This header is dedicated to those of you who are still keeping an eye out on my fic here, and to those of you who are commenting about it. It makes my writing days far easier knowing that somebody out there is enjoying this. As always, reviews are gladly accepted. Now on to the story.
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Chapter 13: The Unrelenting Media
I never liked the media. They always seemed like such buffoons whenever I watched the news. I just wish I could go back to bed instead. - Fox

Fox arrived at the mess hall not too long after his team, surprised to see them standing near the entrance instead of sitting and eating. He was about to ask why when he noticed the General blocking their way. Falco was arguing with Pepper as he got within earshot. "Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth? For the last time, we are going in to eat!"
Fox walked up behind Falco and tapped him on the shoulder, getting his attention. "I'll deal with this." Looking at Pepper, he asked, "What's going on, General?"
Pepper looked pleased to see Fox. "Good, Junior, you're finally up and about. Now that you're here we can continue with the debriefing I tried to start many an hour ago."
"See," said Falco, "this is what we've had to put up with ever since we got here."
Fox motioned for the avian to quiet down as he thought of something to say. "General, I have a hunch on what this debriefing entails, and we are not going through it until we have food in our stomachs. Unlike you, we haven't eaten at all since last night."
Pepper shook his head. "Junior, you have to look at it from my position. The media—"
"The heck with the media!" interjected Falco. "I'm—"
"Falco!" growled Fox as he spun to look at his teammate. Composing himself, he turned back around, noticing Fara sneaking off into the mess hall. "I know the media are being a pain, General, but we are going to eat, and that is final. I could always give a call to the medics…"
Fox could tell from the look in Pepper's eyes that he had won. "General, look, I promise we'll make this quick, okay? I just want something in my stomach before we face the wrath of the media." Pepper thought about what was said then nodded and walked off, leaving the team in peace.
"Sheesh," muttered Falco. "The things you have to do around here to get a damned meal."
Lunch was a quiet affair, most of the staff having already eaten by the time the crew got a chance to sit down. The few that were still there cheered as they entered, but they went back to eating afterward, leaving the team in relative peace. Knowing that the dinner in their honor was only a few hours away, the team only grabbed enough to settle their stomachs.
Fara was already seated and munching on her snack when they came over. She waved at the guys as they approached, waiting for them to sit down before she said, "Took you long enough."
Fox laughed. "Nice little trick of yours – let us chat with the General while you wander off and fill your stomach."
She shrugged. "Sorry guys, I was hungry. Besides, incase you couldn't fight Pepper off, I was prepared to pick up a few things for you all."
"Or at least that's what you say anyway," grumbled Falco.
Fox was in the middle of chewing or else he would have gotten another reprimand from him. Peppy took over instead. "Look, Falco, we have no reason at all to lie to each other. We're all in the same boat in the end. You should know that by now."
The vulpine had other things on his mind as he said, "So, we're going to talk to the media. Just how I wanted to continue the day. Anyone have any suggestions on how best to deal with them?"
"Not talk to them at all," stated Fara flatly.
The team laughed for a moment with Fox quieting down and continuing the discussion first, knowing her response wasn't an option. "Unfortunately, we've been out of contact with most of the system for the last year and a half, and we haven't dealt with the media, much less any kind of television at all. Any serious suggestions, Fara?"
While she thought of an answer, Slippy groaned. "I'm just nervous. Being in front of all those people, all harassing you for a simple answer…"
"Don't be nervous, Slippy," reassured Fara. "There's a media room upstairs where the only thing you see is a bunch of monitors showing the news stations around the planet. You don't deal with people head-on anymore, at least not here anyway."
"That's a relief."
"Besides, Slippy," said Fox with a grin, "something tells me Pepper and I will be doing all the talking, so you don't have to worry at all. Just look good for the camera."
Falco dropped his fork down on his empty plate as he said, "Good. I don't want to talk to them anyway."
Fox smiled. "Falco, I don't want you to talk to the media. That's the last thing we need."
"Yeah, Pepper doesn't like you much already," joked Slippy. "The only thing worse would be the entire planet hating you."
Falco made a move to smack the toad but Fox held him back as usual. Peppy groaned as he watched the two. "Why can't you two just be normal to each other? I've never remembered this many problems back on Papetoon."
