The Drums of War

[evilwaffles]

Before you read this, be sure to read The Essence of Hatred

http://forums.starfox-online.net/index.php?topic=4471.0

The Drums of War

By Evilwaffles

Prologue

Log Entry 472: Final Entry

Reece Kilza

Mercenary Squadron: Star Fox

Location Unknown  -  15:04:47

This is probably the last thing I will ever write... or the last task I will ever do to be honest. I sit in this cold, cramped, uncomfy cage awaiting these... things... to bury me neck deep in snow in the middle of the blizzard. Death might be a good thing seeing how there is nothing for me in this world now since the others were killed. No one will know what happened to cause such a masacre... since that knowledge will die with me. Lylat will no longer be the war free galaxy we helped to create. Today they fight with lasers, missiles and battle cruisers... tomorrow they will fight with sticks and stones. My time is almost up, to anyone out there who is reading this and if it hasn't happened already... everything you know will end.

[Guest Julius Quasar]

cool!

I love the story so far, but...

I wish you hadn't use the green colored text, it's kinda hard to read for me. :?

[evilwaffles]

I guess it was hard to read, just thought it suited the whole 'log entry' thing. Anyway I changed it.

[Guest Julius Quasar]

I guess it was hard to read, just thought it suited the whole 'log entry' thing. Anyway I changed it.

thanks!

[Kursed]

too short and not enough info for me to really say if I like it or not do keep it coming.

[Starfox mccloud15]

nice, too bad you didn't let me use reece in my fanfic (which everyone stopped reading but I continue to write anyway), I'll be reading yours :D

[evilwaffles]

It is a bit short because it is... well, a teaser of what's to come. Don't worry, the other chapters won't be as short.

Thanks Star. I still read your fan-fic, I just don't have the time after reading to post a comment. i don't think I started reading your's when you asked for FC's, but when I did Thunderstar had given you his FC so I didn't bother offering Reece.

[Starfox mccloud15]

yeah, I remember reading about Reece way before I even had an account here, a fanfic where they fight aparoids and oikony xD

[Kursed]

yeah, I remember reading about Reece way before I even had an account here, a fanfic where they fight aparoids and oikony xD

ahh the one where the Large Tigress Arcnon (My Fc) got sick with the rest of the team beside Krystal and Reece because they were the most diverse in the team?

[rainfyre66]

Interesting beginning. More please!

[evilwaffles]

yeah, I remember reading about Reece way before I even had an account here, a fanfic where they fight aparoids and oikony xD

ahh the one where the Large Tigress Arcnon (My Fc) got sick with the rest of the team beside Krystal and Reece because they were the most diverse in the team?

I am surprised people remember Nemesis.

Interesting beginning. More please!

Will do.   Should let you all know since my computer got a lot of viruses and the only computer I can type on is the family one I may not get chapters up as fast as I would like. :(

[Starfox mccloud15]

I am surprised people remember Nemesis.

YES! that was the name!

[evilwaffles]

Drums of War

Chapter One:

Times of Peace

***

*One week earlier*

Log Entry 1295

Cpt. Fox McCloud

Mercenary Squadren Star Fox

Date  -  24/04/3107  (One Year Ago)

Corneria  -  19:02:47

It has been many years since I have taken over my father's position as Captain of the Star Fox team with Falco, Peppy and Slippy. Since then we have managed to avenge my father's death, save the love of my life, defeat a hive of alien insects, crush Anglian forces, marry the love of my life, have children and stop an intergalactic threat. My team's work has finally paid off. With the realisation that wars between different planets was the cause for the humans almost destroying Lylat, each planet has now formed a single government, one army, one nation. My goal of stopping war in Lylat has just been accomplished.

***

“What are you doing Dad?” Kari McCloud asked her father as she entered the study room in the McCloud home. Kari was almost an exact copy of her mother, same hair, same fur, same physique, although Kari seemed to get frightened faster then the other members of her family. Fox looked over at her from the computer screen to face his daughter, a smile appeared on his muzzle as he saw her,

“Oh nothing much.” he replied, “Just looking over some of the old records from Star Fox, re-visiting some memories.” Fox enjoyed being with his family, even if Kari and Marcus did argue every now and then, but he secretly missed being in the battles, he missed the action, the adrenaline and actually making a difference. Kari sighed,

“Again?” she moaned, “Come on Dad I am taking you out shopping.” she told him,

“Uh, take your Mother.” Fox insisted, “I'm not much of a shopper.” Kari rolled her eyes,

“Dad, you haven't you been away from our property for a week,” Kari told him, “So go put on some good clothes and let's go.”

