Saruzin Class Warship, accompanied by a single Zeram Class Cruiser in transit to Venom: Inside the ship, Fox, Falco, Leon, Andrew, and Warlord Hammer sat in the galley drinking non-alcoholic beverages although some of them wished they had one after reading the data that Fox had downloaded.
"So let me get this straight. According to the 'dreamers', a war should be raging right now between the Cornerian Defense Force and us, against Andross. Only 'us' consists of Fox, me, the traitor Peppy Hare, and a 'Slippy Toad' and not Fox, me, Andrew, and Leon. And to add insult to injury, Andross is an insane madman bent on conquering the Lylat System from its democratic way of life. I'm sorry, but I don't believe word of this shit!" yelled Falco slamming his fist on the table in anger. Some of the other patrons in the galley gave him a curious glance before returning to their current activities.
"I didn't ask you to believe it, I only said that's what they 'dreamed'," said Fox going over the data on his padd once again.
"It must be propaganda, it has to be. Clearly the VRF genetically altered the 'dreamers' to admit these dreams as a form of undermining Andross rule as Emperor. Hell, it wouldn't be the first time someone's used genetic engineering to obtain leadership. In fact, that's what our last Emperor did to become leader with his genetically engineered soldiers. That's why Andross had genetic engineering banned so no one could try it again," said Leon taking a sip of his beverage. Andrew nodded in agreement.
"My uncle's a smart man, that's why he's Emperor. However, I don't know how or where the VRF managed to obtain the facilities to do this type of genetic engineering, but when you're determined, you're determined. I'm lost really on this matter. What do you think general?" asked Andrew. Hammer leaned back in his chair as he thought about the 'dreamers'. He finally leaned forward over the table and rifled through the info on the padd.
"Clearly we can't determine anything at this point. This data is inconclusive and we don't know why Andross wants the 'dreamers'. Unless we have some hard evidence, we've got nothing," said Hammer sighing. Falco rifled through his pockets.
"Well we do have this," he said chucking the small cube onto the table. It rolled to a stop and Fox picked up and twiddled it with his fingers and then tossed it up and down.
"Yeah we do," said Fox. He then set it on the table where Leon picked it up and looked it over.
"What's its importance?" he asked. Fox shrugged.
"The files only said that it is one half of a 'key'. Another box similar to it is the other half. Once combined, all will be revealed. The files said they didn't have the other cube," said Fox. Falco snatched the cube from Leon.
"Shouldn't we give this to Andross?" he asked. Fox grimaced as he thought about what would happen should Andross find out they were withholding something from him related to the 'dreamers'.
"Look, I'm not one to question or go against the Emperor, we all know that. But nevertheless, we must know about the 'dreamers' purpose here. Now this cube could easily be an incendiary device designed to kill Andross should he touch it. We'd merely be protecting him. Now when we locate both the cubes and ascertain what they do, then we give them to Andross," said Fox.
"I'm strictly against this plan. I say we give it to him now," said Falco.
"I know, but we can't. The purpose of the 'dreamers' must be discovered. I'll hold onto the cube for now. Once we get to Venom, I have a contact who could help us determine what it is," said Fox. Falco shrugged.
"Okay, but it's no on my head if this fails," he said leaving. Fox sighed watching him leave. Then the rest of the team and Hammer filed out as well as Fox consulted the data again.
"Why are you here?" thought Fox. The Saruzin plowed onwards through warp towards Venom.
Secret Installation, Sector X: "Sir, the Zeram Cruiser has arrived with the 'dreamers' and the information," said a scientist to Andross who was watching the nebula from his office.
"Excellent," said Andross. He exited his office and joined up with the team from the Zeram, which had just docked to the station. The leader gave a wide smile when he entered the station.
"We couldn't have hoped for better. We've got fifteen 'dreamers' and all the data the VRF collected on them. Soon, we will know what 'they' know," said the leader. Andross nodded in agreement.
