7:30 AM Cornerian Military Aircraft Docking

"Copy Great Fox. You are clear for landing."

"Attention all personal. Clear Bay A-1, LC-3. Carrier inbound."

The enormous military hangar was flooded with commands like this that came endlessly and interminably from the P.A. system. Troops scattered about, their superiors giving them assignments, posts and other commands as those working on the computer network and receiving mechanisms set up the landing systems for Bay A-3 of A-1 through A-28. It was enormous, a room as big as tem football stadiums, which was only of fourteen similar rooms that paralleled a second set of fourteen, being divided only by an incredibly large hallway in between. Both sides of the hangars were connected to roof-less vehicle stations that looked like oversized parking lots. The whole facility was a large island off the Cornerian capital city sea and rested only a mile away from the great city. It, by comparison, seemed to be a city of its own. They were connected by a large bridge, the Liberty Gate.

Impressive though the whole thing was, it only seemed about as big as a plate to Fox McCloud, who looked upon the air base from the deck of his ship. He looked out of his window with a very relaxed face.

"Aaaaaah", he sighed. "It's good to be home. Nice to see all the damages from few months back have been almost completely fixed." The aparoids had left the city in horrible condition, but after six months it was starting to resemble its old self. In time, those areas most devastated would likely become historical neighborhoods. Such was always the case with war; from all tragedy, there must always be some silver lining. As Fox continued to reflect on his home world, the door behind him opened with a mechanical sound.

Fox turned around saw his 5:00. "Good mornin' again, Krystal. What's up?"

"Hi Fox! I hope I'm not interrupting anything; just came up here to look at the sea. It's just such a beautiful sight, don't you think?" Krystal walked over to where Fox stood and looked out to the ocean. Seeing the stars was common in her line of work, not as impressive to her as it was to the common person. She really loved to look more at the sea instead. It's shimmering form always brought a serenity to her mind. Recently, it had also come to associate itself with another pleasant memory…. one that stood mere inches from her.

"There's no sight more relaxing. I agree. But it's not as beautiful as you. It's probably just as blue though", Fox said smiling at her.

Krystal giggled. "Careful Fox, I don't want you to run out of wit before our evening." She ended the sentence with a seductive tone and the cheekiest of smiles. Oh how his body tensed with desire every time he saw that devious smile! Fox didn't break a sweat this time around. He actually leaned towards her and kissed her cheek this time. The gesture had surprised even himself!

"Don't worry! I won't be running out anytime soon." Fox had a sort of cocky smile.

Krystal leaned against the railing that ran under the window and turned to Fox. "My, you sound ready. Are you going to have enough of that energy left later?"

"Believe me", Fox began, "as long as you're there, I'll be running on endless all night."

"All night, huh?" Krystal smirked. "Is that an invitation?" She giggled. "I'm only kidding. I hope that wasn't a disappointment", Krystal said putting a hand on his shoulder.

Fox smiled. "Don't worry. I'll cross that bridge when I get there, that is I ever get married in the first place."

"You sound like it might not happen! It'd be waste not to marry such a handsome and sweet hero!" Krystal brought an arm around his waist. She let out a relaxing hum and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Fox returned the embrace, blushing madly beneath his fur at the word 'hero'. "Thanks, Krys! You really know how to exaggerate," he chuckled.

Krystal giggled and gave him a peck. "I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. You're the leader of this team because you're the most courageous and determined one among us. You don't give up, and you always make sure we're safe before you do anything else. Those are the kinds of reasons I joined the team to begin with."

Fox laughed. "Okay, this getting too emotional!" He started wiggling his claws on her sides. As he had hoped, Krystal started to burst out laughing.

"Hahahahahahahahahaha! Fox! STOP! Hehehehehehe." Krystal couldn't break free from Fox's grasp. He held tightly and wouldn't let up on tickling her. "C'mon Fox! Enough! Hahahaha. Enough! I can't take it! You win! You wihihihihihihin! Hahaha!"

Fox decided to be merciful. "Sorry, I couldn't help it. You just look so cute like that! And I love hearing your laugh," he added smoothly. Krystal was catching her breath and looked up at him. "No worries Fox. It was really enjoyable overall."

