Shattered Lylat Prelude: Enter Black Wolf
Part 5: The Cornerians Strike Back
Chapter 22 part 2
- Same Place as last chapter, same year, same day
"Well…" said General Pepper "I have a solution. You 4 can be mercenaries, yet you have a long-standing defense contract with us. I'll even throw in a $500,000 signing bonus. Officially, you'll be CDF Special Forces."
"Something about this seems odd…you planned this didn't you?" Ed asked.
"More or less…" said General Pepper "You see, the CDF bureaucracy is so limited, and we need a second unit that can fight outside the rules, a second set of mercenaries. This incident gave me just that chance."
"I feel so used," Ed said
"Don't feel bad, this was just the quickest way,"
"All right, but how much are we gonna get paid for this?"
"Well, it's $500,000 for signing on, $300,000 for clearing Fortuna, $1,000,000 for destroying the Death Prism, and $500,000 hazard pay for combating the Death Prism. It's the same rate I gave Starfox." The General passed Ed a contact outlining all of the details
"Deal." Ed said, as he signed his name on the contract, after reading it over. Then Mark, Damien and Karl did likewise.
"Al right, you move out for Fortuna in 1 hour. Dismissed"
Chapter 23
CDF HQ Hangars, Corneria, June 16th 2550, 1340 hours
"Ed what the hell were you thinking?" Falco asked Ed as the 8 pilots of Starfox and Black Wolf walked towards their Arwings
"Well, for a start, I wanted another crack at Wolf O'Donnell and his team of jackasses." Ed replied "For another thing…I don't like having to declare war before waging war. Especially if we're already being attacked."
"Well, that doesn't exactly give you an excuse to walk out on the CDF after graduating!" Falco shot back
"Well, we all did it," said Fox, "except that I was born into the mercenary business. If you guys want to be mercenaries, that's perfectly all right. Besides, you guys have something going for you."
"What's that?" Mark asked
"You got a starship for free, that's what." Fox answered "I still have about 70 years of payment left on the Great Fox."
"Oh, yeah…that's right. Tough luck." Damien said. Everybody knew that massive expenses could doom a mercenary squadron no matter what.
"It's no big deal, we just have a smaller profit margin that's all. Besides, we're still better off than Star Wolf, who only have a starship on loan to them."
"You mean they had a starship. We're going to blast that thing into oblivion!" Karl enthused.
"Damn straight!" Mark agreed. "We'll teach the Venomians not to tangle with Cornerian holdings anymore!"
As Ed climbed into his Arwing he said "I'm heading over to the Academy."
"Why?" asked Mark
"I have to transfer my personal effects over to the Black Knight" Ed replied "I didn't get a chance to since I was sent into combat right after graduating."
"I'll come with you," said Mark "You probably will need help moving some of your stuff, and I need to get my stuff too."
"Yeah sure whatever," said Ed
CDF Military Academy, 5 minutes later
Ed finished loading almost all of his personal effects into his Arwing's cargo compartment. "All right that's about it." He said to Mark.
"What about this stash of porno mags I found under your bed?" Mark asked
"Burn 'em"
"Why? All used up?"
"No, it's just that I've found a girlfriend, so I don't need the pornos"
"Wait…who? When?" Mark asked
"Well, you know Katya?"
"Who, the collie you saved in the lab?"
"EXACTLY!" Ed replied "It seems that she had some feelings for me, and saving her life was the clincher."
"You like her back?"
"Yeah…she's attractive, and she's smart. She'd have to be if she's in Shadow Wing."
"Well, good for you." Mark said "I think it's great that you've finally gotten over Jenna Sandoval."
"Wow…4 girls after her and you're STILL talking about her."
"It's not my fault you pined for her all this while." Mark shot back
"Look, just drop it okay?"
"Fine, you're right that I shouldn't bring up the past."
Ed walked out of the room towards the hangars, Mark following him. "So does this mean I can have the porno mags?" Mark asked
"Whatever!" was Ed's only reply
Chapter 24
Black Knight: Observation Deck, Cornerian orbit, June 16, 2550, 1400 hoursEd stood on the observation deck, looking out at the stars Only a little less than one hour to go before I ship out to take the fight back to the Imperial Army he thought.
Katya walked up to him "Hey, what's up?"
"Oh," Ed said "Hi Katya. I'm just thinking."
"About what?" she asked.
"Lots of stuff…" he answered. "The war, that Death Prism, and also, who Jack Vong really is."
"Why would you be thinking about Jack?" she asked
"Well, it's kind of a long story"
"Don't worry, I have time to listen" she said
"Okay, here's the backstory"
Ed told Katya of the incident that occurred 1 year ago when the Venomians attacked Corneria, and how Ed, Mark, Kyle, and Dave had gone to fight them. He then went on to tell of the tragic and odd circumstances of Dave's death, including how his body and his wrecked Arwing were never found.
"So what does that have to do with Jack Vong?" Katya asked
"Wait one minute, I'll be right back." Ed said
He returned shortly carrying a katana.
