Venom was a small dot behind them before either vixen spoke. It was a mutual agreement, somehow they had both decided to treat this as a hit. Ghost stretched her arms over her head and glanced at Krystal. The normally violent vixen looked eerily calm at the controls of the ship. It made her wonder if Krystal really could have been Kursed. Sure, she had seen her in combat, and heard countless myths about how great a threat Kursed was, but watching her now only helped bust those myths.
'I'm just wondering how you got yourself pissed enough to kill someone.'
Ghost rolled her eyes as she heard one of Tyronos's 'pearls of wisdom' echo in her mind. Of course she knew how Krystal got angry, but it didn't help her curiosity. With a satisfied sigh she finally broke the silence.
"So be real with me - girl to girl - did you really take out those human traffickers on MacBeth?" Ghost asked with a toothy grin as she lit a cigarette. She had her feet up on the console, turned slightly to face Krystal.
"That one is true." Krystal replied with a grin of her own. "I did not however kill them all in their sleep by slitting their throats."
"Damn, that was the best part." Ghost chuckled her exhale thick with smoke. "Thought you were a girl after my own heart."
"I was not that brave or ruthless that early into my solo career." Krystal replied as she set the ship to auto pilot.
"Implying you are now?" Ghost asked with an eyebrow raised.
"No." Krystal laughed. "I have my tricks, I like a clean kill in more than one sense of the word. Too much blood isn't me. If I can I avoid it completely. I don't get off on making my marks suffer."
"I think that makes you more dangerous than most hunters." Ghost mused. "A hunter with a moral compass, I like that."
"Really?" Krystal couldn't hide her surprise.
Ghost grinned to herself as she reflected on her own mythology. "People will say all kinds of things to justify how they feel about someone. In the case of fear in the industry of death - fear translates into ruthlessness. Bloodshed is easier to swallow than kindness, but you can be famous for both."
"And are you famous for both?"
"In my younger days I was everything they say I am. Bloodthirsty, manipulative, vicious. I was exceptionally skilled and insatiable in my appetite for hits." Ghost giggled a little. "I was hot shit."
"You still are hot shit." Krystal laughed. "But I do wonder about something Ghost."
"Hmm?" Ghost asked as she finished off her cigarette.
"I did a lot to turn off the emotional side of me. I mean, I got really good at putting on the dead face but when I look at you I don't see any struggle. How do you do that?"
"Are you asking for tips?" Ghost asked trying to keep a playful smile on her face. "I'm afraid it's nothing I can teach you."
"What happened to you?" Krystal asked softly.
"Ghost is a construct. She's a creation. I had no say in it."
"Were you sold?" Krystal's voice was barely a whisper. Ghost's disdain for human trafficking was as famous as her blood lust. Perhaps it was a personal motivation, had she been sold into slavery at a young age? Krystal was deep into the past of her copilot now and she felt slightly uneasy. Ghost was as emotionally empty as ever.
"I volunteered." Ghost grinned viciously as she got to her feet. She lit another cigarette as she left the cockpit. Krystal shifted uneasily in her seat. Instead of figuring Ghost out, now she just felt more questions arise within her.
A chill ran up Krystal's spine and she was sure it wasn't the familiar comforts of space. Each time she had felt Ghost's thoughts it was unbearably quiet. Even with her telepathy in a weakened state she could feel just how cold Ghost was. Besides, who volunteered to be turned into a bounty hunter? Before she could get too deep into her thoughts an automated message sounded through the cockpit.
"Warning. weapon lock detected."
Not a moment later a hologram appeared before her. "Unidentified cruiser this is Commander Erato of the CDF, you are entering hostile airspace. Identify your purpose or you will be assumed hostile. You have thirty seconds to reply."
"Ghost, get in here!" Krystal shouted. Ghost entered the cockpit and had a headset on her head before she even sat down.
"Commander Erato." A female voice playfully taunted over the radio. "What a mouthful."
"Ghost." Loden Erato replied trying his best not to let his face split into a smile. "I thought you forgot about me."
"You know I could never." Ghost replied. Some of the soldiers looked at Loden with brows raised in confusion. Loden ignored them.
"It's an odd time for a social call." Loden grinned finally. "I'm working."
"I see that. Very fine job." Ghost replied and Loden brought up a visual on the approaching ship that Ghost and Krystal were in. "But I can do better."
"Music to my ears." Loden laughed. "Prove it."
An electronic pulse jarred through the battlefield. Loden prepped for system failure - EMPs were notorious for taking out whole sectors. He couldn't believe Ghost had the audacity to let one go so close to their command centre. He had opened his mouth to curse her. However, when the pulse had passed just the drones remained motionless in space. Three quick blasts from the ship had disabled but not killed the live pilots.
