Notes: This is going to be a long one. Expect a ton of exposition, a bit of fluff, and a few curveballs. I fully admit I hinted at not going in a particular route, but a couple of scenes really came out in a different direction than I was expecting. I'll see how things go, but I regret nothing. :P

That said, I have nothing left in reserve to post, so it may be a fir bit before the next chapter is released. However, that one will return to the action; they still have a planet to save, after all!

Chapter 29: Roaming Charges

I wasn't fully aware of the exact time I got up, other than the fact I was surrounded by warmth and comfort despite the slight yet deep-seated headache that usually happened when I had a mild hangover. Krystal and I had shifted a bit over the night; the azure-furred vixen's muzzle tucked into the crook of my neck. She was still sleeping peacefully; her soft breath and whiskers creating an almost imperceptible tickling sensation that was unfamiliar yet not unpleasant.

I glanced over to see that Fay was no longer in bed; she had gotten up before us. Despite the urge to just stay there and bask in the comfort and warmth my Cerinian lover offered, I would probably be better served by getting up and facing the day. I wasn't looking forward to what I needed to do, but we needed to know all we could about what was going on around us. Gently I extracted myself from the sleeping vixen; placing a soft kiss on the corner of her lips. She murmured softly but did not awaken as I got out of bed and stood up; a peaceful smile tugging at her muzzle. I was relieved; she deserved to sleep in.

I didn't see Fay in the living area, which gave me time to duck into the bathroom and make an attempt at getting ready. It didn't take long for me to do so. I wasn't feeling particularly hungry, so the first order of business was to locate the former Star Fox pilot. That also didn't take long, as I heard some shuffling coming from the 'upstairs' cockpit area. As I ascended the stairs I saw her sitting at the pilot's seat, fiddling with both the onboard computer system and the device on her wrist. Likewise she had changed back into her flightsuit.

"Morning!" Her voice was somewhat cheery. "How did you sleep?"

"Decently," I offered, settling into the copilot's chair. "How about you? No nightmares, I hope?"

Fay shook her head, turning her attention from the electronics to look at me. Her aqua eyes were devoid of the fear and sorrow I had seen last night, and the smile that tugged at her lips was a reassuring sign. "None," she answered. "Thank you for letting me spend the night like that. It really helped."

"You're welcome," I responded, rubbing some sleep out of my eyes. "I'm glad you're feeling better. I know you've been through some rough times recently."

I blinked in surprise as the spaniel reached out, taking my hand in hers. "You're not wrong," she admitted. "I didn't mean to dump all my strife on both of you, especially not with our current situation. I think there're still some things I haven't quite healed from."

I surprised myself by not letting go of her hand; instead balancing it in mine. Her touch felt similar to Krystal's; warm, soft, and strangely inviting. I shook that thought out of my head as soon as it entered; we had put a lot of that to bed yesterday. "It takes time," I responded. "That amount of time can be longer than we want, and sometimes longer than we think."

"She's a lucky vixen," Fay offered, nodding her head towards the stairs. "You're a lucky man, too. You love her, don't you?"

I blinked; somewhat blindsided by her question. It was surprisingly easy to answer, especially after years of telling my emotions to take a backseat. "Yeah," I affirmed. "This was very sudden, but I remember something I heard a long time ago. It went something like 'I believe at any time, any place, people can fall in love with each other. But, if you love someone, you have to be able to protect them'. " It was kind of a silly quote from an old game, yet despite my general misgivings towards matters of the heart over the years it had stuck with me.

"You've done a good job of that so far," Fay answered, letting go of my hand. "If you're with someone, you have to be able to look out for them, and trust in them looking out for you. I understand how… bonds can develop quickly if you entrust your life to someone. It's how Fox came to be with Miyu and I. He saved her life on a very difficult sortie; he saved mine shortly afterward. After-action briefings became less formal between us, and before we knew it Miyu approached both Fox and I with the idea of expanding our relationship to include him." Her gaze became wistful, glancing away after a moment.

Something told me that I needed to read between the lines a little bit; at the same time that was something I wasn't particularly skilled in. "You liked it," I inferred, "while it was good, I mean."

Fay's hesitant nod answered the question. "When I felt like I was loved by both Miyu and Fox, yes," she explained. "It was incredible; I felt safe, protected, and comforted amidst the chaos. Does that make sense?"

"In theory, yes?" I answered, arching an eyebrow at her. "I don't have any actual experience with that sort of thing, as we've talked about. I have to ask; are you becoming… fond of either Krystal or I, or perhaps both of us?" That was a difficult question to ask, but it felt like she had been gently nudging the topic in that direction.

"I… I'm not sure," the spaniel admitted, her ears flaring up in a deep blush. "Perhaps? I know we discussed our hesitancies towards these… types of relationships and I'm not too certain of my feelings right now. I'll confess that I am lonely; I thought I hid such things well but perhaps I can't hide it for much longer. I am also slightly fond of someone else, but I haven't spoken with them in a long time and I'm doubtful that they share the same feelings for me." She closed her eyes and glanced away, a soft sigh echoing into the still air.

I blinked and again surprised myself by reaching out, repeating her gesture by reaching for her hand. Fay's fingers tightened around mine as she turned back towards me; puzzlement on her features as our eyes met. "Fay," I began, "I know these things can be confusing, and loneliness is tough to deal with; I'm just not sure if I can really divide my affection like that. That's not something I've ever done before. Just understand that you've got my friendship, no matter what happens. I'm sure Krystal feels the same."