"Does this katana seem similar to you?"
"Yes…it's just like the one Jack uses…"
"Exactly. See Dave had 3 such swords. All of them custom made for his preferences. When he died, Mark, Kyle and I went through his stuff. I got one of the swords, Kyle got the other."
"And the third?"
"Suspiciously missing." Ed answered "But here's the clincher to my theory on Jack Vong's true identity. When he saved me from the 5 imperial soldiers down in the lab, he used a complex series of martial arts moves and sword techniques that I have only seen once before…done by Dave Cheng."
"Well, I can't really verify your theory" Katya said, "because I myself have no clue where Jack Vong came from. He just showed up one day as a new addition to Shadow Wing."
"All right…I guess I'll find out the truth eventually" Ed replied "Just don't tell anybody that we had this talk…okay? I don't want to sound crazy."
"Okay." Katya answered. Hey…you want to go get something to eat down planetside?"
"I can't right now. I have to go to Fortuna in a few minutes."
"Why? I thought only Starfox was being sent there."
"Well, I kinda went mercenary, just so I could go. So right now, you're talking to a new mercenary squadron commander."
"Well…that seems a little extreme…but at least you're like Shadow Wing now…free from the bureaucracy."
"Yeah…that's another reason"
"Well, I guess we won't see each other for a while."
"No…we will. I want you to petition for Shadow Wing to help us out for our attack on the Death Prism…we'll need the extra fighters. I'm sure General Pepper would agree."
"I'll do what I can" Katya answered
"Thanks. I'll be seeing you soon." Ed said as he embraced her
"Come back safely," she said as she hugged him tightly
"I will."
Chapter 25
Black Knight, Cornerian Orbit, 1440 hours"We are ready to enter hyperspace on your command." Said ROB-2 to Ed.
"Commence hyperspace jump!" Ed ordered
The Black Knight jumped into hyperspace, en route to Fortuna. The Great Fox also jumped to hyperspace.
"We will reach Fortuna in 2 minutes." ROB-2 reported
"All right, as soon as we exit, we will launch. We will then come down directly on top of the captured Frontier Defense Base." Ed said "For cover, the Black Knight will open fire on the Dire Wolf, and then destroy other ships by order of threat. I want to save the Dire Wolf's destruction for last, as I want O'Donnell to see how much I mean business. Any questions?"
"Yeah…what should we do when StarWolf shows up?" Mark asked
"Well, I want to engage them myself, but if Starfox wants to tangle with their rivals, then let them. Only offer assistance if it is necessary. Any other questions?"
Satisfied there were none, Ed smiled "All right, let's go kick ass and take names!"
Ed turned and headed towards the hangar bay.
2 minutes later, FortunaCaptain Rodney Carroba of the Dire Wolf was sitting at his command chair, overseeing repairs, when the call came in. "Yes, what is it?"
"We've picked up two Cornerian warships dropping out of hyperspace…the Great Fox and the Black Knight!" cried out the frantic sensors operator.
"Shit! Red Alert, all hands to battle stations!" Rodney shouted. No sooner were the words out of his mouth when the Black Knight opened fire. The gauss cannon slug impacted on the front of the Dire Wolf. The hypersonic slug punched through the forward shields and blasted apart the charge capacitors for the Intimidator-class ship's giga laser cannon. The laser cannon exploded, tearing up the bow of the ship. The force of the blast was sufficient to send the bow upwards, tilting the ship back. Captain Carroba was sent flying backwards by the force of the blast. A fire control panel exploded on the bridge, severely burning the Tactical officer.
"Return fire!!!" Rodney shouted.
"No can do…the chief engineer said. The blast from our giga laser exploding shorted out all major systems, we can't move or fire for a while. It will take maybe an hour at most to fix the problem."
"Get on it!" the Captain shouted
"Sir!" yelled the sensors officer, "Both Cornerian ships are launching their fighters, and the Black Knight is opening fire again!"
Rodney regained his footing in time to watch the Black Knight fire a plasma shot at a group of Harlock frigates. Radney could only watch as two of the frigates were blasted to pieces by the shockwave, a third escaping with heavy burns, before being cut in half by the Great Fox's laser cannons.
"Dear God…" Rodney muttered. "Have all ships begin to fall back, launch fighters for cover!" Wolf, you'd better be able to hold out with what you have down there. Rodney worried.
Fortuna's Surface, at that momentEd had launched in time to see the Black Knight and the Great Fox wipe out 3 Harlock frigates. Now his Arwing, along with his squadron and Starfox, was burning through the atmosphere, directly on course for the captured Frontier Base.
"All right, you know the drill, take out all fighters." Ed said
The 8 Arwings broke through the clouds and dove on the unsuspecting base, all guns firing. Numerous Invader class fighters were destroyed on the ground. But some survived the initial barrage, and took off to combat the Cornerians.
"Heads up! Enemy fighters coming right for us!" Falco shouted
"Disperse and engage at will!" Fox shouted
The 8 fighters broke formation and engaged the enemy. Ed took out 5 Invader IIIs with a charged laser bolt, then blasted another two on Mark's tail.