“Okay give me five minutes.” Fox told her, satisfied with herself Kari smiled as she nodded and exited the study, Fox smiled and shook his head as he powered down the computer.

Kari happily walked into the kitchen where Krystal sat at the end of long wooden table with a laptop in front of her. Marcus sat next to his mother as she did her own thing on the laptop, Marcus had grown stronger as a leader and fighter after the human's final assault saw his parents held at gun point. Marcus saw his sister enter,

“Did you convince Dad to get out of the house?” Marcus asked curiously, Kari smiled and nodded,

“Yeah, I am taking him out shopping.” she replied happily, Krystal lifted her head from the laptop's monitor,

“Can you please make sure he gets some new clothes to swim in” Krystal told Kari, “the ones he has now are starting to get old, and it will be good for him to get some new ones when we finish organising the 'pool'.” Kari nodded in conformation,

“Sure Mum.” she replied, Fox entered the room,

“Ready to go?” he asked, Kari turned to face her father,

“Yes let's go Dad.” Kari replied as she started to lead him into the garage. Krystal smiled at Marcus who smiled in return before they continued their 'pool' plans.

***

Reece Kilza sat down in the uncomfortable travel agency chair inside the Travel agent in the Cornerian Mall as he waited for the sales representative to return. Reece got married to Kadie who he met in the Stockades, they got married a year after they stopped the reminder of the human forces in the space station. Reece stood down from Star Fox after almost dying for the third time so he could focus on his future, although he still maintains a strong friendship with the McClouds. The female magpie sales representative returned to Reece and sat down in her extremely comfy looking chair on the other side of the table, she handed him some information booklets and an envelope,

“So this has everything I need?” he asked, the magpie rolled her eyes and sighed,

“I quit my job at the bank to get away from clueless tools like him.” she mumbled, Reece heard her, he took the booklets and the envelope before he stood up angrily,

“You know, you're a bitch.” he stated,

“I can always void those plans of yours.” she stated,

“I wasn't talking to you, I was... uh... talking to... uh, this paper clip!” he lied as he picked up a paper clip and threw it across the room, while the magpie was distracted Reece quickly left the Travel agency into the main hall of the mall. He was in the part of the mall he didn't like, he was kicking himself he didn't park on the east side, on one side was the stores for females that were usually crawling with desperate teens and on the other were toy stores where you could hear some children screaming for a toy their parents refused, he occasionaly saw a child walk out with a toy in their arms following their frustrated parents which made him laugh inside, 'The cunning of kids.” he thought to himself.

***

Todd McCloud sat on his couch while Lola Foxglove laid down on the couch, resting her head on his lap, they were watching their favourite television series in their home. Todd is the alleged cousin of Fox McCloud,coming from an abusive childhood he had grown reckless and stubbourn, to help deal with the pain caused by the past Todd drunk, his life seemed to be heading nowhere until he married Lola, that set him on the right track. Lola grew up in a powerful mobster family, she worked in many areas of the entertainment industry before becoming a mercenary. Lola is a seductive vixen and a negative influence on those around her, mostly Todd. Todd was slowly stroking Lola's hair when he heard a knock at the door, Todd gently lifted Lola's head and placed it on a cushion as he stood up,

“Don't be too long hun'.” Lola told him, “I was just getting comfortable.” Todd smiled at the statement, he opened the door to an awaiting puma wearing a classy suit,

“Congratulations sir, you have won!” he stated excitedly,

“We did?” Todd gasped, “Won what?” he added, Lola got up from the couch and stood behind Todd,

“You have won a trip for two on the fabulous intergalactic cruise ship 'Sky-Box'. You two will spend three weeks on a cruise between Lylat and another galaxy in a first class room for two with all expenses paid for.” Todd thanked the puma and took the package from him. Lola hugged him tightly from behind,

“How nice of a stranger to enter us.” she stated.

***

Reece quietly snuck into his home hoping Kadie wouldn't hear him,

“Reece.” Kadie called, he forgot that she was telepathic, he quickly stuffed the envelope and booklets into his pocket. He walked into the lounge room,

“Where'd you run off to?” she asked as she hugged him from behind, Reece jumped in fright not expecting the hug, “What did you have to leave me alone on our first anniversary for?” Reece reached into his pocket and pulled out the booklet and he envelope,

“Oh nothing much, I just got us two tickets for that new cruise ship 'sky-box' in first first class.”

