And the story moves forward once more. I know that somebody out there is reading this, so as always, reviews are gladly accepted.
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Chapter 8: The Unknown Revealed
Who the heck was that pilot, and where did he learn how to fly like that? Thank goodness he's on our side. I just wish Pepper wasn't such a jerk about hiding him like that... At least we'll find out who he is today. - Fox

With a yawn comparative to the one he started the day before, Fox found himself wide awake for another day of training. The Starfox team had spent a good portion of the evening on their own in the simulators, and it had left Fox nearly exhausted before he'd finally fallen asleep.
With the additional team training however, he had learned one weakness of the Arwing - while being able to make near instant turns with the G-Diffuser system was a powerful ally, when you had multiple hostiles on your tail the sudden slowdown of the craft could prove fatal. Both Peppy and Slippy had learned that the hard way as the team flew through a gauntlet mode on the simulators.
After going through the necessities of a shower and such, Fox walked off to get breakfast. He found his entire team already there by the time he arrived at the mess hall. Grabbing another healthy breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and some bacon, he joined his team. Greetings were passed around as the vulpine sat down, and upon noticing Peppy holding the morning paper again, he asked, "So, Peppy, did I make the paper again this morning?"
Peppy and Fox laughed at the confused looks of their teammates. "Sorry, Fox, you're no longer famous." The hare glanced at the other two as he continued. "We made the news on two planets over our little fight on the transport. Nothing much."
"Why didn't you tell us?" complained Falco. "It would have been nice had you said something."
Fox shrugged. He didn't have decent response, especially not this early in the morning. He looked to his team as he said around mouthfuls, "So, what brings everyone here together this morning? Other than the necessities of eating anyway."
"We've been thinking," said Falco, still upset at being brushed off like that. He also knew that it wasn't worth pressing the issue, as he knew that he wouldn't get an answer.
"That's a first for you," joked Slippy.
Falco glared at the toad for a moment, debating on smacking him upon his scaly head, but he calmed down as he continued. "As I was saying before scaly interrupted me here, we've been making guesses on who else is on our team."
"Based on what we've seen yesterday," started Peppy, "it's safe to assume that we have only one extra team member. Otherwise we would have faced them all as a group instead of an individual fight at the end."
"Makes sense," said Fox nodding, munching on his food.
"We're just at a loss on who it is," said Slippy.
"I still think that Pepper should have told us everything in the beginning," muttered Falco. "I'm tired of all this sneaking around the truth and making second guesses at everything he says."
"Agreed," said the rest of the team.
"And what's with him just barging into your room like that? He's like no stuck-up leader I've ever seen before."
"The General is a strange one based on what I've seen of him," said the hare, closing his eyes as he dug through his memories. "He was always so personable, trying to get to know everyone under his command."
"I still say it's a strange thing to do."
"He does have quite a bit to think upon however, Falco. While he may seem a bit unusual to us all, it's the goal at the end that's important."
"On the brighter side of things though, guys," said Fox, interrupting as he remembered the day's goals, "he did say he would reveal all today. Unless Andross has his fleet bearing down upon us right now, it should give us plenty of time to prepare with our new member."
"True," said Peppy. He looked past Fox for a moment. "By the way, the topic of our conversation is here." The team watched as Pepper moved through the crowd, waving or talking to everyone that he passed. "He's a rather effective morale booster, isn't he?"
"I'm guessing he's just hungry," joked Fox. "Although I do see your point."
Pepper picked up only a cup of coffee before he turned around and surveyed the mess hall. Spotting Fox and his team, he walked over. "Good morning everyone," he said pleasantly, sipping his drink.
The team said their greetings as the vulpine added, "So, General, taking us off to work already? It's not even eight."
Pepper laughed, taking another sip before responding. "I find it hard to believe that you aren't anxious in the slightest to take the Arwings for a spin."
"You know, I do believe he has a good point for once," said Falco grinning.
Fox finished up what was left on his plate then said, "Well then, if nobody has any objections, shall we take Pepper up on his offer?"
The team quickly decided to start their training early for the day and followed the General off to the Arwing hanger.

"Welcome back to deck 0," said Pepper as the elevator doors opened.
The Starfox team looked with awe once again as they glanced at their fighter craft. Fox smiled as he looked back at the General. "Well, Pepper, these Arwings are just as impressive to look at the second time as they are the first."
"Glad to hear that, Junior," replied the canine. "Now, if you would approach the Arwings, you'll find your names engraved on the side. Climb on in and you'll find a headset among other things. Put that on and we'll continue to talk."
Fox hung back and pulled his helmet off his head as he spoke. "What about what I'm wearing right now? Who's is this anyway?"
