Captured

Later that night, everyone except Fox, Fara, and Katt were sitting in the projection room of the CIA building. General Pepper stood next to a screen displaying Fara's skeletal structure. There were three screens displaying the front, back, and sides of her body. At least four dozen red dots began to blink all over her body. A narrow picture wiped inside a fifth of the screen from the left. It displayed a small picture containing one of the implants. AAttention,@ General Pepper said. The room grew quiet. AAs you know, when we rescued Ms. Phoenix from Andross two days ago, Fox discovered several of these implants all over her body. Let's hope they don't endanger her life.@

ABut what are they?@ Bill asked with a puzzled look on his face.

AThat's the problem. Nobody knows!@ Pepper answered.

AI do.@ Katt said. She stood at the doorway almost out of breath.

AShouldn't you be protecting Fara?@ Pepper asked.

AYes, but once I learned that Fara had several implants in her body, I had to come warn you.@

ABut is Fara safe?@ Pepper asked.

AI gave Fox my gun and my communicator. I told him to contact you directly.@ Katt answered.

AYou said you know what these are. What are they?@ Falco asked.

AMany years ago, shortly before Fox and Fara first met, I was en‑route to Sector X. A Venom patrol squad captured me and took me directly to Andross. I was in his torture chamber when he walked in with a funny looking control box. He pushed one of he buttons, causing me to scream out in pain. Andross said that he could control the location and intensity of the pain that he wanted to inflict on me from any of those implants.@ Katt said. Apparently, the flashback triggered some sort of traumatic event because she was on the floor crying. Falco came over to Katt and put his arm around her.

AKatt, don't cry. We need to know how you got them out.@ Falco said gently as he leaned over and kissed her.

Katt got up and wiped the tears off of her face. AI didn't!@ Katt said, showing everyone a metal implant in her wrist. AThe only reason that I'm not being tortured now is because either Andross forgot about me or he doesn't consider me to be a threat to him. The only way you can remove them without instantly killing her is to destroy the deflector dish Andross uses to transmit the instructions. Once that happens, the implants Fara's body will become inactive, which will allow you to surgically remove them.@

AWhat about yours?@ Peppy asked.

AThey'll become inactive too.@ Katt answered.

AOkay then, we'll create a mission plan tomorrow. Everyone should get some sleep.@ Pepper suggested.

AOh no!@ Katt shrieked. AI just remembered one last thing. When Andross captured me, he also put a camera in my skull. I managed to damage it before I escaped. But he could be watching through Fara's camera right now!@

AOkay. Everybody grab a gun and get in the transport.@ General Pepper ordered. They were soon on their way towards the hospital.

Chapter 10

At the same time that night, Fox was back at the hospital talking with Fara. Fox leaned over to kiss her. Suddenly a disheveled figure came up from behind Fox and hit him over the head. AFox!!@ Fara screamed, but it was too late. Fox was already sprawled on the floor. The back of his head started to bleed. The lizard took out his blaster and set it to LEVEL 16. He pointed it directly at Fara. Fox saw that he could get up, but he would have to do it slowly, in order not to attract attention.

AGoodbye Ms. Phoenix. It's a pity that your boyfriend isn't here to save you. Fox quickly threw himself in front of Fara as the lizard fired his gun. Fara let out a scream of crying pain.

AFox! Noooo!@ Fara screamed. Just as Peppy, Katt, and Bill rushed in, the lizard managed to fire his blaster one last time. The shot hit Fara bluntly in the face, silencing her and the camera implant as well. Peppy, Bill, and Katt shot mercilessly at the lizard with their blasters. Andross was watching the battle as his screen suddenly went dead.

ADamn it!@ he yelled furiously.

AI need a medic!!@ Peppy yelled. Several doctors rushed in carrying Fox and Fara to the Emergency Room.

Chapter 11

Fox was put on the operating table. One of the doctors took out two electric cables and tried to restart Fox's heart. AClear!@ he shouted.

ANothing.@ the technician replied.

AAgain!@ the doctor repeated.

AI have a pulse!@ the technician answered. Fox's heart began to work. Two minutes later, Fara was rushed into the Emergency Room. She was placed gently on the operating table. The laser burn that covered all of Fara's face, was immediately treated by one of the surgeons. He took out a jar of gel and began to rub some on her face. There was blood covering the other side of Fara's face. Another surgeon placed a bandage over the wound.

