Death and Redemption – Chapter 8
Okay, back with another installment! Hope you enjoyed chapter 7, and sorry to have left you hanging for so long.
The story's shaping up to be a long one. Have sketched out the basic arc of the plot and have broken it down into scenes, and heck, we're probably at 25% or so.
And on another note:
Check out Miles DF's art of Krystal for some inspiration! The one where she's lying on her side upon shiny deckplates, ensnared in glowing filaments, reminds me a lot of the bedroom scene in this chapter. Minus the filaments, of course, no idea what those are. To be found on Deviant Art. Be aware, it's tasteful, but nonetheless NSFW.
Admirable restraint there Wolf! Wonder how long that's gonna last. =P
##############
They hadn't gone fifty paces before Wolf's comm demanded his attention, its crisp chirp cutting through the silence. He checked the message, acknowledged receipt, and shoved the black rectangle back into his coat.
"Change of plan. Leon's back."
There was a second's hesitation before Fox answered.
"...is that good or bad?"
"Good." Wolf replied curtly, still in a mood. First good news in an otherwise pretty fucked-up night, he mentally scowled. If this was an example of how spiffingly the rest of the operation was gonna go down, they were all doomed.
He jinked from their original course and led Fox down a series of ever-narrowing corridors that eventually brought them up against a blank wall and a single elevator. Then manually entered a ten-digit combination on the keypad and the elevator door whispered open.
Fox followed him into the narrow enclosure, where they stood, shoulder to shoulder. Service elevators in Sargasso weren't very roomy.
"Why didn't you just use your keycard?"
He cut the vulpine a sideways look. "Keycards are coded to their users. Manual codes give a bit more leeway, are less traceable."
Fox simply nodded. After which an awkward silence descended on the pair. The elevator was slowly ascending and had a ways to go yet, judging by the number of levels he could count.
After a few moments Fox wrinkled his muzzle. And was frowning, Wolf noticed, his face doing some weird expression thing, nose all a-twitch. What the hell now? So he asked, in his usual charming straightforward way.
"What?"
It came out as a growl.
Fox's muzzle snapped to the side and looked up at him. Was that a blush under his cheekfur?
"You..."
Fox hesitated, and Wolf frowned.
"I what?"
"You reek of... ahem... sex." Fox grit the last word past clenched teeth.
What the-? Oh. The rubdown with his bathrobe had been an effective quick fix and got the job done... but obviously couldn't do much to mask the musky scent that lingered in his fur. It didn't help that he'd been sprinting to get to the ambush location on time, either. His body was running hot, thick gray pelt radiating heat in an effort to keep him cool. And of course his scent would spike, that was only natural right?
So much for being grateful, he'd just saved this pup's fucking life and the little snot was getting in his face because he got a whiff? Wolf worked his jaw a few seconds as he searched for a proper response. Seriously, what the fuck, who would even comment on that? Then his muzzle wrinkled, black lips curling into a mocking smirk.
"Smells like sex huh?" he drawled "How would you know?"
Fox gaped and repeated Wolf's jaw-action from a moment before, awkwardly chewing air while searching for a scathing reply. Not finding one, he turned away, crossed his arms and sulked, chin dipped towards his chest. Muttered something that sounded like "...forget it.", while to Wolf his whole posture screamed "fuck off".
He smirked at Fox's antics. Heh, so precious. But then he recalled he needed his rival's cooperation. Badly. Acting like a dick wasn't exactly called for then, even if he was fully justified. So he relented. Sort of.
With a huff, he explained "None of it got on Blue, don't worry."
Seeing the fox bristle at his poor choice of words, he quickly amended. "She was in the other room! Relax, cripes. I was pent up, waddaya want me to say? If anything, I feel insulted. It's almost as if you don't trust me to ahh, treat her like a lady."
And got a withering stare and a skeptically raised brow for his efforts.
"Okay okay, I get it, I really do. You're worried about your teammmate, that's legit." Wolf gestured, making what he hoped were placating hand movements. Damn, foxes, so emotional.
"Long story short. I got Blue tipsy so the punch and stuffs wouldn't be such a bad thing. But roughing her up kinda got me all riled up. So I left her in the bedroom, escaped back to the couch, and took care of it."
Fox was listening, and the blush seemed to have deepened.
"That's all that happened, alright? You happy now? We seriously discussing this?"