"What was that and how do I get one?" Loden laughed.
Ghost's face appeared on the screen and she winked and pressed a finger to her lips. "Girls gotta have secrets baby. Just keep up."
"All units follow that lead ship." Loden ordered. A chorus of "sirs!" and "ayes!" echoed up to him. "Ghost. I owe you dinner."
"More than dinner I'd expect." Krystal's voice called over the comm. Loden grinned and looked down bashfully as Ghost's teasing grin was replaced by the battle map once more.
"So uhhh. Friend… of yours?" Loden's comm expert asked from his post to the right.
"My wife." Loden laughed.
"With respect sir - maybe you should call your wife first next time."
Loden didn't answer but grinned as he watched the tides turn spectacularly in their favour. He was still grinning when he hailed interim General Whitefur.
"Loden, what's changed?"
"Looks like we'll be home for lunch, sir." Loden said and forwarded the live feed to Whitefur. His grin turned into a broad smile as he saw Whitefur look at the feed in disbelief.
"What happened?"
"Reinforcements, sir."
"From where?"
"If you didn't send them, my only guess is they are a branch of Team Falco." Loden shrugged.
"I'll take it. Finish cleaning up and then come home. I'm afraid the war on my end is still ongoing." Whitefur saluted and then closed the comm link. The euphoria that Loden felt had quickly subsided. War in Corneria? But the war was here.
"Lets get those P.O.W.s loaded up, A.S.A.P." Loden ordered. If his team replied, he didn't hear it his head was flooded with the many questions and possible answers of what was waiting for them on Corneria.
"Will I see you soon Commander?" Ghost's hologram had appeared in front of Loden and made him pause.
"We're going to the same party aren't we?" Loden smiled gently.
"You know I can't miss a party." Ghost grinned.
"I remember." Loden smiled. "See you soon Ghost."
"Bye." Ghost smiled sincerely. Loden nodded and cut the comm.
Krystal caught Ghost's smile as they headed back to Venom. It was comforting to feel some warmth coming from the assassin. Ghost probably didn't even realise how different she was in this moment. Krystal chuckled quietly in her moment of contentment. Ghost had just finished sending a message off to James to ensure they were ready for pick up. She wanted to ask about the Commander and who he was to Ghost, but thought better of it. She would have time to learn all she wanted about her copilot for now they needed to focus on the mission.
"Ghost and Kur- Krystal are on their way back." James said putting on his sunglasses. "Shouldn't be too long of a wait."
Slippy looked down at the datacore in his hand. "Was this the plan even if Dash hadn't have killed himself James?"
"What do you mean? I was going to turn myself in regardless. I just didn't think Dash was capable of killing himself."
"Why not just let Dash take the fall for it? You must have known how Corneria was going to act towards him."
"Dash was more innocent than I when it comes down to it. He was just following orders. My orders. Corneria put me there and I was their tool - if I want to bring down this whole thing I am taking myself with it."
"Weren't you just following orders too?" Slippy let the question sink in for a moment. "You were a pawn, hell we all are. You don't need to fall with them James."
James thought for a long time before he replied, letting a few situations play in his mind. Was there any version of his life that he was innocent of all crimes and just a hapless victim as he wanted to be for so many years. Even though what he did to survive paled in comparison to what he had exposed, he still had to face his crimes. "It's still illegal to hack into the government's servers."
Slippy knew James had his mind made up and he had hoped he'd be able to break him out of this endgame he had made for himself. He looked up to Solar. "Just know this James, by the end of all this people will know the truth. Even yours. Besides they'll have a hard time locking up one of Corneria's heroes, even one that hacked government servers."
Slippy couldn't see the wave of realization wash over James nor could he sense the change in how the vulpine began to think. "Just… get that warpgate ready."
Before he could reply Slippy saw James's ship break through the atmosphere. "Damn bounty hunters." They didn't speak - not that they had too - until Krystal landed the ship in front of them.
"How did it go?" Slippy asked eagerly.
"Flawlessly." Krystal grinned.
"Despite thinkin' we were going to fry the damn computer with that EMP burst."
"I'd be more surprised if it did." Slippy mused.
Ghost shrugged. "All technology is just black magic to me."
"Well let's get going, I've already got our warp gate waiting for us. Yet another black magic spell I've mastered."
Ghost grinned. "I knew I could bring the sarcasm out of yah."
"Let's get our ships inside the Cayuga. By then the gate should be prepped and waiting." James made his way to the cockpit and sat down in the captain's chair. Krystal took the copilot's chair for the short flight to the main ship. James looked over at the vixen who seemed to have something on her mind. "Look, I know she's old but I bet she handled better than what you were expecting."
