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Chapter 1: Departure

A/N: All Star Fox characters and vehicles as well as starships mentioned belong to their respectable owners. I do not own any of them; I'm just a fan of the franchises.

Year: 3116 July 22

Milo slowly opens his eyes and stares at the ceiling for the next ten minutes before his alarm clock went off, 0800. He leaned over and turned it off and got out of bed. He then got up and ran a hand through his brush cut brown hair as he walked to the bathroom and took a quick shower. As he finished and dried himself off, he looked into the mirror at his reflection. He had his dad's features, short chestnut brown hair, piercing hazel blue eyes, slim face and nose. The only major difference was the scar that ran across his right eye from above his right eyebrow to the middle of his right cheek. He ran his hand across it as he remember the battle for Atlanta but he quickly shook away the bad memories finding it easier to let go. He went back to his room and got dressed. Wearing black cargo pants with military combat boots and a white long sleeved shirt with light blue stenciled wings on the back and a black military style jacket. He then started gathering his belonging or what little he had left. Some clothes, his phone, family photos and pocket watch, and his dad's dog tags. He placed his dad's dog tags around his neck and his family's pocket-watch in his jackets left breast pocket. He then packed his remaining clothes and pictures into his duffle bag and threw it over his shoulder and left the room and waited outside the hotel he was staying at. After twenty minutes passed a caravan pulled up lead by a hummer with a machine gun mount on top followed by a limo with flags on the hood and the presidential seal on the side followed by another hummer. A man in a black suit and shades stepped out of the front and walked towards Milo. He quickly looked Milo over and asked to check his bag. The back window rolled down and a voice spoke.

"He's good son, you don't need to check him. I've known him since he was a toddler." The voice stated.

The man in black nodded his head and walked to the back and opened the door for Milo and closed it behind him when he got in. Milo fastened his seatbelt as he felt the vehicle move. He then looked at the person sitting next to him was also wearing a suit but didn't look as serious and had a smile on his face and appeared to be older.

"Good morning Milo, did you sleep well?" The older man asked.

"I slept fine, Mr. President." Milo answered formally.

"You don't have to address me so formally. I still the same man that took you on those midnight escapades back when you were younger." The president said chuckling softly.

Milo blushed slightly remembering the time they got caught sneaking into the girls changing room at one of his summer camps. The President or known to Milo as Michael Scott, was a long time friend to his late father who died in the battle for Atlanta performing his duties as an army field medic. Milo's mother unfortunately died after he was born with only his father to raise him. Now he only has Mr. Scott to look out for him. Which was why the president had chosen Milo for this task. He knew him all his life and knew how trustworthy he was.

"I know this isn't easy for you, but I know that your father would agree with me." The president said running a hand through his silver gray hair.

"He would have wanted this. He hated violence and had no hatred for the Cornerians. He said they made a mistake and that makes them just like us. So for him I'll give them the benefit of doubt." Milo said looking out the window at what was left of DC.

Buildings lay in ruins but a few still stood tall and true. After a few minutes of driving they pulled up to the Air Force base and proceeded to one of the hangers where his ride was waiting for him. As they pulled into the hanger Milo saw the transport that would take him to the star ship that remained in Earth's upper atmosphere. It had a similar design to the space shuttle but it had a rectangular shaped with a pointed front and a pair of wings similar to the space shuttle but had two vertical tails on top instead of one and had an engine on both sides as well as a turret on top. He noticed a line of Cornerian soldiers near the ship's aft ramp with a Cornerian that resembled an old blood hound wearing a red uniform and hat standing in front of them and across from them was a line of US Marines each armed with M-16s. The limo pulled up behind the marines and came to a stop. As President Scott got out the marines saluted him which he saluted back. Milo followed suit and got out and grabbed his bag and walked beside the president.

Milo stayed back a few feet as the president and the old bloodhound approached each other and shook hands.

"General Pepper it's a pleasure to meet you again." The president said with a smile.

"The feelings mutual, President Scott." General Pepper answered with a smile.

General Pepper looked over at Milo taking in his appearance. 5'6, short brown hair, blue eyes, neatly dressed but what caught his attention was the scar on his face. He then turned back to the president.