Slippy and Falco grumbled quietly at each other when Fox butted in. "You know the answer as well as I do, Peppy. They both knew that I would throw them out if they kept on fighting back home."
Fara giggled. "Sounds like you four had a fun life on Papetoon."
"You don't know the half of it," said Fox with a laugh. "Let's finish up and get this over with."

A short few minutes later found the Starfox team in the control room talking with the General. "You have no idea how glad I am to see you five," said Pepper as the team approached him.
Gary looked over from where he sat over at the communications terminal, headset over one ear. "That makes two of us."
Fox noticed an exhausted look in Gary's eyes and grew concerned. "Gary, you look worn out. Is Pepper running you ragged again? Or are we that understaffed here?"
The cheetah shook his head tiredly. "A far different story unfortunately."
Pepper walked over and said, "Care to explain? I'll make the necessary calls."
"Sure," he nodded, passing over the headset. Moving over to an adjacent chair, he began his explanation. "See, there's quite a bit more to this war than just fighting it. The media for example – they and the local populace want to be informed constantly on what is going on."
"The people must always be knowledgeable of the truth or else misinformation and confusion occur across the entire planet," commented Peppy.
Gary rolled his eyes at the hare's reasoning. "Something like that. In this instance however, since war was never a popular opinion, the media and the populace demand an explanation."
"Which explains the news clip we saw when we woke up at noon," stated Fara thoughtfully.
The cheetah nodded. "Depending on which one you mean, exactly." Fox wandered away from the group, thinking to himself. "What's on your mind, Fox?"
He turned around, looking unhappy. "I just find it rather odd that we go out here and save the planet and the media puts out what we've seen."
"You haven't seen or heard half of it."
"Damned fools," grumbled Falco under his breath.
Peppy sighed, hearing the comment and another unusual sound in the control room. Tracing it down he said, "So am I assuming correctly that's why I'm hearing what I think I'm hearing coming from your fellow staff member over there?"
Gary grew concerned before looking at whom Peppy was indicating. Turning back around he looked glum. "Good hearing. As you've probably guessed, communications is not one of my many job qualifications. Our officer just couldn't take much more of what she'd been hearing." He dropped his head and sighed. "Poor Celine…"
Fox made a guess over what Peppy was talking about and had already walked over to the lynx's station where she sat with her head buried in her arms. Ducking down to eye level he asked kindly, "What's wrong?"
Celine pulled her head up and looked at Fox wearily. The fur around her eyes was wet and matted, making it evident that she had been crying. She tried to say something but failed, plopping her head back down, pushing a datapad like the one Peppy used to read the paper with over to him.
He stood back up, glancing through the device as he did so. Fox's expression quickly turned to one of shock as he read. "Is this true?" he asked.
The lynx nodded. "What's on the pad?" questioned Gary and Peppy simultaneously.
Fox ignored the questions, continuing to read the datapad instead. He grew increasingly stunned as he scrolled through the list. "That's it," he growled as he finished. "It's time I have a little chat with the so called media."
Those familiar with the vulpine's ways noticed his change in attitude instantly. "Oh boy," commented Slippy quietly. "He looks pissed again."
"You're damned right I'm pissed," grumbled Fox, having overheard the comment.
"Now I have to go to this media conference," said Falco with a grin.
Peppy quickly tried to calm the vulpine down. "Fox, you can't go ballistic on planetary television. What could possibly be in that pad that has you so upset?"
"You do not want to know. Since these are for the most part directed at the team or myself, I have to respond."
Fara looked confused, having not known Fox for years like the rest of his team. "Is there anything we can to do to help? We're all going to be there, aren't we?"
Slippy interrupted whatever the vulpine was going to say by motioning her away from the group to explain. "Fara, don't take this the wrong way, but you don't know Fox like we do. Normally he's a real nice friendly guy, but…let's just say that there are times where he gets pushed over the edge."
"Lovely."
They watched Fox stomp over to the General as he continued. "If we're lucky, Peppy will calm him down like he usually does. If not—"
"If not this will be the most entertaining interview that Corneria has ever seen?"
"That might be one way to put it. Fox's temper is something that you do not want to experience firsthand. And I didn't tell you that either."
Fara giggled. "Noted and understood."