The fox shrugged and turned away. "Let's just get this over with." came the surly reply.
Wolf grit his teeth and held his peace, staying silent until they reached their destination and could finally exit the elevator.
To his immense relief the rest of the trek back to his lair was uneventful.
##############
Leon was already installed in one of the singleseat couches in the lounge when they entered through the concealed door, sat in his usual half-turned, half curled up position, knees pulled up. The bodyhugging black techsuit was the same as the first time Fox had seen him, holy heck, was that not even twelve hours ago? It felt like days had passed.
He shrugged the uneasy feeling off and finished examining the arguably most creepy member of Star Wolf. Leon had added a short black jacket to his outfit that managed to look military and chique at the same time, sporting a subtle Star Wolf emblem on the left shoulder. No weapons were in sight but Fox was sure the lizard had a couple of knives stashed somewhere. Or worse.
In return, Fox was being checked out as well.
"Brown suits you, Fox. Perhaps you should stay that way once all this is over."
Godsdammit, first Wolf, and now Leon was getting on his case?
"Hah. Hah." Fox replied bitingly, letting each false laugh fall flat. "Such a sense of humor. Sure you're not a gecko?"
Leon looked genuinely insulted by that and started to get up, obsidian eyes flashing murder. Oh really, Fox thought. C'mon, bring it on you freak, I can take you! He shifted his feet and brought his fists up, effortlessly moving into a fighting stance.
Wolf's growl put an end to the fun.
"Shove a sock in it you two, play nice."
"And Fox, sit your ass down while I get us some drinks." then, turning his gunmetal gray muzzle towards his teammate, asked "You good?"
Fox wasn't sure what the question was, whether Wolf meant Leon's sudden flare of bloodlust, or his supersecret mission, or heck, anything. But Leon seemed to understand Wolf perfectly and nodded, whilst resuming his original position. The chameleon shifted his narrow butt into the dark leather and curled his long prehensile tail around his shins, casting a pointed look Fox's way.
With a sotto-voce grumble Fox claimed one end of the three-seater couch, as far from Leon as possible. Seriously, could this night get any worse? Things were just piling up, first the failed escape attempt, then the ensuing bloodbath, followed by that embarassing moment in the elevator. What else was in store for him tonight, what else were they – yikes?
Wolf suddenly loomed on his right, startling him and breaking his train of thought. The big wolf crouched down and set a number of bottles on the low table, along with a stack of shallow glasses. More like whiskey tumblers really. He rotated the bottles so Fox could read the labels.
"Name your poison."
Fox grimaced. He didn't do hard liquor. Not since his academy days anyway... ugh, too many bad experiences and black holes that he'd rather not recall. A beer, sure, or better yet, a nice cider, he could get into that, or a light mix of this and that, with a slice of lime or lemon...
He was about to reply when Wolf answered, as if reading his mind. "We don't do fucking fruity mimosa's here, McCloud." he growled, a hint of impatience creeping into his tone. "Blue did just fine last night. Y'gonna tell me you're less of a man than she is?"
Leon snerked.
Fox shot the lupine a sour look. "Have it your way, Wolf. Surprise me."
The big mercenary just shrugged and poured a rich amber liquid into three glasses, and a smaller measure of something milky-blue into a third glass. Rose from his crouch and personally delivered the strange-colored drink to Leon, who accepted it with a tiny nod of thanks.
After claiming a seat for mimself, Wolf got down to business. He was sat across from Fox, with his back to the long wall of the lounge, just under the big vidscreen. Leon was at an angle to the lupine's right, with the remaining empty one-seater to Wolf's left, and from Fox's point of view, to his right. The low table was the centerpoint of their cozy little gathering. Lighting was set to night-time intensity, less bright than last time he'd been in the room.
Wolf unceremoniously plonked his heavy black boots on the table, settling down into the comfortable leather with drink in paw. His dark overcoat loosely covered his frame, and slipped half-open. Fox twitched an ear. Above his boots, Wolf's legs seemed bare. What the-?
"Okay. Leon, report."
"All goes according to plan, Wolf." the chameleon replied, cutting a minute glance at Fox.
"Speak freely." Wolf sipped his drink, with a brief flash of red tongue. "Tonight's ah, events, have made one thing clear to me, Leon. If we're to work together, if we're to succeed, McCloud needs to be in the loop."