"Yes. Hook them up in here and let's rifle through the data," said Andross. The 'dreamers' were wheeled in and hooked up to monitors inside the base.
"Excellent. We have 95 of them. We'd have at least a hundred if that idiot James hadn't screwed up," said Andross. The leader nodded.
"Yes sir. On that note, I believe that Warlord Hammer and the Star Fox are starting to poke their noses to far into our affairs with the 'dreamers'. I think you should put an agent on them," said the leader. Andross laughed.
"It's not necessary. Even if they know something we don't, they wouldn't dare do anything major on their own without finally revealing it to me. I'll let them do their own thing, but if it becomes a threat to our operation, I'll step in and reprimand them. Don't worry, there's nothing to fear. We'll solve this mystery before they do," said Andross. The leader nodded and left. Andross sighed as he recalled what the 'dreamers' had said about him and Fox, but he didn't really care.
"Fox knows nothing and he's different from their 'Fox'," thought Andross shaking his head to clear those thoughts "Fox isn't a threat, and I must stay focused on the matter at hand. The 'dreamers'." Andross then walked down to a meeting room to consult with the scientists.
Venom: The Saruzin and Zeram Cruiser exited warp above the planet and entered a docking bay above the planet. Fox and co., along with Hammer disembarked and took a shuttle to the surface. Venom had been properly terraformed and it was nice day with a blue sky and Solar in the background, with rolling hills, pastures, and small cities marking the landscape. The shuttle finally landed at a terminal inside of Venomia City, which had been pretty much repaired after the VRF attack. Fox and co. departed the shuttle and stood in the center of the bustling metropolis.
"It really is beautiful despite the restrictions on social life," said Fox. The shuttle took off and Fox and co. walked through the terminal and out into a green park. Various citizens were sitting on park benches enjoying themselves.
"Look, we've all got places to be. Why don't we meet up back here in three hours so we can visit my contact," said Fox.
"Right," said the rest of them. They all walked off in different directions to where they had to go. Fox shifted his shoulder bag and walked off to a hoverbus. He got on it and sat down with everyone else. No one was allowed to stand on a bus, and it couldn't be crowded because the Emperor hated getting on a crowded bus and not being able to get off. When the bus stopped at his destination, Fox disembarked and headed up the building to his apartment. He entered in his code and entered his room. His room consisted of a bed, a chair, a closet, a computer terminal, and a single light hanging from his ceiling like his quarters on the ship. Fox chucked his bag and walked over to a computer he had against one wall and typed in his access code. The computer revved to life and a screen displayed a timer.
"You have three minutes to display your agenda. Should you differ from this course, you will be stopped and questioned as to why you have differentiated from your plan. You have three minutes to enter your current agenda for your stay in Venomia City," said the computer. Fox entered in his agenda and included his planned visit to his contact. Fox sent it off and left his room leaving his bag behind. All he carried were his blasters and the cube. Fox left the apartment complex and took the bus back to the park. He then met up with the rest of his group.
"Let's move out, my contacts waiting," said Fox. He then proceeded to walk down a street with his group in tow. They proceeded down several streets before emerging in what could be considered the darkest part of town.
"You have a contact here?" asked Hammer surprised. Fox nodded.
"My father captured him by chance while he was in transit to a VRF base a long time ago. James brought him back to Andross and he was promptly tortured. Andross finally had his brain removed and his body discarded so he couldn't escape. The brain was placed in a tank and hooked up to machinery and he's forced to help the UVCAF or die. Luckily this jittery fellow fears for his life and has helped out by designing certain items that the UVCAF uses against the VRF. He even designed the Arwings and WolfenII's we use. Shall we?" asked Fox. He walked down some steps into the basement of a building and pushed open a door and entered a darkened room. A bunch of blinking lights turned on in a far corner of the darkened room.
"I-I-identify y-yourselves," said the jittery voice.
