Anguirus111 Note: I'm rewriting this chapter, I just wasn't happy with it. Let's assume that Andross' fleet has entered warp yet because I don't want to reload the previous chapter for one little error (except for the spelling ones).
Venom, Venomia: General Pepper was pacing his office as Falco Lombardi entered.
"You asked to see me?" he asked. Pepper nodded and pointed to a chair as he closed the door to his office.
"It has come to my attention that Andross is once again pursuing links to 'the dreamers'. I think that his relentless pursuit of their secrets has made him emotionally unstable. Unstable enough to warrant his removal of power and I intend to seize it. Andross will return from Titania to find a Lylat System under my control. But I can't do it alone. I have my agents in the top positions, but I need to cement it and you are the key to that. Being a member of the StarFox team makes you a public figure and with your support, I can seize all power. You'll be generously compensated of course," said Pepper. Falco seemed to consider Pepper's proposition for a moment.
"Fine, I'm in. What do you need me to do," he said finally. Pepper smiled in approval.
"Very simple, I need you to find a way to put Andross and Fox McCloud at odd's against one another," Pepper said. Falco nodded.
"I think I know how, something that I bet even Fox doesn't know. When?" he asked. Pepper leaned back.
"Right now. Andross has a base in Sector X that he's preparing to depart. Intercept him and make him your new ally. Tell him what he needs to hear in order for him to arrest Fox. Then stand back as I conquer the Lylat System," said Pepper. Falco nodded and left.
"Now I will rule the Lylat System, once and forever. 'The Dreamers' will simply be eradicated so that nothing will oppose my rule. Andross, your days are numbered," thought Pepper as he poured himself a drink and toasted himself. Up above, Falco entered into his fighter.
"Once Pepper has done all the work and conquered the Lylat System, I'll take his prize from him and then I will be ruler," thought Falco with a smile. He gunned his engine and blasted off.
Titania: "Man it's hot out here!" said Hammer nearly exhausted. It had been two weeks since the fleet had left Corneria and had headed for Aquas to be re-supplied and re-furbished from the crash landing the fleet took on Corneria. In the meantime, Jimmy agreed to join up with Fox and Co., as they filled a shuttle with weapons, food, water, maps, and drilling equipment and had left for Titania. The team had landed in the desert where they proceeded to scan the area for anything out of the ordinary.
"Yeah well, Andross considered this planet a lost cause in terms of terraforming and is content just to mine it for ore. I still wish I had a better idea as to what we were looking for," said Fox.
"Yeah we all do," Leon grumbled. Just then, Andrew snapped his fingers.
"I know, how about I go and talk to my uncle about what he's doing and then we can do it too," he said with a big smile on his face. Everyone groaned at that suggestion.
"Yeah doofus. I'm sure if you asked he'd tell you. He's the Emperor! He wouldn't tell you anything and have you arrested for bothering him with trivial items. Besides, he wants to see us fail, I just know it," said Leon. Andrew looked sad.
"I think he'd trust me," he said softly. Even Jimmy groaned this time around.
"Just keep scanning," said Fox as he pushed on through the desert.
Sector X: Andross and his fleet had just left the large base and were preparing to enter warp when they encountered a lone fighter blocking their path.
"Starfighter, identify yourself before your Emperor!" demanded Andross.
"It's me, Falco Lombardi. It's imperative that I be able to board," said Falco.
"This had better be good Lombardi or else I'll have you killed for this," said Andross.
"Oh believe me sir, it is," said Falco as his ship entered the Saruzin at the head of the fleet.
Titania: "Anything?" asked Fox fanning himself. Hammer stood up from collecting his soil sample.
"Nope. Aside from it being a desert, there's nothing out of the ordinary. Are you sure this is where that map said to go?" Hammer asked checking the PH balance. Leon, Andrew, and Jimmy were leaning against the transport they had brought to Titania and tried to enjoy the little comfort the shade provided.
"This sucks!" shouted Andrew. Jimmy, who was bored out of his mind had begun doodling on his notepad and was right now drawing a story about a plumber and his sidekick brother who battled evil lizards and rescued a princess time and time again.
"Annoying Lizard, I am the great Leon," said Leon before he passed out. The group stood over his unconscious form.
"Maybe we should take a break. Titania's city not to far from here, let's go," said Fox. The team collected their equipment, boarded their ship and blasted off.
Fleet: "What is it that's so important?" asked Andross at his desk. Falco sat at the other end with his shades on his forehead and wearing black(or whatever he was wearing in Dinosaur Planet, that's what he looks like in this story)
"I believe that I've located another 'dreamer'," said Falco. Andross looked slightly intrigued.
"Who?" demanded Andross. Falco pulled out a disk.
"Fox McCloud," said Falco. He put the disk in and it showed various instances of Fox talking in his sleep about the 'other universe'. Andross looked slightly shocked.
"I didn't know that. This is rather shocking indeed. This didn't show up on Fox's last physical," said Andross.
"Maybe it appeared lately, like a disease. Sir, I respect Fox, but he's clearly a security threat. I'm sure if you present him with this information, he should back down. I'm truly sorry," said Falco appearing to be sincere.