The team watched as Fox and Pepper had a chat out of earshot. It was clear that the General was not pleased at the pilot's sudden change in attitude, but within a minute Fox relented, walking back to the group. Pepper said a few words to the team. "Time to get this over with. Oh, and Junior?"
"Yes?"
"You'll be doing most of the talking, so remember that you represent myself along with the entire base. In other words, try not to get them too mad, okay?"
Fox laughed, a good sign that he had reverted to his normal self. "If you insist. I make no guarantees though."
Pepper and Gary lead the team off to what looked to be a very interesting meeting.

With little fanfare the team arrived at their destination. "Our meeting room, ladies and gentlemen," said Pepper. "This room was originally designed to hold conferences with people and facilities all over the planet and the system. Unfortunately, due to a lack of planets and people to contact thanks to Andross' interference, this room hasn't gotten much use lately."
"In other words," said Gary with a grin plastered on his face, "we hope this place still works."
The room had a feel of disuse as they looked around. A large table in the center of the room sported two computer terminals and enough room to seat four comfortably. A total of 24 smaller screens were seen on the wall facing the desk, and three larger monitors were underneath those. Three cameras were focused on the desk from around the room, allowing ample coverage to anyone watching. A small table with a lone computer out of the camera's view allowed someone to monitor and control what everyone saw.
"Nice room," commented Fox as he looked around, ignoring the dust floating around as it was disturbed from its resting areas. "One problem though – only four chairs."
"I had a feeling," said Gary. "Be right back." Fox remained standing as the rest of the team sat, moving their seats so he would be in the middle.
The cheetah quickly returned, armed with a chair that he placed in the opening. He then took his position over by the computer and powered it up. The screens at the front of the room turned on one by one, each monitor showing an interviewer with their station identification in the corner. The three larger screens stayed blank however as Gary pondered out loud, "Now which stations should I put on? Anybody have any preferences?"
Due to a lack of watching television in the last year and a half, most of the Starfox team had little input. Noticing the silence, Fara decided to speak her mind. "Well, they're all creeps if you ask me, but you might as well put on the big three here in the area – CNN, CPN, and LGN."
"Good choices." He fiddled with the controls, announcing the stations as they appeared. "Cornerian National News, Cornerian Planetary News, and Lylat Galaxy Network. You'll be able to see what they're talking about at the bottom of the screens as something tells me you don't want to listen to them while talking."
Fox scanned the monitors, looking through the interviewers and making mental notes as he glanced at the datapad he was still holding. Noticing a few of the smaller screens were still blank, he asked, "Only 19 news stations on the planet, Gary?"
He nodded. "Yup." Taking a deep breath, he continued. "Are we ready everyone? The stations are anxiously awaiting us to begin." A round of agreement reached his ears as Pepper moved behind the team. "Okay then. Pepper, you'll be on in 5, 4, 3…" He quieted, indicating that they were transmitting with a wave of his paw. The larger monitors changed to one of Pepper's upper body as they tuned into the signal.
"Good afternoon," started the General. "My name is General Pepper, commander of the Cornerian Military Base here on Corneria. As you all are no doubt aware, a small altercation happened between our base and Andross' forces earlier this morning. No doubt this came as a surprise to all of you, as not only did we not know about the attack until it was upon us, but because most of you don't realize that there is much of any kind of military protection on your planet."
The canine took a deep breath before continuing. "Now, before you all start wondering, I have to let you know that yes, we did win the battle. Because of us, this is the only reason why you aren't watching a transmission from Andross instead of myself right now. The five pilots sitting down in front of me wiped out Andross' attacking fleet of one battleship and 85 fighters. Without them, and the latest in military technology, all of the Lylat system would have been lost to that maniacal ape by now."
Gary adjusted the cameras, showing off the five seated pilots as well as the General. "Something tells me that you'll be more interested in listening to what our pilots have to say instead of myself, so let me introduce you to them." Pepper started at one side and worked his way down, pointing to each pilot as he went, skipping over Fox on the first pass. "Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, Fara Phoenix, Slippy Toad, and finally the team leader, Fox McCloud."

On the other side of the system, Andross watched the presentation as well, the transmission being sent his way through one of his spies on the planet. His advisors were gathered around him, all seated around the now cracked table. The ape sat back with a grin on his face. "Now we'll finally get to see the fools who think they can stand against us."
