Author's note:

Happy New Year, everyone. I hope that you all were able to enjoy the holidays and that 2022 brings better luck than previous years. As for myself, I feel refreshed and ready to drive this story home.

Chapter 44: Miracle

White. That was all that could be seen. White walls; white floors; white furnishings; and white lights shining from pure whiteness above. Even the people who walked amidst wore white from head to toe. They dwelt within an expansive room that was pristine as mortally possible. A sterile scent in the air was the only unpleasant thing to a small child's notice.

Wonder drew the child to watch as much of his surroundings as he could. His excitement was tempered through fear of this unfamiliar environment though, which led him to grip the hand holding his tightly. The grasp upon him overshadowed in size, yet it expressed such gentle care that it only gave the child comfort. The tall woman who owned the hand led him towards a bench. He could not see over it. Only the base of a glass cabinet was visible from where he stood.

"Here, Simon. This is one of the things that I help make."

Simon stood on the tips of his toes. Alas, he could not see any more of the cabinet or whatever laid inside it. The woman then knelt and wrapped her arms underneath Simon's waist. She lifted him easily to her full height. Her beautiful face smiled at him an instant before Simon finally peered into the elusive box. Several small dishes lined across its shelves. Colourful spots gathered in random patterns inside each one.

"What's that, Mummy?"

"This is benzylpenicillin."

"Bensy-penny-sin?" Simon struggled to say.

"Close," his mother giggled. "Benzylpenicillin is a kind of fungus that is often used to make medicine, like antibiotics. We grow it here in these petri dishes."

Simon looked closer at the spotty splotches. His face scrunched. "Looks yucky."

His mother nodded. "It does a bit. But this mould is very important for helping people who are sick. It can get rid of infections and save many lives."

"How?"

"Well, inside your body are trillions of bacteria. Some are good for you. Some are bad. And some don't do very much on their own. When there are too many bad bacteria, they can make you sick. What penicillin does is stop bacteria from growing, so your immune system can fight them better. And that's how you become well again."

"Can it make Grandpa better?"

Sadness flashed across his mother's face. "I'm afraid that bacteria aren't what's making Grandpa sick, sweetie. So, no. Penicillin can't make him better." Disappointment made the child's heart fall. "But there are many different ways to treat people who are sick. As many as there are planets in the galaxy. I'm sure that there is at least one that can make Grandpa better, just waiting to be discovered."

"I want to find it!" Simon declared.

Mild surprise answered him, as did pride. "Would you like to be a doctor too then, sweetie?"

His little head nodded. "Can I make everyone better like you, Mummy?"

Her smile widened. "Of course, you can. One day when you're older, I'm sure that you can become a great doctor. The greatest that's ever been."

That made him happy, and his bright smile made her happy as well. His mother hugged him tenderly. She then set him down onto the floor and took his hand again. There were many more sights for them to see, ready to spark the curiosity of an impressionable, young mind.

Andross's finger brushed his eye. He glanced down upon the wetness on his knuckle, raising a brow. The memory brought itself to the surface unexpectedly. Andross pondered on it. How many years had it been since he last thought of his mother? Of how she sowed the first seeds that sprouted into his passion for science?

"Is something wrong?" Thene asked from across the worktable. Concern hummed underneath her voice.

"No. All is well," he told her.

He turned his focus to the pan in front of him. Fine, white crystals filled it. The finished antibiotic. At long last. They currently possessed enough doses to treat over two dozen foxes, and enough ingredients left over to produce much more in good time.

Andross's mind began to wander. Thene was more attentive this time. "Something is distracting you."

"Memories of the past. Nothing more," he answered.

"I doubt it's nothing when they fill you with such melancholy."

Andross released an imperceptible sigh. "I remember a time during my childhood. Many years ago."

"Long before my mother was born, I presume?"

Face flushing, Andross glared. An amused smirk adorned Thene's muzzle. Oh, how she loved to poke fun at the difference in their chronological age. But if she expected him to bite, he would not give her the satisfaction. Andross unclenched his teeth.

"I was remembering my own mother, as it happens." He turned his gaze to the powdered tray. "She was a pharmacist. Her job was to develop new medicinal treatments on Corneria. I was six when she first took me to the laboratories where she worked."

Visions of colossal buildings that looked bigger to a small child drifted before his eyes. "It was a large company. They conducted research in many fields of science. I was fascinated by everything at the time. I wanted to learn about it all."

"You were inspired then?"

"Yes," he nodded. "At the time, I wanted to follow in my mother's footsteps. I sought to become as brilliant as she was. I succeeded. But now I wonder what she'd say about what I've done with my life since. Would she be proud of what we are trying to do here? Or would she be ashamed of the many atrocities I've committed in the past?"