"It is all right. We're heading to where Fox and Co., is. I'll inform Fox and depending on his reaction, will determine if he lives or dies," said Andross.
"Yes sir. Look, might I be allowed to accompany you to wherever you're going? I only want to protect you Emperor," said Falco.
"Very well," said Andross. Falco nodded and left while Andross shuddered.
"Blind subjects like you just disgust me. But still, I sense there's something you're not telling me. But what?" wondered Andross. He decided to worry about that later as he decided what to do about Fox and how to locate the source of 'the dreamers'. The fleet plunged into warp headed for Titania.
Titania City restaurant: The ship landed outside the restaurant where I few others were parked. Fox and Co. disembarked and entered into the Wild West saloon. They sat down at a table and looked at the other patrons of the bar. Titania had been declared a haven for those who considered themselves exempt from the law. They were all smugglers, con artists, or others. Andross tolerated their presence on Titania because he knew that they could rise up against him and join the VRF if he constantly hunted them down. Nevertheless there were spies and listening devices everywhere to ensure that there weren't going to be any uprisings.
"This was a mistake," said Andrew, slightly cowering.
"Bah. I've been in establishments worse than this. We'll be fine," said Fox. They waited for a waiter robot to come and take their orders. When the robot finally came and went they started talking.
"Remember that bar on Zoness that we infiltrated, what was it called? Spacer's 7?" asked Hammer. Fox chuckled.
"By infiltrated you mean blundered? Yeah, I remember it. We sure dropped the ball on that one. That was a hell of fight. If those UVCAF troops hadn't been passing through I don't think we would've survived as well as we did," said Fox.
"Yeah but you had a concussion and several cuts and tears," said Hammer.
"All in all, I think I survived better than you did. All of your fins were broken and you were suffering from several ruptured organs. Luckily Andross agreed that we could be allowed the full medical treatment in order to repair ourselves without need of mechanical additions," said Fox still laughing.
"I remember he sure chewed us out for that," said Hammer. Fox shrugged.
"At least we got that job done," was all he said sipping down a drink. Instantly, several octopi surrounded them.
"What can we do for you?" asked Fox.
"Are you Fox McCloud and Warlord Hammer?" asked one of them.
"Who wants to know?" asked Fox sipping down his drink. One of the octopi spun his chair around.
"Our brothers were arrested and sentenced to death because of that fight," said one of them. Realization dawned on Fox.
"Tony C and Tony P right? You're the Tony brothers right?" asked Fox.
"You got that right, the remaining 24 of us, after the loss of our brothers," said one of the Tonies.
"They got what they deserved," said Hammer.
"Not if you look at it from our point of view," said Tony F.
"Well I'm about to. Or to be precise, my fist will," said Fox. He swung his fist and connected with Tony F. Instantly a massive brawl started as others in the bar felt this was the excuse they needed to vent their frustrations on others. Chairs were broken, stools were broken, and tables were broken as the fight escalated to fever pitch. Eventually order was restored as a dozen UVCAF troops broke in and began restraining everyone in sight. Then a massive black bull, who must've been the local garrison commander, walked in, snorting everywhere.
"Listen up you scum. I don't care what you do in your spare time, but I demand order. Don't give me an excuse to kill you all. You all will spend three weeks in solitary confinement. Maybe then you'll rethink what you've done," said the bull laughing. Then Hammer 'stepped' forth.
"That won't be necessary commander," said Hammer.
"Who're you?" asked the bull laughing. Hammer pulled out his ID.
"I am Admiral Hammer of the UVCAF forces and my authority supercedes yours. Since we were the instigators of this fight, all of you are free to go. Don't forget this Tonies," said Hammer. Everyone silently filed out of the bar.
"That wasn't necessary Admiral," said the bull upset at seeing the patrons leave.
"I just wanted to avoid any more grudges against us. Now if you'd be so kind, can we see your missing persons and unknown phenomena files?" asked Hammer. The bull shrugged.
"Whatever," he said. Instantly his comm. beeped and he picked it up and started talking into it.
"Let's go," said Fox. The whole team was leaving when the bulls eyes went wide opened.
"What?" Hammer demanded.
"This must be a day of celebrities. I've just received word that The Emperor has just arrived in orbit. I've got go," said the bull running off with his unit.
"We're low on time, let's move!" shouted Hammer. The team ran off to the base.
Fleet: "Let's give these people a sight they'll never forget. Prepare to buzz the city with fighters and ships. Let's show these people some power because I haven't been here in more than fifteen years," said Andross rubbing his hands together. Falco merely watched him from the background.
"Enjoy it while you can, because it isn't coming again, of this I can assure you," he thought.
Titania City: Hammer and Co. ran through the city streets as people either began preparing to celebrate the Emperor's arrival or run from him. Already there was a steady procession leaving the city and several ships blasted away.
"If I know the Emperor, and I think I do, he'll buzz the city in a show of power. That'll give us about one hour to get the info and run like hell," said Fox.
"Never thought I'd be an enemy of the Emperor," said Jimmy.
