Author's note:

You can't spell "depressing news" without "de press."

Chapter 5: Missing in Action

The conference room was filled to maximum capacity. Lights and cameras pointed towards a raised podium, a nexus for the scrutiny of countless eyes and ears. Silence fell as General Pepper stepped out onto the stage. He gazed over the audience for a moment. The microphone caught the sound of his throat clearing.

"Thank you all for coming. Today I stand here to address the rumours about the Cornerian Army's recent activities in the Balven Solar System. These rumours have spread many inaccuracies, with many serving as no more than wild speculations of events. I would like to take this opportunity to provide the Army's honest account of the matter." The swarm of journalists in front of Pepper pressed pens to notepads in anticipation.

"On the 19th of May, this Cornerian calendar year, the Army contracted the mercenary squadron, Star Fox, to investigate the presence of Venomian insurgents residing in Balven space. Three weeks later, on the 10th of June, Star Fox came into armed conflict with a Venomian dreadnaught and its crew. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that during the battle, Star Fox's captain, Fox McCloud, crash-landed onto the nearby planet, Purgatory."

Pepper paused. "With support from an NSF patrol in the area, the remaining Star Fox squadron subdued and apprehended the insurgents. Unfortunately, the secret nature of Star Fox's mission created tensions with local authorities. Their crew has since returned to the Lylat System. However, I regret to say that Captain McCloud remains missing in action."

A murmur rose from the crowd. Pepper continued before questions could spark out of turn. "Rest assured that the Cornerian Government is working with its Novellonian counterpart in order to find and rescue McCloud. He and his team have laid down their lives for the greater good of our fair system. Our sense of comradery will not allow us to forsake such a man of valiant merit. I swear to you all that we will do everything within our power to bring Fox McCloud home."

After extending his sentiments to Fox's family and friends, Pepper opened the way for questions. One hyena raised her hand. "General, information about planet Purgatory states that safe travel through its atmosphere is impossible. Does the military have a plan to overcome this?"

"At this point in time, we are assessing the situation and examining our options," Pepper answered. "The Novellonian Government is sharing all information that they have with us. Once we know more about Purgatory ourselves, we will be in a better position to devise a course of action."

A mole then spoke up. "General, sir, how soon can we expect for Captain McCloud's safe return?"

"Given the complications stated previously about the planet, I am unable to provide an accurate estimate today. Rest assured that we will do all that we can to bring him home as soon as possible."

The next question was given by a vulture. "General Pepper, given the limited amount of information known about this Purgatory, what are the chances that Captain McCloud is still alive?"

Falco killed the television swiftly after that buzzard opened her damned beak. He stormed around the sitting room, muttering darkly under his breath. A thick brace bandaged his right hand. It took his last ounce of self-control not to punch it through a wall.

He glanced around to the others present with him. Peppy hadn't lifted his head once since they arrived. Slippy's eyes darted anxiously around the room. His hands fidgeted in his lap. Falco could barely face Fox's mother, Vixy, who sat across from Slippy on the sofa. Wearing a black dress, she hunched over a single-use cup in her hand. She had barely touched the water inside it. Her expression bore utter misery. Falco wanted to tear his own heart out.

"This is bullshit," he hissed. "While we're sitting here twiddling our thumbs, Fox is out there waiting for us to rescue him!"

"Be patient, Falco," Peppy told him. "This isn't your typical planet we're dealing with. We can't afford to be reckless."

"So what?! We're just supposed to do nothing?! Fox is our teammate! He trusted us to watch his back out there and we let him down!"

"Falco…" Slippy warned in a harsh whisper. He shimmied his head towards Vixy. Falco huffed and looked away. He couldn't get the wretched thoughts out of his mind. They left Fox behind, hanging out to dry. God damn it! None of this sat right with him!

"The two of you can't seriously tell me that you're okay with this!"

"Of course, we're not!" Peppy snapped. "Damn it, Falco! I'd give anything to go out there and find Fox myself! You know that as bloody well as everyone else here!"

"Then let's do it!" Falco's left fist banged the wall. "We'll fly back to Purgatory and look for him ourselves! I don't care what it takes. Fox would never have given up on us, so we can't just give up on him!"

Peppy gave an apologetic look that ruffled Falco's feathers the wrong way. "I know how you feel, son. But Purgatory is all the way back in Balven. We were lucky to be sent home with barely more than a slap on the wrist. If we go marching back there willy-nilly, we'll end up in even more hot water than Fox is right now."

