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Chapter 36: Aftermath

Katt Monroe was dead. Falco Lombardi sat there on the marble floor and embraced the body of his lover, confidant, and wingmate while sobbing. His tears anointed the pink fur around her eyes while he wiped the blood that had stop trickling from her mouth. He was tightly embraced on each side by Fox and Krystal. They too openly wept, both for the loss of their friend, and in the most profound sorrow for Falco, who had just lost his soulmate. Bill and Fay stood back from the tragic scene and clung to each other, also overcome with grief.

Akina and Kasumi arrived upon the scene and immediately embraced their bondmates. Renjiro and Akina stood back at a respectful distance while they quietly withdrew from the group mind link. Isamu and Kasumi soon followed suit. _"The non-telepaths of Lylat have a word in their language for our friend Falco: _ 'Widower' " Renjiro thought to his soulmate. "Until now, I never fully appreciated the significance of that word."

_"But I thought it only applied to couples who had pledged themselves to each other in their marriage ceremonies." _ Akina mentally replied.

"Technically, it does, but Falco and Katt were already a married couple in every way but name only. The ceremony would only have declared openly the fundamental truth of their relationship." Renjiro then tightly embraced Akina, pressed his face against the fur of her neck and let his body be wracked with sorrow for his avian friend, a sorrow that was reflected back by his vixen. "My heart breaks for Falco, who has been left behind to live on without his soulmate, and at the same time I am so glad that neither of us will have to endure such pain since our souls are joined."

With most of the Cerinians having telepathically withdrawn, the group mind link drifted apart. Bill and Fay became aware of that fact when they could no longer hear each other's thoughts or those of the others in their group, leaving them both saddened by that fact. Fay took off the focusing gem that Krystal had entrusted her with. She would give it back to the vixen later. Bill also removed the diadem he had been wearing and walked over to Renjiro. "I guess I'll not be needing this anymore. Thank you for protecting us from being mind raped."

The Cerinian guardian took his diadem and slipped it back upon his head. "We could not do otherwise, my friend." He looked back sadly at Falco who was still being comforted by Fox and Krystal. "We have paid a high price for today's victory. What will you do now?"

Fay looked on forlornly at her heartbroken captain. "I expect that Star Falco will be disbanding now. I suppose I'll go back to working at Space Dynamics." She turned away from the tragic tableau and leaned her head into Bill's comforting embrace. "After today, I want nothing else but to live a quiet life away from danger."

"I know what your mean, Fay." Bill said. "In fact, I think I'm going to retire from the CDF. Nena Gordon can take over command of Bulldog Squadron."

"What are you going to do then?" Fay asked.

"Take a page out of Foxy's playbook, and become a flight instructor." He nuzzled his girlfriend between her ears and thought that it was high time to start shopping for an engagement ring. After the dust settled, he would ask her that special question.

"We would like to invite you to stay with us in New Cerinia." Akina offered. "We would love to have you over after things are taken care of here."

Bill smiled, and secretly thought to himself that New Cerinia and Cape Claw would be a wonderful place to have a honeymoon. "What do you think, Sweety?" He asked Fay.

"Yes. That is a wonderful idea. I want to get away from all of this for a while." Her eyes then settled upon Falco again. "I hope he'll be alright."

Falco's flood of tears had run dry. Looking ahead vacantly, he let Katt's body slip from his arms. Once Krystal had removed her diadem off of Katt's head, the CDF medics that had stood back out of respect now stepped forward and gently lifted her body onto a stretcher and covered it with a sheet. Falco though saw none of it because he had instead sought comfort in the three-way group mind link with two of his best friends.

They stood up together, with Falco still being supported between his telepathic friends. Fox and Krystal then guided him from the Senate chamber and out the front door. Landmaster Tanks and armored personnel carriers were arrayed in the plaza in front of the building. On the steps below were the charred bodies of the rogue telepaths who had tried to escape. In the distance, reporters were gathered to cover the day's events. The live broadcast of General Striker's defeat and the liberation of the Senate from his criminal telepaths had been seen by many. All except the most obtuse, hardheaded believers in the conspiracies that had been promoted would see those theories as the utter falsehoods they were.

Falco looked towards the east and the first crepuscular glow of the approaching sunrise and felt utterly lost. The coming day would be the first in over eight years without Katt at his side. Falco hung his head and sighed. "Can you have the Great Falcon brought to the spaceport? We'll need to clean it out of our things before turning the ship back over to you."

Neither Fox nor Krystal were surprised that Falco was disbanding his team._ "Sure thing. We'll let Dash, ROB-64, and Fay know."_

"Thanks. I'm going to head to my flat now. I need to start cleaning out and putting away Katt's things...." Falco thought back. He then absently ran a finger over the jewel in Fox's diadem, which he was still wearing. "...and thanks for staying with me in my head. I think I'd have completely lost it if you two weren't there to help me keep it together." He then lifted the diadem off of his head, ending the mind link, and handed the jeweled headband back to Fox.

