Chapter 15: Graduation
: Lylat Flight Academy:
(Wolf's POV)
After Admiral Halsey had left the majority of Shadow team was seen on the tarmac of the Academy's runway. The group included Reaper, Death, Preacher, and Nightmare who all had small duffle bags that they were bringing into a small transport shuttle that was near them. It was this scene that Wolf O'Donnell came to see when he arrived at the airstrip for some late flying in his Wolfen- X.
"Taking off soon?" Wolf spoke up to Death as the human picked up another bag.
Death turned to him before giving him a nod "Yeah we're leaving to pick up some aircraft for your guys military service education."
Wolf gave a hesitant nod. In all honestly he rather liked Shadow Team's number two. He was quiet and had a rather intimidating aura despite the fact that he never seemed to do anything aggressive or threatening to the class and had been only helpful when he did decide to speak up. Although he had noticed that Annabelle had seemed particularly smitten with the human and often tried to spend as much time as possible with him to which the human reciprocated.
"Any particular reason you guys need new aircraft? I mean you already have the Phantom's and the Arwing- X's and the Wolfen- X seem like more than enough to give us an edge." Wolf questioned.
Death gave a shrug "Well the Phantom's, like you Wolfen- X and the Arwing-x's, are just training craft. We are heading out to pick up our military use aircraft from a friend of ours. We will also stop by Phoenix Arms production area to pick up the students aircraft, some of the company's latest models which you all have been training for in order to fly."
Wolf raised a surprised eyebrow "Are the aircraft Phoenix Arms producing that advanced?"
"Yeah" Death nodded "A lot of the tech inside those machines is a blend of Lylat and human technology along with some weapons research we shared with the company. From what I understand it will jump your strike craft ahead around 100 to 150 years."
Wolf nodded impressed "I can believe it from seeing the Phantom's performance. Speaking of, what are you going to do with them and Nightmares Typhoon?" he asked.
Death gave a smirk before answering "Well Nightmares Typhoon is being donated to the new Cerinia Defense Core. Meanwhile three of the Phantoms are being adjusted for some Lylat pilots to fly them while the other two are going to be picked up by our friend when we get back."
"Really who are you making them for?" Wolf asked surprised that the humans would give away three of their Phantoms.
"Well Reaper is giving his to Ashley because he thinks her family's ability would let her keep up with the aircrafts high maneuverability and demands on the pilot. Preacher is going to give his over to Nick because the kid has so much untapped talent that he thinks the Phantom could bring it out. While I am donating my aircraft to you." Death stated.
"W-what? You're giving one of them to me?" Wolf asked in surprise.
"Yeah you are one of the best pilots in the class and in the system. Also unlike Fox you have a natural aggressiveness in your flying style that complements the Phantom's capabilities. Plus I don't think an Arwing no matter the variant suits you." Death replied before putting a hand on Wolf's shoulder in a rare show of kindness. "The adjustments will be finished in a couple of days. I trust you to take care of it as it will be all yours then."
Wolf blinked for a second before giving a smirk "I won't let you down."
"I know you won't." Death gave a nod before moving to the ramp of the shuttle that was powering up. The rest of Shadow team had finished packing the supplies and where already aboard. As Death made it up to the ramp he turned back and shouted over his shoulder "See you right after the graduation ceremony in a couple of days!"
Wolf then watched as the ramp closed and the shuttle took off into the sky quickly disappearing into the evening sky. "Yeah see you soon." Wolf stated on his way to the hanger, after all he had a new aircraft to inspect.
: A Few Days Later, Over Corneria City:
(Fox's POV)
Fox McCloud shifted in the seat of his Arwing-X as it circled around the outskirts of the city. He and the rest of his team, who flew on either side of his wings, had been hired by the Cornerian government to do a flyby of the Stadium for the senior's graduation ceremony. They had been prepping for this assignment since Reaper and the majority of Shadow Team had left two days ago to pick up their new aircraft. The only members of the team that where still on site where Rook who had picked up the class teaching and Wraith who had been running the simulator battles. From what he had gathered the two humans had to take the class up in the air for actual flying time later than was scheduled because of the large amounts of air traffic for the graduation. Even now Fox knew that the group was near their craft inside the hangers going over maintenance routines and preparing for their flight.