"Anybody see StarWolf anywhere?" Ed asked
"Negative, maybe they aren't here." Damien suggested
"Or maybe they're waiting for the right moment to attack." Karl put in.
"Well, they're losing that moment fast, the Invaders are up to 50% destroyed" Fox said as he vaporized 4 Invader III fighters coming head on at him.
The remaining Imperial fighters put up a fight, but the combined efforts of both Cornerian Mercenary Squadrons was just too much. The remaining fighters mopped up with little trouble. As the 8 fighters returned to formation, Starwolf chose that moment to strike.
"Looking for us?" Wolf taunted as his squadron dove out of the sun onto the 8 unsuspecting pilots. The laser blasts stuck Falco's Arwing, and Peppy's as well. The 8 ships broke formation, but the damage was already done.
"Heavy damage, cannot pursue!" said Falco
"I'm out of it, heading back" Peppy shouted
"Ed, Slippy and I will escort Falco and Peppy back to the Great Fox, cover us." Fox said
"Got it." Ed replied as he swung his fighter to chase Wolf down. "Looks like Fox want us to handle Wolf and his idiot patrol, let's do this!" Ed shouted to his squadron.
"All right, ready for round 2, Leon?" Mark shouted into his comm.
"I think you overestimate your chances of survival, dog!" Leon retorted.
The 8 ships boosted towards one another. A heavy exchange of laser fire ensued. When the dust cleared, Ed was tailing Wolf, matching his every move. To Ed's right. Karl mercilessly blasted apart Andrew's fighter.
"NOT AGAIIIINNNNNN!!!!" Andrew yelled as his fighter went down.
"That's one, Wolf…your chances are looking grim." Ed taunted as he blasted armor off of Wolf's fuselage.
"I don't think so…" Wolf said as he pulled a 5 G barrel roll in an attempt to evade Ed.
"Amateur!" Ed shot back as he matched Wolf's maneuver. He passed Mark, who blasted the right wing off of Leon's Wolfen II, forcing the lizard down.
"I think you should give up while you still have the chance!" Ed laughed at Wolf, as he continued firing his lasers at the Wolfen II.
"Freaking bird!!" Pigma yelled as one of Damien's laser barrages hit the Wolfen II's engine. Pigma's fighter was also out of the fight.
"Looks like it's just you and me!" Ed said as he struggled for a solid lock on Wolf's engine.
"You're quite good, Wallace…" Wolf said "I'd like to offer you a proposal."
"Quit trying to distract me!" Ed said as he fired a shot from his lasers. "I guess if you want the proposal to be your last words, then speak your mind"
"Look, we're not so different you and I" Wolf said "We're both mercenaries, we fight for cash. What say you switch allegiances? Whatever the CDF is paying you, the Imperial Army can double it. What do you think about that?"
Ed was pissed. He was absolutely certain Wolf actually thought he could get away with bribery. Ed was about to blast Wolf from the sky, when he had a better, and far more sinister idea. Ed deactivated his targeting computer, and his IFF beacon. He then activated a low-level ECM mask, and started flying towards Wolf's fighter. He could see that Wolf had stopped trying to evade since Ed turned off his target lock.
"Ed, what are you doing?" Mark asked as Ed flew his fighter above Wolf's
"Just having a little fun with the bastard before I blow him up." Ed said as he inverted his fighter and closed in on Wolf.
Wolf was sure his gamble had worked, when suddenly a large shadow obscured his fighter. He looked up, and saw Ed. Ed had inverted his fighter so that the two wolves could see each other face to face. Wolf also noticed that Ed was extending his middle finger at Wolf
"That's what I think about your proposal, you cycloptic bastard!" Ed yelled as he slammed on the airbrakes, moved into Wolf's six-o-clock position, and, without using his targeting computer, put a laser burst right into Wolf's engine. Without power, the Wolfen II slowly dropped down the frozen terrain, skipping along the ground, before grinding to a halt, with black smoke pouring out of it's tail section. Ed landed his Arwing 20 meters from the crash, and leapt out. Nearby, Damien, Karl, Mark, and Fox, who had just returned in time to see Ed shoot down Wolf, landed their Arwings and got out, running after Ed.
"Ed, what do you think, you're doing?" Fox asked as he caught up with Ed.
"That bastard tried to bribe me, and now he's going to pay!" Ed said as he ran towards the wreckage of Wolf's fighter. Fox tried to stop him, but Ed shoved him aside. As Ed reached the wreckage, he saw a shadowy figure emerge from the smoke. It was Wolf, and he was holding a laser pistol. "So you die, Ed Wallace." Wolf said "And my honor is restored." As he pressed the trigger, Ed jumped to the right, into Wolf's blind spot. Wolf let out a curse as his shot missed. With no time to lose, Ed charged straight at Wolf, and punched Wolf in the stomach. As wolf doubled over, Ed wrenched the laser pistol from Wolf's grasp. Wolf then tried to kick Ed in the stomach, but Ed blocked the weak kick. Ed then caught Wolf in the chin with a viscous uppercut. The taller wolf's one eye rolled back in its socket as he slumped to the ground. Ed then drew his Omni-Falcon, and pointed it at Wolf's head. Wolf struggled to stand, but stopped in a sitting position when he saw the gun aimed at him.
