracks and then spun around to face Fox.
"Fox McCloud. At last we meet for the first time," said Peppy. Fox shrugged.
"Peppy Hare, you're under arrest for conspiring against the UVCAF forces and decimating several cities in the Lylat System. Now step away from your ship and put your hands in the air or I will shoot you," said Fox. Peppy complied and stepped away from his ship with his hands in the air.
"May I ask you something before I'm arrested?" asked Peppy.
"I suppose. What?" Fox asked.
"Doesn't it feel odd to you that Andross is ruling the Lylat System?" asked Peppy.
"He won emperorship fair and square. He organized a military coup and assassinated the last emperor. What's so odd about that?" asked Fox.
"Yes but have you ever woken up late at night and felt that something is wrong. Andross shouldn't be ruling, we shouldn't be living in a dictatorship, but in a democracy where everyone is equal?" asked Peppy.
"You speak treason. No wonder Andross wants you captured. Besides, you're just a crazy old rabbit with nothing better to do than lead a failed attempt to become the new emperor," said Fox.
"You're wrong. Somehow we've wound up where we have. The 'dreamers' know the truth. That's why Andross wants them. They know how things should've been but weren't. Think about it," said Peppy. Peppy pulled out a concealed blaster and aimed it at Fox. However when he did, Fox was nowhere to be seen. Peppy shrugged and ran for his ship. However before he got there, a blaster bolt flew out of nowhere and nailed Peppy in the heart. Peppy fell over in a heap before reaching his ship. Fox appeared from behind a crate and stepped over Peppy's body.
"What I think doesn't matter," he said before leaving. Fox walked back to the command center in silence. When he arrived, more commandos were in there along with Warlord Hammer.
"Did you stop Peppy Hare?" asked Hammer. Fox nodded.
"Unfortunately he put up a fight and in the ensuing battle, he was killed," said Fox. Hammer smiled.
"An acceptable casualty. The main computer has locked us out, it apparently was a built in safety feature activated during the initial attack and couldn't be stopped. It doesn't really matter because we'll load it on the Saruzin and carry it home to be decrypted. However, none of the prisoners are willing to reveal if there are any 'dreamers' so we'll have to search for them room to room. Let's move out," said Hammer. Fox left with the Star Fox team and they walked down a hallway. The checked various rooms, but they were all civilian quarters and there were UVCAF troops escorting the crying civilians out.
"Serves them right for going against the UVCAF and our blessed Emperor," thought Fox. They finally reached the end of the hallway.
"Well that was a bust," said Fox slamming hands against the end of the hallway. Oddly enough, it landed with a thud than no sound at all. Fox looked at the wall quizzically.
"That's odd. Falco, scan it," said Fox. Falco stepped forward and used his one mechanical eye to scan the wall.
"It's definitely a door of some kind," he said.
"Andrew, can you open it?" asked Fox. Andrew shrugged.
"I guess," he said. Andrew pulled out a device and turned it on.
"Evidently it requires a sub-harmonic code of some kind. It might take awhile though," said Andrew sighing. Fox turned away from the door.
"We don't have time for this. Step back," said Fox.
"What're you going to do?" asked Falco.
"Become a locksmith," said Fox still facing away. The rest of the team shrugged and stepped away from the door. Fox spun around and used his blasters to blow open the door. Fox twirled his blasters around on his fingers and put them away. Once the smoke cleared, they entered the room beyond it.
"Jackpot," said Fox. Inside the room, were several beds and support monitors and on those beds were 'dreamers'. The dreamers were all kept in a near comatose state so that they constantly talked about their dreams. Sometimes it was descriptions and sometimes it was dialogue. Fox walked past a couple dreamers to a station with several printouts. Fox tore off some of the paper and started reading it.
"Wow. This is quite a find. We've got fifteen dreamers here. All of this contains data on what the VRF learned about them," said Fox. He began reading the info while the rest of the team wandered around the room listening to various things the 'dreamers' were saying.
"Incoming message from General Pepper, priority one," said one 'dreamer'.
"Lylat Wars. Huge, all planets affected, Andross insane," said another. Falco just shook his head in disbelief because he still believed that the 'dreamers' were just a bunch of liars.