As Fox looked around outside his Arwing he couldn't help but smile at the perfect weather around Cornerian City. For one the sky was mostly clear with intermittent white clouds, the sun was shining brightly and giving a nice 78 degree outside with a small breeze coming in from the ocean. The buildings of the city below shined in the day as the cities 20 million inhabitants went about their day. Corneria city was situated around a natural bay with the ocean to the north and West and was separated into three different areas.
First was the Upper Corneria City that held its legislative and executive building along with the stadium and the Lylat Flight academy. It also served as residential area for the cities more wealthy inhabitants and students. The area itself was to the south and south west of the bay and had the most impressive and artistic building designs with a noticeable clear area that Fox knew was the academy's air strip. However the greatest attraction in this section of the city in Fox's opinion where the four resort beaches on the coast within this section. Fox was a fan of beaches already but when Krystal started to join him while wearing a swim suit he suddenly wanted to visit the beach even more.
To the direct East of the Upper City area was the Cornerian Residential Proper. This area held the bulk of the living area for the city's residents along with parks, some businesses, and other public works. The building here where a mix of apartment like buildings that ranged from 5 to 12 stories which were located closer to the bay and small residential homes which occupied the more outer areas. The area took up the entire East side of the bay area and was divided by two rivers that poured into the bay, the Ami River and the Kathca River. Fox himself one day wished to purchase a small home on the outskirts of this area for when he was visiting the planet with his future family. The area also had some of the best family restaurants Fox had ever had the pleasure of eating at.
Finally to the North East of the Bay was the final section of the city which was the military and industrial hub. The most obvious of these buildings where the Cornerian Military HQ and the Port of Mer that housed the majority of Naval Sea ships that the Cornerian Military used in rescue operations if needed for sailors and air crews and as defense against air attack and landing operations. The buildings themselves where large and more robust looking with little to no artistic value with a preference for steel or concert exteriors. The only other attraction was the bridge that connected the area with that of the Upper Corneria City area at the head of the bay. Called the Meskit Bridge the structure finished the beautiful portrait that was Corneria City.
The real difference that separated the city today from any other day however was the amount of air traffic in the air. A dazzling array of craft ranging from private civilian craft to military fighters and bombers flew throughout the sky looking like a swarm cloud of flies. The military craft where likely here to do the same job as the Star Fox group and do a flyby of the stadium, the news craft where their obviously to film the event while the civilian craft kept their distance but hoped to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
As the ceremony seemed to be winding down most of the military aircraft did their flybys before returning to their basses also known as to RTB. Fox got the signal from the control area and took his team over a quick flyby of the Stadium accompanied by the four fighters releasing a special gas from small canisters under their craft that created a special effect to their contrails making them appear to glimmer in the sunlight and creating a spectacle for the people on the ground and closing the event.
"Alright guys lets RTB and join up with the class so we can join them for today." Fox stated as he wheeled his aircraft around in a lazy turn to return to the academy.
"Fox I thought you said we were closing the event?" Krystal stated from his right wing.
"Yeah we are, why?" Fox asked.
"Then what are those guys doing?" Krystal asked as she drew Foxes attention to the group of six aircraft that appeared to be making for a flyby of the stadium. The aircrafts IFF showed them to be members of the 25th Bomb group of the Cornerian 2nd Fleet a fact that was punctuated by the Cornerian insignias and color scheme on their craft which where aging Wombat- 3's.
"Oh man their trying to upstage us! Look their diving in pretty low." Falco exclaimed angrily.
"Yeah…" Fox said as he observed something strange about the Flyby. Firstly their aircraft where in a shallow dive instead of a level flight like most flybys secondly the where paired in two and coming over in a line with some space in between the forward pair and the following pair.
Suddenly the knowledge of why they were doing this came to fox "OH SHI-" Fox couldn't finish as he watched the first pair release two bombs into the stadium quickly followed by the following four craft. The bombs exploded in a plethora of fire that Fox knew killed most if not all of the 2000 graduating class as well as many professors and military officials and attending civilians within the building. Radio chatter suddenly picked up as reporters in the news aircraft began to frantically call over the radio of the 'tragedy' along with the confused voices of what military craft where still in the area.
Having enough Fox shouted to his team "Star Fox intercept those bombers!"