Fox was let out of the hospital, and his condition was reported as 'OKAY'. Fox was back in Fara's room again, and he was pacing as he awaited Fara's arrival. Fara was carried in her room and placed in her bed. AFox! Thank GOD you're alive!!@ Fara cried out joyfully.

AThat lizard must've accidentally had his blaster on STUN when he shot at us.@ Fox pointed out.

AI love you.@ Fara said.

AI love you too. Just try and get some sleep.@ Fox said as he kissed her. Fara put her right arm around Fox's neck, and began to kiss him passionately. After a minute of kissing Fox, she soon fell asleep.

AFox, we need to talk!@ General Pepper interrupted.

AGoodnight Fara.@ Fox said to her. Fox got up and closed Fara's door behind him. AWhat is it?@ Fox asked. General Pepper began to tell Fox about the briefing they had. He explained why that Fox couldn't say anything important to Fara, or else Andross would know of their mission. Katt walked up to them.

ASir, I need to check for the camera.@ Katt said.

AOkay, go ahead.@ Pepper answered. Katt went inside Fara's room and went over next to her bed. Fara began to moan in her sleep. She was obviously dreaming about Fox, but Katt couldn't tell. Katt came up to Fara and her paw across Fara's forehead, looking for a camera beneath her fur.

AOh Fox...@ Fara moaned softly. 'Man, she's really got it bad for Fox. I know he feels the same way about her.' Katt thought to herself as her paw hit what looked like an implant.

AJust as I thought, broken.@ Katt said relieved. She walked out of the room, telling both of them that the camera had been destroyed.

AWhen will Fara be back on her feet?@ Pepper asked.

AI wouldn't know sir, but if I had to give it a guess, I'd say about a week. Her cuts and her arm still need to heal completely.@ Fox explained.

AOkay, then I'll give her a week. Then we'll just see what her condition is then.@ Pepper said back as he left. Fox and Katt both walked in Fara's room and sat down next to her bed. It wasn't even a minute before Katt started a conversation.

ASo, you and Fara are close.@ Katt said.

AYes, very. It was about a day before Fara was captured when both of our lives changed.@ Fox answered.

AOh, really?@ Katt said back.

AYeah. We didn't want to tell anybody too soon, but I guess Fara wouldn't mind. Anyway, do you remember when Fara's house got destroyed?@ Fox asked.

AOf course, it was on the news that day.@ Katt replied.

AWell, later that night, I found Fara wet and crying outside my doorstep. She was carrying most of her salvageable possessions in that knapsack I gave her for her birthday the year before. Remember?@ Fox asked.

AYeah, who could forget that year?@ Katt answered. Fox cleared his throat, and continued on with his story.

AUnfortunately, I didn't know what was going on, because I had slept in that day. I took Fara inside and got her a change of clothes. We sat down, where she told me about what had happened. Fara said that she had nowhere else to go, and that I was the closest person she knew. Anyway, I offered that she could live with me.@

AAnd did she?@ Katt interrupted.

AYeah, that's the reason we were both in my car when we came to target practice.@ Fox said back.

AOh,@ Katt said, AI'm happy for both of you. I mean you two living together.@

AKatt, it's getting late. You'd better head on home.@ Fox suggested.

AYeah, you're right. Wake me if anything happens.@ Katt said.

AI will.@ Fox answered. Katt left the room and went out to her car. Fox was still in Fara's room. He saw that there was an empty bed next to her.

Chapter 12

Fox climbed in to the hospital bed and went to sleep. Fox had a vision. Usually, this sort of stuff only happened to Peppy. Peppy had told him all about this sort of experience. He explained that Fox could interact (touch) and talk to any deceased family member or friends who were in the void. He said that whatever the reason for the vision was, a place from that event would be projected. Peppy had also told Fox that the only way for a vision to occur to a non‑telepath was that the spirit had to choose to talk with that person. For telepaths, such as Peppy, it was much easier. They could contact a spirit anytime they wanted.

Fox really didn't care why this was happening to him. He just wanted some very important questions answered. Fox saw that he was on the freighter where Fara and him had first met, but it was empty. He sat down on one of the empty cargo containers. His mother, Vixy, appeared and stood in front of him. AHello Fox! Let me look at you. It's been a very long time.@ Vixy said.

AMom!.@ Fox said excitedly. He rushed up and hugged her.

AFox, I love you very much.@ Vixy said back. They both sat back on the cargo container.