Fox took it and slipped it once again upon his head. "Let us know if there's anything you need from us."

Falco mutely nodded and left to seek Peppy out in order to secure a ride to his home.

*****

Fara and Kei Phoenix sat together in the main square in New Cerinia and watched Oswald, Katherine, Marcus, and Ophelia play together among the climbing frame, swings, and slide. Nearby, Shinko was watching over Kushinju and Nozomi as the toddlers played in the sandbox. It had been an uneasy night spent in the McCloud's Cerinian home, not knowing if they would have a home to return to where their private thoughts would always be their own.

By the second evening, they retreated back with the rest of their family to the McCloud home. They were sitting together in the living room when they heard someone knocking at their door. "I'll get it." Kei said and got up. When he opened the front door, he was greeted by a CDF corporal standing in the courtyard.

"Mister Phoenix, I have a message from General Hare informing you that Gordon Striker and his followers have been defeated and captured."

"Oh, thank goodness." Kei expressed his relief. "Does that mean we can return home?"

"Yes, Sir." the corporal replied. "We'll have a fighter escort ready when you depart. The Beltino Gate will also open a wormhole when you are in orbit over Sauria to expedite your return home."

"Thank you." Kei acknowledged. "I'll let the others know."

Once the corporal had left, Kei informed the rest of his family. Knowing that it was late afternoon in Corneria City, Charles decided to make use of the McCloud's personal comm station to place a call. After a few minutes delay to establish a connection on a secure, encrypted channel, a hologram of a weary Peppy Hare appeared before the Pheonix patriarch. "Peppy, old boy, I know it had to be a hectic day for you, but thank you for taking the time to speak with me."

"It's alright, Charles." Peppy sighed. "I needed the break. What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to know if the McClouds would be returning here or if I should bring them their children with us to Corneria."

Peppy nodded thoughtfully. "Given everything that's happened, they'll want you to bring them here."

Charles could tell that something was weighing heavily on the general. "Peppy, what happened?"

The old lagomorph was feeling his age more than ever. He slumped in his chair and sighed. "I guess it is better you hear it from me then find out through the news feeds. Fox and his team defeated all of the telepathic renegades that had taken over CDF Headquarters and were holding the Senate hostage, and Gordon Striker has been captured, but.....Katt Monroe was killed in the final battle in the Senate."

Sadness filled Father Phoenix's heart. The patriarch closed his eyes and nodded. "Please send my condolences to Falco Lombardi, and tell him I'll make all arrangements for Miss Monroe's funeral."

"Thank you. I'll let him know. General Hare, signing off."

Charles returned to the living room and announced that they would return to Corneria in the morning and that the McCloud children would be reunited with their parents there. Seeing the joy in the eyes of Marcus and Ophelia, he did not have it in his heart to ruin the moment by revealing the sad news of Katt Monroe's demise. Truthfully, he had grown fond of the McCloud children, who had adopted him as their third grandfather.

"What's wrong, Grandpa Charles?" Marcus suddenly asked. "Why are you so sad?"

Charles gazed down at Fox McCloud's eight-year-old empathic son. At least, he and his sister were not orphans. Their parents survived and triumphed. Thinking to himself, he realized that he would be doing Marcus a disservice by trying to shelter the pup from the hard truth that sometimes people die. Taking a seat on the couch he had been using, he had Marcus and Ophelia sit on each side of him. "Your mother and father are fine..."

"Did they beat that bad person they left to fight?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, they did.....But their friend Katt died in that fight." Charles told Marcus and everyone in the room.

"No!" Fara gasped. "How did it...?"

"I do not have the details, only that Miss Monroe was a casualty."

Marcus' lower lip quivered and tears began to well up in his eyes. "Aunty Katt?...."

Charles ran a hand through the pup's head fur between his ears. "I'm sorry, Marcus. But your Aunt Katt is gone."

And for the second time in his life, Marcus McCloud was confronted with the cold reality of death, but in this case on a more personal level. The pup dropped off the couch and ran to his bedroom from which they heard his cries of sorrow. Ophelia, who was only four years old and too young to fully understand nevertheless began weeping simply because her older brother was crying.

The rest of the gathering in the house were tearful. Josephine leaned against her husband while she and Dietrich embraced their grandchildren, Oswald and Katherine. Fara got up and went to Marcus' bedroom. She found the pup curled up on his bed with his face in his pillow. Being so close to the young telepath, she realized he was unconsciously projecting some of his sadness unto her, but it only added to her own.

