Disclaimer:Star Fox characters, names and game are not my creation, nor do I harbor any illusion that they are. They belong to the wonderful people at Nintendo and RAREWARE. Basically this is my 'please don't sue me' speech. However, all original characters and plot devices ARE my creation. So don't use them in your Fan Fic (not that you would want to anyway) unless I have given you permission. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.

Chapter 3

End of a Era, Start of a War

Satellite 88:

"I cant believe its you. I thought you died in the attack on Steel Wing five years ago."

Blitz sat across from Wolf in the surprisingly comfortable office. The two had been talking now for more than an hour and were well into the bottle of Scotch on the table.

"No, but came close though. Its amazing how persistent the Cornarian military can be when they want an establishment destroyed."

The Cornarian powers that be had seen to it that the independent pilots academy never again produce a pilot that was superior to their own. So, in the dead of night, two squads of carpet bombers made a run on the compound. Fifty years of producing the best pilots in the galaxy came to a end in a firestorm of torment and jealousy.

Wolf recalled something. "How did you make it into that academy anyway? I thought you were blackballed because of your dads court-martial?"

Blitz smiled and downed another gulp of scotch. "They didn't except me at first, but its hard to deny a pilot who can shoot down one of the instructors Arwing with a training plane. After that, they were more than happy to give me a chance."

"I bet they did." Wolf laughed. "And I see that you were good enough to win the Sky Cross."

The Sky Cross was a beautiful gold Maltese Cross with eagle wings imbedded in the middle surrounded by a wreath. It was awarded to a pilot who went undefeated in the three month long tournament hosted by the Steel Wing Academy. It was the most sought after award a pilot could receive and almost impossible to win. The pilot had to be perfect and to date, only four had ever received the award.

"Not once but twice." Blitz pointed out by drawing attention to the medals adorning his neck."

Wolf leaned in to get a closer look. He saw two very polished medals and one very tarnished one.

"I count three there pup."

Blitz became very somber and quiet as he reached up and cupped the tarnished medal in his paw. "This one was dad's."

The mood of the room changed instantly as both wolves sat in silence recalling the past. One remembering times spent with a dear friend. The other recalling memories of a father.

"That was the worst day of my life when I had to break that news to you and your mother pup. He was the best pilot Cornaria had ever seen." The older wolf paused to take a swig. "And he was a damn good friend."

"He was a better dad." Blitz closed his eyes before speaking. "I remember my fifth birthday standing in the rain outside that military prison when they led my dad out, stood him in front of that wall, and shot him. I remember that they took his uniform and medals and threw them in the garbage before burying him in a cheap wood box."

At that moment, Wolf took a closer look at the pilots uniform Blitz was wearing. In the middle of the left pocket he could clearly make out two bullet sized holes.

"You're wearing your old man's uniform aren't you."

Blitz spoke very low. "I dug this thing out of the trash after they buried my dad. Seemed disgraceful to discard it like so many other pieces of garbage. After his death, the military sold his Arwing to the Steel Wing Squadron. That plane is the only one left from the academy. And the only craft I'll pilot."

Wolf sat there taking this all in. "I see. Your dads memory lives on in you. Pity no one else remembers him."

Blitz began to smile sadistically. "That's about to change."

O'Donnell looked at him curiously. "What?"

"Its taken me sixteen years but I finally have the funds and the equipment to make sure the Cornarian military never forget him again."

"What are you saying Blitz?"

"I'm saying its time to take revenge on all those responsible for his death and my family's suffering. I'm about to bring a war on them the likes of which will soon not be forgotten."

Wolf sat there his jaw slack. "Are you serious?"

"As a heart attack." Blitz responded in a dead level voice. He then reached beside him and put two briefcases on the table. "This is fifty million I'm offering you and your crew to assist me."

As the cases were opened Wolf stared on. "Why me Blitz? Why not some other mercenary group?"

Blitz smiled. "Because your were my dads best friend. I can't think of anything more fitting. And it would be a thrill for me to take to the sky's with you on this mission. Plus, having you on board will guarantee that Star Fox will show up and I have been itching for years to knock that smart-ass Fox McCloud out of the sky. His father was the reason my dad was killed and I can think of nothing better than to send that son of a bitch to Hell to roast beside his dad."

