Author's note: One more question I want to answer. This is NOT a sequel to my two previous fics. I do intend to make one, but right now I have no plans for it. It may take me quite a while before I do. Thank you. Now, on with the story.

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Peppy yawned.

"Well, I'm getting pretty tired now." he said, "You can take it from here, Fox."

He picked up his staff and walked out of the room.

"Good night, Peppy." said Fox.

"Good night." Peppy replied.

Fox sighed.

"Are you alright, Dad?" Max asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine." said Fox, "It's just I just keep wondering what things would be like if your grandparents were alive today. I know they would've loved to see you being born."

Fox continued the story.

My father's death was the most painful event in my childhood. James McCloud was the man who held me when I was born, the man who gave me my name, and the man who helped me become who I was that day. Now, he was dead. Somebody had to pay.

I unlocked the front door and walked in. When I glanced at the clock, I noticed it was almost time for my favorite TV show, but I didn't care. I just didn't feel like laughing at the moment. Even though I was hungry, I just couldn't eat. So I went to my bedroom and lay down on my bed. I don't remember ever going to sleep, but I woke up the next morning to the sound of my phone ringing.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Fox. This is General Pepper of the Cornerian Military. I am very sorry about what happened to your father."

"Thank you, sir."

"His funeral will be today at 10:00am. I hope to see you there. And one other thing, there's something else I'd like to talk to you about so meet me in my office afterwards."

"Okay, sir. I'll be there. Bye."

* * *

I won't bore you with the details about the funeral, but after it was over I lay some flowers on my father's grave and swore that I would avenge him. I did avenge him, but that's another story. Anyway, afterwards, Peppy took me to the headquarters and escorted me to the General's office.

"Good afternoon, Fox." Pepper said, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Your father spoke highly of you. He was a great pilot and we all miss him. There is nothing I want more right now then to make his murderer pay, but before we can get to that there is one thing we need to do: rebuild the Star Fox team. I understand that you've become quite a good pilot yourself."

"Yes, sir." I said.

"Then how you like to become the new Star Fox team leader?"

I couldn't believe what I had just heard.

"Me?"

"That's right. You have done very well in your training and Peppy and I think you would be perfect for the role. Will you do it?"

I had to think about it… for about a millisecond!

"Yes, sir!" I said, "Thank you, sir!"

I shook hands with the General.

"Our engineers are constructing new Arwings for your team as we speak." said Pepper, "I'll leave it up to you to find your own wingmen."

"Okay." I said.

"Oh and one more thing: I have something for you."

The General picked up a box, and handed it to me.

"These are some of your father's things." he said, "They may be useful to you, so I want you to have them."

Inside the box was my father's scarf, blaster, PDA, and sunglasses.

"Thank you, General." I said.

I knew just who I wanted on my team. You guessed it, my two best friends: Falco and Bill. Falco was more than happy to join, but unfortunately, Bill was already assigned to lead his own squadron. Eventually, we found Slippy, who also agreed to join us. He wasn't the best pilot we had, but his intelligence really helped us during our battles. He was also the one who built ROB and helped build the Great Fox.

Fox glanced at the clock on his nightstand. It was almost midnight.

"Well, it's getting late." he said, "We should get some sleep."

Max got off the bed and got back in his sleeping bag.

"Dad," he said, "do you think I have what it takes to become a great pilot like you?"

"Of course." said Fox, "Maybe someday you'll become the new Star Fox team leader. And I'd be proud to help train you."

Max smiled as he and his father hugged each other. Fox kissed Max on his forehead.

"Good night, Son." he said.

Max got up and got back in his sleeping bag. Fox, pulled the bedcovers back on, turned the lights off, and went back to sleep.

"I'll make you proud, Dad." Max whispered as he drifted off to sleep.

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