"We're not enemies, just fugitives. Let's move," said Fox. They ran into the garrison office as the dark shapes of approaching battlecruisers appeared in the horizon. They entered into the office as it was in panic as various creatures hurriedly prepared their offices and themselves for the arrival of the Emperor. Files were scattered all over the place in the file room as people hurried all over the place.
"Figures Andross wouldn't give this base enough money to have decent computer resources in order to catalogue everything and hopefully that'll change after this. Now find that dossier," ordered Fox. The team went through every file they could find as the ground began rumbling from the cruisers passing overhead as well as the familiar whine of UVCAF fighters.
"Hurry folks," said Fox. They continued flipping through files.
50 minutes later: "I've got them!" shouted Andrew. He held up the files they had so desperately been looking for. An even greater rumbling was heard as Andross's massive Saruzin class battlecruiser landed in the street, accompanied by a pair of Dorisby's on each side The front panel of the Saruzin opened and a pair of Granga's emerged as well as several Garuda's. Out of the top came several Shogun warriors who landed in front of the Saruzin.
"Run people!" Fox shouted. They ran through the masses of people crowding in front of the Saruzin. Fox and Co. managed to get into their ship and took off, despite the fact that several people were on top of it trying to get a good look at the Emperor when he arrived. The ship then blasted off along the desert. Behind them, Andross emerged to the roars of his people. After a brief speech, he looked at his troops.
"Find out where Fox has been and where he's going!" he yelled. His soldiers immediately split up heading in different directions.
Northern Desert: "This should give us a better idea as to a location of where this thing we're looking for is. Okay, let's take a look at the missing persons report preferably in the Northern Desert," said Fox.
"What Northern Desert! This whole planet is a desert!" shouted Andrew and started crying.
"Cabin fever," said Leon nodding.
"More like desert fever," said Jimmy. Leon slapped him upside the head and Andrew finally came to his senses. Then they scanned through the files. After several minutes they compared notes.
"There definitely seems to be a lot of people disappearing within a ten miler radius of a government excavation site," said Hammer.
"That doesn't mean much, it could easily be a front for anyone, Andross included," said Fox.
"Yeah, but not when the camp itself has disappeared several times in the past. Andross supposedly declared the place off limits for a few years, but now he's allowed yet another government expedition to begin excavating the site," said Hammer.
"What's there?" asked Jimmy.
"A temple," said Fox.
"How do you know that?" asked Hammer.
"I don't know, I just know. There's a temple there that was built by an ancient tribe. Whatever we're searching for, it's there believe me," said Fox.
"Okay then. I'm pretty sure that Andross hasn't frozen any of our access codes or put out alerts on them so we should be fine for now. I still think that it would be in our best interests if we just used my access codes so as not to attract attention," said Hammer.
"Agreed," said Fox. Their ship flew towards the camp and landed outside. As soon as they opened the door and watched as a massive bird walked towards them.
"How do you do, my name is Albatross Einstein the third. Might I ask what you're doing here?" asked Albatross.
"I am Warlord Hammer of the UVCAF forces and we're just here to inspect your operations," said Hammer.
"Right. If you'll just swipe your card," said Albatross. Hammer swiped his ID and it registered that he could have admittance.
"This is the StarFox team, they'll be accompanying me," said Hammer as he walked into the camp and towards a large temple in back of it. Albatross's eyes went wide open.
"You're the StarFox team! Why what celebrities! Please sign my autograph collection. And please call me Alby," said Alby.
"No problem," said Fox, always glad to please a fellow fan. The team signed his book and walked off with Alby into the camp.
Titania City: "Sir, we've found the team. They're at a government excavation site in the Northern Desert," said a guard holding up a datapad, which Andross consulted.
"Good, my sleeper 'virus' triggered when Hammer swiped his card. Now then, where is he? Ah yes, the famed circle of doom. Let's go," said Andross. The units re-entered the Saruzin and it took off with its Dorisby escorts and took off towards the Northern Desert.
Temple: "It's rather remarkable really, this thing has been here for thousands of years but there's no evidence of the people who built it. They either vanished or left the area, we don't know," said Alby a little nervous.
"Worried about the missing excavation teams?" asked Hammer.
"Extremely. We're preparing to pull out because we've been here for six months and that's how long the other two camps were before they 'vanished'. We're leaving. You can stay if you want, but we're not," said Alby. They could see the hurry of the scientists to pack up their convoy and head out.
"Good luck. Do you think you could get us a map of the temple?" asked Hammer. Alby quickly gave him one and ran off. The group then looked at the temple's steps and started walking. Fifteen minutes later they reached the top of the pyramid and surveyed the area below them. The convoy was preparing to move out and the sun was shinning brightly over the desert.
"I wonder if this planet was always like this? Could it have had vegetation at one point?" asked Fox.
"I doubt it. And if it did, it would've been gone long ago," said Hammer.
"Right, let's go. Andross probably already knows we're he-e-e-e-e-e-e-ar. Wh-h-h-h-h-a-t-a-t-t-t t-t-t-t-h-h-h-h-e-e-e-e h-e-e-l-l?" asked Fox as the ground began intensely rumbling. Then the rumbling stopped.
"Quake?" asked Jimmy.