The old wolf sat there for a while rolling it over in his head. Then he came to a decision while a smile crept across his face.

"Tell you what pup. Give the money to my crew. I'll fly with you for free. Consider it a debt I owe your dad. Besides, I hate the Cornarian military as much as you and your old man did. What are the terms?"

The younger wolf chuckled. "Two very simple requirements. One: I take point position in the formation just like my dad did when you flew with him. And second: General Pepper and Fox McCloud are mine. No interference whatsoever when it comes time for them to die."

Wolf began to laugh. "I have no problems with that. Just do me a favor when you take point position. Don't act like you're my superior officer." Wolf smiled and took a long swig from his glass. "Deal?"

"Deal."

"Alright then, when do we head out?"

"Right now. Star Fox is on its way to Sector 1 as we speak. But they have to stop over on Cornaria to re-supply. If we book it we can be waiting for them."

The two wolves stood and raised their glasses in a toast.

"Lets fly."

The Great Fox, Cornaria orbit four hours later:

The Great Fox had made good time and had arrived at Cornaria hours ahead of schedule thanks in part to Fox badgering Peppy to 'step on the gas'.

"Alright alright. We're finally here Fox. What the hell was the major emergency?"

Fox regarded the old hare with a smile. "I had reservations old man. We had to haul ass so they wouldn't give my table away."

All at once it made sense to the hare. Fox was dressed in a suit and had actually taken time to style his hair. To him, it screamed 'date'.

"You mean to tell me that I stressed the engines to the max and wasted half the fuel reserves so you could go out tonight? I ought to open the hatch and throw you down to the planet!"

"Oh come on old man I've been stuck in space for months, I need a little R&R. Plus this is only the second time Krystal has seen my home world."

Peppy sighed. "Alight I can sympathize, but all I want to know is which one of you wanted to go out?"

"Krystal."

"I bet. But you don't have all the money in the world Fox. Your going to kill your account with this little 'date.' And besides you hate doing anything unless there's a payoff. What's in this for you?"

Fox gave a sly smile.

"Oh."

"Oh yah."

"I didn't trash the engines just so you could get lucky tonight Fox."

"Yah but you haven't seen Krystal in her little black dress. Trust me Peppy, I couldn't turn her down."

While the two were talking the doors slid open behind them. When Peppy turned around his jaw hit the floor. There in the doorway was a gorgeous vixen dressed to the nines in a little slinky black piece of fabric.

The words Peppy found were simple. "Whoa."

Fox leaned down to whisper in his ear. "Told ya."

The vixen smiled at the two men eyeing her. "Fox told me you would understand if I came up here."

Peppy spoke up. "That's cheating Krystal. There ought to be laws against that kind of cunning behavior."

She threw a cocky grin his way. "Cunning like a fox."

"Well I gotta split old man. Don't wait up for me."

Peppy sighed once again. "Just remember that it takes twelve hours to restock the Great Fox so have your ass back here by then."

"You got it."

"Oh and one other thing." Peppy reached behind him and tossed Fox his blaster.

Fox looked at the weapon and back at the hare. "For Christ sake Peppy I know the place is expensive but I don't think I'm going to have to kill for the meal."

The old became serious. "Never hurts to be prepared."

"Your just paranoid old man." And with that the doors closed behind the couple as the left the bridge.

Peppy sat there a moment. "No Fox, I'm being smart."

Unmarked Cargo Ship, Cornaria Orbit:

Wolf was on the bridge of the cargo ship easily navigating a course to stay out of radar range of the military when he cut the engines. He then walked to the ships intercom, pressed a few buttons to divert the call to the hangar, and began to speak.

"We're here kid."

There were a few seconds of silence before Blitz came on the line. "Excellent! I just finished my job as well."

"What the hell are you doing down there anyway kid?"

There was a pause before a reply. "Come see for yourself."

A few minuets later wolf was in the hangar staring at the row of his beloved Star Wolf Arwings. He happen to notice that Blitz was standing next to a newly painted one.

"What's all this?"

Blitz took a moment to wipe the sweat from his forehead. "What do you think?"

The older wolf examined the craft. It had been painted the same color as his team's planes but with a slight difference. On the tail there had been painted the number sixteen.

Wolf smiled. "Putting your dads lucky number on there I see. Very appropriate."