Krystal grinned. "It took a bit, but I made her purr."
The hangar door on the Cayuga opened as it came into view. "Slippy must have sent a message to Rob." He quickly landed his ship and left the cockpit. "Krystal, Slippy we're headed up to the bridge. Ghost we'll leave the hangar open long enough for you to get your ship aboard."
"Remember the good old days when people could beam ships to hangars?" Ghost grumble to herself before jogging over to her ship.
James paused just a moment when he saw Rob. The old AI still looked the exact same as the last time he saw him before Corneria's betrayal. "Ghost's ship is on board. We're good to go James." The vulpine nodded.
"Alright, let's get off this planet. Take us out Rob." James ordered.
"Warp gate should be popping up on radar now. Just outside the Venom border."
Rob guided the ship towards the growing green ring and put on the auto pilot.
"Guess all there is now is the wait." Krystal said with a shrug after the autopilot had fully engaged. She looked at James who was hovering behind her in the cockpit. The ferocious roar that had been his emotions had dulled to white noise. James had internalized his turmoil again and for that Krystal was thankful. Ghost came in and broke the stillness as she flopped into a chair and tossed her lighter back and forth in her hands. James stayed still for a few more moments before he walked back to an empty chair and sat heavily in it.
James exhaled audibly. He thought he was past nerves. But as Corneria rapidly came into view he felt his breaths shorten and the stillness leave his legs. He was glad Krystal had insisted on staying pilot now. She and Ghost were laughing together in the cockpit. Slippy formated the server data into a relevant report at his console. James was left with the thoughts - and the realization that what had been years in the making was now almost over and he would finally have to face everything he did to get here. He wish he could borrow some of Slippy's naiveté to comfort him at least a little bit. He needed much more karma than he had to earn the miracle he needed to walk free. The old doubt creeped up inside him - was this all worth it?
"Nervous?" Slippy asked gently.
"Surprisingly so." James replied with a little chuckle. "The universe doesn't like secrets, it conspires to reveal the truth, to lead you to it. But it's still a treacherous task. "
"Well the truth has citations this time." Slippy grinned.
"Thanks." James replied with a sincere smile.
CDF HQ was buzzing with activity as it accepted its prisoners coming in from the front and prepped for the end of the lock-down. General Peppy was the only person who could formally announce the end of war. Whitefur was surrounded by a team of yes-men dedicated to getting everything he needed in order.
"Has Commander Erato returned yet?" Whitefur asked the closest yes-man.
"He just cleared the warp-gate, he'll be here soon." the soldier replied after checking his datacore.
"Good, don't let him get distracted. Has PR spoken to the press yet?"
"We're just waiting for you to review the statement." another soldier answered and handed Whitefur a holo tablet. Whitefur read the statement quickly and returned it with a nod.
"It's fine. Make sure they know a detailed official statement will come as soon as possible. We're trying to repair our relations with the public, no more dodging questions."
"Understood sir." the soldier saluted and rushed out of the command centre.
Loden arrived in a breathless rush. He saluted Whitefur with a wide-eyed expression. "Sir."
"Good work on the front Commander." Whitefur said as he returned the salute.
"What is there for me to do?" Loden asked eagerly.
"Nothing until the Cayuga returns. I want you to stay with the team that comes off of that ship. Don't let them leave your sight."
"This is the team that saved our hides on the front sir, why the distrust?" Loden asked with furrowed eyebrows.
"The other half of the team was last seen with weapons drawn on the general before the room went into lockdown. We cannot let one favour erase all our suspicions." Whitefur replied calmly.
"Understood sir." Loden replied with a salute before turning to go wait for the Cayuga in the hangar.
"Commander." Whitefur called after Loden before he had moved too far away.
"Yes sir?" Loden asked turning around once more.
"I didn't know you were married." Whitefur said, ever calm.
"Sir." Loden nodded. "News travels fast."
"Your wife will be among the Star Falco members we take into custody. I can get someone else if you feel you are unable to remain impartial." Whitefur offered kindly.
"No need sir, it won't be a problem." Loden replied after a short pause to exhale deeply. "If she is guilty then I won't have any choice."
"If she is guilty it will be completely out of your control, I'm merely trying to lessen the damage to you." Whitefur replied.
"Thank you sir, but I assure you there is no damage that I haven't already learned to repair." Loden replied with another salute and turned quickly before Whitefur could continue their conversation.
Whitefur sighed and shook his head. He was unable to dwell on his second in command in the hectic command centre. He called his support team to him once more and continued his preparations which including keeping the over-eager Anner from gaining access to the command centre. It would take too much energy to keep the officer in check.