Fara sat down on the bed and gathered Marcus in her arms. "I know how you feel, Marcus." She said in a voice choked with her own grief. "Katt was my friend too."

"It's so unfair! W-why did s-she have to d-die?" Marcus sobbed.

"It is unfair." Fara affirmed. "But I've known your Aunt Katt for a long time, since even before you were born, Marcus. She was a feisty lady who was always ready to fight bad people to protect others. She died doing what she felt was right. Do not forget that Marcus. Because of her, your mother and father, and the others that went with them, we can go back home and see our friends again."

Marcus nodded but continued to cry. "That's it. Let it all out." Fara said through her own tears. As they wept together, Kei walked into the room, sat down next to his wife, and gathered her in his arms just as she held onto his third cousin, twice removed. He did not know Katt Monroe as well as Fara did, but was still saddened. His heart also went out to Falco Lombardi, who must have been devastated by his girlfriend's death.

The next morning, they were walking to the landing field where the Phoenix Family private ship was waiting for them. They were met by Hinode and Shinko, who had Kushinju and Nozomi in their care. Hinode was also carrying a sealed case with him. They were joined by Elder Hiroshi and Samantha. "Will there be room on your ship for all of us?" the elder asked.

Charles nodded, seeing the twin toddlers in their care. "It will be a bit cramped, but yes. And the journey will be quick." They boarded the shuttle, settled the children in their booster and child seats, and strapped themselves in. And with Fara and Kei as pilot and copilot, the Phoenix Family shuttle lifted off and ascended into orbit where they were immediately joined by a protective Arwing escort squadron.

Minutes later, a wormhole generated by the Beltino Gate appeared in front of them, through which they went to bring them instantly into orbit around Corneria. Within the hour, they would be reunited with Fox and Krystal and their friends. Hinode looked down at the case he held. As a healer, it would be his duty to carry out one of the less enjoyable duties of his vocation, even though it would be necessary.

*****

The fallout over the Senate battle and General Striker's defeat and capture was a media sensation. Not surprisingly, there was even greater interest by the tabloids at the revelation that Fox McCloud had faked his death and was now blue-furred like the other Cerinians. Outlandish, made-up stories invariably started to appear in their media feeds, which further fed the conspiracies that Fox McCloud had turned against the people of Lylat. So it was heartening to learn that Martin Ashley had continued working on the multiple lawsuits against the tabloids. The testimony and evidence he had gathered would soon allow the McClouds to have their day in court.

While it was no secret that the McClouds were hostile towards the tabloids, reporters from respectable news networks were uncertain of where they stood with the much changed retired leader of Star Fox and his wife. That became clearer to them when they gathered to cover the return of Charles Phoenix and his family, along with a contingent of Cerinians.

Isamu and Kasumi had already left to return to New Cerinia, but Renjiro and Akina delayed their return to remain with Fox and Krystal. They were at the gate, waiting to be reunited with the McCloud children, Krystal's young siblings, and their friends. While waiting, they noticed the group of reporters gathered to one side. A few faces among them were recognized by Fox and Krystal, who sensed neither malice nor avarice, and concluded that these were respectable journalists. However, one face was missing among them. Fox thought to his wife. "In all the chaos, we never did find out what happened to Walter after Lylat News briefly went offline."

"Let's ask them." Krystal suggested.

They approached the gathering of reporters, who began to shift nervously. However, their unease quickly dissipated upon noting the McClouds' calm demeanor. Their journalistic curiosity soon won out, and a few began to ask questions. "Mister McCloud, can you tell us your opinion of what should be done with Gordon Striker?" "Missus McCloud, how were you able to protect the Star Falco team from telepathic attack while you fought the general's renegade telepaths?" "Reports are that one of them, a wolf named Devin Wulfrick, surrendered in remorse. Did you say anything to him?"

Before any further question could be asked, Fox raised his hand. "Guys, I actually have a question for you. Is Walter Kent alright? We heard he went missing around the time of the attack." The emotions of uncomfortable sadness that they sensed from these individuals who were Walter Kent's professional peers filled the empathic foxes with a sense of foreboding. The reply from a reddish, grey wolf among the gathered reporters confirmed their fears.

"I'm Wolf Murrow of Lylat News....I'm sorry to say that my colleague's body was found in the basement of our building. The autopsy indicated he died of a massive brain hemorrhage...." His ears wilted and Fox and Krystal could see and sense his genuine sadness. To Wolf and all the reporters in their group, the sorrow at the news of Walter's death in the McCloud couple's posture and expression was also plainly evident. Many were deeply touched that the famed vulpine pair cared so much for one of their own.

