1330 Hours, 12/13/2434

Laboda Military Hospital

Corneria City, Corneria, Lylat System

Fox hated hospitals, he always had. He had never liked them ever since he had broken his leg when he was eight. All the nurses and doctors were strangers to him who, despite his pleading and how he'd fought them, hurt him when they moved his leg. He didn't know they were trying to help him and the experience had left him a bad impression towards all hospitals. After that, he was forced to stay a night here at Laboda and the young Fox had hated being separated from his mother.

Or, perhaps the reason he hated hospitals, Laboda in particular, so much was that his mother had died here in the lobby the day Andross had attempted his coup five years ago. The memory of carrying her weak and limp body through the streets of panicked citizens and dead bodies only to watch her die on the floor of the lobby still haunted him. Hospitals always seemed places of sadness and loss to Fox, just as much now as five years ago.

He was tired and detested the fact that there was no place for him to take a nap. After the rude interruption of the end year celebrations and the crippling news of his father's death, Fox had been unable to sleep the entire night.

Fox dared not return to his quarters that night. He didn't Bill or Fara to see how he looked in his despair, his fur drenched in his tears and his body shaking from cold and anger. He had only gone back to Clarke Hall after Bill had fallen asleep. He lay on his bed all night, staring out the window at the foot of his bed. He was drawn to the cloudy sky. The serene image of calm and the absolute quiet allowed him to think; think about his father as well as the CDF.

Despair gave way to desperate mental inquiry, only then to replaced with anger; anger towards his father's killer and the CDF as well as LIO. They had been the ones who had sent his father to his death.

In his training, Fox had been taught how to cope with the death of comrades. All cadets were told that death is a constant and irremovable part of war. They were taught that in war, lives are wasted or spent. When spent, Fox was told that although they had died, they had done so for the greater good of the entire Lylat System and all of its citizens. In doing so, friends and fellow soldiers died in a blaze of glory and were assured a place in the next life.

When lives were wasted however, it always meant the death of anywhere from one to tens of thousands of irreplaceable combatants in an act that decided or changed nothing.

As he gazed out the window that night, Fox could only surmise that his father's life had been wasted; expended by the CDF, as though he was nothing more then a resource to them. Though his training had also taught him that all combatants were in effect resources to the military, this hollow belief was suddenly lost on Fox. After all, James McCloud wasn't a resource to him- he was his father.

Daylight finally came and with it, Fox's requested leave took effect. He managed to leave before Bill had woken up. He had experienced mixed emotions as he had dressed.

The Midshipman looked at his uniform, spread out evenly and perfectly on his bed. This simple yet elegant attire, along with its rank and unit insignia, was the only thing that made him a pilot of the CDF. He had never seen the uniform like this before. For the first time in his short military career, Fox felt strange donning the perfectly pressed and cleaned garb. Here was the very symbol of those who had sent his father to his death.

An emotion came over Fox, one he had never felt or expected to feel in uniform, one that he had been trained to overcome; shame.

The drive from the Academy to Corneria City had taken Fox two hours on his hover-cycle and he had no difficulty finding the hospital. Still, before he had gone to Laboda, Fox took advantage of his leave and went from a brief ride through the city.

Corneria City, the ideal metropolis; the epitome of Lylatian civilization. This was a hallowed place to all Lylatians, no matter what planet they were born on, for this was the center of their empire, the cradle of their civilization. But it seemed a shadow of its former self; a hollow shell.

Fox had grown up in the city, back when his father was in the CDF and was assigned to the 341st Fighter Group, which protected the city's airspace. He had spent countless days of his youth exploring every street, alcove, and alley of the city. There were countless fond memories of summer days spent in the city's many parks, the annual city wide celebrations of holidays, and of just growing up.

It had been years since he'd seen these roads and buildings, the great concrete and steel monolithic sculptures of modern Lylatian civilization. Not much had changed in his absence however. That is to say, the reconstruction was still in full swing.

While most of the city had recovered from Andross's failed coup, the scars of that dark day were still there, like a phantom that refused to depart and take its haunting with it. The demon's voice seemed to be on the wind through the empty shells of the buildings in the outer city. It seemed to mock those who dared to return to the metropolis. Indeed many had died in the five years since the attack simply trying to start over. Roughly twenty percent of the inner city was still quarantined and being decontaminated from the chemical weapons.

Five years ago, Andross had made his grasp for power here at Corneria City. He attacked the city, hoping to overthrow the Republic with a massive, system-wide coup. Traitors and agents in the other planetary governments meant that if he succeeded, Andross would control every planet in the Lylat System.