"That's what Krys told me," Fay answered with a soft yet sad smile; the use of her nickname wasn't lost on me. "We had a… similar conversation yesterday morning, while you were asleep." She must've caught my perplexed expression, which prompted her to explain. "Those nightmares aren't uncommon for me; I had them my first night here. They were bad enough to wake her; she checked in on me and, well… held me until I calmed down. Feeling someone's arms around me and telling me I wasn't alone was an immense weight off my shoulders; just like last night. I felt safe and protected again." Her glance darted away at that admission; her smile shifting into a bashful, almost nervous expression.

"I… didn't realize we've made that kind of impression on you," I likewise admitted. Granted, I didn't know Fay all that well; she was definitely competent in both engineering and military matters and saved Krys and I from making some likely fatal mistakes in the past couple of days, but the relief in her voice was both telling and unexpected.

"You saved my life without a second thought," she responded, her deep blue eyes gazing right into mine. "Your mate was dying from hypoxia, and yet your first instinct was to make sure I would survive that Zuvex overdose. That isn't insinuating that you chose me over Krystal; simply that you were determined to keep both of us alive. Not many would do that for a total stranger."

It was my time to take a deep breath and sigh; something that had been bothering me needed to be let out. "I've seen and caused enough death over the past several days," I vented, shutting my eyes as I did so. "I wasn't prepared for any of this. I mean, I know I didn't have much of a choice, but when I boarded that ship the first one I shot was a fox, sitting at the airlock door. That look in his eyes as the bullets hit him… I can't really get that out of my head."

I hadn't realized I was still holding Fay's hand until I felt a gentle squeeze. I opened my eyes just in time for her to lean forward and draw me into a tight embrace. "I… understand," she answered, her voice somber and serious. "It's a heavy burden to bear. I'm not going to lie to you and say it gets easier. The only solace I can provide is to tell you that nobody without blood on their hands joins the Crimson Scourge. They didn't treat me kindly, nor did they give much mercy towards others who fell into their hands." She pulled away with a pensive look on her features; I could see the pain behind her eyes.

"So," I surmised, "they deserved it." It was a hollow comfort, but the rational part of my mind tried to temper it with the fact that if I hadn't done what I did both Krys and Fay would likely not have survived.

The spaniel nodded at me, taking a deep breath. "The Crimson Scourge and the Remnant will not hesitate to harm or kill us to meet their goals," she continued. "There's too much at stake for us to fail. I know you are… foreign to this system and these situations, and there is much you don't know about Corneria, the Inner Systems, the Rim, and Venom. Would you be willing to let me fill you in on some of this?"

She didn't have to twist my arm. I nodded at her, affirming my willingness to hear her out. "Yeah," I agreed. "Having a rundown of what's going on would be beneficial."

Fay's lips tugged into a soft smile. "That will be our second lesson, then."

I blinked. "What's our first?"

The spaniel giggled as she took my hand once again. "Don't tell me you forgot that I was going to teach you how to fly this thing, right?" She accentuated her statement by tugging on my hand. "C'mon, take the controls. Once we're on route I'll give you a rundown of what's what in Lylat."

"You're on a good course," Fay's voice carried to my ear as I followed her pointing finger towards a readout I had just started to become familiar with. "Just keep watching the proximity sensor readout while we're in the debris field." As she spoke I adjusted the stick; my initial burst of nervousness at flying a spacecraft subsiding somewhat. I had played a fair few flight sims; coupled with my driving experience I was doing better than I thought I would.

"Just follow this vector the sensors are plotting, right?" I asked, nodding to the wireframe tunnel that was being projected on the shuttle's primary HUD. Fay had explained that the sensors would do most of the collision avoidance, as long as I stayed within the lines.

"You got it," the spaniel replied from her seat next to me. "We've got about an hour of travel time before we return to the Mines. So, I told you I'd give you some information on Lylat…" Fay launched into a history lesson; some I knew from the games but there were… nuances that weren't covered. Corneria having the most advanced military in the Lylat System, for example; acting as a protectorate for the other planets under its purview.

Corneria's planetary government was a vestigial constitutional monarchy; a popularly elected Prime Minister oversaw various ministries and departments while the official royal family had bowed out of governance a few hundred years ago and currently acted as figureheads and diplomats. The legislature was bicameral and similar to how things were run in the UK; a High Chamber consisted of appointed representatives from the planets of the Inner Systems, Cornerian noble families, industry associations, faiths, governmental ministries, and other important sectors. A Low Chamber consisted of representatives directly elected by the people and was responsible for actually drafting and voting on legislation to send to the High Chamber.

The Venom War occurred mostly like it had in the games, except for the fact that Star Fox was a larger unit and had been a 'tip of the spear' to strike against Venom. After the war and Andross' death, an olive branch was extended to the defeated planet in the form of representation in the Chambers and resources to clean up the planet's toxic atmosphere and oceans. While many Venomian citizens accepted the offer Andross' loyalists rejected it and opted to continue the fight, which coalesced into the Remnant. They moved into the Rim, where loyalist Freeports and criminal organizations mostly accepted their presence. Outside of Remnant-controlled areas the Rim was mostly a patchwork of independent Freeports and other installations; while the CDF allocated patrols to major trade lanes the area was largely lawless.

"Sauria is within the Rim Systems," Fay explained. "However, as it is home to a sapient population of insufficient technological advancement there are safeguards against interfering in its affairs except in extreme circumstances." She waved towards the debris I was piloting through and the large chunks of landmass in close orbit. "I believe this counts as 'extreme circumstances', wouldn't you agree?"

"I can't argue that," I replied as I observed the disaster zone that comprised a once-intact planet.

"It's why I signed up for the Academy," Fay's jovial tone flattened to a reserved and serious note. "I've been asked many times why someone of my background would willingly put themselves in harm's way. I answer them with the same question I'm going to ask you. Is there anything you are completely willing to sacrifice your life for, without a second thought?"