His grin vanished instantly, replaced by pure, livid hatred as Pepper presented the pilots. Staring at the advisor that was overseeing his covert activities all over the system with murderous eyes, he said quietly, "Unless I'm mistaken, that vixen there was supposed to be in my clutches a few days ago. Instead, she's a pilot. And I see that the damnable son of McCloud is one of them as well."
He lost all control as he stood up with a roar, slamming his fists into the table again. With a resounding crack the table split into two, each half falling onto the floor with a thud. Barely able to contain his temper, he growled, "I want to know why!"
The lizard stuttered and stammered, not having any kind of answer to give. With two giant steps Andross was at the lizard's seat, yanking him out of the chair by his neck. The lizard gasped for breath as he squeezed on its windpipe. "You worthless beast," muttered the ape almost silently. "You're fired." With a yell he tossed the lizard across the room, his head connecting with the wall with a crack. The other advisors instantly knew he was dead and realized that their lives would be next.
Instead, the ape calmed down somewhat as the deceased lizard crumpled to the ground. Pointing at the two advisors left alive in the room, he said menacingly, "Get out of here, before I change my mind about you two." The lizards quickly scampered out of the room, fighting with each other for a moment to get out of the room first. An armed guard noticed only the pair leaving and walked in, noticing the dead body immediately. Without a word he picked up the corpse and left, leaving Andross alone once again.

Back on Corneria, Fox stood up and began his speech. "Thank you, General. While I think that he might be overstating our abilities a tad, I do have to admit that I have a very talented team gathered here around me. Their skill, and the military might of the Arwing space fighter that we were granted to use, was what this planet needed to fight back against Andross' threat of conquest. I also need to tell everyone right now that we fully intend to press our advantage and recover all the planets that are rightfully ours. We will not stop until the Lylat system is ours once again."
Fox remained standing as he glanced through the datapad again, looking far more serious than he was moments ago. "Now, before I turn this session over to the media, I have to say a few things to them. However, what I am going to say does not affect all 19 stations that are currently running here on the planet, but I will not be naming names either, so consider this a warning to those instead. So, I say this – we've all been up since 5am this morning, if not earlier. We've put quite a bit of time into training in these Arwing fighters, so we were tired before today rolled around. Add all that into the battle we just came from…"
He let his statement drop as he waved around the pad for attention. "Once we arrived back home, none of us were in the mood to have our mugs shown around the planet. Personally, I don't think any one of you wanted to see us in the condition we were in. We looked like we just returned from a war." He grinned at his own joke before going on, his face turning stolid once more. "Needless to say we just about dropped dead and slept until noon, and now you are watching us in a far better light, and more than able to answer the questions that will be coming our way momentarily."
Fox pointed to the pad as he continued. "Unfortunately, the media here believed in getting an instant response from the base here and from us. While thankfully most of you accepted that we were not in the mood to talk at that moment, some of you were, shall we say, abusive to our communications officer who knew only what she had been told. Sitting right here…"
The group noticed that the signal from CPN suddenly cut out, only to be replaced by one of their reporters. He continued as if nothing happened as Pepper walked over to Gary. "…is a list of the stations that wouldn't take no for an answer. Like I said, I am not giving out names as that would cause quite a ratings riot here on Corneria. But there are enough of you to make me have to say something about it."
As Fox talked, Pepper and Gary were having a quiet chat off-camera. "They cut the signal on their end," said Gary.
"Are you sure?" asked Pepper. The cheetah nodded. "Kill our transmission entirely from them, and put something on the screen to tell Junior what you did. I think he'll get the point quickly."
"You know they'll just pull the signal from another station."
The General smiled. "And with every channel showing their own station logos in the corner, won't that look a tad unusual. Just make sure you put the station back up on the screen when they do that. I think Junior will make a point of it in his little speech."
Gary punched a few keys on the keyboard. "Done and done."
"Thanks."
Meanwhile, Fox was finishing up on his speech. "So basically guys and gals, if you're told that we, or the base, are not currently in the mood to talk to you, please honor our request. Fighting a war is not exactly the easiest thing in the world. We're only mortal, and need simple things like food and sleep just like the rest of you." Having run out of things to say, he sat back down. Reading the words that Gary put on the monitor where CPN used to be showing the chat, he continued. "Now it's time for you to ask the questions. All stations, indicate if you have a question, and I'll pick you out of the list."