"I like to think so." Blitz became quiet for a moment. "Wolf, I gotta go down to the planet for a meeting."

The Commander of Star Wolf looked at him. "What meeting?"

One look into the younger wolfs eyes told him everything he needed to know.

"I see. In that case I want you to take these." The old wolf reached behind him and produced two Cornarian Tulips. "These were her favorite. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."

"You knew why I wanted to be here early didn't you?"

"Yah, I had a feeling. While you're down there are you going to take care of any 'other' business?" Wolf asked as he pointed to the briefcase Blitz was stowing in his plane.

Blitz half heartedly smiled. "Yah, but first I'm going to see my folks. I leave the ship in your capable hands Commander."

Wolf smiled. "Sure."

Blitz smiled in return then went to put his toolbox and paintbrush aside before grabbing his helmet. While climbing into his Arwing, Wolf opened his mouth to speak.

"Say hi to your dad for me kid."

Blitz looked back. "I will."

Back aboard the Great Fox:

Peppy was busy going over shipment charts and budgets when his radar screen blipped. He calmly put down what he was doing to take a look. He noticed that a cargo ship somewhere in his quadrant had just deployed a fighter. He took a moment to pull up a new set of charts that gave definition to radar signatures. When he ran the diagnostics his eyes went wide. There on the screen was a signature matching an Arwing. He followed the blip on the radar till it touched down in a section of Capital City he was very familiar with. Then all at once he knew. He quickly grabbed his coat and blaster and made his way to the hanger.

Outskirts of Capital City one hour later:

It was the kind of setting that writers dream about. The dusk sky was painted a brilliant dark sapphire blue and the breeze made for a pleasant comfortable climate. The location however left something to be desired and it certainly didn't help Peppys mood. But then again, no one really cares to visit a cemetery. Peppy had had the suspicion building in the back of his mind about the identity of there target ever since his conversation with Pepper. And he was about to see if his assumption was right.

As he rounded the bend in the far corner of the cemetery he saw a lone figure standing silently in front of two graves under a tree. To him, it looked like a wolf. He swallowed hard and made for his direction.

The wolf under the tree was well aware that he was being watched but paid it no mind. Besides, he could smell the distinct aroma of engine oil and jet fuel on the approaching figure long before he was in earshot. He concluded that the hare walking toward him had to be a person that spent hours upon hours with planes. And the possibility that two pilots just happen to be within a hundred feet of each other in a thousand acre cemetery was far from a coincidence. He knew instantly who it was.

Peppy stopped about ten feet from the wolf. "You must have grown three feet since the last time I saw you."

Blitz never took his eyes off the tombstones in front of him. "A lot can change in sixteen years."

"Yah, but some things never will. Like the love of the sky or a son taking after his dad."

The young wolf cut his eyes in the direction of the hare and snarled, giving a good view of his canines in the process. The low growl Blitz produced made the old hare back peddle.

"What's your business old man?"

"Same attitude as your father. Forceful and to the point." Peppy shrugged his shoulders. "No business, just happen to be in the neighborhood."

Blitz turned to look the hare in the eyes. "I'm glad I'm wearing boots. Wouldn't want to step in the bullshit."

Peppy sighed. "Your right. This isn't a coincidence. Maybe I just wanted to talk."

The young wolf softened his glare. "About what?"

"Like what you're doing here."

Blitz turned his attention back to the tombstones. "Just saying hi to the folks."

The hare stared as well before dipping his head and speaking very softly. "Sorry to hear about your mother."

The wolf didn't respond for a moment. "She was a wonderful woman. And an amazing mother. To bad the Cornarian Military didn't think so."

"Now wait a minuet Blitz, the Cornarian Military had nothing to do with her death."

The wolf rounded on the old hare in a rage. "Bullshit! Try having to support and feed a child as well as yourself when the military sees no need in giving a pension to a widow because someone labeled their dead husband a murderer! Oh and she was to strong willed to just give up. So she took two jobs to make sure I always had enough to eat while she went hungry! Then the military saw fit to kick us out of our house stating that it was to be ceased to pay for the victims family my dad was responsible for!" Blitz took a moment to calm himself. Then in a very low and harsh voice vented his anger. "My mother died on her feet working eighteen hours a day at the age of thirty. I say that's justification enough to blame the military."

Peppy stood there unable to say anything.

