Chapter 2
GOTCHA!
"You're sure about this?" a teenage white fox said as he strolled through the hangers of their arctic station next to his older brother.
"I am, Flurry" the older white fox responded, "Mother says she is the key to our restoration!"
"That nonsense again…" Flurry deadpanned "I get that she's hot, but do we really need all this just for one chick?" he motioned at the dozen carrier ships, all being prepped for launch. "Mobilizing an entire raiding party just feels like a waste. Can we at least plunder a bit on the way there and back?"
"Afraid not, apparently she's a friend of Fox McCloud, we can't afford to leave a trail."
"…Fox McCloud…" Flurry said idly, trying hard to recall that name. They were cut off from most news inside of Lylat, but somehow that name rang a bell… "Wait… isn't he the leader of that mercenary team…the ones that stopped the Aparoids."
"The very same, and the one that stopped Andross eight years ago"
"Andross huh…" Flurry had only been 10 years old then, but he vaguely remembered how pissed his father was when he heard the news. Andross had been a major buyer of the rare minerals they 'taxed' from the local settlements and systems. He recalled his father ranting at the loss of their easy income and access to newer equipment.
"I'll deal with Fox and his friends; you feel up to snatching her for me?" Blizzard said with a grin.
"Yeah, why not" Flurry said returning a grin of his own. "How are we going to separate them though?"
"About that, I have one or two ideas" Blizzard started, leading them up the ramp onto his flagship "Get the boys together in the briefing room, we'll need to plan this well."
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Fox was five seconds away from pulling his hair out. The past week he'd sent out over 100 emails offering the services of Star Fox to prospective clients. So far, he'd received 40 no's, 50 maybes and 8 no-replies. It was always the same, 'thanks but no thanks'. Even his expected ace in the hole had fallen through. A company transporting minerals from MacBeth to Corneria had lost contact with their shipping convoy. Although piracy was suspected, the company was reluctant to contract for help until they had confirmation on why the ships had vanished.
Fox was just about to get up from his computer and get a stiff drink from the ship's bar when a new email popped up in his inbox.
"Huh" Fox said to himself, as he clicked on the email. "Yugdab Industries, who are they?"
As he opened the message a holographic image soon appeared in front of him.
"Greetings Mr. McCloud of Star Fox, I represent a shipping consortium and have great need of your services."
Fox studied the white vulpine in front of him, taking mental notes as the message droned on. The white fox looked roughly the same age he was, clad in a very expensive suit that Fox identified being made from Katina cotton, that stuff sold for $10,000 credits a yard. His eyes were obscured by large sunglasses that Fox recognized as designer brand, often flaunted by Cornerian celebrities. Most striking though was the vulpine's mangled left ear. The upper half was missing and looked torn off, from a fight perhaps?
"… protect our investments. Therefore, I would like to have a meeting with you and your team to iron out the details. I await your reply."
As the message ended Fox breathed a sigh of relief, things were finally being to look up.
"ROB, gather everyone into the briefing room" Fox said, talking into his wrist com
"Yes Fox" came the monotone reply "What should I say is the topic of the briefing."
Cracking a smile Fox was all too eager to reply "Tell them we've got a job."
Ten minutes later saw Star Fox gathered in the briefing room watching the hologram.
As the message wrapped up Fox turned to his team. "Well, what do you think."
"He sure looks like he has plenty money" Falco said, speaking up first. "I wonder how much he's offering."
"He looks a little young to be so highly placed in a company" Krystal opined
"Maybe it's a family-owned business," Slippy spoke up "and he's the heir."
"Could be," Krystal returned "I guess we can ask him when we meet. What do you think Fox."
"He definitely looks rich." Fox said, nodding to Falco "I say we meet him and see what the job is."
Grins erupted around the table; Star Fox was back in business!
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The next day the Star Fox team was riding in a limousine towards one of the most expensive restaurants in Corneria City. After Fox sent a reply to their client, they received instructions for an evening sit-down in formal wear with a 'Mr Sharana'. Fox looked around at his friends in the car, Falco looked a bit uneasy wearing such refined clothing, Slippy looked more at ease but his suit was slightly too large for him. Krystal though, she was flaunting a gorgeous red dress that showed off her curves well. She quickly shot Fox a glance and a knowing smile, making the vulpine look away and blush. Shortly thereafter, they arrived at their destination, a skyscraper in the middle of the commercial district.