I spared a glance back to her; my confused gaze meeting aqua eyes that shone with a cold determination. "I'm not sure," I admitted. "I've already put myself in danger defending you and Krys. She's worth it, and so are you. I want to help Krys find her people and free them, if we can. I want to make sure Sauria isn't destroyed. If the Iprani are meddling with Earth, I want to stop them. Beyond that, I want to survive to see my family and friends again."

Fay nodded slowly, a glint of understanding and appraisal in her eyes. "Your goals are noble and pragmatic," she answered. "You recognize the threat that both the Crimson Scourge and the Remnant present, and wish to protect those you care about. I feel that way about Lylat. I've seen far too many lives destroyed to just sit in my family's manor and do nothing. That's what drove me to join the Academy, and to continue on as a contractor after I left Star Fox. I can't simply sit by while others suffer at the hands of those who would harm them for personal gain and the pursuit of power."

"I can understand that," I replied, my focus mostly on flying the shuttle. "I never really felt the call to join the military, but I wanted to make sure I could protect those I care about. There are those in my family who served; I learned what I could from them."

Fay nodded at me as she scanned a few readouts that I wasn't really familiar with. "You've taken those lessons seriously," she pointed out. "Hm, this is strange."

"What's that?" I asked.

"I've been monitoring drive trails and the sensor logs," Fay responded. "I wish I had a better sensor suite to work with, but I've noticed several faint trails going to and from a couple of the other separated planetary sections. They're either a few weeks old, or someone's using D to mask their movements."

"What's that?" I repeated, despite sounding like a broken record.

"Dispersers and Cancelers," the spaniel explained. "They're very expensive systems that alter the particle trails a ship's engines emit. It makes them harder to detect via sensor scans and harder still to determine what ship they are in. Around areas with even a moderate amount of starship traffic a D 'd ship is nearly impossible to detect. It's not perfect stealth and there's a significant performance hit when they're active but they're valuable to those who don't wish to be noticed."

"Do you think there's someone else here?" I asked.

"Hard to say," Fay admitted. "As far as I know there haven't been any reports of Sauria's breaking up and the drive trails appear to be older. It could be that someone on Sauria has access to a spacecraft or someone is engaging in some illicit trading with the natives."

I frowned at that. Considering the Sharpclaw presence at the Mines, Scales had to have a way to move material and personnel between the areas which now orbited Sauria. The only ways I could think of were either via something similar to the Warpstone or by using a spaceship. Those trails could very well be Sharpclaw-owned transports. "Or the Sharpclaw," I voiced. "Either way we should keep an eye out."

The former Star Fox pilot nodded. "We'll have to be careful," she cautioned. "While this vessel belonged to a pirate, it wasn't meant for combat. It was mainly used as a cargo and personal transport for someone who commanded a capship with a docking bay large enough to fit this shuttle. We've got enough firepower to make isolated fighters think twice about attacking, but we're an easy target for anything larger than that."

"So, avoid getting into a dogfight with this thing," I surmised, earning a strange look from Fay. "Err, that's what we call an aerial engagement on Earth. I believe a mass engagement is called a furball."

She chuckled at my explanation. "We call a singular engagement a tangle and a mass engagement a knot; just in case you're behind the controls and hear those terms over comms. However, I would recommend not engaging unless you absolutely have to."

"Copy that," I answered. "I doubt I'm anyone's first choice to pull those types of stunts anyway."

"Probably not," Fay admitted with a grin as she scanned the sensors. "However, you're getting the hang of piloting through a debris field, so I'd say you have some competency behind the controls. We have about an hour left before we reach our destination. Is there anything you wanted or needed to do before we landed?"

I did in fact have things to do. "I need to gather some things together and bang out a report detailing all this craziness before I make these calls," I explained. "That and perhaps I should wake Krys up and fix us something to eat."

"Not a bad idea," the spaniel answered. "I'll let you know when we're ready to line up the approach. I'll walk you through the landing procedures; I'll also see what I can find about these drive trails. However, there's one last thing."

"What's that?" I asked as I set the autopilot and extracted myself from the pilot's seat. I blinked as I saw Fay approach me, a mischievous grin gracing her features.

The spaniel's arms wrapped around me in a tight embrace. I could feel her hands rubbing up and down my back; the contours of her body were impossible to ignore as she pressed into mine. "I wouldn't be alive right now if it wasn't for you," she breathed; her aqua eyes gazing into mine. "I completely respect the fact you are mated, but I am going to properly thank you for saving my life and taking me in…" She leaned forward; I felt the electric sensation of her lips insistently pressing against mine for a brief yet hesitant moment.

As quickly as she embraced me she let go; a friendly yet sad look in her eyes as her smile faded slightly. "I hope both of you realize how lucky you are to have each other," she spoke softly, "and how lucky I feel that I have your friendship." She grinned and patted me on the shoulder as she motioned to the stairs. "I'll finish the approach while you get your tasks done, but don't think our flying lesson is done quite yet."

I took a deep breath as I descended the steps down to the living quarters. I hadn't expected Fay to cross that line; I wasn't sure what to think about it, either. I forced myself to focus as I left the bridge; there would be time to address it later.

The next couple of hours were a flurry of activity. While I composed the lengthy email and photo attachments that I was going to send, I woke Krystal up so she could start getting ready for the day. I kept the details of what transpired on the bridge to myself; I needed my head in the game and I figured the best course would be to have a private conversation with her afterwards. Thankfully Fay didn't bring up our dalliance when she called me up to finish the approach and stick the landing.