"I was alone at the age of ten. Not a military academy on this planet would accept me. Not only could I not join but I was kept from doing the one thing I was good at. Piloting."

"By the time I was fourteen I had somehow saved enough money to travel to Condorse and try to get into Steel Wing. They turned me away at the door but quickly opened it when I swiped a training plain and shot down an instructors Arwing in a dog fight. After that I went on to win the same award my dad did years before, the Sky Cross. Only I won it twice."

"Things were starting to look up for me. I believed at that time I had made my dad proud and could not have been happier. But then, when I was sixteen, in the dead of the night, the Cornarian Military fearing the superior strength of the academy had it wiped off the map. Nearly killing me in the process. The only items left were my medals and my dads Arwing. The military has taken everything from me including the ones I held most dear. But I'm twenty-one now and all the shit is going to come to an end."

The old hare was stunned. "You cant seriously think you are going to topple the military. Especially by yourself."

Blitz grinned. "Oh but Peppy, I've got a crew willing to do just that."

All the events of the past three days started to make sense to the hare. The theft of the Pensions office, the Arwing, and the venture to Satellite 88.

"You didn't hire who I think you did, did you?"

"Actually he's doing it as a favor to my old man. His crew however is in it for the money. Its kinda like flying with the old squad except McCloud is dead and you're in the thick with his son."

"Speaking of Fox. What's your take on him." Peppy asked.

Blitz face went completely rigid as his lips pulled back to revile his canines. "He's a dead man walking."

"I see. Guess there's no point in asking you not to kill him is there?"

"No. Now if you will excuse me, I have an appointment. Oh, and you can flip the safety switch back on that blaster you have hidden behind you."

The old hare went white as he looked the wolf in the eyes. "How did you…."

"Good night Peppy.

The hare reluctantly walked away without looking back.

As Peppy made his exit, Blitz bent down and placed two Cornarian Tulips on his mothers grave. He then faced his fathers tombstone, clicked his heals and saluted.

"Dad, by this time tomorrow Pepper will be in Hell and McCloud will be hot on his heals.

Cornaria Military Headquarters an hour later.

Pepper was busy looking over the photos taken at the crime scene of the bank when his secretary tapped him on the shoulder.

"Sir can I get you another cup of coffee?"

The hound chuckled. "To be honest with you Neko I might need to send you into town to find a drug dealer selling cocaine. This coffee just doesn't have the kick I need."

Neko smiled and teased the Generals hair. "Now what makes you think I would know where to go to score some coke?"

"Because you are always so damn peppy. Makes this old dog wonder sometimes."

Neko frowned and pretended to be upset. "General Pepper I'm shocked. To think that I would do such a thing. Just for that you can get your own coffee from now on."

The two laughed for a moment before she stood and took the two empty cups on the table. "Alright General I'll make a wicked batch for the next cup. And what about you Commander Howle? Can I interest you in a Neko special blend?"

The younger hound smiled. "No thanks I've had enough to last me a week."

"Your loss." the feline said and made her way to the door. She was unaware that the two hounds were watching her well toned hind end as she walked out.

Pepper sighed. "God if only I were twenty years younger."

"Don't you mean thirty years General?" Howle pointed out.

The old hound reddened in the face. "Watch it Commander or I'll have your ass busted back to private so fast it'll make your head spin. Besides, I have a wife ready to kill me back home if I don't finish this shit soon. So I don't need any more irritation. Got it?"

Howle smiled. "Just having a little fun General. Besides, I have a ball and chain at the house that I was suppose to be home with an hour ago. You can handle the rest of this right?"

"Yah, I'll probably only be here for another hour anyway."

As Commander Howle grabbed his jacket he turned back to the General. "Sir the one thing I can tell you from those photos is that this guy has got some military training and is good with a side arm. Every guard killed was shot between the eyes. That's all I've got at this point."

"Gladly noted. Anyway get home to your wife before you have a war on your hands."

Howle smiled. "Good night General."

Once outside the office he stopped in front of Neko's desk. "Thanks for the coffee. I just wish my wife could make a pot half as good as yours."

The cat smiled. "Tell her to call me and I'll give her a few pointers."

"What? And have her accuse me of being unsatisfied with hers? No thank you. I've seen what happens when the jester challenges the Queen. In a situation like mine its best to bite your lip and lie about the flavor."