The attack on Corneria City was the worst of the attacks on that first dark day. It had started with a trio of tactical nukes in the outer city rings, where Fox and his mother Vixey lived in their apartment not far from James' posting at the 341st Air Defense Squadron. The prevailing winds forced most of the fallout into the outer areas. Corneria City was no stranger to terrorism however and the response was quick. The survivors were evacuated into the inner areas of the city. It was a grisly ride through hell itself as the CDF trucks took the refugees into the relative safety of the inner city.

Worse was still in store for Corneria City that day however. As when the trucks reached the inner city, Andross launched a second strike. With the survivors clustered in the city's built-up areas, he launched his chemical and biological weapons on the refugee areas in the inner city. Untold numbers died in the space of barely five minutes. The primary agent was a nerve gas of a type never seen before. It was later determined that Andross had produced it himself.

Fox received only a minor dose, but Vixey wasn't so lucky. The orderly manner of the military evacuation vanished as marines and civilians fell to the nerve agent. Fox had tried desperately to get his mother to safety. He reached Laboda Hospital, only to have her expire as they arrived. The image of his mother, her body twisted in spasmodic convulsions before she breathed her last breath had become burned in his memory. Fox had started to cry before a Navy surgeon stuck him with a syringe of atropine and he passed out.

The weeks following the attack were chaotic, as Fox was relocated to neighboring Lurian City, home of the Cornerian Youth Military Academy, a sort of junior Naval Academy. James was still on active duty in the CDF and without Vixey to look after Fox, his father sent him to the CYMA for the remainder of his basic schooling and to keep a roof over his head while James was still on station. During the first few months, the arrangement had allowed James to form his team of stellar mercenaries, Starfox.

Starfox, the name James had chosen for his own team. Fox thought of the small team as fought to banish the painful memories of the Day of Sorrow. When his father had decided to leave the CDF to become a mercenary, it had come as a surprise to Fox. He had never thought any less of his father though.

He remembered how when his father came to see him at the Academy and told him tales of his adventures and past jobs. Even then Fox had seen that his father was a just and honest warrior. He only took a job if it meant he was doing good. The CDF was Starfox's biggest customer and James had become a popular icon in the fleet. He was the best there was, the great James McCloud.

And now, where had that legacy gotten him?

Fox was thinking this over in the reception room. As he thought more and more about the CDF, its policy towards mercenaries, and how they had doomed his father, he became more and more disgusted with the service. Why had they sent his father on a CDF recon mission? Why had they left him to die by not sending rescue?

These questions had been troubling him since last night and every time he thought deeper into the matter, the more disgusted he became of his uniform. This crisp blue ensemble of wool and insignia had once held so much meaning to him. Fox always felt powerful and confident in his dress uniform, like nothing could touch him. Now, with the very organization that had sent James off to die emblazoned all over him, the uniform lost all of its meaning and symbolic power.

As he held his forehead in his hand, lost in thought, he saw a young fox kit with his mother walk into the reception area from the corner of his eye. He saw the little tyke's face light up and he stole his hand away from his mother's grasp and saluted Fox with it.

Fox raised his head and looked at the young kit, standing in a loose salute. He managed a weak smile as he rose from his seat and returned the salute. He was used to this. It was common for young children of all species to hero-worship even the lowest Crewman or Cadet. The child may very well have been Fox six or seven years ago, as he himself had done the same thing.

But, in light of all that had happened recently, even this simple, playful gesture seemed hollow. He stood there for a few awkward moments, searching for something to say, something friendly or cheerful to the bright-eyed youngster. But nothing came before the kit's mother came to collect him. Fox sighed quietly with relief. He had never been good with children and, in any case, he was hardly in a cheerful mood.

He was about to take his seat again before the receptionist summoned him and told Fox that Peppy was awake and ready to receive him. Fox collected his hat and overcoat and proceeded down the hall to see his old friend.

After a brief elevator ride to the top floor, Fox had no difficulty finding Peppy's room. He was a bit surprised to find that Peppy was being kept up on the top floor, where high level personnel were kept. Of equal surprise to Fox was the closed door he found blocking his way. He noticed the small intercom panel next to the door and activated it.

A quiet beep went off and then Fox heard Peppy's voice, quiet and weak from his waking moments, reply.

"Yeah?" said the hare with a flustered, annoyed voice, "What do you want now?"

Fox paused a moment and spoke calmly, "Peppy, it's me, Fox."