"McCloud, Lt. Fox. I am accompanied by: General Hammer, Falco Lombardi, Leon Powalski, and Andrew Oikonny. We require your services as entitled to all qualified members of the UVCAF forces, so decrees the Emperor," said Fox. The lights blinked some more.
"O-okay. I-I agree," said the voice. Then the lights came on and it revealed a massive computer on one side of the wall. In the center was a brain encased in fluids with electrodes attached to it.
"Gentlemen, may I present to you, what's left of Slippy Toad," said Fox.
"H-hi," said Slippy.
"Yikes," said Falco.
Sector X base: "Sir, Fox McCloud's agenda says that he's going to visit Slippy Toad!" exclaimed the leader running to Andross. Andross sighed.
"So? Anyone with the right clearance can use Slippy Toad. Stop jumping at shadows and focus on the matter at hand. I'd hate to execute you like your superior for not paying enough attention to the 'dreamers'," said Andross. The leader gulped, nodded, and walked off. Andross sighed in frustration before once again reading the data from the dreamers. He then contemplated Fox's visit to Slippy before activating his comm. system.
"This is Andross. When I return, I want an immediate meeting with Slippy Toad," he said.
"Roger," came the response. Andross leaned back in his chair and narrowed his eyes as he tried to think about what Fox could want with Slippy.
Venomia City: "W-what can I d-do for you?" asked Slippy. His different buttons and consoles beeped on and off as he monitored auditory and visual input from his various sensors.
"Well tin can, we can open you up and see your insides," said Falco smiling.
"Falco!" exclaimed Leon.
"I-it's okay. N-no one gives me r-respect anyway," said Slippy.
"Look, I'm sorry to get us off to a bad start Slip, but my team knows very little about you. Anyway, I was curious if you could analyze this and tell me what it is," said Fox. He produced the cube and placed it in one of Slippy's scanner trays.
"Y-yes. I-interesting," said Slippy.
"What is it?" asked Fox.
"It'll t-take awhile t-to a-analyze it," said Slippy. Hammer meanwhile had picked up some vials and was looking at them.
"Don't touch those!" exclaimed Slippy. Hammer was immediately startled at Slippy's outburst and dropped the jar. A door opened on a side of the basement and a robotic pig came out and cleaned up the mess.
"What was that?" asked Leon.
"That if I'm not mistaken was Herbert, Andross' old robotic pig counterpart. It used to store all of Andross' plans for the coup," said Hammer.
"Y-yes. H-how did you know?" asked Slippy. Hammer shrugged.
"I know my history and some of its secrets," he said nonchalantly.
"Oh. Okay," said Slippy. More lights and objects whirred and blinked on and off.
"Is this going to take long? We've got to take the Saruzin back to Corneria for refitting and it's going to leave in three hours. If we aren't on it, Andross will surely execute all of us," said Hammer.
"True. And I value my life more than knowing more about the 'dreamers'," said Falco. Fox thrust his hand out towards the doorway.
"Go. I'll stay here until the last possible moment and gather as much info as I can," said Fox. The rest of them shrugged.
"Your fate," said Leon. The rest of them left leaving Fox alone with Slippy.
"W-why do you stay?" asked Slippy. Fox shrugged.
"I'm not sure. This cube and the secrets it holds are somehow important to me. It's strange," said Fox.
"I-I'll analyze as f-fast as possible," said Slippy.
"That's all I ask," said Fox.
Outside: "This is stupid. The VRF still exists, we should be eradicating them!" said Falco. Hammer shrugged.
"Until our orders come through, we can't do anything. And besides, I found our current jaunt interesting. Finally the 'dreamers' secrets will be revealed and it's a good thing that Andross didn't ban curiosity or else we'd never know," said Hammer.
"Never know what?" asked Andross. Hammer nearly fell over as the Emperor appeared out of nowhere.
"Sir! I wasn't aware you had returned to Venomia!" said Hammer in surprise. Andross laughed.