Fox could only listen, keeping a firm hold on his surprise. Did Wolf mean what he thought he meant? Really? Did he finally manage to get through that thick skull of his?
"I've told McCloud about the plan, Leon. Well, most of it. Haven't had time yet to fill him in on all the details. To make this work we're going to have to be a team, so from now on no more secrets."
Leon didn't react, that Fox could see. But that didn't seem to phase Wolf, who was probably used to his teammate's peculiar behaviour.
"Speaking of which. Fox, why don't you go get Blue? She should be part of this."
Ahh feck he'd almost forgotten about her, wrapped up in all the bullshit he'd been going through! A flash of guilt spiked through his mind. He quickly got up, leaving his untouched drink behind, and made haste towards the door to Wolf's bedroom.
"It's open! Go right in!" Wolf called out after him, with a wave of a big paw.
When he was sure Fox wasn't looking anymore, Wolf turned to Leon, sporting a sly grin and a twinkle in his eye.
The door was indeed unlocked and Fox slipped through. One heartbeat, two. Then Fox rushed out again, shut the door behind him and pressed himself against its solid surface, eyes wide, a panicked look on his face.
"Sh- she's NAKED!"
His big triangular ears burned with a deep crimson blush.
"She's... she's not wearing any clothes!" he added lamely.
Wolf guffawed "Haw!" and looked all too pleased with himself. Leon just smirked.
Fox pointed an accusatory finger, outraged.
"You bastard, you knew!"
Wolf lazily stood up, his mocking laughter subsiding into a sardonic grin. "There was a fair chance of it." he replied, and added "Guess you got lucky."
Fox wanted nothing more than to wipe that shit-eating grin off of the wolf's muzzle!
Wolf walked toward toward him, giving him the perfect opportunity.
"C'mon Fox, chill. Go siddown, I'll handle this."
Fox stayed his fist. What? No fucking way. Wolf was, what, going to go in there and 'handle it'? 'Handle' Krystal, naked Krystal? What did he even mean? His imagination spiked. No way in all hells! Had Wolf lost his frikkin' mind?
"Keep your dirty paws off her, Wolf!"
He stood blocking the door, denying the lupine access.
Who just stopped a pace away and rolled his amethyst eye at him, arms folded across his chest.
"C'mon pup, get a grip. If I wanted to ravish her, don't you think that would have already happened?"
"You... you can't just go in there!"
All he got was a shrug and an infuriating off-hand response. "Nothing I haven't seen before. Besides, pup, Blue and I have an understanding. Trust me, she won't mind."
"T- trust you?" Fox sputtered.
Wolf was deliberately pushing his buttons, he realized. And was using this little episode to make a point. Screw that! Trust was a thing, okay he understood that, alright? But this wasn't about the mission, wasn't about defeating Andross, this was Krystal they were talking about! Totally different thing!
Wolf leaned in, a ghost of a snarl on his muzzle.
"She trusts me. This is not your call to make." and added, voice lowering an octave "My patience is wearing thin pup, it's been a long fucking night. Don't make me get physical."
Fox felt dazed. And before he knew what was happening, Wolf had shoved past him.
He turned to stare at a closed door, impotently clenching and unclenching his fists.
"..."
From behind him, Leon spoke up. Surprisingly, his words were conciliatory.
"Fox, come. Sit. Accept the situation, there is no taming Wolf once he has his mind set on a course of action. It's not you, it is the same with Panther and myself. Let him do his thing. Your Krystal will be fine. She has suffered no harm so far, neh?"
##############
Wolf took a few seconds to let his anger subside, letting the quiet and relative darkness soothe his irritation. Damn that fox got on his nerves. His teammate, on the other hand...
Details were lost in the near-darkness, but he could see her sprawled across his bed, white tribal tattoos contrasting nicely with sleek azure fur. Naked, as Fox had stated, no surprise there. Loosely curled up on her side, even in sleep so very elegant, he observed.
Wolf felt his body respond. Felt no shame. If anything, he felt wry amusement. His life was so fucked-up, sure, why not add some more frustration? Heap it on. He could take it. Just like he took all the shit Andross shoveled his way. The training that maniac put him through, the punishments. The abuse, physical and mental.