Thene studied him without expression. "Are you ashamed of your past?"

"There were choices that I might have reconsidered, but no. Still, I do not believe that my mother would have supported the path I led. It would've very well broken her heart. That thought pains me a little."

"I doubt she would disapprove of this." Thene gestured across the table of flasks and distillers.

A silver lining to keep in mind. "Do you think about your parents often?" he asked her.

Thene lifted a beaker to stir its contents. "I have not spoken to them since they cast me out. They no longer see me as their daughter, so they're as good as dead to me."

"Do you not know whether they survived the epidemic thus far then?"

"If this medicine saves their lives, it won't be my intention."

A shame how life could turn someone so bitter towards their own family. It reminded Andross of his own experience. Of misunderstandings, betrayal, and abandonment. He gathered his emotions and pushed them down. They were a menace he had no time for right now.

"It's unfortunate that they don't see the good work that we do," he remarked. "You've achieved plenty that's worth being proud of."

A smirk wrestled on the corner of Thene's mouth. "Are you trying to flatter me or convince me that my parents will change their minds?"

"Whichever makes you happier, my Bunsen flame."

Andross then focused his efforts on the antibiotic crystals. Using a handmade pill press, he measured them meticulously into equal doses. Never more than a few grams each. Finished pills were poured into small bottles. Andross drove the cork into his fifth. That would sate the shrine's patients for a good week. His only regret was that there wasn't more time to test the medicine on a smaller sample of Cerinians first.

"No better time than the present, I suppose," he mumbled. "Let's hope that this works."

Slowly, cautiously, Fox walked through the shrine. His heart hammered in his chest. His thoughts were a flurry. Part of him wanted to rush forward as fast as he could, yet his nerves tightened with every step, slowing him to a snail's pace. He could hear his heart race in his ears. His breath dragged through the cloth stretched across his face. Deep; long; anxious.

He followed Nomar. Her gentle smile brought Fox comfort as they moved to the rear of the building. Outside a doorway, Nomar stood aside. She gestured for Fox to proceed. He begged a question through their meeting gazes alone. Nomar nodded once. Fox finally found his courage and stepped inside.

Two rows of beds were a dozen full, soon to be more. Fox crept past them carefully. His head swivelled as he checked the face laid over each pillow. Some of their owners slept peacefully. Others had loved ones watching over them. A small few tracked Fox's passing for only a moment before turning back to rest.

At long last, Fox found who he searched for. In the second bed from the back of the room, on the left, Krystal laid under soft blankets. Her eyes cracked open to his footsteps. A smile stretched her tired lips as she looked up. Fox knelt at Krystal's side. He stroked her messy hair. The warmth in her braids soaked into his fingertips.

Krystal shifted out from her blankets. Her movements were slow and weary. Fox could see the effort that it took Krystal. Yet despite it, she raised her hand to cup his cheek. Her fingers brushed across Fox's fur. Her eyes glistened with love and life. Fox lifted Krystal into his arms – for the first time in months – and wept into her embrace.

"It's okay, Fox," Krystal cooed. Her voice sounded hoarse. "It's okay now. I'm going to be okay."

Fox cried harder. "I was so worried."

"I know, love. But I'm getting better. I can feel it."

What he wouldn't give to simply rip his mask off and kiss her. Instead, Fox held Krystal tighter. She regained enough strength to link his mind with hers. Through their bond, she reassured him. The antibiotics were working. Her body was healing. And in another week, she would no longer be infectious. The lythans would soon release her from the recovery ward. They could go home together. Back to their house in their quiet district in the city.

Fox sank into those thoughts. His tears soaked into his mask. His sobs made it hard to breathe through the filter. Krystal imparted calm into his soul, for it hurt her to see him in so much anguish. "I love you, my darling angel," she whispered into Fox.

"And I love you," he hiccupped aloud.

Krystal's fingers ran up and down his spine. She nuzzled his neck. Fox rocked her in his arms. He needed the gentle motion. She needed to smell his scent. He needed the pressure of her body against his chest. She needed to hear the beating of his heart. All to bring them both comfort.

The nightmare would soon be over.

There was so much that Fox wanted to say to Krystal, yet he couldn't find the words. She didn't need any. She understood him perfectly. So instead of talking, they basked in each other's feelings. Minutes blurred together. The rest of the world vanished from their notice. Krystal was all who mattered to Fox right now.

She sensed someone approach them before Fox did. A presence she couldn't ignore. Krystal pulled her head away from Fox's chest, and he glanced over his shoulder. Thalse stood a few paces from them. A mask covered the smile on his muzzle.

"Sorry to interrupt you both," he said. "We're supposed to keep visitors to one at a time, and Fox has already been here for almost an hour."