He grimaced as he realized that he never said anything earlier. "That, Junior is your Father's helmet. I'm sorry; I thought I told you earlier. I'll show you the details on how it fully works later, but if you would let me borrow it for a moment." Fox passed the helmet over to Pepper who fiddled with it for a few seconds before he handed it back. "There. You're hooked into the same variable com frequency that the Arwings use."
Fox donned his helmet as he boarded his craft, tired of his boss being so forgetful. It would have made the last few days so much easier. On his seat was a duffle bag that he moved out of the way while he sat down and strapped in.
Gary's voice sounded over his headset while he settled in. "Morning everyone, it's me again. While you get comfy, I'm going to let you in on what's in that bag. Inside are your basic emergency supplies. First aid kit, portable shelter, the all tasty military food and water rations, wilderness survival kit, and a small item that you'll get to wear around the base – your personal blaster and holster. Leave it all in the bag for now, as something tells me you all want to get out there and fly."
"Now, before you take off, I have three pieces of advice for you. First, please stay away from any cities. The general populace doesn't really know about the Arwing project, so let's not go out and scare them, okay? You have about 50 miles, give or take, to your north and east to fly around in, and only 10 in the other directions, all within military controlled space. If you really want to test the full speed of the Arwing, head into outer space."
"Noted and understood, Gary," said Fox. "I'll keep them under control."
"Good. For your second suggestion, I highly recommend getting some height before trying out the G-Diffuser system for real. The simulator is now rather close to how it really works, but unlike the simulators, we cannot replace the craft you are flying if something happens. Also remember what you experienced yesterday while you were flying in the gauntlet challenge on them."
"I'll definitely keep that in mind," said Slippy, remembering his first experience with the G-Diffuser system.
"Good. Final tip – do not under any circumstances fire off the Nova Bombs. You've had no experience whatsoever firing them, and I do not want the repair bill associated with you blowing up half a city block or a chunk of the forest. I'll give you a quick rundown of them in the simulators later today. There are still a few kinks that need to be worked out in them anyways, so I will not be held responsible if you do fire it."
"If you insist," said Falco.
"Yes, I do insist. And that means all of you." Gary was quite serious in his statement, as if trying to test his authority.
"Roger," said Fox. "Any goals for us out there, or is this just practice in the real thing?"
"Practice for now. Get the feel of flying in an Arwing. Give it a full test run. Keep in mind that none of these craft have been flown much. Short of Pepper, a few scattered engineers, and myself, these ships haven't had a pilot in them at all. Call this a shakedown cruise if you want."
Pepper came on the line, sensing that his subordinate was finished. "Okay, Starfox team, make me proud. You are free to launch at anytime. Give the Arwing a good workout without wrecking anything, understood?"
Fox glanced around to make sure that there was nobody in the launch bay. Finding no one nearby, he told his team, "Fox here. I don't see anyone around us, so I guess we are clear to launch. I'll head out first."
Eagerly the vulpine started his Arwing, the plasma engine underneath him purring with power. With a burst of flame his engine kicked in, propelling him down the launch tunnel. "Yeahaw!" he yelled as he left the confines of the base within seconds, revealing a clear early morning sky.
Fox began a slow, lazy turn around the base, enjoying the feel of the raw power under his control. With excited yells the rest of his team launched out of the base, coming into formation as they saw him.
Within a minute the Starfox team was assembled and ready for action. "We're all here, Fox," said Peppy. "What are your orders?"
He looked around, deciding on a destination. "Let's head northeast 25 miles or so. That'll give us plenty of open space to fly around in. Go to formation Alpha team, and let's head out at half speed. Might as well enjoy the view while we can."
The team had worked on a few formations last night, coming upon this one as their traveling pattern. Formation Alpha was simple – Fox took the lead, Falco was behind and above him, while Peppy and Slippy were behind, below, and to either side of him. It allowed ample firing coverage for any targets coming towards them, and gave plenty of maneuvering room if they all needed to change directions quickly.
The four flew over heavily forested terrain as they sped to their destination. "I've forgotten how gorgeous this planet was," commented Peppy as he looked around. "A far cry from the sand and rock I've grown used to seeing in the last year."
"Good old home sweet home," mused Fox, thinking back to his younger years. "How I've missed it."
"Agreed," muttered Falco. "If I ever set foot upon another damned desert planet it will be…" He stopped in mid-sentence, noticing something on his radar, his tone switching to one of concern. "Fox, I've picked up an unidentified bogey on radar, approaching fast."
"This is military airspace," said Peppy, suddenly worried. "Who could that be?"
Fox took command of the situation quickly. "Stay in formation unless you get shot at." Changing frequencies to a global setting, he said, "Unknown aircraft, you are inside military space. Please identify yourself."
Slippy fiddled with his radar system as the bogey drew closer. "Fox, I think I can…I got it! Guys, it's another Arwing! Contact in 10 seconds."
