Hey everyone! Here is the next chapter, enjoy!
Sly Cooper and the Space Thieves
Chapter 21- The Aquian Fleet
A few hours after their discussion about Zarus and Kanog, Jacor began to organize a huge fleet that will assist Sly and his friends against the tyrant. Jacor had found hundreds that wish to join him in the upcoming battle, several of which have had previous experience in fighting and had knowledge of piloting big cruisers. The ships themselves were being armed and ready for battle and a few medical ships for the wounded of course. Everyone on Dolphus was preparing for the big battle and Jacor was updated on the fleet's status every hour until they were ready.
While the Aquians were busy, Sly had contacted the others aboard the Dragon Thief and informed them on the situation. They were completely shocked about the truth of Kanog, the Manta Heart, and Jacor. They were even more shocked when Sly had kept Yanor's note explaining everything a secret until they had arrived here. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but the note said to keep my mouth shut until we've reached Dolphus and talked to Jacor," said Sly. "We understand Sly. What do you suppose Kanog wants Zarus for when he captured him?" asked Bentley. "I don't know, but it can't be good for Zarus or us. I'll get back to you when the Aquian fleet is ready." said Sly as he turned off his communicator.
6 hours later, the fleet was ready. Sly and the others were waiting in Jacor's penthouse when he came in with a big smile on his dolphin like face. "My friends, the fleet is ready. Would you like to see it?" They nodded. Sly said to lead the way. They followed the Aquian leader down the tower, through the underground tunnel, and emerged onto the surface of Cora. It seemed almost completely deserted; hardly any Aquian was in sight. "Most of my people have joined the fleet while the others stay behind. They wish for their return." said Jacor. They moved on towards a big warehouse like building a mile from Jacor's tower, and when they entered, they were amazed.
The entire Aquian attack fleet was impressive. There were about 10 battle cruisers and hundreds of small attack ships for the fighter pilots. They all have dolphin like traits on them; the space fighters looked like a dolphin's head with fin-like wings on either side and one fin on top, while the battle cruisers and the medical ships shared similar appearances. Most noticeable of all, they all share a certain insignia on their hulls: It was a blue dolphin in a circle of seven starfish. "That is the symbol of my people." Jacor explained. "Each of these ships is battle ready, as well as the people inside them. What do you think?" Sly replied with a smirk, "I think Kanog will have a hard time fighting off these bad boys." "I think so too," said Carmelita. "Totally awesome!" shouted Murray. Guru was astonished as well. "Your fleet is impressive, Jacor. I cannot wait to see them in action." said Beowulf.
"Glad you are pleased, and you will see them in action very soon. Let me check that everything is a go." Jacor said. He pushed a button on the device on his left wrist and talked to it. "Admiral Balack, are all systems on the ships and fighters in the green?" Another voice was heard from the communicator. "Yes Chancellor, all systems on both the cruisers and fighters are completely operational. Just give us the word and we'll be off." Jacor nodded. "Good admiral, have all ships take off now. I will be aboard the Dragon Thief if you need help. Jacor out." He turned off his communicator and asked everyone to exit the warehouse immediately. They were all outside again and watched as the fleet emerged, one ship at a time.
Within minutes, the whole fleet was in stationary orbit around Dolphus waiting for the command to move toward Plaxis Prime. "Man, your guys don't waste time, huh?" said Sly. Jacor just smiled at the raccoon as he turned to him. "So, shall we go to your ship?" he asked. "Yeah, but we have to use our sub-ship, our teleportation system won't work with that ice ring around the planet." Jacor nodded. "I understand. Let's move." They ran to the hanger where their vessel was, and had reached it within 10 minutes. Jacor had gotten the Manta Heart from his penthouse before they went to the warehouse. They had then left the hanger and had passed through the barrier surrounding the city. A minute later, they had risen out of the water and were in space again.
On the way, Jacor sat there with the others, thinking with a worried expression on his face. Sly noticed this and asked him what the matter was. The dolphin turned to look at him and said, "I just hope that the fleet and the Dragon Thief together will be strong enough to combat Kanog's forces." Sly smiled. "Hey, don't worry Jacor. I am sure we will get past whatever he's got protecting himself and find that gizmo to turn Zarus back to normal. You just got to believe, that's all." The others agreed with him. Jacor thanked them for their confidence and smiled.
Not too long later the ship had docked aboard the Dragon Thief and everyone disembarked to the bridge. Jacor was impressed with their ship. "And to think, it used to be made of wood, used sails, and fired cannon balls!" Sly said. They soon reach the bridge, where everyone on board was introduced to Jacor. He greeted them and asked Sly if he could contact Admiral Balack in the head Aquian ship. He nodded. "Murray, contact the head ship and get Admiral Balack on the line." Murray obeyed and instantly the Admiral appeared on screen.
"This is Admiral Balack, is everything alright Chancellor Jacor?" Jacor replied with, "Everything is right on the dot Admiral. Are you all set to move to Plaxis Prime?" The dolphin admiral nodded. "We are ready to move when you are, sir. Admiral out." The screen returned to the picture of the fleet standing ready. "Shall we go and kick Kanog's ugly, Mantian butt?" asked Jacor. Sly said yes with a smirk. "Alright Murray, set a course for Plaxis Prime. When we reach the asteroid field, we'll have to…"
But before Murray could move the ship, Bentley called them from the engine room. "Wait a second Sly! Don't move yet!" Sly and the others looked puzzled. "Bentley, what's the problem? Is there a malfunction with the engines or the power core again?" "No, it has nothing to do with the Dragon Thief. I just detected something about 100 kilometers ahead of us." said the distressed turtle. Still confused, Sly asked Murray to focus the screen so it can see what it was in that distance. "No problem, buddy." the hippo replied as he adjusted the scanners to magnify the screen 100 kilometers ahead.
"Bentley's right Sly, there is something up ahead." "Put it on screen." said Sly. What they saw next shocked them to the core. A huge wreckage was drifting in space, and it looked like it could be composed of two space ships. They looked completely ravaged. The ravage junk pile looked like it had happened not too long ago. What shocked them the most, however, is that one of the wrecked ships wore a very familiar symbol: A red and black manta with gold markings around it.
Note: To all my reviewers, I will not be able to use the internet through AOL anymore after the 8th, tomorrow. A new wireless internet service is in the process of being installed, but I don't know how long it would take. Until it is ready, I won't be able to post another chapter. In other words, this may be my last update for a while. But don't worry, I still do not plan to stop my story. I will continue to work on it and when I can go on the internet again with my new service, I will resume posting. Please don't lose faith!