"Oh! Fox! I'm sorry, please come in!" replied Peppy, his voice now awake and cheerful.

Fox scrutinized the door and tried to activate it. "Oh, Fox. Just use your CDF ID. All the brass that've been coming to see me have been using theirs."

Fox nodded and showed his ID card to a small optical port and the door hissed and retracted into the wall in response. He put his card back into his breast pocket and entered the hospital room.

Peppy sat up with his back against the wall in the small hospital bed. He rubbed his eyes as if he'd just woken up and bellowed a deep waking yawn. There was a single window and holographic projector screened buzzed with the latest news vids.

"They sure didn't bother setting up in here," said Fox, commenting on the spartan furnishing of the room. He stopped and stood to Peppy's left.

Peppy shrugged. "Its better then most of the field hospitals I've been through." The hare scanned Fox from head to toe, examining his uniform. He noted the new insignia, that of a second year Midshipman.

"Passed your exam I see," he said. Fox glanced at the insignia. Peppy nodded, "Ya look good Fox."

"Well, you're not looking too bad yo…"

"Aw come on," interrupted Peppy, almost joking, "Go ahead and say it, I look like shit."

Fox looked at Peppy and examined what wounds he could see. The hare's face had a massive bruise on his right cheek. The fur and skin on the tops of his ears was singed, likely the result of a firefight. Fox dreaded to think what other injuries Peppy might have sustained.

"Peppy, I need to …" Peppy's right hand rose suddenly and Fox instantly stopped talking. The hard stirred and swung his legs out of his bed. He turned to face the wall and painfully limped towards it, nearly collapsing several times. Fox rushed to his side.

"Peppy!" he said, his voice betraying his concern and confusion. Peppy drew his hand across his throat and glared at Fox. He continued towards the wall.

The hare scrutinized a small framed landscape painting and removed it from its mount on the wall. He turned the picture over and produced a small mirror which had been stuck onto the picture by a wad of chewing gum. Peppy handed Fox the painting and motioned for him to put it back on the wall. Fox did so.

While Fox did that, Peppy walked towards the window. Once there, he looked back at the opposite wall and scrutinized the picture once again. Peppy then proceeded to stick the mirror to the window. Fox watched Peppy with a mixture of worry and curiosity. Then, Fox realized what his old friend was up to.

The room was bugged. Someone had stuck a laser microphone in the room to eavesdrop on Peppy. These complicated listening devices worked by pointing an invisible laser beam at an object, in this case, the window. The beam would then pick up the vibrations the vocal patterns of anyone in the room as they bounced off the reflection object, converting them into data where they could be fed through a computer and the conversation could be monitored. The mirror Peppy placed on the window was of an older 'wavy' glass, which the laser would hit instead of the window. Since the mirror was an irregular surface, the laser would not be able to detect the vibrations, rendering the device useless.

Peppy sluggishly returned to his bed and sat on the left edge. He took a few deep breaths as he banished the pain of his injuries. He glanced up at Fox. "LIO bugs," he said matter-of-factly. Fox had figured that out. Laser microphones were notoriously difficult to use and only a LIO agent would have the know-how to use one.

Peppy took a few more deep breathes before acknowledging Fox again.

"Now Fox, you must understand that the circumstances surrounding your father's death are considered ultra level intelligence by the CDF and LIO. If they know you know, there's no telling what they'll do to you," his vision gazed off as Peppy briefly recounted the incidents Starfox had had with LIO and classified intelligence in his mind, "Military secrets are dangerous things Fox. You must be ready to accept that this stuff can get you killed."

"I know Peppy," relied Fox, "but I have to know what happened to my dad."

Peppy sighed. "Okay Fox. But, it's not gonna be easy; for you or me."

And so Peppy told Fox everything. The mission to Venom, the energy readings, the strange equipment malfunctions, Andross's army, and Pigma's betrayal.

Fox listened and with each new detail he learned, he found levels of anger he had never before felt in his entire life. But it was his father's actual death, how he'd sacrificed himself to save Peppy, which brought both Peppy and Fox to tears. But, for Fox, some questions still remained.

"Why Peppy?" he demanded, his hand clenched in a fist, "That's what I don't get. Why did they send you guys?"

"I don't know Fox…" replied Peppy. The question had been gnawing at his mind all this time as well.

"The CDF is the most powerful military force in Lylat's history. And LIO has more resources then I want to imagine. And yet, they send mercenaries? That doesn't make any sense to me.

"And why didn't they send a rescue party? How long were you guys missing, two days?"