(3rd Person POV)
Around Corneria and the Lylat system people watched as a young feline with grey fur and sky blue eyes reported from one of the aircraft on the scene "This is Kimberly Sands of the Cornerian News Network reporting live from Cornerian Stadium where six Cornerian military aircraft have just dropped bombs onto the stadium during the closing of the Lylat Flight Academy graduation. There are likely thousands dead in the stadium as officials try to piece together just what has happened." The feline reported as the pilot for the news agency brought their aircraft closer to the stadium.
In the back the cameraman Tim, a black Labrador was focusing on something to the right of the aircraft with his camera. "Kim on your right!" he shouted.
Kimberly turned to see what he was pointing out without ceasing her reporting. "The aircraft responsible are heading to the East and appear to be coming head on with the Star Fox Team. We don't know what th- there! They just opened fire on Star Fox! Star Fox is retaliating and are now in a battle against the aggressors. Other air units are moving to assist and- No they are turning on each other too!" Kimberly announced while she was shocked at the events unfolding around her. It seemed as though it was everyman for themselves as Cornerian Military aircraft fired upon one another while bombs rained down on the city below.
Suddenly the pilot's voice came up from next to her "Good god look at the Industrial sector!"
Kimberly looked to the north and saw large black clouds rising from the military and industrial section of the city. Above the sky was alight with aircraft dogfighting as anti-air guns spewed angry red incendiary into the sky. As she observed this she heard the emergency sirens throughout the city ring out as panic descended over Corneria City.
"Jeff" Kimberly called to the pilot "Get the radio to the military frequency so we can find out what's happening!" she instructed to the retired military pilot who nodded and quickly did as instructed. Suddenly radio chatter reigned throughout the aircraft and thusly from the TVs around Lylat.
"Terrier 13 break right you got two on you six!"
"Those are frien-"
"Shit they just shot down Terrier 13. Terrier 8's gone too!"
"Who is the enemy?! I can't tell who to shot!"
"Badger 6 just fire-balled where did it come from!"
"This is the 32nd armored division in the military district we are under intense air attack from aircraft bearing 2nd Fleet markings!"
"This is Captain James Breaker of the Orbital defense Platform Aegis the entire 2nd fleet just warped out of orbit and a fleet of unknowns have breached our protection net! I repeat the 2nd fleet just ran and an unknown fleet has engaged our defense flotilla. We need immediate assistance, we're outnumbered four to one up here!" a voice shouted over the comm allowing everyone to know that the defense fleet was unable to help.
"This is Fox McCloud of Star Fox to all friendly Cornerian aircraft, designate all 2nd fleet aircraft as hostile along with any armed unknowns!" Fox's voice flooded through the comm.
"This is the Corneria Space Command our recon satellite shows a carrier just broke atmosphere and has set down 60 miles to the North in the ocean. It's launching navel craft and air forces! Are friendly forces get ready to repel enemy invasion forces!" a female voice announced over the radio.
Kimberly looked around at the now besieged city and wondered what would be left after the days end. "This is Kimberly Sanders of Cornerian News Network, Corneria City is under invasion. If you are at home evacuate the city." She spoke before she paused knowing that she may very well get fired for her next statement "As of this moment Corneria is again at war."
(Fox's POV)
Now that Fox could tell who the enemy was he and his team where working in partnership with the other friendly forces to clear the airspace around the stadium. All together their where about four squadrons of enemy fighters and three bomber squadrons over the stadium against his team of three as well as Terrier and Badger squadrons. Terrier squadron composed of 15 patrol aircraft and suffice to say the unit used to have 15 members, now it had less than half its number with eight being shot down in the opening confusion of the attack. Badger wasn't much better being composed of mostly multi-role aircraft they had started with 12 craft and where down to 7.
The enemy had paid for the victories however. The loyal Cornerian forces had managed to wipe out two of the three bomber squadrons which composed of six bombers each as well as twenty-five of the forty fighter craft. Fox himself had bagged eight of the enemy and now was attempting to snare a ninth.
