Chapter 1: The Cerina System
The Star Fox Team is heading down to the bridge to begin their meeting with General Pepper, and Krystal is startled by the news she has just received. She did not even know that her home planet still existed.
Fox: Krystal, are you ok? I know this must be hard for you…
Krystal: No, I'm fine Fox. I just don't even remember Cerinia at all. It's strange, but the last thing I remember is coming to Sauria and meeting you and the rest of the team. Before that, my life was just a blur.
Falco: How can you not even remember your home?
Krystal: I'm not sure…I know I'm from there, but I don't remember anything about it. My childhood, my parents….nothing.
(Falco rolls his eyes; Katt gives him a nasty look)
Katt: From what we were able to find, it doesn't look like there are any areas on the surface that could support life forms. If anyone lives there, they've got to be underground.
Krystal: I doubt any of my people are there. From what I know, my entire race was destroyed, and I think it had something to do with that Andross creature. It's all just such a blur now that I think about it.
Fox: You don't have to think about it, Krystal. We'll find out what's going on and you won't have to worry about anything.
Krystal: I hope you're right, Fox…
The team arrives at the Bridge of the Great Fox, where they find Peppy and ROB waiting for them at a large table. There is also a large screen in front of the table with the face of General Pepper on it.
Peppy: Hello, everyone. Sorry to wake you, but we felt this was an urgent matter that needed to be taken care of.
Krystal: Thank you, Peppy.
ROB: PLEASE, TAKE A SEAT.
(Everyone sits down)
General Pepper: Now, we need to discuss how we are going to handle this matter.
Falco: What's there to discuss? We get in there, find the signal, rescue whoever needs to be rescued, and we're done! Easy as that.
Katt: Maybe if you would listen to what we have to say, Falco, you'd realize that it isn't that easy.
Falco: And what do you have to say?
Peppy: This planet is located at the outer reaches of the known universe in a system known as the Cerina System. From what we have discovered, Cerinia is the most inner planet of this system, and is surrounded by a giant asteroid belt, unlike none we've ever seen.
Slippy: What's so strange about it?
Beltino: The belt is more of a sphere, actually. It surrounds the entire planet, which makes it impossible for a ship like this to get to.
General Pepper: Well, it sounds like this is definitely a job for the Star Fox Team. You'll need to take the Great Fox to the Cerina System and then use the arwings to navigate to the planet.
Fox: This doesn't sound like it's going to be easy. It actually sounds dangerous.
Katt: Yes, very. The density of these asteroids makes it extremely hard to get through. Only the best pilots have the chance to make it.
Falco: It won't be a problem for me. I can get through that field with no problems.
Katt: Don't be so sure, Falco.
Krystal: How long will it take to reach this system?
ROB: THE OUTER PART OF THE CERINA SYSTEM WILL TAKE US MORE THAN THREE DAYS TO REACH.
Falco: Three days! I really needed that vacation.
Peppy: Don't worry, team. We'll have time for a vacation after we answer this distress signal.
General Pepper: Yes, and the pay for this job will be great, so do it right!
(General Pepper's screen turns off)
Fox: I guess we can all go back to bed now. In three days, we'll be answering that distress signal.
Everyone gets up from the table and heads back to their rooms on the Great Fox. Fox looks at Krystal and sees that she looks somewhat sick.
Fox: Krystal, what's the matter? You don't look so good.
Krystal: I'm not sure, Fox. I just have a strange feeling that there's an evil force on Cerinia. Maybe answering this call isn't such a good idea.
Falco: Hey, as long as we're getting paid, I'm all for it.
Katt: I'd listen to the telepath over you any day, Falco.
(Falco is annoyed)
Krystal: I just don't think that this is an ordinary distress call. I sense a battle in the future, and the outcome isn't good.
Fox: You probably just need some rest Krystal; you said you haven't been sleeping much lately.
Krystal: Yes, maybe…..maybe you're….
(Krystal suddenly faints and falls to the floor)
Fox: Krystal! Krystal! Katt, help me get her to the medical center now!