Peppy nodded.

"You were missing two days from a mission that should have taken a few hours?" begged Fox, his voice growing louder and more constricted with anger and disgust. He paused and took a deep breath. "Did they even know you were missing?"

Peppy looked at Fox after a few moments. He let his friend calm down before he spoke. "I think the truth is much more simple then that Fox. Do you remember what the Academy taught you about mercenaries?"

Fox knew, all too well. Ever since he'd been sent to the CYMA and the Academy, the military had taught him that mercenaries were viscous and vile cutthroats who were no different from pirates in their cold, greedy manner.

Bodies for hire, whores of war, mercs, whatever the CDF called them, they were all the same; cold as pirates, ruthless as bounty hunters, and calculating as assassins.

Fox had also been taught that mercenaries were not soldiers under military law and that, when captured would be treated as criminals and face execution. One was not supposed to fight for money; to do so was simply despicable, to profit from the suffering of others.

Nevertheless, almost everyone knew how useful mercenaries were to the CDF. While they were not taught this, Fox and virtually every other cadet knew of the rumors of how the CDF hired mercenaries for 'special' assignments. In every mission they served, they were contracted and then simply used like any other piece of military equipment. The thinking went, if it costs money and can be replaced; anything is disposable, even a life; or at least a hired one.

Fox was suddenly struck by a horrifying realization. Had James McCloud, his father, suffered a similar prejudice; had it cost him his life?

"Well, I think there's your answer," said Peppy. Fox looked at Peppy in bitter confusion. Peppy sighed coarsely in frustration. He hadn't wanted to explain this to Fox.

"There's a reason we-" he stopped, "-why James and I are called 'paramilitary'. We're nothing but civilians with guns, skills, and empty wallets. We do what they tell us to do because they pay us. They pay us so we do the jobs they don't necessarily want to do themselves."

"So, what you're saying is…" pondered Fox, "the CDF didn't want to go Venom. But why?"

"I think I know why," replied Peppy. "We were told we were investigating energy readings and that's about it. We were never told there might be hostile forces in the area, or Andross himself for that matter."

"But, how could the CDF or even LIO miss that? From what you told me, they had a whole damn arsenal down there."

Peppy exhaled a sharp breath of frustration and shook his head. "LIO didn't miss it Fox, they knew Andross was there. I'll bet they didn't want to deal with Andross themselves. That's why they sent us. We're…." the hare paused, struggling for the right word.

"Expendable," said Fox plainly.

Peppy opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but he remained silent and starred ahead at the wall. He nodded shallowly, as if he didn't Fox to see that he agreed.

"They sent my father to do their dirty work because they didn't have the balls to send their own guys there? Is that what you're saying?"

"No…" replied Peppy, lying, and instantly regretted it. The hare, for reasons unknown even to himself, felt a need to protect Fox from the ugly truth. Peppy had been a father once, before Andross killed his wife and ten year old son. He had known Fox since he was a kit and he was almost like another son to Peppy. A part of his paternal instinct still existed, if only for Fox.

But Fox was sixteen and more then able to think for himself. He wasn't a kit anymore and Peppy had to realize that.

"Yes", he continued, though almost regrettably, "They sent us in because they didn't want Andross to know LIO has their eye on him. If we had been a CDF recon ship that had been shot down, I would be dead too."

"That's just an excuse," growled Fox, "and a bad one at that. You mentioned some CDF brass came to see you." Fox looked around the room and felt that strange anxiety in the pit of his stomach he had experienced last night at his debriefing. He felt strangely uneasy and he remembered LIO's listeners in the walls.

"LIO's been here too, haven't they? They set up that bug too didn't they?", said Fox.

"Of course Fox", nodded Peppy, "their damned spooks came by yesterday, as soon as they put me in here."

"When they came, did they debrief you at all?"

Peppy snorted. "If you wanna call it that, yes. They pretty much came in here, made James death official, told the mission was top secret, and they handed over the fee."

"They told you that bullshit about sending LIO ships didn't they?"

Peppy looked at the floor, as if ashamed, and nodded solemnly.

Fox creased his brow for a moment. "Did they tell you about Pigma at all?"

"Yes, they did. Why?"

"What did they say?"

"Well, one of the spooks explained how he was a double agent apparently and that he was working for Andross," Peppy snorted angrily, "As if I needed them to tell me that."

"But…how could they know that Pigma betrayed you? Did you or my father send any kind of distress call before you were shot down?"