Mark, Damien, Karl, and Fox ran up to Ed.
"Ed, don't do it…he isn't worth it." Mark said
"This bastard deserves to die," Ed responded, "He has murdered countless people, committed heinous crimes, and he tried to make me switch sides." The Omni-Falcon trembled slightly in Ed's right hand. "This ends now."
"And if you kill him now, and like this, what makes you think that'll make you better than him?" Fox shot back "Bring him in, let him answer for his crimes."
For a brief second, it looked like Ed might have shot Wolf, but instead he lowered the gun. "You're right Fox, he has to answer for his crimes." Ed then spoke to Wolf. "Wolf O'Donnell, you are hereby under arrest for numerous counts of murder, numerous war crimes, and a bunch of other crimes that you invented."
"I think not," Wolf said as he suddenly dove at Ed, tackling him. Ed dropped the gun, and kicked Wolf off of him. Then Ed heard the hum of 3 fusion engines overhead, as he saw three battle-damaged Wolfen IIs fly overhead. Then Ed noticed that, probably by remote, Wolf had restarted his fighter.
"You set us up!" Ed shouted
"Correct!" Wolf laughed, "and now, I'm leaving!" Wolf sprinted towards his fighter. Ed wasn't about to let him go, however, and he dove for his pistol, and from a crouching position, opened fire. One of his shots caught Wolf in the shoulder, sending him sprawlingiont the cokcpit of his Wolfen II. As the cockpit closed, the other 4 Cornerians started firing their sidearms, but the bullets were useless against the Kevlar/Titainum armor of the Wolfen II. Wolf's fighter rocketed into space
"Get back to the fighters, we're heading back." Ed said
"What, we're not giving chase?" Damien asked
"No, we're going to blast what's left of the Imperial guard fleet into atoms!" Ed shouted
Chapter 26
Fortunan Orbit, 2 minutes later from last chapterWolf winced as the pain in his left shoulder intensified. He couldn't believe the rookie had not only seen through his ploy, but had shot him as well. As he approched the Dire Wolf, he noticed that the fleet was almost entirely destroyed. Only two Zeram class cruisers were left in addition to the Dire Wolf. There were also a few fighters, only about 20 out of the 150 assigned to the 4th Imperial Guard. All of the ships were showing heavy damage.
"Colonel O'Donnell to Dire Wolf, what the hell happened out here? " Wolf shouted into his comm.
"It was the new ship Lord Kerrigan warned us about…the Black Knight" responded Captain Corraba. "It's vaporized almost all our ships, with help from the Great Fox. What you see here is all that is left."
"Damn it." Wolf said. "All right, as soon as we land, recall everybody and prepare to break orbit to hyperspace back to Macbeth. We should at least warn Lord Kerrigan that the Cornerians are striking back."
Black Knight, at the same time- "Looks like they're preparing to break orbit." Mark said a he looked through the bridge's viewscreen.
"Well, if they escape, then that adds to the guard fleet around the Death Prism" Ed responded "Let's take em out. ROB-2, target lead Zeram with Gauss, also target the Dire Wolf with the other cannon, on gauss load as well. Move into range and fire, then close to minimum safe distance for plasma cannon."
"Affirmative" ROB-2 said "This is going to be just as easy as the other 7 ships I wiped out"
The Black Knight moved about 5 kilometers, then opened fire with a double-barreled gauss assault.
Dire Wolf, main fighter bayAs Wolf stepped out of his fighter and started to walk towards the bridge, the ship shook violently, throwing the 4 Star Wolf pilots to the floor
"What the hell is was that?" Wolf shouted into his comm
"The Black Knight is closing in on us!" Rodney shouted back "We've taken heavy damage on the port side, and Zeram 2 has been split in half!"
"Return fire!" Wolf shouted
The Dire Wolf's remaining turrets spat out a flurry of lasers and missiles, only to have them bounce harmlessly off the Black Knight's shields.
"It's not working!" Rodney said. Then he suddenly gasped "They've fired a plasma shot!"
"Shit!" Wolf yelled "Can we take it?"
"Negative!" the nervous captain yelled "Our shields are too weak! Get the hell out of here, you have 10 seconds!"
The Star Wolf pilots sprinted back towards their fighters and initiated a quick takeoff. They were not more than 700 meters from the Dire Wolf when the plasma ball hit. The shot landed just forward of the bridge before detonation. The blast easily tore the bridge of the Intimidator class cruiser clean off, and then began to rip it into fragments. The blast also tore the mighty ship in half, and overloaded the fusion core. The combined fusion and plasma blast overwhelmed the nearby Zeram, fragmenting it in seconds. The shockwave from these blasts traveled outward, and hit the 4 Wolfen IIs just before dissipating. The blast was sufficient enough to batter the fighters and tear armor away from them.
