Chapter 4
The following day, an emergency meeting was set to take place at the Cornerian Army Center. Being the general, Peppy was to be the speaker. The Cornerian Army, the Star Fox team, and a few other military leaders from other planets were going to attend. The Lylat System was at war again, and everyone needed to prepare for it.
When called upon, Slippy and Amanda traveled from Aquas to Corneria to rejoin the Star Fox team and attend the meeting. Bill Grey, an old friend of Fox's who was stationed on Katina, was coming as well. Though several planets didn't have their own military, Corneria's Army helped protect many of them, including Katina.
Everyone assembled at the Cornerian Army Center's meeting room for the briefing. It was a very large, dark-blue colored room, filled with chairs for the attendees. Having not seen each in other in some time, Slippy and Amanda greeted their old teammates Fox, Falco, and Krystal with much enthusiasm. Fox also greeted Bill before the meeting began, happy to see his friend again. At the moment though, there was not much time to catch up. Once the meeting room was full, Peppy called for silence and began the briefing.
"As you all know, we are having this meeting in light of Dash Bowman's declaration of war," Peppy began. "Due to Bowman's past comments and the changing state of Venom, this is a situation I have prepared for. Of course, we don't know how Bowman will act – what planets he will attack and how quickly he moves – but it is important we retain a substantial portion of the army here on Corneria. Of course, we will send aid to the planets that need it, but we cannot afford to lower our defenses here. Losing Corneria would be detrimental to our chances of winning the war. So, many of you will be staying here to keep our planet safe. Many of you will also be sent to different planets to fend off Bowman's forces. Now, we can't afford to be strictly defensive either. If we stay entirely defensive, the war will drag out and more lives will be lost. That is why I am sending the Star Fox team to Venom to take care of Bowman."
Fox's ears perked up. He wasn't surprised Peppy wanted Star Fox to take down Bowman, but he was still excited to have the main task. Along with the team, of course.
"If Star Fox can make their way to Venom and subdue Bowman, his army will lose direction, and we should be able to more easily win the war. Should this plan fail, we may just have to send a large attack to Venom. The important thing is to end this as quickly as we can, and prevent as many casualties as possible. The galaxy has seen enough wars in recent memory, and lost far too many lives. Are there any questions about anything?"
A bulldog slowly raised his hand. Peppy took immediate notice and called on him.
"Yes, soldier?" Peppy asked.
"Which units stay and which units go?" the bulldog asked.
"The bulldog and husky units will remain here," Peppy answered. "Others will be sent to different planets as needed. Are there any other questions?"
No one else in the room raised their hand or spoke. Peppy nodded solemnly, and looked over all the warriors.
"All of you – your service is deeply appreciated, and I thank you all for fighting for our galaxy. I am confident we will once again emerge victorious, no matter the cost. Let us hope that cost is not great, and that this war be over very soon. Star Fox, I'd like for you to make way for Venom immediately. Those here from other planets may return home. The rest of you are to stay at the base until further orders. That is all!"
As soon as Peppy finished, the Cornerian Army soldiers and military leaders made their way out of the meeting room. The Star Fox members remained until the soldiers were out. Fox in particular also wanted to talk to Peppy once more. The team got up from their seats and approached the general.
"Thanks for giving us the big job!" Fox said, beaming at his old friend.
"Of course," Peppy said. "After all, does Star Fox ever disappoint?"
"Nope!" Slippy cried. "You can count on us, Peppy!"
"Yes, we will get the job done!" Amanda added, squeezing Slippy's arm.
"We still got it, old man," Falco said with a smirk.
"We'll take care of it, Peppy," Krystal said.
"I thank you all for your help," Peppy told the team. "It seems it's always you all that we count on most! I know you'll be victorious. The new Great Fox is in the main hangar, equipped with Arwings and everything; wait 'till you see it!"
The original Great Fox ship had been destroyed in the Aparoid War, as a necessary sacrifice at the time. The team had flown in a different Great Fox during the Anglar War, but the ship died soon after the war. Peppy's enthusiasm made each team member look forward to what the newest one would be like. The team thanked Peppy and eagerly filed out of the room to see the new Great Fox.
The team quickly made their way to the Army Center's hangar. Copious amounts of Cornerian Army fighters filled the hangar, but the Great Fox was still immediately visible. Each Star Fox member paused, let their jaws drop, and admired the new vehicle.
This new Great Fox was essentially a sleeker, more beautiful version of the original. It was a little larger, but it was indeed very much like the Great Fox the team knew. Being so new, the impact was slighter on Amanda, who still was very excited to see the Great Fox. Nostalgia and excitement filled the other four, and each of them got wide smiles looking at the ship.
"That is one, fine ship…" Falco commented first.
"It's amazing! Just like the old one!" Slippy said.
"It is lovely," Amanda added.
"Brings back memories…" Krystal said.
"It does," Fox agreed.
It brought back even more memories for Fox than it did for Krystal. He had flown for several years longer, but he was glad it was also nostalgic to Krystal. He wanted them to be close like before, and he was very happy to be able to share memories of past times.
The five teammates approached the ship, preparing to board. They enjoyed a closer look at the vehicle's pristine quality, and they soaked it in, knowing it wouldn't look this immaculate for very long. When they all got inside the ship, they were greeted by a familiar face: ROB 64, the robot who helped manage the Great Fox from all the past missions. The team smiled at the old, golden robot.
"Welcome back, Star Fox," ROB greeted them in his familiar, monotone voice.
"'Sup, tin man!" Falco said.
"Hey, ROB!" Fox said.
This really feels like old times again, Fox thought. The team is back together, the Great Fox is back, ROB is here… I'm here…
"How've you been, ROB?" Slippy asked excitedly.
"I was shut down until just recently, and –"
"So basically nothin' to tell," Falco impatiently cut the robot off.
"I suppose…" ROB said.
"This, is, AWESOME!" Slippy exclaimed, running across the ship bridge.
Amanda giggled at the sight of her husband acting a fool. The others were observing the room, noticing that the interior was also nearly identical to the original Great Fox. They took their seats near the control center, preparing for the ride ahead. Eventually Amanda and Slippy joined them. After some button-pushing, ROB turned to face the crew.
"Great Fox is ready for takeoff," ROB announced.
"Is everyone ready?" Fox asked his teammates.
"Ready!" Slippy chirpily replied first.
"Ready!" Amanda said next.
"Let's move!" Falco chimed in.
"Ready," Krystal said last, giving Fox a warm smile.
He smiled back, and then looked at all his teammates. They were back together again. One more ride. He was back.
"Star Fox, move out!"
"Affirmative," ROB said.
ROB activated the ship's takeoff. As the ship took off, Fox's smile widened; he had regained the energy he possessed years ago. His depression was gone. He felt young…
ROB steered the ship out of the hangar, and soon out of Corneria's sky. They reached outer space in a time that would make any pilot envious. The course was charted for Venom.
The Great Fox blasted off through the stars, carrying Star Fox to their next adventure.