"I assume that he's the one you chose for the task? He looks more like a soldier then a mere teenager." General Pepper asked.

The president's smile faded as he answered.

"Yes, well that tends to happen when you're forced to defend your own home." The president said looking down.

General Pepper couldn't help but feel more guilt as he remembered giving the orders to attack Earth.

"I see but are you sure he's the best one for this?" He asked again.

"Yes, I'm more than sure. He's just like his father. He wants to give your kind the benefit of doubt. Though, you may have to earn his trust." The president answered.

President Scott then reached into his pocket and pulled a flash drive and handed it to General Pepper.

"This is his file. Medical, financial, etc. everything about him. I'm sure after you look through it you'll see why I chose him." The president stated.

General Pepper looked at the flash drive in his paw and then stuffed it into his pocket. The president put back on his smile and motioned for Milo to come over. Milo picked up his duffel bag and walked over to stand beside the president.

"General, allow me to introduce you to Milo Pax. Milo, this is General Pepper, leader of the CDF." The president said placing a hand on milo's shoulder.

As Milo and the general shook hands, General Pepper could see mixed emotions behind Milo's eyes. Shock, anger, sorrow but the emotions that caught his attention were empathy and sympathy.

"No doubt this young man has seen the worst of war. I can't imagine what he must have seen and endure." General Pepper thought.

A Cornerian Fox wearing a pair of black fighter shades and a light orange scarf approached them.

"Sir, the shuttle is prepped for launch." The fox said.

"Thank you James I appreciate that you came with me on this one." General Pepper answered.

"Well it was my week off but when you told me the fee you'd be paying, I couldn't say no. I'm still paying that 80 year loan on the Great Fox and this job will definitely help." James said scratching behind his ear.

General Pepper couldn't help but chuckle.

"That couldn't have been the only reason." He asked.

James looked over at Milo and quickly noticed the scar which sent a chill down his spine. No doubt that it was done by a Cornerian.

"Well we're ready to launch. I'll head on up to the cockpit." James said walking up the loading ramp ignoring the general's last statement.

"Well Mr. President I believe it is time for us to take our leave. Mr. Pax if you will follow me." General Pepper said addressing both Milo and the president as he began walking to the loading ramp.

Milo looked at President Scott for the last time and as he was about to walk after General Pepper, he felt a set of arms wrap around.

"Your father would be proud of you like I am right now." President Scott said letting him go.

Milo looked at him again and couldn't help but smile which he hadn't done in a while. He then quickly grabbed his bag and ran to catch up to General Pepper who was waiting patiently at the bottom of the loading ramp with a smile. And as he caught up they both began walking up the ramp.

"I've never seen a nation's leader act like towards one like to one of his fellow citizens." General Pepper stated.

"Well he's always been like an uncle to me sir. He and my father were close friends and he's kept an eye on me since Atlanta." Milo answered.

"I see, well I hope that we can show you the same on Corneria." The general said with a smile.

As they boarded, Milo noticed that the interior was similar to a C130. He quickly took a spot next to one of the Windows as General Pepper headed for the cockpit. Milo could hear footsteps as the Cornerian soldiers walked up the ramp and began stowing their gear and sitting down. Milo knew that one of them would have to sit next to him so he just focused his attention on the window and saw that they were already moving out of the hanger. Milo felt someone sit down beside him, he looked over to see that it was indeed a Cornerian but he couldn't tell what kind because he still had his helmet on. He quickly looked back out the window so the Cornerian would notice.

"So is this your first time on a drop ship?" a voice asked next to him causing him to jump a little.

Milo quickly looked to his right and saw that is was the Cornerian next to him that spoke and heard him chuckling.

"You seem nervous are you alright?" The Cornerian asked taking off his helmet and gloves.

Milo noticed his appearance was similar to that of a golden retriever but then again he's noticed that almost all Cornerians had similar appearances to Earth's animals.

"Yeah I'm fine and to answer your question, yes this is my first time in one. Though, I have been on many planes before." Milo answered.

The Cornerian just smiled and stretched out a paw to Milo.