Most of the other kids hadn't been able to take it. So many had failed, had either died or been taken away, never to be seen again. But he was stronger than that, Andross had never managed to break him.
He frowned. Something about this moment was bringing back those memories, the same dark memories that had led him to other thoughts, more than a year ago now. So he'd survived Andross' rigorous regimen and come out on top. Biggest and baddest, by far. He'd gone on to prove that on the battlefield, in space and on the ground. He was fucking unstoppable.
The novelty had worn off fast though, the euphoria of victory soon overshadowed by the horrors of war. Of which he was a major part. That was when he had started re-assessing his goals, his desires, his purpose. Did he really want to live like that? Was that the person he wanted to be, the legacy he wanted to leave behind? Maybe it would have been better for everyone if he had failed. Had been recycled into the vats, or worse. Lylat would be a better place for it, maybe. For certain a lot of people would still be alive.
Wolf let out a near-silent breath, a soft huff.
Well, no use thinking about that now. He had a job to do, was going to change things, and for hell or damnation he was going to get it done.
"Seen enough?"
Wolf froze. Shit. Not sleeping then.
He said the first thing that came to mind.
"You only have yourself to blame, Blue. You're every guy's wet dream."
Oh nice one Wolf, he mentally scowled, you really have a talent for putting your foot in your maw. Do you always have to push back when you feel put on the spot? When will you fucking learn to shut up? Dammit.
Suppressing an angry growl he moved to the closets and grabbed a bathrobe, trying to deflect things by adding "Must be a pain in the ass in our line of work."
And hoped that would be enough to avoid an embarassing conversation. He stood waiting, his temper back under control, the robe held open, in clear invitation.
Responding to the unspoken challenge, the vixen calmly rose from the bed and started walking towards him. He could only stare, like a deer caught in headlights. No fucking way. She made no effort to cover herself up and he swallowed, throat suddenly dry. Damn tease... but he had to admit, she had balls of steel to rise to his provocation like that. Reaching him after what felt like a small eternity, she executed a neat half-turn and slipped her arms into the sleeves of the robe. She didn't escalate things further by leaning back against him, for which he was silently grateful.
As things stood, it was hard enough to keep his rampaging hormones in check. What the hell was it with this girl, that she could flip his switches so damn easily? It's not like he hadn't seen beautiful, naked females before. So why did things with Blue feel so different?
"Such a gentleman."
She was pushing his buttons. Was punishing him for taking liberties, no doubt. Alright, fair enough. Two could play at that game.
"Perhaps. But you know what they say about gentlemen, hm?" he replied.
She willingly took the bait. He had to admit, he admired her spirit. She didn't fold under pressure and instead pushed back. Much like himself, he realized.
"No Wolf, as a matter of fact I do not. What do they say about gentlemen?" she said in a voice like velvet.
Standing so close behind her, it was easy to reach past on both sides to wrap the robe around the vixen's slim waist and tie the belt in front, pulling it snug and finishing with a single knot. He had to bend slightly at the hips to account for their height difference, which quite naturally brought his muzzle closer to her ear. A wayward waft of her scent threatened to derail his thoughts again and he fought the distraction.
"A gentleman... is simply a patient wolf." he softly growled. And had the satisfaction of feeling her shiver.
Having scored his point, he stepped back. This was all fun and such but the time for indulgence was past. They had work to do.
"Come on, we're having a meeting. Fox is here too."
##############
Krystal was a lot less calm and collected than she let appear to Wolf.
She'd refused to let herself be cowed by his behaviour but goddess, it had taken all her self-control and courage, her heart was beating so hard in her throat. The wolf's presence and predatory gaze had sent a flush of heat through her body, mind flashing back to the fantasies she'd had earlier. And their culmination. Her throat was constricted. It was all she could do to force a few words past her lips.
And things only got worse after that. Walking up to Wolf, bare as she was, had been a brave act of defiance but had backfired hard, the way he eyed her... unh, she recognized the raw, unabashed hunger, despite the wolf's best efforts to feign disinterest.
She'd be lying if she claimed it left her unaffected.
She slipped into the bathrobe he so gallantly offered. His nearness, the low rumble of his voice, his musky male scent... just made her knees weak.
It wasn't Wolf of course, right, she wasn't attracted to him. How could she be, he was overbearing and gruff, ungracious and churlish and... and... totally not her type! It was simply the situation, right? Alone in a bedroom, unclothed, with a male who was shamelessly eying her, she'd never been in a situation like this. Of course she was flustered!