"No, we didn't," replied Peppy his jaw slacked and expression one of stupor. He was stunned. He had never realized that LIO had known about Pigma's betrayal. "How the hell did they know about that?" he muttered to himself.

"I don't know Pep, but what that tells me is that LIO and, by extension, the CDF knew you guys were down."

Peppy's stunned expression melted away in anger. "Pigma isn't the only traitor here Fox."

"I'm still curious why LIO is so paranoid about letting this get out. When they debriefed me last night, they didn't even want to tell my father was dead and they sure as hell weren't willing to tell me why."

Peppy motioned Fox closer, as if the bugs were still active. "Andross is a major threat again Fox," he said, "His forces are much stronger then five years ago. I don't know how, but he's gained a lot of power suddenly. I think the CDF and LIO want to deal with this as covertly as possible. LIO always has a stick up its ass anyway."

"Why so secretive though? Wouldn't it just be easier to attack with everything we've got now before he gets stronger?"

"If Lylat's citizens knew Andross is back, he might realize he's out of time and attack with everything he's got before we're ready."

Fox shot Peppy an expression of disgust. "That's just more official bullshit and you know it Pep." Peppy shook his head.

"You weren't there Fox. Andross is a very serious threat. He doesn't want a coup anymore, oh no. That's not enough for him. He wants conquest."

Fox acknowledged Peppy's insight with a nod. "But what about those energy readings you mentioned?" added Fox, "Isn't that what the CDF sent you to Venom for in the first place?"

"Yes, that was our original mission, to investigate anomalous energy surges. We didn't get anything before we were shot down, the computers just couldn't ID it. Hmm… maybe that's what got LIO so uppity. It could be a new weapon Andross has developed."

"Whatever it is, I'll bet that whatever is causing that weird energy is what all the secrecy's about," added Fox, "Andross has something and the CDF knows it. They just don't want us to see it or know about it.

He thought for a few moments. "That also explains why they sent Starfox. They think you can keep mercenaries quiet, as long as you pay them," he said, his voice declining. He sighed bitterly, "Bastards."

Peppy silently agreed and an awkward silence descended upon the room as both tried to fully grasp what the other had said. Fox had to take in exactly how his father had died, how Pigma had betrayed him to Andross. Peppy meanwhile struggled to fathom Fox's accusations and his burning, accusing questions, which now haunted Peppy.

After what seemed an eternity, Fox spoke with another question. New concerns had crossed the vulpine's mind.

"What now Peppy?" he asked, looking out the single window.

"Hmm?"

"Well, you're going to leave the hospital sooner or later, what's going to happen to you then?"

Peppy shrugged. This was something else he'd never thought of. "I don't know Fox. I don't have much cash on me, so I guess I'll have to find another job."

"But you and my dad made tons of money Peppy. Surely you'll be able to just settle down with the money from all the years Starfox was around," replied Fox.

Peppy shook his head. "Starfox was never rich Fox; mercenaries rarely keep their earnings for long. We spent most of our acquisitions fixing up the Arwings. Not to mention food and housing."

"What about your latest payment from LIO? You can't have spent it already."

The hare turned to face a nightstand on the right side of the bed and opened its single drawer. He pulled a small 'reader', a holographic multi function data pad, and turned it on. The screen lit up, displaying an amount of Lylatian Credits. He extended it towards Fox.

"This is the account, with the fee already deposited. I want you to have it Fox," said Peppy, "It'll help with some of the expenses at the Academy."

Fox shook his head. "Peppy I can't accept this. It's not my money; I didn't earn it. I don't need it anyway."

"Fox, your father would want you to have it. You still have an opportunity to be something great. I'm old; the money won't do me any good."

Still, Fox refused the reader, shaking his head and motioning it away with his hand.

"Peppy you're the one who needs cash right now. With Starfox out of commission for now, you'll need everything you can get before you find some new members and…

"Starfox is gone Fox. I'm the only member left and I can't do mercenary work on my own," retorted Peppy, "Your father's dead, Pigma betrayed us, and all of our Arwings were destroyed. There's nothing left of Starfox."

Fox considered this. He took a seat next to Peppy on the bed. He sat there, lost in thought for a few moments. Peppy was indeed right, he mused, Starfox was no more. The bold group of three had been brought down by a traitor. For his father, it had meant his death and for Peppy his way of life was gone.

He couldn't let that happen, not to his old friend.

"Arwings?" asked Fox. He'd heard his father briefly discuss the high performance starfighters. But Fox knew little concerning the finer points of the ship.