"How? Titania isn't prone to quakes because of doesn't really have tectonic plate movement," said Hammer. In the distance the convoy was rumbling off being escorted by several desert rover tanks.
"Then what?" Fox asked. Ahead of the convoy an explosion went off, leaving a gap in the ground. Then a roar was heard as a massive skeleton heaved itself out of the ground and began firing a beam weapon at the convoy that scattered at the sight of the thing.
"What the hell is that thing?" yelled Jimmy over the roaring. The beast began picking up large rocks and flung them at the convoy, destroying a few of them. Fox meanwhile was in a trance almost.
"Apparently it doesn't want them to leave with any information," said Hammer.
"Yeah, but what is it?" asked Jimmy. Immediately Fox's eyes snapped open.
"It's an ancient defense system code named Goras. It's been on this planet for millions and millions of years. The ancients Titanians often left harvests and sacrifices to appease it. After a meteor collided with the planet the people died and the Goras became angry at having no loyal subjects. Now it's out for blood and can't allow anyone to survive having been in the temple of its people," said Fox.
"How the hell do you know that?" demanded Andross. Fox shook his head like trying to get rid of the cobwebs.
"Know what?" he asked.
"About that thing! Don't you remember just talking to us about the Goras?" asked Hammer pointing to the beast as the desert rovers opened fire on the beast only to have the shots ricochet off of its armor. However one shot connected with one of its four claws and the whole arm disintegrated. Fox re-enterd into his trance.
"You four must take the ship and destroy its' remaining arms. After that, blast its ribcage," said Fox. The others looked at him.
"Fox, are you okay?" asked Andrew.
"Fine. Now stop that thing. I'll investigate this temple. If we all destroy it, then we'll run out of time before Andross gets here," said Fox.
"Alright, good luck," said Hammer. The group ran back down the steps and entered into their ship, blasting off and attacking the beast, which had destroyed the remaining desert rovers and began destroying the convoy.
Temple, 15 minutes later: Fox was walking down a corridor which was filled with artwork. On it, several images were depicted, some with a large Manta Ray, some with bottles of white powder, some with various fighter battles. As he reached the end of the corridor, a large picture displayed a massive explosion with a shockwave heading outwards towards the other planets of the Lylat System. This picture was the only one that had a caption and it read: The death of the Lylat System at the hands of Mantia. Fox just looked at the image with confusion because he had no idea what a Mantia was, only that it was the name of his command ship and there was no way it could destroy the Lylat System. He walked into a darkened hallway and emerged into a large gray room with only a pedestal and a beam of light surrounding it. On that pedestal, was the second cube that Fox had been looking for so he picked it up and inserted it on to one on incline of the pyramid, and put the second one onto the other incline. Then, the device glowed and shot out two beams of energy from the squares. The energy beams formed a square and then static erupted from the square before focusing into an image of a strange being with a scarf. It looked a window in time to a previous event that had occurred in this room, but Fox had never seen his type of creature before; it looked like any ordinary beast, except it had fur on top of its head and not all over its body.
"How do you do," said the creature bustling about on the screen and sometimes moving off camera to do various things. Fox wasn't sure if such an image could seriously interact with him, but he decided to go for it.
"I'm okay," said Fox nervously. The image walked past him the screen again.
"That's good. I suppose you want to know about your quest in unraveling the mystery of 'the dreamers', and just what the devil these two cubes and pyramid have to do with it. Don't worry because I won't disappoint you. After all, you've come this far Mr. McCloud, and to stop now would be like denying you of your destiny," said the creature examining another item.
"Okay, you know who I am, but who and what I are you?" asked Fox. The creature looked at him with his wide eyes and chuckled.
"Yes of course, I've forgotten the introductions. My name is the Doctor, and I'm a timelord," said the Doctor. Fox looked at him curiously.
"What's a timelord?" asked Fox. The Doctor shrugged.
"I'd explain it to you, but by the time I did you'd either be dead, senile, or quite insane and that wouldn't help anyone now would it?" asked the Doctor chuckling.
"But seriously, what's your name? You're Doctor Who?" asked Fox. The Doctor nodded at him and grinned.
"You're brighter than most beings I've come across, that's my name," said the Doctor. Fox looked more confused than ever.
"You're Doctor Who?" he asked. The Doctor began to get annoyed.
"I'm the only one here, you don't need to repeat my name," said the Doctor. Then a mechanized dog of sorts rumbled across the screen.
"I'm here too Doctor," said the robodog in a mechanized voice. The Doctor snapped his fingers.
"Of course you are K9, my apologies," said the Doctor. The dog rolled off on its wheels.
"No need to apologize Doctor," said K9 before vanishing off screen. Fox assumed that he'd lost his mind and must be hallucinating this interaction.
"Don't worry, you're not insane, not yet anyway," said the Doctor.
"The mystery!" shouted Fox. The Doctor looked at him confused.
"What mystery? I haven't said anything about a mystery have I? Oh wait I did, my mistake. Yes, the mystery. When your pal Peppy Hare asked you if he thoughts things turned out the wrong way, he was right, they did. I altered your future from the one that should've occurred," said the Doctor. Fox slumped to the ground.