Falco clenched his beak. He hated that the old hare had a good point. Still, there was a part of him clawing at its cage, telling him to screw the law and just do what he had to. If he knew what the hell he was supposed to do next, he'd already be in his Arwing by now.

"I want to rescue Fox too." Falco and Peppy turned their attention to Slippy. His green hands tightened into shaking fists. "Fox always saved me when I was in trouble. It's my turn now to save him. That's what friends are supposed to be for, right?"

A sharp crackle of plastic startled Slippy. Everyone looked in alarm to the crumpled cup in Vixy's fist. Water spilled over her hands and soaked into the carpet.

"Vixy…?" Peppy said gingerly.

"Fox is my son," she spoke in a low growl. "It is my job as his mother to keep him safe." Her grip crushed the cup completely. "Damn it, I'm a planetologist! Studying hostile planets is supposed to be my specialty! If anyone should be trying to get Fox out from that place, it's me!"

Wow… Falco always figured Fox got those firecracker moments from his old man. "You see, Peppy? Everyone here thinks we should be out there saving Fox as quickly as possible. The longer we wait, the more trouble he could be in."

"Alright! Alright!" Peppy held up his hands. "I hear you guys and I agree with you. All I'm saying is that we need to be smart about this. As soon as the Novellonians let us back into Balven, we can start searching for Fox."

"Fortunately, you can get started sooner than expected."

Four sets of eyes snapped towards the door. Peppy jumped to his feet. "General?"

Pepper walked into the room with his hands behind his back. "I concur with all of you that rescuing Fox is a matter of urgency. Whatever can be done for him should be done post-haste."

He looked to Peppy. "I've reached an agreement with the NSF. They are willing to waive the penalties against your team for breaching your visa conditions on my instruction. They have also granted Star Fox special permission to enter Balven space to conduct your own rescue efforts on Purgatory. You'll be allowed to come and go freely between our two systems, provided that you keep the NSF informed."

"That's awesome!" Falco pumped his fist.

"However, we've been given strict conditions for this. Firstly, Star Fox can only reside in Balven for purposes directly related to rescuing Fox. You will not be permitted to undertake any contracts or other kind of work within Balven space."

"Sounds fair," Peppy nodded.

"Secondly, the Cornerian Army will not be allowed to assist you there. This debacle has thrown relations between our systems into turmoil. I'll see what I can do to change that. But in the meantime, you will still have our full support within the Lylat System."

"So, we're effectively on our own whenever we're in the Balven System," Falco crossed his arms. "As long as we can get there okay, we should be able to manage."

"We'll have to keep doing jobs in Lylat, though, by the sounds of it," Slippy remarked. "We can't exactly put our business on hold just because Fox is missing."

"Slippy's got a point," Peppy agreed. "If we're on our own with rescuing Fox, we're going to have to fund ourselves. I'd hate to put money first, but we can't exactly find a safe way into Purgatory without some."

"I will try to assist with that however I can," Pepper offered. "I can't offer you infinite funds, though. It would be worth your time considering other sources."

Peppy scratched his chin. "You might be right. We'll put our heads together and see what we can come up with. In the meantime, we're going to have to do something about Fox's absence. Star Fox can't simply run without a leader. We need someone to fill his place." He shifted his gaze. "Falco, I'd like for you to take the helm."

"Wait, me?!" Falco jolted. "Hold up, Old Timer! You can't just drop something like that on someone!" He crossed his arms. "Okay, sure. I'm flattered. But I'm not that kind of guy. You'd be way better in charge than I would."

Peppy's expression didn't falter. "It's what Fox would have wanted, Falco. What Star Fox needs right now is someone who's sharp and decisive. Back in Balven, you took charge of the situation after Fox went down. I'm confident that you have what it takes to fill in as our squad leader."

"I'm with Peppy," Slippy cut in. "Fox always trusted your instincts. If he were here right now, he'd say the same thing."

"If he were here, we wouldn't be having this conversation," Falco grumbled.

"You know what I mean."

Unable to take anymore, Falco threw up his wings. "Fine! I'll do it. But this is just a temporary thing, you got that? And don't expect me to bail you two out all the time like Fox does."

"Then it's settled," Peppy smiled. He turned to Pepper. "Star Fox will begin investigating Purgatory as soon as possible. We'll search for a way to get Fox back, even if we have to drop a line all the way down to the surface and fish him up."