The group watched as the reporter from CPN grew rather nervous, now realizing that his station had been cut off from the base's transmission. Fox ignored the reporter and picked one of the stations at random. "LBN, you're first."
"What exactly is the Arwing fighter? We've seen no references to it in any military database."
Pepper fielded the question as he walked back into the camera's view. "For a good reason. The Arwing is an atmospheric and space superiority fighter that has just finished the testing phase of production. We've been working on the design and construction of the craft since just after Andross began his attacks about a year and a half ago. They came online just in time to defend Corneria against his final assault on our freedom." He quieted, indicating that he was done speaking.
Fox chose the next station, which was CNN. "Do you have any footage of these Arwings in action, of the battle, or of the destruction they caused?"
Pepper looked over to Gary who indicated the answer based on what he knew before responding. "I'll take those in reverse order actually. What should be appearing about now is a live shot from where the battleship and its remaining fighter compliment at the time were destroyed." The footage along the bottom changed showing the wreckage in the early afternoon sunlight. The team was even more impressed now that they could see for the first time how destructive the Nova Bombs were in proper lighting. There was clearly nothing left but debris.
Pleased with what he as seeing, he continued. "As for footage of the craft in action, unfortunately we didn't have any other ships in the area to film them fighting for their lives. On top of that, that information is basically classified, as who knows what Andross could learn if he could analyze it."
Fox noticed that CPN had come back online again, taking the footage as expected from another station, trying their best to cover up the logo in the corner. While the cameras were still showing the wreckage, he told Pepper to restore their transmission to the station. Gary did as the vulpine suggested, putting the camera focus back on him as well. "By the way, real quick, nice to see you back on the air CPN. Sorry to see that you had a bit of technical difficulties back there. You might want to get that looked at. LGN, next question."
The reporter looked worried as he asked away. "Don't take this the wrong way, but you have to know the general opinion of the war and Andross. Why did you decide to something about it now?"
Fox motioned to Pepper that he would take this question. "How best to answer this… Back when the fights were just beginning, the government here believed that Andross would just go away if left to his own devices. Fighting against him was considered out of the question. You were branded a rebel if you disagreed. Myself, and most of my team for that matter, believed in fighting back."
He indicated the members of his team that he had spent some time with beforehand before continuing. "In doing so, we found ourselves exiled to Papetoon. Let me tell you this – you have no idea what it is like on an occupied planet. Andross is stripping the planets dry of everything they have for his war effort. He has the planet working as slaves to get what he needs. It's terrible. Trust me on this."
Pepper picked another station out of the list as Fox turned quiet for a moment. "So now we know a bit of history about most of the team. What about you, Fara Phoenix?"
Fara smiled, pleased to talk about her family. "Certainly. My father runs General Avionics, the biggest manufacturing plant of spacecraft on the planet. I've been a test pilot of his designs for most of my life now, which got me into the Arwing project from the beginning."
Fox chose another station at random. "Another unusual question for you. I recognize the McCloud name, and now know about Ms. Phoenix, but the other three are relatively unknown people. Why did you choose them as your pilots?"
Pepper smiled as he answered. "Unfortunately most of the details are classified, but the Arwing fighter is far from your average spacecraft. I actually took a chance with McCloud and his companions however, as I had basically ran out of local pilots to test out the craft. His scores, and the scores of his teammates, were fantastic from back at their academy days, and I ultimately hoped that they would transfer well to a completely different type of fighter. Thankfully I guessed well."
"What are your plans as to which sector or planet you'll be going to next?"
Fox took the answer. "As far as I know of, we're not sure yet. Or, if someone knows of a plan, I haven't been told about it anyway." A few of the media laughed at Fox's humor. "You'll find out as soon as we do. Although you'll more than likely find out after we've taken back the area in question. It comes as more of a surprise against Andross' forces that way."
Picking another news station, the discussion continued. "How many Arwing fighters do you have currently in operation? Any chance of seeing more of them before the war is over?"
Fox and Pepper looked at each other for a moment, debating on who should answer. The General finally spoke up. "We currently have four Arwing fighters. There was a fifth craft, but unfortunately it was shot down in its first battle. Odds are that we won't be able to replace it anytime soon due to a total lack of funding in the military budget."
