Okay… I am running a bit low on ideas of what to have Kevin do. I already have a few chapters planned ahead of this, but I am almost out. I am trying really hard in order to give the team something to do, but I just can't find that thing that is too off topic. Anyway, I appreciate the reviews from last chapter and I thank all of you for your continuous support; especially those who have been here ever since Crossed Paths Book 1.

On with the story…

Chapter 2: A Working Plan

I awoke slowly as my dream faded into blackness. The dark overcame until a dim light replaced it. The light irritated me to the point where I opened my eyes. I yawned and stretched as I shook off the remaining sleep. I slowly sat up and looked over at the clock on the nightstand.

"2:00 P.M" it read.

"Huh… I guess I wasn't out for long." I said to myself.

I got out of the bed and stood up. I rubbed my face as I tried to get the sleep off of me. I couldn't shake the feeling; I walked into the bathroom to solve this. I turned the sink on and splashed water on my face. The water was incredibly cold and really surprised me; it was so much that I was fully awake from the sudden shock. Not a pleasant way to wake up, but really effective.

"Damn that was cold." I said to myself.

I grabbed the towel that was hanging on the rack and dried my face off. I looked up at myself in the mirror. My attention was locked on my scar; it wasn't very noticeable, but it was still there. I shook out of my trance and walked out into my room. I grabbed my jacket and slipped it on over me. Once I was comfortable in it, I opened the door and headed downstairs. As I was walking down, I saw the team sitting on the couches and watching the news report about our interview. I slowed my walk and watched as I descended.

"In other news, Lylat's Heroes, Team Star Fox, have returned from their long and painful trip to an alien planet named Earth. Officials state that Earth is the home planet of the new member of the team, Kevin Michelson." The news reporter stated.

I reached the bottom and walked over to the couch. I sat in between Falco and Fox on the larger couch; Krystal was on the single seater, and Slippy was in the one opposite from Krystal.

"You're just in time" Fox said as I sat down, "The report is starting."

I nodded, "Let's see what happens." I then turned my attention to the display.

"After some research about the planet, it was determined that Earth is inhabited by species similar to ours, however humans are the dominant species." The reporter continued, "Our field team was able to get in on the small interview that took place after the team landed at the Cornerian Defense Base and got full footage of the entire thing. Johnson?"

The camera then went to a grey vulpine, "Thanks Jennifer" He looked at the camera as a picture of the five of us appeared next to him, "Thanks to our news team, we were able to get the entire interview and show you all at home. But to our surprise, it ended up being mainly for Kevin Michelson, the lone human member and lone human in Lylat. Not only that, but he seems to have accomplished some great things and has really proven himself to be a good man. Watch for yourselves."

The camera then faded and showed the footage of the interview.

"Exactly where was this war taking place?" A reporter was heard asking.

"I believe that he should answer this" Fox said as he looked to the side.

The camera then panned to me.

I thought of something to lighten the mood, "Who's that handsome guy?" I said jokingly. The team started to laugh a bit.

My TV-self started to speak, "Well, the war took place on Earth, my home planet." I said.

I tuned out of it and looked over at Fox, "Do you really think that their view will change after this?"

Fox looked over to me, "After the part where you say what you did? Definitely."

I sighed, "I hope you're right." I then shook my head, "I just hope people here aren't as hard headed as humans."

I looked back at the screen, "Here it comes" Falco said.

"This is for the non-Cornerian." A reporter was heard.

I saw myself lower my head, "First of all, my name is Kevin, asshole. Second, don't try to intimidate me."

It was quiet for a second, "I couldn't help but notice your face, leg, and hand. What exactly happened?"

"They are war injuries from when I killed Wolf O'Donnell." My past self said. The murmur was heard.

"Please explain" The reporter said.

"Gladly; I entered the base that Wolf was in. According to the map I had Slippy send me; I found that he was hiding in the main bridge. I made my way up there and had to take out one of his Marauders; an elite team that he created. This member was the last one and the leader; the others were killed by me as well. I killed him and found that Wolf was in fact waiting for me." I explained. "I made it into the bridge and found Wolf standing there, waiting." I paused at that time, "After that, he fired at me, I fired back. Both our guns were knocked out of our hands, which led to the injuries. After a long fight, Wolf grabbed my hand when I threw and punch and shattered it. He threw me to the wall and I feel in pain. At this point, a self-destruct program was activated, causing the room to fall apart and fill with fires." I shook my head.

"Nice story telling by the way" Fox said as I looked away from the holo display.

I chuckled and looked at Fox, "All memory"

I looked back at the TV and listened to the words I spoke, "If it wasn't for Krystal… I… I wouldn't have… won." I stammered and exhaled. My TV-self looked back up and looked at the crowd, "But hey, I think you all would have liked that instead." I had said harshly.