With only fifteen minutes left in the lockdown Whitefur was starting to put things in place so he was ready for anything that came out of the office. He had medics in place and some military police. He was hoping that he would need neither but the unknowns were too great for him to leave them unresponded to. He checked the war clock once again before he sighed and paced for two steps before an alert chime made him look up to the screens once more.
"It's the Cayuga sir, she's returned."
"Everyone on board has priority clearance. I want everyone together when that room comes off lock down." Whitefur ordered.
"Aye aye, sir."
Slippy arrived first, escorted by military police. Whitefur greeted him politely and eyed the datacore that the scientist clutched tightly in his hands. The bounty hunter Kursed was the next to arrive. She looked around and chewed the inside of her mouth nervously. Whitefur couldn't blame her for being nervous, as he was aware of her current deal with Pepper - but the general needed to be alive for it to go through. A second bounty hunter arrived third. Whitefur wasn't up to date on this vixen which led him to guess that this was his commander's wife. He looked the vixen over with some interest. He wondered if Loden had married a bounty hunter before or after he joined the military.
"Lock down sequence complete. Fifty seconds until end processing is complete." a computerized voice created a hush through the command centre. The metal roll downs over the office window's started to retract and slowly the door was uncovered. A military police officer hurried up to Whitefur and gave him some body armor and a pistol. Whitefur adjusted the straps while staring at the digital count down.
With ten seconds left Whitefur stepped up to the door quickly he placed a hand on the handle with his heart pounding. Loden was standing on the opposite side of the door with his own pistol drawn. Whitefur didn't notice the fourth member of the Cayuga team, he was too focused on the countdown.
Inside the room the group eagerly awaited the end of the lockdown. They were all tired of each other's company and recycled air.
"Who do you think is going to greet us?" Falco asked Fox as they stood arms crossed by the door.
"MP probably." Fox replied. "Maybe whoever they placed in charge if he's ballsy enough."
"If it's Whitefur, he is." Tyronos answered as he walked over and leaned on the wall beside the door.
"How do you think the Venom team did?" Katt asked as she too joined the group hovering by the door.
"They did their part." Falco replied quickly. "We have to trust them."
Tyronos grinned and walked back to his seat in the corner. He passed Pepper as the old general replaced him at the entrance to the office.
"It's best if they see one of their own first." Pepper said gently. "Given the circumstances."
The three at the door nodded and it was a heavy silence until the computer announced all unlock procedures complete and the door finally opened. Whitefur visibly relaxed when he saw Pepper.
"Is everyone alright?" he asked as he saluted.
"Yes, perfectly fine. I apologize for the events as they happened. I fear we needed to act quickly." Pepper said with a look at Falco.
"It was my decision to enable the lock down before a misunderstanding could worsen the situation." Falco apologized.
Whitefur looked around at his armed soldiers and put them all at ease. "I'm still in need of some answers." he said as he looked at the other half of Star Falco.
"Of course. Bring in the rest of Star Falco and we can all get on the same page." Pepper replied and turned to go back to his seat in the office.
"Twelve hours in this shitbox and now we have to go in again." Katt grumbled. Falco chuckled a little in sympathy.
"It'll be over soon." he replied softly.
Both halves of the team came together in hushed whispers as they settled into the office. Whitefur joined Beltino and Peppy at the conference table and waited patiently for Pepper to get settled. Loden walked in behind the other half of Star Falco and took a place by the door.
"Looks like we ended up at the same party after all." Ghost whispered to Loden as she walked up beside him.
"You know I'd never miss it." Loden replied in the same low tones. For a moment he grabbed her hand but let it go before anyone could notice. "You look good."
"So do you." Ghost replied with a grin.
Krystal smiled softly at the pair before she walked over to Fox and put her hand on his arm lightly. He smiled at her in reply before turning back to the drama in front of them.
Pepper sighed heavily and turned to speak to Whitefur. "As this affects you more deeply than you know, I'm going to get you on the same page as us. How familiar are you with the story of James McCloud?"
"The official report has the original Star Fox team sold out to Andross by their teammate Pigma." Whitefur replied calmly. "However there is also a lot of rumour surrounding the accuracy of the official report."
"Have you ever looked into those rumours?" Beltino asked gently.
"What would I hope to gain by doing so?" Whitefur asked in reply. "James McCloud is missing in action, officially dead by the Cornerian Government. We have seen nothing in recent history to challenge that ruling."
"Oh man, are you ever in for a treat." Tyronos chuckled. James shifted in his seat beside Tyronos, morbid curiosity kept him quiet and hidden. He wanted to hear the story told from the other side.
Whitefur stayed perfectly quiet and attentive as Pepper retold the story of the original Star Fox team and their role in the government warmongering. Pepper was plainspoken and did nothing to soften his guilt. Beltino looked over at his son Slippy every so often but the young scientist had yet to meet his father's gaze.
