Chapter 2

"This…col…87…un…ttack…triads…radeon…SOS…req…ssistance…ow…" a familiar voice said. "Can't…off much…longer…Star Fox…help…"

A map appeared on the screen ahead of me. An area was boxed off and was identified as Colony 87. A few canyons led into the area, along with a small river that led from a lake.

So they got off planet. And why would they… A loud beeping was sounded through the room. A picture of a robot appeared on the screen.

"Incoming message from Macbeth Colony 87," it said.

"Put it through." Fox said.

After a few seconds of silence, a video feed showing a blue bird with red feathers around its eyes wearing a brown coat. He was inside a small room, with the sound of battle raging on in the background.

"Fox! It's Falco! Get us the hell out of here!"

"Falco," Fox said, "what's going on?"

"A militia and two lances of Radeons attacked. They've taken over and we are under martial law! Some resistors have begun fighting, but it's not working."

"Falco!" I asked. "Is there a possibility that you could get into a Radeon?"

"Maybe. No guarantees there. Besides, I can't pilot one anyway."

"Look for Jewels. Get her away from the combat. Fox," I said, turning to him, "how long until we can get there?"

"Ten, maybe twelve minutes."

"Falco, my lances will be there in seven minutes. Hold out until then."

"You got it, Dezu. By the way, one of these is not just ordinary lance. It's a Dark Arrow. Be careful."

"As always. Out."

Fox looked at me in a confused manner.

"Seven minutes? We'll be just clear of reentry!"

"Just get your pilots ready. I'll handle my lances."

I ran across the hangar to my custom Radeon, the Brood. It was a humanoid build with six auto cannons, two SRMs, one LRM, a laser rifle arm, and a XL-98340 Laserblade. I jumped into the cockpit, slipping my headset on. The canopy slid shut and the gyro started to whir. After the computer self-checked, I began the startup sequence.

"Engines online. Weapon online. Communications online. Awaiting instruction," the computer stated.

I held down the comm button. A menu appeared on the heads-up display. I selected all Radeons, and flicked a switch.

"Ok, boys. Check your weapons and engines, we hotdrop in thirty!" I switched frequencies to the one used by the Star Fox team. "Fox, how long until deployment?"

"About three thirty. We'll clean up your mess."

"Copy! Switch frequencies to zero-niner-zero-seven. Keep in contact."

I looked at my HUD for landing coordinates. We were going to hit in the stream about one minute away from the city. I heard an alarm. The engines were primed to launch.

"Punch it!"

A short blast from my fore boosters launched me out of the Great Fox. A few button presses told me that we'd land in three minutes. My radar was picking up enemies.

"Call off!"

"Green one, standing by!"

"Green two, standing by!"

All of my comrades called in their status. I checked out the enemy stats. A small group of enemy Vulcan-class Radeons had been armed with GAABMs and was covering the skies. That is not good…

"Fox, heads up! They have air coverage."

"Fighters?"

"No… wait! Incoming Invader II-class and Wolfen-class."

"Wolfen? They improved that model already."

"Their Ids aren't Star Wolf. Must be standards."

"Got it. Take care of the ground forces and we'll get the rest."

"Yup. Hear that boys?" I called. "Let's plow the road!"

I punched a few buttons, switching my weapon to SRMs. After a few seconds, the lock-on was achieved. I pulled the trigger, launching the projectile at the Radeon below. An explosion ripped through the Vulcan's hull. A dense cloud of machine gun fire was the only response. I checked one of the displays. 30 seconds until touchdown.

"OK, boys! Prep your mach guns!"

20 seconds… 10 seconds… touchdown. I landed by a Vulcan. Activating my arm-mounted laserblade, I severed one of its arms before impaling the torso. I backed a few feet, avoiding the explosion. I fired my laser cannon at another Radeon, knocking it over. A laser blast from the skies diverted my attention. New, airborne enemies were swooping down on top of me. I grimaced as I switched my comlink to Fox's frequency.

"Fox, I need air cover! I can't hold them all off!" I fired at the incoming fighters. This didn't look good. A few seconds later, a barrage of lasers rained down from the skies. I fired a few shots from my own weapons, knocking an Invader II out of the skies. After a minute of frenzied combat, the onboard computer beeped in warning.

"Incoming fighters. Evasion recommended," the robotic voice said. A message crackled onto my comlink within seconds of the warning.

"This is Jewel Aeon from colony 87 on Macbeth. We are under attack by a Triad militia. They have Radeon support and are killing many civilians. This is a SOS. Requesting assistance now. We can't hold them off much longer. If the Star Fox team receives this message, please help."

"Computer! Trace the transmission. Fox," I said, "did you hear that?"

"Yeah," he answered.

"Transmission traced. Opening frequency."

"Radeon Brood to colony, Radeon Brood to colony! Jewels! Answer me, Jewels!"

"I copy."

"I'm with the liberation squad. What kind of resistance will we be seeing when we reach the colony?"

"Dark Arrows."

"Well," I murmured sarcastically, "my day keeps on getting better and better! Has Falco found you?"

"No," she said.

"Keep an eye out for him, OK? Brood out."

"Incoming Transmission," the robotic voice stated.

"Falco here," Falco said from the comlink. "I'm in a docking bay on one of the Triad's cruisers. I'm planning to steal a Wolfen II."

"They have cruisers?!"

"Yeah," said Falco. "They are for transporting fighters and Radeons. I had one hell of a fight getting on this thing."

"Does it have any weapons?"

"A few turrets, nova bomb launchers, and chaff."

"Why steal the fighter when you can steal the big ship?"

"We can't. The bridge is still under their control."

"Do what you can. Just try to get that cruiser!"

"Ok," Falco answered after a few moments. "I have an idea, but it will take a bit of luck and firepower. Lombardi out!"

I switched the frequency to Fox and his squadron as I impaled another Radeon with my laserblade. I fired off a few shots at the passing aircraft.

"Fox, Falco is onboard an enemy cruiser. I don't know the coordinates, but I do have his com frequency."

"Good," Fox said. "Any news on what's in the city?"

"Mostly Dark Arrows. There are some cruisers that have landed, but the weapons are not activated. Contact Falco before you attack them. Transmitting frequency."

"Got it."

The enemies on the ground retreated to a canyon opening. A quick check of my radar showed that they were heading for the city. A few of my comrades were following them.

"Dezu, get to the city," Fox said. "I'll clean up your damn mess."

"Entering the city. Wish me luck."