She felt grateful when Wolf showed some restraint and didn't escalate things further, instead choosing to put some distance between them after fastening the robe, and moved to open the door.
She breathed a soft sigh of relief and followed him out into the lounge. And blinked in the relatively bright light. Fox was there, standing next to the couch, looking concerned... and... oh goddess, looking so very brown! She bit her lip, stifling a giggle.
"Krys!"
He came toward her, agitated. "Are you okay, oh yikes that eye, does it hurt?". Hands on her shoulders, concerned expression contorting his handsome muzzle. She smiled, it felt good to be reunited, she'd missed him so! Especially after the shock of having seen his gruesome death on the vidcasts. Even knowing it was fake, it had hit her hard. Now that he was here in front of her, in the flesh and unharmed, she could finally lay those horrific images to rest.
"Fox!", she beamed "You look good! Albeit a bit... different!" and ended on a high note, a playful glint in her cerulean eyes.
"Hahah yeah well, about that, um..."
It was Wolf who saved Fox from an embarassing moment, his rough voice cutting through their chatter. She turned to look, he was still standing in the open doorway.
"Ah good, now I can finally get some pants on. Running bareballs in just an overcoat really ain't fun!"
Her eyes widened when Wolf turned away and stepped back into the bedroom, nonchalantly letting the long dark overcoat slide from his shoulders to pool on the floor behind his tail as he made his way over to the closets. Revealing bare shoulders, bare back, bare everything save for belt, blaster and boots.
Krystal put a paw over her muzzle and murmured a hushed "Oh my."
"Be right back, gonna get some clothes! You two catch up. Fox, get the lady a drink." Wolf shot over his shoulder, with a ghost of a grin.
Fox rushed past her to slam the door shut. Blushing hard, she noted.
"You degenerate!" he called out after Wolf.
All they heard in reply was a muffled laugh.
Fox turned back to her, scowling.
"He's insufferable! Been that way all night, ever since the shoo- er, since we met up." He realized he'd said too much and stopped. Looked away, reaching up to scratch the fur at the back of his neck.
Krystal narrowed her eyes, pushing the view of Wolf out of her mind.
Something was off here. She knew that gesture, Fox was either embarassed or was trying to avoid telling her something. Lies were just not his thing, honest soul that he was. She reached out, this could be important. His thoughts mirrored his actions, exasperation aimed at Wolf was at the forefront, of course, strong emotions did that. But underlying that were feelings and echoes linked to battle, to bloodshed, to death. And... wait, what? Something to do with... ick, sex? She did a mental double-take at that last one.
"Fox! What happened, are you alright? Is that... blood on your jacket?" Now it was her turn to touch him in concern, laying a hand against his chest.
He hastened to reassure her he was fine, and bit by bit recounted the events of the night. He succinctly told her about his clash with Panther, his foray into Sargasso, the dingy bar where he met Hank, Boris and Ralf, the escape plan, and finally how it had all ended.
They moved towards the seats and she noticed Leon was silently observing, not moving a muscle. She felt a small shiver run down her spine. Leon was a strange one. But now was not the time to dwell on that, it was Fox she had to focus on.
She didn't join him on the big couch but instead chose to settle herself in the remaining oneseater, chastely curling up in her bathrobe. It was likely a bad idea to let Fox see the scratches Wolf had crisscrossed her pelt with...
There were more things Fox wasn't telling her, she sensed. His impressions of Sargasso and its people, she could feel he was conflicted there. Wolf's motivations were another area of turmoil. The deaths of the would-be robbers was a painful spike, with a mix of uncertainty. Had one of the attackers survived? She couldn't tell for sure, that part was somehow vague.
She didn't push further though, didn't telepathically force her way in. Under normal circumstances she'd never pry into his thoughts, they were always careful to respect eachother's privacy and she'd never betray that trust. But then again she didn't have to. Right now Fox's subconscious was broadcasting hard.
"Back. What did I miss?"
Wolf.
She turned to look over her shoulder.
Wolf had emerged from the bedroom and was closing the distance to join them. She blinked in surprise.