"You altered our future? How dare you…I think," said Fox.
"It was for the best. If I hadn't, this whole system would've exploded at the hands of Mantia 500 years from now," said the Doctor. Fox looked at him like he was nuts.
"What's a Mantia? What the hell are you talking about?" asked Fox. The Doctor pointed to the device Fox had.
"Hold onto it and say: Sorry to jet, but I'm in a hurry," the Doctor said. Fox held onto the device, said the words, and instantly saw the light.
Outside: "This just isn't working," said Andrew. Their ship had been blasting the Goras with little success. They had managed to blast off its arms, but the creature was having an easy time protecting its chest against the ship by merely turning its back or laying down as the bombs and lasers fired by the ship merely chipped its bones with no permanent effect.
"I suppose this might've been easier with a tank," Jimmy surmised.
"Maybe," said Hammer. Unfortunately the conversation made him loose his attention on flying and the Goras fired an energy beam at the ship, hitting it and blow out its engines.
"We're going down! Brace for impact!" shouted Hammer. The ship trailing fire from its left side crashed into the planet and skidded to a halt. The team got out of the ship and watched as the Goras steadily advanced on them.
"Looks like this is it," said Hammer.
"Yep. No fear," began Jimmy.
"No respect," said Andrew.
"No mercy," finished Leon. They all sighed and pulled out their laser pistols and cocked them. Then they all aimed at the beast. Just as they were about to fire, a massive shadow engulfed them all. The beast looked up and roared as the shadow's source as the team rejoiced. High above them was the Emperor's battlecruiser: The Executor. The beast fired its weapon at the ship, but it merely scrapped off its shields. On board, The Emperor watched the beast in amusement.
"Stupid thing. Now you will pay for attacking my people! Open fire!" yelled Andross. The massive Saruzin Class vessel fired on the Goras and blasted it to pieces.
"Mess with the best, die like the rest. Land now!" shouted The Emperor. The Saruzin gently landed on the ground. Andross watched as the ramp slowly dropped when he turned to his aide.
"I want you to recover that thing's head and bring it into the ship. It's a nice trophy," said Andross. As the ramp finally lowered and Andross's eyes adjusted to the light, he saw four creatures, two on each side of the ends of the ramp, saluting.
"Admiral Hammer and Co.," said Andross sighing. He walked out and stepped in front of them. He waited several minutes before saluting back. The group dropped their salutes and stood at attention. Andross then turned to look at the clay temple.
"My, it's bright out," Andross observed. This wasn't very important, but he did want to see their reactions. Hammer reached into his pocket and took out his standard issue military sunglasses. Andross took them and put them on and looked at the temple. He nodded and gave them back to Hammer.
"I guess these aren't much use to, seeing as to your eyes being on opposite sides of your head," said Andross laughing. Hammer genuinely laughed as well.
"Yes sir," responded Hammer. Andross sighed.
"Admiral, I must dispense with the pleasantries at this point. You must tell me everything right now about your quest to locate 'The Dreamers' or I will have you all shot," said Andross. Hammer grimly nodded along with the rest of the group.
"Yes sir. Shall we do it here or inside?" asked Hammer. Andross looked back at the ship and scowled.
"I can't stand that recycled air. We'll do it out here," said Andross. He snapped his fingers and several creatures ran out with a table and several chairs. One of them set up an umbrella on top and several more brought drinks. They group sat down and began sipping their drinks. Andross pulled out a recording device.
"Now tell me everything," he said. Hammer did and when he was done, Andross asked for confirmation from the others and when that was done, he leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"I don't know what to do. You clearly learned plenty about a classified project and you know probably more than I do and yet you didn't do anything to breach security or legally go behind my back. I am at that point that's only occurred but a few times in my life, at a loss for words," said Andross.
"Whatever you decide is best Emperor. You're the one who brought peace in a time of chaos and we owe you everything, had you not come along, Emperor Calhoun would've killed us all in his crazy quests. Your rule is the final one and that's all there is to it," said Hammer.
"Yes, I suppose it is. I'd like to thank you for not following me in blind faith like other idiots around here, it makes me glad to know that I'm not leading sheep and that the masses aren't going to rise against me. Alright, you're all free to go, but never speak of this to anyone. Should you tell anyone about 'the dreamers', you will be killed understood? Good. Now then, where's Fox McCloud?" asked Andross. Hammer pointed to the top of the temple.
"He's in there," said Hammer. Andross sighed.
"Being Emperor is never easy, but I must do what I must do. I will go to Fox, alone," he said. Andross snapped his fingers again and a small craft was brought out. Falco rushed out as well.
"Sir, let me accompany you. You can't go alone," said Falco. The Emperor shook his head.
"Alone Falco. I must do this alone. Admiral, you're in charge until I return. At least I can trust you not to seize power," said Andross. He boarded his craft and blasted off towards the top and landed. He exited and ventured inside. Down below, the team and Falco were looking at each other.
"Hello Falco," said Hammer. Falco gulped.
"Hi guys," said Falco nervously.
"With the Emperor gone, he said I was in control. I think we're going to have a little fun with you. Get him," said Hammer. The group hauled Falco into the ship.
