A/N: Update 2: Yes, you guys, I am aware that the beginning of this story is painfully awful. It's incredibly lacking, there are plot holes everywhere, and the quality of the writing is sub-par compared to what I am doing now. But, cut me some slack, okay? This was my first successful story, and even though it was conceived only a year ago, my quality of writing has improved drastically ever since. Don't believe me? Take a look at this story's sequel, Veria. Now come back to this. Tell me which one is better.

What I'm getting at is if you are a new reader that has seen Veria and wanted to come back to what started it all, or if you're just wandering around and stumbled upon this, and feel like you need to comment on how atrocious the beginning third of this story is, here's a suggestion. Don't. I am painfully aware of the beginning problems, and I know that there are more plot holes than the Terminator movies, but I don't need a bunch of people telling me even after the story is over. I'm sorry if I sound a little harsh, but this wouldn't happen if I didn't get upset with it.

So, that being said, I really should revise this. And I am. With the help of my partners, FC is getting a brand new revamp. Check out "Star Fox: Classified Engagement" for details. I just didn't feel like revising this mess because nobody will see its improvements. So, if you want to see a good version of FC, check out the ongoing "CE" instead of trudging through the atrocious beginning of FC.

Not to discourage any of you guys from reading this, however. There are many good aspects of FC that are a must-see in my opinion. If you guys can put up with the choppy beginning, it is very rewarding once you get to latter chapters.

Sorry for ranting, but I feel like I needed to address that. So, for new viewers wanting to drop a review, keep in mind that any and all problems that you can think of have been brought to my attention. Just focus on the good parts, okay?

Thanks, and please enjoy. ~Sheppard

Let's draw the background first, shall we?

You might remember the Lylat System as the home to an anthropomorphic race known as the Cornerians. Home to humanized animals such as dogs, wolves, birds, felines, reptiles, hares, foxes, you get the idea… They have their own technology, communication methods, intelligence, military, architecture, entertainment, you name it.

You may also remember that Lylat was locked into a war for several years with a mad scientist named Andross, and his allied planet, Venom. The war ravaged the planetary system, killing millions of people, and leaving Corneria devastated. It was the worst tragedy to ever strike the Lylat System.

However… What if that never happened?

What if Lylat never had to deal with that severe tragedy?

Let's add some details to the picture we are drawing.

First off: Let's just set the record straight and say that Andross and his experiments never existed. He's like the rock stuck in your shoe; just take him out, throw him away, and forget he ever existed. He will never be relevant in this story.

Secondly: Although war is not predominant now, Star Fox still does exist, but not the same way you would think. Since Andross never existed, an orange vulpine by the name of James McCloud is still alive. His wife, Vixy, is also still safe at home. Their only kit, Fox, may only be thirteen years old now, but he already knows what he wants to do for the rest of his life.

He wants to be just like his dad; and James couldn't be happier.

Anyway, this current Star Fox team that you will come to know and love consists of the leader, James McCloud; the ace pilot, Riley Lombardi; the irreplaceable Peppy Hare, and a nineteen year old Wolf O'Donnell.

Woah, woah, wait a second; let me explain this sudden mind-fuckery. The mortal enemy of Fox McCloud a member of Star Fox? Well, let's first put this into perspective. This could be important.

Five years prior to the start of this story, James 'adopted' Wolf, finding him half beaten to death on a Cornerian side street. James took him in and cared for him, and since Wolf had no recollection of his personal life, he considered James his father. Wolf got along with the other McClouds very well, considering Vixy instantly took Wolf in and cared for him like he was one of her own. Wolf enlisted in the Cornerian Flight Academy at James request, where he was able to get his superb flying skills. Wolf also quickly became a role model for the other kit in the McCloud household. Fox and Wolf got along like two best friends, although Fox considered the older lupine his brother. Yes, this is the part where you say 'aww'.

Shall we elaborate on the other side of Star Fox?

Riley Lombardi. He joined Star Fox at James' request. They were roommates in the Cornerian Flight Academy, and partners in the CDF for many years. You may not know him per se, but you do know his son, a blue avian by the name of Falco Lombardi. Much like James and Fox, Riley and Falco were damn near identical. Both had a similar stature, similar physical characteristics, and the same natural born talent. Falco was a friend to the McClouds also, although his unmistakable personality didn't put him as close as Fox and Wolf. Falco was the kind of guy that would back you up in a fight, but would most likely bet money against you first. Falco, being only fourteen at this time, inherited most of his father's traits, which was to be expected. The Lombardi's have always been a headstrong, brash family, but have always been highly skilled in piloting aircrafts.

Now, enough with the character explanations. More will come later. In the meantime, let's go back to some more background information.