A german shepherd wearing a bellhop uniform quickly opened their limousine door. "Welcome to Daren Tower." he said with a smile "You are expected, please proceed to the rotunda on the top floor, your table is reserved."
The Star Fox team quickly walked through the lobby, marveling at the building's decadent interior. The marbel floors and silk tapestries on the wall practically reeked of old money. Soon enough they were in an elevator slowly crawling up the building towards their client.
"I'll do the talking," Fox said "Everyone mind your manors, this guy clearly isn't Cornerian, we don't want to offend him and risk our contract."
"Fine by me," Falco quipped "The sooner I can get out of this lame suit, the better."
Chuckles filled the elevator, until the chime of a bell announced their arrival at the rotunda.
"Let's do this!" Fox said rallying his team as the doors opened and they stepped into the restaurant. A waiter quickly met them and ushered the group to a private table away from most of the other patrons.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr Mcloud." a white fox quickly stood up and offered his hand to greet them "Its an honor to meet Corneria's greatest heroes." a smile creasing his face.
"Thank you, Mr. Sharana" Fox replied firmly returning the handshake. "We're honored to be considered for your security contract."
"Of course, of course" the vulpine hand-waving the further formalities "Please call me Blizzard, sit, we have much to talk about."
As they took their seats Fox noticed someone sitting next to Blizzard, a small young fox who looked no older than six. What caused him to take a second look was the vacant look in her eyes, and the fact that she appeared to be shivering.
"To business then" the white fox opened the conversation "I have a significant cargo shipment planned for next week. We've heard about a rival company's convoy disappearing in the same region and don't want to take any chances. Think you can escort a dozen medium cargo vessels from MacBeth to Corneria?"
"That doesn't sound too difficult." Fox diplomatically replied "What would be the compensation?"
"Does $20-million credits sound fair?"
Fox struggled to keep a calm face for negotiations, that was more than double what he had been expecting.
"Fair enough Mr. Sharana, you can count on Star Fox to protect your ships."
"Let's toast to it then" Blizzard said with a smile as he flagged down a waiter to bring them their drinks. "Although, before we start, I have a request, miss Krystal" he said turning to the blue vixen "Could you please escort my niece Lexi down to the lobby, her mother will meet you at the lift entrance."
'A strange request' thought Krystal, why could the kit's mother not meet them at the rotunda. Something had seemed off about the kit since they'd arrived. Strangest of all, Krystal could not seem to get an emotional read on the clearly-distressed young vixen.
"Of course, Mr. Sharana, I'd be delighted to help"
"Please, call me Blizzard. I've a feeling we'll be working close together, I'd like it to be less formal."
Krystal gave him a polite smile and excused herself, taking Lexi by the hand to the elevator. As soon as the doors closed the kit started to cry.
"I want my mommy" she mumbled, tears streaking down her fur.
Maternal instinct swelling inside her, Krystal did her best to comfort the kit, crouching down and giving her a hug. Her efforts were rewarded as she soon felt the kit's arms wrapped around her body as well.
"Its ok Lexi, your mommy is waiting for you in the lobby, you'll see her as soon as we step off the elevator."
Still choked with sobs the tiny vixen softly spoke out "But…but, he said my mommy was in the hospital."
Confused, Krystal tried to reassure her. "No Lexi, your uncle said your mother is in the lobby."
"He's not my uncle!" Lexi shouted, before wailing into Krystal's fur "He took me away from my mommy."
Krystal's blood ran cold, instantly her hand moved to activate her wrist com, she had to warn Fox! Before she could utter a single word, the elevator doors opened, revealing a smirking teenage white fox flanked by two older canines glaring at her.
"GOTCHA!" the fox said, clearly enjoying Krystal's surprise "Thanks for bringing Lexi down. Now if you'd both please come with us, we can get this all sorted out." The husky took a step towards Krystal on the left and the schnauzer on her right, both using an arm to prevent the elevator door from closing.
