It had been all over the Cornerian news. DCTU and Star Fox had gone in, destroyed the threat, and had gotten out. However, it was a sad day because of the death of their team mate.

The funeral route had been announced. But for the first day after they had gotten back, and Kasey's death announced, every where they went they found 'Gone but Not Forgotten' banners and pictures and shrines commemorating the death of Kasey Montel.

"I remember when they did these things for my father." Fox whispered as they pulled to a traffic light. "It's still fuzzy, and it's hard to remember. But it's there. I can feel it."

"Oh yah? How did you father die?"

"I… I can't remember." Fox sighed, sitting back in his seat. Bryan's headlights were what they both focused on for a little while. "We better hurry, the food is getting cold and they hate nothing more than cold food."

(Next Day)

The caravan moved through the streets. Countless civilians lined the streets, some saluting, as the funeral precession moved along at it's own pace. DCTU units had their lights flashing while local police forces followed behind and a few ahead to block off the streets. The police units were followed by Military personnel, which were followed by anyone that wished to attend.

The police had blocked off the intersection ahead, but as they passed through, someone decided to call out 'dumb ass humans!' and run the road block with they large vehicle, effectively moving the police car out of the way, until they hit the from of the car in front of Bryan's unit. It was followed by a van-ish car that stopped at the intersection.

Bryan groaned as several masked furs stormed out and began popping off laser shots at DCTU, Police, and civilians.

Bryan was beyond furious as he un-holstered his sidearm. Opening his door he leveled it with one of the attackers. He didn't fire, deciding that it wasn't qualified for his mood. He trudged to his cargo door. Laser shots reflected off the SUV's side paneling. Not a single one managed to hit Bryan. He grabbed the 12 Gauge shotgun that was still loaded there.

"Hay!" He yelled out, firing off a shotgun round into the air.

Realizing that they weren't about to stop shooting at everything just by his warning, he walked around his unit and up to an attacker that wasn't paying attention to him.

He nailed him over the back of the head with the shotgun rifle. Effectively knocking him down. He grabbed the laser blaster from the suspect and grabbed the suspect by his neck, bringing him around the front of his unit throwing him to the ground, Bryan grabbed the loud speaker microphone and shot off another round from the shot gun before aiming it point blank range at the suspect who didn't bother to flinch.

"Hay! Knock it the fuck off before I shoot all of you!" His voice echoed as the shooting stopped. He even heard Mei gasp from behind her own door.

"I am trying to have a nice funereal for my dead friend over here." He yelled picking up his 'hostage' again, tossing him at the feet of another suspect, the shotgun aimed at his head again. "And here you are, after all she's done for you, shooting off your blasters at my people. My men and women, and the Star Fox team, and to top it all off, you are shooting at innocent people!" The attacker paid him no mind and turned his back to try and rally they troops. Bryan was now beyond furious. He grabbed the fur by his shoulder and turned him around, smacking him with the rifle barrel, he fell down next to his buddy.

"I wasn't finished talking to you! Kasey died protecting your planet! You should be happy you're even around to cause trouble anymore!" Any murmurs that were among the crowd fell to a hush.

"Now here's what we're going to do. You are going to lay down your weapons. Go with those nice police officers over there. You will NOT cause any trouble for me, the police, my team, or anyone else. Or so help me god and anyone else willing to listen. I will kill you where you stand."

Seeing one of the attackers out of the corner of his eye move made him take a hand from the barrel of the rifle in his hands, un-holster his Colt, and point it at the moving object. "Try it! I dare you. I'm looking to work off some steam, so if anyone has bright ideas, make then known now."

He watched them lay their weapons down. One by one they surrendered. The ones that Bryan was holding 'hostage' let out a whimper that was the beginning of crying.

"That's right, cry. See if I give a damn." Bryan muttered, removing the barrel of the rifle from his head and walking away. He stowed the guns back in his unit and turned around. Mei was walking towards him. "Hay, you okay?"

He just ignored her. "Get back in your cars and lets go. We have a friend to burry."

A little ways away a newscaster watched in silence before turning back to the camera.

"And there you have it. An apparent attack on the DCTU convoy has failed right before our eyes. And it seems that a few of the terrorists were put into tears by, what I can only described as, the most angry thing I have ever seen! It just goes to show, don't piss off a DCTU agent. And now, back to the studio. We'll bring you live coverage of the funeral, when it begins."

(At the Graveyard)

"... and with that said, I am presenting each DCTU Agent, and Star Fox member with the medal of Valor. I will also present them with the Cornerian flag, in honor of their fallen comrade. And I ask of each Cornerian out there, may we never forget the great sacrifice made here today. As we remind ourselves that they are not a part of our military, nor are they of our planet. They came because they cared. That is what Corneria stands for. And now, the salute." General Pepper finished. Sad music began as cannon fire was heard with it. Pepper handed out the medals to each agent, then he came to Bryan.

"I saw your display today during that attack. I'm surprised you held back so much. I don't know what I would have done in your situation. Please, call upon me anytime you need something. My people, along with me, are in your service, more than some of us would like to admit." He said with a chuckle. Bryan nodded, taking the flag and medal with one hand, while shaking Peppers hand with the other.