Fox cursed silently before smiling to himself, once again not pleased with Pepper's way of doing things, but happy to finally get this entire mystery over with. "Unidentified Arwing, please identify yourself."
With expert precision the newcomer flew right above Fox's craft, pausing there only a moment before flipping upside down, revealing its passenger. Inside was a familiar looking female fox, clad in a purple vest, gloves, helmet, and the usual white jacket that the rest of the team wore. Fox recognized the pilot almost instantly as he exclaimed, "Fara Phoenix!"
She waved as she kindly said, "Hello again. Mind if I drop in?"
Fox laughed, stunned to see Fara again. "It looks like you already have. But what's a nice girl like you—"
She interrupted him with a smile, having already heard this line from other people impressed at her skills, if not for other reasons. "Save it, Fox. I've been flying since I was a kit. Why do you think I'm chief test pilot of the Arwing project?"
"A shot and a miss," joked Falco.
Fara flipped her Arwing right side up, moving off to one side of the team, ignoring the snide comment from the avian. "So, did you guys have any exciting plans this morning?" Fox was just about to answer when she interrupted. "No plans? Good. Catch me if you can!" Her engine flared as she boosted ahead of the rest of the team.
With a laugh Fox chased after her, the remainder of the group following after a moment.

The entire command staff watched the flight from the control room of the base, staring at the visuals that appeared on their monitors, all in a very jovial mood. Gary and Pepper stood off at one side so they could talk privately. "And there she goes again, acting like a kit," said Pepper, shaking his head.
"Fara is young General," replied the cheetah. "As is most the team. We all were at one point. Besides, it's good for them. Let them forget about the threat of war for one more day."
Pepper sighed as he watched the Arwings skim the treetops, missing the larger trees by mere feet. While he agreed with what was said, he didn't like seeing anybody under his command act with such lack of discipline. "I guess you're right."
"That's why I'm the teacher and you're the boss." Gary picked up the headset on the terminal in front of him. "Fara, why don't you leave the forest in peace and take them into space. Give them a feel for the FTL drives and how the Arwings respond in zero gravity. I'll keep the local traffic out of your way."
Fara laughed, enjoying herself tremendously now that she was in the skies once more. "If you insist. Dodging trees is much more fun though."
Gary didn't even want to comment upon this, remembering some of the stunts she'd pulled off before. "Enjoy your flight. Gary out." He put down the headset and glanced around to make sure nobody was listening to the pair before continuing. "So, General, when are you going to tell everyone about the incoming attack?"
Pepper sighed, displeased at having to do anything to bring down the joyful mood of the base. "Tonight around dinner. That will give everyone plenty of time to prepare."
"Good. I just hope our pilots can win this."
The canine looked at the antics of the team before replying quietly, "I hope so too."

In the meantime, Fara was continuing to take the rest of the Starfox team on a wild ride through the forests around the base. Leveling her craft with the tree line, she pulled a half somersault, flying past the Arwings chasing after her, waving at them as she passed. Righting her craft, she pulled her Arwing into a near vertical climb, her boosters glowing brightly behind her. "Enough fun and games for now," she said. "Time to take these Arwings into space."
"Tired of scaring away the wildlife already?" Fox asked jokingly.
"No, Fox, I think she's afraid that she's going crash into a tree," commented Falco.
"Me, crash?" Fara exclaimed. "I'm more worried about your safety than mine."
Slippy laughed. "She's got you there."
"Quiet pea brain," muttered Falco. "You couldn't fly yourself out of a paper bag."
Peppy rolled his eyes and laughed at the friendly banter. "Kids," was all he said.
The team quieted down afterwards, watching as the atmosphere quickly thinned out, changing the blue morning sky into the blackness of outer space. "Space, the final frontier," said Fara wistfully, taking over the training for now. "Nothing between you and the emptiness of space but the craft you are sitting in. Anyway, keep in mind that your Arwing will perform a tad differently up here."
Slippy piped in with his assumptions. "Longer to decelerate due to lack of friction for starters, which would affect the performance of the G-Diffuser system, right?"
"Exactly. That and any hits which penetrate the armor around the cockpit area could kill you instantly as the cockpit depressurizes."
"I feel rather safe all of a sudden," grumbled Falco, wondering just how thick the armored hull around him was.
"Space combat always increases the dangers for both sides," remarked Fara. "It also tends to make it easier as well as your average atmosphere refracts blaster fire somewhat."
Fox pulled a somersault then practiced a few evasive maneuvers, testing out the Arwing's combat performance in space. "It isn't much of a difference, but it's noticeable."
"Yes, Fox, the Arwing was designed as an atmospheric superiority fighter for the most part. It's still far more maneuverable than any other craft in existence in space, but it loses its edge slightly."
"Interesting. Guys, now is the time to practice." Fox pointed his Arwing towards Fara who quickly got the hint and became a moving target. "So, Fara, how long have you been testing these Arwings anyway?"