AMom, there's a question that I need to ask you. And I really need to know the truth.@ Fox said.

AOf course son. What is it?@ Vixy said. She put her paw on his lap.

AIs Wolf O’Donnell my brother?@ Fox asked looking very confused. Vixy's image slowly began to fade away. AMom, I must know.@

AYes he is.@ Vixy said.

AHow many? How many other people know?@ Fox asked her.

ALet's see... me, James, Andross, Michelle, Wolf, and now you and your comrades. Fox, I'll talk to you again sometime. I love you.@ she said. Vixy's image had completely vanished. Fox put his head in his lap.

AI can't do it. I can't go on alone!@ Fox said to himself.

AYour mother will always be with you.@ a voice said. An image of Fox's father, James, appeared.

ADad!@ Fox said trying not to sound too accusing. James sat down next to him.

AI've been observing what has happened over the past couple of days, son.@ James said.

AI thought you might.@ Fox answered.

AAren't you glad to see me son? It's been a long time since we last talked like this.@ James pointed out.

AYes, I know father. It hasn't been too long, just about six months.@ Fox said replied.

AI know there is something on your mind. Go ahead.@ James said, encouraging his son to speak out.

AWhy didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me that Wolf was my brother?@ Fox asked.

AFox, let me tell you a story. Many years ago, when I was in Andross's dungeon, there was a young beautiful female wolf. Her name was Michelle O’Donnell. She said that Andross would agree to let me go if I had a child with her and agreed to help raise it. Naturally, I wanted to get back to Corneria to see you, so I had no choice. Then Wolf came along. You see Fox, wolves grow up much faster than any other species we know of. So about two long and hard years after labor, he reached the equivalent of a 15‑year old. However, Andross made a genetic modification, which made Wolf age at normal speed after he hit 18. When I first knew Wolf, he was already a great leader, but I was amazed at how strong he was at being a pilot. I took it upon myself to train him as an expert fighter pilot, like you and me. I thought I could instruct him just as well as you. I was wrong. Wolf chose the quick and easy

way, which partially led him to be as corrupt as Andross.@ James explained.

AWhat else made him go bad?@ Fox asked.

ASeveral of Andross's sessions which taught him to hate the Cornerians, and most importantly, the McCloud name. Michelle feared for my safety, so she led me to a ventilation shaft. Before I left, she said that she would take care of our son. I was going through the network of ventilation shafts, when I accidentally opened the hatch to Andross's chamber. He immediately shot me, then let me bleed to death. Then he called in Michelle and executed her. Andross took Wolf and continued to raise him as his own son. He later met Leon Powalski, which really isn't important right now.@ James said.

AI can't do it dad, no matter how much we hate each other, I can't kill my own brother. If I did, I'd be just as bad as him.@ Fox admitted.

AYou can not escape your destiny. You must face Wolf O’Donnell again!@ James said.

AI won't do it.@ Fox said to him.

AThen the Emperor has already won! You were our last hope!@ James said regretfully.

ABill spoke of another.@ Fox said.

AThe other he spoke of was your twin sister.@ James said.

ABut I have no sister.@ Fox said back. He was VERY confused.

AFox, to protect you both from the Emperor, your mother and I hid your sister after birth. Her name is Vixy McCloud junior. We gave her to a friend, so she could be raised secretly.@ James explained.

AThen how does Bill know?@ Fox asked.

ABill met her at the Cornerian Flight Academy. She went under a false name, so nobody knew who she really was. Bill and Vixy began to see each other regularly, and soon started a romance. On the night after graduation, Vixy told Bill the truth. He promised that he wouldn't tell you about her. They both had planned to get married the next week, but then the war broke out. Bill and Vixy promised each other that soon after the time came for you to know about her, they would get married. They've secretly kept in touch for years. A James answered.

ABut why didn't you tell me this before?@ Fox argued.

AI hadn't planned this. You weren't supposed to know yet.@ James answered.

AWhen was I supposed to know?!@ Fox asked.

AShe was going to come to you.@ James replied.

AWho is she? Where can I find her?@ Fox asked.

AShe will find you when the time comes.@ James said.

AIs it Fara?@ Fox asked nervously.

ANo. Fara is your sole mate, your one true love. Now you must realize that I can not interfere with you and your sister finding each other. It will just happen in time.@ James answered.

AI understand.@ Fox replied. James began to yawn.