"No doubt you weren't. Now then, what is it you need to be curious about? Is there something that you need to declare?" asked Andross. Hammer gulped.
"I don't have anything to say that would fall under the rules of declaration. As for what I'm curious about, let's just say that it's a potential security risk and in no way am I undermining your authority oh great one," said Hammer.
"It had better be a matter of security for all of your sakes. And of course you haven't undermined my authority or else you'd be dead at this moment. If any of you do anything to compromise security I can and will have you eliminated. Make sure you're onboard the Saruzin before it takes off," said Andross walking off with his guards.
"That was close," said Falco.
"Yeah but now we'll have to be on our guard," said Leon.
"True, but he's allowed us to live this long. I think he has his own agenda towards our goals," said Andrew.
"Yeah but what?" Leon wondered. Everyone shrugged and walked off back to the shuttle launching area. Andross watched them go before boarding his limousine.
"Good. Now that I know that they are indeed reviewing something related to the 'dreamers', I can let them find out without me getting in harm's way, wasting resources, or allowing a major security leak. They may even unlock the mystery's of the key and then I can eliminate the only threat to my reign as supreme Emperor of Lylat," thought Andross as his limo pulled away.
Two hours, 45-minutes later: Fox was still in Slippy's place who was still analyzing the cube. All of a sudden his comm. badge beeped.
"Fox you'd better get up here. The last transport leaves in five minutes," said Hammer.
"It should be just a few more seconds and I'll be done here," said Fox.
"It's your head," said Hammer signing off. Fox sighed.
"Slip," he began. Then a tone sounded on Slippy's machine and a piece of paper emerged along with the cube.
"Here. The paper explains all. You don't have time for me to explain it to you. Take the paper and run to the transport now!" exclaimed Slippy. Fox grabbed the paper and the cube and took off. He ran through the streets and into the terminal. He quickly accessed his storage locked and picked up his bag He quickly grabbed, locked the locker, and leapt through the closing doors to the shuttle. He rolled over in heap and then looked up at the sparse shuttle. There were only three other creatures aboard and two of those were the pilots. The third one was a creature that had a checklist of creatures heading to and from the shuttle.
"Ah Mr. McCloud nice of you to join us. I was afraid I'd have to write you off into the execution list. Oh well it's too bad. Now take your seat!" exclaimed the officer. Fox complied saying nothing since the officer could still write him off as not arriving and then it would be up to Andross to decide whether to execute him or not. Rumor had it was that that had happened to Bill Grey and Fox wasn't willing to take any chances. The officer nodded at his show of respect.
"Luckily I list you as making the last transport. But don't do this in the future because I despise making so many repeated trips back and forth to wait for one person. And with the exception of the Emperor, I can't tolerate anyone else being late," said the officer sitting down. Fox looked out the window as the shuttle flew out of the atmosphere and headed for the Saruzin. Some creatures in spacesuits were putting the finishing touches on the ships ID profile which: The Mantia.
"Andross finally got around to naming it huh?" asked Fox. The officer nodded.
"A designation doesn't strike fear into enemies, a name does. It also seems to have more punch than it's original designation X-1. The ship is named after the mythical beast that could fly and spout fire," said the officer. Fox nodded as the shuttle pulled into the bay and docked. Fox disembarked along with the officer and pilots as The Mantia pulled out of spacedock along with the Zeram cruiser. The two ships coasted out over Venom as the Solar rose and launched into warp headed for Corneria. Fox quickly dropped off his bag in his quarters before proceeding to the bridge.
"Welcome Lt. McCloud, we were afraid you weren't going to be joining us on our voyage," said Hammer. Fox shook his head laughing.
"Not a chance. I'm afraid I haven't been briefed. Why are we heading for Hell's Doorstep?" asked Fox. Hammer laughed.