I glanced out the viewport next to the dining nook; even with Fay's tutelage I was amazed that I had actually landed the shuttle without incident. The cold, thin-aired environment of the Darkice Mines wasn't a welcoming sight, especially with what had happened here during our previous visit. Tearing my gaze from the snow-filled, inhospitable terrain, I glanced down to the two phones and my laptop sitting on the table. They were completely charged and ready to go; amazingly both of them were getting signal. That meant Krys and Fay didn't have to be put at risk by venturing outside.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by a hand encircling mine; I looked up to see Krystal's gentle smile as she settled into the booth beside me. She had taken the time to get ready; clad simply in a black T-shirt and bluejeans which I vaguely remember Fi had left at my house and I hadn't bothered to donate. "I can sense you are nervous, love," she pointed out. "Your cousin?"

I nodded at her. "Yeah," I admitted. "We don't particularly get along. He has a fairly… forceful personality; that carried over as we both grew up and became adults. He went into the government after his military service and has a very particular way of viewing the world; let's just say it's a bit different to mine."

Krystal's hand gave mine a gentle squeeze. "Perhaps you should call this Evelyn person first? It would give you a little extra time to consider what you'll say to your cousin."

I took a breath and shook my head. There were very good reasons to call Jacob first. "I'd like to, hon," I explained, "but we don't know who Evelyn is. Jacob has the ear of some influential people in my government; people who absolutely need to know about this. As much as I'm dreading this, I have to do it."

My Cerinian partner nodded at me; her emerald eyes gazing into mine. "I understand, che," she replied. "I will be right here if you need me." A soft smile tugged at her lips as she leaned in; a gentle kiss placed on my cheek.

I glanced back at her; the affectionate gesture putting my mind somewhat at ease. I returned her gentle smile before picking up my phone; Jacob's number was still in my contacts list. It was going to be somewhat late on the east coast, but that was the nature of the beast. I dialed his number and put it on speakerphone; it took a moment but the familiar tone of an outbound call carried over the speaker.

"Harrington here," Jacob's voice carried over the line; his mild Southern accent changing from neutral to perplexed in a split second "Wait… Adam? What the hell? I heard you died a week ago!"

"Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated," I replied with the old quote. "Talk with my mom; she can confirm that I talked with her a few days ago. However, something happened to me; you aren't going to believe this, but I've stumbled across what I think is a major threat to national security and you're the only person I know that could get this out to the proper channels."

"Christ," Jacob's voice carried over with more than a hint of annoyance. "You aren't one to play pranks, so I'll try to give you the benefit of the doubt. Lay it on me and I'll tell you if I smell bullshit."

I took a deep breath and launched into probably the most unbelievable explanation I could have dreamed up. "There was something under the foundation of my house," I started. "It was some kind of alien artifact that someone buried there in the early 1900s, before the house was built. The artifact shattered and acted as some kind of portal, sending my house to an alien planet. The only reason I'm able to talk to you is that we found some kind of anomalous area that seems to be linked to Earth. I know you want evidence, so give me the word and I'll send you an email with plenty of attachments." While I spoke I tethered my laptop to my phone; the signal wasn't the best but for the first time in a week I had Internet access. The email I had spent the past half hour drafting was ready to go.

The line remained silent for a few moments. "Let's assume for now you're not bullshitting me," he replied. "My mom sent me some pictures of your place, so I can tell something happened to it. Send me the email. However, if you are stranded on an alien planet that's not exactly a national security threat. What makes you think the nation is in danger?"

I switched over to the laptop and sent the draft I had saved. "Check your inbox. As far as a potential national security threat is concerned, that email contains evidence of other humans from an alien planet visiting Earth. They call themselves the Iprani. I think there's someone on Earth who's running guns to them."

Again, another few moments passed before Jacob's voice replied. I expected him to laugh; instead his voice carried a serious tone to it. "I skimmed your email and some of the pictures," he began. "I don't know what you've stepped in, but I've… heard rumors. The Vincent dude with the Florida license; he's your suspected gunrunner?"

"Yeah," I answered. "I found the license in the cargo hold of that Iprani ship I mentioned in the email, along with military training manuals and a few automatic rifles. A few of the pictures I sent you are ones he took on that ship, along with an alien slave."

"I saw that," Jacob shot back. "Are you sure that wasn't taken at a furry convention or something? That's a damn realistic costume, though." I tried to answer but Jacob cut me off. "Regardless, I'm pretty sure I've seen this guy before. It was at a Senate hearing last year; their investigation into human trafficking. That's right; he was hanging around Senator Martins and that author… Dr. Eve Harper, if I recall. The one who wrote those sci-fi books about aliens secretly enslaving people."

"You haven't called bullshit yet," I pointed out. "One of those pictures shows that alien slave holding one of those books. Are you saying you saw him with the author?"

"As strange as it sounds," Jacob responded, "yes, I'm pretty sure it's the same guy. I didn't talk to them, though. This isn't a secured line so I can't really talk much about it, but I've heard rumors about what you're describing. I'm going to have a very interesting conversation with the Secretary regarding this email, I'm sure. Look, I see you mentioned having made contact with a few of these aliens. Do you have evidence of this?"

"Check the email attachment," I replied, taking a deep breath. I tried not to let it out in a frustrated sigh; I had taken a couple of candid pictures of Fay and Krys. That was sure to get his attention. "I know this is a lot to unpack and process, but I swear I'm not feeding you a line of bullshit."

"I'm not saying you are, Adam," Jacob's voice shot back, cool and collected. "There's only so much I'm going to say on an unsecured line. I've heard rumors and have had to make some… interesting reports over the past several months. Let's just say that you should think back to the summer of '99 and… trust your instincts."

