Chapter 5 Tinkering With Toys and Old Memories

Vixo worked on the engine and other parts of his ship into the late night, making smalls modifications for better performance. Sylvia gave him diagnostics as he went along. It made him feel like he had some company since he was really alone on the dock...well, until a few minutes later that is...

"Proximity Alert! Unknown identity approaching," Sylvia said, sensing a person walking toward the ship.

Vixo turned his head and saw Melfina walking towards him. "Don't worry Sylvie. The people on this ship are fine. That girl is part of my flight group. I'll show you the others later." He continued working on the ASF-2.

Melfina came up to him. "Vixo, what are you doing here? It's really late."

"I should be asking you the same thing," he replied, screwing in a tube to the engine.

"I asked you first."

Vixo laughed abit. "I'm making modifications to the engine so I get better performance."

"Then who did I just hear? Sounded like a woman."

He lifted his head out of the engine door and looked at her. "Mel, meet Sylvia, my own computer. Sylvia, this is Melfina."

"Nice to meet you Melfina," Sylvia replied.

Melfina looked a bit surprised. "That ship is talking! How did you do that!"

Vixo laughed at her reaction. "I had her in this portible hard drive," showing her the device. "Captain Cartivan gave me permission to upload her into my ship's system. She'll be able to help out our group during missions."

"Cool. So I'm guessing you're really got with ships? Especially after flying through that cave the other day."

"Yea, I've been flying for a long time now. My dad taught me. He was flying in races and did some awesome tricks alot better than the one I did in that cave. He was the best, first place in almost every race and skills competition."

"Wait...I know only one person like that. Are you talkin about Marlin Vastor?"

"Actually, yes, that's him."

"But if he's your father, why is your last name McCloud?"

"It's cause I was adopted. I lost my real parents in some type of accident at a really young age. They kept me with McCloud cuz it was on the blanket that was wrapped around me. So really, my last name is McCloud-Vastor. But people just use the first one cuz I guess there's some significance to it."

Melfina looked really surprised then. "You mean you don't know the famous Fox McCloud!"

Vixo gave her an odd look. "No, I lived on a farm. We don't get anything out there."

"He's the one to defeat Andross and bring the dinosaur planet back together! I can't believe you've never heard of him! You think you two might be related? That would be soooo cool if you were."

"Hell if i know. But you've got me interested now. I did hear dad mention something like 'It's about time that monkey got his ass beat.' Too bad I don't know that pilot." He looked over his engine and put down his tools. "Well, I'm done here. I think it's time for bed."

"Yea, it's really late."

"Oh, and you never did tell me what you were here for."

"Heh, just to come and see the stars. Having just a energy field as a cover for the docks gives a nice view," she said, looking back at the blackness for of stars beyond a light, blue screen of energy.

"I see, well, we better get our sleep. I'll walk ya back to your quarters."

"Thanks," she replied with a smile. They went back down the hallways, Vixo making jokes on the way and her just laughing and smiling as they walked.