Peppy nodded. "Yep, Arwings: Arspace Dynamics XTF-171s, D-series. Your father assured the success of Starfox the day he bought them. Beautiful ships made just for combat." Peppy trailed off as he reminisced flying the sleek craft. Fox could tell Peppy had a great affection for the fighter.

"Hard to get?"

"Oh yes. James only got them through a private contract, thanks to Michael Phoenix. You might know him, he's Fara's father."

Fox nodded. "So, you probably couldn't buy more of them right? Now that my father's gone?"

"No, no. Buying the ships wouldn't be the problem. I'm sure Phoenix would help us out. It's just the money, not to mention the lack of pilots."

Fox sank into thought again. A need to help Peppy, a chance to fly an advanced fighter; plus, Fox just might get a chance to go after Andross and avenge his father's death. An idea was beginning to form in his head.

Fox rose from the bed.

"Where do I sign up Peppy?" he said.

Peppy snorted. "What?" his face one of befuddlement.

"How do I join Starfox?" asked Fox again, "I want to rebuild the team."

Peppy looked at Fox, no longer confused. He pondered Fox's question and then gave the vulpine a surprised look when he realized where he was getting at.

"Fox… you can't join. You don't want to join…"

"Why not?" challenged Fox confidently.

"You're still just a kit Fox! Even you can't deny that."

"What? The hell I can't! Why should my age have anything to do with it? It's still my decision," replied Fox.

"You're sixteen; you're far too young to be a mercenary."

"Too young?" he snapped back, almost insulted, "Too young to do what?"

"Try flying an Arwing under the worst atmospheric conditions, only meters off the ground while under fire. Or perhaps infiltrating a high security facility armed with nothing more then a blaster and your wit. How about fighting in space where the odds are against you and there's no hope of reinforcement. That's the work Starfox did and that is what you're too young to do!"

"Ah hell Peppy, the CDF doesn't seem to think I'm too young for that stuff. They did let me into the Academy didn't they? I've seen combat, simulated and real. The only one who seems to think I'm 'too young' is you," replied Fox.

"Don't you forget Fox; you're only a second year cadet. The CDF doesn't think you're old enough for combat. And do I need to remind you that you still have a duty to perform with the CDF?"

"I haven't graduated yet, which means I'm not active duty, which means I can leave whenever the hell I feel like it."

"Fox, don't leave the Academy. Like I said, you still have a chance to be something great in the Navy. Why don't you stay with the CDF, graduate, and become a pilot? You'll be able to have a family, a nice house, and have a quiet life when you retire," Peppy's voice grew more pronounced and darker, "If you become a mercenary, you'll be giving all of that up. You'll always be on the move. You'll be living from job to job. You will always have enemies who will do everything in their power to destroy you. And sooner or later, all of that will catch up to you. It's the kind of work that will kill you Fox."

The vulpine considered Peppy's words. He thought of the Academy, his commitment to the CDF, and Fara. She stuck out in his mind particularly. Peppy was right; if Fox did join, he might never see Fara again.

With painful anguish and almost reluctant realization, Fox knew what he had to. His personal wants were secondary to what he now needed to do.

"I'm willing to do just that Peppy," said Fox, his solid and confidant voice barely masking his true feelings.

"Fox…" Peppy's voice, which had confidently protested every point of Fox's case, slowly trailed off as he searched for a response. He could find none. All of Fox's points were adding up. Even worse to the old hare, the young cadet was starting to make some sense.

"Like or not Peppy, I'm joining Starfox and you can't stop me."

"Well then why in the hell have we been having this argument?" Peppy demanded, extremely frustrated by this time.

"I still need your approval. Like you said, you're the last member of Starfox and that makes you the leader of the team."

"But I still don't see why you want to join Fox."

"I imagined you would know why better then anyone Pep," replied Fox, gazing out the window again.

"Fox," said Peppy. He spoke cautiously, choosing his words carefully, "please don't tell me this is about avenging your father."

Fox looked at Peppy again. "It's not just my father Peppy," he said with a certain sadness in his voice, "The CDF is just as responsible for his death as Andross," he looked at his uniform, at the golden insignia of the Cornerian Space Command and the glittering stripes of his rank. "I don't think I can fight in this uniform."

Peppy tried to say something, but Fox quickly continued.

"This uniform represents the organization that sent my father off to a mission where they knew what he would face, but for some horrible reason didn't give him the full story. When he crashed, they didn't come for him. When he died, they hesitated to tell even me, his own son.