AFox, it's time for me to go now. I promise I will talk to you later. Okay?@ James asked.

AAlright. Goodbye father.@ Fox said, giving him a big hug. Everything went black.

Chapter 13

Fox woke up as Fara was brought back into her room. AFara, what happened?@ Fox asked, getting out of the bed.

ANothing. I just got some of my bandages taken off and my cast was removed.@ Fara said.

AHow's your arm?@ Fox asked.

AIt's as good as new!@ she said back. Fara got up and went over to Fox.

AShouldn't you be in bed resting?@ Fox asked.

ANo, I'm back on my feet now, but the doctors think I should rest at home for at least another day.@ Fara answered.

AOkay, then do you want me to take you back to the house?@ Fox asked.

AI'd like that!@ Fara said. Fox checked Fara out of the hospital and helped Fara walk to his car.

Later that night, Fox and Fara were awake in bed. Fox was reading one of his magazines. Fara lay next to him, just relaxing. Before they went to sleep, Fox told Fara all about the mission to destroy the deflector dish and the vision that he had the night before.

Chapter 14

It was soon the next day. Fox and Fara were both walking towards the CIA building. They both walked up and waved their ID cards past the computer scanner. The automatic door slowly opened. Fox and Fara went into the briefing room and sat down. Several of Fara's comrades welcomed her back cheerfully. General Pepper stood up and began his briefing. AAttention, the Emperor has made a critical error and the time for our attack has come. Using the information brought to us by the Kraytaxian spies, we've managed to pinpoint the exact location of Andross's deflector dish. Billions of Kraytax died bringing us this information. Fara, if you choose to go on this mission, Andross might kill you.@ Pepper began.

AI understand the risks sir, I want to go.@ Fara replied.

AVery well. You can go. Now, our fleet will try and keep the Venom forces occupied, while the Star Fox team sneaks in. Fox, you'll be using the same cloaked ship as before. You should be cloaked at all times. We'll all be leaving in five minutes, and may God help us all!@ Pepper finished. The pilots broke into several conversations. Fox walked up to Fara, who was standing alone in the corner of the room.

AFara, the General is right. If you get captured again, Andross would most likely kill you. If anything happens to you, I'll never forgive myself. I care for you too much to let you just throw away your life on what may be a suicide mission. I can't imagine losing you like this.@ Fox admitted.

A@I'll be fine, as long as I'm with you. Come on, we'd better get going.@ Fara said.

AOkay, whatever makes you happ‑‑A Fox's sentence stopped short as Fara kissed him. Peppy walked up to them.

AFox, Fara, it's time to go.@ Peppy said.

ACome on Fox.@ Fara said. The Star Fox team soon found themselves inside the docking bay of General Pepper's own flagship.

AWhere's Slip?@ Falco asked.

ASomething important came up, so he signed out on shore leave.@ Peppy replied. They all boarded the ship. Fox walked into the cramped bridge and sat in the captain's seat. A light on the display next to his chair blinked.

AFox, you're cleared for take off.@ a voice said.

AOkay, we're lifting off now.@ Fox answered. the small cruiser left the docking bay and entered hyperspace. Peppy, Fox, and Falco were on the bridge. Fara was in her bunk.

AFox, try and get some sleep, I'll call you when we arrive.@

Peppy suggested.

AMaybe you're right, I'll see you two later.@ Fox said. Fox walked down the narrow hall to the crew's bunks. Fox walked in to see Fara lying in her bed. She was fast asleep. Fox climbed into the bunk beside her and dozed off.

Chapter 15

Fox and Fara woke as Peppy came in with a blaster at his side. AWe're approaching Venom you two. Come on.@ Peppy said. Fox saw Fara and helped her to her feet. The three of them walked up to the bridge.

AWe're preparing to land. Hang on!@ Falco said. The cloaked cruiser landed with a thud. The docking hatch opened and all four of them walked out cautiously.

AFara, where's the map?@ Falco asked. Fara opened her knapsack and took out a small handheld computer. (It's supposed to look like a tricorder off of Star Trek: Voyager.)

AI've got it right here.@ Fara whispered. She handed it to Fox. He opened the small computer up. There was a display of a map. There were two dots. One was for their landing site, and the other was for the transmitting station.

AIt's one kilometer this way.@ Fox pointed. The group followed him. Five minutes later, Peppy stopped them.