Fox glanced at Krystal. He wanted to stay as long as possible with her. An urge to protest wrangled inside of Fox. In the end though, he couldn't deny Krystal the same time alone with her father as she had given him. Fox released Krystal. He touched the nose of his mask to her forehead.

"I'll visit again soon," he promised her.

"I'll call you later," she vowed.

"Only if you're up to it," Fox cautioned, stroking Krystal's cheek. She closed in and kissed his.

"I'll manage."

"I love you."

"I love you too," Krystal replied in Papetoonish.

Fox smiled just as she did. He then rose to his feet, gave way for Thalse to take his place, and left the room quietly. Nomar waited outside. She led him out of the shrine, where Fox was free to remove his mask. Fresh air fed deep into his lungs.

"I'm so glad she's getting better," he sighed.

"As are we," Nomar smiled. "Krystal gets a little bit stronger every day. We're hopeful that she'll make a full recovery."

"She's showing better signs than other patients," a new voice interjected. Fox and Nomar turned as Andross approached them. "I hear that Krystal is already eating solid foods again. And she's now awake most of the day?"

Nomar nodded. "Yes. Krystal asked me this morning to bring her something to read. It's reassuring to know she's getting restless."

"Good. Then it's possible that she won't have to worry about long-term fatigue or organ problems. I'm aware that some people recovered naturally during the outbreak, but they're sicklier now than they ever were before."

"How serious is that?" Fox worried.

Andross shrugged. "It depends on each case. One person might now suffer stomach cramps while eating. Another becomes short of breath from light exercise. It's not unheard of for diseases to cause permanent damage to the body. Unfortunately, I don't have enough data to know what all the aftereffects of the nuhmryg are, or how common or severe they might be."

"So… you're saying that Krystal might develop long-term health problems?" Fox's imagination ran wild. Various sour scenarios flashed in front of him. How many of them would allow Krystal to continue living a normal life?

"It's possible," Andross answered. "However, given how quickly she's recovering, I believe it might be unlikely." Fox and Nomar shared a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Andross."

Andross snapped towards Fox. A surprised look crossed his eyes. "I beg your pardon?"

Fox took another breath before repeating himself. "Thank you. For saving Krystal. Without you, she might not have…" Nomar comforted him when he couldn't push another word out.

Silence hung between them. Fox tentatively lifted his gaze. Andross met it. A soft smile formed on his lips. "It was nothing," he said simply.

Many questions floated in Fox's mind. However, he couldn't bring himself to seek the answers to any of them. Instead, Nomar raised one for him. "What will you do now?"

"I'm not sure," Fox hesitated. "I suppose I should head back to the cabin, but I also want to stay close by for Krystal. I doubt she's strong enough for her telepathy to reach me in the forest yet."

"Now that we have a working cure, it should be fine for you to return home," Andross replied.

Fox's hopes raised. "Are you sure?"

"If you catch the nuhmryg, we'll now be able to treat you. Provided, of course, that we respond quickly. I still recommend that you try to avoid infection where possible, but I see no need for you to isolate anymore."

A thrill rode through Fox. Sure, he and Krystal had hoped he could return to the city, though Fox hadn't expected it to be possible so soon. He could finally say goodbye to the silence and smells of that lonely wood hut. Then say hello to civilisation and being around people who he loved again.

Nomar's joy radiated strongly enough for Fox to feel it. "Thalse can collect his belongings later today so that you can move back in."

"He doesn't need to hurry," Fox smiled. "I'll grab my things from the cabin first. We'll worry about the rest later."

"A word of caution, McCloud," Andross called his attention again. "Even though we have the medicine to treat it, the nuhmryg will still prey savagely on those without strong mana. I advise that you still take your health seriously. If you suspect that you are unwell, do not try to soldier through it. Seek help from a healer immediately. Preferably here at the shrine."

Fox nodded gravely. "I'll keep that in mind. Lucky for me, Krystal usually knows when I'm sick before I even realise it."

"Even so, don't take any careless chances. We don't want to lose you," Nomar worried.

"I won't. I promise."

"Good. Now on to the next matter," Andross stated. "The reason why I came to speak with you, McCloud, is because I received a message from the palace. You and I have been summoned by the chief. We're to meet with him in two days during the morning court."

Fox's ears pricked in surprise. "The chief? What does he want to see me for?"

"My guess is that it has something to do with your involvement in getting the medicine here. Thene has been summoned as well, and that is the only common thread between us that Gylis would be interested in."

"This is a great honour, Fox," Nomar said with a serious tone. "Even Thalse is rarely called before the chief's court."

"Okay, that's… cool." Fox's nerves began to flare. "But what the heck should I do when I'm there?"