"Peppy, you look me in the eye and tell me that you would keep fighting for the CDF in my situation."

The hare did look at Fox. His eyes scanned the vulpine's saddened, yet stoic and serious expression. He thought about what Fox had said and Peppy could tell he had meant every word of it.

He sighed quietly and returned Fox's challenge with a grim expression of understanding. He nodded.

"You're just like your dad," said Peppy, "too damn stubborn. But your father also knew how to make a point and he knew how to think things over, just if you gave him time." He nodded and looked back towards Fox.

He extended and offered his hand and Fox took it.

"Fox McCloud, I hereby extend my invitation, as representative of the Starfox team, to join."

"I accept," replied Fox. It struck Fox how the simple reply held so much meaning. The words rolled off his tongue; it felt good to say them

Peppy's face became even more stern. "Now Fox," he said, "I'll only ask you this one more time and then I'll shut my yap for good. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Fox managed a thin smile. "Aw," he dismissed, "who wants to be a career fighter jock anyway? All the money's in the private sector."

The din coming from Fox's room was so loud that Fara could even hear it through the thick steel door as she walked down the hallway. The sound told her that Fox was in there, he had to be. The vixen sighed with relief.

Ever since the LIO agent had taken Fox right in the middle of last night's celebrations, Fara had been gravely concerned for Fox. She had heard the stories of LIO's antics; how some of their unwilling interviewees were swooped away and never seen again. She had heard how battle-hardened marines, pilots, and commanders came out of LIO debriefings more terrified then they had been in combat. The thoughts of what they had done with Fox had robbed her of sleep most of last night.

She approached the door timidly. Yes, she was anxious to see Fox. But she was also… hesitant. Would he still be the Fox she had known since childhood? The same Fox she loved?

Fara tried to bury these fears and suspicions as deep into her mind as they would go and in their stead she placed more optimistic thoughts. Fox was okay, he had to be; he always came out okay.

She pressed one of the buttons on the door's digital controls and she could faintly hear the double-note tone echo through the room's speakers. The ruckus inside continued as she heard Fox's voice reply.

"Who is it?"

"It's me Fox," she said, "Fara." The noise in the room stopped and seconds later the door slid open. Fox stood there in a white tee-shirt and his dress uniform pants.

Fara looked him over, seeing if she could see anything different. Physically, the vixen could see nothing. That was, of course, until she saw Fox's eyes. His big green eyes, always full of warmth seemed sapped of their youthful energy. Where there was once happiness and joy, there seemed nothing but a deep pit of…she imagined-darker feelings. What were these emotions; sadness, depression, anger? It was difficult for Fara to tell.

"Hi Fara," said Fox after a deep breath.

"Hi Fox," Fara smiled as best she could after seeing him. He bent down slightly and kissed her on the cheek. Fox's actions thus far worried Fara. Instantly she knew something was wrong.

Before she could inquire into the matter, Fox motioned her inside and she followed. Although she had been here several times before, Fara studied the room as if she had never stepped through the door, looking for anything else. Fox went over to Bill's side of the room and Fara went off to look at Fox's side. She immediately noticed that Fox's closet was open and empty. His mini digital image projector, which usually sat on his desk, was also gone. And there, on the bed, sat an open suitcase, already packed to capacity with clothes and other objects. Fara did not like the looks of this.

Fox appeared behind her and she turned to face him. Fox took one look at her and his hollow expression became one of almost shame, like a child about to be disciplined. Fara's face displayed her own emotions of confusion and anger, anger at finding Fox out.

"Packing hmm?" said Fara as she took a few steps towards Fox, keeping his eyes in hers, "Where are you going?"

Fox took a deep breath and his saddened, empty face returned. "Something's happened Fara. My father's been killed."

"Oh Fox," replied Fara, suddenly showing compassion, "I'm sorry." She walked forward and embraced him. She released herself a few minutes later and looked at Fox.

"Why are you packing? Is the funeral in the city?" she asked as Fox went to stuffing a pile of shirts into the suitcase.

It took Fox a few moments to think of an answer that would hide his quiet rage. "There is no funeral," he said.

Fara walked to Fox's side. She tried to figure out why Fox was packing on her own, but finally gave up and asked Fox.

"I… I don't understand Foxey."

"It's complicated Fara," replied Fox without so much as a glance Fara's way.

Fara didn't take kindly to that. Not only was Fox being vague, he was being rude.

"Well then," she said with a more serious tone, "can you tell me why it's so complicated?"