Corneria. Population: 43.7 billion. A planet teeming with life and technology. Cars load the streets, buildings cover the ground, and people overflow city corners. A prime example of these facts is the capital, Corneria City. It is, by far, the largest city on Corneria, with roughly 2.2 billion inhabitants. Due to the fact that Andross never attacked, this city was able to flourish, and technology in the city evolved exceptionally well. They skipped generations of improvement and went straight to state-of-the-arc sciences. Their communications, their weaponry, their transportation; all developed and increased exponentially. Some of this new-found technology went to the engineering-science wing of Cornerian research. Mainly, exploration of other systems.

This is where it all begins.

Cornerian Defense Force HQ - Cornerian Space Exploration wing

"Sir?" a Cornerian scientist spoke from his station. "Sir, the drones… they…" he stuttered shakily.

"What's wrong Vince?" a second scientist asked. Vince's white fur appeared green because of the screen he was staring at. He was shaking, and his eyes were bigger than saucers.

"The satellite," he echoed, trying to catch his breath. "System U-8… We… we got a positive reading."

The second scientist opened his muzzle wide. "P-Positive? You can't be-"

"It- it's true. Positive readings. Overwhelmingly positive readings."

"But… We've sent drones to that system hundreds of times, why are we just now getting a positive reading?"

Vince shrugged. "I-I'm not sure…" He turned to the second scientist. "Keep an eye on my station. I- I have to get Pepper right now."

Vince shot up and dashed out the set of doors into the white hallways of the CDF headquarters. The wandering Cornerians stopped and stared at the arctic fox running through the hall, bumping into soldiers as he rushed for the General. His short white hair was being blown backwards due to the speed he was carrying. The white vulpine lost his footing and slammed into the door to the bloodhound's quarters. Holding his shoulder, he knocked furiously on the General's door.

"General!" he shouted, wailing on the door.

Pepper opened the door with a scowl on his face. "What's the problem?" he said, almost growling at the scientist.

Vince was shaking noticeably, and the General instantly realized the poor little scientist had just seen something. Vince threw his hand up in a haphazard salute, breathing heavily.

"Sir. The satellites we sent to system U-8… we've finally got a positive reading from one…"

Pepper's eyes shot open wider than the awestruck scientist's did when he first discovered the readings. "You… you mean…" he started as best as he could.

Vince nodded. "We've tested positive for life sources on the surface of the third planet in U-8. This is the first time we've ever gotten these readings before."

Pepper leaned on the wall next to him. His breathing intensified as he stared straight into the bright blue eyes of the white vulpine. "If these readings are true, I want you to send more satellites to that area. Find out more about this planet. I want as much information as you can give me."

Vince nodded and threw up his hand. "Understood, sir. We'll have satellites in the atmosphere of that planet in a few days. We'll give you information as soon as it becomes available to us."

"Good. Get working on it." Pepper stated, and the arctic fox rushed back into the communications room. Pepper closed his room up again, and sat on the chair up against the wall of the room. The inner turmoil within Pepper's mind was increasing with every second he didn't act. He was too busy thinking about what he should do. Should he stay in silence and study the civilization? Should he try to contact this newly discovered planet? Or should he launch an attack?

He decided to wait, because he was yet to be informed on how advanced this civilization was. He needed advice. He needed help. Pepper quickly stood up and patched a call through to his long-time friend, hoping to get some assistance.

"Ah, General Pepper," The orange vulpine said as he became visible on the bloodhound's screen. He instantly cocked his head as he saw the condition of the General. "Is… there something troubling you sir?"

"As a matter of fact James, yes… I need your help."

James removed the sunglasses from his green eyes as Pepper continued. "Our lead scientist in charge of intergalactic exploration, Vince Stazac, just came to me moments ago saying that the satellite his team sent to System U-8 radioed in with positive results."

"Positive?" James repeated, cocking his head. "Like… life positive?" he asked slowly, not breaking his stare on the general.

"Indeed," Pepper responded. "I've already told Vince to send more drones to the area. If we can get a concrete picture of the lifeforms on this planet, we may be able to set up communications."

"Communications with these alien creatures?"

"Exactly."

James rubbed the bottom of his muzzle. "Do we know of anything else other than there being life on the planet itself?"

"Not at the moment. Like I said before, Vince is already sending satellites to orbit the atmosphere around that planet. Those satellites will give us more than enough information to deduce weather or not we should set up an alliance."

"An alliance," James echoed, a faint smile creasing his face. "Hmm… I like the plan General… But if I may ask, how does this involve me?"

"I was hoping you'd ask," Pepper smiled. "If we do set up some form of an alliance, I'll assume we need a physical delegate to represent ourselves. I'd like you and the rest of Star Fox to act as an escort for our representatives."