Neko grinned. "You're a smart man Commander."

"Anyway good night Neko."

"Good night sir."

As the Commander walked the halls toward the exit he spotted a pilot carrying a briefcase coming through the doors. His uniform indicated he was a Lutiniant. The pilot made eye contact and saluted as they passed.

Howle stopped. "Solder!"

The pilot stopped and about faced.

Howle came closer to the pilot. "What are you doing here at this hour of the night?"

"Sir, I have in my possession evidence that I believe the General will find invaluable to this investigation."

The Commander eyed the briefcase. "Show me solder."

"Beg your pardon sir, but my orders are to show this information to the General only."

Howle shook his head. "Typical military politics bullshit."

The pilot smiled. "I agree sir."

Howle laughed. "Well get that to the General now."

The two solders saluted and parted ways but Howle turned to the pilot once more.

"One other thing solder."

"Yes sir?"

"Get a new uniform. That one is faded to hell and back."

"Yes sir."

Having said his mind the Commander left the hall.

"I'll be sure to get right on that sir." the pilot said to himself.

Aboard the Great Fox:

"Damn it Fox this is a freaking emergency! Pick up your damn communicator!"

Peppy had been trying for the better part of an hour to raise Fox on his radio. Fox and Krystal had been on their date for more than tree hours and he was begging to think the two of them were dead. Then the radio crackled in response.

"This had better be good Peppy! I'm in the middle of something if you know what I mean."

"Fox I need you to get over to Pepper's office now!"

"What the hell for?"

"Because I have a feeling that our target is going to try to assonate the General!"

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Are you off your meds old man? The General is in military headquarters. No one can get in there to try anything with so many guards."

"Fox, its after hours in the base. There aren't that many on staff there this time of night. Plus our target is in uniform. He will be able to infiltrate the compound."

"Were did you get this information Peppy? Did you just conjure it up?"

"No, I'm sure of all this because I met with the target."

"WHAT? Have you flipped your rocker? You had the target in your sight and you let him walk? What the fuck is wrong with your head?"

Peppy swallowed hard. "At the time he had me at his mercy Fox. I couldn't go up against him with the arsenal in my possession nor could I take him on with the shuttle I used to go down to the surface. His Arwing would have chewed me up."

"You and I are going to have a talk in private after all this! I'm on my way. Fox out!"

As the line went dead Peppy found himself in darkness on the bridge.

"Sorry Fox. It didn't all make sense until now. I just hope I haven't cost Pepper his life."

Cornarian Military Headquarters:

Neko was busy filing her claws while she waited for the coffee to finish brewing when she spotted a pilot walking the hall. She noticed that the pilot seemed confused as to were he was going. She put down her nail file and called out to him.

"Can I help you solder?"

When the pilot turned around she felt her heart flutter. Her blue eyes locked with his green as she stared into the face of a young wolf. The pilot smiled at her.

"Hopefully you can." he said as he walked to her desk.

Neko knew her face was red when he stopped right in front her. She looked him up and down. He seemed to be in his twenties and was very well built. She also noticed that he was tall, enough so to tower over her own five foot nine body. Then she saw the rank on his chest. She quickly shot to her feet and saluted.

"My apologies Lutiniant."

The wolf smiled. "Normally I would have you reported for not doing so earlier. But since your cute I think I'll let it slide."

The young secretary felt her knees go rubbery. She was known as a flirt around the office but it was always with men twice her age. But standing in front of her was a prime piece of real-estate. What made it better was that he seemed to be a flirt as well.

The pilot smiled a little larger. "You know you can sit down now."

Her face turned two shades redder. She had forgotten that she was still standing with her arm locked in a salute.

"Thank you sir. Um…. wont you take a seat?" she offered.

"Might as well. You said you could help me?"

"Oh yes, what are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for General Peppers office."

"Well look no further, you're right in front of it."

She noticed that the wolfs eyes lit up when she mentioned he had found his destination. Some other emotion crossed his face but she couldn't put her finger on it.

"Would you be so kind as to buzz me in please?"

"Sure. What shall I tell the General your reason for coming is?"

The wolf smiled devilishly. "Tell him I know who the thief of the pensions bank is."

The cat stared in awe. "Seriously?"

"Oh yes."