"I'm sorry Fara, but I…"

Before Fox could answer Fara placed herself in front of the suitcase, forcing Fox to pay attention to her. "Now you listen to me Fox. This isn't like you. Now, your packing for wherever the hell you're going can wait long enough to talk to me. Tell me what's going on! This isn't fair to me!" she snapped at Fox, the words tumbling out of her mouth. Fox could faintly see small tears in the corners of Fara's chestnut eyes.

Fox sat down on the edge of his bed and patted a spot next to him. Fara sat there.

"Fara, I'm leaving the CDF," he replied.

"But…why Fox?" said Fara, her expression demanding an explanation, "You passed your exam!"

"I know Fara…" Fox trailed off, trying to find the words to explain what had happened yesterday. How a simple visit to see his old friend Peppy in the hospital had given him a new avenue and changed his life. Fara listened intently and tried to understand Fox's motives.

"Fox, does…this have anything to do with your father?" she asked timidly; partly because of the nature of the question and partly because she feared the answer.

Fox looked at her with those hollow green eyes again. "Yes." Fara replied with her confused expression, begging for an answer.

"I'm joining Starfox," came Fox's answer, "I've done a lot of thinking about it and I've made my decision."

"You mean…you're leaving the CDF to be a…a… mercenary?" snapped Fara, saying her last word with a mix of shock and disgust.

"I told you," said Fox, "it's complicated."

Fara rose and looked angrily at Fox. She gave him a hard backhand slap across his muzzle in a fit of anguish. Tears burst from her eyes.

"Fara…" said Fox desperately, "You have to understand something," he drew closer to her. She backed away; her eyes alight with fury and flooded with tears. Fox wanted to whisper what he had to say- after his visit to see Peppy, he had no idea if even his own quarters was not bugged by LIO.

To hell with it, he thought, she needs to know why.

"Fara," he continued, "The CDF is why my father is dead. He was shot down on Venom by enemy forces he didn't even know were there. I know for a fact that the CDF and those damn LIO spooks knew what was down there and they sent him on the mission anyway. And when he was shot down, did the CDF come to pick him up? Did they send help? No!

"I just can't fight for an organization that sent my father to his death; it goes against everything I know. I know damn well it was the enemy that killed him, but perhaps if the CDF had told my father they were there, he would still be alive and I wouldn't have to do this! Do you understand Fara?"

Fara looked completely indifferent. She turned to look at him.

"I can see where you're coming from Fox," she said, her words calm and soothing almost, "But…you can't leave! You can't leave the CDF!"

"To hell with them. When I joined the academy, I thought I was joining an organization I could trust. I've been told to trust them my whole life Fara. But after this…"

"But they need you!" replied Fara. She desperately searched her mind for a good reason, "You're the best pilot they've ever seen!"

He looked at her with a stern expression. "That's why I need to go."

Fara looked about to burst into tears again. She gazed at Fox sadly. She wasn't going to lose him-not like this.

"But…but…" she fumbled for the right words as Fox turned to close his suitcase. The words came out in a torrent, full of emotion.

"What about me Fox?" she paused for a moment as Fox faced her, "What about us?"

Fox had known Fara would ask that question. And yet, he had held onto the faint hope that the vixen wouldn't present him with this burning inquiry. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He approached her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Don't worry Fara," he replied, "This won't stop us."

"But you'll be gone all the time," she said, sobbing, "I'll never get to see you."

"We'll find a way Fara. We've had obstacles put in our way before, but we always found a way, didn't we?"

"But Fox…"

"No! No 'buts'! This isn't the end Fara! I promise."

"Do you Fox? Do you really?" she replied, almost bitterly.

Fox gazed deeply into Fara's eyes. He walked forward and his lips met hers. They embraced each other tightly. He looked into her eyes again. "I promise Fara."

Fara still wasn't satisfied, but she put on the appearance that she was. Though she didn't like the idea of Fox leaving, Fara understood why he had to go and she didn't wish to torment him any longer.

She nodded shallowly. "Okay Fox," she whispered between sobs.

Fox grabbed his suitcase and headed for the door. Fara followed. The two vulpines looked at each other for what seemed an eternity before they embraced tightly and kissed in farewell.

Still embracing each other, Fara looked into Fox's eyes.

"Good bye Fox McCloud," she whispered and they kissed one final time. Fox looked over his shoulder the whole way down the hall at Fara before he had to board the elevator. Fara had wanted to follow him and see him off, but what had already happened was hard enough.

"Good bye Fox," she whispered again as the elevator door closed and obscured Fox's face, "and good luck."