Loose black pants, top button casually popped and belt not yet fastened, no boots, open shirt with raised collar, exposing his ahem, well-defined chest and abs. She wrenched her gaze back to focus on his shirt, purple again she noted, this time made of a rich fabric. Black fingerless gloves, black eyepatch, well of course. She twitched her nose, was a that a hint of cologne? Looked like he'd quickly run a brush through his fur as well.
He sure cleaned up nicely, she had to admit. He looked like he was geared up for a hot date. Well, if one ignored the heavy blaster strapped to his right thigh.
"Oh my, Wolf" she remarked "Going clubbing?"
The wolf stopped in his tracks, a look of confusion crossing his features.
"Huh? Oh, this." he plucked at the shirt "Tomorrow morning's packed with meetings, might as well dress for it." and gave a her a toothy smile "Don't worry, your turn will come. The girls are bringing you new clothes, remember?"
He reclaimed his seat and sat back down, not answering the puzzled frown Fox shot him. Instead, he leaned forward, forearms on his knees.
"You bring Blue up to speed?" he asked of Fox.
"More or less."
And turned back to her. "Good. Blue, quick recap. All the plans are on the table now, Fox and I agreed to no more secrets. In return he's agreed to stop being difficult and will start cooperating."
"What? I didn't-"
A huff and an irritated look. "Fine, that's my interpretation of things then, pup. Am I wrong?"
They crossed stares, neither backing down. Goddess, would these two never stop? She was about to say something but Fox beat her to it.
"No... for now." he said ungraciously.
Wolf took it in stride, which had her raise a brow. Wolf, avoiding a confrontation? He must really need their help then, she mused. Good to know.
"Y'll yap differently when you hear what we've got lined up."
"Leon, finish your report. In full."
She'd heard Leon's voice before, but at that time he'd been agitated. Now he was all business though, and his sentences were short and to the point.
"Saturation levels confirmed, Wolf. The crew I tested showed high levels, enough for the compound to take significant effect when triggered. A representative n was out of the question of course, I could only test a small number. Even so, I feel we're good to go."
She blinked. What was Leon talking about?
Wolf nodded in satisfaction. "Good, well done." and turned to her and Fox.
"As I told Fox, we're going to take on Andross' fleet. And beat the crap out of 'em. Having said that, we don't have the numbers nor the firepower, as pup here pointed out with his usual tact." She saw Fox narrow his eyes, hackles rising at the jibe. Luckily Wolf chose to ignore it.
"So we had to even the odds, get a tactical advantage. Leon has ahh, knowledge of drugs. Notably, drugs that alter perception and consciousness."
Krystal felt a cold chill. She'd heard the rumours about the chameleon's predilection for torture. This fit the bill. She shuddered.
Wolf continued his explanation, oblivious. "In this case an experimental synthetic anaesthetic, one that can be introduced into a patient's system and will only activate when the surgeons need it. Clever stuff, nanite based, part tech, part chemical. We've been putting that in the fleet ships' water supplies for the past six months." he finished, looking smug.
"Now here's the kicker." he added.
"The compound is cumulative." And because Fox looked puzzled, he elaborated "At longer exposure the stuff doesn't get flushed out of the body but instead accumulates in the cells of the subject's nervous system, it pools in the neurons and glial cells. It's perfect! When we attack, all ships will broadcast on a very exact frequency and the compound will activate!"
Krystal's heart clenched in horror "They'll all die?" she whispered, clutching at her bathrobe.
Wolf leaned back in his seat and took a gulp from his glass, crossing a leg over one knee.
"Naw. Unconscious, incapacitated, the effects vary somewhat. But it should give us enough of an edge to take out the fighters and board the capital ships!".
Krystal noted he seemed to be in his element. Discussing tactics, laying down a bold battle plan, moving forward regardless of overwhelmeing odds. He and Fox had more in common than they realized.
"Which is where you two come in."
She perked her ears. Oh?
"Yes. You're each getting a Wolfen. Once we reach the fleet's staging area we'll deploy and hit those fuckers hard!"
Her ears perked up at that. As did Fox's.
"Thing is..." he scratched at his cheekfur with a single claw. "Andross will be dead by then."
"What?" Fox.
Wolf huffed a breath "I know how bad you want a go at him, pup. And I feel ya, same goes for me. But we have a chance to take him out before the battle. I've decided to take it. Without Andross, the fleet will be weakened even more, the crews' morale will be shattered. And we need every advantage we can get."
