Chapter 5: Complications

"Andross?!" Gasped Fox and Falco at the same time, "That's illegal!"

"Please keep your voices down!" said Colonel Lee in a loud whisper, "Is there somewhere more private we can discuss this?"

Falco motioned towards Krystal's room, but kept his eyes on the Colonel, "Nobody's in there. The doctors are on a break."

Lee and Falco entered the room followed by Fox, who closed the double doors quietly behind himself. Fox turned and looked at the room, for the first time seeing parts of it other than Krystal. It was a square room about 100 meters on each side, large enough for any medical operation. In the middle of the room, Krystal's stasis pod sat looking like an egg. It was white and opaque from the frost coating the cold pod. Fox could barely make out Krystal's blue form inside it. There were small veins of red coming from Krystal's body which Fox could only assume was some of her blood that had leaked from her body during the flash freezing process. A large grey power adapter surrounded half of Krystal's stasis pod and held it a half a meter off the floor. Wires and hoses extended from it into the floor and ceiling. A few holographic displays floated directly in front of the pod, showing Krystal's physical and mental status. Most of the bar indicators were red and very low, conveying critical status. Fox looked away at the rest of the room. There were monitoring stations lining the right wall. Flashing blue lights covered the few stations that were on. On the other side of the room, the others were congregating at the makeshift lobby area which contained a few chairs and a table. Falco wore a look of mild shock, which was unusual for him. Lee only looked concerned. Fox made his way over to the others as they sat down.

"Please, Captain McCloud, have a seat. We have a great deal to discuss," said the wolf, motioning towards an empty chair."

Fox crossed his arms, "I'll stand, thanks. And call me 'Fox' if you don't mind."

"Of course," replied the Colonel, "now, as I said, we can potentially restore your teammate Krystal through some of Andross' technology, but-"

Falco interrupted, "I hate to, ya know, sound like a broken record, but THAT'S FREAKIN' ILLEGAL! You're a military guy. Aren't you guys the ones who bust people for using that stuff?!"

"Keep your voice down!" the wolf hissed, "yes, it's illegal, but there's an exception to every rule. I'm with a black tech division of the military. We have a mandate to experiment with banned technology, with the hope of eventually making it available publicly for military and civilian use."

"Black tech division, huh?" Fox mused. "What's the name and branch?" He asked.

"Unfortunately, I've only been authorized to inform you enough about our division to allow you to make an informed decision about the use of the technology on Krystal. As for our branch, I can only say that we are part of Cornerian Defense Intelligence," responded Colonel Lee.

"In that case, what can you tell me about the procedure, Colonel?" Fox asked.

Lee explained, "Until the actual operation, I'm not at liberty to discuss the specifics, but in broad terms, we would be building Krystal a new body using her own DNA as a template. However, we would be replacing most of her body with micro-mechanical structures."

"Slip ain't here right now, could you explain that again in English?" Falco asked sarcastically.

The wolf sighed, "Of course, think of it as building a robot at the cellular level. Krystal will look exactly the same as she did before and her body will work in a similar way too. She'll still need to eat, drink, and sleep. But nearly everything about her will be enhanced."

"Enhanced?" Fox asked, "in what way?"

"Krystal will gain greater physical strength, speed, and stamina. She could even become smarter through of neural speed and space increases," Colonel Lee answered. "But I must stress this: this is a very risky and highly experimental procedure. Only Andross truly understood how this technology worked. In the best case, our technicians gave the procedure a 40 chance of working for Krystal," he cautioned.

"That all you can tell us?" Falco asked.

Lee responded, "Yes, for now that's all I can say. If you decide to go with this procedure, I can brief you or whoever on your team you feel necessary."

"And if I say no, what happens?" Fox asked.

"I'll wish you luck with Krystal, bid you farewell, and have CDI deny that this meeting ever took place," the wolf replied simply.

"And if I say yes?" Asked Fox.

Lee smiled, "I'll escort you, your ship to our facility and we will begin immediately. There are no strings attached either way, if that's what you're asking."

"Fair enough. Falco, what do you think?" Fox asked, turning to him.

"Krystal isn't getting any better sitting around here, and I don't think I can take much more of your moping. I say shoot first, ask questions... er, you know what I mean," Falco answered.

Fox frowned at Falco's choice of words, but moved on.

"That settles it," thought Fox. He had already made up his mind to do whatever Lee was going to propose, even before he explained it. The Andross technology was a bit of a shocker, but Fox trusted his father, even if it was only his subconscious. More, it was Krystal's only chance. Risk or death, those were the only two choices Fox knew of.

"Colonel Lee, I accept," proclaimed Fox, "When can we leave?"

"Immediately, assuming your ship is in working order," the Lee replied.