Fox smiled mischievously. "Well then, I'll have to continue this at some point tonight." He took a step towards Krystal and put his arm around her shoulders. "You're a jerk", she said playfully, smiling. The two leaned in for a kiss. The most expected thing happened.

"Hey guys we've landed! Let's go and see Peppy and General Pepper!" Slippy shouted as he stood in the room for a brief moment before taking off. Fox and Krystal were startled and hit their heads together.

"Ouch! Jesus that hurt", Fox said rubbing his head. Krystal was doing the same. "Damn. I don't know why you wear a helmet during missions Fox. You honestly don't need it."

"Har har. Likewise. Eungh. Eh..I think I'll go get my bags, or somethin", Fox remarked as he turned towards the door. Krystal began to follow. "Ungh. I'll come with you. Ow, ow, ow…"

The two made their way towards their own rooms to grab their bags, as well as a few band-aids.

ooo

About five minutes after the little meeting, Fox, Krystal, Falco and Slippy all started exiting the Great Fox on a mobile staircase set up at the floor edge of the ship's own hangar. They descended down quickly where two Cornerian soldiers stood saluting the team. They walked a bit further before they came face to face with General Pepper.

The four of them stood at attention and saluted him. "StarFox team, all present and accounted for, sir."

The general returned the salute. "General Pepper, reporting for long-overdue visit. Stand at ease", he said with a smile.

Fox and Pepper took a step towards each other and hugged. "Fox, m' boy! It's great to see you again. How've you been?" Pepper said laughing heartily.

"Likewise, Sir. Good to see you outside of mission affairs." The two stepped back. "We've all been fine, and I think it's safe to say we're all happy to be home."

"General!" Slippy ran forward and nearly jumped onto the old hound. Pepper almost lost his balance. "Whoah now. I've missed you too Slippy. A hehehe."

Falco came up much more calmly. He had since the morning changed into some black jeans and a white shirt. He wore his parallel of Fox's jacket and a pair of boots. "You still in charge of things at this age? You and Peppy, I swear." Pepper grinned. "Well at least my age doesn't show like his." The bird and the canine just stood there, then Falco did the same as Fox. "It's great seeing you without those damn bugs in you again. How's your recovery been going since?"

Pepper chuckled and flexed his arm. "I've been feeling new and improved lately m'boy."

Krystal walked over to the General. "I agree with Falco. Glad to see you in such good condition." She gave him a big hug.

Pepper returned it. "Ah. So I get the biggest hug from the newest member. Thank you my dear. It's good to see your lovely face on Corneria." Once that was done, Peppy looked at them all and smiled.

"I can't say just how glad I am to see you all safe and back here. I pray each day that you four don't run into unexpected trouble. And it seems they've been answered. So how long are you all going to be on holiday?" Pepper asked.

"We'll be hangin' down here for a good two weeks", Fox said. "Not much actually planned. Just get some fresh air and enjoy the city."

Pepper nodded. "Right then. Well, seeing as you're all ready to go, I'll be out of your way. My "in" box is loaded and I need to get started. Let's see… Peppy's around, but you might want to come back in three hours roughly. His training session should finish up around then but for now he's very busy. Keeps it fast-pace with the new recruits. Nonetheless he teaches with care and attention to detail, same as he taught you when you were a pup, Fox."

"Well if I'm any indication, the future looks good!" Fox chimed cockily.

By the way Captain, your car's outside in the front parking zone. Here're your keys." Peppy tossed the keys over to Fox who caught them. "I best be off now. I'll see you sometime later team. Again, glad to have you all home!"

The crew parted with Pepper and made their way outside. Fox found his jet black Solar Ion '97 parked not far from the main entrance. After they all loaded up, Fox drove across the bridge and entered Corneria's City busy, infamous traffic. After about fifteen minutes, Fox pulled up to a sidewalk. They all stepped out of the car and made their way to the trunk to grab their luggage. As soon as everyone was set, they walked up the pathway to the front door.

It was a beautiful house. It stood at two stories and lay partially concealed by large trees, as did the other houses in the neighborhood. It had four bedrooms, a bathroom for each, a kitchen, a gym room, a living room and several closets/rooms for extra space. The beach was virtually right behind it, given that a short section of woods stood between.