"So it is my understanding that Corneria left him for dead on an enemy planet." Whitefur spoke finally.
"His life was never in danger." Pepper disagreed calmly.
"James McCloud has been dead for years you assclowns." a voice from their past made the three old men stop breathing for a moment and turn slowly. James McCloud stood up slowly in his seat beside Tyronos. He was calmer than they expected but still visibly breathing hard. He took off his sunglasses slowly and hooked them on his belt. "My name is Jay and I'm here to make you answer for the lives that your lies have cost Corneria."
"Close that door." Whitefur commanded. Loden raced to the controls and closed it. James had stunned everyone into silence. Pepper was the first one that came back to his senses.
"James." he said evenly. "We have already worked something out with Falco-"
"I don't think Falco wants the same things I want." James said with a harsh glare. "And I think I've more than earned my chance to barter."
"What do you have to barter with?" Peppy asked in a tight voice. He felt his heart pounding aggressively in his chest. He was unsure whether it was fear or anger that made it do so.
"As dramatic as it sounds - I have brought the truth." James grinned in reply. Slippy walked forward and after a moment to lock eyes with his father he placed his datacore on the table and had it project his report. The room filled with holograms of graphs, email communications and spread sheets. Everything was silent for a while before Slippy opened another file.
"My God." Whitefur breathed as a young Dash Bowman appeared in the projection.
"Video log one: My name is Dash Bowman for years now I've been planning out my revenge. The CDF took my grandfather - Emperor Andross - and his legacy and destroyed it for personal gain. With the help of a now ex-Cornerian spy, I've been discovering the truth behind our recent confrontations, the sad part is they still think we don't know anything..."
Slippy stepped back, suddenly unsure of himself. He stared up at the recorded face of Dash Bowman and felt his mouth go dry. He clasped his hands nervously together at chest level and wrung them together a few moments before a hand on his shoulder made him flinch. Slippy looked over at the person who was comforting him expecting to see Krystal. Instead he saw his father smile at him with an unmistakable expression of pride. Slippy exhaled every bit of air in his lungs and felt his uneasiness leave him.
"So now you see what I have to offer." James said softly. "What will you offer in reply?"
"We had already agreed to step down." Pepper replied.
"Step down?" James asked with a snarl. "Step down and slink away into the darkness with no answer for what you have done? What makes you think that I would be satisfied with that?"
"We cannot admit our crimes without bringing you with us!" Peppy growled. "Are you willing to atone for your own sins?"
"I have been atoning Pep." James replied with a deadly glare. "I have sold my soul a hundred ways to atone for my choices. You think what you see now is a man with anything left to lose? Tell me, when have you last feared you'd lose everything? Did it make you feel hopeless? Did it make you angry? Are you angry now?"
"Of course I am angry!" Peppy shouted and then gave a spiteful laugh. "You'll be pleased to know James that your son has turned out exactly like you. Both so selfish - you dare assume we have not suffered. You conceited ass."
"The difference between you and me Peppy, is that I have come to terms with my suffering. You allow yourself to stew in it like some spoiled child who suddenly found himself cut off from his treats. You are not a victim in this Peppy. Neither is Beltino and neither is Pepper."
"But you are?" Peppy asked with a sneer.
"No." James replied with a smirk. "I don't think you can call the man who brought the CDF to their knees a victim."
The heavy reminder floated in the air for a minute or so before Pepper was able to speak again. "You would have us offer all this to the press?"
"I would have an honest Corneria." James replied. "Hang yourself with your own dirty laundry and I will hang there with you."
"This is going to cause much more problems than I think you're aware." Whitefur spoke softly. "We are already losing trust with the public because of what you've already released."
"The public is angry because they were lied to." Fox spoke finally. "People don't like being lied to."
"I suppose you would know, wouldn't you Fox McCloud." Whitefur smirked.
"The first step to repairing the relationship is to get everyone on the same page again." Pepper agreed. "Alright, if you are ready to come back from the dead James McCloud, we are ready to go forward."
"Coming back from the dead is an old family tradition." James grinned.
Despite himself, Fox burst into an easy laugh. Everyone chuckled nervously as Fox and James made eye contact. Krystal tightened her grip on Fox as she felt a faint wave of positive emotion go between the two McClouds. There were still more bitter feelings than positive ones but there was hope for a rocky relationship to be built between estranged father and son.
"At least we don't have to call a press conference. The press haven't left our doorstep since Jay leaked the Andross photos." Beltino did his best to sound optimistic.
"Can't say I'm sorry about that." James grinned.
"Guess we're ready to face the music." Falco sighed.