"My advice: keep your mouth shut unless you're directly spoken to. Let me do the talking," Andross answered.

"I also suggest that you dress formally for the chief," Nomar added.

Fox rolled his eyes to heaven at the thought of dressing up prim and proper to meet a politician. This felt like his celebrity life back on Corneria after the honeymoon phase wore off. It wasn't something that he missed. And it wasn't something that Fox looked forward to now.

He supposed that it was a good thing that Krystal bought him formal attire last year. After she became a master, there was a chance he'd be invited to special occasions as her plus-one. Fox always thought she would be at his side when the need finally came, but that now wasn't going to be the case. He supposed that he could ask Krystal later about what to expect. She had attended several court sessions before the epidemic broke out.

Here's hoping that things won't be too different from what he was used to back home.

On the day of the summons, Andross made effort to prepare himself before the chief. He groomed for form instead of hygiene for the first time in weeks, then donned a dress robe in place of his preferred lab coat. The garment was custom tailored. Black with light pinstripes reminiscent of a Cornerian suit jacket. Andross learned ahead of time that the entire court would be present today, save a few members like Krystal Sharrde who either feared illness or were recovering from it. Such attendance only took place when there were significant matters to discuss. Andross felt that he might as well dress for the occasion.

While he, Thene, and McCloud waited together inside the palace, Andross brought recent reports on the nuhmryg epidemic for light reading. The death toll slowed shortly after the Lythan Jad tried their method with the blessed staffs of their masters. And after switching treatment to antibiotics, that toll levelled out almost overnight. There were some victims who were tragically too far gone to be saved, but the majority showed a promising turnaround after only a few days. It was a breath of fresh air that they all sorely needed.

Unfortunately, Andross struggled to give the reports' finer details his full attention. Across the waiting room, McCloud fidgeted in his chair. His foot tapped insistently atop the rug. His hands pressed creases out of his royal purple robes regardless of whether they were real or imaginary. And his eyes darted around every few seconds. With that all on display, Andross could only hold his focus for little longer than an instant. Thene had more success ignoring the boy's unrest than he did. Dressed in a knee-length fuchsia gown and sipping tea, she appeared the very model of serenity.

In the end, Andross only managed to read one report halfway before a page arrived for them. Andross tucked the paper folder underneath his arm and followed the kit. At the courtroom's doors, the page stood silently for a few minutes without knocking. Eventually, she received the telepathic signal that bade entry. All foxes seated inside turned to them.

"Now arriving are the guests, Doctors Simon Andross and Thene Avrenim, and Guardsman Fox Maclod," the page announced.

Andross held back the faintest chuckle. McCloud opened his mouth to correct the girl's pronunciation but stopped short. Nomar had coached him on court etiquette since their discussion at the shrine. Whether McCloud decided to stay quiet on his own, or she reached into his mind to warn that it was not worth it at this moment, Andross would never know. He knelt before the court. Thene and McCloud followed his lead.

Chief Gylis returned their bow. "Welcome," he said. He then swept a glance across the court. "On the matter of the nuhmryg epidemic, I understand that you, Doctor Andross, have created a new cure. One that has proven effective against the disease."

Andross straightened. "Created is not the word I would use. But yes, we have begun administering a type of medicine that's commonly used on Corneria. Antibiotics. So far, four dozen nuhmryg patients have shown signs of recovering. We expect most of them, if not all, to return to their homes and families over the coming weeks."

Whispers spouted along the tables. Excitement and relief shone clearly upon many faces. Gylis remained stoic, though Andross noticed his face soften. "That is reassuring. And how soon can your medicine be distributed across the city?"

"We already have a substantial stock that we can supply healers with. I will also share the recipe so that they can produce more at their convenience, as well as instructions on how to safely administer them. Our main concern now is securing a steady supply of the ingredients. Several key ones cannot be found inside Kezamat's territory."

"The merchants guild will assure our neighbours that trading with us is safe again," a stocky, brown tod with many rings said. Andross recognised him as the guild's master. "We can then make the necessary arrangements."

"Antibiotics are effective against a range of infectious diseases. It would be worth selling any excess product back to recover the costs," Andross suggested. The guild master beamed at the notion of profit. Businessmen were all to alike across the vast universe.

"Make it so," Gylis spoke again. "Doctor Andross, would you say that this marks the end of this foul sickness?"

Andross grumbled under his breath. "I won't say that the nuhmryg will be gone for good at this stage. However, now that we have dealt with the root cause and developed a proper cure, the danger is greatly reduced. Our next step is to create a vaccine; something that will protect people from the nuhmryg ahead of time. I've already started work on one. Once it's complete and distributed to the population, there's a chance that we can wipe out the disease entirely."

