Prologue

Federation Exile

There will be some who understand…

The words of her computerized CO Adam still playing through her head, Samus Aran piloted her sleek purple starship to the nearest hypernav buoy. She wasn't in any hurry to get back to Federation Command. In fact, the longer she could put off the inevitable conflict with her employers, the better. Samus had taken on legions of Space Pirates, intergalactic beasts, and mutant spawn, but she was simply shaking in her Fusion Suit at the thought of facing down the dreaded bureaucrats. After crashing their pet space station into the planet SR- 388, the somewhat rebellious bounty hunter had never been in so much trouble in her life.

They're going to penalize me into the next decacycle… Ah, but if I had let them take control of BSL again, the SA-X would have enslaved the galaxy…

The SA-X, a carbon copy of Samus at her peak potential created by the evil X Parasites, had been the leader of the X-Parasite infestation of the Biologic Space Labs station. Asexual reproduction had multiplied the X to vast numbers, so Samus's only choice had been to set the space station on a collision course for the X-infested planet SR-388, thus destroying both planet and station.

Samus looked out the window, glancing back at the still-expanding cloud of molten dust and debris that had once been the planet. Following her gaze, Adam contributed a wise remark to break her inner monologue.

"You just can't resist blowing things up, can you, Lady?"

"Shut up, Adam. I should have pulled your plug a long time ago."

"But then who would be around to pilot the ship while you're sleeping? Surely you don't want to crash into an asteroid. Again. See, if you had a wonderful computer like me before the whole X incedent, you'd still have your Hunter gunship…"

Adam's monitor lit up a light brown, representing a smirk.

"Yes, and I wouldn't have to put up with you or this hunk of scrap the idiot Feds call a ship."

"Ooh, touché, Lady, touché. Anyhow, exchanges of insults aside, you have an incoming transmission from the 'Idiot Feds.' I'm sure it's about the BSL…"

Samus grimaced. Time to face her fate.

The multi-chinned face of Threllus Felge, a prominent (speaking in terms of both political power and the size of his enormous stomach) Federation executive, appeared on Samus's holo screen. His fat lips were curled in a most unpleasant frown, his beady eyes blinking repeatedly as he stared at Samus.

"We at Federation Command are very disappointed in you, Hunter Aran. You disobeyed a direct order, destroyed Federation property, and wiped out a planet. Think of the discoveries that you have denied the Federation's people…" The man's voice was practically dripping with feigned sorrow.

"I am sorry, Chancellor Felge," Samus began with a grimace, "I respect your fair and noble ambitions, but I made a judgement that, given hindsight, now seems wrong to me as well. I was sure that the entirely competent Federation security forces would have been able to handle the SA-X. I should have trusted you more."

Both Samus and Adam were aware that the entirety of what Samus had just said was complete bullshit, and it had almost made her vomit all over her visor to say it. She had been able to keep a straight voice, but not a straight face… it was lucky she was wearing a helmet.

"Samus…" Felge continued, "I'm sure you have your regrets, and I feel for you…" Samus nearly vomited again. She was not the only one spewing hot gas. She doubted that Felge could feel for his own mother. "However, the others at Federation Command have ruled that you are to be punished. You will be exiled from Federation territory, and if you return, you shall be fired upon. Adam…." Felge now spoke to the computer. "We have been informed of your role as well. You are to accompany Samus on her exile. Samus, you may keep the ship… consider it a parting gift."

Felge's face dissapeared from the monitor.

Samus sighed. Another enemy. Things were going to be very interesting from now on.

The lavender starship fired its thrusters and lazily curved off course, heading out of Federation territory and off to the shadier parts of the galaxy.