Krystal shifted her eyes quickly from one thug to the next, looking for any way out. She mentally cursed herself for leaving her blaster on the Great Fox. Unlike the boys' suits, there was nowhere for her to discreetly hide one in a dress.
"And…if I refuse?" Krystal said, trying to stall for time, keeping an arm around Lexi.
"Ohhh, you could, you certainly could…" the vulpine responded playfully "But then, poor little Lexi's mom would go from a comfy hospital bed…straight to the morgue. We wouldn't want that to happen now, would we?" He said, the shit-eating grin never leaving his face.
"Now that we understand each other, here's what's going to happen. Cane here is going to carry little Lexi out to our car." He motioned to the husky. "You are going to follow directly behind them. Gustav and I will follow you both. Not a word out of either you, or I can't guarantee anyone's safety." He opened his jacket flashing her the handle of a blaster. "Now put a smile on that cute little face of yours, and don't let it drop!"
Despite her mind racing and telling her to run, Krystal complied and followed the husky to another waiting limousine. After they were all inside, Gustav roughly took her wristcom off and tossed it out the window.
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"… and then I shot Wolf down again for the third time in a row!"
The table erupted into laughter as Fox retold another one of his war stories. This one more humorous than gory. Through the mirth however, Falco was starting to get uneasy. It was Fox's job to manage the client, but it was his job to ensure their safety. Where was Krystal? She'd been gone for over 15 minutes. "I wonder where Krystal is?" Falco raised the issue "She should've have been back by now."
Before anyone could check their wristcom Blizzard jumped in to handwave their concerns. "My sister is quite talkative you see. She's probably gossiping with her about shoes, or celebrities … or perhaps yourself Mr. McCloud."
Fox blushed again, but Falco's suspicion only grew 'does he not want us to contact her?' he thought. In fact, this whole conversation seemed to be nothing but a big waste of time. Sure, their clients often liked to babble, but this guy seemed dead set on keeping them all occupied.
"Waiter" Blizzard raised his hand, flagging down a white hound in fancy apron "Please bring out dessert for our guests."
"Dessert?" Fox and Falco at the same time, confused.
"But, we haven't even had the food served yet." Slippy protested.
"Ah, forgive me" Blizzard raised his hands in surrender "I'm still a kit at heart. When I was young, my mother never let me have ANYTHING sweet. Now that I'm an adult, I can have whatever I please… I like to take advantage of that whenever I can."
Falco thought he saw something dark flash across the white fox's eyes, but in an instant, it was gone…the friendly façade again on display.
"Your dessert Sir" the hound said, laying silver platter on the table "La pièce de résistance" he continued taking off the large dome lid "Voilà…La bombe surprise" revealing a large and meticulously decorated cake. The members of Star Fox had seen wedding cakes that were less ostentatious than this one.
"Looks delicious" chimed in Slippy "What's in it?"
"Oh ho ho, but then there would be no 'surprise' monsieur" the hound replied with a laugh.
"I'll be right back gentlemen, please dig in, I need to use the restroom first." Blizzard said standing up.
"Before you go Mr. Sharana, may I ask you a question." the normally taciturn Falco spoke up.
"Of course, Mr. Lombardi." Blizzard replied, his external smile belaying his internal annoyance.
"You said you're hauling minerals from MacBeth to Corneria, could you please tell me the insurance code your company uses for the vessels?"
Blizzard's ears drooped "…insurance … code…?"
"Falco…!" Fox hissed, eager to not antagonize the client and have their gravy job fall through.
Ignoring his friend, the blue bird continued to press the issue, never breaking eye contact with the white fox.
"You see, I'm no businessman Mr. Sharana, but my old man flew company for 30 years before he retired. Every company that does business with Corneria is required by law to have one, and every employee is required by company regulations to memorize it."
Blizzard was silent, a bead of sweat slowly starting to form on his forehead, his smile slowly evaporating.