"I hope you're not in trouble Fox," thought Hammer as he took one last look at the temple and ventured inside the ship.
Room: Fox was seeing events pass before his eyes as the Doctor commented on them.
"What is all this?" Fox asked. He was seeing space battles and other events that he'd never heard of before.
"This is the original timeline. A timeline where there is democracy and not imperialism. A future where Pepper leads, not Andross and where no Emperors have ever existed," said the Doctor.
"Why did you change things?" asked Fox. The Doctor sighed.
"Because in this universe, 500 years from now, the Lylat System exploded at the hands of a bio-weapon named Mantia that had been created by Andross many years before. It flew into Solar, exploding it. The resulting shockwave killed everything in the system and left it in ruins. I arrived 500,000 years later and tried to show my student different ways that things could've turned out (the events occurring in Infinities, a story I only partially developed and gave up on). His decisions led me to realize that I had to do something to change the Lylat System and save its inhabitants. I'd watched your civilization throughout the centuries and I grew to love it, but when Mantia destroyed it, I was heartbroken. I decided that I must change it so that the civilization could continue to thrive but still exist long after Mantia would've destroyed it. I decided to change an event and see what developed. 500 years ago, the CDF engaged a band of pirates in Sector Y. In one universe, the CDF won and democracy continued to thrive, but in this one I made it so that the pirates won. They took control of the Lylat System and made it an imperialistic government and you know the rest. Mantia was never created, Andross never made a bid for power and failed, Viral Weapon X-7 was never created, and although some freedom was lost, this civilization would continue to thrive. But I didn't want to seem like I was exerting my influence for my own pleasure, I needed someone from this system to decide which life should be lived. One reality with freedom and the other without and one that died 500 years from now, and one that didn't. You must make that decision. You've seen both ways and now you must decide. Which path do you choose, which path is right and which path is wrong, only you can decide your fate," said the Doctor. Fox weighed his options before deciding his option.
"To take a page out of the great Snow Eagle poet Robert Frost, I'm going to take the road less traveled. I've seen the options, and even though things might seem bad, I've seen that peace and freedom can continue to survive even in an imperialistic government as long as you don't give up hope. True freedom is appealing, but to sentence you future generations to death at the hand of a bio-weapon is something I can't do. Better to die on your feet than live on your knees. I'm sure my other self would disagree, but this is the only choice available. I can't sentence those who live today to not exist in this other universe, I just can't. People like Jimmy don't exist in this other universe, and that's not right. Forget it, it's not right and I won't accept it," said Fox finally. The Doctor nodded and didn't offer him any commentary.
"If that's your choice, so be it. I will give you this advice for the future you must protect and trust Andross at all costs. He is the key to everything, he always has been. Good luck Fox," said the Doctor. Fox nodded.
"Thank you Doctor Who," said Fox. The Doctor smiled.
"Who? Never mind, just kidding. You're welcome. Let's go K9, we've got someone important to meet," said Doctor Who. He boarded the TARDIS and vanished off to parts unknown. Fox exited the room and walked back down the hallway. As he walked along it, he looked at the pictures with new light. Then he watched as The Emperor turned the corner.
"Emperor," said Fox. Andross sighed.
"Hello Fox," said Andross.
"What can I do for you?" asked Fox.
"I need you to come with me. You're a dreamer, and you're unfortunately a risk to society," said Andross.
"Are you sure I'm a dreamer?" asked Fox.
"Positive," said Andross nodding his head.
"I guess I'm not surprised. Everything that's happened up to this point has been for a reason," Fox said.
"I'm sorry Fox, but I have no choice," said Andross pulling out a stun gun.
"Not sir, I guess you don't," said Fox.
"I'll do what I can to make sure your stay is comfortable," said Andross.
"Yes sir," said Fox nodding glumly. Just as Andross was about to fire, the whole building shook.
"What the hell?" both Andross and Fox said.
Outside: Dozens of fighters streaked down and opened fire on The Executor and its escorts.
"What the hell? Those are UVCAF ships!" shouted Hammer. The fighters continued blasting the ground and the cruisers.
"What do we do?" asked a technician nearby.
"There's no use sending our fighters, they'll be indistinguishable from the other UVCAF ships. I don't know what's going on! We can't open fire they're our own ships! Where are they coming from?" asked Hammer. Another technician ran up to him.
"They're launching from a fleet above, which composes units from this fleet. They're currently attacking members of our ships and fighters," said the technician.
"In English!" demanded Hammer.
"Sir, there are traitors in the UVCAF forces, a lot of them," said the technician.
"It's a bid!" shouted Andrew.
"Oh my god. I thought I'd never have to live to see the day when someone is making a bid for power. But who?" demanded Hammer. At that instant the comm. system came to life.
"This is your new Emperor, Pepper. I am seizing control from that idiot Andross. I will bring peace and prosperity to the Lylat System. No more will we live in fear of a crazed monkey. Soon my agents will bring Andross to me and then there will never be anything more to fear when I kill him. Anyone who wishes to join me, do so now and resist those who are loyal to Andross. You will not have anything to fear from him as long as I am still alive! Andross's reign is through! The dawn of peace has begun!" shouted Pepper as the image shutoff.
