Training pod bay C
Cornaria Military Academy
Cornaria City / Cornaria / Lylat System
1043 Hours
Kyle flinched as the pod hissed open, letting normal light impale his unadjusted eyes before undoing the safety harness. It had been a little short of three months since Kyle arrived in the Lylat System. During that time, he had divided his efforts between training with the rest of the team or spending time with Slippy combining human and Lylat design to create a new generation of technology.
Still, he made it. With the death of that simulated Aperoid that was in fact ridiculously overpowered on purpose, Kyle just earned himself a spot among the ranks of Starfox. A spot that was symbolically handed over to him by Fox in the form of the Iconic white jacket with the team logo proudly displayed on the shoulders and back. Silently, Kyle tried the jacket on surprised that it fit despite his broad shoulders. Then again, all clothing in Lylat is custom tailored to fit the customer.
Once the jacket was on right, both Kyle and Fox shared a strong handshake before giving the other a salute.
That's when the other began applauding and giving the human their congratulations. The team just grew one man stronger, impressive yet only the tip of the Iceberg for the expansion they had put in motion. Kyle and Slippy had been working hard on designing and building new fighters and equipment, all while keeping the rest of the team and Lylat in the dark. It was almost time to lift the curtain. . .
Hanger D16
Moore Industries Shipyard and Assembly Plant
Cornaria / Lylat System
1720 Hours
"Why are the lights off?"
"To make a better impression Falco," Slippy answered with a roll of his eyes. In front of the team, two outlines could be made out of the shadows, tempting anticipation.
When Kyle restored the lights, however, the team felt disappointed at the two ugly starcraft in front of them. So much anticipation for what looked like two flying dumpsters.
"The Moore Armory A 1c Thunderfury." Kyle introduced the first ship that was modeled after the A-10 "Warthog" Thunderbolt back on Earth, hence the ugly appearance. It was simply upgraded with Lylat technology, making the brute space worthy and replacing some of the weapons "I know she doesn't look pretty but just wait until you see what that 30mm MAC Cannon does."
On cue, a holo screen appeared in front of the unimpressed audience showing test footage. It showed a cannon that was twice as long as a speeder bike aimed down range. On the other far end, a decommissioned Landmaster stood in front of a maze of concrete walls. Once all personnel were off the range the test commenced: First, they could see some muzzle flashes from the cannon, next was Armageddon.
The tank and concrete barriers disappeared as the ground exploded covering them in a cloud of thick dust. A brief moment later and they finally heard the report of the cannon, proving that the bullets had literally outrun the speed of sound. Once the dust finally settled there was nothing left but a few pieces of scrap and grey sand.
The previous impression forgotten, the team quickly agreed that the Thunder Fury was a powerful asset they would want on their side.
"Next is the U-2a Warhorse, A military general purpose drop ship with interchangeable bays." Kyle moved on, showing off the result of trying to make a Halo Pelican with Lylat technology. He explained that it was designed to be able to equip various bays specialized for different tasks like transporting people, cargo, and vehicles such as tanks. More changeable bays were in development like an emergency medical room, effectively turning the Warhorse into a VToL ambulance. Kyle also went on to explain that an unarmed version would also be made for civilian and industrial use.
"Well, I can definitely see those getting their fair share of use, but I was hoping for something a little more, flashy," Falco admitted, still feeling disappointed in the letdown. With a knowing smile, Kyle flipped a switch on a console between the two starcraft, triggering orange caution lights to activate as a large hatch in the floor began to open as the elevator began to rise.
Slowly, the masterpiece rose from the depths below seizing everyone's breaths as it ascended. The sharp colors, the elegant design, and the sheer size threw the team for a loop. The combination of the F-14 Tomcat and the Mark 5 Arwing stood triumphantly between it's less elegant cousins.
"And last, the MK 6 Arwing Modular Superiority Starfighter," Kyle announced pridefully, this was by far his greatest accomplishment.
Okay, so it was actually his second greatest but definitely his favorite.
Fox and Krystal only stood in awe at the sight of . . . Whatever you'd call something this amazing. Falco was actually able to take a few weak steps towards the new Arwing, reaching out with a trembling hand to touch its skin. It felt wonderful.
"I am in heaven." The bird announced in a gentle whisper before his knees buckled and he passed out. . .
Employee Lounge
Moore Industries Shipyard and Assembly Plant
Cornaria / Lylat System
2304 Hours
Fox took another sip from his coffee as he finished editing his message on his wrist computer, checking that it was satisfactory, twice, he decided that it was as good as it was going to get and sent the message before getting up to dump the rest of the coffee into the sink before sitting back down on the couch and closing his eyes. Today was amazing, Tomorrow promised to be equally awe inspiring. . .
To Cpt. William Grey CDFsfc, Katt Monroe, Peppy Hare, Gen. Rex Pepper CDF
From Cpt. Fox McCloud STARFOX
Subject I've finally decided to expand
I'm not sure how to say this guys but I've finally made up my mind to start expanding Starfox in addition to Kyle and his ships. (I think Space Dynamics just lost its advantage on the market.) Now would be the perfect time to increase our numbers even further since we no longer have to worry about the limited space aboard the Great Fox, not that she wasn't a good ship.
Bill, I know I'd be asking a lot from you, retiring from the Starfighter Corps. to join a mercenary team, especially after your rise through the ranks these past few years. I would have asked you back during the Lylat War, and I'm certain that you'd have accepted then but at the time I didn't want to pull you into a wild goose chase for revenge.
I'm not sure if this is the best way to reach you Katt, but if you get this, I'm inviting you to join Starfox. You proved yourself a skilled pilot and fighter during the Lylat war and the following "encounter" against the clone as well as during the battle involving the Gate Station. We could always use someone of your skill on the team.
Peppy, General, as much as I'd like to avoid it I'm probably going to have to recruit publicly, and odds are about certain that any candidates I'd recruit are already enlisted or employed by the Cornaria Defence Force. Consider this an apology in advance if it proves a problem on your end.
With the highest regards,
Fox J. McCloud
Starfox.
