Corneria, Fox's house, the kitchen
" That Falco! He's always pulling this sort of thing." Katt said, a bit miffed at Falco.
Krystal could only smile. She knew Katt wouldn't hold a grudge against Falco too long. As Krystal poured fresh iced tea into Katts cup Ray entered the kitchen with the mail. He set it on the table and sat down in a chair. He then looked at Krystal and gave a sigh of bordom.
" Mommy, when is daddy getting home?" Ray asked in a whiny voice.
Krystal had been wondering this as well. The last time she talked with Fox was before he left. She reached over and patted Ray's head.
" I'm not sure sweety. These things can take a while."Krystal said softly. Ray just sat there and began to look at the letters.
" Why can't it be over already." Ray said looking at a letter addressed to James.
" Has Fox called you to let you know how things are doing?" Katt asked.
" No, as usual, Fox hasn't sent a single message." Krystal said. " But I thought Emerald would. Maybe she's having fun."
" Well I was going to call Falco. Do you want me to check on Fox and the others as well?" Katt asked.
" That would be great Katt. I would really appreciate it." Krystal said.
" What the heck is this?" Ray said.
Krystal looked over at him and saw Ray holding a blood red envelope. It had Fox's name on it without a return address. Krystal snatched it out of his hand and through it, face down, onto the counter. It had a strange symbol on the back. Katt walked over to investigate it. Ray just sat there stunned and confused
" I recognise that symbol." Katt said picking up the letter. " It's the symbol of a mercenary group. They call themsevles the Dark Sabers"
Katt was very careful as she opened the letter. Katt skimed the letter before handing it to Krystal to read. Krystal's eye's widened as she read the letter. She looked over at Katt and let the letter fall to the ground.
" Katt what are we going to do?" Krystal asked. Katt just shook her head.
" I don't know. I'm willing to bet there's one in my mail box as well." Katt said.
Krystal and Katt left the kitchen and went into the hallway to call General Pepper, leaving Ray in the kitchen. He got up and picked up the letter. He began to read it.
" McCloud, Your friends and family will suffer. Their blood will be on your hands. They will pay for what you have done.
McCloud Your friends and family will suffer..."
The letter just kept repeating those same sentences. Ray dropped the letter and ran to Krystals side. Katt had just finished talking to General Pepper. She turned to Krystal and Ray.
" We should leave the house immediately. Bill will be here soon to pick us up. We'll contact Fox when we get to the base." Katt said.
She, Krystal, and Ray waited by the front door for Bill. He arrived moments later and picked them up. When they reached the base General Pepper had already contacted the GreatFox. He was speaking with Slippy who, at the moment, was the only one awake.
" Slippy put Falco or Fox on. We have to talk to them." Katt demanded.
" First of all, General Pepper has already informed me of the situaton. Secondly, Fox, Falco, and everyone else are sleeping right now." Slippy said.
" I don't care if they're sleepin' just put one of them on!" Katt yelled at Slippy.
Slippy dissappered for a moment and was replaced by a half asleep Falco. Falco looked as though he was in another world for a moment.
" Whaisi'Katt?" Falco slurred out, still dazed from sleep.
" Falco everyone is in danger. The Dark Sabers sent a threatening letter to Fox! You must get home quickly."Katt said.
If Falco wasn't awake before, he sure was now. His eye's were wide open. It looked as though there was more on his mind.
" Oh no, not now. Not with Fox all banged up." Falco muttered to himself. Katts ears perked up.
" Exscuse me? But did I hear you say something about Fox." Katt asked in an accusuing manner. Falco sighed.
" Fox got into a bit of an accident." Falco wispered, not loud enough for Katt to hear.
" What did you say? Speak up Falco!" Katt said. Falco gulped then took a deep breath.
" Fox was in an accident. Don't worry he'll be fine with some rest." Falco said quickly.
" Fox! Oh, Falco is he hurt bad? Please tell me?" Krystal said as she popped into view. She looked very worried.
" Like I said, don't worry. He's just got a few brusies and scratchs. He just need's to rest." Falco said, Krystal looked relieved. " Now what are we going to do about those Dark Sabers? If they're involded it's only a matter of time until Pepper refuses to help us. The Sabers caused a great deal of trouble during the war."
"Don't worry we can take them." James said as he entered.
" This isn't some game or simulation James. It's the real deal here. You go out there and you'll be killed. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about." Falco said.
" But you guys took them out before right? Can't you do it again? Are you the great team StarFox or not? Even with dad hurt you could beat them again." James said. " Look, I understand that this is no game. I know there's no do overs or resets. I've had trianing in all kinds of combat, as well as Emerald and Charlie. And Jessie dose have real life experience. With us here to help, theres no way we can lose to them."
" James. It has been a long, long, long time since any of us have been in combat, real or other wise. We wouldn't have a chance. The Dark Sabers are some of the best mercenaries out there because they always are in combat. They would kill us." Falco said.
" So that's it? You're going to sit back until General Pepper gives us up?" James said.
" James we're no match for them. This is very hard for me to admit. I'm sorry James. All we can can do is brush up the best we can before we must face them. It's all we can do." Falco said.
" So we're just going to wait for them? Why wait? Why not just give up?" James said in a choked voice, tears briming his eye's. " After all, we only love you guy's and want to be able to spend the rest of our natural lives together. But thats not worth it, is it? I won't let it happen Flaco, you hear me. I'll die fighting, rather then just waiting for them to come for us."
James was trying to hold himself together the best he could. Katt and Krystal just watched on in silence. Falco couldn't find the words to help James regain his faith in them.
" Falco, the StarFox team isn't what they're coming after. We are. The friends and family of every member. The letter said our blood will be on your hands. That we will suffer for what you've done. " Katt said. Falco sat there as his beak dropped open.
" Falco, let me assure you, we will protect you family and loved ones." Genneral Pepper said suddenly popping up." It would be best if you returned to Corneria so we can discuss the matter of what to do."
" Will do General. Oh no, I'm starting to sound like Fox." Falco said.
" I'll see you when you reach Corneria. Pepper out." General Pepper said then the image dissappered.
Falco sat there, unaware that James was still in the room. Falco ran his hands through the feathers on top of his head. He was soon leaning against the console breathing deeply, trying to supress all of the emotions running through him. Falco felt a tear escape his eye. He didn't try to wipe it off. It was the first tear to roll down his beak in a long time. Falco had forgotten what it was like to cry. James slowly approached Falco. Soon he stood beside him and he heared Falco mutter to himself.
" God help us. Help Fox. Help our friends. Help the ones we love. God help me. Please." Falco begged.
He felt he couldn't handle this. It was too much. This time it wasn't Corneria that needed their help. But the other way around. Falco felt vulnerable, like he couldn't do anything to stop what was coming. James placed his hand on Falco's back.
" It'll be ok Falco, we'll make it through." James said softly. He never thought he would see Falco like this ever. It scared him.
" James. Set the ship on a course to Cornerian. Full power." Falco said.
James did so and turned back to Falco who was still leaning on the console. James stayed there with Falco waiting for the next step they'll have to take.