"Sir, the Dorisby on our right is taking off," said the captain of the vessel.
"Where're they going?" asked Hammer.
"Sir! They're opening fire on us!" shouted the captain. The dorisby began shelling The Executor with its guns.
"Open fire! Nothing can withstand the barrage this ship can give. Let 'em have it!" shouted Hammer. The Executor opened fire on the Dorisby and a brief firefight ensued as the two ships blasted at each other. Eventually the Dorisby was destroyed and its remains rained down on the two ships below. As of this wasn't enough, the rogue fighters opened fire on the two vessels on the ground and began shelling the temple, destroying Andross's craft. Then weapons fire from the rogue UVCAF forces above began raining down as well.
"Sir, we're loosing shields!" shouted the ship's tactical officer. On his screen it showed the shields dropping rapidly.
"Have the remaining Dorisby get between us and the fleet above. We're taking off," said Hammer as the whole ship rocked.
"Sir! We can't abandon The Emperor!" shouted the captain.
"We're not now take off!" shouted Hammer. The massive battlecruiser lifted off as the Dorisby above it exploded as well.
Inside: Everything was exploding as the temple continued to get shelled.
"What are those idiots doing out there!" demanded Andross as he and Fox moved past the rubble. Fox took one last look behind him at the pictures that had changed to depict this realities battles, past, present, and future. They had all changed when Fox had made his decision. Right before the exited the hallway as it collapsed, Fox thought he still saw the picture with the Lylat System exploding, it hadn't changed, it still depicted the Lylat System exploding. Fox just shook his head and chose not to focus on that image. He helped The Emperor outside as they saw explosions rocking the ground around him as fighters continued blasting the temple and laser blasts continued coming down from above.
"What on Corneria?" asked Andross.
"It's a bid for power! Someone's betrayed you!" shouted Fox tackling Andross as a laser bolt flashed by overhead, striking the temple.
"I don't believe this! Who would have the guts! And where the hell is my ship!" shouted Andross. Fox looked out and noticed that except for several craters from laser bolts, it was utterly devoid of ships.
"Maybe they defected," Fox said.
"Let's hope not, because if they did then we're stuck here. I can't believe Hammer would do this! That traitor!" shouted Andross.
"Sort of like me being a dreamer?" asked Fox.
"It's an odd time we live in," said Andross.
"Yeah, but it looks like our time is up," said Fox pointing to a squadron of fighters coming straight at them to deliver the death blow to the temple and Fox and Andross as well.
"Goodbye Emperor," said Fox saluting.
"Goodbye commander," said Andross saluting back. Then just as the fighters were about to fire, laser bolts streaked out from left side of the temple and blasted some of the fighters, causing the rest to turn tail and run. Fox and Andross looked to their left to see The Executor creep forward from the left.
"My ship!" shouted Andross. They ran to the edge of the top level of the pyramid and leapt onto the right wing of the massive battlecruiser. They entered through a top hatch and were greeted by some regular crewmembers.
"Emperor," they saluted at him. Andross nodded and entered into an elevator along with Fox. The elevator zoomed to the bridge and deposited Andross and Fox.
"Emperor," said Hammer. Andross nodded at him and sat down in his seat as Hammer vacated it.
"What's going on," Andross said.
"Pepper is trying to seize power from you. I'm sorry we took off but we had to keep moving otherwise rogue members of the fleet above that are shelling us right now would've destroyed this ship. Sorry," said Hammer. Andross help up his hands.
"We'll worry about this later. Right now we've got to survive. Porpoise, get us the hell out of here!" shouted Andross.
"Roger," said Porpoise at the controls. The ship blasted off and cleared the planet where what remained of the fleet loyal to Andross was getting shelled.
"Tell the crews of those ships that are still loyal to me to hide. We will find them again," said Andross. The communications officer nodded and transmitted the message.
"Prepare for warp, we're getting the hell out here! We're going to Sector X and retrieving 'the dreamers' and then pulling out," said Andross. The Executor, scorched in several areas from enemy bolts, fled into warp as the rogue ships continued firing on them.
Venom: "Sir, we lost them. The Executor fled into warp before it could be destroyed. There is no doubt that it has the Emperor," said Admiral Harkov. Pepper glanced through surveillance photos of the battle with The Executor.
"I should've known Hammer wouldn't have defected. Well, there's only one place that Andross would go and that's Sector X. Send a fleet and go get him. The Executor won't survive much longer. Tell me of the military forces that have defected," said Pepper.
"It's slightly better than expected. Several units have defected from larger fleets and we're expecting to conquer Andross's private shipyards and possess The Executor's sister ship The Lusankya. With that thing at our side, Andross won't be able to resist us. Any bad news?" asked Pepper.
"The only bad news would be that Warlord Hammer's fleet has vanished, every single unit of it. It was in orbit of Aquas but as soon as you announced you bid for power they left," said Harkov.