"The names Jake Cooper, what's yours?" Jake asked.

"Milo, Milo Pax." Milo answered hesitantly taking Jake's paw and shook it.

"Everyone prepare for vertical takeoff." A voice said over the intercom.

Milo quickly fastened his harness as did the rest of the crew. Milo was surprised at how smooth it was. He looked out his window and saw that they were already a thousand feet off the ground. Once that was done he felt the craft began to move forward at an incline. Milo looked out the window and saw the sky grow darker as they rose higher and higher out of Earth's atmosphere. Milo couldn't hide the smile across his face as he saw the continents grow smaller and the stars grow bigger.

"Heh, I remember the first time I went into space. It still excites me to this day." Jake said looking out the window as well, wagging his tail.

"Everything excites you Jake, try not to get too excited like that time when we went to Zoness on leave." A sarcastic, feminine voice said behind them.

"Damn it Nichole you said that you wouldn't bring that up again!" Jake shouted behind him with a growl.

Milo couldn't help but chuckle as he heard Jake argue with the person behind them.

"Hey, looks like you got the kid to laugh. Maybe you are good for something Jake." Another voice from behind them said, male this time.

Milo looked behind him at said voices and saw who they were. A feline with tan fur and black spots similar to a Bengal cat and had jade colored eyes and was obviously the female was reading a book. The male was a black-backed jackal with tan and black fur with a few white spots with a cigarette in his mouth.

"Ha, ha Jarrod, that reminds me didn't you swear that you'd quite smoking? I know your wife won't be too happy if she finds outs." Jake said with a sinister grin.

Jarrod's ears folded back as Jake mentioned his wife and quickly snuffed out the cigarette.

"That's a low blow Jake. I was only kidding, geez. Now you've made me look like a wimp in front of the kid." Jarrod mumbled with his arms crossed.

"You're always afraid of Kathrine when she's upset and you should because you're the one who upsets her." The female cat next to him stated as she turned a page in the book that she's reading.

"I don't always upset her, Nicky. She's just emotional right now, especially with a baby on the way. She may have put on a few pounds but she's still the sexy jungle cat that married all those years ago." Jarrod said romantically.

"Nice choice of words Romeo, if you she heard you say that she'd send you straight to the hospital. And I told you to stop calling me that stupid nickname." Nicky answered with a growl.

"Hey guys not that this conversation is amusing and all but do you think that you can hold out the adult matters till we don't have a kid present?" Jake said with a slight cough trying to hide the remark with complete failure.

Nicky and Jarrod both looked at each other and blushed under their fur as they completely forgot the human on board. Nicky decided to be the second to speak to said human since Jake was the first. So, she closed her book and leaned over the back rest and on top of Jake's head; much to his annoyance, and smiled at Milo.

"Sorry about that these two they just don't know when to keep their snouts shut. I'm Nichole Roswell by the way." Nichole said as she extended a paw to Milo.

"Milo Pax and its fine ma'am, I grew up around military personal all my life so I'm use to the occasional b/s." Milo answered taking her paw and shaking it finding it a lot softer that Jake's but wasn't surprised. Felines always were gentle but could be quite dangerous when angered.

"Milo, nice name. The knuckle head next to me is Jarrod O'Neil. So you're the exchange student that everyone is talking about back home? I gotta say you're not what I was expecting. I would have thought that they would send someone that was would be well dressed and a book worm. But not you, you're dressed casually with a little formal mixed in and seemed laid back. And I like that in a guy." Nichole said with a light purr.

"Thanks, I guess?" Milo answered not knowing whether to honored or insulted.

"Jeez Nicky, ask him on a date first before you start commenting on how he looks." Jarrod said with a slight snicker.

Next thing Milo heard was the sound of banging and yelling as Nichole started beating on Jarrod with her book and yelling at him to stop calling her that nickname while everyone else laughed including Milo himself. If he had to guess they were all use to the two arguing. Eventually they were broken up by the team leader, a male Doberman. Milo just looked back out the window and noticed a large object appear in his line of sight. When it finally came into fully view, he could have sworn he felt his jaw drop.