I paused for a moment. When I was in high school Jacob and I got along a lot better; that particular summer he was home on military leave and I was visiting my aunt and uncle. I brought my PlayStation and he had brought his Nintendo 64; we bonded a fair bit over Coke, Doritos, Metal Gear Solid and… Star Fox 64. "So," I tested, "what if I told you I saved a certain telepath from being stuck inside a giant jewel?" It was a relatively obscure reference to Krystal, who gave me a perplexed look.

"You realize I also played that one, right?" my cousin fired back. "Well, if you're playing hero it's only natural that you would rescue a distressed damsel. If you start hearing cheesy sax music, that's a cue that you've gained a foxy secret admirer… for better or worse. What happens after that is up to you."

"Well," I quipped. "That secret admirer might not be so secret at this point." I smiled softly at Krys; reaching out to take her hand in mine. "For the record, the soundtrack was more Deftones and less Kenny G."

"How romantic," my cousin replied sardonically. "Just don't be surprised if a couple of rivals for her affection come along; dodging lasers doesn't seem like a healthy pastime activity."

"Don't worry," Krystal's voice cut in, giggling. "I think my affections are quite well placed. We've kept each other alive and healthy so far." I got the distinct impression she was using her abilities to respond in English; an impression that was proved correct.

"I… rest my case," Jacob responded. "Just continue to do so. I've been thinking about that summer quite a bit over the past week. I know we've had our differences over the years, but take care of yourself and your new foxy… ladyfriend, if I'm interpreting these photos correctly. I don't want to hear that you've bought the farm doing something stupid."

"If Uncle Sam takes this seriously," I offered, "I'll stop griping about how much of my paycheck goes to the IRS."

"You should know by now that the government doesn't run on wishes and unicorn farts," Jacob retorted. "I'll make sure your contribution to society is used wisely. I should thank you for making tomorrow a far more… interesting start to the workweek, but I'll stow my gripes if you stow yours. Deal?"

"Deal," I replied. "I know we don't see eye to eye on a lot of things, but I hope I've convinced you I'm not playing an elaborate prank."

"Those photos are convincing," Jacob admitted. "Either your friends blew their life savings and went into astronomical debt for furry costumes, or you're about to give some poor bastard at the CIA severe migraines for the next six months."

"Hopefully you're also not going to have six months of migraines," I quipped back. "Seriously, I owe you one. If I get back I'll put a bottle of nicely aged Macallan in your hands."

"Not if, but when," Jacob admonished. "Despite our differences, you've got a good head on your shoulders. Stay as safe as you can. That goes for you as well, Miss K."

"I promise I'll keep us safe," Krystal answered. "I hope to be there when my... companion gives you that gift. Again, thank you for listening to our story." She turned to me; a soft smile tugging at her lips as she laced her fingers with mine.

"I'll hold you to that," Jacob replied. "I'm going to have a very interesting workweek ahead, so I'm going to end things here. Goodbye and good luck." With that the call ended with the distinctive series of beeps that signaled such an event.

"That's one call down," I sighed, turning towards her. "Do you mind staying here for the next one, hon?" I wasn't the kind of guy who was that much in touch with his gut instincts, but I was beginning to listen to it. Something told me that while I had gotten the ball rolling with the government via my phone call with Jacob, the upcoming call with this Evelyn person was going to either answer or create a lot of questions.

"Without a single complaint, my love," Krystal's soft voice responded as she leaned in to kiss me; her lips soft and electric against my own. "Your cousin seems to have taken your story well, so perhaps we will have another productive conversation?"

"Let's hope, hon," I answered as I picked Vincent's phone up and typed in the passcode. "I guess we'll find out in a moment." I selected Evelyn's contact and dialed it; turning the speakerphone option on as I set it back on the table.

The ringing started and almost immediately was replaced by the mature yet startled tone of a woman's voice. "What a pleasant surprise!" she exclaimed. "Were you bringing anything to my grandson's birthday party?" I was pretty sure that was some sort of challenge question; one I hoped I had the right answer to.

"I was thinking about buying him a rocking horse," I replied. "Would that work for you?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line. When she spoke, her tone of voice was tight and serious. "You have my attention. To whom am I speaking?"

"My name is Adam Strayton," I began. "I figure you probably weren't expecting a call from Vincent as I found this phone very… far from home, so to speak. I'm sure you have as many questions as I do."

"This is a secure line," the woman responded. "The phone you are using is encrypted. I want a truthful answer to my question; where did you find this phone?"

I took a deep breath. "In the secure cargo bay of an Iprani freighter which had been mostly destroyed," I answered. "Everyone I saw aboard that ship is dead, though I have reason to believe that Vincent and a… friend of his escaped."

"You still have my attention, Mr. Strayton," she affirmed, a subtle edge creeping into her voice. "That still does not tell me how you were able to contact me with this degree of long distance."

"That's a story I'm not sure how to begin to explain," I admitted. "Along with that, I'm somewhat concerned that this Vincent fellow is engaged in criminal activity."

"What makes you think he is a criminal?" Evelyn asked. "Have you found any evidence to support that?"

I scowled at the phone as I reached for Krystal's hand; her fingers lacing with mine as she cast a concerned glance in my direction. Evelyn was being quite taciturn; she definitely knew more than she was letting on. "I dunno," I quipped, "would finding multiple automatic rifles with US government property marks, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and enough cash to buy a modest home in the suburbs work? I mean, I found his wallet and this phone along with the hardware; it looks like he's running guns to some very hostile people."

"Possessing tools doesn't necessarily mean he is selling them to bad people," Evelyn's voice responded. "There could be other reasons for bringing along such cargo, don't you think?"