"Dammit! I really liked that guy." Fox shouted out in pained anger. "We had always been happy to answer his questions because we knew he would not sensationalize what we said and would never quote us out of context." Krystal brushed a tear from the corner of her eye and added. "The first time we met him, I could sense an honest curiosity that many of your profession exhibit, but he was always respectful of our privacy and would not impose himself upon us."

Wolf hung his head and nodded. "Yes. He was the best of us at Lylat News. The way he ended his broadcasts with the words 'and that is how it was' really summed him up. He gave his viewers the unembellished facts. He was also my mentor." The subsequent anger in his eyes and emotions found expression in what he revealed next. "It turns out that Pricilla Kane of the Corneria Enquirer wanted revenge for the negative editorials Walter wrote regarding her and the tabloids. So she collaborated with General Striker to take over Lylat News with some of his renegade telepaths backing her up."

"That bitch!" Fox and Krystal seethed. "If we have anything to say about it, she'll never get out of prison again!"

Wolf growled and nodded. "She won't!" He then shivered at the memory. "Great Maker, those rogue telepaths she brought with her were scary and creepy all in one." His gaze then met Krystal's and he gave the vixen a watery smile. "You Cerinians are much nicer telepaths to be around with."

Any feelings of anger and outrage that Fox and Krystal felt were quickly overridden with concern for this wolf and his colleagues. "Were any of you harmed? Are you alright?" Krystal asked.

"We're fine. Thankfully, while you guys were storming CDF HQ, CSA agents liberated Lylat News, knocking everyone out including myself with sleeping gas. When we woke up, the renegade telepaths had been killed and Pricilla Kane was arrested and charged with treason."

"Damn those creeps." Fox growled. "I previously told Walter in our last interview that a state of war exists between the tabloids and the McClouds." In front of their cameras, he withdrew his staff, which immediately extended under his mental command. "You've seen in the broadcast of the battle to liberate the Senate what I and my wife can do with our staves, and what we did to those paparazzi who were recording the kidnapping attempt of our son." Fox's eyes began to glow and electricity sparked along the length of his staff, up his arms, and through his body from his head to his tail. Krystal stepped into view with her own staff extended, eyes glowing, and electricity also making her fur stand on end. They then gazed right into the cameras recording them. "Make no mistake. We will no longer use EMP weapons to just fry their equipment. If the tabloids and paparazzi know what is good for them, they will stay away from us, and our friends are off limits as well."

The McClouds then closed their eyes and took deep, calming breaths. The terrifying vision they had displayed dispelled and they were again just Fox and Krystal. The tod then smiled and nodded to the gathered reporters. "Looks like you have something to write about. We've got to go now. Our family and friends have just arrived."

They never explicitly said they would kill tabloid reporters or photographers on sight out in public, as that would have been a felony crime. But the violence with which they attacked paparazzi in recent months led them to believe that Fox and Krystal would actually carry out their implied threat. Consequently, paparazzi not approach the McClouds, their children, or their close friends for many years to come.

*****

Charles, his family, and their Cerinian friends walked through the main gate after disembarking from their ship and were greeted by Fox and Krystal McCloud and the Cerinians in their company. When Marcus finally saw his parents, he rushed into their arms and cried in relief and fear.

"Mama, Papa. Please don't leave us anymore. I don't want you to die like Aunty Katt." _ Marcus quickly calmed down when he felt his parents' soothing love flow into him and his sister. _"We're sorry we had to leave you. There was a very bad person who was using telepathy to hurt people. But we stopped him. So he'll never hurt anybody again, Marcus."

Fara and Kei watched the young pup and his parents embracing each other, seeing the tears well up in their eyes and suspected they were telepathically communing and consoling each other over the death of Katt Monroe. "I'll make arrangements for a memorial for Miss Munroe." Charles offered. "We'll celebrate her life and offer Mister Lombardi all the support he needs." Fara nodded. "We best be going. We'll see you later."

Fox stood up and embraced both Fara and Kei. "Take care, you two. We'll see you later." After they had left, he turned and beckoned the rest of the arrivals to follow him. Renjiro, Akina Samantha, Hiroshi, Shinko, and Hinode followed the McClouds through the gate past Wolf Morrow and his peers who stood back respectfully and quietly reported to their viewers the day's event. Outside, they found several CDF ground cars waiting for them. Sergeant Quentin stood by the middle vehicle and waved them over. "I have been sent by Director Ramius to bring you to CSA headquarters to deal with ex-general Gordon Striker and his surviving followers."

Krystal looked at her husband and family. "Unless we are specifically needed, we would like to return to our home in the West End neighborhood."

"Yes. Of course. We'll drop you and your family there along the way."

Fox then addressed his Cerinian friends and Samantha. "Once you are done, you are more than welcome to stay with us until you are ready to return to New Cerinia."