Gylis nodded, satisfied. "The city will provide whatever you need." He looked to Andross, Thene, and McCloud individually in turn. "It seemed as though the gods had cursed us with the epidemic. Perhaps they sought to punish us for embracing science too earnestly. But perhaps they instead sought to test us, for it was Corneria's science that saved us in the end."

The rest of the court was completely silent. Andross wished he could read their minds. At least, not without them knowing about it. "We would have had little hope without all three of you," Gylis continued. "For your efforts, we, the Court of Kezamat, thank you deeply and shall reward you in kind." Andross's interest rose.

"Doctor Andross, for your miraculous medicine and expertise in managing the nuhmryg's spread, I pledge the palace's ongoing support for your scientific ventures. Your laboratory will be supplied with whatever resources that you deem necessary for Kezamat's benefit; as well as your own personal endeavours, to an extent."

Andross poured over the chief's words. It wasn't quite Gylis promising to back his rocket project, but the offer put it in a better position than at present. "I thank you, Chief Gylis," Andross replied, slightly bowing his head.

"Doctor Avrenim," Gylis turned to Thene. "For creating the elixir that cleansed the nuhmryg's source from our sewers, as well as bringing the antibiotics' ingredients to Kezamat, I hereby release you from your exile. You are absolved of your past misdeeds and may return to the Lythan Jad should you wish."

It didn't take long for things to turn sour, for Thene scoffed almost immediately. "I do not wish, thank you very much."

Gylis flared, as did several others among the court. "You dare…?! I offer you pardon from your heinous disgrace, and you throw it back with such insolence?" Andross could have smacked his own forehead in agreement. Damn that woman's pride!

"It is alright, Chief," Randorn calmly raised his hand. "I fully expected Thene's refusal the moment you proposed the idea to me. Regardless, my support for her pardon still stands. From this day forth, Thene may return to our shrine for whatever purpose she desires. The Lythan Jad will welcome her just like any other citizen."

Thene huffed obstinately to herself. Andross chose to be the gentleman before she made things worse. "She is grateful," he told Gylis. His tone was just sharp enough to warn Thene to keep quiet and let the matter go.

"Guardsman Maclod."

Captain Forn coughed suddenly. "I beg your pardon, Chief. But I must advise that the tod's clan name is pronounced Mac-Cloud."

Gylis furrowed his brows. "Is it? Then why was I told otherwise?" He steered his glare to the young page who now stood blushing at the back of the room. Fortunately for her, Gylis sighed and moved on.

"I apologise. Guardsman McCloud… I understand that you left the city along with the frail when the outbreak began. Unlike the others though, you remained near Kezamat to gather precious herbs to keep our healers well-supplied. As a foreigner to our lands, you had no obligation to help us. Your support is therefore worth our deepest gratitude."

McCloud bowed his head. "I was just trying to do my part, sir."

"When crisis befell Doctor Avrenim on her journey back to Kezamat, you travelled alone to her aid as well as ours. Few others outside of our healers worked so tirelessly for our sake." Gylis spared a glance towards Forn. "Your proud service among the city guard over the past two years is also recognised. For those reasons and more, I have decided to name you a true citizen of Kezamat. Our city is your home for now and always."

The chief's court announced their assent. Dumbstruck, McCloud stared with his mouth agape for many long seconds. "Thank you, sir." His voice tremored. "I'm honoured."

Gylis smiled. It was the first time that Andross had ever seen the man do so with such sincerity. "On behalf of all our people, the court and I thank you each for your service. We ask that you continue your hard work."

"Hear!" The court members chorused.

Andross bowed. "We will, Chief. You have my word." That should cover any outstanding courtesies at this point.

"That now concludes our agenda for this morning," Gylis announced. "We shall reconvene in two hours to continue discussing how to bring the evacuees home at long last."

The court rose and so did Andross. McCloud followed him and Thene out of the room before the tide of people struck them. They found a quiet alcove in the hall. Andross rubbed the soreness from his knees. "Well, that was a spectacle," he grumbled in Cornerian. "We could have gone without the ceremony if that was all that Gylis wanted with us."

"A waste of our time, if you ask me," Thene sniffed in the same tongue.

Andross threw her a stern glare. "You could have shown a lot more tact in there. What were you hoping to achieve by antagonising the chief? Most people would accept a pardon without any fuss."

Thene shrugged indifferently. "If he thought something like that would impress me, he was sorely mistaken. I ended up with the most meagre reward of us all." She frowned at McCloud. "And of course, the favoured 'angel' receives something slightly better for contributing far less."

"Yes…" Andross turned to him as well. "How does it feel to now become a lawful citizen here?"