"What I really think is that," I noted as I suppressed a sigh, "we're at an impasse. I'm not sure either of us can prove our intentions to the other without some level of trust. To be frank I think you're running support for an arms dealer who is selling weapons to some very nasty people and you probably think I have more involvement in all this than I'm letting on."

"Perhaps so," the woman responded. "Do you have evidence to support those claims?"

"What evidence do you require?" Krystal piped in, flashing me a sidelong smile. "I assume you are aware of the nature of your friend's… companion, Alana, am I correct?"

"Yes," Evelyn answered. "I am aware of Alana's… nature. With whom am I speaking?"

"I am Krystal of Clan Sallas," she introduced herself. "From Temeris, Galan Prefecture, of Cerinia. I was also stranded here; we have been helping each other."

"A Cerinian, you said?" Evelyn's voice betrayed her surprise. "Perhaps you can prove that claim. Tell me, have you ever been to the capital city of Cerinia?"

Krystal gave me a perplexed look, yet she answered immediately. "Y… yes, I have been to Geinolt," she answered. Her next inquiry was mentally directed towards me. 'Would anyone know of that from those entertainment programs, my che?' I shook my head.

"I've heard it's a lovely place," Evelyn remarked, her continued surprise apparent even over the slightly garbled connection. "However, I'm not completely convinced. I believe a short Facetime call would suffice as proof."

"I'm okay with it as long as she is," I replied.

Krystal glanced to me; her confusion apparent to me via the mental bond we shared. 'She wants to switch from our audio call to a video feed,' I thought to her. 'I figure she wants to see if you're the real deal.'

The vixen nodded, reaching out to grasp my hand before returning her attention to the phone. "I am willing to do this," she affirmed.

"I'll establish the connection," Evelyn responded. A moment later the call request notification popped up on the screen; I pressed it to reveal an older, distinguished woman sitting in a very cozy office. The walls were rich wood paneling and the bookshelves which flanked her were full of a mixture of publication reference manuals, physics and astronomy textbooks, and the entire United Frontiers book series. Evelyn looked like she was in her 50s; her dark hair already streaked with gray and her hazel eyes staring at us through a stylish pair of glasses. It was then I noticed the placard sitting on her desk.

"Dr. Evelyn Harper, I presume?" I asked. It was a pretty safe bet she was the author of that book series, especially after Jacob's comment about seeing her around Vincent.

"Good guess, Mr. Strayton," the author replied. "And you must be Krystal. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

"We are as well," Krystal greeted. "However, I must ask how you came across your knowledge of Cerinian cities? Not many outside Cerinia know of these aspects of our society."

"That is a good question," Evelyn replied, gesturing to us. "I must say, you look so much like that young woman in that game; the one with the foxes?"

Krystal scowled at the older woman; her attempt at throwing us off with that tidbit of information met with a mixture of annoyance and frustration that was almost palpable. "I am aware of this," she countered. "We discussed this not long after we met. I am also aware that these… games do not discuss topics such as my home's capital city. I am curious as to how you came across this knowledge."

"I believe that is common knowledge, so I do not understand your confusion…" Evelyn replied; at this point I had enough of the boilerplate.

"I'm going to get down to brass tacks," I interrupted. "If you want our cooperation, you're going to have to be more forthcoming. We're dealing with several different groups of hostiles; a local warlord who wants to dominate the planet we're stranded on, a group of pirates who have kidnapped a large number of Cerinians to sell to the Iprani, and remnants of a hostile military power who attacked the Iprani for those Cerinian captives. Krystal was among those captives, and I'm not going to do anything that risks her freedom. Right now, I'm inclined to believe that your gunrunner friend is friendly with the Iprani. Unless you're willing to prove to us that he isn't, I'm not going to be very willing to pull his fat out of the fire. Considering the content you write, you of all people should know where I come from."

Evelyn paused for a few moments; surprise etched in her expression. She nodded at us, looking like she had made an appraisal of us over the video connection. "You make some fair points," she relented. "Vincent and I are running errands for your uncle; the one your cousin works for? We're expecting him and his friend back soon."

Krystal glanced at me; a confused expression on her vulpine features. 'I'm unsure what she is trying to explain,' her voice carried over to my mind. 'She works for family members of yours who know of Cerinia and the Iprani?'

I glanced back at her, resisting the urge to shake my head. I didn't want Evelyn to catch any hints of our telepathic conversation. 'I think she's trying to get us to read in between the lines,' I thought back. 'My nation's government is famously represented by a character called Uncle Sam. She managed to find out about Jacob in just a few minutes; I'm starting to believe she probably works for the CIA or NSA.' I peppered my thoughts with plenty of mental images and context.

'You're still hesitant to trust her,' Krystal thought back as she squeezed my hand from underneath the table.

'My government isn't always trustworthy,' I admitted. 'It really depends on who we're dealing with; there are some people like my cousin who entered public service out of a genuine desire to help people and give back to their country. There are others who do so for far more self-serving needs. Until we find out how genuine Evelyn and Vincent are, we should be cautious.'

'I think I understand, love,' Krystal's response flowed into my mind. 'Our best chance to understand their sincerity is to be open about what we are fighting for. If we encounter this Vincent person, I think we will find out their intentions quickly, for better or worse.'

I was grateful that the telepathic exchange between us was very quick; our mental conversation was over in the timeframe of a not quite awkward pause. "If that is the case," I replied, "I'd like to know how well those who gave you this information are being treated." It was a pointed question, but Evelyn's comment seemed to insinuate that there in fact were Lylatians or Cerinians on Earth. I wasn't expecting a truthful answer, but my question should give her an idea of my own intentions.