"Thank you, Fokkusu." Hiroshi said. "We will contact you when we are done and on our way to your home."

*****

While Fox and his family were settling back into their old home that day, Renjiro Akina, Hiroshi, Samantha, Hinode, and Shinko arrived at the Cornerian Security Agency headquarters where they were greeted by CSA Director Wulfred Ramius. "Welcome, and thank you for coming."

Hinode gave the wolf a short bow of his head. "We understand that you have Gordon Striker and ten of his followers prisoner."

"Yes, they are in isolation cells below where we have been remotely monitoring them since we have no means of defending ourselves from telepathic attack." Wulfred then noticed the white metal case that Hinode was carrying. "Is that how you will remove their telepathic abilities?"

The Cerinian healer lifted up the case in front of him. "Yes, this was the means of punishment on Cerinia for any who committed mind rape."

"Good. Follow me." Wulfred led them to a lift which they boarded, and descended several levels. The Cerinians then disembarked while the CSA director and Samantha remained on the lift.

"We will monitor you while you deal with these renegades. Once you are done stripping them of their powers, take the lift back up to the main level." Wulfred said before depressing the button to close the lift door. He then nodded to the red vixen next to him as they ascended. "Do not worry, Madam. I am certain that they will be able to easily deal with these criminals so that they never threaten nontelepaths like us."

Samantha smiled. "I am not concerned. My husband is a very powerful telepath. I'd even be safe down there with him."

"So, the reports are true. You are married to Elder Hiroshi." Wulfred glanced at the tattoos around the vixen's upper arms. "And it would seem that you've embraced their culture."

And like a true Cerinian matriarch, Samantha demonstrated that she was not intimidated by anybody, not even the top spy chief of the Cornerian Security Agency. "Why, do I see an air of disapproval in you, Mister Director?" she said with a challenging smirk while she sashayed into the wolf's personal space.

Wulfred involuntarily took a step back and cleared his throat. "Of course not, Madam...and even if I did, I doubt that it would dissuade you from your chosen life."

Samantha smirked, enjoying how much she could put even the strongest of males in his place. "Good answer." She then heard her beloved in her head. "Now Dearest, do go easy on him. He has been very gracious with us, and has made no attempt to compel us to use our powers in his espionage endeavors against the enemies of Lylat."

Wulfred saw the vixen's eyes momentarily become unfocused before she met his gaze. Her demeanor then softened. "My husband just reminded me to thank you for everything you've done for us and for your graciousness towards his people."

The lift door then opened and Wulfred led the vixen to the security station where they would monitor the Cerinians in the detention level below. "Madam, I made it no secret that I would be delighted to recruit any of them to work for us within the bounds of their ethics, but I do understand that their priority will be focused entirely on rebuilding their population and civilization." He then nodded thoughtfully to himself. "Perhaps one of my successors in a few generations will succeed in recruiting some of their offspring."

Below, the Cerinians went from one cell to another. In each, Hinode withdrew from his case a hypodermic injector containing specifically-designed nanites that would restore the prisoner's genetic sequence to its original state, and thus render them non-telepathic as they had once been. A few tried to resist, but quailed when confronted by the more disciplined and powerful telepaths and the threat from Renjiro's extended staff, especially after receiving incapacitating electrical shocks from the guardian's weapon.

The one prisoner that actually welcomed the arrival of the Cerinians was Devin Wulfrick. "Are you here to take away my powers?" he asked hopefully. Hinode had heard from Kurisutaru about this repentant wolf. But as much as he wanted to feel sympathetic towards him, it did not change the fact that he had committed the highest of crimes in Cerinian society. "Yes. Now extend your arm, please."

Devin willingly did as was asked and hoarsely whispered, "Thank you" as Hinode injected him with the nanites. "When will the voices go away?" he then asked.

"It will take about a day before your powers cease." Hinode replied.

Devin sighed in relief and then looked at the middle-aged Cerinian in their group. He immediately realized that this was their leader. Knowing this, he dropped to his knees in front of Hiroshi and poured out the profound guilt weighing upon his heart. "Sir.....I know what I did was wrong....and that it is unforgivable by your people....but please...understand that I deeply regret what I did." He then began to sob. "Oh Great Maker, I so wish I had never done any of it!"

Hiroshi sighed and shook his head in sadness for this foolish wolf. "By our laws, none of us will ever acknowledge you again once we leave your cell, but if you seek redemption, then make it known to all your people the crimes you and your compatriots committed and what transpired under Gordon Striker and his followers."

Devin nodded contritely. "I will, and thank you." When the Cerinians left, he curled up on his bed and wept, both in regret for everything he had done and in gratitude towards the Cerinians for taking away his powers.

