Chapter 10: Ambush in Space

The vastness of space stretched out in every direction, an endless expanse of stars and darkness. Samus's ship cut through the void, its engines humming softly as it moved at high speed. Inside, the cockpit was quiet, save for the rhythmic beeping of instruments and the occasional hiss of machinery.

Krystal sat in the passenger seat, her wrists still restrained, but her demeanor was calm. This wasn't like any other bounty Samus had encountered before. Most would be restless, begging or trying to negotiate their way out of captivity. But Krystal? She just sat there, her eyes steady, as if she had nothing to fear.

Samus glanced over, setting the auto-pilot. "We're near the rendezvous point," she said, her voice cool and matter-of-fact. "Hungry?"

Krystal's stomach growled softly, and she nodded. "A little."

Samus opened a compartment and pulled out a container of something that resembled food, handing it over. Krystal took a bite, immediately trying to mask her distaste. It was bland, with a strange, synthetic texture that made it hard to swallow.

Samus noticed the look on Krystal's face and smirked. "Yeah, I know. I've never really found the time to learn how to cook."

Krystal managed to force down another bite, her lips curling into a small smile. "Now might be a good time to learn," she said, her tone light despite the circumstances.

Samus shrugged, leaning back in her seat. "I'm better at tracking than cooking. Can't be good at everything."

There was a brief silence, the two of them just sitting there in the stillness of space. Finally, Krystal broke it. "I'm surprised you haven't asked why there's a bounty on me."

"It's not my job to know," Samus replied, her eyes fixed on the control panel. "I'm just here to deliver you and get paid."

Krystal's expression softened, a hint of disappointment crossing her face. "I don't know why either," she admitted. "I was hoping you might."

Samus glanced at her, studying her for a moment before turning her attention back to the instruments. "I don't ask questions. The job is the job."

Krystal sighed, her curiosity still lingering. "Do you at least know who put the bounty on me?"

Samus's fingers tapped lightly on the control panel. "No. I was told to bring you to the rendezvous point for the transfer and payment. That's all."

Before Krystal could ask another question, a loud, insistent beeping filled the cockpit. The ship's proximity alarm flashed red, and Samus's eyes narrowed as she quickly took control, the auto-pilot disengaging. "We've got company," she muttered, checking the radar. "Four ships, small, single-man flyers, headed straight for us."

Krystal's calm demeanor faded, replaced with a flicker of concern. "Is that… normal?"

"No," Samus said, her tone sharp. "They're too small. This isn't right."

Krystal glanced toward the viewscreen, her brow furrowing as if deep in thought. "They're not here to negotiate," she said quietly, her voice carrying a strange certainty.

Samus shot her a quick, skeptical look. "Guessing won't get you out of those restraints," she replied coolly, not giving the warning much credence. But a subtle flicker of tension crossed her face, betraying her doubt.

Samus activated the communicator, her voice steady. "Unidentified ships, this is Samus Aran. Identify yourselves."

The reply came almost instantly, the voice on the other end dripping with malice. "Well, well, if it isn't Samus. We've been paid quite handsomely to destroy any ship carrying Krystal. But knowing it's you, we'll take a little extra pleasure in the job."

The screen flickered, revealing the snarling face of Wolf O'Donnell. "This is Star Wolf, and you're about to be space dust."

Samus's jaw tightened. "Star Wolf…" she muttered under her breath, her hands gripping the controls. "This is bad."

The four fighters darted around Samus's ship, forming a loose circle. A taunting voice crackled over the comms again, this time from Leon. "What's the matter, Samus? Running scared? Not so tough when you're outnumbered, are you?"

"Let's see if the famous bounty hunter can dodge this!" Pigma's voice cut through, filled with sadistic glee as he fired off a series of shots. Lasers streaked toward Samus's ship, forcing her to twist and dive to avoid them.

"Nice try," Samus muttered, spinning the ship to avoid a close hit. But the Star Wolf team was relentless, and every time she dodged, they moved in closer, tightening the circle.

Panther's smooth, mocking tone joined in. "We don't need Krystal to be alive to get paid. Why don't you just hand her over and make this easy on yourself, darling? No need for unnecessary fireworks."

Samus's eyes narrowed. "You'll have to pry her out of my cold, dead hands."