"And for that matter, Mr. Sharana, you wouldn't happen to know why this 'waiter' is wearing military-issue boots while all the others are wearing dress shoes." Falco gestured to the hound "Or why there appears to be a bulge under his apron on the left-side of his waist?"
The next few seconds were completely silent, save for the background sounds throughout the restaurant. The five males staring in awkward silence at one another.
"Of course I do, Mr. Lombardi" Blizzard spoke, finally breaking the silence, a smile returning to his face. "It's the very reason I chose this place… good service here." he said with a snap.
The hound discreetly reached for his blaster, but Falco was on him first, the apron preventing the canine from drawing it quick enough.
"Kill them!" Blizzard shouted as he sprinted away from the table towards the elevators "Kill them all!" Several patrons stood up and drew blasters of their own, their meals untouched, left cold on the table.
Falco fought with the hound for control of the blaster. The bird kicking out a knee, then slamming the canine's head into the cake on the table before both fell to the floor. Slippy's eyes grew wide at what he now saw on the silver platter, a frosting covered C4 block, a spaghetti of wires and a timer ticking away.
"Fox, snap out of it!" Falco shouted as he wrestled with the canine on the floor.
Overcoming his initial shock, Fox regained his senses, flipping the table over to give them some cover, before drawing his own blaster. "Slippy, disarm that bomb." he shouted as he started blasting away. "Falco, finish him!"
"On it!" Falco said as he headbutted the canine, momentarily stunning his opponent. Before the hound could recover, Falco whipped out a knife and drove it handle-deep into the dog's left eye. Grabbing the motionless hound's blaster, he joined Fox behind the table.
Several yards away from the action on the other side of the restaurant, Blizzard patiently waited at the elevator door, humming a jovial tune while all hell broke loose behind him. "A bit premature I suppose" he mumbled to himself "…but mission accomplished nonetheless." As the elevator rang and the doors opened, Blizzard was greeted by the sight of an elderly Doberman couple. Wasting no time, he drew his blaster on them.
"Out!" he shouted forcing the two frightened canines to join the bedlam on the rotunda. Before he stepped inside the lift he turned to face the couple, and several other patrons cowering on the floor, staring up at him in terror.
"Glory to Andross, Long Live Venom and Death to Corneria" he lazily shouted, firing a few potshots into the ceiling. His work now finished, he stepped inside the elevator, smiling as the doors closed.
On the other side of the rotunda, Fox and Falco were finishing up what was left of the thugs. They were outnumbered, but their opponents had clearly never set foot on a firing range in their life.
BANG "That's the last one" Falco said, as a bulldog dropped screaming to the floor, clutching his scorched chest. "Slippy, how are you doing over there?"
The toad had tried his best to tune out the noise around him and work, though that appeared to be a fool's errand. "I've separated the C4, but I can't stop the blasting cap from going off. What do we do Fox?"
"So, it's a hand grenade instead of a bunker buster now huh Slip." Fox said, quickly scanning for a solution. "Give it here"
Slippy tossed the baseball sized blob to Fox as if it were the world's hottest potato, before Fox threw it out the window on the empty balcony behind them.
"Everyone down!" Fox shouted, the patrons and staff quickly complying without a fuss. Three seconds later, the concussive blast from the explosion destroyed every window on the floor. Luckily, it wasn't enough to injure anyone left alive.
Fox and his team stood up breathing heavy, their once pristine suits now ruined and torn. Suddenly, a thought went off in Fox's mind, fast as lightning striking the ground.
"Krystal!" he shouted, "Where is she?" Fox tried to raise her on her wristcom, but to no avail.
Krystal was gone.
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Author's notes: I hope you guys find this chapter as entertaining as the first one. Again, now that we're into the main plot I've got my foot on the gas and it's not letting up until the big boom in the chapter 6 finale.
I think anyone who saw James Bond's Diamonds are Forever knew where that cake scene was going. Also, it seems Fox never saw Hellsing or he'd know to always say your client's organizational name backwards to check for shenanigans. Come on Star Fox…'Yugdab' Industries. The point I'm trying to make is that this fic is an over-the-top adventure and not to be taken too seriously. Hope to see you all for chapter 3.