He did not expect McCloud to hang and shake his head. "Honestly… not that great."

Andross raised his brow. "Oh? How so?"

"Thene's right. Compared to you, I hardly did anything. I didn't solve the epidemic. I didn't make the medicine. I just squatted in a forest for two months, trying to be useful."

McCloud then wrapped his arms around his chest. He looked Andross in the eye. "I wasn't the hero this time. You were. I don't deserve any of the credit. You and Thene are the ones who saved the city."

Andross stared at him. He blinked several times, rendered speechless. The boy's words rang true, and Andross saw how it defeated him to say them. This was the impertinent upstart who thwarted his designs in Lylat. The one who the system celebrated for killing him. Where Andross was dubbed a mass murderer, McCloud was named a hero for the same sin.

Yet here McCloud stood. The pup who Andross learned to hate, who hated him back in greater measure. Something significant had changed. First, he begged Andross to save the woman he loved. Then he thanked him for succeeding. And now, McCloud stood before him broken and deflated, openly acknowledging Andross for doing what he never could.

Andross thought back to their conversation at the shrine. A strange warmth filled him in the wake of McCloud's gratitude. It only grew as family members of the other patients approached Andross one after the other, thanking him over and over with tears in their eyes. Countless mothers, fathers, and mates embraced him tightly. As they sobbed over his shoulder, Andross remembered again that fated day at his mother's laboratory.

How had he forgotten that bestowing hope and relief in others was why she dedicated her life to saving theirs? How had he forgotten that it was why he followed her example? Why was it that the man he once called his enemy now reminded him of that? Why does this emotion feel like a puzzle piece inside him that he never realised had been lost?

"Fox."

A firm voice drew McCloud's ear. He turned towards Captain Forn, who beckoned him forward. Nomar stood at his side. "A word please, if I'm not interrupting."

McCloud glanced back to Andross. His pupils darted to him and away again uncertainly. "I'll… see you around," he murmured. He made his way towards the captain.

"McCloud," Andross called. McCloud stopped. Curiosity hung in his gaze. Andross combed through his thoughts, trying to speak several times. What was it that he wanted to say? He decided on the only words that could form on his tongue in that moment.

"I don't believe any one person could save a city from disease on their own. It always takes many more than that. Each person filling a different role. They all make it possible to overcome the hurdles like we faced, no matter how small their actions seem."

Frankly, Andross wasn't sure whether the message got across, or whether his message made sense even to himself. Yet McCloud nodded slightly. "Thanks."

Andross nodded back. Then tiredly, he sighed. "Let us go home," he told Thene. "These last few days have worn me out more than I thought."

She stroked his cheek. A tender smile stretched her lips. "I have something there to show you that might cheer you up."

"Oh? And what is that?"

A twinkle teased in her eye. "You'll find out when we get there."

"Is there something I can help with, Captain?"

Forn shook his head. He chuckled in good nature. "No. No. Please be at ease." Fox relaxed. "I wanted to commend you personally for your good work."

A frown tugged on Fox's face despite his efforts to keep it straight. Part of him felt driven to vent his doubts again. However, Andross's parting words soothed that itch. "I was just doing what I could," he said, just as he told the chief.

"And we thank you for it," Forn nodded. "Gylis was quite pleased. How does it feel to now be an official citizen?"

Fox thought about the question a little more now. When Gylis made him the offer, he didn't know how to feel at first. Moments passed, and something pulled inside Fox's heart. A thread rooted itself into the ground he knelt on; to the inviting smiles of the people around him. A connection to the Cerinians beyond what Fox ever felt before. Through the chief's blessing, he was no longer an outsider among their community, welcomed but not of them. He was now a part inside it. When he realised that, joy overfilled him. But that faded shortly as Fox began to question whether he deserved it.

"I'm still processing it," Fox answered. He didn't want to burden either Forn or Nomar with his doubts. In a way, it wasn't a lie. "Does it mean anything special in Kezamat?"

"Not really," Nomar shrugged. "Normally, you would be given the right to buy property or run your own business. But you've always been treated somewhat as an exception until now."

Fox raised a brow. "You mean because your aunt gave me her house free of charge, or because half the city thinks I'm a demigod?" Nomar flicked her wrist in a gesture that suggested it was a bit of both.

"Being a citizen does exempt you from a few additional taxes," Forn added. "Though ultimately, there's no real benefit that you don't already have."

It almost made Fox feel better that his newfound residency wasn't all that grand a reward. "I suppose it does technically make me a citizen of this star system too. Which is good news for me, since my working visa expired two years ago," he chuckled.

