Time for an experiment in chapter length. I hope to finish this.


Chapter I

"And that's the story," said Fox. "It sure was an adventure, general."

The holographic image of General Pepper, projected by the Great Fox's bridge holodeck, chuckled. "Indeed, McCloud, indeed." His expression grew grave. "But to think that Andross was ultimately responsible. That he could come back! When I gave you this assignment I never thought it would turn into finishing that mad ape for good. And what happened to the Cerinians..."

"He's dead, sir," said Fox, stone faced. "I made sure of it."

"I don't doubt it," said the general. "But planetary genocide..." the old hound shuddered. "When I was in officer school such a thing was considered science fiction, a projected worst-case scenario if Cornerian weaponry grew beyond the moral fiber of the military brass and political leadership. Of course that mad ape would do it. The most gifted weapon's scientist in a generation and he grew a god complex." He sighed. "Thank goodness it's over." The general straightened his cap and cleared his throat. "You said you had a Cerinian survivor aboard your ship, yes?"

"Yes," said Fox, his demeanor easing up at the mention of that certain vixen, Krystal. "She's with us. Krystal has nowhere to go, and I couldn't just let her go off with no help."

"Of course. I cannot imagine her situation," said Pepper. "Anyway, I'm forwarding the credits for this mission to you. You earned them. I'm also including a bonus for finishing off Andross yet again. You've done Lylat a vital service, Fox. You saved the dinosaurs of Sauria, and Lylat at large."

Fox ginned ear to ear. It was all in a day's work, and the work and thanks could be its own reward, but more money meant less problems. Finally, he thought, I can start to dig this team out of its financial hole.

"Well, I have some housekeeping to get to," said Fox. "See you soon, general. I'll drop by HQ when I get there and bring Krystal along like you asked if she's okay with it."

"Yes," said Pepper. "See you soon, Fox. Pepper out." The hologram winked out of existence.

Fox sighed contentedly. Another day, another dollar, and what a sweet dollar it was. With a hefty paycheck, he could focus on the boring but important bits of running a mercenary team. Chiefly, upgrades, gear, and maintenance. Finally, they could start looking into those new Arwing R2 models being developed by Space Dynamics, outfit the Arwings with bombs again, and even improve their personal weapons stockpile. Repairs for the Great Fox were finally on the menu again too. Thank goodness for it. The old girl couldn't take much more punishment.

His thoughts turned to Krystal. The blue vixen kept coming into his thoughts often, in fact. After thanking him on the bridge-and ROB's blasted comment about the heat on his cheeks-she was about to leave again before Fox asked her about her situation. She told as much of her story as she was willing to tell, and it was heartbreaking to say the least. She'd been alone for two months since the death of her planet, with limited supplies. "It was the silence that got to me first," she'd said, a faraway look in her eye. He knew that look. It made him ache to see it on her. She was too young for it. It reminded him of seeing that look on his face around her age.

A thought occurred to him. While she was on Corneria to restock and get her bearings, she'd need a place to stay, an apartment of some kind. Corneria City had no shortage of apartments, but they were pricey. There would be plenty of adjusting to do too; while Krystal was no stranger to space travel, she'd lived all her life up to this point on Cerinia. This was to be the first time she would stay on another planet for the long term.

"I'll help her out," he decided. "Least I can do."

Fox stretched his arms. Goodness he needed a workout. He left the bridge, rode the elevator, and started walking to his room on the crew deck to change for a cardio session. Then one of the crew quarter doors to his left opened.

"Oh! Fox," said Krystal, walking out and wearing a one of his spare t-shirts and sweats. "Sorry if I gave you a fright there."

"You didn't," said Fox, smiling at her. "Everything working out in your quarters?"

"Of course. They're lovely," she said. "It feels...nice, having an actual room again." She smiled at him warmly with her tail wagging behind her. Her sincerity of it made him blush. "Thank you, Fox."

Goodness, she was beautiful. Then Fox remembered her abilities. She probably heard that and if she did, she gave no indication, but there was a glint in her eye. He cleared his throat." "Anyway," he said. "I'm glad to hear you're situated. I was about to head to the workout room to do some moving and thinking."

"Can I come?" said Krystal. "I was about to do some meditation to get my mind off something."

"Penny for your thoughts?" said Fox. At Krystal's adorably confused expression, he explained. "It's a Cornerian saying, meaning, what's on your mind?"

"Oh," said Krystal. "Well, I was wondering about where I would stay when we get to

Corneria. I'd like to ask if I could stay on the ship, but I don't want to impose more than I already have, Fox."

"Did you read my mind?" said Fox, chuckling. "I was just thinking about that. I'll

take care of it. I'm flattered you think the Great Fox in this state is worth staying in planetside, but I'll get you situated in Corneria city."

Krystal blinked. "Fox, you don't have to...I insist, I don't want to be a burden."

Fox put a paw on her shoulder. "I got it. I have the money anyway."

The way those eyes looked at him was arresting. Another warm and grateful smile bloomed on her lips. "Fox, I don't know what to say."

His cheeks were heating up again. Thank goodness ROB wasn't here to put him on the spot again. "Don't worry about it," he said. And It happened before he could blink. Krystal wrapped him in a hug, tightly. He was shocked, but just like when his paw held her shoulder, he was struck by how soft she was.

"Thank you," she said, before pulling away. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

Fox blushed more and scratched behind his head. The way she was looking at him...

"Anyway!" she said, her voice cheerful. "Let's head to that workout area! Go get changed, I'll meet you there. I wonder what Cornerians use to keep in shape?"

She ran off down the hallway, an extra bounce in her step.

While Fox changed to get ready in his room, his thoughts kept drifting back to that hug.