"If you mean Corneria, then we're to assist the remaining UVCAF forces there in locating and mopping up any remaining VRF strongholds. It's going to have to be a down and dirty mission because our previous orbital bombardments have failed to deter or destroy any remaining VRF units. The Zeram Class Cruiser X-5 is accompanying us and our other Zeram Cruiser the X-3 is already at Corneria," said Hammer.
"I see. ETA?" Fox asked.
"Four hours," said Hammer. Fox nodded and sat down at a weapons station.
"I'll stay here at my post then for the rest of the trip," said Fox. Hammer shrugged.
"Well then, the bridge is yours lieutenant because I have to review and check our inventory lists on weapons and vessels," said Hammer. He exited the bridge and Fox sat in his chair. Fox looked at the rest of the crew before pulling out the sheet that Slippy had given him.
Fox, this cube is but part of a complex object designed for what, I'm not entirely sure. In order to locate the second cube, you'll first have to locate a triangle/pyramid shaped device. The cube will glow when it's in close proximity to the triangle. Once the triangle and cube are placed together, they should provide the location of the second cube. After that, it's anyone's guess as to what happens next. Fox, I'm going to disconnect myself and shut down what's left of my bodily functions in order to make sure that you aren't traced or followed. Don't feel sorry for what I've done because I sense that there is more to this riddle than just the 'dreamers'. They are the key to unlocking our destiny. Your friend, Slippy Toad v. 2.01. Fox folded the piece of paper and put it away. He then looked up teary eyed before shaking his head of the tears.
"Slippy knew what he was doing. I must make sure his sacrifice wasn't in vain," thought Fox. He continued to sit in his chair as the ship continued through warp towards Corneria.
Slippy's Place: Dozens of technicians were going through every nook and cranny of Slippy's mainframe while Andross watched angrily. A worker walked up to him nervously.
"There is no doubt sir, the Slippy unit is no longer functioning. Apparently, he committed the equivalent of suicide," said the worker.
"I thought protocols were designed to prevent that," said Andross angrily.
"They were, but the Slippy unit overrode them with the help of the Herbert unit," said the worker. Andross growled in anger.
"Fox must have overridden them," said Andross.
"Not likely sir. Mr. McCloud doesn't have the knowledge to properly pull it off," said the worker.
"Who wrote the programming for those protocols?" asked Andross preparing to shoot whoever it was.
"With all due respect sir, you did," said the worker. This made Andross even more furious because the miserable welp overrode even his own programming. Andross held out his hand over his shoulder.
"Blaster," said Andross. One of his security guards placed a blaster in his palm and Andross quickly whipped it in front of him and shot the worker in the heart killing him. Then Andross fired the blaster at the brain jar flinging bits of gray matter everywhere. Andross then held the blaster behind him and the guard took it from him and put back in its holster. Andross spun around to fact his guards.
"I want these technicians eradicated quickly and quietly. Then I want this place cleaned up like nothing ever happened here. Now!" yelled Andross. The guards herded the unaware technicians out of the room while a bunch of other creatures came in and began cleaning the place up and took the technology out to waiting hover transports. Andross emerged into the sunlight and pulled out a pair of shades that had once belonged to James McCloud.
"When Fox gets to Corneria, I want him assigned to areas of definite VRF activity," said Andross to his aide before entering his limo and heading off to his shuttle. A few minutes later, he was in the air heading back to Sector X.
The Mantia: "Preparing to exit warp," said the pilot.
"Good. Prepare to rendezvous with the fleet," said Fox. As soon as The Mantia and the X-5 exited warp, a massive shockwave rocked them.
"What the hell?" Fox asked. On the viewscreen it showed the fleet under bombardment from the surface. The fleet was attempting to avoid the shots, but some had failed as evidence by the hulks of various cruisers slowly falling to the surface of the planet.
"Evasive maneuvers!" yelled Fox. The ship began swerving from left to right as massive laser blasts rose up from the surface. Hammer burst onto the bridge and took over command of the ship.
