-Cornerian Air Force Base, Solitary-
James was leaning against the wall next to the door. He didn't know how long ago Fox had been in the cell with him, but he was beginning to lose his patience. James didn't like having to wait. He wanted to find Jessie now, and just sitting there wasn't making him feel better. James could hear footsteps then talking on the other side of the door. He knew one of the voices belonged to the guard who was watching the cell, but he couldn't recognize the new voice. After a minute there was the sound of footsteps leaving. James figured it was just a change in shifts. He started pacing from both boredom and anticipation of getting out. It wasn't long untill he heard footsteps again. He heard talking again. He practically jumped onto the door as he heard Fox's voice. He tried hard to hear what was being said.
" And the security cams?" The guard said nervously.
" I took care of those. They'll play loops of James leaning on the wall and pacing every once in a while. Right now there's some 'static' blocking this out for the moment. Hurry up and open the cell. The picture will be back on in a few minutes." Fox said.
" Alright, alright." The guard said.
James stepped back as he heard the door unlock. The door opened and he could see Fox. The guard kept looking around nervously.
" Come on James, we have to hurry." Fox said.
" Ok dad." James said, then left the cell.
Fox and James ran down the hall. James was sure Fox was enjoying this. It wasn't long before they reached the Ship Holding Bay. Fox looked around and saw Todd standing next to his ship. He waved over to Fox and James as they walked up to his ship. His ship looked great for a transport ship. Nothing was said as they all boarded the ship. They all took a seat as the engines were powered up. It wasn't long before they were in space. Todd set his ship on auto-pilot then joined Fox and James.
" How have you been?" Todd said as he took a seat next to Fox.
" Well, good up untill this." Fox said.
" I can believe that. It must be hard having to stay behind while the rest of the team goes for the Sabers." Todd said.
" Yeah, it is. I wish I could be there for them, but in my current state I can't do much." Fox said.
" I just want to find Jessie." James said.
The three of them sat there in silence for a moment. Fox was worried that if Jessie was dead, what would James do. He knew loosing someone you just fell in love with would be devistaiing for him. Fox could only hope that James didn't do anything drastic. Just when Fox was about to say something they heard a crashing sound in the cargo hold. All three shot to their feet. Fox nervously glanced at Todd, who reached for his blaster on his hip. Fox still couldn't rule out a set up by him. Fox then grabbed his own blaster. He gave Fox a look then walked to the cargo door and leaned on the wall next to it. Fox followed and did the same. James, not having a blaster, stood behind Fox. Todd gently rested his finger tips on the control pad for the door. Todd and Fox exchanged one last look before he opened the door. Todd entered first, blaster up Fox and James soon followed. They saw an open toolbox laying on the floor, tools strewn about on the floor. Todd tilted his head towards some nearby crates and pressed himself against one. James could feel his heart pumping. If there was a Saber on board, could they take them? Fox as well wondered this. He leaned on a near by crate and tightened his grip on his blaster. He tried his best to control his breathing as the thought of a Saber member being on the other side of the crates ran through his mind. Thoughts of him taking down his inexperianced son and Todd. Thoughts of being left to see them die before his eye's. Fox took a slow breath and watched Todd who had his hand lifted, waiting to give a signal to move. Fox concentrated the sounds around them. He noticed breathing coming from around the corner. He felt an unusual chill run up his spine as he waited for Todd to signal them to move. Then it came and the two of them rounded the corner, blasters up. But they didn't see any thing, then they heard a wimper. They looked from eye level to the floor and they got a big surprise.
" Hi daddy." Said a small, quivering white kit.
Fox fell against the wall and dropped his blaster. He didn't how Ray got by them, but he did. Fox breathed a large sigh of relief. He closed his eye's for a moment and opened them when he felt the wieght of his son as he wrapped his arms around him.
" Ray? What are you doing here?" James asked as he looked around the corner.
" I didn't want to be left alone!" Ray cried out as he hugged Fox tight.
" You weren't alone. Charlie and Emerald were still there." Fox said softly as he wrapped his arm around Ray.