"They're doing well," Evelyn replied, her tone of voice dead serious. "I would not be running these errands if your uncle wasn't giving your girlfriend's cousins the respect and hospitality they deserve."

I blinked; again, was it really that obvious? I opened my mouth to respond, but Krystal beat me to the punch. "I am glad to hear that he is treating those in his care with dignity and respect," she acknowledged. "However, what gives you the impression that I am… involved with Adam?"

"Your body language, for one," Evelyn pointed out. "You are practically clinging onto each other. If you are expecting me to pass judgment, I think you make a good pair." The author flashed a quick smile as she turned her head, exposing a set of faint scars on her neck. Those scars just about matched the still-healing marks on my own neck; a product of my Cerinian partner's teeth.

"I guess the cat's out of the bag," I commented, arching an eyebrow at her. "So, what now?"

"Simple, Mr. Strayton," Evelyn replied, peering at us over her designer eyewear. "When you catch up with Vincent, tell him that if he is running late he can take his time and take his new friends fishing. Does that work for you?"

"I think so," I offered, trying not to look puzzled. Again, that had to be some kind of pre-arranged code. "Is there anything else I can pass along?"

"Tell him to give me a call when he can," Evelyn replied. "Now, if you'll excuse me I have to start preparing the cake; Francis just loves my buttercream frosting. I'm sure he'll love his new rocking horse. See you at the party!" With that the call ended, leaving Krystal and I looking at a blank screen.

"I'm glad that's over," I breathed a sigh of relief, settling back in the booth. I snuck a quick glance at the phone's display; by my reckoning I had only been up for three or four hours and I was already feeling drained.

"You did well che," Krystal beamed, moving in to wrap her arms around me. Her muzzle found purchase against my shoulder as I brought her closer, a contented sigh of her own carrying to the still air. "You do not feel settled. Is there something wrong?"

In fact, there was something eating at me. I didn't want to cause strife; at the same time I wasn't going to hold any secrets with the vixen I loved. "Something… happened while you were asleep," I confessed in a low voice. "When she was teaching me how to fly this thing, Fay kissed me. She said it was to thank me for saving her life and she didn't want to come between us, but I think there's something… more to it." I steeled myself for the fallout.

Krystal pulled away; her emerald eyes gazing into mine. Surprisingly, they were devoid of anger, pain, or betrayal; her expression was soft and understanding. "I know, my love," she responded. "I sensed it from her when she came down to get you before we landed. To be clear, I am not upset, hurt, or jealous. I can tell you are trying to be understanding of her feelings while being faithful to me." She leaned forward; nuzzling against my cheek.

"I know she's had a rough time," I expressed, leaning into her. "I'm not going to let anything come between us, but I also don't want to hurt her. Even someone like me can tell she's been through the wringer, and I don't want her to feel like we're using her."

"Fay is… conflicted," the vixen's voice whispered into my ear. "I sense that she has attraction for both of us; she is afraid we will react poorly if we were to find out."

"We discussed that somewhat," I mentioned, casting my gaze to the window and the beautiful, snow-covered and deceptively deadly scenery outside. It was a stark reminder of what we had narrowly avoided, and as such I held her a little more tightly. "I told her I wasn't sure I could divide my attentions between you and her."

"I can understand your reasoning," she replied, tightening her embrace along with me. "However, I also sense you have severe reservations about Fay's feelings for us growing deeper. You feel the best option is to… redirect them towards someone else she may have affection for. The fact I could sense her feelings was disorienting, but I could tell she wasn't comfortable with my decision.

"You're not sure that's a good idea," I voiced.

Krystal shook her head. "I don't believe it is," she replied. "I believe that if you keep pushing her away, you will wind up hurting her anyway. Sheneedsus right now, love."

"Even if her feelings for us are deeper than just friendship?" I asked.

"Does that truly make a difference?" Krystal asked; her voice soft and patient. "On the surface she is confident, focused… driven. Inside, however? I have seen her. She has been mostly isolated for the past four years. Between that, her past hurts and what those pirates have done to her, she is not doing well. She needs time and space to heal; time and space that we could provide her, love."

I remained silent for a moment; thoughts sparring and conflicting. "I also understand where you're coming from," I began, my embrace refusing to falter despite our difference of opinion. "Yet, if you're saying we should… include her, I fear that there will be a repeat of what happened between her, Miyu, and Fox. I don't know if I'm genuinely capable of sharing, or being shared. I care about Fay, but I love you, Krys. It's so damn hard for me to say that to anyone; the idea of expressing those feelings to someone else is completely foreign to me, hon."

Krystal nuzzled against my neck; causing a pleasant shiver to run down my spine as I felt the tickle of her whiskers and the warmth of her breath. "You feel that you couldn't develop the same feelings for Fay in the event that I wish to claim her as my silche;" she stated, "that you fear your love for me would create the same situation that hurt her before."

"That's correct," I answered. "I'm not stupid, hon. Where I come from, while some people can make this kind of thing work many can't. You have experience with juggling the emotional and physical needs of multiple partners; I figure Fay does as well. I don't; it's not something that's more… tolerated than accepted where I'm from."

She pulled away from me; those brilliant emerald eyes gazing into mine as a thoughtful expression crossed her muzzle. "Somewhat, love," she mused. "My continued relationship with Narine and Jalner's with Corian was accepted amongst our families and Clans, though the Temple wasn't happy with those who shared bonds with their silche after taking a kelche. It was still forbidden to… share, even though it happened on occasion." A blush lit up the insides of her ears as she flashed me a bashful smile. "Are you willing to follow my lead on this, che?"

"What do you mean?" I asked. "Like I told you, I'm unsure…"

"I will only ask you to let yourself be open to the idea," the vixen's voice near-whispered, her soft smile not fading. "The only way anything progresses is if we all genuinely want it to. There will be no expectations or obligations; if anything happens let it happen naturally."