It made sense, she thought. But how would Wolf accomplish that? Andross wasn't stupid, on the contrary. And he protected himself well, if the intel files were to be believed. And goddess, Fox had managed to defeat Andross before, had been certain that the mad scientist was well and truly dead... only to find he had somehow been resurrected, or the Andross he had killed had been a clone, or... something. The theories abounded.
Simple fact was, Andross was not to be underestimated.
"Wolf, how?" she interjected.
He smiled at her, clearly pleased "Yeah Blue, that's exactly the right question! You know what Andross can't resist? I'll give you a hint... it's a two-part thing."
At their puzzled looks, Leon not included (who just silently watched, while nursing his drink), the wolf replied.
"Technology."
"And in particular, Cerinian tech."
Okay, he had her attention now. Say what?
Wolf continued, clearly enjoying the effect his words were having.
"Andross is fucking obsessed with Cerinian stuffs, don't ask me why. And tech in general. He'd love to get his hands on an Arwing and reverse-engineer it." he continued, looking smug "And as it so happens, I have a few wrecks lying about. Can crate 'em up and send 'em to him, express delivery!"
Fox bristled. And so did she!
"Wolf! You can't... what? Give him our ships?" Fox, of course, and he looked thoroughly affronted by the idea. A feeling she shared wholeheartedly!
Wolf pursed his lips, with a slight frown "C'mon pup, I'm a pilot. Even though you're my fucking enemy I'd never stoop that low. You just don't fuck with another pilot's fighter." and turned to her "Same goes for you, Blue."
Fox frowned and she took a first sip from her glass. What did Wolf mean then, she couldn't read anything from his expression. Froze for a second, eyes tearing up, almost choking on the strong booze. But forged on valiantly, asking the question that was burning on her lips.
"O-okay Wolf, so, what are you sending him?"
Wolf gave them a lazy, wicked smile "How does a 35 megaton nuclear payload sound?"
Fox snorted his drink, choking! "You're sending him a fission bomb?"
A smug nod "Yep."
Krystal didn't have to be a telepath to understand Fox's thoughts. Nuclear weapons had been outlawed decades ago, the side-effects on people and the environment being just too horrible to tolerate. To use a nuclear warhead in conflict meant immediate condemnation by Cornerian law, Wolf would be branded a war criminal!
"Wolf" she breathed "That's... You realize the consequences?"
To her dismay he simply shrugged it off.
"Corneria already has me pegged a war criminal." he answered. "And to be honest, I don't fucking care. Andross will be in his base of operations, Bolse space station, and the only collateral damage will be his troops. Which we would shoot anyways, given the chance!"
"So, fuck it."
She took a breath. It made a strange kind of sense. And knowing Wolf, well, it shouldn't surprise her he was willing to go all-in. It's just who he was.
She asked about the one thing that was still unclear. Her voice wavered, betraying her trepidation.
"Wolf. You mentioned... Cerinian technology?"
"Mmhm" he replied, with a nod "When you crashed, and the ships were brought back to base, we found your ah... belongings."
At her look he added "Blue, we know about your staff, and about the li'l focusing gems you usually wear. Star Wolf does its homework. We have files on every member of Star Fox, and anyone you've ever worked with!" he growled "Damn, you think we're some podunk outfit of amateurs?"
Finishing his drink, he poured himself another. "The staff is the clincher. Andross won't be able to resist."
Oh no. Wolf was going to... to... use her staff to gain a tactical advantage? But, it was unique, it was irreplaceable, it was all she had left of her homeworld! Destroying it would be... oh goddess no!
Her distress must have shown. Wolf eyed her a moment, his amethyst gaze inscrutable. Then got up, brushing past her with a swish of tail, and walked towards the row of bookcases that lined the long wall separating them from his office. Crouching, he opened a closed section and entered a code into... what looked to be sizable safe.
When he came back, he was holding something in one large paw. Something golden. A deep-blue gem shimmered in the subdued lighting of the lounge.
She bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes!
"Wolf!"
He simply shrugged as he handed her her staff.
"Feh. You really think I'd destroy a fine weapon like this?"
He took a step back and just watched her, calmly taking a sip of his drink. It was really her staff! Oh goddess! Her precious staff! She ran her hands over its short length, caressed the large gem at its tip, then actuated the switch to let it gain its true length, and its true potential as a weapon. Stood up and gave it a twirl, laughing, as relief flooded her!