APeppy what is it? Are you sensing something?@ Fox asked. Fox and Fara sat down on a log. Peppy and Falco remained standing.

AYes. I'm sensing about ten Venom guards coming this way. They're VERY close.@ Peppy whispered.

AEveryone get down.@ Fox whispered. Fox, Fara, Peppy, and Falco knelt down and withdrew their weapons.

AWhere are they‑A. Fara's voice was muffled by a Venom lizard. Two more jumped out of the bushes and restrained Fox. Fara struggled to get away, but three more helped the first one restrain her. The lizards began to drag Fox and Fara to a nearby armored transport.

ADon't worry about us!@ Fox yelled. The lizards quickly backed away from Falco and Peppy. Fara was able to get the lizard's claw off from her mouth.

AFINISH THE MISSION!!@ Fara screamed as Fox and her were thrown in the Venom transport. Fox hit Fara's body as he was tossed inside the ship. They both passed out. Falco and Peppy were left alone.

AWhat can we do now? Maybe we should head back and‑‑A

@NO. If we don't destroy the transmitter soon, Katt and Fara will most likely die slow and painful deaths. We're not quitting! They NEED us, and I need you! I can't do this alone. Now come on!@ Peppy ordered. Falco followed Peppy through the jungle terrain towards the transmitter station.

Chapter 16

Meanwhile, General Pepper sat back uneasily in his chair. On the bridge of his flagship. AComputer, what is the current time?@

Pepper asked. A flat toned computer voice answered him.

AThe current time is 2300 hours.@ it replied.

ASir, it's time.@ Tera said.

AI know. Open a channel to the fleet.@ Pepper said uneasily.

AYes sir,@ Tera replied. She pushed a few buttons and a star-chart appeared on the bridge's large a/v screen. AChannel open sir, but I can only give you audio.@

AVery good. Put me on the speaker please.@ Pepper said.

AYou're on now sir.@ Tera answered.

AFleet, this is General Pepper, all groups check in.@ he ordered. Several voices came over the comm.

ARed Group standing by.@ Katt replied.

AGold Group standing by.@ Bill answered.

AVery good. All ships enter hyperspace now.@ Pepper ordered. All of the fleet entered hyperspace and sped towards Venom.

Chapter 17

HERE

Fox woke up as two guards dragged him down the long corridors of Andross's flagship. They soon entered a door. Fox was thrown inside Andross's chamber. AGuards, leave us!@ Andross ordered. Both lizards left and locked the door behind them. AWelcome young McCloud. I've been expecting you.@

AWhere is Fara?!@ Fox yelled furiously.

AWho? Oh yes, the girl. Look right above you.@ Andross said. There was a large rod coming down from the ceiling. Two paw cuffs were holding Fara about fifty feet from the ground. Fox looked up to see her.

AFox! Help me!@ Fara screamed.

AThat's enough out of you!@ Andross scowled. He pushed a button on his chair. It was linked directly to Fara's pain implants. She let out a loud scream of pain.

ALeave her alone!@ Fox screamed. Andross pushed another button on his chair.

ADon't move or Fara will DIE!@ Andross threatened.

ALet Fara go. Let Fara go and you can torture me instead.@ Fox offered nervously.

AWhy? Now that you're here, you get to watch her suffer! In time you will call me master.@ Andross said.

ASoon I'll be dead. And you with me!@ Fox quipped. Andross began to laugh.

APerhaps you're referring to the imminent attack of your Cornerian fleet. Yes, I assure you, we are quite safe from your friends HERE. It was I who allowed the Cornerians to know the location of the secret transmitter. It is quite safe from your pitiful little band! An entire legion of my best troops await them. Oh, I'm afraid the transmitter will be quite operational when your friends arrive!@ Andross taunted. Andross flicked a switch on his chair. One of the paw cuffs that held Fara on the ceiling opened. Fara began to scream.

AWolf, you can come in now.@ he said. Wolf walked in the huge chamber unarmed.

AWell if it isn't my dear old brother!@ Wolf said joyfully.

AHello Wolf.@ Fox growled. Wolf came closer to Fox and began to probe his mind.

AJoin us Fox, it is the only way you can save your friends,@ Wolf offered. Fox could feel Wolf accessing his thoughts and memories. AYes... Your thoughts betray you. Your feelings for them are strong. Especially for... sister! So, you have a twin sister! Your feelings have now betrayed her too!@ Wolf taunted.