The last prisoner was Gordon Striker himself. When the bullmastiff saw the contingent of Cerinians enter his cell, he snarled. "It's because of you that I'm here! You selfish...You just had to keep your powers to yourselves instead of shearing it with us!!!" He then tried to mentally attack the Cerinians with all his hate, but was instantly, and very forcefully repelled.

Gordon staggered back from being rebuffed by the impenetrable telepathic wall. When he again glared at them, the Cerinians had taken on an utterly terrifying aura. He could not help but retreat to the far corner of his cell, especially under the glare of the middle-aged telepathic fox in their midst.

While every Cerinian was angry with this would-be usurper, Hiroshi was outright furious. "You cowardly, self-righteous, arrogant piece of filth!" the elder growled in a rare display of anger. He stepped forward and approached the disgraced general. "You betrayed your people in your avarice for power and desire to impose your will on those who did not share your misguided views." Hiroshi's eyes blazed with a fire that left Gordon Striker paralyzed in abject terror. Here was a truly powerful telepath that put to shame his own abilities. So transfixed was he that he offered no resistance when Hinode took his arm and injected him with the last of the nanites.

Hiroshi then closed the distance between himself and the large, quivering bullmastiff and snarled. "And you betrayed everything that we Cerinians stand for by committing horrors against the people of Corneria. Because of you, innocent minds and lives were destroyed. BECAUSE OF YOU, MY PEOPLE WERE FORCED TO COMMITT UNSPEAKABLE ACTS IN DEFENSE OF THENSELVES AND THOSE AROUND THEM!"

Hiroshi then straightened up and looked down contemptuously at Gordon Striker. "You have been stripped of your ill-gotten powers and are now dead to us. We will never acknowledge you again." He and the rest of the Cerinians around him then turned their backs on the cowering dog and walked out of his cell.

Once the Cerinians had left, Gordon sagged in relief at being free of their influence. Realizing that he had been so easily overpowered, he stood up and pounded a fist against his cell wall in rage, screaming impotently at the Cerinians who were walking away from him as if he no longer existed.

As their group entered the lift, Hiroshi sighed and thought of his people. He then locked eyes with Renjiro. "I will do everything I can to help you, Isamu, Fokkusu, and Kurisutaru come to terms with what you had to do."

Renjiro closed his eyes and leaned tiredly against the lift wall. "Thank you, Elder. I will gratefully welcome your help to put all this unpleasantness behind us." _ _ The Cerinians emerged from the lift and were met by an agent who led Hiroshi and his people to the security station. There, the elder announced to Wulfred Ramius. "It is done. In about a day, they will no longer be telepaths and you will be free to punish them as you see fit."

"Very well. We'll deal with them in two days." He then gestured to the chairs around the central table. Hiroshi smiled to his vixen and sat next to her while their group took their seats and listened to Wulfred. "We now have one last piece of business to deal with." On the largest screen in the room in front of them was a planet. "What you are seeing is the planet Eladard."

"Wait!" Renjiro interrupted. "Is that not the world your senate was planning to gift our people once it was decontaminated and then terraformed?"

"Yes, and ironically, it was Gordon Striker's secret base all these years. He used the radiation contaminating the planet to hide his underground base, which is why we could not find him." The CSA director informed them. "It is there that his scientists broke the secret for Cerinian telepathy using the stolen genetic samples from Marcus and Fox McCloud."

"Why are you showing us this?" Hiroshi asked.

"Because I want to make it abundantly clear that we acknowledge the wisdom of leaving telepathy to Cerinians and that no attempt will be made to use the ill-gotten knowledge that was gained there." He then opened a comm. "Director Wulfred Ramius to CDF Vigilant."

"CDF Vigilant here. Standing by as ordered."

To the astonishment of Hiroshi and his fellow Cerinians, the wolf issued the command. "You may fire when ready."

Seeing their shock, the wolf explained. "The people and data in that base must not be allowed to exist. This we feel will best ensure that none of your people will be forced to fight renegade telepaths ever again."

At the base's comm, Gordon Striker's chief scientist again called out. "Again, I repeat. This is Doctor Morris Cattus from the University of Havenwood to the Cornerian Defense Force vessel in orbit above us. We surrender. I repeat, we surrender." But there was no reply. Even more alarming, the few ships that had attempted to make their escape were mercilessly shot down. He heard one of the other scientists behind him whisper anxiously. "Why aren't they replying? Can't they hear that we're giving ourselves up?"

Morris again opened his comm. "This is Doctor Cattus. Again, I repeat. We surrender." When still no response was given, a pit began to form in his stomach. With a sense of foreboding, he activated the scanners. There was only the one CDF destroyer above them. When he saw the single missile being launched from the warship, he knew. In his last remaining minutes of life, Morris Cattus again wished he had not been convinced by the general to give up his research fellowship at the University of Havenwood to join him in this forbidden research on telepathy.

