Chapter 1: Surprise attack

16 years have passed since the war against the Anglar empire. Corneria could finally enjoy a peaceful time. The strength of Corneria's armed forces was gradually decreased in favor of wealth and welfare. This did not mean the end of Corneria's home defense, though. New elite pilots were trained to deal with pirats, scavengers and other troublemakers roaming the Lylat system. This turned out to be a good decision.

Fox's son, Marcus McCloud and his good friend Kojiro Tora had just finished their elite pilot's exam at the Cornerian Academy. The blue fox and the white tiger were among the best of their graduating class. Marcus was trying hard to follow his father's footsteps, which wasn't easy at all times. In contrary to many other people, Kojiro never saw Marcus as his father's son, but both as a trusty friend and rival to give him the motivation to become the best.

All graduated pilots were celebrating with their families and friends. Marcus' father father was the only one missing. "I'm sorry, Marcus. Fox received an urgent call from the headquarters. I'm sure it's just false alarm and he'll be here soon.", Krystal explained, feeling a bit uneasy, trying to cheer Marcus up a bit. Suddenly a distress alert was broadcasted. "Residents of Corneria City. This is General Hare! Our planet is under attack. All available military personnel: Get to the HQ asap and await further orders. All civilians are to take cover in the nearest emergency bunker. "So much for false alarm. Damn these invaders! Couldn't they just wait one day longer?", Marcus swore in annoyance. "Surprise attacks rarely wait for celebrations to finish.", Kojiro replied. "Let's hurry!". Both pilots immediately set out to evacuate their families and shared a brief goodbye before they were heading for the headquarters of Corneria's army.

As the last pilots arrived, General Hare entered the hall to explain the situation: "Brave pilots of Corneria! The Lylat system is again in grave danger. We are attacked by remaining forces of Andross' descendants. Our Army is struggling to stop the enemy, but I'm afraid they won't be able to hold them off for long. We need to form a strong task force to repel the assault". "Then let's not waste any time and go into battle. I will lead the pilots". None other than Fox McCloud, the retired leader of Cornerias's most experienced and battle-hardened elite team, stepped to the front, eager to defend his home once more. "We need every available pilot to chase the attackers off our planet. I'm asking for the re-activation of the Star Fox team. Further, I want privates Marcus McCloud and Kojiro Tora to join the team.", Fox demanded. The general did not hesitate, and after a short moment, a smile of hope appeared on his face. "Alright Fox, your request is granted. I've had your ship upgraded for a new team to use it.". Together with Fox, Krystal, Marcus and Kojiro, he went to a secret hangar to show them their trusty, long-served carrier hip. "There she is – our trusted old lady. This is the Great Fox Mk.3. She has been enhanced to become the best ship in the entire Lylat system in terms of defense and attack capability. The Arwings were also improved to match the state of the art. Now it's up to you, Star Fox! You're the last hope for the Lylat system."

Krystal and Fox were smiling with confidence, while Marcus and Kojiro were gasping in awe. Marcus heard the stories his father told him about their battles involving the heavy cruiser, but he would never have imagined it to be so impressive. "We won't disappoint you, sir." Marcus proudly replied. The newly formed Star Fox team got on board and immediately launched the ship to plunge into battle. "Welcome back sir, it's good to see you again." Rob said with great pleasure. "Yeah, thanks Rob.", Fox replied with much tension.

In Corneria City, the battle raged to its full extent. The enemy was already all over the planet's surface, wreaking havoc. The team ran into the hangar to launch their Arwings. Fox led the team: "Star Fox, let's go!" Marcus and Kojiro were fully motivated and flew ahead, downing a few enemies. Suddenly, an enemy fighter got onto Kojiro's tail. "Got an enemy to the rear, I can't shake him.", Kojiro radioed quickly. Marcus took up the chase and shot Kojiro's pursuers from the sky. "Got them, pal! You owe me one." "Thanks, Marcus.", Kojiro replied. During the battle, the team was able to down or throw back most of the enemy. "We almost made it, guys!", Fox said with relief.

Then, without warning, a huge battleship appeared, transforming itself into a robot. "Now you're dealing with the right hand of Lord Dash!" said one of the enemy commanders and opened fire. The Star Fox team skillfully dodged and returned fire, managing to immobilize the robot. Marcus was just about to finish it off, when suddenly a strong laser beam destroyed the robot. "My Lord, I brought shame on you !", the commander shouted desperately. "What? Reinforcements?! ", the Star Fox team thought in amazement.

A big ship appeared and Dash's hologram was seen. "The Star Fox Team, right? It's been a long time, Fox McCloud!" Victory on Corneria is yours today, but one day I will face you personally and destroy you. Until then I'll conquer other planets for my new empire! Just like my grandfather, the great Andross, always wanted to. See you soon, Star Fox Team!" The ship disappeared from Corneria along with all other remaining enemy ships. "Impressive, Star Fox! But if that's true what Dash said, we have to act and save the Lylat system. The fate of all our lives depends on you. Good luck!", General Hare said. "You heard the general. Let's go, Star Fox Team!", Fox radioed. "Alright." The team hurried back to the Great Fox, leaving Corneria in pursuit of Dash.