Fox and the rest of the team all made their way to their rooms. Fox showed Krystal to hers. It was just across from his. "I hope you like it. Luckily we never got rid of it even when Falco had been gone. Whaddya think?"

Krystal set her bag down and looked out the window to the backyard. "It's great. So roomy, a lot of space, beautiful view! Thank you very much, Fox," she chimed happily.

"No problem Krys!" Fox turned towards the door. "I'll be right back. I'm just gonna put my stuff away.' Fox walked across the hallway and tossed his bag on the bed. Another typical moment occurred.

The mattress sunk straight down as the bed support broke and collapsed beneath. Fox just stood there with a defeated look, as if he almost saw that coming. Krystal heard and walked in. "Damn. That's really inconvenient", she commented.

"Yep", Fox said. Krystal grinned slyly. "Don't look so down. I have a plan", she said. Fox's ears perked up. "And that would be…?"

Krystal waved her tail around Fox's leg and his own tail. "You're welcome to share mine."

Fox was caught off guard by the remark and almost fell. "You mean…at the same time… together… both of us?" Fox looked dumbfounded. "You're just messing around…right?"

"I'm serious. Come on Fox, I heard what you said back in the deck. Don't worry. Besides…" she paused and put her hands on his shoulders. She whispered to his ear, "We might be able to make each other's sleep a bit more comfortable. If not for yourself, then do it because I'm asking. Please?"

Fox fainted.

"Oh bugger! Fox? Fox wake up. Are you all right.?" Krystal asked as she tried to shake him. There was no response. She tried to move him and yell at him but it wouldn't work. She sighed.

"Forgive me for this." She reached around and grabbed her staff from its holster in her belt. She put to his chest and focused some of the energy into an electrical shock. Fox's whole body lit up with a blue jagged aura of electricity. He woke up and brought the top of his body straight up in an instant.

"KrystalIwouldlovetoshareyourbedandImeanthatinthem ostgentlefoxwaypossible." His large and quick response came as a surprise to Krystal.

"Don't worry about it. It's my pleasure", she said to him, trying to keep him from feeling embarrassed.

She found it a bit funny, and then she started to feel flattered by the tone of Fox's answer. His face was the same as hers, but much more extreme. He looked flat out shocked, and didn't move except for the slight twitches he made from spontaneous sparks. He brought up his hand to his face and licked his finger and thumb, then proceeded to put out the small flame on the tip of his ear.

"Uh…thanks Krystal." They stood looking at each other for a few more minutes. Fox made the first move. "I'm gonna..uh..take a really cold shower. After that, I guess I'm just gonna unpack and get ready for tonight. I'll surprise ya if that's ok."

Krystal got up. "Um..sure. I trust you." She made her way out the door, but quickly threw her head back with a sexy smile. "Oh Fox. You probably might want to hold off on that shower. Your just gonna get dirty again tonight." She giggled and ran to her own room. After she closed the door, her girlish laughter could still be heard from outside of her room.

Fox hadn't moved yet, but went from smoking hot to almost completely soaked in perspiration, courtesy of Krystal's last remark. The image of her, adorning her bed, clenching her sheets and beckoning for his love with all the steamy intensity that only a lonely alien vixen could emit… He got up and walked over to his bathroom. He closed the door behind him and locked it.

As this happened, Krystal sat on her bed, painting her toes a glossy white color. She was working very slowly with a great deal of focus and concentration. She became almost addicted after Fox showed it to her not long after she joined the team. No stranger to tattoos and jewelry, she naturally loved the idea of adorning her nails with exotic color schemes. She hadn't even touched her fur on accident so far. She was about to dip the brush in the bottle to finish off her pedicure. Her clean streak got ruined by her orange roommate.

"YEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWW!"

Krystal was startled enough by the yell from across the hallway that she jumped, yelped, and spilled the paint on her paw, her hands, her face, and got a little bit in her hair. She looked extremely frustrated.

"I hope he enjoys this night, 'cuz tomorrow I'll kill him for this." She went to her own bathroom and rinsed her hands, fur and face. After that she took a cloth and cleaned the paint off of her feet. When that was done she turned on her hairdryer and started drying out her claws. After a few minutes she laughed to herself and turned off the dryer.

Krystal looked at her wiggling toes, smiling. "I hope he likes this color!"