She pulled a loop and swerved to avoid Fox as she talked. "Too long as far as I'm concerned. There were, and still are, quite a few bugs to work out. The design staff can think of a great ship, but it had shall we say, quite a few flaws in the beginning. The lack of good pilots hasn't helped much either."
Falco suddenly dove between the two craft, scattering them both. "Nice history lesson, but when do we get to blow stuff up?"
"Is that the only thing that is ever on your mind?" questioned Fara with a smile.
"Having had to live with him the last year, yes it is," Fox remarked.
"The way I see it is that I'm sitting in a machine that is designed to destroy things, not simply fly around."
Fara laughed as she brought her Arwing to a halt, taking a look at nearby Corneria. "Falco, you have a point there. Unfortunately there isn't anything nearby that you could shoot that wouldn't get you yelled at by the local miners guild."
"Damn," complained the avian.
"Sorry. Let's move on to something else though so we can get back home as I can tell Falco needs some time shooting things in the simulator." The rest of the team laughed at Fara's comment. "So, onto the FTL drives. The first thing to keep in mind is that the communication systems of the Arwing don't work at light speed."
The team brought their Arwings to a halt near her craft. "So how do we stay together when traveling that fast?" asked Slippy.
"I was getting to that," she replied. "When one Arwing puts in navigation information into the computer, it automatically gets transmitted to all the other craft. You have 30 seconds to accept or deny the request, otherwise your Arwing will follow the craft that transmitted the order. This allows the craft to stay in formation at any speed."
"Fascinating," Peppy said quietly. "The lengthened authorization time is then used to prevent someone from hacking the frequency and data used to control the craft."
"Exactly. You can still cancel the order at any time after the 30 seconds as well. The automatic feature is used mainly if the pilot is injured beyond the point of controlling their Arwing."
"Rather useful," said Fox. "So how do we get to lightspeed?"
"Wow, you guys are impatient," replied Fara with a few giggles.
"Something we've acquired after Gary's long winded speeches."
She shook her head as she smiled, agreeing with the vulpine completely. "Okay then, watch and learn. I'll send out a signal to send the Arwings to lightspeed for 60 seconds. You'll get to enjoy the look of the planet from farther away. Just accept the message that will popup on your monitors in a second."
Fox sat back in his Arwing, noticing his screen change to what looked like a star map of the region with an overlay showing craft formation and estimated traveling time. Accepting the information displayed, he felt his craft drift forward, moving into position next to Fara's Arwing. He watched as the rest of his team moved into formation. "Interesting," said Fox. "Does this work when the person issuing the command is moving?"
"Yes it does, Fox," replied Fara, glad to see everything working properly so far. She had grown worried that some of the more advanced functions wouldn't work, as they hadn't been fully tested yet. "The lead craft will slow down automatically to let the ones behind catch up, but it'll work." Her computer beeped, telling her that everyone was in position. "Hold on, here we go!"
As a group the five Arwings boosted forward, reaching maximum safe velocity in about thirty seconds. Holding that speed, Fox heard his engine pitch change and then suddenly he was at lightspeed. He looked around, watching in awe as the nearby stars moved slightly from the speed they were traveling at.
The minute passed quickly as Fox enjoyed his flight. As the timer finished counting down, the monitor beeped letting him know that he was going to exit lightspeed and come to a complete halt. Then, as suddenly as he entered lightspeed, he stopped, the retro rockets firing to bring his Arwing to a full stop.
As the group slowed down, Fara's voice came over the communicator. "So guys, how did you like it?"
Falco was the first one to reply. "I have to say this much - these ships sure know how to go fast."
Something was nagging at Fox all of a sudden, but he didn't know what. "Loved the flight, Fara," he said, looking around. "Did we break the speed of light or just approach it?"
"Current technologies can't break the light barrier, just approach—"
Fox interrupted her, realizing what was bugging him. Double-checking his radar screen as his computer suddenly began beeping at him, he asked, "Where's Peppy?"
"Oh no!" exclaimed Fara as she realized that the hare was no longer with them. She suddenly boosted off away from the rest of the group as she yelled to them, "Head back to base and do not use your FTL drive! It looks like a malfunction in his Arwing as he didn't stop, and I don't know if you'll have the same problem!" She cursed about the lack of proper testing of the Arwings as she hit lightspeed and vanished.
The remainder of the team became very nervous. "What are we going to do?" asked Slippy quietly, hoping that nothing else would go wrong today.
"These Arwings are going to be the death of us yet," muttered Falco.
"Quiet, Falco," snapped Fox. "You're not helping." He grew silent as he thought for a moment. "We can't catch up to them without going to lightspeed, so we're going to do as she says." He contacted the base as Falco continued to complain. "Corneria Base, this is Fox. We have a problem."