“Just for us?” she asked, Reece nodded, Kadie spun him around and kissed him, holding it, Reece was caught off guard again, “I guess she likes it.” Reece thought.

***

Fox and Kari returned to the McCloud home, Kari was holding a plastic bag which had Fox's clothes in it,

“We got them.” Kari told Krystal,

“So did we.” Krystal replied holding a piece of paper,

“What's that?” Fox asked,

“We noticed that you were getting bored so Kari, Mum and I spent a lot of time together and got tickets for that cruise that goes tomorrow afternoon.” Marcus explained,

“Really?” Fox asked in disbelief, Krystal nodded, “You guys are the best.”

***

A/N: Obvious huh? Think again.

Todd and Lola belong to Julius

Kari and Kadie belong to Kursed

Reece belongs to me, but you all know that by now. ;)

[Guest Julius Quasar]

Great job!

Might I make a few suggestions:

“So this has everything I need?” he asked, the magpie rolled her eyes and sighed,

“I quit my job at the bank to get away from clueless tools like him.” she mumbled, Reece heard her, he took the booklets and the envelope before he stood up angrily,

“You know, you're a bitch.” he stated,

“I can always void those plans of yours.” she stated,

“I wasn't talking to you, I was... uh... talking to... uh, this paper clip!” he lied as he picked up a paper clip and threw it across the room, while the magpie was distracted Reece quickly left the Travel agency into the main hall of the mall.

Reece, buddy, you gotta stand up for yourself...if that stupid bitch magpie cancels your plans, you can get a better travel agency, and either sue that bitch travel agent, complain to her supervisor, or report the agency to the Better Business Bureau or Corneria's equivalent (or report them to the consumer complaints section of the press).

...toy stores where you could hear some children screaming for a toy their parents refused, he occasionally saw a child walk out with a toy in their arms following their frustrated parents which made him laugh inside, 'The cunning of kids.” he thought to himself.

***

I doubt Corneria's society is that crappy (sounds more like Earth/America's problems).

Todd McCloud sat on his couch while Lola Foxglove laid down on the couch, resting her head on his lap, they were watching their favourite television series in their home. Todd is the alleged cousin of Fox McCloud,coming from an abusive childhood he had grown selfish and stubbourn, to help deal with the pain caused by the past Todd drunk, his life seemed to be heading nowhere until he married Lola, that set him on the right track. Lola grew up in a powerful mobster family, she worked in many areas of the entertainment industry before becoming a mercenary. Lola is a seductive vixen and a negative influence on those around her, mostly Todd. Todd was slowly stroking Lola's hair when he heard a knock at the door, Todd gently lifted Lola's head and placed it on a cushion as he stood up,

“Don't be too long hun'.” Lola told him, “I was just getting comfortable.” Todd smiled at the statement, he opened the door to an awaiting puma wearing a classy suit,

“Congratulations sir, you have won!” he stated excitedly,

“We did?” Todd gasped, “Won what?” he added, Lola got up from the couch and stood behind Todd,

“You have won a trip for two on the fabulous intergalactic cruise ship 'Sky-Box'. You two will spend three weeks on a cruise between Lylat and another galaxy in a first class room for two with all expenses paid for.” Todd thanked the puma and took the package from him. Lola hugged him tightly from behind,

“How nice of a stranger to enter us.” she stated.

I wouldn't exactly call Todd "selfish", more like reckless...he's not "allegedly" Fox's cousin, he simply is Fox's cousin....(great job capturing his and Lola's characters, otherwise).

Great job overall, though.

[Starfox mccloud15]

ahh the one where the Large Tigress Arcnon (My Fc) got sick with the rest of the team beside Krystal and Reece because they were the most diverse in the team?

yes Kursed

[Kursed]

Drums of War

Chapter One:

Times of Peace

***

*One week earlier*

Log Entry 1295

Cpt. Fox McCloud

Mercenary Squadren Star Fox

Date  -  24/04/3107  (One Year Ago)

Corneria  -  19:02:47

It has been many years since I have taken over my father's position as Captain of the Star Fox team with Falco, Peppy and Slippy. Since then we have managed to avenge my father's death, save the love of my life, defeat a hive of alien insects, crush Anglian forces, marry the love of my life, have children and stop an intergalactic threat. My team's work has finally paid off. With the realisation that wars between different planets was the cause for the humans almost destroying Lylat, each planet has now formed a single government, one army, one nation. My goal of stopping war in Lylat has just been accomplished.