Fox grabbed his communicator off his waist and spoke in a stern tone, "Call Slippy."

The communicator made a fuzzy sound and a moment later the unusually happy voice of Slippy was heard by everyone in the room, "Hiya, Fox! This is Slippy."

"Slippy, how hard would it be to go somewhere in our ship without further repairs?" Asked Fox.

"Without repairs? Gee, why would you do tha-" Slippy was interrupted.

"Can it fly safely or do I need to rent another ship?" Fox reiterated.

"No no! It'll fly. The damage was minor. We just won't be able to use the exercise room until we finish repairs. What's the hurry?" Slippy asked.

"I'll explain on the way. I need you to have the cargo bay door open and the ship ready to fly in ten minutes. Can you do that for me?" Asked Fox.

"Sure, Fox! Now you've got me curious, he he! Slippy out!" Said Slippy as he cut out.

Fox turned to the Colonel, "Well, I guess the only thing left to do is get Krystal onboard and be on our way..."

Fox trailed off as two of Krystal's doctors walked into the room. Fox looked at them, then at Lee.

"This is top level classified. I'll leave it up to you how to get Krystal on your ship," Lee said, answering Fox's question before he asked it. "Also, no-one except current members of your crew can know about this procedure, even your higher-ups. I apologize in advance for the trouble," said the Colonel. He turned and walked to a door on the far wall, one with a large 'exit' sign above, "I can't be seen with you, too many questions could be asked. I'll see you at the docking bay."

Fox watched him go and then turned to the doctors. He paused for a moment to gather what he wanted to say, then he marched over to them as they neared the holographic displays.

"Dr. Sharp, Dr..." Fox didn't know the other's name.

"Dr. Labbe," the other doctor explained, extending a hand.

Fox shook his hand briskly, "Right, Dr. Labbe thanks for trying to help Krystal... Listen, Dr. Sharp, I thought about what you had to say and all. Krystal will... pass on soon. I agree with you, we can't leave Krystal like this, but I don't want her to die here. She wouldn't want to die in a hospital, no offense. I'd rather take her somewhere else."

"I understand completely, few people want to die in a hospital bed. I wouldn't want to. Did you have anywhere in mind?" Asked Dr. Sharp.

"Well, um, if I where to bury Krystal, it would probably be on Sauria. She has several friends there who would want to see her," Fox said, crafting his answer and trying not to lie.

"That's fine," Dr. Sharp said reassuringly, "Do you need transport for her body?"

"No, our ship will do fine. It only has minor damage. My other teammate is preparing it for launch right now. We just need to get Krystal's pod back on the portable unit and we'll be able to take care of her from there," Fox said.

Dr. Sharp nodded, "I'm glad you're taking this so well. I'll have a couple of technicians help you get her back on your ship."

"Thanks," Fox sighed, a little sad that he had deceive the doctors.

Fox and Falco helped the doctors prepare Krystal's pod to be moved. It took about three minutes for the technicians Dr. Sharp had called to arrive. When they did, it was only a few minutes more before Krystal was once again connected to the large, wheeled stasis pod shell. One of the technicians signaled that Krystal's pod was ready to go. Fox nodded and began walking towards the doorway, followed by Falco and a technician pushing Krystal's pod. Fox pushed open the doors to an alarming sight.

Camera flashes nearly blinded him and microphones where pressed to his face. Reporters were nearly crawling over each other trying to ask Fox questions about Krystal, the explosion, and all kinds of other things. Fox shielded his eyes and groaned.

Fox was considering retreating into the emergency room to use the other exit, when one of the reporters in the rear started yelling, "Hey, the General's here!"

The reporters grew quiet and parted to the sides of the hallway. Fox was left facing his old teammate General Peppy with reporters on each side looking anxiously at the scene unfolding.

Fox turned back to General Peppy, who was approaching. "Fox, I just heard the news! I got here as soon as I could."

The press reporters opened their mouths preparing for another barrage of questions, this time aimed at the General, but Peppy held up his hands and addressed them, "Don't bother, I've already ordered a press blackout. You're only allowed to report a 'rumor' that one of the Star Fox Team members had been critically injured. Do I make myself clear?"

The reporters grumbled as they turned off cameras, put away microphones, and shuffled grudgingly down the hallway.

"Heh! Nice one, Peppy!" Complemented Falco.

Fox spoke up, "Thanks for coming, Peppy. You just caught us as we were leaving."

"Leaving? Where are you going?" Asked Peppy.

"Shoot!" Thought Fox, "I can't tell him."

Falco came to the rescue, "Um, the doctors said there was nothing they could do for Krystal except pull the plug and Fox didn't want Krystal to die in a hospital, so we're taking her somewhere else."