"Whoa," said Hammer poking his head in through the destroyed entryway. Fox dropped the pad of paper and stood up while the rest of the team stood at attention.
"G-g-general. I-I'm sorry that I didn't inform you about the location of the 'dreamers'. I accept the punishment for the whole group," said Fox hanging his head down. Hammer held up his fins.
"No apology necessary. We're all curious about the 'dreamers', myself included. Andross hasn't told us anything about them and I want to know. Falco, Leon, Andrew, keep wandering around like you're inspecting the life signs of the dreamers," said Hammer. The team nodded and went to work as Hammer approached Fox.
"What've you learned?" asked Hammer. Fox picked up the pad of paper and rifled through it before looking back up at Hammer sighing.
"It's hard to tell really. According to this, the 'dreamers' are just ordinary people who when asleep mumble weird things about some sort of war that should be happening now between something called the CDF and Andross. I don't know how or where the VRF acquired these 'dreamers', but they've been monitoring them for the past few months/years, it doesn't exactly say," said Fox confused. Hammer contemplated what he had said.
"Copy everything. I'm going to call in the collections team when you're done. You keep this between you, me, and whomever you trust on your team," said Hammer. Fox nodded.
"Yes sir," said Fox. He turned on a computer and saved everything onto a disk. He then gave the thumbs up sign to Hammer who nodded.
"Retrieval team, come in. Yes we've located some dreamers. Home into my coordinates to find them," said Hammer into his radio. Fox flipped through the data one more time.
"Hey Falco. Do you see a small cube where you are?" asked Fox. Falco looked around and saw it.
"Yeah," he responded.
"Take it and hide it," said Fox.
"Why?" Falco asked.
"Don't ask, just do it," said Fox. Falco took it and put it in his jacket. Fox flipped through the data on the screen and deleted all information regarding the cube right before the team arrived in protective clothing.
"Okay UVCAF scum, this is where we take over. Leave now," said the team leader. Fox held up his hands and defeat and left with his team.
"General Hammer, we have order to commandeer one of your Zeram-Class Cruisers for immediate transport to Sector X. We will act on those orders now," said the team leader.
"If the Emperor decrees it, it shall be done. One Zeram is at your disposal, whichever you choose," said Hammer right before he grabbed the team leader and pulled him forward until they were face to face, "and one more thing, it's Warlord Hammer! Not general! I maybe a general, but I go by Warlord Hammer by all unless you're on my good side and can call me Hammer. But you're not and never will be!" Hammer pushed the team leader away and left. On the way out he clapped hands with Fox who accompanied him down the hallway with the rest of the team.
"Smooth," said Fox laughing along with the rest of the team.
"I can't handle those with 'special privileges', especially those that can commandeer one of my ships," said Hammer as they walked towards the bay. Falco handed Fox the cube.
"Here. What's its importance?" Falco asked. Fox put the cube away.
"We'll find out soon enough," said Fox.
"I'll meet with you and your team at 2200 in my quarters," said Hammer.
"Right," said Fox. They entered the bay and noted that their fighters had already been placed inside the ship so they entered through a small ingress/egress hatch on the side of the ship that the commandos were entering through.
"Are we ready to go?" asked Hammer. The deck officer nodded.
"We're ready. All remaining commandos are onboard, all fighters are in the bay, the computer core has been loaded, and the explosive charges are in place," said the officer. Hammer nodded.
"Alright let's go," said Hammer. He activated the comm. system, gave the order, and soon they were underway. The ship lifted off the hanger and backed up into space. The ship traveled far enough away and stopped, accompanied by one of the Zeram Class Cruisers. The other had already taken off for Sector X and there was no one left on the station.
"Goodbye VRF thorn in the side of the UVCAF," said Hammer. He pressed a button and the base exploded flinging rocks everywhere.
"Let's go. First to Venom and then finally to Corneria," said Hammer. The fleet moved on through the field towards their destination.
Sector X, secret military installation: Andross watched a bright glow appear inside the Meteo field before going out. Andross smiled knowing the mission was complete and successful. Andross then turned around and looked at the hundreds of comatose 'dreamers' in front of him.
"Soon I will know you're secrets and then I will have total domination over the Lylat System," he said laughing.