I chuckled, "There are those words" I was starting to regret saying that. People could have taken this the wrong way.

The camera then faded back to the grey vulpine, "According to eyewitness reports, Kevin Michelson received nothing but criticism and hate when he first arrived on Corneria. This is the second time I watched the interview and I have to say, this man is something great. Really he is…" The vulpine pointed at the camera, "…and I want to say that you, sir, are incredible and unique. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." He said. "We would show you the remaining of the interview, but it is quite long and we simply can't fit it in. However, we will give you the overview." The vulpine cleared his throat, "According to team leader, Fox McCloud, Kevin Michelson is responsible for the killing of Wolf O'Donnell, Leon Powalski, and the elite team named 'The Marauders'. Wolf and Leon are the two most wanted criminals in Lylat; as for this Marauder team, I can't really say. We haven't been given any info in terms of who they were besides that they were trained by Wolf himself."

"Well I'll be damned" Fox said after the reporter said that.

I chuckled, "That's only one person. This doesn't mean it worked." I was still entirely surprised to see not only the reporter go out of script to say a few things, but the fact that he even thought of me being good and normal.

The reporter continued, "If anyone out there still has mixed feelings for Kevin; remember that he killed two of the most wanted criminals in Lylat, is on Star Fox, killed Wolf's elite squad, and went to great lengths to protect his home. These are signs of a good man, not a monster. And I know for a fact that he will do an incredible job, not only protecting his home world, but Lylat, his new home. Jennifer?"

The camera went back to the female, "I would like to also state something: Kevin, I actually used to think that you were a… monster so to speak… but this was the first time I watched the interview. You are a good man and dedicated to your job. If anyone tells you otherwise, punch them…"

I was shocked at what the reporter just said, "Whoa" I quickly said.

Falco started to laugh, "That's too much!" He couldn't stop.

"…they obviously can't see that you just saved us from our fear of Star Wolf and an impending war with Corneria. And also, to the team in all, everyone here thanks you for taking him in and training him. Kevin Michelson is a good man and is a valuable addition to our society and the team. We all know you all will protect us. Jennifer Windhill for CNS." The news station logo then appeared and went to commercial.

"There's already a grip of people that changed their view about you." Fox said.

I chuckled; I was still a bit concerned since it was only a few people, "That's only the news station."

Fox patted my shoulder, "What did I tell you?"

I smiled, "I know I know" I chuckled a bit, "but still…"

Falco cut in, "Now that was only a few people. Everyone else out there still have their opinions, Fox. Kevin just needs to watch out for them."

I nodded, "I'm sure they won't criticize me further," I looked back at the TV, "If it comes to a certain point, I'll deal with that individual."

Fox chuckled, "Make sure that line is pretty high. I don't want you going around and beating everyone who calls you a 'freak'."

I shook my head, "It'll take more than that to bother me."

Fox then grabbed the remote and changed the channel. Coincidentally, it was changed to a channel in which a man was speaking about the interview. It was a talk show with one man behind a desk. It reminded me of the Jay Leno show back on Earth.

"So they come back and get thrown into an interview." The host said, "People everywhere have called in saying that I needed to do something and talk about this, so I was like 'why not? It's a good topic for a small conversation'." The host explained, "Here to discuss this with me is actor John Willis."

A tall, tan vulpine then entered from the left and shook hands with the host. After that, they both sat down.

"First of all, I would like to apologize for the short notice." The host told John.

John shook his head, "Don't worry about it, Ray. I think this is better to talk about."

Ray then grabbed some papers, "Alright then, first thing: a human on Star Fox. I've never heard of such a species, heck I don't even think we knew they existed, and here comes the team with the new guy." He said. The crowd started to laugh a bit.

John then spoke, "He's a very odd looking creature, isn't he?"

The host nodded, "To me, of course because I've never seen anything like this guy. I mean he has no fur, his skin shows, his physical appearance is just so different yet similar."

John nodded, "Kinda weird isn't it? It's so different, yet the same."

"Next up, we have the interview footage. Our special team in the back edited it so that we could highlight the key events." Ray said, "Roll the first part"

The video played, "The war took place on my home planet, Earth."

"Stop" he said, "okay so there's that: he's from Earth and he speaks our language. That just creeps me out."

John cut in, "Me too; it's like they knew of us or something like that."

Ray laughed, "Let's roll the next part"

"…when I killed Wolf…" I said.

"Stop" he said once more, "Right there; this is what got my attention of this kid. He KILLED Wolf O'Donnell? That's insane! He's been on the team for such a short time and he's already taken out the most wanted guy in Lylat!" Ray said loudly.