After the funeral was over each agent took a moment to say their final goodbyes. Bryan stayed behind for a moment.

"Hay Kasey. Guess this is it, huh? You always told me you would do this job till it killed you. And, well… yah. We will miss you, and the team will never be the same without you. Who else will be there to take cheap shots at Tommy, or keep me in line. Krystal is taking this hard, after all, you saved her life. We will all miss you. Goodbye."

He whispered, setting her bullet proof vest on top of the casket. Readying the words on the back of it. "Kasey "Major" Montel. Demon Counter Terrorism Unit." Then the small motto under it. "Protecting and Serving the USA." Mei came back over with a small piece of tape, she set it right under 'USA'. Bryan ready it again. "Protecting and Serving the USA… and the people of Corneria." Bryan gave his first true smirk of the day. "I knew you would like that." Mei said, slinging an arm over his shoulder. "Yah, bet she does too."

As they walked away Mei asked him a question. "Hay… who's going to yell at me for putting my feat on the table now?"

(Back at the Safe House)

"Hay, you guys came back!" James yelled out, seeing everyone enter the house at once. He didn't know about Kasey yet, and Krystal knew it was going to break his heart. Fox handed a few bills to the baby sitter, who offered condolences and said that there would be no need for payment this time.

James looked around for his favorite agent, but could seem to find her, so he asked his mother. "Mommy, where's Kasey? I like her, why isn't she here?"

Krystal's tears were back in moments. "Well you see James… while we were out in space saving Corneria… Kasey was injured, baby…"

"How bad? Will she be home soon? Can we visit her in the hospital? Please, mommy! She needs me to be there for her! She thinks I'm cute."

"I'm so sorry James… but Kasey… well she's with your grandfather now."

James blinked for a moment. "I don't understand Mommy… Daddy, what is Mommy trying to say?"

"Well… your grandfather went out to battle one day, and his Arwing crashed. Remember how he didn't make it home?" Krystal answered for Fox.

"Yah… Grandma said that he had died serving his people. What does this have to do with Kasey?"

"Well, Kasey was fighting for the people and she took a bad hit… I'm sorry kiddo, but Kasey won't be coming home." Fox answered.

"What?" James whimpered, burying his face into Fox's vest. "I'm so sorry James… I wish I could tell you she was coming back, really I do."

Bryan tapped Fox on the shoulder and offered his hands out. Fox put James in them.

"Hay, do you remember who I am?" He asked the young kit.

"Yah, your Bryan."

"Me and Kasey were good friends. She asked me to do her a favor before she passed. She said," Bryan repeated the words to the young fox in the original language spoken to him.

"What does that mean?" James asked when he finished.

"She told me, to tell you that she loves you, and not to cry for her. She still thinks your cute and would hate to see your fur get all wet over her. James, her last thoughts were with you." He said, the young fox looked at him. "Really?"

"Yah, really."

James seemed a little better, knowing that his hero's last thoughts were about him. He put the young fox down and he ran right to his crying mother. "Don't cry Mommy!"

Meanwhile Fox was talking to Bryan. "Look, I know this isn't the best time to say this but. Pepper said you guys could keep the comm systems from the military. Just incase earth ever needed help with anything. Also, I'm going to give you one of Star Fox's comm links. Call us some time, ok? Well pick you guys up and head to Corneria for a few days. Like a vacation. You know?"

Bryan shook Fox's hands in agreement.

"Yah, that's a good idea. We like it here, but we're not sure if our families would relocate to another planet. We'll be sure to give you guys a call. But don't hesitate to call if you want to hang out or need help too, got it?"

"Yah."

"It's late guys. Lets go to bed. We've got a big day tomorrow."

(Next Day)

Bryan looked out the window of the Great Fox as they landed in the same field they had taken off from. The local military had set up a barrier and a crowd had formed again. This time a small stage had been set up and it looked like the secret service was around too. As they got off the Great Fox they were met by a military cadet. "Sir, the President has requested you on the stage, sir."

On the stage he shook hands with the President, before taking the microphone.

"You are all, probably wondering what happened today, and a few days back. I'm going to tell you, but you probably won't believe me." Bryan chuckled inside his own head. The Star Fox team, including James was standing behind him. If the public didn't believe him then, when would they. "Outside of our solar system there is a system called Lylat. Within that system there is a planet known as Corneria. That planet was facing a major threat that they could not handle. The Star Fox team was sent here to find some weapons and people willing to help them fight this war. When we found out, everyone at DCTU was compelled to help."

A hush fell over the crowd. Either they really believed them, or they all thought they were crazy. The number of news cameras on the scene made him wonder if this was being broadcasted internationally.

"I am happy to say that we have won that war, and Corneria is safe." Some applause and cheers were heard in the crowed. "We worked with the Star Fox team along with Cornerian Military forces in order to abolish this threat." Bryan stated, motioning to the team behind him that were sitting in chairs.