"Ah I see you noticed the General's latest pride and joy. The CDF's latest ship and from what I've heard it's supposed to be Earth's first starship, The Guardian." Jake said with a smile as he noticed Milo's admiration of the vessel.

And how could he not be impressed? Everything about it was amazing to him. The ship had a flat wide nose with dual cannons underneath, a long thin body with two short rectangular wings, four large ion engines and a circular design that wraps around the ship just forward of the engines.( I'm not very good at giving a description of it. There's a link below that you can pull up to see a picture of it.) All and all Milo thought that it was the perfect combination of both combat capability and beauty.

"All hands prepare for docking." The same voice over the intercom announced.

Milo watched as they slowly moved underneath the nose of the Guardian into a two way launch and landing ramp. They slowly landed on a platform that soon carried them to one of three bays and were placed right next to a row of dropships that were across from a row of land masters. Milo decided to wait for most of the Cornerian soldiers to get off before he did but was surprised him was when Jake actually pulled him off the transport in a friendly matter, smiling while doing it. Now they were standing in formation waiting for General Pepper to exit off. Milo had to hide his mixed emotions from seeing the Cornerian fighters and Landmasters. Fascination for their sleek and futuristic design, and the fear from the memories of seeing them in action. He snapped out of it when heard Jake's team leader called them to attention as General Pepper exited off the transport.

"So Mr. Pax how was your first time on a drop ship?" General Pepper asked approaching Milo.

"It was..... amazing. I can honestly say that it was a new experience for me." Milo answered as honestly as he could. He then noticed a male fox wearing a pair of pilot's sunglasses standing behind General Pepper and for some reason he looked familiar.

"Well, I'm glad. Now if you'll follow Mr. McCloud behind me and he will show you to your temporary quarters for the next few days." General Pepper said gesturing to the fox standing behind him.

Milo nodded and followed after Mr. McCloud leading him down several hallways and stairways.

"So how old are ya kid?" Mr. McCloud asked Milo.

"Uh-Uh 16 sir." Milo stuttered.

"You're about the same age as my son. And you don't have to address me as sir, just call me James or Mr. McCloud if you still want to be formal." James answered with a slight chuckle.

"Oh yes si... I mean yes Mr. McCloud." Milo answered.

James stopped walking and looked out one of the many windows that lined the hallway with a smile. Milo was confused but when he looked out the window he saw what James was looking out at. Milo had seen it almost every night growing up, now it was so much bigger and clearer than ever before.

"From what I was told twelve humans have been to Earth's moon. How does it feel to be the thirteenth human to visit your planet's moon?"

"It's an honor." Was all Milo had to say.

"Well let's continue shall we?" James said as he continued walking.

Milo quickly followed after him. After a few more minutes of walking they stopped outside a room door. When they entered Milo got a layout of the room; a regular size bed, a metal dresser, a sink with mirror and two more doors which had to be the bathroom and closet.

"Wow, are all the crew quarters like this?" Milo asked setting his duffle bag at the foot of the bed.

"Well, a few do but a majority tends to have bunks. But General Pepper thought you'd be more comfortable with your own quarters for the next few days, it's a long trip to Lylat. Also we're about to jump to light speed so I suggest that you sit down when it starts or lie down for a few hours till the General might need you." James said about to leave.

"Thank you, for everything." Milo said extending a hand to James.

James couldn't help but look at Milo's hand and smile as he took off his sunglasses revealing his olive green eyes and took his hand giving it a good shake.

"Don't mention it, son. See you soon, try to get some rest it's been a long day." James replied leaving, the door sliding closed behind him.

Milo looked down at his watch and was surprised to see that it was already 1300. So he decided to lie down on the bed and found it to be extremely comfortable. He then felt the sensation of acceleration and he looked out the window and saw streaks of light flash by which if he had to guess were stars.

"So this is light speed travel? This will take some getting used to." Milo thought before he drifted off to sleep.

A/N: Well there it is, sorry it took so long. I wanted to make it as long and as good as I could. Hopefully it's to your liking. Please read and review.

Howls!

References

wiki/Concordat