His joke confused Nomar and Forn. Fox decided that it wasn't worth the time or effort to explain interstellar immigration laws to them. All that mattered was that Novellon might not charge him for staying in the Balven System illegally this whole time. The last thing that Fox wanted was to spend time in a detention centre once he found a way off Cerinia.

He soon noticed that Nomar's thoughts drifted elsewhere. The forlornness in her eyes concerned him. "Is everything alright?"

She blinked back into the conversation. "Yes. I'm fine, sorry," she said too quickly. "You were saying?"

When Chief Gylis spoke to Thene during the meeting, Fox looked to Nomar for her reaction. She wore the same expression then as she was now. "I'm guessing that Thene getting her pardon wasn't easy for you."

Nomar gave up on masking her conflict. "No. It's not," she sighed terribly. "Randorn consulted me before he agreed to the chief's decision. I understand that she earned it… But still… I…"

Fox held her in his arms. She didn't need to say any more. He didn't blame Nomar for feeling the way she did. When Thene violated her mind all those years ago, she decimated the trust between them as master and student. Then when Gylis let Thene off the hook, she spat on the olive branch that he handed her, adding insult to injury. Nomar had a right to be upset. Yet how could she express her misgivings when Thene played a crucial role in saving her daughter's life?

"I know exactly how you feel," Fox told Nomar. She hugged him tightly. He needed this as much as she did.

Out of respect to Forn watching silently, they kept it short. "I simply hope that Thene learns to appreciate this chance she's been given," Nomar stated.

"She would be a fool to repeat the offence," Forn consoled. "Last time, Randorn settled the matter inside the Jad. If it happens again and the court judges her, they will not be as lenient as he was."

Fox didn't have the heart to tell either of them how often Thene used to invade his thoughts. She stopped doing it shortly after he joined the city guard. Although, Fox suspected that it was more because she grew bored of him rather than afraid that he could then arrest her. "Let's hope," Fox said instead. The best that he could do was reassure Nomar.

Forn cleared his throat. "But pardon me to steer the subject. The reason I called you, Fox, was to discuss matters within the guard. You might have heard that we lost Biren to the nuhmryg last month."

Sadness struck Fox as he nodded. "Yes, sir. Everyone was upset by the news."

"He was a good man," Forn agreed. "Because of the epidemic, we didn't have time to find his successor. But now that we have the situation under control, Thalse and I have considered our options. We would like you to take Biren's place."

Fox's mind slipped a gear in his surprise. If he replaced Biren in the guard, that would put him directly under Thalse in the chain of command. "I'm grateful, sir. But am I really the best candidate? I've been away from duty for two whole months."

"I'm sure of it. While you weren't here to enforce the quarantines and quell fights in the markets, you never spent a day being idle. Chief Gylis summarised your efforts clearly. You went above and beyond for our city, and being a foreigner speaks greater volumes about your character. We've also considered your prior experience in command of your own troops. Your comrades respect you, and I believe that you'll set the perfect example for them."

The pride swelling inside Fox's chest made him uncomfortable. "I just hope that no one thinks I got the job because I'm dating the vice-captain's daughter."

"Trust me, Fox. Thalse wouldn't have recommended you if he didn't believe you were capable," Nomar smiled.

Fox looked inside to understand how he felt about this. He appreciated Thalse and Captain Forn's confidence in him. But could he accept their offer? Did he want to? Fox thought back to the award ceremony that General Pepper threw his team after ending the Lylat Wars. Pepper offered for Star Fox to join the Cornerian Army as one of their units. It would have meant stable work, ongoing funds, and opportunities to rise among the army's ranks. Yet Fox declined, choosing to preserve Star Fox's independence.

At the time, Fox made that decision because he believed it was what his father would have wanted. He founded Star Fox to be a private military contractor, allowing them to choose who they worked for and for what causes. Here on Cerinia though, Fox had nothing but himself to think about. The only aspiration that he had was to return home to his family. Would accepting Forn's offer detract from that goal at all? Fox couldn't tell.

What would his father say? What would his mother? What would Peppy? Or Slippy? Or Falco? What choice would any of them suggest he make?

What would Krystal say he should do?

She would encourage him to go for it.

"Thank you, Captain," Fox finally decided. "I won't let you down."

Forn smiled. "I'm sure that you won't." He turned to Nomar. "Please let Thalse know that I wish to speak with him when he returns to the barracks."

"He will head over there as soon as he finishes his patrol," she replied.

"Thank you. Fox, I look forward to seeing you in armour again soon."

"I plan to start work again later next week. Right now, I'm trying to get the house ready for Krystal. I then want to spend a few days making sure that she gets back onto her feet okay."

"I'm sure that she'll love having your company again," Nomar beamed. Fox couldn't wait for them to be together, himself.

"Then I will see you when the time comes. Until then, farewell."