Later that day, CDF HQ press room
Most of the Star Falco team remained behind closed doors as they prepped for the press release. The bounty hunter's especially expressed their wishes to remain anonymous even after being cleared of arrestable charges. Fox McCloud was not ready to be brought back from the dead - no matter how much his father was. Krystal watched the press group prepare with a little pity. The last generation's worth of Cornerian history was about to be completely abolished and rewritten. She looked around at her teammates and for the first time in years felt hopeful about her future.
"Remember - I'm the only one speaking." Pepper said again looking at everyone carefully.
"No problem." Beltino chuckled.
Peppy and James stood on opposite sides of the group and had yet to make eye contact. It seemed not all relationships were able to be repaired with the truth. A PR rep approached them and fitted them with earpieces. Their uniforms were smoothed out and cue cards given to aid them in event of questions. Pepper pocketed the cards quickly - he didn't need any aides this time. The PR rep came to collect them and lead the way to where the press conference was set up. In his earpiece Pepper heard the soft commands of the PR team in the media control room selecting camera angles and counting down to when the live feed was being broadcasted. Pepper waited for the four men with him to be seated before he approached the podium.
"Hello everyone, I thank you all for taking the time to come to this press release by the CDF. For today I will be leading the interview, all other men on this panel are unavailable for comment."
The media stayed silent and waited on the edge of their seats for Pepper to continue.
"We have just completed a successful campaign against the forces of Venom lead by Dash Bowman, grandson of Andross. The General in command during this campaign was Colonel Whitefur as General Peppy was detained."
"How do I say this?" Pepper asked himself softly as he looked at the many faces in front of him. His palms rested in a practiced manner on the podium before him. He looked to his left, seeing the last person he'd thought to be alive sitting beside Whitefur 'James.'
"I have called this press conference for a number of reasons. The first as I have addressed, the war between Venom and Corneria is over. But it was not without sacrifice, we lost one of Corneria's finest teams in Star Wolf, but thanks to Star Falco we were able to end this war before too many lives were lost."
"What about the rumors of outside sources assisting Star Falco? Is it true that bounty hunters actually helped Corneria?"
Pepper held up his hand to quiet the growing murmurs among the crowd. "I will confirm that no less than five Bounty Hunters helped us. Despite their nature they aided us and for that we do owe them a debt of gratitude. They have chosen to remain nameless and we are respecting those wishes." Pepper paused to take a drink of water to ease the tightness in his throat. "The second reason I've called this conference might be the most important. And I implore you folks to please hold all questions until I finish." Raising his arm he indicated towards the two that sat to his right Beltino and Peppy.
"As of this moment, all three of us are stepping down, the reasons for this is…" With a second solemn sigh Pepper cleared his throat and prepared for the sheer anarchy he was sure to create. "Because we fabricated this last war, all three of us are guilty of war profiteering."
Before the crowd could erupt Pepper spoke again. "I would like at this time to announce Peppy Hare's replacement before I accept the repercussions of my actions. His last act as General of this great system, Peppy has appointed Colonel Whitefur as his successor. May he do what is right where we could not."
Whitefur nearly fell off his chair, causing James to chuckle. "Congrats. Someone must have heard about how well you handled that whole 'war' situation." With a smirk James was led away by a couple of guards.
"How did he-" Whitefur shook his head as he slowly approached the now empty podium. He watched as three of Lylat's most well-known names were arrested. The thought had never crossed his mind, but then again, none of this should have been happening.
"General?"
It took Whitefur a moment before he remembered they were talking to him. "Yes?"
"What's next for the C.D.F?"
The question made Whitefur stumble slightly, all of his military training hadn't prepared him for this. "We move on. That's all we can do. At this time I cannot accept questions. Please await my press conference after I've started my...clean up."
- One week later -
Fox and Krystal had been hanging around Star Falco's HQ awkwardly while they awaited their meeting with the new General Whitefur. Now that it had finally arrived they felt both relief and worry as they walked up to the General's office. As soon as they were announced Whitefur called them in.
"So you had an arrangement with Peppy a clean-slate clause is written into your terms of release." Whitefur said bringing up a copy of the official report left in their files.
"Yes." Fox and Krystal replied together.
"All of former General Hare's contracts are subject to my veto now that he faces felony charges." Whitefur said calmly. "I could have you arrested and tried formally."
Fox and Krystal felt their blood run cold. They dared to exchange a quick look of panic. Already Krystal felt her mind racing. 'Alright, it was about fifty paces to the lift. Two hundred paces to get to the hangar…''
"What would you hope to gain with that trial?" Fox asked quietly.
"Absolutely nothing." Whitefur replied with a pleasant smile. "I just wanted you to understand that it is a personal favour from myself to you and not some obligation of a previous general that motivates me to do this."