***

“What are you doing Dad?” Karie McCloud asked her father as she entered the study room in the McCloud home. Karie was almost an exact copy of her mother, same hair, same fur, same physique, although Karie seemed to get frightened faster then the other members of her family. Fox looked over at her from the computer screen to face his daughter, a smile appeared on his muzzle as he saw her,

“Oh nothing much.” he replied, “Just looking over some of the old records from Star Fox, re-visiting some memories.” Fox enjoyed being with his family, even if Karie and Marcus did argue every now and then, but he secretly missed being in the battles, he missed the action, the adrenaline and actually making a difference. Karie sighed,

“Again?” she moaned, “Come on Dad I am taking you out shopping.” she told him,

“Uh, take your Mother.” Fox insisted, “I'm not much of a shopper.” Karie rolled her eyes,

“Dad, you haven't you been away from our property for a week,” Karie told him, “So go put on some good clothes and let's go.”

“Okay give me five minutes.” Fox told her, satisfied with herself Karie smiled as she nodded and exited the study, Fox smiled and shook his head as he powered down the computer.

Karie happily walked into the kitchen where Krystal sat at the end of long wooden table with a laptop in front of her. Marcus sat next to his mother as she did her own thing on the laptop, Marcus had grown stronger as a leader and fighter after the human's final assault saw his parents held at gun point. Marcus saw his sister enter,

“Did you convince Dad to get out of the house?” Marcus asked curiously, Karie smiled and nodded,

“Yeah, I am taking him out shopping.” she replied happily, Krystal lifted her head from the laptop's monitor,

“Can you please make sure he gets some new clothes to swim in” Krystal told Karie, “the ones he has now are starting to get old, and it will be good for him to get some new ones when we finish organising the 'pool'.” Karie nodded in conformation,

“Sure Mum.” she replied, Fox entered the room,

“Ready to go?” he asked, Karie turned to face her father,

“Yes let's go Dad.” Karie replied as she started to lead him into the garage. Krystal smiled at Marcus who smiled in return before they continued their 'pool' plans.

***

Reece Kilza sat down in the uncomfortable travel agency chair inside the Travel agent in the Cornerian Mall as he waited for the sales representative to return. Reece got married to Kadie who he met in the Stockades, they got married a year after they stopped the reminder of the human forces in the space station. Reece stood down from Star Fox after almost dying for the third time so he could focus on his future, although he still maintains a strong friendship with the McClouds. The female magpie sales representative returned to Reece and sat down in her extremely comfy looking chair on the other side of the table, she handed him some information booklets and an envelope,

“So this has everything I need?” he asked, the magpie rolled her eyes and sighed,

“I quit my job at the bank to get away from clueless tools like him.” she mumbled, Reece heard her, he took the booklets and the envelope before he stood up angrily,

“You know, you're a bitch.” he stated,

“I can always void those plans of yours.” she stated,

“I wasn't talking to you, I was... uh... talking to... uh, this paper clip!” he lied as he picked up a paper clip and threw it across the room, while the magpie was distracted Reece quickly left the Travel agency into the main hall of the mall. He was in the part of the mall he didn't like, he was kicking himself he didn't park on the east side, on one side was the stores for females that were usually crawling with desperate teens and on the other were toy stores where you could hear some children screaming for a toy their parents refused, he occasionaly saw a child walk out with a toy in their arms following their frustrated parents which made him laugh inside, 'The cunning of kids.” he thought to himself.

***

Todd McCloud sat on his couch while Lola Foxglove laid down on the couch, resting her head on his lap, they were watching their favourite television series in their home. Todd is the alleged cousin of Fox McCloud,coming from an abusive childhood he had grown selfish and stubbourn, to help deal with the pain caused by the past Todd drunk, his life seemed to be heading nowhere until he married Lola, that set him on the right track. Lola grew up in a powerful mobster family, she worked in many areas of the entertainment industry before becoming a mercenary. Lola is a seductive vixen and a negative influence on those around her, mostly Todd. Todd was slowly stroking Lola's hair when he heard a knock at the door, Todd gently lifted Lola's head and placed it on a cushion as he stood up,

“Don't be too long hun'.” Lola told him, “I was just getting comfortable.” Todd smiled at the statement, he opened the door to an awaiting puma wearing a classy suit,

“Congratulations sir, you have won!” he stated excitedly,

“We did?” Todd gasped, “Won what?” he added, Lola got up from the couch and stood behind Todd,

“You have won a trip for two on the fabulous intergalactic cruise ship 'Sky-Box'. You two will spend three weeks on a cruise between Lylat and another galaxy in a first class room for two with all expenses paid for.” Todd thanked the puma and took the package from him. Lola hugged him tightly from behind,

“How nice of a stranger to enter us.” she stated.