Wolf was violently thrown forward by the blast, and hit his head on the control console. As he fought for consciousness, he managed to activate his fighter's hyperdrive core to send him to Macbeth. As the Wolfen II entered hyperspace, Wolf passed out.
There was only one part of the Dire Wolf still intact, the forward section. The badly burned lump of metal tumbled through Fortuna's atmosphere, and eventually impacted on the continent of DarkSide.
Black Knight"Well, I guess that's the end of that" Karl said. As he watched the Dire Wolf explode
"Yeah. Even though Star Wolf got away, I'd still say that this went well." Ed responded.
"Now all that's left is to attack the Death Prism." Mark said
"Yeah…" Ed suddenly got a sense of dread.
"What's wrong?" Mark asked
"Nothing…I'm all right." Ed responded. I can't tell them that I'm worried we might all get killed…what kind of example would that make?
- Then the communicator beeped
Ed answered it "Yes?"
General Pepper's face appeared on the video screen
"How are things going on Fortuna?"
"They're going well. All imperial forces have either escaped or been destroyed." Ed responded.
Just then the communicator beeped again
"Hold on a minute sir…call waiting" Ed said. The picture was replaced by that of a female Gyrfalcon
"This is Captian Rouge Farrell," she said "Of the 4th CDF frontier battalion. Were you the guys that drove off the Imperials?"
"Uhh….yeah, this is Commander Ed Wallace of Black Wolf. StarFox and my squadron drove off the Imperials." Ed responded as he activated a direct link of the conversation over to the Great Fox, "why?"
"Because we were the defending unit here when the Imperials attacked. I, and half of my force, were captured, but we escaped and retook the base during the fighting."
"Okay, and?"
"Well, first, thanks for coming here. And secondly, do you know what the CDF commanders want us to do now?"
"Hang on a second," Ed said as he switched back to the General. "Sir, the the commander of the defending CDF force is on the other line, and she's asking for new orders."
"Tell her that if her equipment and vehicles are still in working order, she can resume her duties. Reinforcements are being sent as well, along with new supplies and vehicles."
"Ok," Ed said as he switched back again. "Captain, if you have enough working equipment, you can hold here for a while. Reinforcements have already been dispatched, and are bringing new supplies with them."
"We can hold, I guess." The Captain responded "That is all. Captain Farrell, out"
Ed then switched back to the General. "Now, what's our next move?" he asked
"You move out immediately to Macbeth"
Fox suddenly cut in
"Absolutely not!" Fox shouted "Falco and Peppy's Arwings are badly damaged and need time to repair. In addition, all of our fighters have taken some damage."
"I agree" Ed said "And besides that, 8 fighters and 2 warships versus a guard fleet, and a planet killing battle fortress? I'm sorry but I definitely do not like those odds. How long was the estimate for the Death Prism to be completed
"2 days" said General Pepper
"Then we have one day to repair, and call up reinforcements." Fox said
"Reinforcements?" General Pepper said "All possible reinforcements are tied up in the bureaucracy."
"Except one…" Ed responded "Shadow Wing Beta Company"
"Somehow I am not surprised you mentioned them." General Pepper answered. "I have recently received a communiqué from Commander Kage requesting be attached your attack force. He says that Lieutenant Williams had managed to convince him and the rest of the squadron that their skills would be needed on such a mission. I have just approved of this request, and they are on their way. You have one day before you go to Macbeth. Pepper out."
The screen blanked out, and then was replaced by Fox's "You managed to have Katya Williams convince Shadow Wing to be dispatched here, didn't you?"
"What can I say?" Ed responded "I have a way with women whose lives I save."
"…I don't think I'm even going to dignify that with a response" Fox said. Then the screen went blank.
"Wonder what that was all about?" Damien asked
Mark was about to tell Damien that Ed and Katya were an item, but Ed elbowed him in the chest as he walked out, glaring at Mark.
Mark limped out clutching his ribs. I'm gonna kill Ed for that, he thought.
Chapter 27
SWS Phantron, Cornerian Orbit, at the same time
The Phantron had just left Corneria, and was approaching the hyperspace jump point. Jenna Sandoval was working on her Arwing when Katya walked up to her.
"Jenna, can I ask you something?"
"Sure…I guess" Jenna said as she stood up.
"You dated Ed Wallace a few years ago, right?"
"Well, I guess you could say that, we were only an item for a couple months."
"Anyways," Katya continued, "What was he like, personality wise?"
"Well," Jenna said, "He seemed nice enough, was very caring…although he did have a temper problem…but I hear that he got that under control recently. Why do you ask all this?"
"Well, I think I'm in love with him."
"What? Just because he saved your life?" Jenna asked "That seems a little odd."
"Well, I also think he looks pretty good, and he's honest and sincere. You're not jealous, are you?"