"Information now!" he yelled.
"Sir, according to the fleet intel, right after Andross and the bulk of the fleet left, dozens of heavy laser cannons designed for orbital bombardment emerged from the surface and began hammering the fleet. Out of seventy-five vessels, we've lost fifteen. It's too dangerous to launch fighters in this firestorm. We've got to do something or else we'll all die up here!" exclaimed the communications officer. Hammer considered and weighed his options.
"Well we can't flee or else Andross will kill us so what other option do we have we can't be here but not here at the same time…. Wait, that's it. Hail the fleet, we're going to initiate Low-atla," said Hammer.
"Low atmosphere landing? Are you crazy!" exclaimed Leon from across the bridge.
"Yeah, this ships weren't designed for it," said Andrew. Hammer held up his hands to calm them down.
"Theoretically they were. Andross made sure that all ships could land in order to release more troops safer and easier than transports it's just that no one's gotten the courage to try it for fear of the ships being destroyed. We have no choice and we certainly can't use computers because we don't have time for them to make the corrections, it'll be all pilots for themselves now. All ships, low-atla now!" yelled Hammer. The various ships left in the fleet began zooming towards the surface at a low angle.
"We've got to be careful or else we'll bounce right off the atmosphere and then we'll really be screwed. Keep us steady and find a suitable landing point," said Hammer. The fleet zoomed across the Cornerian sky in a blazing inferno. Below them, several VRF members ran outside their partially dirt buried base and into the massive junkyard all around them. ( Note: Corneria is a massive junkyard with all sorts of vessels and pieces of equipment jutting out from the surface and there is dirt everywhere covering up many things. Anguirus111 Note: what's my obsession with Corneria being a wasteland?)
"The hell are they doing?" asked Katt Monroe.
"From the looks of things, they're low-atlaing," said Caddyshack, a gopher.
"So that means one of two things. Either A they crash and burn or B they land safely and begin disgorging troops. Prepare everyone for a potential ground assault," said Katt heading back into the base. Caddyshack took one last look at the fleet descending and emerging from the flames of reentry like the legendary Phoenix before rushing in after her.
Fleet: The fleet emerged from the heat of reentry and cruised over the massive piles of junk.
"The engines have been shutdown, but if attempt to slam on the brakes, which let me remind you this ship doesn't have, it would tear this thing in two. We're going to impact with the surface and slide along the ground with the rest of the fleet. Then we can disgorge troops and equipment," said the sensors operator. Hammer shrugged.
"Okay. As soon as we stop, set up a defensive perimeter around the ships before we decide on offensive measures. All hands prepare for impact!" yelled Hammer. The ships came hurtling towards the surface and slammed down crashing through tons of rubble and debris as their forward momentum carried them forward. After a couple minutes of sliding, the fleet came to metal wrenching halt.
"Deploy now!" yelled Hammer. Doors opened all over the ships on the ground floor and dozens of troops began piling out as well as several Garudas, fighters, and two Granga's emerged as well into the middle of a firefight. The UVCAF forces engaged with VRF forces and laser blasts erupted from both sides as the VRF attempted to stop the UVCAF from setting up a defensive perimeter around the fleet. Slowly but surely the UVCAF forces were pushing forward, but dozens of creatures on both sides were falling.
"We've got to press forward now! Launch all Shogun Warriors," said Hammer. On top The Mantia, dozens of large robot warriors began launching and fighting the VRF.
"Sir, we've reached a safe defensive position," said the scanner operator.
"Good, send out the staffs," said Hammer. Several soldiers marched out of the various vessels carrying long poles. They ran out and planted them in the ground near the ranks of troops fighting the enemy.
"All units are in place," said the scanner operator.