"That's going to take a lot of rope," Slippy mumbled. No one paid him any mind.

"I'm joining you." Vixy glared forwards. A frightening resolve burned in her green eyes.

"Vixy…"

"My mind is made up, Peppy. I refuse to sit by and wait for news while my child could be in danger." Vixy exhaled a ragged breath. "I know that I'm not a pilot and probably of little use on your team. But I need to do something."

Peppy folded his hands atop his lap. "I was going to say we'd be honoured to have you." He caught Vixy's surprise. "You said it, yourself. Your profession makes you our best bet of understanding Purgatory. We'll need every bit of help we can get."

For the first time since she'd been given the news about Fox, Vixy smiled. "Thank you."

"And I'll help," Slippy chimed. "I'm better in a lab than I am in an Arwing. Between the two of us, I'm sure we can figure something out." Vixy's smile grew warmer towards him.

"That'd just leave you and me to rake in some cash, Pep." Falco grumbled as he scratched his neck.

A frown formed on Peppy's face. "I think it'd be best for Slippy to focus on working with Vixy. With him and Fox unavailable, we're going to need to hire a few extra hands if we want to take contracts."

"Might as well." Falco loathed the idea of replacing Fox in any capacity. He had to admit they were a little desperate, though.

Pepper swept his gaze across them and smiled. "It appears that you know where you need to start. I'll leave you to it. Remember that you can always call on me directly for anything."

"Thanks for that, General." Falco's spirits were lifting by the minute.

"Good luck, Star Fox."

The press conference spread across almost the entire system. Billions of people watched it live, either on the television or through social media. Lylat fell into a standstill. The older generation could recall a similar sense of loss from over twenty years ago, when the catastrophe in Corneria City led to Andross's bioweapons laying waste to multiple planets. Katt Monroe had been seven years old at the time. She barely remembered the event itself, known today as the Catalyst, though the fallout had left its mark throughout the rest of her life.

She watched General Pepper's address from one of the bar's plasma screens. A hole tore open in her chest. Fox McCloud was declared MIA. Katt watched the rest of the feed and took in every word as though her life depended on it. When a transition to the Army's emblem marked the end, Katt hung her head in shock.

The ice had melted in her mixed rum. Its chill on her fingers was imperceptible compared to that deeper inside. Fox McCloud had been a friend of Katt's. She had fought alongside his squadron numerous times over the years, especially during the war. Fox was as spectacular a pilot as they came. Only a few others were argued to be a match for him. That included Fox's teammate, Falco Lombardi.

Falco… Katt's pink-dyed, feline tail curled around the leg of her barstool. God… How was he taking all this? Falco never mentioned anything of the sort, yet Katt knew that he and Fox saw each other like brothers. That stubborn bird was probably bottling everything up and poisoning himself with his own emotions. Whenever he got like that, Falco was prone to doing something stupid and reckless.

Katt drained her glass and paid her tab. With a cup of water to sober her up, she hit the streets to head home. Fragments of a plan pieced themselves together. Falco was going to be a pain in the ass about it, but Katt was going to help that idiot whether he liked it or not. After all, despite the snide, proud attitude he wore most of the time, she cared about him. He needed someone to watch his back, and the only guy who Katt trusted to do that was no longer around.

Night had finally taken over the City of Kezamat. Over the past few weeks on Cerinia, Fox noticed that the days and nights both seemed longer than his body was used to. There was probably an additional two hours each side, he guessed. Every day, Fox felt sleepy as the sun set. And every night, he woke up long before dawn. It became a difficult adjustment to fit in with the Cerinians' routine.

After finishing dinner and helping with as much of the clean-up as he could, Fox retired to his room. He sat upon his bedroll with Andross's phrasebook laid open. Instead of candles, the Cerinians used crystals to light their homes and streets. Fox held a small one on his lap to read with. The shard was about the size and shape of a flash drive.

It wasn't some mere luminescent rock that glowed softly in the dark. The crystal shone as brightly as a halogen lamp. Fox had no way to explain how that worked. After the way he'd seen Krystal conjure fire in her memories, though, he began to believe that science wasn't at play here. Somehow, this light in his grasp was the product of magic.

'Huh… magic,' Fox marvelled for the umpteenth time. It was one of those things that was supposed to be make-believe in the universe. There were rumours that Lylat's planet Sauria possessed many mysterious phenomena that could only be explained as magic. However, the planet's dinosaur population was classified as a primitive civilisation not to be disturbed, so excursions to validate those rumours were strictly prohibited. Now Fox held physical proof that magic existed in his hand… and he had no possible means to share it with anyone. Yet.