Fox put his paws on his head.

AGet out of my head!!!@ Fox yelled. He tried to block Wolf, but he failed. Wolf became silent for awhile. He finally spoke.

AIf you will not turn to our side, then perhaps SHE WILL.@ Wolf. Wolf had chosen the wrong fox to threaten. Fox felt a large burst of rage come from within him.

ANoooooooooooooooooo!@ Fox screamed. He got up and charged directly at Wolf. Fox jumped on him and started to strike Wolf mercilessly. Wolf stood up and put his paw over his mouth. It was badly bleeding. Fox struck at Wolf again and knocked him down unconscious.

Chapter 18

Peppy and Falco entered the abandoned transmission station and began to place charges all over the building. Peppy placed the last bomb and set the timer to ten seconds. ALet's get the hell out of here!@ Peppy yelled as he pushed the detonator. They both bolted out of the door and ran for cover. A deafening explosion burst out from the surface of Venom.

ALooks like we've done it!@ Falco said.

AYeah, let's get off this rock. Come on!@ Peppy said. They both ran towards the cruiser.

Andross was endlessly torturing Fara when his control over her implants went dead. ADamn! I've lost control.@ Andross muttered.

Chapter 19

The Cornerian fleet emerged from hyperspace. AAll ships are ready.@ Tera reported.

AVery well. All ships, this is General Pepper, fire at will.@ Pepper ordered. All the fighters acknowledged and broke their formations to find targets. Dozens of fleas poured from Andross's flagship and engaged the superior Cornerian strike force.

Bill sat in his new customized arwing, and shot down one flea after another. Two invader‑class vessels came up behind Bill's tail and fired at his engine. Three more fleas came at Bill and fired at him from his starboard side. AI can't get these guys off me!@ Bill yelled into his comm.

ABill. Fly closely along our flagship. The fighters will have to break off.@ Tera said.

AOkay, I'm coming Tera.@ Bill responded. He hit his boosters and flew right along the side of General Pepper's flagship. The fleas and invaders didn't break off like Tera said they would. Bill's shields began to buckle. Katt came right behind the fighters that were pursuing Bill, and fired at them. All of the Venom fighters broke off. Three other Cornerian bulldog pilots chased and destroyed the Venom fighters that were retreating from Bill.

AAre you okay flyboy?!@ Katt asked.

AYeah Katt, I'm fine. Say, where did you come from anyway? I didn't even see you.@ Bill asked jokingly.

AThat's my little secret hun! Follow me!@ Katt said playfully.

AI'm right behind you Katt!@ Bill answered.

AJust try and keep up, sparky!@ Katt challenged. Katt and Bill went towards the cruiser that Fox and Fara were on. Bill and Katt both fired at the bridge of the massive warship. Katt's last laser bolt punctured one of the windows. The entire warship began to rock violently.

AWhat the hell happened?!@ Andross yelled into the comm.

ASir, the power core will overload in five minutes!@ the lizard shouted.

ABegin evacuation procedures,@ Andross ordered. AI was just beginning to like this ship.@

Wolf woke up. ASir, let's go!@ Wolf urged.

AOkay. You may have won for now. Catch McCloud!@ Andross taunted as he pushed the button releasing Fara's other paw cuff.

Andross ran to an escape pod with Wolf right behind him. Fara began to plummet to her death.

AFox!!!@ Fara screamed. Fox dove on the floor just in time to catch Fara. Fara was struck unconscious after what had just happened. Fox regained his balance and carried Fara in his arms. He ran towards the shuttle bay. Several lizards ran to their escape pods and ignored what Fox was doing. Fox reached an empty shuttle and quickly opened the door. Fox dragged Fara's almost lifeless body into the shuttle and closed the door behind him. He ran up to the cockpit and hit the boosters on full. The stolen ship pulled out just before the shuttle bay engulfed itself in flames. Fox searched for the comm. and turned it on.

AThis is Fox McCloud of the Cornerian Army. I am in a stolen Venomian shuttle and I have Fara Phoenix with me. I need assistance.@ Fox shouted.

AI hear you Fox, you're cleared to land in Shuttle bay 2. Just turn on your autopilot.@ Tera instructed. Fox engaged the autopilot on his ship. The ship slowly headed for the Cornerian shuttle bay. Fox got out of his seat and knelt down to Fara's body. He put his paw over her face

AFara...Fara, can you hear me? Oh god, please answer!!!@

Fox cried.

