Here is the chapter before the big battle. Hope you all like it.
Sly Cooper and the Space Thieves
Chapter 29- The Calm before the Storm
"We will reach Plaxis Prime in 5 minutes, Sly." said Murray. "Great. Before the fireworks start, get Jacor and Rovax on the line. We need to plan out the attack." The hippo nodded and contacted Jacor and Rovax immediately. When they were both on the screen, Sly spoke to them. "So, how shall we proceed with the attack?" Jacor was the first to answer. "I think we should concentrate on the big attack cruisers rather than the many, small fighters that pop out of them. With the Dragon Thief's Neutron cannon and the Talon II's Power Disrupter, all their shields will be down, including Kanog's flagship."
"Yes, I agree." said Rovax. "Once their shields are down, they will be easy to destroy. Both of our fleet's fighters should be more than a match for theirs, in terms of firepower and numbers. When we have done enough damage, Kanog will call for reinforcements, aka Yanor's rebels. Once they join the fight, Kanog is as good as beaten." Sly smiled at this. "I like that plan. However, I like to make a small change." "What would that be?" asked Jacor.
"Defeating Kanog is our primary objective, but not our only one. We need to get the Ximorator to change Zarus back; we may need him for the struggle. I was thinking that while all the fighting is taking place, a small infiltration team should get down to Plaxis Prime, break into the lab, steal the Ximorator, and get back here in one piece. Also, if we do manage to shut down Kanog's ship's shields, I would to take a team of my own and board his ship to fight him in person. Zarus could join up later for that struggle. In the end, I am sure it will all work out. What do you guys think?"
Jacor and Rovax thought for a moment, and then they nodded in approval. Sly smiled again. "I hoped you guys would agree." Rovax then asked him who will be on his two teams. "I have thought about it, and I have the perfect people for the jobs." He then turned to his gang. "For the infiltration team, I want Carmelita to be the leader. I want Murray and Panda King to go with her; she could use the extra muscle." The three of them turned to Sly with surprise on their faces, especially Carmelita.
"Me? But this sounds more like your department, Sly." "I know, but I trust you. You can do this, I know it." She nodded in reluctance. However, Murray and Panda King were excited about the mission. "Awesome! We get into the lab and no one will stop us!" "A challenge I am indeed looking forward too," said Panda King. Sly nodded. "Alright, that is settled." He then turned back to Jacor and Rovax. "Now, as for the team to get onboard Kanog's ship, I will go. And I would like to bring you guys and Beowulf." The three of them looked excited at this plan.
"We will definitely be at your side, Sly Cooper." said Rovax and Jacor in unison. "I am honored to be on your team as well, Sly," said Beowulf. Happy that they are going to fight with him, Sly felt more prepared than ever to fight Kanog. "Thanks guys, I knew I could count on you." Just then, Bentley got everyone's attention. "Hey guys, we are now arriving in Plaxis Prime space. I recommend we drop out of warp space here." "Good idea, pal. Murray, deactivate the warp engines." "Aye aye, buddy." As soon as the Dragon Thief and the two fleets dropped out of warp space, they got a good look at Plaxis Prime.
It was thick with ships, like a huge black cloud. And right in the middle of this cloud, there was Kanog's flagship. It easily stood out from the others: an enormous, dark battle cruiser armed to the teeth. Needless to say, this was not going to be a pretty war. "Looks like you were right, Jacor; Kanog has been waiting for us." "No kidding," said an astonished Rovax. Sly spoke up again. "Okay, here is the deal. I have a space fighter of my own onboard. I will fly it to Kanog's flagship with Beowulf. You two will follow us in your own fighters. Sound good?" They nodded. "We will see you out there, Sly." said Rovax as both he and Jacor disappeared from the screen.
Sly then turned to the rest of his gang. "Alright guys, this is it. Time we give Kanog what he deserves! Carmelita, you have a space fighter too, and it has extra room for Murray and Panda King." Murray then interrupted. "Wait. Why can't we just beam ourselves to the lab, and you guys to Kanog's ship?" Bentley explained. "Because, Murray, both Kanog's palace and his flagship are made of some kind of metal that blocks all teleportation attempts from outsiders, aside from Jacor's of course. The only way to get to those locations is by space flight."
"That's right. Bentley, while we are gone you will be in charge. You and the rest of the gang will help the fleets to fight Kanog's army. Think you're up to it?" The turtle looked nervous, but firm. "You can count on me, partner." Sly nodded in approval. "Okay everyone, we all know what to do. Now let's get out there and fight!" Everyone cheered at this statement. Sly, Carmelita, and their chosen team members ran to the cargo bay to get to their fighters. Bentley wished Sly good luck.
In the cargo bay, everyone was in their fighters except for their pilots. Sly and Carmelita stood there, holding hands and looking into each other's eyes. "Sly, promise me that you will come back to me in one piece. After all, I don't want to lose the man I fell in love with, not so soon." said Carmelita in a worried voice. Sly smiled. "I promise. Besides, you just caught me and I don't plan on getting away from you this time, Inspector." he said in tease. She laughed, and then they both hugged one another and shared another passionate kiss. It seemed to last forever. Once they parted, they immediately got onboard their fighters.
"Okay Bentley, we are ready. Open the cargo bay doors." "Rodger, Sly." The big doors leading to the space btw them and the Mantian army opened, beckoning them to fly through. In their cockpits, Sly and Carmelita looked at each other one last time before they launched their space fighters through the doors, flying towards their destinations. Beowulf asked Sly if he is alright. Sly looked back and said, "Yeah, I'm fine. I am just getting through the calm before the storm." In Carmelita's fighter, she was thinking the same thing, plus something else.
'If we all make it through this and get back home, I am going to tell Sly I want to spend the rest of my life with him. And maybe, just maybe, he would give up his life as a master thief so he could be with me. I want that more than anything else…' "Hey, Carmelita!" Murray interrupted her thoughts. "You alright?" Coming back to her senses, she nodded. "I am fine, Murray. Just fine."