"That might pose a problem, that fleet isn't really that big, but they are fiercely loyal to Andross and with Hammer in command and the StarFox team with them, they're going to be hard to beat. Plus, The Mantia is the second largest Saruzin class warship behind the Executor and Lusankya with it being 1/3 the length of them. Oh well, they won't stand much of a chance against us. Now let's get Andross and end this coup," said Pepper.
Sector X: The Executor came flying out of hyperspace and advanced on the base.
"Okay, we get onboard, load up 'the dreamers' and head out. Fox, due to the circumstances I can't afford to leave you sedated so you'll have to lead the StarFox team again," said Andross.
"Good, Leon, Falcon, Andrew, looks like its back to business," said Fox. Falco slowly drew closer with his blaster in his hand.
"Not quite. Mr. Lombardi, might I be allowed to ask you a question?" asked Andross.
"Sure. What?" asked Falco.
"How did you know I was here?" asked Andross.
"Sir?" asked Falco slightly nervous.
"How did you know I was on this base? It's a simple question. Now answer your Emperor," said Andross.
"Sir, this base has never been a secret, its in the files," said Falco more nervous.
"I didn't ask you how you knew this base was here, I asked how you knew I was here. I never file reports saying I've ever come here. So how did you know?" demanded Andross.
"I-uh. I-uh. Well you see, there was, and then," said Falco blabbering when suddenly alarms blared all over the base.
"We have incoming," said a technician.
"Friendly?" Andross asked. The whole base started rocking.
"Somehow I don't think so," said the technician.
"Throw Falco in the brig. And get ready to load up 'the dreamers' on The Executor," said Andross.
"But what's going to defend the base? You didn't bring defensive weaponry to this base so as not to alert people that you were using it," said the technician.
"What about the Spyborg?" asked Andross.
"Sir with all due respect: Are you crazy? That thing is emotionally unstable because it has a glitch in its programming. That thing could attack this base!" said the technician. Andross shrugged.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. Send The Executor to battle the fleet while we get 'the dreamers' ready to be loaded onboard," said Andross.
"With that pounding The Executor won't last long. It's still damaged from Titania," said Fox.
"I don't care. I have faith in my ship. Launch!" shouted Andross. The Executor left the base and moved to attack the fleet. It put up a valiant fight, but the odds were still stacked against it. The Spyborg left as well and began attacking everything. Finally, the opposition got to it and it suddenly found itself adrift and being steadily advanced on by the fleet. Then the Spyborg self-destructed and everything looked grim.
"There it goes. Now we're screwed since that's our only ride," said Fox. As the fleet prepared to fire, more explosions went off directed at the fleet. As the group watched, several Zerams, Harlocks, Grazans, and Dorisbys rocketed by, shielding The Executor from further attack. Then a massive Saruzin class vessel coasted by and opened fire on some of the larger units.
"Who the hell are they?" asked Andross. A technician ran up to him with a datapad.
"Sir, we've managed to pull a preliminary ID. The ship is responding to the name The Mantia," said the technician.
"That's my fleet!" shouted Hammer. He ran off to access a comm. station.
"How the hell did they find us? Is my presence here public knowledge to everyone!" shouted Andross incredulously. Hammer walked back to them.
"My fleet was hiding in Sector X waiting for me to contact them. When they saw the base under attack they decided to investigate. The Mantia wants to dock with us and take us aboard," said Hammer.
"What about The Executor?" demanded Andross.
"A pair of my Dorisbys are docking with it and are going to drag it with us to wherever we decide to go," said Hammer. Through the window they saw the two Dorisbys attaching to The Executor and blasting off towards the base while pair of Harlocks covered it.
"Alright let's go," said Andross. The Mantia docked with the base and everyone scrambled aboard as well as 'the dreamers' who were wheeled aboard. As soon as everyone was aboard, The Mantia blasted off and rendezvoused with the fleet and prepared to head out. Just as they were about to enter warp a massive vessel blocked their path.
"Hello Andross," laughed Pepper.
"How dare you still my ship!" shouted Andross. The Lusankya was blocking their path and refusing to budge.
"As long as I breath my last breath you will not succeed!" shouted Andross.
"Somehow I don't think so. Your SSD, Super Saruzin Destroyer, is no match for mine because it is fully loaded and just out of the docks from the first time. Goodbye Andross," said Pepper. Andross growled as The Lusankya opened fire. Then a mysterious glow surrounded the fleet and it vanished.
"Where the hell did they go?" demanded Pepper.
Across the system: "Where the hell did they go?" demanded Andross.
"Actually sir, we moved. We're not at Sector X, we're at Sector Z," said Fox.
"How?" demanded Andross.
"More importantly what the hell is that?" asked Jimmy. In the bridge was a strange blue policebox. The door opened and the figure that Fox had seen in the temple appeared before him.
"I just wanted to let you know who rescued you. Good luck," said the Doctor. K-9 poked his head out.
"Affirmative," he said. Then the doctor boarded his TARDIS and it disappeared.
"Who was that?" asked Andross.
"A friend, I think," said Fox.
"Let's just get moving. I have a hidden base hidden at Sector Y. It's fully stocked with its own fleet. We'll go there and decide our attack pattern. Because The Lylat Wars have begun," said Andross. The fleet left Sector X and vanished into warp and the future.