I started to respond only to be silenced by my Cerinian lover's lips pressing against mine with an insistence that put Fay's to shame. Her tongue met mine hungrily; a purr rising from her throat meeting a surprised moan from mine. She pressed as closely as she could to me in the cramped booth; it was only then that I could hear footsteps coming down the stairs.

"I'm done with some engine optimizations and a few other tweaks," Fay's voice drifted into the living area. "How did your calls go? I figure we could get some…" the spaniel's voice trailed off as Krystal broke our kiss. Fay's aqua eyes locked with mine; her ears reddening in embarrassment along with my burning cheeks.

"They went well, Fay," the vixen turned to her with a soft smile on her lips before standing to greet her, curling her fingers in a quick, discreet motion towards me to follow suit. "Yes, I believe a late breakfast would be a good idea. However, could we have a quick talk beforehand?" I stood up as Krystal approached Fay, stopping within arm's reach of the petite Cornerian.

Fay's expression switched from embarrassment to nervousness in a beat; probably not helped by my bashful expression as I stood a polite distance away. "Is this about what happened on the bridge?" she asked; her voice tight and almost strained.

"It is," Krystal replied, reaching out to place her hand on Fay's arm. The spaniel flinched, but blinked in surprise as the vixen's expression and tone of voice remained soft. "You kissed Adam earlier."

"I'm… I'm sorry," Fay stammered; her nervousness turning to almost outright panic. "I just wanted to express…" It was my turn to blink as Krystal's other hand gently brushed against Fay's cheek, cutting her off. I could tell her wide eyes were transfixed on my partner's.

"Fay," Krystal's voice softened. "It's okay. I am not upset at either of you. I sense your attraction, and I can understand it. However, I also sense there is something you're hiding?"

"W… what do you mean?" Fay asked, her voice shaking as her ears flushed brightly.

"My mate is not the only one you're attracted to," Krystal replied as her arm wrapped around Fay, bringing her closer as the spaniel's bewildered expression met the vixen's sly grin. My eyes widened as Krystal's lips met Fay's; a muffled moan of surprise carrying from the latter as the former pulled her closer.

I stood there speechless as their kiss deepened; mind racing with a myriad of thoughts. There were was an undercurrent of jealousy and discomfort, sure; yet, as Fay's eyes closed and her body melted into the vixen's embrace I noticed that her tail was slowly swaying. So was Krystal's. I could sense my partner's comfort and contentment as she continued the kiss. 'Do not be alarmed, love,' her voice flowed into my mind as I took a shaky breath. 'follow my lead.'

After a moment Krystal pulled away, Fay's soft smile mirroring her own as they gazed into each others' eyes; short of breath and tails gently wagging. My partner turned her head towards me; a sultry gleam in her eyes and a soft smile on her lips. "Get over here," she purred, tilting her head towards Fay.

I took a couple of hesitant steps closer to them; almost yelping in surprise when Krystal's arm wrapped around my waist and brought me into their embrace. I was met with my partner's gentle expression and Fay's nervous one. Still; I felt the spaniel's arm around my back as I was not so subtly enticed into holding onto both of them. I was close enough that I could feel their warm pulses of breath on my face; our lips and noses nearly brushing. "Uhm, hi," I quipped; I could tell my smile was about as nervous as Fay's.

Krystal pressed her lips to mine for a brief moment before giving Fay a similar peck. "Do you two feel comfortable enough to make a… proper introduction?" she asked; a tone of good-natured amusement in her voice.

The spaniel turned to me; her aqua eyes gazing into mine. "I… think so," she managed, taking a deep breath. "Do you… want to?"

I held back for a split instant before nodding to her. My eyes closed in time with hers, the spaniel's lips falling onto mine a second time; nervously, yet insistent. A soft moan of contentment rose from her throat; I tilted my head in response to give her a better angle. Her lips parted in response; her tongue gently and hesitantly seeking mine as we started to find our rhythm.

Our lips hesitantly pulled away after a few moments; Fay's gorgeous aqua eyes gazing into mine as we regarded each other in a different light. A gentle smile tugged at her lips, which I matched.

"How do you feel, dear?" Krystal asked as she tucked her head against Fay's shoulder.

"Disbelief," the spaniel admitted; her blush showing through both her fur and her floppy ears. "I… wasn't expecting this."

"Neither was I," I admitted, following Krystal's lead and nuzzling against Fay's cheek. "Both of you are incredibly sweet and absolutely gorgeous, but I have to say I haven't really done anything like this before. I'm going to need some time to figure this out."

"I know," Fay replied, nuzzling against me in return. "I don't want to force myself into your relationship. I just… appreciate your attention and affection. I'm not ready for much more than this, not after… what happened. Is that okay?"

"Absolutely, hon," I replied, bringing her more tightly into our embrace. I felt Krystal's body shift, her lips placing a soft kiss on the corner of my lips.

"I'm glad we were able to… break the ice with our guest," my partner's voice gently quipped. "You two look cute together, by the way." She returned the same gesture; placing a soft kiss on the corner of Fay's lips just as she had mine. "Now, I believe you were going to ask us if we wanted to start a late breakfast?"

Blushing, Fay nodded at us. "Before our… interruption, that was my intent."

Despite things winding down we found it a little difficult to let go of each other; sill, I was finally starting to get hungry. "I second this. Why don't we discuss our next moves over some food?" With that, we reluctantly disentangled; Krystal's hand falling upon mine as we made our way to the kitchen. I couldn't help but be in a bit of a daze; this day had already thrown a few curveballs in my direction…