Aboard the CDF Vigilant, the bridge crew watched in satisfaction when the anti-matter warhead detonated, engulfing the entire base in a fireball of annihilation. To the captain and his crew, it was poetic justice. General Striker had contrived to send false orders that would have had them wipe out the last remnants of the Cerinian race in this exact same manner. How fitting it was that these same renegades would instead be on the receiving end of such retribution.

Back at the CSA headquarters, Wulfred Ramius watched impassively the fruits of Gordon Striker's endeavors being turned into an empty crater in the landscape of Eladard. "It will of course also be decontaminated along with the rest of the planet. As we clean up all radiation and pollution, we intend to fill in that crater before terraforming begins."

Wulfred could see that the Samantha and the Cerinians were all disturbed by the ruthlessness with which he had dealt with the last of the renegades. "Please understand that we do not usually resort to such extreme tactics. In fact, it has been almost a century since we last resorted to using weapons of mass destruction. But the message had to be sent, especially to the rest of Lylat, that we would never use telepathy against anyone, that they need not resort to seeking out this power themselves."

Hiroshi sighed and nodded to the wolf. "While such destructive violence is distasteful to us, we understand the wisdom of your actions and hope you never again have to resort to such mass destruction."

"So do we." was all Wulfred needed to say in response. "Now all that is left for us is to deal with Gordon Striker and his renegades.

*****

Hiroshi, Samantha, Renjiro, Akina, Hinode, and Shinko departed from the CSA. Akina and her bondmate were driven to the McCloud home by their CDF protectors while Hiroshi asked their CDF driver to take him, his bondmate, Hinode, and Shinko to Corneria City General Hospital.

Upon arriving at the medical facility, the elder was at his request taken up to the psychiatric ward. Within were two patients, the only two survivors of the mind rapes committed by Gordon Striker and his followers.

The first was a mentally traumatized Felicia Tawny. With her were her husband, children, brother, sisters, and her nephew, Eddie Tawny, who was one of Marcus McCloud's best friends. The feline senator had been in the process of being mind raped when Fox had saved her by destroying the mind of her attacker. She was conscious and lucid, but had been suffering from nightmares and debilitating headaches. She smiled weakly upon seeing her visitors. "I understand that I have your people to thank for saving what's left of my mind."

Hiroshi gave a polite, respectful bow to the senator's visiting family. "If you would allow us, we would like to help her recover from her ordeal." When they stepped back to give them room, Hinode sat on one side and took her hand in his while Hiroshi sat on the other side of her bed and gently brushed his fingers along the side of her head.

When Felicia felt the gentle, caring presence of the elder and the healer flow through her, she broke down and began to weep. "It was horrible. Every time I close my eyes, I can feel that awful presence ripping through my head down to my soul!"

"I know, dear heart." Hiroshi consoled her. "What you went through is something no person should ever have to endure." He then gazed to Hinode. "How is she?"

With his other hand, Hinode had run a medical scanner over Felicia's head. "There appears to be no brain damage, which confirms what her doctors had already diagnosed. She is suffering from lack of sleep though." He looked sympathetically at his patient. "Nightmares?" he asked her.

She nodded. "I'm so afraid of sleeping. Every time I do, I have horrible dreams of that awful person in my head, tearing me apart from the inside."

"Which is why we've come." Hiroshi told her. "Felicia, if you will allow me, I can remove all memories of your traumatic experience."

"You can?" Ever since that terrible day, her will to live had been sapped. Felicia did not think she could go on living with the memory of that terrible presence in her head. His offer was her first glimmer of hope. "How?" His response replaced that hope with fear.

"I will go into your mind and expunge all memories of your attacker's presence." Sensing her uneasiness, Hiroshi pressed on to reassure her. "You do not need to be afraid. Unlike your attacker, I will be exceedingly gentle. You will feel no pain and when I am done, you will only recall that you had been mind raped, but remember nothing of what it felt like or of his presence in your mind."

Though trembling less, she nevertheless felt anxious. "Will you be reading my thoughts?"

Hiroshi sent her another gentle burst of compassion and answered truthfully. "I'm afraid I have to. I'll be going very deep into your mind, all the way to your subconscious. It is necessary to ensure you are no longer tormented by nightmares." He gently caressed her head. "But I promise you, as a telepath, I am honor-bound to never reveal any personal memories and thoughts I read in your mind."

But Felicia had already made her decision. It did not matter what personal, or even embarrassing thoughts the Cerinian elder read in her mind. The promise alone that she would no longer be tormented by memories and nightmares of that horrible person tearing into her mind was all the incentive she needed to let this Cerinian telepath into her head. "Yes. Please help me." she readily acquiesced.