Fox looked back to his book. Although he hailed from Papetoon, his parents moved to Corneria for their work when he started middle school. As a result, Fox was fluent in the language. Sadly, his Cornerian was a little rusty after a few years of using a translator full-time. It made learning Cerinian a touch more difficult for him.

His efforts certainly weren't helped by the fact that the translations weren't well organised. Andross had clearly written each entry as he went. Some lines had been crossed out and revised in places, with the corrections crammed into whatever tiny space was available. Fox found himself growing more frustrated with every sentence that he read. How was he supposed to find the words he wanted to say when he needed them? Fox wondered if the Cerinians had invented sticky tags or highlighters yet.

A knock rattled his door. "Come in," Fox said in his newly learned Cerinian. Nomar stepped inside and asked how he was doing. She looked every bit like her daughter; beautiful yet notably wiser. Fox fought back a wave of anguish that rolled in as he began to think of his own mother.

Nomar spoke further. Fox understood part of it but couldn't catch her full meaning. He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I'm having trouble understanding."

Nodding once, Nomar then tapped her temple. It was the sign they came up with whenever one of the Cerinians wanted to connect with Fox's mind. Apparently, reading another person's thoughts without their consent was considered rude, unless that person was a maniacal ape with a history of war and mass destruction. That first time Fox experienced Krystal's telepathy had been a special case. He had been unwell under her care, and she had needed to communicate with Fox to treat him properly.

Fox tapped his temple to give Nomar his permission. He became aware of her presence inside his head. She had sensed feelings of frustration from him and wanted to check if he was alright. "I'm having trouble understanding," Fox said again, this time pointing to the phrasebook to show his meaning.

Nomar nodded again. A breeze of sympathy swept through from her. She approached Fox, kneeling in front of him. Taking the book into her hands, Nomar skimmed its pages. A soft hum came from her lips. "Would you like help?" she asked.

Fox heard that question so often he knew the words off by heart. "Yes, please." It shamed him to ask more from her after her family had done so much for him already. Nomar sensed those feelings as well and placed a tender hand on his shoulder.

He saw a vision of himself and Nomar sitting face-to-face. He said something wordless to her. She replied to him in kind. They conversed in this same fashion as the phrasebook passed between them. Fox realised that Nomar was trying to tell him something.

"You want to teach me?" She smiled. Fox's eyes became warm. "Thank you."

However, that single 'baiscah' did not feel enough to truly convey his gratitude. He wanted to thank Nomar and her family for their kindness, for letting him stay with them even though he was a complete stranger who couldn't understand them. He wanted to thank her for trying to help him get home, and for giving him so much when he had nothing to offer them in return.

Another vision entered Fox. In it, Nomar spoke words that he repeated to her. She then spoke aloud, slowly so that he could hear each syllable. Carefully, Fox copied her.

"Thank you for being kind to me," he believed he was saying. "Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for helping me. I am grateful."

Nomar's smile stretched across her muzzle. She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Fox. The embrace startled him. Her hold was gentle… soft… warm… comforting… like a mother's.

A hiccup shook Fox's chest. His sight misted and swam. The fur on his face became damp as Fox clung his good arm around Nomar's back. His chin fell atop her shoulder. Strangled sobs broke into a fierce torrent. Fox cried in her arms. In the moment, Nomar was no longer there. His mother knelt in her place, cradling him, stroking his back, promising that everything was going to be okay. He felt safe again.

Nomar released Fox, giving him a chance to dry his face. He thanked her again for comforting him. Suddenly, Fox felt exhausted. Nomar saw this and bade him goodnight. They would find time for her to tutor him tomorrow. As she left, Fox caught sight of Krystal peeking from the hallway. After her mother passed through, Krystal gave Fox a kind smile before disappearing behind the closing door.

Fox felt his heart grow warm as he placed the light stone into its capsule, casting the room into complete darkness. He pulled the blankets over him and thought fondly of Krystal's family. He soon dreamed of his own.

End note:

This goes to show that even male protagonists need emotional support from time to time, especially when they are trapped on an uncharted planet, recovering from serious injuries, cut off from their friends and family, and can only hold a conversation with the person they most want to shoot in the face. Be sure to check in on your male anthropomorphic fox friends.