Whitefur opened a drawer and pulled out two data-disks. He placed one each in front of Fox and Krystal and then clasped his hands together and rested them on the desk. He waited patiently for the two to respond.
"What are your conditions?" Krystal asked as she reached for the data-disk.
"All I ask is that you stay out of the news." Whitefur smiled and chuckled a little. "At least long enough that I can finished cleaning up this mess my predecessors left me."
"No problem." Fox laughed. "I kinda like being dead."
"You're dismissed then." Whitefur stood and saluted the pair. As they left his office he sat back down and smiled for a moment looking at the door before he sighed and brought out his holo-pad again and continued his work once more.
Kew - Ghost's Bar
Fox and Krystal left Corneria and headed directly for Kew. Ghost and Hopeless had asked them to meet them there as soon as they were done on Corneria. Fox couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic when the bar came into view.
"At least we know what we're getting into this time." Krystal laughed as she looked over at Fox.
"Well we hope so anyway. You can never be too careful with Ghost."
"She's okay." Krystal disagreed.
"You guys besties now?" Fox asked with a toothy grin. "All that girl time on Venom?"
"Nothing like bloodshed to bring people together." Krystal replied with a similar toothy grin.
"Damn, she rubbed off on you." Fox replied with a little stunned laugh. Krystal giggled and went ahead of Fox into the bar.
Krystal was greeted warmly by Ghost and she quickly introduced Loden. Fox came in and found Tyronos sitting at a table on the far side of the bar reading something on a holo-tablet.
"Looks like Whitefur is off to a good start." Tyronos said without looking up at Fox as he sat down.
"Looks like." Fox said looking over at Krystal as she laughed with Ghost.
"He gave you your pardons?"
"Of course."
"What are you doing with your new start, Shattered?"
"I don't know." Fox replied honestly. "Just more of the same I guess."
"Hunting you mean?"
"Yeah."
"You know there is one major difference between you and Krystal when it comes to being a bounty hunter."
"What's that?"
"She likes it." Tyronos grinned. "I don't see her giving up that life anytime soon."
"Well then I'll make do with that."
"No, don't just 'make do' Fox. That will only bring about the same ending as before. You need to find a middle ground that you and her can accept."
"I'll do anything I can not to lose her again."
Tyronos took a drag of his joint and closed his eyes. "You should take the bar for us."
"And what? Sell information like my father?" Fox sighed.
"If you like. It makes enough money as a bar. But we both know that information keeps you alive on Kew, and since you've already worked with Ghost and I, you'd be quite well-informed. You'd be able to make peace with both sides of your psyche. Shattered because you'd be helping people get their targets - Fox McCloud because you'd be able to watch your actions have positive effects."
"This is Kew you're talking about Ty, I doubt it'll have any positive charms to it."
Tyronos chuckled and took another puff off his joint. "Even as the shattered heart can still beat, a shattered clock will still tick."
Fox glanced over at the vulpine, shaking his head. "You've known who I was since I started huh?"
"I know everyone worth knowing." Tyronos chuckled. "That's the job I've accepted."
Fox sighed heavily. "Even if I took you up on your offer, how would I be able to make those choices? You seem to know things before they even happen, and Ghost… What was wrong with how she ran the bar?"
"Other than the fact she drank more money than she made. She's getting restless, she's not designed to stay on one planet as much as she has been. But you, if you take this and turn it into your own. You'd be centered, you'd have everything you needed, and if you don't think Krystal will need that than you deserve to lose her again."
"The fuck do you mean by that?"
"A clock can be broken and sound like its working, but when you look up close it's just the second-hand stuck in the same second. You're stuck Fox, just repeating that same second over and over. You need to move on, repair and move on, this same second is destructive. We aren't meant to stay the same forever."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Fox replied softly as he looked over at Krystal. "Can I change the name?"
Krystal noticed Fox look over at her from time to time during his conversation with Tyronos. She couldn't help but feel a little guilty when she thought of him.
"What's going on in that pretty head of yours?" Ghost asked when Krystal failed to reply to her question. She looked over at Fox and Tyronos and then back to Krystal. "You're worried about him."
"Yes." Krystal agreed. "I'm worried about us. I know what I want and what he wants are different paths. How can I ask him to leave his path when I know I wouldn't leave mine?"
"Loden why don't you go sit with the boys for a bit." Ghost said with a smile. Loden nodded and kissed her temple before taking his drink over to Tyronos's table. "You don't have to give this up for him. I married Loden and we stayed in love, but also followed our hearts. He's military and I kill people for a living. If we can make it work you and Fox can."
"I don't want him to think I'm leaving him."