James smile grew larger and larger with every word the general said. "Wow, it's an honor General. I… I don't know what else to say…" he managed to say, still trying to regain his bearings after the bomb that had been dropped on him.

Pepper smiled at the vulpine. "You've got time to think, McCloud. I'll have Stazac give you calls whenever they find anything of importance."

"Sounds good General. McCloud out." The screen faded to black, and the vulpine faded away. Pepper looked out the window of his office, overlooking the giant skyscrapers that lined Corneria's skyline. The city looked peaceful, even in broad daylight. He sighed as he slouched down in his office chair. The phone on his desk suddenly rang loudly, startling the middle aged bloodhound.

"General Pepper," He stated firmly into the receiver.

"General? It's Stazac. We've found something, sir." The arctic fox's shaky voice came back.

"What is it?" the bloodhound asked intently.

"This life source… it's… it's more developed than we previously thought."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Well, sir, shortly after our probe got into the atmosphere of the planet and gave us our positive readings, it reported an outside interference. Something like a mechanical failure that wasn't caused by an internal malfunction. A few seconds afterward, we completely lost contact with it. Putting it into plain words, sir, our probe was shot down."

Pepper was obviously intrigued. One moment, they discover an entirely new life system. The next moment, they attack and destroy their satellite on impulse, almost if they were trying to defend themselves.

"Stand by; I'll be there in a second," Pepper responded, and put the receiver down. He got up out of his chair and made his way down the hall towards the communications room. He burst through the doors of the satellite observations room, not upset, but completely confused and desperate for answers.

"Vince, what happened?" he asked calmly, but there was still a hint of impatience in his voice.

"A whole shit ton happened, general!" Vince snapped scornfully, wrapping his hands around his muzzle. The scientist looked flustered, and his eyes were jumping from one screen to another, trying to come up with a logical explanation for what had just transpired. He shifted his glance to the general and lowered his ears.

"I-I'm sorry sir. I didn't mean to go off on you like that. I'm… just really flustered right now…" he said humbly, staring at the screen.

"Alright, Vince, calm down and explain to me what's going on."

Vince took a few seconds to catch his breath, and pulled up the satellite communications. The screen was flashing red with the words 'CONNECTION LOST' blinking periodically. He sighed as he spoke to the general.

"This… our satellite got compromised. I don't know if it got completely destroyed, but our connection was terminated only a few minutes ago."

"What hit it, Stazac?" Pepper asked.

"Tough to say," Vince said confusedly. "The way our satellite reacted to this leads me to believe it was a laser-guided anti-air missile launched from the surface of this planet."

"Laser-guided weaponry?" Pepper scoffed humorously, cracking a smile. "Don't you think that kind of weaponry is underdeveloped for a civilization?"

"That's what I was thinking," Vince agreed, not breaking his stare on the screen. "Whoever, or whatever, these alien creatures are, they sure don't want us around here." A few seconds of silence passed, then Vince decided to break the ice.

"Do you think this is an act of war, general? Like, do you think this calls for retaliatory measures?"

Pepper sighed and looked down. He had never declared war yet in his short term as general. He had just been recently promoted in the last two years, so the bloodhound was still trying to figure out what he was supposed to do and how he was supposed to do it. He knew he couldn't physically declare war; that was the Cornerian Government's job. He could give the recommendations to do so, but he was still hesitant on impulsively declaring war on a primitive civilization. As a matter of fact, he had a slight feeling of fear. What could this civilization do if he did agree with his impulses?

"Well, Vince, I would agree with you… under normal circumstances…"

Vince finally broke his stare on the screen and looked directly at the general. "What do you mean by that, sir?" he asked, tilting his head.

Pepper glanced up and gazed at the arctic fox. "This very well have been an accident. As a matter of fact, I do believe it was an accident. They were probably thinking it was some sort of attack. I will let this little incident slide for now, but if anything else happens like this again, as in if our other satellites consistently get destroyed by these creatures, I will have no choice but to declare war, and the outcome will not go in these aliens' favor."

"Do you still want us to launch more satellites, sir?"

"Yes. We still need more information from this civilization. See if you can modify our satellites too look… a little less intimidating… if that's even possible. We need cultural information, satellite imagery, everything."

Vince nodded and began swiftly typing coded jargon into the computer. Pepper set his paw on Vince's shoulder.

"Don't overwork yourself, Vince… You're my best scientist, and I don't want our work suffering just because you are."

Vince put on a slight grin. "Thanks general, I won't let you down."

Pepper turned around and began to walk out the door. After taking about ten steps, he turned around and faced the vulpine scientist.

"Like I said Vince, I don't want to start a war with these creatures… Not unless I have to…"