"Well, that's the plan," Wolf said, chuckling darkly. "Let's play a little longer before we finish you off."

The battle intensified, lasers and energy blasts crisscrossing the darkness as Samus's ship weaved and twisted. Krystal's eyes darted between the screens, seeing how tightly the Star Wolf ships were pressing them. She turned to Samus. "Let me help. My life is at risk too."

Samus hesitated, but the ship shook under the impact of another hit, alarms blaring. She slammed a button on the console, releasing Krystal's restraints. "Fine. I fly, you shoot."

Krystal immediately slid over to the weapons panel, her hands moving quickly across the controls. She fired back, managing to land a few hits on the Star Wolf ships. Wolf's ship jerked slightly, his shields flickering.

"Looks like she's got some bite," Leon said, amused. "But not enough."

Pigma swooped in from behind, firing a barrage that forced Samus's ship to barrel roll to avoid it. "Stop squirming and hold still, will ya?"

"We're not going down that easy!" Samus growled, pulling a sharp turn that sent the ship spiraling out of their sights for a brief moment. Krystal managed to land another hit on Panther's wing, but it wasn't enough to drive them off.

Wolf's voice came through, mocking. "You're just prolonging the inevitable, Samus. We've got you surrounded. Sooner or later, you'll slip up."

Samus gritted her teeth, maneuvering as quickly as she could. "Not if I can help it."

Suddenly, Leon's ship broke formation, circling around to their blind spot. "Think you can slip away, Aran? This one's for keeps."

Samus's eyes widened as she saw the bomb drop, a small, flashing object hurtling toward them. "Bomb!" she shouted.

The explosion rocked the ship, a blinding flash lighting up the cockpit. The engines sputtered, and alarms blared, warning of imminent failure. Samus fought with the controls, trying to stabilize the ship, but it was no use. They were dead in space.

Krystal's heart raced. "Can you get the engines back online?"

"I'm trying," Samus growled, her fingers flying over the console. "But we're sitting ducks right now."

The Star Wolf ships closed in, their weapons charging, ready to finish the job. "End of the line, Samus," Wolf said, savoring the moment. "Hope you enjoyed the chase."

But then, a sudden blast of light cut through the darkness, scattering the Star Wolf ships.

A massive shadow loomed over them, and Samus's eyes widened in surprise as she saw it. The Great Fox, its cannons blazing, had entered the fray. Star Wolf's ships scrambled, trying to evade the powerful blasts, but they were no match.

"Star Wolf, back off," a familiar voice crackled over the communicator, filled with authority and confidence. "Or you'll answer to me."

The Star Wolf ships hesitated, and Wolf's voice snarled one last time. "This isn't over, Aran. We'll see you again. And next time, you won't have your friends to bail you out." With that, the ships pulled back, retreating toward the distant planet of Venom.

Samus slumped back in her seat, a wave of relief washing over her. She activated the communicator, and Fox McCloud's face appeared on the screen, his expression smug.

"Samus, I knew you'd find a way to get into trouble," Fox said, his voice playful. "Good thing I was around to save your skin."

Samus rolled her eyes, giving a faint, sarcastic huff. "I didn't need the save, Fox. Don't say it."

Fox grinned, leaning back in his chair. "You know you'd miss me if I wasn't around to pull you out of these. And it's my obligation as a friend to remind you… you owe me one."

Samus couldn't help but laugh, the tension easing just a bit. "Fine. I owe you one. Just don't let it get to your head."

"I'm already insufferable, remember?" Fox shot back, his tone light. "And by the way, I can see your engines are fried. We'll tow you in. Next time, try not to get so banged up before you call for help."

Samus smirked, shaking her head. "You're insufferable, alright."

As The Great Fox maneuvered into position, locking onto Samus's ship, Krystal sat back, finally letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The battle was over, but her questions remained unanswered.

"Star Wolf, mercenaries," Samus said, her tone serious. "They've got no honor, but they're dangerous… and they were paid to kill us."

Krystal's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. "And they're paid to kill us. Why?"

Samus looked at her, still puzzled herself. "I don't know. But we're going to find out."

As the Great Fox guided Samus's ship toward its hangar, the engines powered down, and Samus's face hardened with determination. Whatever was happening, it was only the beginning. And she wasn't about to let Star Wolf—or anyone else—get in her way.