In front of his Arwing-X the enemy fighter, an Arwing, dove between the buildings on a street that ran next to the stadium. Fox followed him in and sighted down the enemy in his crosshairs as the pair of craft flew over the heads of first responders getting wounded out of the stadium and to a sea of ambulances and fire engines. Getting a good bead Fox fired a pair of laser shots that took of the left wing of the enemy and making his craft spin into the side of a building where it exploded and sent debris raining into the street that thankfully was just outside of the sea of response vehicles. As he pulled up Fox took a look at the once beautiful city. Fires from around the stadium and the industrial section left huge black clouds bellowing toward the sky that impeded the sight of many of the pilots that fought one another in the skies. Flaming debris rained down onto the city below causing fires in many areas and destroying or damaging buildings. On the ground police did their best to aid civilians that were injured while also trying to aid in the evacuations. Fox knew however that for many they would be unable to leave the city and where instead hunkering down or just trying to survive in the streets.
As Fox climbed back into the air to rejoin the fight over the stadium he noticed the enemy air forces retreating and the Cornerian forces regrouping. "Krystal, Falco, form up with me." Fox called and saw to his relief both his friend and his girlfriend pull alongside his aircraft unharmed.
"Damn this is bad Fox." Falco stated as he looked around at the damage to the city.
"It's only going to get worse when the invading force gets here. This was only a preemptive air strike." Krystal remarked as she too gazed toward the city.
Fox agreed internally before he keyed the radio "This is Star Fox to Terrier and Badger squadrons what's your status?"
"This is Terrier 3 now acting commander of Terrier Squadron at 46% combat efficiency. Our squad leader is gone and we are having some trouble getting into contact with command, too much chatter." A young male voice replied.
"This is Badger 4 acting leader of Badger squadron we are 50% combat effective. Same story as Terrier but we still have some fight in us." Replied one of the Badger pilots.
"Understood, this is Fox McCloud of Star Fox Squadron. Star Fox, Terrier and Badger squadrons are clear of enemies over the stadium, requesting re-tasking." Nobody seemed to answer his request until suddenly a voice broke through the static.
"This is Tiger 1 to Star Fox, be advised that Cornerian ground control was wiped out and the military command bunker had been hit hard with airstrikes nobodies getting through to them. I'm over the military/industrial sector now and its hell down there." The leader of Tiger squadron announced.
"Copy that Tiger 1. Does anyone have a clear read of the battle space?" Fox asked before a familiar voice replied.
"Fox!" the feminine voice shouted.
"Is that…Lily?" Krystal voiced at the sound of the female white wolf's voice.
"Yeah it's me. I'm currently at the academies control tower. I'll give you instructions." Lily responded.
"Are you sure you can handle it?" Falco asked skeptically.
"Please this is what I have trained for in class, this is where I shine. Plus do you see anyone else doing it?" Lily replied with confidence.
After a pause Fox spoke up "Alright then Lily's right, we're all yours Lilly."
Lily paused before announcing in a confident and official tone to the entire military frequency "This is Lily Valentine of the Lylat Flight Academy designation Blizzard, to all friendly Cornerian Aircraft! I'm taking over coordination of all military forces operating within the area of Cornerian City! All units acknowledge and report status!"
"This is Tiger Squadron, currently over the military district we're at 60% combat efficiency and engaged with hostile air forces over the military sector." Tiger 1's voice chimed in over the comm.
"This is Hawk Squadron we are 77% combat effective and engaging enemies over the military area."
"This is the 5th Cornerian Armored division we are currently west of the city and just north of Delia Airbase be advised Delia airbase has been rendered useless by enemy air forces. We have confirmed visual of enemy naval forces off the coast. They are launching landing craft I repeat Landing craft in sight!" a voice replied.
"Rodger that 5th Division. Badger Squadron reroute to 5th Armor's location and assist in repelling enemy forces. Terrier Squadron you are to go with and gain air superiority. Reinforcements will arrive when available." Lily responded.
"Badger confirms."
"Terrier understands, in route" Fox saw the two squadrons peel off and head toward the airport and internal wished them luck before refocusing on his radio.
"This is Eagle squadron currently at 91% combat efficiency. Engaging enemy air forces over the residential area."
"Crocodile here we are currently engaging enemy forces over the military area. We are 75% combat effective."
"This is Bear squadron we are 75% combat effective and engaging enemy aircraft over the bay area. Be advised large enemy fleet presence confirmed coming in from the north including landing forces."
Lily paused in thought before replying "Understood Bear squadron. All ground forces be ready for enemy landing troops."
"This is the 3rd armored division we are taking up positions on the West side of the bay area."
"This is 2nd and 4th Armored Division taking up position along the Resort beaches on the north end of Upper Cornerian City to repel the enemy."