"No, of course not!" something about the way Jenna answered didn't convince Katya, but she knew better than to try and argue it.
"Then you have no problem about how I feel about Ed?" Katya asked
"No, I don't" Jenna answered.
Then Captain Smirnov's voice came in over the intercom. "Attention all troops, we will be entering hyperspace in 5 minutes, estimated hyperspace travel time to Fortuna, 2 to 3 minutes."
"Guess we'd better get ready…" Katya said, and she walked out of the hangar.
Black Knight, at the same time…kindaFox had flown his Arwing over to speak with Ed. He found Ed standing on the observation deck…just staring off into space.
"What's up?" Fox asked Ed
"The usual…the war…the goddamn Death Prism…and how we're going to destroy it, but that's obviously not why you came over here."
"Uh…yeah. I cam over here to ask how the hell you convinced Katya to convince Shadow Wing to convince the CDF to be sent here to help us" Fox said.
"Well…that's a little complicated, but okay. After saving her life down at the lab, Katya has developed a powerful attraction to me. Needless to say, I am also quite attracted to her. Therefore, she wants to be here to assist us so that I don't get killed somehow."
"You couldn't have just said that before?" Fox asked.
"Well, knowing Damien and Falco, they just might blow it out of proportion, and I have a slight problem with that."
"Hey, I know the feeling…I'm also involved with a girl. Ever hear of Captain Fara Phoenix?" Fox asked
"Well…yeah actually. She used to be the flight instructor at the Academy just prior to the Lylat War." Ed answered.
"Yeah. Well, she resigned her training post to head up the 43rd CDF Fighter Squadron. They helped us out in Sector Y. Anyways, we kinda hit it off real well, and have been together ever since…when we can."
"I'm guessing you don't see her much." Ed said.
"That's true…" Fox answered glumly "She got a two week shore leave just before war broke out. Now, I'm not sure if I'll see her again"
Wow…even he is afraid of dying in combat Ed thought "Look, why don't you go see her?"
"What?" Fox asked
"Go see her. We've got 24 hours before we have to go to Macbeth, you can go see her and then return in time to go to Macbeth"
"You're right…I'll go see her…she should still be at Corneria. Just don't let Pepper know I've left…he might worry I won't get back in time."
"All right, I won't let anybody know you've left," Ed said, "just get back here before we leave."
"Will do," Fox said, as he walked out of the observation deck, and towards the hangar. Ed turned back towards the stars, and looked out into space. What will happen at Macbeth? He wondered, am I doomed to end my career there, vaporized by a planet-killing beam, or shall I take my revenge on Kyle, the man I once called my friend?
He almost didn't hear his communicator beep. "Yes?" he said.
"Ed, the Phantron is coming out of hyperspace." Said ROB-2 "An Arwing has been launched…It's Katya's"
"Very well, tell her I'll meet her in the hangar" Ed answered
"Affirmative" ROB-2 responded
Ed slowly walked towards the hangar, an uncertain future bearing down on him.
Ed reached the hangar as Katya's Arwing set down. She got out and walked towards him, but slowed when she saw the concerned and worried look on his face.
"What's troubling you?" she asked
"Nothing," Ed said "Honestly it's nothing"
"Well, as you can see, I managed to get Shadow Wing attached to the strike force. Hopefully our stealth ships should be able to gather valuable intel on the Death Prism before we attack it."
"That's good…" Ed said.
"What's on your mind, really?" she asked him
"Well, I figured we could maybe, go out to dinner or something. I hear there's a great restaurant at the base…they might have it open again by tonight."
"Okay," she said "When should we go?"
"How about 1830 hours?" Ed suggested.
"Okay, see you then!" she said. She kissed him on the cheek, and ran back to her fighter.
Ed, with his spirits lifted a bit, walked out of the hangar as Katya's Arwing rocketed back into space.
Chapter 28
Fortuna Frontier Defense Base, Brunswick, Fortuna, June 16th, 2550. 1855 hours
Ed had requisitioned one of Shadow Wing's shuttles so that he and Katya were able to go down to the base together. They were in luck, as they found out that the restaurant was fully up and running already. Apparently, the Imperials decided it was important to leave a major source of food intact. Ed's prediction was correct, it was a great restaurant. It offered up "some of the best fired chicken ever!" in Ed's opinion. Katya, surprisingly, also agreed with him. Afterwards, Katya decided to give Ed a tour of the Phantron…at least, the declassified parts of it.
"And this is the part of the ship that houses the radar stealth system." Katya said gesturing to a door marked "TOP SECRET!"
"Can I see the stealth system?" Ed asked
"Unfortunately, no. For two reasons. One, Jason doesn't entirely trust you, and two, Ivan is just looking for an excuse to get you in trouble." Katya answered.
"Ah…right." Ed said. "Look, you've shown me around your ship, how about I show you around mine? I mean, all you've really seen is the hangar, my quarters, and the observation deck."
"Sure, I'd really like to see the Black Knight. I mean, it is a unique ship." She said.