I chuckled at this, "This is amusing; reminds me a lot of a show back on Earth."

Fox nodded, "This guy usually has some interesting guests to talk with. He's even a comedian and puts some comedy in his shows."

This reminded too much of the Jay Leno show.

"On top of this, people have told me that Kevin was hated and even thought to be a monster! I heard that when he first arrived, he was confronted and nearly beat. Now this was when he literally first arrived, Fox was there to keep this guy from beating Kevin to the ground, thankfully, but still so much hate for someone who ended up saving his own planet and even getting rid of our fear of Star Wolf." Ray explained, "Now we can't leave out the rest of the team, listen to this part."

"…If it wasn't for Krystal… I… I wouldn't…. I wouldn't have… won…"

"Right there" he said, "What do you make of this, John?"

John shrugged, "Obviously, when Kevin was fighting Wolf, Krystal must have intervened and helped in some way."

Ray nodded, "I can see that being possible, but what about Kevin's injuries? He obviously didn't have an easy time fighting Wolf; he has a robotic leg and hand, and he has a scar on his face."

John then replied, "Maybe Krystal only helped in a way where she gave him a boost; like handing him an extra weapon."

I turned my attention to Krystal, "That's exactly what happened."

Krystal smiled at me.

"I can't thank you enough for that, Krystal." I said.

She smiled, "I'm just glad that you're alive and well."

I looked back at the display.

"I, for one, am glad Krystal did so. Kevin would be dead if it weren't for her." Ray explained, "I just wish we could get more detail as to what happened."

John nodded, "This guy reminds me of the roles I play in my movies: takes risks, and excellent at fighting."

Ray nodded, "Only thing is that he's human."

The crowd chuckled.

I was enjoying the show a lot. About halfway through, I got the urge to go out for some air. I stood up and walked for the door.

"Where you going, Kevin?" Fox asked as I walked to the door.

I looked back, "Heading to Space Dynamics." I replied, "I want to see if Beltino can get repairs on the armor and even analyze it." I fibbed. I thought about it and actually thought that would be a good idea.

Fox shrugged, "Alright then"

I opened the door and walked over to the garage. I opened the garage door and watched as it moved up and out of the way. Sitting inside was Falco's Motorcycle, one of the few remaining wheeled vehicles on Corneria, Fox's Firebird, and my Silver Coupe named the CTZ. I still remember when I finished my training; the team surprised me with the hovercraft.

"Oh how I missed you" I said as I opened the door. I sat down and stayed silent for a bit, trying to get a feel of the car once more.

I exhaled, "Just as I remembered."

I started the vehicle and slowly moved up. The vehicle got up to the point where I could exit the garage. I backed out and turned. Once I was ready, I took off down the road. The CTZ was a hovercraft, but it wasn't flyable. Most commercial use vehicles are only hover capable, while the higher vehicles, like transports, were flyable.

As I was flying down the empty road, I felt the car as the engine roared. I was going pretty fast; about 90 mph. As I neared the turn I needed to take, I slowed the vehicle down and stopped. I looked down both roads and made a left turn. It took me a few minutes to finally reach downtown. When I did, I went down the main strip that ran down the middle. At the end of the strip was where Space Dynamics and the Cornerian Defense Force building were located.

"Oh boy… traffic" I said as I saw the large amount of vehicles in front of me. I looked out to my side and saw people walking to and fro. Some had bags, other had nothing. I looked back in front of me and made a left turn. I decided to go on the outskirts of downtown in order to escape traffic. I was right, traffic was way less here. I quickly made my way around and closer to the buildings. It only took me a few minutes to finally reach them.

I drove up to the side of the Space Dynamics building and parked in one of the side spots. I turned the car off and slowly exited while looking up at the building. Once I was out, I looked at the people. No one was staring at me and no one was saying anything about me.

I started to walk towards the entrance of the building; this is when I started to get feedback. As I was walking, people stopped what they were doing and were looking at me. I disregarded them and continued walking. I neared the door and stopped. I thought of something to say.

I turned around and faced the people that were looking at me. There was a lot, even those across the street were watching. Maybe the whole plan did backfire and everyone just worsened their view on me. The only way to find out for sure was to confront it.

I found the nerve to speak, "So you're all just gonna stare at me? What's that going to solve?" I said loudly as I threw my arms up. The people just kept staring.

"Let me just tell you something: You all think I'm a monster. But think of this, would a monster risk his life to protect you? Would a monster step out like this? Would a monster even be here?" I exclaimed loudly.

Suddenly, a woman that was near stepped forward. She walked up the steps to the building and stood next to me. She then looked out to the crowd as well.

"You all should be ashamed of yourselves." She said, "How is he a monster? This man is no different than any of us!"