"Activate the shield," said Hammer. Energy beams came soaring out of the staffs and the beams converged above a large device planted in the center of the fleet. Then the beams shot downward into the device, which activated. Then an energy field was formed between the beams and staffs and created a shield between the UVCAF forces and the VRF units. The VRF units hammered the shield with their blasters and mortar shells before finally retreating when the shield didn't fail. On board The Mantia, Hammer smiled as the shock filled the VRF troops faces before they ran off.
"Face it, the UVCAF is here to stay. VRF, your days are numbered. Now then, I want a supply inventory. Do we have enough supplies for a prolonged assault or do we need to requisition more supplies? In the meantime, comm. officer, send our status report back to Venomia," said Hammer giving various orders.
"Roger," everyone said leaving to do the various tasks.
"I'm taking my team and searching for any VRF stragglers inside the field," said Fox. Hammer shrugged.
"Your choice," he said. Fox left and collected his team before proceeding out onto the surface of Corneria.
"So this is Hell's Doorstep. Makes sense," said Falco. The whole area was full of nothing but junk that had been the result of hundreds of years of dumping. Almost anything in the system could be found here in various states of disrepair, perhaps that's why the VRF had chosen to make this their base. The UVCAF presence here was none, it provided easy hiding and the wreckage cast large sensor shadows at time, and finally with all the various pieces of technology here, some needing only minimal repair, it made it easier, cheaper, and less suspicious to take it here. Fox and his team began searching behind various pieces of wreckage while the rest of the soldiers and the Garudas began collecting the wreckage and transporting it into the ship to be reprocessed for supplies.
"Fox, why are out here? You know that if there was someone out here, they'd surely have been discovered by now," said Falco. Fox spun around to face the team.
"Yeah I know. I just wanted to talk to you about the information that Slippy gave me," said Fox.
"Why didn't you invite Hammer as well?" asked Leon suspiciously.
"Because of your confrontation with Andross back on Venomia. Anyway, Slippy said that this cube will locate a triangular pyramid of sorts and when the two are brought together, they'll reveal the location of the second cube. Then when all three are brought together, something big will happen. I don't know what, but it will most likely determine the future of our entire universe. Slippy felt that this event would be so important that he terminated himself so that Andross would be one step behind us. I won't let Slippy's death by in vain. I've decided to cast in my chips and definitely pursue this. Now I want your answer. We've all been neutral up to now. Are you in or out?" asked Fox. The team sat down on some pieces of wreckage and considered their answers. Leon finally threw up his hands in frustration.
"I couldn't live myself if I didn't find out more about the 'dreamers'. I'm in," he said. Andrew shrugged.
"I've got nothing better to do and I doubt Andross would kill me. I can't say the same for the rest of you, but I'm in regardless," he said.
"Falco?" asked Fox. Fox looked away from the team.
"We've been a team for several years, but I'm afraid that I can't go any further with this escapade. I was willing to help you to the best of my abilities without getting to far in to not be able to escape, but our encounter with Andross changed everything. I won't turn you in, but I can't go any further I'm sorry," said Falco. Fox put his hand on Falco's shoulder.
"That's okay we all understand. You helped us as best as you could. Leon, Andrew, I'll talk to Hammer and unless something comes up, we'll meet in the lounge at 0830 tomorrow," said Fox. The external loudspeakers that had been set up to relay information came to life.
"Lt. Fox McCloud, report to Warlord Hammer's office immediately," said the announcer. Fox nodded to the group.
"Folks," he said walking off. Falco just shook his head in disgust.
"You're all dead creatures walking," he said. Leon shrugged.
"I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees," he said.
"You're all crazy," said Falco walking off.
The Mantia: Fox entered Hammer's office and sat down as Hammer finished speaking on his comm. system.
"Greetings Fox. Here," said Hammer. He handed a dossier to Fox marked: Top Secret, UVCAF Intel.
"What's this?" asked Fox.
"You alone have been assigned to lead a crack unit of ace commandos into an area that has been designated Code Red," said Hammer. Fox swallowed hard. Code Red areas were areas that had heavy pockets of resistance.