"Very well, follow me." Ed said
"This is the armory." Ed said as he opened the massive doors to the Black Knight's armory.
"Wow," Katya said as she saw the array of weapons mounted on the walls, some of them still in pristine crates. "There's enough here to start or end a war."
"That's what I said." Ed answered. "To be honest, I never thought the ship would carry personnel weapons during trials, but it sure does come in handy. Come on, I'm now going to show you a part of the ship I myself haven't visited yet."
The two of them walked down the 2000-foot length of the ship towards the stern. "How big was the crew of this ship supposed to be?" Katya asked as they walked.
"ROB-2 said that there was supposed to be a crew of 100, but I find that redundant, what with ROB-2's ability to run things pretty well. I guess most of the crew would be pilots and soldiers, or something like that" Ed answered. Finally, they reached a set of doors. Ed opened them, and they stepped into a massive room. The room had two massive barrels on either side, with some control consoles in the middle.
"What is this place?" Katya asked
"This," Ed said smiling, "is the main component storage station, and Fire Control station, of the Omni-Cannons."
"Why are the component barrels so large?" Katya asked
"It's simple really…there a 5 different loads for the Omni-Cannons, gauss railgun, autocannon, particle beam, plasma, and pulse laser. The barrel rotates to install whichever component is requested…almost instantly. Usually ROB-2 or the tactical officer fires the guns from the bridge…but in some cases, you need to use the consoles here to fire the guns. At least, that's my understanding."
"Wow…that's brilliant design technique. Arspace Dynamics outdid themselves." Katya said in awe.
Then Ed showed her the lounge, basically an area where the crew went to relax and eat…almost like some kind of bar.
"Hmm…this lounge is almost as good as the one on the Phantron…" Katya said
"Kind of odd to brag about a lounge…" Ed said.
"You know…you're right." Katya said "So, you ready for tomorrow?"
At the mention of tomorrow…Ed's fears came back full force, and the worried expression on his face came back.
"What? Did I say something wrong?" Katya asked, concerned.
"Well…kind of…but it's more of an issue on my end."
"Well, why don't you talk about it?"
"I'd rather not let my squadron hear…"
"Then let's go to your quarters" Katya suggested.
"Uh…okay" Ed said
They got to his quarters, and Ed locked the door behind him.
"Now, tell me what the problem is," Katya said.
"Well, I'm worried about what may happen tomorrow. Specifically, what might happen to myself, my friends…you."
"What exactly?"
"Well, I keep running the battle through my head, and it either ends with me being vaporized by one of the planet killing cannons, or I have to face Kyle in a duel to the death…and I don't know what the outcome is…except for after my ship is vaporized, the Death Prism kills the entire attack force…and then moves on to Corneria. My main worry is that when the chips are down…I'll fail…or worse." Ed buried his face in his hands.
Katya placed a hand on the wolf's shoulder. "Look, you're not the only one who has these fears of death. I've been worrying about them too, and so has probably everyone else who's going to attack the Death Prism…except for the two ROBs, but that's because they are robots."
"Yeah…but if I show my fear…what kind of example will that set to everybody?"
"…so you're worried about looking like a failure in addition to failing." Katya said.
"Exactly…but it's also in addition to the fear of death…or the death of my friends…I feel helpless at the moment…knowing that it not might be possible to make good on my promise that Kyle will never kill again."
Katya embraced Ed "Look…you will succeed tomorrow…you have to just remain confident."
Ed returned the embrace "You know…you're right…I just hope I don't lose you in the fight…before I can really get to know you."
Katya looked at Ed with a mischievous grin. "I know something that might help, with the getting to know me part…and the constant worrying."
"And what might that be?" Ed asked.
Katya, without saying anything, pushed Ed backwards onto his bed. Then she pounced on top of him, bringing her muzzle to his. Ed returned the affection, passionately kissing her, their tongues intertwining. Katya removed Ed's jacket as Ed rolled her onto her back.
"So," Ed said as he broke the kiss and started to remove his shirt. "this is what you had in mind?"
"Yes…" Katya said as she looked deep into his eyes. "You never know if we may get this chance again" and with that Katya helped Ed finish pulling off his shirt. She then forced Ed onto his back, and ran a claw over his furry chest, their combined warmth heating the area. She seductively removed her flight jacket and shirt, then went to work on Ed's pants. Ed turned Kaya back onto her back, and started romivng her pants as well.
Now only in their undergarments, they embraced tightly, their muzzles locked in a passionate kiss.
"Ed, please try to be gentle." Katya said
"I will…don't worry" Ed replied, as the last vestiges of clothing they had on were removed and Ed lay on top of Katya, his hands rubbing her breasts…
***(Author's Note: and the rest…is censored (hey…PG-13))***
Same Place, June 17th, 2550, 0800 hours
Ed looked over at Katya, and smiled. She smiled back as he gently stroked her brown fur. She was still drowsy, as they had just woken up a few minutes ago.
"That was wonderful…" Ed said
"Yeah…" Katya replied sleepily "Any idea what time it is?"