Turned to Wolf to thank him, but froze, her exuberant smile faltering. Wolf was staring at her, not in his usual way, but wary. She cut a glance at Fox too, and was surprised to see a similar expression, but subtly different. Both were apparently waiting for some decision on her part. And while Wolf seemed to be anticipating a possible bad turn of events, Fox almost looked eager.
Oh.
Oh goddess.
She clenched her jaw as understanding hit her, suddenly furious!
She shifted the staff to one hand and pointed the other at the gray lupine. "Wolf! You really think I'd use this against you?" and then turned to Fox, her tone becoming even more biting "And you! You actually want me to use this to make our escape? You... you're both... augh!"
She sat back down, seething, and retracted the staff to its short form.
Wolf yawned.
"Well, that settles that."
The silence dragged on for a few moments, while everyone processed what had just happened.
It gave her time to collect her thoughts. Ahh her blood was boiling, it was hard to think straight! Her reaction had been instinctual, she'd felt so offended by both their reactions.
She muttered "You both disappoint me." and followed through, lifting her muzzle "We finally seem to have come to some sort of understanding here. We share a common goal! Andross needs to be stopped. And that supersedes any petty rivalries Star Fox and Star Wolf may have!" she finished, cutting Fox a hard look.
Fox bristled, practically snarling at her. "Petty? Petty? Andross killed my father, Krys! What the hell should I be feeling? I want that bastard dead and I want it to be close and personal! I-... I-..."
"And since I'm with Andross, you want me dead too." Wolf interjected.
Fox snapped his muzzle toward the wolf. "What? I- I don't know anymore! Yes? Maybe? You've been trying to kill us for years now, you want nothing but our destruction! Your aim is to subjugate Corneria, and don't think for a moment I believe that Andross' death would change that!"
The vulpine was standing, fists balled at his sides.
Wolf pinched the bridge of his muzzle, clearly fighting to control himself.
"Fox!" he snapped.
"What!?"
Wolf's next words landed like a bombshell.
"Stop being a fucking pain! Andross didn't kill your father! But he will destroy Corneria if we don't do something to stop him!"
##############
Wolf knew he'd made a mistake the moment the words left his mouth. That... wasn't something he'd planned on saying. He'd let his anger get the better of him. For fuck's sake.
Fox was staring at him, jaw agape.
"What did you say?"
Fuck. And fuck. His hand drifted towards his blaster, this wasn't going to end well.
"Forget I said that. We have more important matters to concentrate on."
"More important? You kidding me?"
"More urgent then!" Wolf growled. "You have my word I'll answer all your questions, okay? But after we get this done!"
"No! No Wolf, not good enough. Tell me now or all deals are off!"
His grip tightened on his drink. In one abrupt movement he finished it off then flung the glass aside, to roll across the thick black carpet.
"So! If I tell you, you're in?"
Fox was standing now too, just as agitated. "Yes! I'll help you take down the fleet."
"Even if you don't like what I'm gonna tell you."
"Yes."
"I have your word on that?"
"Dammit Wolf, yes!"
Deep breaths Wolf. Deep breaths. Situation has gone to shit. You made a mistake, move on. Roll with it, make the best of it.
"Alright, fine."
He unholstered his blaster, flipped it over to grip the heavy gun by its barrel, and stretched his empty hand out towards Fox.
"What?"
"You forgot you still had the blaster we gave you. Hand it over."
Fox looked sheepish, realization hitting him. In hindsight that whole scene with Krystal's staff seemed a bit silly now. Wolf can see it in his eyes.
The vulpine relented and he took the weapon, walked to the bar and laid them there, out of immediate reach.
"Wolf, would you like my staff?"
Blue. Of course she'd offer up her weapon. Cute.
"Nah, Fox and me are the only loose cannon here."
She seemed to blush at his sign of trust. Well, she'd damn well earned it.
He started to pace in front of the bookcase, marshalling his thoughts.
##############
Uh oh. For all his control, Wolf's temperament sure keeps getting the best of him. He should really work on that. =P
Anyways, that's it for this episode, no idea when the next will get done. I have a big portion of it written out in draft. Getting it into a reasonably readable form is the real challenge, hah.
Take care all, catch ya next time!