"Why? Who gave the order?" asked Fox.
"Our blessed Emperor Andross. I don't know what you did to get on his bad side, but he's definitely assigned you there. Although the rest of your team has been assigned elsewhere, if you pull this off and wipe out the VRF presence there, you might shift Andross' opinion of you. Any questions?" asked Hammer reading the ships supply list on his pocketpal.
"Just one. Are you in or out?" asked Fox. Hammer looked at him and then closed his eyes as he went into deep thought.
"I'm in, but I think I'll work the sidelines in the background instead of out in the open. My motivation is 100%, but I'll be better here than out there," said Hammer. Fox nodded.
"Good," he said. Fox passed a piece of paper to him reading Lounge, 0830 tomorrow. Hammer read it and nodded before burning the piece of paper with his Navy lighter.
"I'll be there. Now get moving because your new team is prepped and ready to go. You'll get a couple of Garudas, five landmasters, and a Granga to assist you. Your target is a small hill where it is believed that a VRF base resides. Extermination is your top priority. Our blessed Emperor has now upgraded our mission status to Total Warfare. We're here to stay for the next few weeks. So that means that we'll also be launching several attack carriers, fighters, garudas, grangas, and whatever else we have in these ships in an expanding circle and destroy just about everything in our path. Fox, you're going to leave before our expanding circle begins because your target is halfway across the planet so you'd better get going," said Hammer.
"No transport?" asked Fox. Hammer shook his head.
"Nope. It's too easy to be shot down. Besides, this way it might provide you with an element of surprise. Good luck," said Hammer. Fox reached into his pocket.
"Since I won't be making it to the lounge anytime soon, would you give this to the guys except Falco," said Fox. Hammer accepted the paper, which contained Slippy's info, and put it into his uniform.
"Sure. Now get going Lt.," said Hammer. Fox saluted and when Hammer returned his salute, he left.
"Clearly Andross must be furious at me and he wants to kill me but he can't because it was his fault that Slippy went offline and if he kills me and the word is released, it would provide someone else with the chance to be Emperor," thought Fox with a smile at the hole Andross had put himself in. Fox then sighed hoping that he would survive his current mission as he entered the bay and walked in front of the troops.
"Listen up troops. We've been assigned to destroy a potential VRF base. Unfortunately we won't have any transport so it'll be a long haul. So we'd better get going," said Fox. Everyone either boarded the various vehicles assigned to their mission or sat on top of the tanks as they rolled down a ramp between the forward two triangles shaped wedges at the front of the ship. They rolled out to the shield grid and stopped.
"Shield down in 3...2...1. Go!" yelled Fox. The unit moved through the shut down portion of the shield and rumbled out into Corneria as the shield reactivated behind them.
"This is it men! We're now on our own. The journey will not be easy, but we will succeed!" shouted Fox. The various troops roared their encouragement as the various vehicles opened fire on the junk in front of them, slowly clearing a path to their target.
VRF base, Fox's target: Katt Monroe and her top generals sat in a partially darkened room discussing battle plans.
"Well the UVCAF fleet is here to stay. They've managed to put up their defensive shield and it'll take a prolonged bombardment, which we can't provide, to knock it down. Worst off all, our spies report that a unit has left the shield headed in our general direction. I believe that they're coming here to destroy this base," said General Lee, a viper.
"I see. Who's leading the unit?" asked Katt.
"Fox McCloud," said Lee. Several growls rose up from around the table as everyone remembered their most hated adversary whom under the command of Andross had helped slaughter hundreds of VRF members and help capture thousands of others.
"I see. And they're coming here. Then I say we bring all our forces here for a last stand. And even if we loose, one thing is for certain, Fox McCloud will die!" yelled Katt. Cheers rose up from all around the table as everyone couldn't wait to final bring about the end of the butcher of the VRF.
"Now let's move. Fox McCloud, you're days are numbered!" yelled Katt.