"Just a moment while I buzz him."

Neko hit the intercom button and awaited the Generals response.

"What is it Neko?"

"Sir I have a strappingly good looking officer here to see you." She winked at the pilot as she said it.

"What's he want?"

"He says he knows who the thief is."

"Well in heavens name girl send him in! Be sure he checks his weapon in with you."

The intercom went silent. As both she and the wolf stood.

"Can I hold your gun for you?"

"Only if you play your cards right."

She squealed slightly as her face turned the color of a tomato. He most certainly was a flirt.

He unholstered his gun and handed it to her.

"Be careful with that."

She smiled seductively at him. "Don't worry. Its in expert hands." she said in a sultry voice and hugged the gun to her chest.

Even the wolf found himself blushing as he entered the office and shut door behind him.

Once inside his demeanor changed dramatically.

The old hound was pouring over papers when the wolf snapped to attention and saluted.

Pepper never looked up. "Never mind the formalities solder what have you got for me?"

The wolf approached the desk and set the briefcase on it. He then opened it, took something out, and put it in is pocket. He then turned the briefcase toward the General. Pepper looked up for a moment to lock eyes with the solder. When he did, he instantly felt uneasy. The wolfs eyes seamed almost predatory.

"What's in the case solder?" he asked as he peered inside.

"Sir, that piece of paper says it all."

Pepper eyed the solder for a few more moments before reaching in and pulling out the only piece of paper. While the General took a moment to look over the document, the solder reached into his pocket.

As Pepper read the document he thought he was reading a practical joke. Without looking up from the document he spoke to the wolf.

"Is this a fucking joke? This is an execution order with my name as the condemned. What in Gods name is wrong with……"

As the General looked up he found himself looking down the barrel of a silenced pistol.

The wolf began to speak.

"General Pepper, having found you guilty of crimes against the Wulf family I herby sentence you to death in accordance with the laws of my family. You are to be put before a firing squad and shot. Effective immediately.

And like the speed of the bullet chambered in the gun in front of him, everything became clear lightning fast to the old hound. He looked up at the wolf and defiantly snarled.

"You're Barons son aren't you? It was you who robbed the bank and shot all those guards. And it was YOU who shot down those fighters!"

The wolf smiled. "Nice detective work old man. But I'm afraid that this case is now closed. Say hello to James McCloud for me when you arrive in Hell."

Pepper stared the wolf in the eye. It was the last image he ever saw.

The old hounds brains splattered against the wall behind him as the bullet ripped through his skull.

The young wolf stood there for a moment and watched Peppers body hit the floor. He then walked over and placed a letter on the hounds chest and walked to the door leaving the gun and the letter behind.

Once outside, Neko was more than happy to see him.

"That didn't take long."

The pilot smiled. "Not much to discus."

She flirtatiously handed his gun back to him and batted her eyelashes.

"I've got some fresh coffee here if you would like to have a drink?"

"Sorry cutie but I've gotta run."

Neko pouted slightly. "Leaving so soon? I didn't even catch your name."

The wolf smiled a little larger. "Its Blitz. I'm sure you'll hear my name kicked around the office many times in the near future."

"Well, incase you ever want to have a cup of coffee I put my number on the stock of your gun. Give me a call sometime."

"I just might do that."

Neko blushed and stood taking a cup of coffee with her.

"Well, I've got to give this to the General if you'll excuse me."

"Oh hold off on that coffee. The General said he was going to use his restroom and not to disturb him for a while. You know how old men and there plumbing are.

"Oh, well I'll drink it then. You take care of yourself Blitz. Try not to get into any trouble."

"To late." he said quietly.

"What?"

"Oh nothing." he said with a chuckle. "I'll see you around sometime cutie." And with that he turned and headed for the exit.

When he was close to the door he witnessed a fox in a suit burst through them as if he was in a race with life itself. The fox and the wolf locked eyes for a split second. In that moment Blitz knew who he was. He had never given a more hateful stare in his life. The fox of course didn't think anything of it and continued down the hall.

Blitz found himself struggling with the urge to turn around and take care of his business right then and there. After a moment he continued walking.

"The time's not right McCloud." he commented as he exited the building. He then looked to the night sky and spoke to himself.

"I'll take your life in clouds Fox. I'm gracious enough to grant you that."

End Chapter 3