As soon as Forn departed, Fox gave Nomar one final embrace. "Could you please keep the news from Krystal when you see her?" he asked. "I want to tell her myself."

"Of course, dear. Do you need any help from us with the house?"

"I'll manage. Thank you. Take care of yourself, Nomar."

"And you, Fox." She kissed his cheek.

After they parted outside the palace, Fox used the walk home to process the last half hour. Although today raised plenty of doubts, his focus now shifted forward to better things. At the top of the list was having Krystal home with him once more, where they both belonged. And Fox wanted to make sure that she received a homecoming worth waiting for.

The walk back to his hilltop laboratory made Andross feel once more like an old man. Thene walked ahead of him. The pace of her step and wag in her tail showcased her earnest. All the while, Andross pondered what it was that she wanted him to see. Something that she created? A discovery she made through an experiment? Perhaps she simply wanted to show Andross her bare body before pouncing on him in a passionate frenzy. Any of those was as likely as the others.

The sight of the lab soon lifted his spirits. "It's good to be home."

"It's good to have you back home." Thene glanced over her shoulder. She slowed to close the distance between them. "Unless you plan to stay at the shrine longer?" she enquired. Her tone carried a subtle blend of apprehension and distaste.

"Now that the lythans have a proper cure, I don't need to stay with them any longer." Thene shone like a xenon lamp. Andross smiled as well.

"So, other than the vaccine you mentioned earlier, what is our next move? Will we continue the beacon project?"

"After the city has had time to rest. Even if they didn't get sick, many Cerinians will be tired and stressed from the epidemic. Helping us to build a rocket will be the last thing on their minds."

"A pity that we don't have robot workers like you used to."

Andross nodded. "Indeed. We wouldn't have lost any time with those. However, wishful thinking won't get us results."

Thene sighed. "You are right."

When he stepped through the front door, Andross breathed the familiar air deeply. He barely had time to reacquaint himself with the place since returning the previous night. After sleeping in late, Andross had been too busy preparing for the court meeting. Now he had the chance to finally relax.

"Alright, Thene. What is this 'surprise' that you have for me?"

Thene ran her tail against his thigh as she passed. "Follow me," she beckoned with a siren's smile.

She led Andross out through to the work yard out back. A large wooden shed sheltered many crafted objects and raw materials from the rain and wind. Thene pushed the sliding door open and plucked something covered in cloth from a sturdy shelf. She carried it to the table closest to Andross. When she set it down, he heard the heavy thunk of hollow metal.

"Do you remember how we were trying to make rocket fuel before the nuhmryg sprung up?" Thene asked.

Andross suddenly suspected what laid beneath the cloth. "You didn't…?"

She pulled it away. Underneath, a silver cylinder stood 60 centimetres tall. Its neck sloped inward towards the top, finishing underneath a narrow cap. Andross lifted the cannister and shook it gently. A liquid sloshed inside.

"A gas bottle," he murmured in awe.

"I only had enough spare metal to make one prototype," Thene said. "Inside is pure liquid hydrogen."

Andross studied the workmanship of the seal. "You made an airtight valve all by yourself? Then funnelled a supercooled gas through it? How did you learn to do this?"

Pride filled Thene's smile. "You taught me. Or rather, I borrowed the knowledge from your memories without you noticing." Her expression turned serious. "After dealing with the epidemic, I didn't want you to come back feeling like it was wasted time. So, a few months ago, I took what knowledge I needed to solve the fuel problem on my own and did what I could with it."

Andross set the cannister down. He cupped his hands around Thene's face. His thumbs brushed the soft fur of her cheeks. "You did all of this for us?"

"Of course, I did."

He kissed her. As ardently as possible with the disparate shapes of their lips. Thene pulled Andross closer, balling the front of his robes in her fists. Her mind slipped into his. Jubilation; fulfillment; devotion; love. These emotions harmonised between them.

Breathless, Andross pulled away. He smiled deep into Thene's glistening eyes. "You always surpass my expectations, dear."

Her palm nestled his firmer one against her cheek. "It's my greatest pleasure, darling."

Andross kissed Thene again. He embraced her tightly. Her flying tail knocked over a bin of thin pipes. Neither of them noticed. All that Andross cared for was the magnificently brilliant woman thrusting her tongue into his mouth. Through her ingenuity, they broke through yet another obstacle in their path to the stars. Their plans still had momentum. Nothing could stop them now.

In that moment, Andross knew that so long as Thene stood at his side, the universe was theirs for the taking.

End note:

In addition to this first update of the year, I am pleased to announce that I'm publishing a short Star Fox fic that I put together over the last week. I call it 'Foreign Affairs,' and I hope you enjoy the story.