"That's terrible! I mean that she can't be helped. I was only just getting to know her. This must be very trying for you, Fox," Peppy consoled.

"It's alright Peppy, I've already grieved for her," Fox finally said, "Now it's time we moved on."

"Where do you plan to bury her?" Asked Peppy.

"Well, I was thinking that if she were to be buried, it would be on Sauria. Tricky and the Cloudrunners would want to see her again," Fox said again. It was killing him to have to say this stuff to Peppy.

"Oh, that's a pity! My schedule will simply not allow me to travel to that far corner of Lylat," Peppy looked crestfallen, "I honestly could only come now because of a military conference here on Macbeth."

"It's okay, Peppy, you won't miss much," said Falco.

Fox glared at Falco, but Peppy interpreted Falco's comment philosophically, "I suppose you're right, Falco. It's just a ritual after all."

"Well, we'd like to stay and chat, but we have to be going Peppy. Thanks for your help with the press," Fox said.

"You're welcome. It's the least I could do. You can make it easier on yourselves if you activate your ship's cloak when you're leaving. The press won't be able to follow you," Peppy suggested.

Fox was relieved. He wouldn't have to come up with a reason to prevent Peppy from coming AND he could go somewhere other than Sauria without being detected or looking suspicious. Fox thanked Peppy again and began walking down the hall, towards the hospital's docking bay.

Peppy saluted Krystal as she was wheeled after Fox and Falco. "I sure hope Fox is strong enough to take this loss after loosing his father and mother," Peppy thought, and began walking towards his waiting executive transport at the front entrance.

With no further interruptions, the convoy quickly arrived at the rather small docking bay. It was a simple square structure made of high strength concrete. It could accommodate most civilian and industry transports, but nothing as big as the Great Fox, let alone their ship. Fortunately, other than the hospital, there wasn't much else nearby. The large military ship that the Star Fox team now called home was too large to fit and was hovering a few meters above the ground next to a side entrance. Slippy was waiting for for them anxiously with the cargo bay door wide open and the ramp extended. When he saw Krystal's pod, his expression changed to surprise. He approached them as they drew close.

"Fox, what's going on? Why are you bringing Krystal out here?" Asked Slippy.

"We're not going to let Krystal die in a hospital," Fox explained, but quickly changed the subject, "Slippy, are we ready to depart?"

Slippy snapped back into focus, "Ya, we're ready to go. Just need to know where we're going."

"We'll input coordinates when we get aboard," Fox responded to Slippy then turned to the technician, "Thanks for your help, I think we can handle it from here."

The technician nodded and saluted before returning to the docking bay entrance.

"Alright, Slippy, let's get Krystal onboard," Fox ordered.

"You got it, Fox!" Slippy said as he drove the pod into the docking bay.

Falco saw that he wasn't needed and boarded the ship. Fox looked around and saw Colonel Lee near a corner of the hospital trying not to be noticed by anyone. When he saw Fox looking at him, he walked over. "Permission to board, sir?" Lee asked.

"Granted. Welcome aboard, sir," Fox said.

Fox followed the Colonel up the ramp and closed the docking bay door behind them. Slippy had just finished moving Krystal to an elevator when he saw the Colonel. He gave Fox with a questioning look.

"Slippy, we'll be taking Krystal to the bridge," Fox ordered.

"Sure, Fox," Slippy said haltingly, he was beginning to detect something big was going on.

Fox led the Colonel to the cargo elevator and they both boarded it with Slippy and Krystal already inside. Slippy entered the command to send the elevator to the bridge.

Fox turned to Slippy, "Slippy, this is Colonel Lee."

Lee outstretched his hand and Slippy shook it.

Fox continued, "He's made a proposal to me to try and save Krystal."

"But I thought there was no way to-" Slippy was cut off by Fox.

"Right, there wasn't a way to help her, but Colonel Lee here is part of CDI. He has access to some special technology," Fox explained.

"What kind of technology?" Slippy asked, once more curious.

"Andross biotech," Lee stated simply.

Slippy reeled, "That's illegal!"

"Yes, we know, and that's why this is top secret, Slippy," Fox responded, "I've already agreed to try it. I'm told it's very risky, but it's Krystal's only chance. You're our technical specialist, so I need you to be our translator, tell me what's going on when they're explaining how this works."

"Ooh, are you sure you're okay with this, Fox? Andross' tech was most of what we've been fighting these last 8 years," Slippy asked.

"I'm not happy about it, but like I said, it's Krystal's only chance. It's that or let her die," Fox answered.

"Okay, Fox. So, what's the procedure, Colonel Lee?" Slippy asked.

"I can't discuss specifics until we get to the facility, but simply put, we'll be building Krystal a new body," Lee explained.