I stared at the woman who was standing up for me. She had white fur and appeared to be a feline. She was wearing a white shirt and jeans. She looked stunning.

"Did you all not hear what he did for Lylat and his home planet?" She continued, "I can't believe how horrible you people are."

Then a man walked up the steps and joined the two of us. He was a brown vulpine.

"I agree with this woman; Kevin is not a horrible man, he's a gift!" He yelled.

I then faced the two, "What are your names?" I asked.

"Rose" The feline replied.

"Will" the vulpine replied.

I nodded at them, "Thank you"

Rose shook her head, "No, thank you for what you and the team have done."

Will cut in, "You may think that no one likes you, but there is; ignore these people because they obviously don't see who you really are."

I smiled, "Thank you; I can't explain how grateful I am of you two."

Both of these people were amazing. They were like answers to prayers that I had been asking.

"Please, walk inside with me. I don't want you two to be slandered by these people." I said as I started my walk to the door.

Rose and Will walked by me as we entered the Space Dynamics building. Once we were inside, we took a seat in the waiting area.

Will was the first to speak, "Kevin, if you ever have an issue with these people, don't be afraid to teach them a lesson."

Rose agreed, "Don't take what they say."

I chuckled, "Fox has already been all over me on that." I sighed, "I can handle a little criticism. I could handle Wolf, so why not a few people that for some reason hate me?"

Will nodded, "That's the spirit"

I smiled, "Again, thank you both. I really could have used some help."

Rose smiled back, "It's nothing"

She was very nice and amazing. She looked very young and was beautiful. I couldn't exactly explain how she looked to me or how nice she was.

"I apologize, but I must meet Beltino about some problems." I said as I stood up.

Will stood up as well, "It's no problem, take care, Mr. Michelson."

I smiled, "Just call me Kevin."

Rose stood up as well, "Thank you"

I smiled, "Listen…" I spoke out of term; I was stuck now.

Rose looked at me, "Yes?"

I cleared my throat, I had no choice but to go in, "You seem like a very nice woman. I would love to get to know you better."

She smiled, "I was thinking the same thing of you."

I blushed, "Really?" I caught myself and quickly snapped out of it.

"We can talk over dinner if you like?" Rose asked.

I liked it, "Yeah, how does Monday sound?"

She nodded and smiled; "Definitely" She then headed for the door and exited.

I couldn't believe that I actually did that. I got a date for Monday and I met a girl who seemed amazing and just flat out great. I was happy that I decided to go out in the first place now.

I thought to myself, "Well, better go talk to Beltino."

I walked up to the receptionist, "Hello Mr. Michelson; how may I help you?" the red fox asked.

I leaned up on the desk, "I need to speak with Beltino Toad."

She gave a confused look, "May I ask why? It is so I can get the appointment in."

I lowered my head. The reason was something of a private matter; I didn't know if I was allowed to tell her about the whole alien tech inside of the armor and pistol.

"Um…" I stuttered, "… I am not entirely sure if I am allowed to speak of it. It isn't urgent, but I do not know if I may tell you exactly."

She nodded, "No problem, I understand. I'll notify him right away."

I nodded, "Thanks"

She then pressed a button on a small console, "Mr. Beltino? Are you busy at the moment?"

The toad replied, "Just a tad; what is it Daniela?"

The fox replied, "Mr. Michelson is here. He says he has something for you; he isn't telling exactly what so I think you may want to see him."

Beltino answered, "Send him up"

She released the button, "Go on up to level 13. Mr. Beltino should be in his lab."

I smiled and nodded, "Thanks again"

I walked over to the elevator and called it down. After a few seconds passed, the doors slid open. I walked in and pressed the number 13 on the large touch pad. The doors then slid closed and the elevator began its trip to level 13.

To be Continued…

This chapter took some time. I didn't expect for this book to be so damn hard to write! Anyway, since I just can't find anything to write, the book will be cut short. This one is taking too long and I want to get started on my next book right away before my ideas leak away. I will write just a few more chapters for this book and then start work on Ratchet and Clank: A Turn of Events (working title).

This is something I have been debating about. Since the beginning of this book, I have had trouble thinking of what to put and such. In the past, I have read some very good causal stories on Star Fox (i.e.: Fox and Krystal's Night Out). As you can tell, I have NO experience with this kind of writing; hell, I can hardly keep detail in the story. And so I have come to the decision: Is anyone willing to assist on the writing process for what is left of this book? There are literally only 3 chapters left that I have plots for. If you have experience, please leave a review if you are willing to assist. If I cannot find help, I will ride it out; and if I can't pull it off, I will cancel this book. I really don't want to leave this unfinished, but I will do what I must.

-jon3s115

Until Next Time…