AFox...what happened?@ Fara asked. She tried to get up, but she whimpered in pain.

ADon't try to move,@ Fox said. He gently pushed Fara back down to the floor. AI think your leg is broken from that fall.@

AWill I be okay?@ Fara asked.

AYes, Fara, you'll be just fine.@ Fox assured her. The Venom shuttle came onto a landing pad. The door opened and some flight crew helped both of them to the medbay.

General Pepper was on the bridge. ATera, where's that cruiser?@ Pepper asked the leopard.

AIt's safely in hyperspace sir.@ Tera smiled.

AGood Tera. Signal all the ships and tell them that we're going home.@ Pepper said.

AI've already finished sir.@ Tera answered.

An hour later, Fox walked into the medbay just in time to see Fara getting a cast fit on her leg. AHow's your leg Fara?@ Fox asked.

AIt's been better than this,@ Fara said smiling, AI can still walk, and the cast can be removed tomorrow.@

Fox helped her get up. Fara hugged him.

Chapter 20

Later the next night, Fox and Fara were back from surgery.

Fara had got her implants removed. They both got dressed and got in bed. Fara picked up a magazine and started to read. Fox just lay in bed thinking about what he was about to do. AFara, over the past couple of days, I almost lost you because I didn't get to you fast enough. I never want that to happen to us again. What I mean is... I guess what I'm trying to say is...@

AFox, what?@ Fara asked curiously. She put down the magazine that she was reading.

AFara Marie Phoenix, will you marry me?@ Fox proposed. Fara was silent for a moment. She finally answered.

AYes! Yes, I will.@ Fara responded. She put her arms around Fox and kissed him passionately as she turned out the light.

Chapter 21

Early the next day, Fox and Fara announced their wedding plans. They had asked Katt and Bill to be the bride's maid and the best man.

The following morning, Fara lay in their bed. She felt warm sensation throughout her body. AOh, you're up.@ Fox commented. He came over and handed Fara his mother's dress.

AJust think, in several hours we'll be Mr. and Mrs. Fox McCloud.@ Fara sighed. She sat up on the bed.

AYou'd better get dressed, we don't want to be late.@ Fox said as he walked out of the room. Fara was left alone. She began to undress. 'I hope this still fits.' she thought to herself. Fara put her arms through both of the sleeves. She finished getting dressed, and put her comlink on the bed next to Fox's. Fara opened the door and walked through the hallway. She was suddenly swept off her feet.

AFox, you scared me half to death!@ Fara laughed.

ACome on Fara, we have a wedding to get to.@ Fox said. He managed to open the front door and carry Fara to his car. Fox gently placed Fara on her feet. They both got in the car and drove to the local chapel. Fox was in a very uncomfortable tuxedo. He hated wearing them, but he decided to tolerate it. Here After all, it was their wedding. AFara, where do you want to go for our honeymoon?@ he asked.

ASomewhere special. Some place where we can be alone for awhile.@ Fara said happily. Bill and Katt were waiting outside.

ACome on you guys. General Pepper has been given the honor of being the preacher.@ Katt said.

ADon't worry, we have the rings.@ Bill said excitedly. They were both escorted down the church isle. Bill walked next to Fox. Katt walked beside Fara. Fox and Fara stopped at the end of the isle. Bill and Katt returned to their seats. General Pepper stood behind the couple. He began reciting the ceremony.

ADearly beloved. We are gathered here today to join Mr. Fox James McCloud and Ms. Fara Marie Phoenix in holy matrimony. Fox McCloud, do you take this beautiful young vixen to be your lawfully wedded wife? In sickness, in health, and to cherish until death do you part?@ Pepper asked.

AI do.@ Fox answered. He put the ring on Fara's finger.

AAnd do you, Ms. Fara Marie Phoenix, take this handsome young fawn to be your lawfully wedded husband? In sickness, in health, and to cherish until death do you part?@ Pepper asked.

AI do.@ Fara cheerfully responded. She put the other ring on Fox's finger.

AIf there is anybody who thinks that these two should not be wed, then speak now or forever hold your peace,@ Pepper said. He looked around the room. Nobody spoke out, so he continued. AThen by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.@

AI've dreamed of this moment for almost ten years!@ Fox said happily. He put his paw around her.

AMe too.@ Fara replied. They both kissed each other.

THE END

Coming soon... AStranded@