"Wow! Cool!" Exclaimed Slippy.

"Yes, but it's really risky, like 40 chance risky," Fox mentioned.

"Oh, well, I'll help any way I can, Colonel. You can count on me!" Slippy said.

"Thank you, Slippy," said Lee.

Fox grabbed his communicator, "Call Falco," he said and was connected instantly. "Falco, I need you to meet us on the bridge."

"Already here, Fox. I'm waiting for you guys," Falco responded.

"Oh, well good. We'll be there in a few more seconds," Fox put away his communicator.

The elevator had finally reached the top of the shaft and the door opened onto the spacious bridge. Falco was standing next to ROB beside the navigation computer.

Fox walked onto the bridge and spoke to ROB, "We need to get airborne. Activate the cloak and get us into space." Fox turned to the Colonel, "What heading should we take?"

"Good news is that it's not far. In fact, we just need to get to the other side of Macbeth. I'll enter the coordinates if you don't mind?" Lee answered.

Fox motioned to the navigation computer, "Be my guest."

The wolf walked over to the controls and entered a few numbers. He then looked to Fox and said, "We're ready to go."

Fox nodded, "ROB, take us to those coordinates."

"Acknowledged," ROB stated and activated the engines.

The ship vibrated and a low hum indicated that they were powered up. The view from the bridge's window showed they were slowly rising into the air.

Slippy turned to Lee, "So, why are you helping us?"

Lee looked down, "It was one of our experiments gone awry that forced us to vent some high-energy particles into space. They eventually hit your ship and were the reason for Krystal's current condition."

"So it was you who created the antimatter!" Slippy gasped, "How did you manage to create so much?!"

"I'm not authorized to brief you on details beyond the restoration of your teammate," Lee explained. Slippy looked disappointed. The Colonel looked at Fox, "Well, all that's left now is a short ride to the facility. Fox, do you mind if I go somewhere private to inform my superiors about our arrival?"

"Not at all, take the elevator down a floor. There are lots of unused rooms down there," Fox suggested.

"Thanks! I'll be back in a few minutes," Lee walked into the elevator and descended.

As soon as the Colonel was out of view, Fox turned to Slippy, "Is there a way for us to monitor his communications without being detected?"

"I think I can make something work, why?" Slippy asked.

"I'm not sure I trust Colonel Lee. There are too many things at play here that don't make much sense," Fox answered.

"Okay, Fox. ROB, help me out over here," Slippy motioned for ROB to follow him to the communications panel.

The two worked quickly and soon, the security protocols were routed to only include the bridge. A flashing star appeared on the panel.

"Fox, he's making the call," Said Slippy.

"Ok, you're sure he can't detect us, right?" Fox asked.

"Yeah, we're passively listening," Slippy answered.

"Alright, put it on speaker in here," Fox ordered.

The speakers buzzed, "Okay, I'm attempting to decode the signal," Slippy announced.

The speakers buzzed for a few more seconds before Lee's voice could be heard above continued static, "-es, they accepted. I'm in a military transport with them, class R," said Lee.

A new voice was heard in the transmission, gruff and old, "What's the ship's mark?"

"Um, it's marked 'MJX-328,'" Lee responded.

"So everything worked as anticipated?" Asked the voice. Falco raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

"Yes, but I feel that Slippy may have some suspicions. He has already figured out that it was antimatter, and he was asking how we generated so much," Lee answered.

"You didn't tell him did you?" The voice sounded concerned.

"No, I told him what I've been saying all along, 'I can't talk about it, it's classified,' and such. I think Fox supports me fully, though. He's yet to back down from this even when I mentioned that it was Andross' technology. Although, he did almost kill me when I said it was our fault. Who can blame him though, he's just lost his girlfriend," Lee assured.

"Good, everything is ready for you when you arrive. Land in the South bay," the voice finished.

"Understood, Jackson out!" The Colonel finished.

Note To Readers:
(8/16/07): Wow, it took a long time to get this out. I'm still not done yet either. I had originally planned to have what will likely be the end of chapter 6 be the end of chapter 5, but there was just so much to say and do within the story that I managed to get past 3000 words in no time. So, once again, there's another plot twist at the end of the chapter. The end of the next chapter should have a double plot twist. I know, there was a lot of talking again, but there was a little action too. Two or three more chapters, and they'll do some really actiony stuff, I promise. Knowing me, though, it'll be forever before the next chapter comes out. Sorry guys, writing is just not my priority, but I will not simply abandon this story, it just might take a while. Thank you all for your reviews and enjoying my story. I hope I do the series justice.
By the way, I noticed a plothole in chapter 4, so I've re-uploaded a fixed version.