Fox dazed listlessly into space. After a trying battle with the Aparoid queen, he was weary. His eyes grew heavy, and he wanted to doze off.

—Come on, Fox. Snap out of it!—

Falco's voice snapped Fox out of his daydream.

—Sorry, Falco. I'm tired from all the excitement.—

—Don't worry, Fox—Peppy said.—We should be near communication range with the Beltino Orbital Gate soon.—

A short pause followed.

—Fox?—

—Yes, Krystal?—

—I'm sensing something in the distance.—

—I agree with ya' Krystal.—Peppy said.

—There are approximately twenty ships on radar. Seven appear to be armed.—ROB jumped in with his monotone voice.

—Attention! You are surrounded. State who you are immediately! Any show of resistance will be countered; consider yourself warned.—a commanding voice tore Fox from any previous weariness that he once had.

—We are Star Fox; a band of mercenaries hired by the Cornerian Army to wipe out the Aparoids. We are exhausted, and have no reason to oppose you.—

—We will allow you to come on board and rest yourselves, granted that all of your weapons are confiscated and you cause us no troubles. We will also carry you as far as we can.—

By the time that Star Fox had finally docked, they were greeted by a tall, slender black vixen. Her black eyes seemed both warm and penetrating, as if she was searching for even a hint of compassion. Her armor was simple show-regalia, but it still cast an aura of authority about her. The smoothly polished red rubies glowed in the various shades of grey that made up her armor. Her ebony hair flowed just as easily as her cape, made of a light and iridescent material that looked purple on one side and blue on the other.

"Surely you are the High Queen of Cerinia," Krystal said as she fell to her knees.

"Rise Krystal, for I am no longer the ruler of you and your people. My title has been reduced because I have no kingdom. I am now just an elder, guiding these people to what we hope will be sanctuary. By the way, my name is Amarra."

"I am Fox McCloud, leader of the Star Fox team."

"I am Falco Lombardi, Fox's ace pilot."

"I am Slippy Toad, the team's mechanic."

"I'm Peppy Hare, and I serve as the navigator, as well as other jobs."

"I am ROB, I am the robot of the team."

"And I know Krystal, the team's newest member," Amarra finished. "I welcome you on board the Neivieh Ara, or the Twilight Star, team Star Fox. We are bound for what is known as the Lylat System, and you can stay on board as long as you need. Let me know if there is anything you need."

"Amarra," Krystal spoke up. "We too are headed for the Lylat System. Thank you for letting us come on board."

"It was no problem. And since we are headed for the same destination, it only seems fair. Besides, you and your team can help us get there."

Krystal and Amarra were now walking side-by-side, as the rest of the Star Fox team were guided to their rooms. They wanted to give Krystal a chance to chat with someone of her own people, while they enjoyed a bath.

"Amarra, where are my parents?"

"They are fine. I checked myself; they're on a different ship. We are twenty ships in number. Here we are." Amarra paused before a room that was only a short walk down the hall from her friend's rooms, and she would be able to do as she pleased. Just as Amarra was about to walk away, Krystal stopped her.

"Amarra, what happened?"

"Not now, Krystal. You need your rest." Amarra walked off, leaving Krystal standing there at her door. Flashes of being shoved onto a small escape pod flashed before here eyes. Suddenly, she was back on that fateful day, when she was lost forever to her people.

There were only two other warriors. They had pushed her onto a small ship, and these two brave men were desperate to save as many as they could. As she looked at them, she saw that they had suffered many wounds from that harrowing battle. Caroga, a large badger, taught Krystal how to fly the ship before she died, leaving Krystal to the company of Saran, a young but wise tiger. He too soon passed away, and Krystal honored their wishes and dumped their bodies into space. She floated on, a sad and alone child drifting on the random solar winds. She soon fell asleep and, unbeknownst to her, a force far greater than any evils she had previously faced.

"Krystal, are you okay?"

Krystal snapped out of her daydream to whir around and see Fox standing behind her, wearing a light pine green tunic with a fire red sash that came down from his right shoulder and followed to wrap around his waist. Two intricately woven buttons were bound to the cloth by delicate knots that seemed to have no end to its cord.

"Krystal?" Fox called to her once more, hoping nothing was wrong with her.

"I'm fine, really."

"Amarra wants us to change into clean clothing so she can meet us. She left some on everyone's bed."

"Thanks."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. I just need to get cleaned up." Krystal opened her door. "Oh, and Fox…"

"Yes?"

"You look handsome." Krystal disappeared into her room before she could see Fox blushing.

An hour later, Amarra had invited them to the bridge of the Twilight Star to talk about several important things.

"First things first. You mentioned that there was a fast and reliable way to get to Lylat."

"Its through the Beltino Orbital Gate. And even better is that with a ship this size, we should be able to contact my dad there." Slippy was enthused to get home.

"Well then, Slippy; you can go over there to the navigations and communications area and help them with that." Amarra motioned to a small area to their left where maps flashed on the screens. He went on his way.

"So, Amarra; what happened to the Cerinians after I was separated?"

"Well—"

"Ma'am! There is a small fleet of battle ships heading our way!"

Amarra stood up as the radar view was brought up on screen. "Seven battleships and three lone ships? Let us hope for their sake that they do not plan to attack. Commander! Have they spotted us yet?"

A small orange tabby stood smartly, saluting his superior. "No ma'am!" Amarra looked back at the radar. Silence filled the air.

"Open a com-wave to our ships alone!"

The radar view disappeared as nineteen other smaller panels cluttered the screen.

"Attention to ships numbered as follows: 7 through 15, as well as 19. Fall back; generate your cloak-shields. You are to maintain this status until further orders. All other ships are to follow me."

The com-wave disconnected as all the ships fell into place. This made a total of only five ships left in sight of the slowly approaching force. The Twilight Star was the only battle-cruiser amongst them. It was not long that the mysterious group of battleships made contact.

"Who are you?" It was none other that Wolf O'Donnell. Fox silently cursed himself, knowing that Wolf was after him.

"I believe you are in no position to ask questions, stranger," Amarra coolly remarked to him. Wolf laughed a little before a shot of pain cut it short to a small chuckle.

"It is you who is overpowered, stranger! Now, tell me. Have you seen a group of four blue-and-white ships pass through?"

"What is it to you?"

"You have!"

"Well, if you knew I had seen them all along then why did you ask me in the first place!"

Wolf was growing steadily angered. "If you don't hand them over now, I'll destroy you!"

Now it was Amarra's turn to be angered. "No one threatens my people! Especially not one in your position!"

"ATTACK!" Wolf called out to his men. The fight was on.