" I don't like Charlie and I couldn't find Emerald." Ray said, then sniffled into Fox's neck. " Am I in trouble?"
" Oh Ray, of course you are. You were suposed to stay on Corneria." Fox said as he put his blaster away.
" You know Fox, considering the cercumstances, why don't you give the kid a brake. I mean after all, he just wanted to be with someone he felt safe with. And he feels safest with you. That's how all little kids are in these situations, they want to be with daddy. Right?" Todd said. " I know I wanted to be with my father during the war, but...I couldn't."
" Yeah dad. Ray just wants to be near you. Believe me I know. Every night you would come home late he'd stay up ballen." James said.
" What is this? He sneeks aboard your ship with out permission and I'm suposed to say it's ok? Thats not sending the right message." Fox said.
" Niether is sneeking James out. You know, it was General Pepper who finalized James being locked up. Now what kind of example is daddy setting for his little boy, hmmm?" Todd said, a mischievous smirk on his face. " In truth that means you should be punished too, right?"
" Uhh..." Fox had a shocked look on his face, he then scratched the back of his head. " Alright, I get your point."
" You hear that Ray, you're off the hook." Todd said happily, Ray laughed.
" Alright, lets pick up those tools and put the toolbox back up. Then we'll go up to the front." Fox said.
They cleaned up the small mess Ray had made and went up to the front, where Todd gave Ray a small bag of chocolates. Fox sat there, looking defeated. He looked at Ray who was happily eating the chocolates. Fox tried not to laugh as James was begging Ray for some. Ray gave James some, and Fox smiled knowing if it was the other way around, Ray wouldn't even have to ask. Fox was glad they got along so well. Fox gently stroked Ray's back in a caring way. Ray leaned against him and tucked his head into Fox's side. Fox watched Todd as he returned to the controls. He seemed a little troubled by something. Fox didn't know what it could be. After a few minutes Ray fell asleep, then Fox had James sit with him while he went to sit with Todd. Fox got a look at the suroundings as he took a seat next to Todd. The ship was still on auto-pilot. He was just making sure they stayed on course. He didn't even notice Fox was sitting next to him.
" Todd, you ok?" Fox asked and Todd jumped.
" Oh, Fox. I didn't notice you there." Todd said.
" I can see that. Is something bothering you?" Fox asked.
" No, it's nothing." Todd said, looking away from Fox.
" Are you sure? I'll listen if you want to talk about it." Fox said.
" I don't know. It's something I don't talk about." Todd said.
" It's about your dad, huh?" Fox said, Todd seemed to tense up. " Did something happen to him?"
" I told you I don't talk about it." Todd said.
" Look Todd, if any one should feel the need to clam up about their dad, it's me. I know I don't like to talk about it, but sometimes it make me feel better." Fox said.
" Alright Fox, if you must know. I lost my father on my birthday. He was suposed to be home, but they convinced him it was more importent to have him in the battle. He shouldn't have been out there Fox." Todd said looking at Fox, tears briming his eye's. Todd reached up and wiped them away. " I bet you think I'm being a baby, huh?"
" No, I know it hurts to lose your dad. Even if you still have your mom, it's hard to get over." Fox said in a low voice.
" I'm sorry Fox." Todd said as he placed a hand on his shoulder.
" It's alright. It's in the past." Fox said. " Are you feeeling any better?"
" You know, I do feel a little better. Thanks." Todd said.
" So Todd, how long is it untill we reach Macbeth?" Fox asked. " This ship is smaller and faster than the GreatFox after all."
" It will only be about a day or two." Todd said shrugging.
" Alright, I'll tell James." Fox said as he stood up.
He returned to the back and took his place next to Ray. He stroked Rays back as he slept. He sighed softly to himself. Thinking about his past was upsetting. Fox just looked down at Ray and smiled. Fox was glad that he was there for his kids. He only hoped that he could continue to be there for them after this was over. Fox closed his eye's and let his mind drift. He wondered how the others were doing. He hoped they were safe and that all of them would return alive. Fox began to feel tired, and began drifting off. His bady relaxed as he slipped into sleep.
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So, what did you think? Don't hold anything back.