"He's a big boy Kursed." Ghost said gently. "He's going to understand. He's in a much better emotional place than he's been in years."
"That's true." Krystal nodded. "But that's also what scares me."
"Uncharted territory baby." Ghost laughed. "It scares all of us."
"Even you?"
"Especially me." Ghost grinned. "I'm all kinds of fucked up."
"That's true." Krystal said again with a heavy laugh. She looked over at Fox again who was laughing with Tyronos and Loden as they exchanged stories. "You know, I think Fox would feel a lot better if I had a partner."
"Are you offering?" Ghost replied with a lecherous grin.
"Of course." Krystal returned the grin. "You do better with a partner too."
"Alright baby girl. You're on." Ghost nodded and poured them each a shot of vodka. "To the deadliest partnership the universe has ever known."
"Cheers, to Ghost and Kursed." Krystal said clinking her glass against Ghost's before they drank their shot together.
Over at the guy's table Tyronos shuttered.
"What was that?" Loden asked with an eyebrow raised.
"I felt a disturbance in the universe." Tyronos said solemnly as he looked over at the two females at the bar. Fox and Loden looked over with him as the girls got off their stools and joined them at the table.
"I hope you're going to pay for those shots." Fox said as they sat down.
"Why do you care?" Ghost asked with a suspicious look over at Tyronos.
"He's the new owner." Tyronos grinned.
"Shit." Ghost replied after a moment of realization. "Good thing we planned an escape Krys."
"Is that what you were doing?" Fox asked as he wrapped an arm around Krystal.
"Something like that." Krystal replied with a smile. "She has to pay off her tab somehow."
"Well I'm glad she'll have you to keep her honest then." Loden laughed as he copied Fox's motion and put his arm around Ghost.
"Listen Loden, I hate to break this to you but I've been trying to keep her honest for years." Tyronos teased.
"Well maybe I'll respond better to a woman's touch." Ghost leered.
"Krys has a way of bringing the best out of people." Fox said as he pulled Krystal closer to him.
The bar stayed closed to the public as the group talked into the night. Ghost and Loden were the first to leave - Loden had places to be in the morning and only a few hours left to be Ghost's husband. Tyronos had left without anyone noticing and without any explanation (but what else was new?) Leaving Krystal and Fox to clean up the glasses and bottles and close the bar for the night. Instead of sleeping however, the two had one last drink up on the roof of the bar.
"I'll do my best to come back as often as possible." Krystal said softly.
"I know." Fox replied with a smile. "I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to worry about that. Just do your thing for a while."
"You're not upset I wanna stay as Kursed?"
"Why would I be?" Fox asked with an eyebrow raised. "You remember I fell in love with her too right?"
"Shattered fell in love with her." Krystal corrected.
"Shattered is still here." Fox replied with a wry smile. "So it doesn't matter who you choose to be. There is a side of me for every side of you - and they are all in love. Besides, it's easier to watch you leave knowing you're coming back this time"
Instead of replying Krystal leaned over and kissed Fox with a smile. Fox grinned and pulled her into a hug before kissing her again. He felt completely content, and most importantly he felt completely at home.
In the morning Krystal and Ghost departed cheerfully, headed off on grand adventures together. Fox saw them off before going back into his bar. He smiled as he looked around it slowly. Soon the tables and stools would be filled with the regular customers and he would have to explain where Ghost was off to. His bartender was already at the bar cleaning glasses and setting up stock. The bar was ready to go and with it Fox's new life could start. However Fox wasn't completely settled. It would take a while, but there was one last thing he had to do.
I'll let you guys lose sleep over that. Also new longest chapter!
Ghost is owned by ~Kazila
Loden is owned by ~Kazila's other half.
Whitefur is owned by ~generalwhitefur (Thanks again man!)
All OC's are used with permission.
In a reply too:
Kazila - I know right?! Feels like this story became something bigger than I'd expected!
Blazehunter64 - More you ask? Well, okay maybe a little more.
Fox McCloud SNR - Yup, they're dicks. But it feels like Beltino and Pepper are trying to redeem themselves a little.
bryan mccloud - You aren't completely wrong =)
dajuanwilliams - Ask and you shall receive!
Mitch3ll6900 - Raw huh? I'll take that! I wonder how this chapter left you.
Jeff - I enjoyed Slippy's character as well in that chapter. My Beta reader and I discussed at length just how the Slippy/James bits would work. And we really liked the ending as well. Sucks to hear about the no long in at your school. But we understand, and we're glad to keep hearing from you!
KaijuKnight - I sent you a PM regarding most of your questions. I hope you understand what I meant by waiting for this chapter. If not please get in contact with me again and we can discuss any questions you have!