"This is the 1st, 7th, and 10th Armored Groups we are holding our position at the mouth of the Ami River in the residential district. Ready for contact."
"This is the 6th, 8th, and 9th Armored Divisions currently moving north to meet enemy forces to the North of the city."
"This is 2nd and 7th Armored Divisions we were doing maneuvers to the east of the city currently in route to support."
"Confirmed all. Hold fast everyone will send reinforcements when able." Lily announced.
"Star Fox squadron head to the North West to assist 2nd and 4th Armored. We are detecting enemy air forces in that area. To any and all aircraft still on the ground you are ordered to scramble immediately!"
"Rodger that Blizzard. You heard her Star Fox let's go!" Fox shouted as he and Star Fox rocketed toward the North West.
: Meanwhile at the Cornerian Flight Academy:
"Come on, come on. Come ON!" Nick shouted as he and the rest of the Class desperately attempted to start their aircraft. The group had been doing preflight checks when they heard explosions in the distance and the emergency sirens started to ring. By the time they had opened the hanger doors and jumped in their aircraft enemy forces had begun to attack the airfield. Thankfully the enemy was being held off by a few of the instructors from the academy that had already been in the air coming back from the graduation ceremony. Still their where only 8 or so friendly aircraft in the air against two full squadrons of fighters and a bomber squadron.
In the meantime Nick along with the rest of his fellow students were trying to warm their engines up in order to take off. Nearby Nick heard the sound of an engines powering up before a couple of voices came over his radio.
"Shadow 5 taking off."
"Shadow 3 here I'm moving out."
Nick looked over and saw Wraith and Rook's aircraft shoot off into the sky their advanced aircraft able to start quicker than the Lylat craft. Nick was distracted by the sounds of more engines turning on.
"This is Nova, taking off!" Miyu announced.
"This is Grey Hound Lifting." Bill Grey announced
"This is Duchess I'm launching!" Fay shouted.
"Salt here, I'm airborne!" Katt spoke up as the four shot up to join the two Shadow team members.
Lily who was in the control tower broke in over the comm net "Rodger. Nova, Duchess, Grey Hound, and Salt you are now designated Vandal Flight. Grey Hound is lead, help sanitize the airspace around the airfield. Shadows 3 and 5 assist where needed."
"Shadow 3 complies moving to engage."
"Shadow 5 copies all"
"Grey Hound understands, Vandal flight engaging"
"This is Sigma, I'm in the air! So are Galaxy, Cinder, and River are up as well!" Jasmine announced as Lucy, Fara, and Stella launched respectively.
"Understood. New designation is Kilo Flight. Cinder take lead and Assist Vandal Flight." Lily instructed.
"You got it!" Fara announced as the four joined in the defense. Already aircraft where going down thanks to the Shadow members getting some early kills.
Nick looked down at his console in anger. His craft for some reason or another just would not start despite him doing everything correctly. "Why the heck is this happening now of all times?!" he thought as he tried the master start again.
"Oh shit! Nick, Ashley, Wolf heads up get the hell out of their!" Miyu's voice suddenly shouted over the comm. Looking up Nick paled as he saw an enemy aircraft going down in his direction. Quickly deciding that his aircraft was a lost cause, Nick leaped out and sprinted away with Ashley and Wolf before an explosion occurred behind them and throwing them to the ground.
As Nick picked himself up and turned around he saw a flaming wreck that used to be their aircraft causing him to swallow nervously. Above the enemy was in full retreat now that a majority of their craft attack the airfield where down. This allowed the others to continue their startups without hampering.
"Damn what am I supposed to do now?!" Wolf shouted.
"Hey you three!" a voice shouted from behind them. Turning the group saw one of the maintenance personnel running over to them.
"Take the three in the back out before the enemy gets back!" he stated before point to the back of the hanger. Thinking that there were three Arwing-X's in the back the three ran over only to stop in shock.
There before them stood three of Shadow Team's Phantoms fully armed and ready to go.
Wolf summed the groups thoughts up for all of them "Oh hell yes."
Aaannnddd Chapter! Well here is the first part of what is shaping to be a three chapter battle that I hope you all enjoy. After this ark we will be beginning the space ark where the class is inducted into the military.
Anyway till next time stay frosty and don't forget to review!