Fox added his own comments as well. "Don't worry everyone. Four Arwings are more than enough to win this war. I give you my word on that."
As the camera panned back to the General in preparation of the next question, Fox yawned suddenly, followed by Falco. He took this as a sign to end the discussion, so he said, "I think it's time to finish this interview for the time being. We will keep you informed as to our progress, and you're welcome to send questions our way."
"Just remember to keep them decent," said Fox as he jumped in. "We're just as mortal as the rest of you are, so don't expect an answer right away as well. Keep in mind that we have a job to do, and that comes first."
Pepper ended the conversation by saying, "I thank you all for allowing us to explain ourselves by telling you what we are doing here. As long as this base stands we will do everything we can to restore freedom to the Lylat system. On that you have our word. This is General Pepper, signing off."
Gary waved to the group. "We're off the air. Nice work everyone."
Fox slumped back into his chair with a sigh. "Thank goodness."
Fara laughed. "Why are you complaining? It's not like the entire planet was watching or something."
Gary was looking at his terminal as he commented, "Actually, Fara, I beg to differ."
"I'm joking, you silly." She paused and looked around the room. "So, guys, what's on the agenda for the rest of the day?"
"I don't know about all of you," said Fox, "But I'm in need of something relaxing. And sleeping just isn't going to cut it his time around. Any ideas?"
"I've found that a good book is always a wonderful way to relax," said Peppy.
"Spending some time at the local arcade here is my recommendation," commented Slippy.
"While the arcade we have is quite fun," said Fara, "I personally find that the pool and spa a few floors down are a wonderful way to relax after a long day."
"The spa?" questioned Falco. "Bah. Weapons training is where the fun is, Fox."
"Are you afraid to get your feathers wet, Falco?" joked Slippy.
"Shut up, scale-face."
Pepper shook his head. "You know, you two are going to get in trouble one of these days over your bickering."
The avian looked over with a glare. "Quiet you—"
The General pointed a finger at Falco, silencing him instantly. "I do not think you want to finish that sentence, mister."
Fox stood up, realizing that he needed to get his team's mind onto other things before everything turned ugly. "Team, I believe it's time we get out of here. General, I thank you for this most entertaining opportunity to see the media from this side of things. We'll see you tonight at dinner."
Fox gathered his team and left the room, pausing right outside to have a group chat. "Everyone, you're on your own until tonight. Let's meet at my place again a few minutes beforehand. Go and enjoy yourselves." He watched as the team split, all headed off to some destination. "Falco, hold on a second."
Falco turned around, a tired look on his eyes. "Yeah, Fox?"
Fox debated on how to reprimand his teammate, finally deciding to say, "Falco, look, I know you're as tired as the rest of us right now. But you know as well as everyone else that you can not talk back to the General like that."
"But—"
He cut him off with a wave of his paw. "No excuses, Falco. If you do something like that to Slippy, or the rest of us, we take it in stride. It's your nature, and we know it. Well, everyone short of Fara anyway, but that's not the point."
Falco laughed. "She'll learn soon enough."
Fox nodded in response. "Everyone learns your mannerisms rather quickly. However, you just can't have that kind of attitude with our boss. It will get you in more trouble than it's worth."
"I know." Falco tried to change the subject. "So, Fox, when are you going to ask Fara…" He smiled as he left the end of his sentence open to speculation.
"Falco!" exclaimed Fox.
"Well, she's rather cute. And she is your type."
Fox couldn't believe he was hearing this. "You don't even know what my type is!"
Falco smirked. "Oh really. I've seen you eying her from time to time."
The vulpine decided to end this line of thought quickly, as he knew there was no chance of him getting together with Fara thanks to their drastic differences. "Falco, we've all known her for a single day now. And contrary to your opinion, I have far more important things to keep in mind right now."
"Sure you do," he joked. "Remember what you said after we saved her on that transport?"
Fox sighed. "Either believe me or not, it doesn't matter as far as I'm concerned."
"Fine then." Falco turned to leave. "I'll see you later."
"Don't forget what I said."
"Yeah, yeah."
Fox stood in the hallway, watching as his teammate rounded the corner and left. His mind now a jumble of thoughts thanks to Falco's antics, it took him some time to come to a conclusion on how to spend the rest of his afternoon off.