"However, I am sad to report that the war was not without cost. Fourteen Cornerian military members were shot down investigating the threat, another four during the war itself. Our side suffered a loss of it's own. Sadly, DCTU Agent Kasey "Major" Montel will not be returning to her home planet. She is resting in her final spot on Corneria, by her own request. She was killed in battle, saving the lives of her team mates, Star Fox, and people of Corneria."

He paused, giving himself a moment to recollect himself.

"The people of Corneria are grateful for her sacrifice. And I ask that all of you offer your prayers for her family."

Bryan took a step back. Much to his surprise, Krystal stepped up to the mic, James still being held in her arms.

"I'm sure that none of you know me. My name is Krystal McCloud. This is my son James and that's my husband Fox. I came to know Kasey well. She was dedicated, kind and caring. All at once. And she… she saved my life. I crash landed here a while back. And she saved me. Without her, and the others at DCTU, including Jason, I wouldn't be here. My son would not having a mother, or maybe even a father anymore. So, please, offer your prayers for that great woman. I owe my life to her."

Slowly a murmur filled the crowed as Krystal turned to Fox for support. Someone called out.

"Yah! She saved my life too!"

"And mine!"

"Over here!"

Slowly and surely, people who Kasey and DCTU had saved called out. The President took the microphone again. "We will be erecting a memorial in remembrance of Ms. Montel. We will also be making one for the people of Corneria, who have offered their help to us. We hope to start an alliance soon, which may bring new technology, and friends…" He droned on. Bryan wasn't paying attention.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The single snare drum played off the military beat as the flags were raised in front of the DCTU base. Slowly they rose. The American flag was followed by the Cornerian flag, then the Connecticut flag and finally the P.O.W. flag.

A small salute was paid to the flags before the snare stopped playing and they went inside.

"Alright guys, what are we going to do today?"

"Wait for calls… eat stale food… listen to Tommy ponder paper of plastic." Mei said, sitting down in the lounge.

"I've always been partial to plastic myself." Tommy stated, poking a hole in a soda can with his pen. "Really? I like paper." Dean muttered.

"Tree killer." Mei sighed.

Bryan sighed, looking around. "What time did Star Fox leave?"

"Little over an hour ago. Why?"

"Just asking."

"Think we'll see them again?" Mei asked, looking at the equipment she had been allowed to keep.

"I would count on it. I was going to call them up in about a month, see about heading to Corneria for a few days." Bryan said, grabbing his jacket and heading towards the door.

"Where are you going?"

"I have a promise to fulfill."

(137 Guarding Street)

Bryan knocked on the door, holding a few items in one hand. He readjusted his sun glasses as the door swung open and a woman appeared at the door. "Can I help you officer?"

"I need to talk to you and your husband. May I come in?"

"Certainly." She said, stepping aside.

"Please, have a seat in the living room. I'll go and get Leo."

"Thanks." Bryan said, sitting down and looking at what he had been holding. The black bag covered what he had to show, and he would show it… what he was good and ready.

"Hi, can I help you?"

"Yes, uh, please, have a seat Mr. Montel."

They both sat down on the couch as Bryan stood again, taking a deep breath.

"No doubt you know about Kasey's job?"

"Not really… we just moved here recently and we haven't seen Kasey in a number of years. She was always the secretive about her life. We were hoping that after seven years we would be able to start our lives again."

"I see. Ok, well, Kasey is a DCTU agent. We're a counter terrorism force of sorts. A few days ago we were sent out on a mission, have you heard about it?"

"Yes… didn't DCTU go to a place called Corneria or something? We were watching it for a little while, but we turned it off."

Just great… they don't know and now I have to deliver the bad news.

"Ok well… Corneria had a terrorist threat and needed help. We responded to the call. We were in the last leg of the war when… well… Kasey received a wound… the wound itself was fatal… I'm sorry, but Kasey is no longer with us."

Leo stood up abruptly, walking over to one of the windows.

"Are you telling me that my sister is dead?" He whispered, Bryan almost didn't hear him.

"I am sorry… but yes."

Leo shook his head. "Well… that would fit her description… always stepping into battle at a glance. She loved doing that, that's why she was a cop a while back…"

"I have some things for you here. A couple of requests made by Kasey."

Leo nodded, returning to the couch he picked his wife's hands up.

Bryan opened the bag he had brought with him. "First was a medal she received in the Cornerian War. It's the medal of Valor. According to the military there, it is the highest award that can be awarded to anyone." Bryan handed over the framed medal. Leo took it with care. "I would also like to give you her Citation and Police Star medals that she has received, along with her Private Forces award that she eared in this war. We also have Purple Heart medal for her as well."

Bryan took a deep breath, calming his nerves.

"Also, General Pepper of the Cornerian Army asked me to give you this. It's the Cornerian Flag. And I, myself would also like to offer you my condolences. I've worked with Kasey tons of times… she was an amazing officer and her loss will be a great blow to the team." He handed over his card. "Please, if you feel the need to talk to any of us, you can call me."

Leo took the card before standing up. He shook hands with Bryan.

As they made their way to the door, Leo stood inside while Bryan turned to face him.

"Tell me something. How long have you known Kasey?"

"A couple of years. We've served on the front lines together for a long time."

"Did she really love her job that much?"

"To be honest with you, I couldn't see her doing anything else."