Hiroshi then moved his chair to sit behind her bed. He then gently laid a hand on each of her temples. "Now relax. Close your eyes....Shhhh.....Don't fight it.... Let me in. I'll be very gentle."

Felicia's family all watched quietly as the elder used his powers on her. The wife, brother, mother, and aunt that they all loved soon fell into a deep sleep. In the minutes that followed, she briefly stirred in the beginnings of a nightmare, but it almost immediately stopped. The minutes ticked by while the elder expunged all memories of her experience being mind raped, and then he withdrew.

And for the first time in days, Felicia Tawny slept peacefully, untroubled by nightmares of memories that were no longer there. Her husband stepped forward, took the Elder Hiroshi's hand in his, and vigorously shook it. "Thank you, Sir. I cannot begin to even express my gratitude for helping my wife." said Mark Tawny through tearful eyes.

"You can be thankful by cherishing your wife." Hiroshi replied. "Felicia is very fortunate to have survived with her mind intact. All other victims of Gordon Striker's followers are dead. The few that still breathe are mindless, vegetative husks beyond our help."

Mark thought about all the arguments and shouting matches he had with his wife and realized that the elder had probably seen them in her memories. "I will cherish her." he promised wholeheartedly. This was a second chance he would not squander.

Then there was Uncia Frost. The chief minister was alive and physically in good health, but was still in a catatonic state. Sitting next to his bed were his wife and their two sons. The snow leopard family all looked up at the Cerinians when they entered the room. Hiroshi gave a polite bow and addressed the matriarch of their family. "Greetings, Missus Frost. I have come to see if can help your husband recover his sense of self."

Parda Frost placed a hand upon her chest and address the Cerinian elder. "Word has already reached me that you were able to mentally heal Senator Tawney. If you are able to do the same for my husband, you will have the eternal gratitude of my family."

Hiroshi brought a chair up to the end of the bed and sat behind the unresponsive snow leopard. He briefly brushed his fingers against Uncia's temple and then made eye contact with his wife. "I will do my best. But first, you must understand that I would not normally enter someone's mind without his explicit permission, but since your husband is in no state to express his willingness to let me in, I must ask you in his stead."

"You will be reading his thoughts?" she asked.

"I will invariably be picking up on many of his thoughts and memories as I work to draw him out." Hiroshi explained. "But know that anything I learn will be kept in the upmost confidence and never be revealed to anyone."

Parda inclined her head. "Please. Do what you must to bring my husband back to us."

It took the better part of an hour. Hiroshi was required to delve deeply into the snow leopard's mind before he found Uncia Frost where he had taken refuge, deep within his subconscious.

"Who's there? Stay away from me!" Having not expected to find someone so deep in his head, Uncia had at first recoiled within his mental hiding place.

"Do not be afraid." Hiroshi then began to patiently coax Uncia out. "It is safe now. Gordon Striker has been defeated and will no longer threaten you or anyone else."

"How do I know you're not him?" Uncia thought back fearfully.

"Would I be this gentle? Do you not sense my compassion?" Hiroshi countered.

Uncia thought back to the cruel mind that had mercilessly driven into his head. This new presence was different, and felt wholesome. He tentatively reached out and suddenly recognized it. He had met him before, right after the memorial service for his people at the Cerinian Memorial Arboretum. "Elder Hiroshi!? Is that you?"

"Yes Uncia. It is I. I've come to take you back to your wife and sons."

"Are they safe?" Uncia asked with a spark of hope. "And Gordon Striker and his followers have been stopped?"

"Yes on both counts." Hiroshi coaxed the snow leopard from his mental hiding place deep within his subconscious. "Come with me. Your family are waiting for you."

And Uncia Frost reached out to the mental presence beckoning to him, and woke with a start just as he felt Hiroshi withdraw from his mind. His eyes roved around his hospital room in confusion. Any question he had though was cut off my passionate lips locking unto his muzzle from his leopardess who then tearfully embraced him.

Hiroshi sighed and sat back tiredly while he, Samantha, Hinode, and Akina looked on at the joyous family reunion. When Uncia was finally released form his wife's tight embrace, he looked beyond her and made eye contact with the elder. It then all came back to him: Gordon Striker's attack on the Senate, his voiced opposition to the renegade general's coup, the terrifying attack on his mind from which he fled within himself, and this compassionate Cerinian who helped him reemerge from his mental refuge.

"Thank you, Elder Hiroshi." He then paused to recall the mental conversation he had with the elder that convinced him that it was safe to come out. "And your people have my deepest thanks for freeing us from Gordon Striker's tyranny."