"It's like, 8 in the morning…ask me if I really care."
"Only 6 more hours…you feeling up to this now?" Katya asked
"Believe me…I'm not going to let anything bad happen now." Ed answered. "So, how do you think everyone will take our relationship?"
"I don't think it'll be a major issue. I mean, it's not like we're being irresponsible."
That's true, Ed thought, We did use protection…after all.
"Yeah…you're right." He said to Katya as he kissed her on the cheek
***
Fara Phoenix's apartment, Some apartment building on Corneria, 0830 hours
"Leaving so soon?" Fara asked as Fox pulled his pants on.
"Yeah…unfortunately. I have to go to Macbeth in a few hours, and I don't wanna be late" Fox replied. In truth, Fox didn't want to leave at all. But he had a job to do. Still, his visit with Fara had been rewarding, and had helped him shake off some of the fears he had been having about the mission. "I'll try to get back as soon as the mission is over. Maybe we can go to Zoness or something" Zoness, while still recovering from the eco-disaster Andross had unleashed a year ago, was now almost completely restored to it's former glory.
"That sounds good." Fara answered. "I'll talk to you when you return"
"Okay, see you later." Fox said as he finished getting dressed, and walked out of the apartment.
Chapter 29
Macbeth, June 16th 2550, 1900 hours (NOTE: Hmmm…Kinda the Quentin Tarintino approach to storytelling)
Wolf and his squadron had managed to limp their way to Macbeth using a series of short hyperspace jumps. Now as Wolf slowly apprached the guard fleet surrounding the Death Prism, he tried to figure out a way to tell Kyle he had lost possesion of Fortuna, and live. As he approached the Saruzin II carrier Venom, his comm beeped. He answered it, and saw it was General Katlin Stienburg.
"Yes, General?" Wolf asked
"Judging by the fact that your squadron arrived alone, I'd say you were soundly defeated on Fortuna, right?" asked the General.
"Yeah…where is Kyle, by the way?"
"He's on the Death Prism, but I don't feel you need to report your failure to him."
"Why?"
"Because Caine and I are planning to break away from Kyle's ambitions. You see, we have been using Kyle to achieve our goals. We would like you to also abandon Kyle's path. We are willing to double the amount of money you get."
"Done." Wolf said. To be honest, he didn't really like Kyle anyway.
"Excellent choice, O'Donnell" Said Steinburg, "Please dock with the Venom, to secure the fact that Kyle will not know you are here"
***FAST FORWARD***
Black Knight, Fortuna Orbit, 1230 hoursEd was out on maneuvers in his Arwing with the rest of his squadron, and loving every minute of it. He seemed to be flying at a level that far surpassed his usual antics
"Ed, you, uh…kinda seem a little overjoyed to be out practice flying." Mark said
"Really?" Ed asked as he pulled a couple of loops for the hell of it "I don't notice anything out of the ordinary"
Mark then switched to the private channel. "Ed, seriously, did something happen between you and Katya last night?"
"Well, since I'm in such a good mood, I'll tell you. Yes! Twice! And once this morning." Ed replied.
"Uh, Erm…" Mark said
"You asked"
"Yeah…I don't think I'll be asking again anytime soon."
"What's the big deal? So there was some sexual tension that evolved into a night of passion, big deal!" Ed said.
"Hey, I'm not saying anything bad about that…unless you didn't use protection."
"Now, you're just implying I'm stupid. I think we both know that I'm not an idiot"
"Okay…I think I'm going to end this conversation now."
As the channel cut out, Ed smiled Yes, he thought Things are really starting to look up.
Then he saw the gray Arwings belonging to Shadow Wing fly nearby, also engaged in practice maneuvers. He opened a channel to Katya "So, how are you doing?" he asked.
"Just fine, lover." She said as she dipped her wings as if in a salute of some kind. "So, you know there's no turning back at this point?"
"I know, and I am ready to face whatever comes next, especially with you to support me." Ed replied as he returned the wing salute.
Then Jason somehow cut in. "Katya, if you're done messing around with Ed, return to formation."
"Okay," she said begrudgingly. "Ed, we'll talk later"
Damien buzzed Ed's comm. "Is there something going on between you and Katya, or something?"
"Yes indeed," Ed replied "Ask Mark for the basic details"
"Why not just tell me?"
"Fine" Ed told him, in more detail than he probably should have
"Man, did you have to be so graphic?" Damien asked
"You asked. Now unless you want others to experience mental scarring, I suggest you just tell Karl yourself." Ed said as he started heading back to the Black Knight.
Chapter 30
Black Knight, 1359 hours"Okay, this is it. We jump in well out of radar range, ascertain the defenses, and then we strike. Got it?" Ed said to Fox and Jason
"Got it." Fox said
"Affirmative" Jason said
"Very well. Hyperspace jump in one minute!"
1 minute later, the Black Knight, the Great Fox, and the Phantron jumped to Macbeth, and the Death Prism.
END OF PART 5