***

Reece quietly snuck into his home hoping Kadie wouldn't hear him,

“Reece.” Kadie called, he forgot that she was telepathic, he quickly stuffed the envelope and booklets into his pocket. He walked into the lounge room,

“Where'd you run off to?” she asked as she hugged him from behind, Reece jumped in fright not expecting the hug, “What did you have to leave me alone on our first anniversary for?” Reece reached into his pocket and pulled out the booklet and he envelope,

“Oh nothing much, I just got us two tickets for that new cruise ship 'sky-box' in first first class.”

“Just for us?” she asked, Reece nodded, Kadie spun him around and kissed him, holding it, Reece was caught off guard again, “I guess she likes it.” Reece thought.

***

Fox and Karie returned to the McCloud home, Karie was holding a plastic bag which had Fox's clothes in it,

“We got them.” Karie told Krystal,

“So did we.” Krystal replied holding a piece of paper,

“What's that?” Fox asked,

“We noticed that you were getting bored so Karie, Mum and I spent a lot of time together and got tickets for that cruise that goes tomorrow afternoon.” Marcus explained,

“Really?” Fox asked in disbelief, Krystal nodded, “You guys are the best.”

***

A/N: Obvious huh? Think again.

Todd and Lola belong to Julius

Karie and Kadie belong to Kursed

Reece belongs to me, but you all know that by now.

yeah and that's Kari By the way.

[evilwaffles]

yeah and that's Kari By the way.

Fixed.

Great job!

Might I make a few suggestions:

Reece, buddy, you gotta stand up for yourself...if that stupid bitch magpie cancels your plans, you can get a better travel agency, and either sue that bitch travel agent, complain to her supervisor, or report the agency to the Better Business Bureau or Corneria's equivalent (or report them to the consumer complaints section of the press).

Reece: I got what I went for, no point making any more of a fuss about it.

I wouldn't exactly call Todd "selfish", more like reckless...he's not "allegedly" Fox's cousin, he simply is Fox's cousin....(great job capturing his and Lola's characters, otherwise).

Well in your FC thread where I based his character, it says:

He is [allegedly] the cousin of Fox McCloud.

Great job overall, though.

Thanks. :)

[Guest Julius Quasar]

Well in your FC thread where I based his character, it says:

He is [allegedly] the cousin of Fox McCloud.

Oh sh*t, you're right, I'm sorry! *edits previous post*

[Kursed]

Fixed.

Reece: I got what I went for, no point making any more of a fuss about it.

Well in your FC thread where I based his character, it says:

Thanks.

oh one more thing Evil waffles. Kari Mccloud age 19 her eyes are blue that's the ONly way you can tell the two blue vixens apart once kAri reaches age 19 (Funny huh?)

[Guest Julius Quasar]

oh one more thing Evil waffles. Kari Mccloud age 19 her eyes are blue that's the ONly way you can tell the two blue vixens apart once kAri reaches age 19 (Funny huh?)

that's so cute!

[Starfox mccloud15]

nice!

I love your fanics! :D

[evilwaffles]

nice!

I love your fanics!

Thank you Star :)

[rainfyre66]

So far, so good. Keep it going!  :)

[evilwaffles]

So far, so good. Keep it going! 

hanks Rain, I am so sorry I forgot this comment

The Drums of War

Chapter 2:

Cutting the Sky

***

“...causing businesses to suffer. In other news the economy of the planet Venom continues to slide with fears of a major economic depression, President Dash Bowman claims to have a solution to the crisis although members of the cabinet fear this solution may be rushed and not thought through due to the fear of a civil war between the government and members of the Mahnich terrorist group. We take you now to James Glass’s report on the situation...”

The television screen deactivated, returning to its blank, unpowered state. Reece raised an eyebrow wondering why the television was turned off. He sat up from his comfy, slouched position on the couch and looked over at the coffee table, before his eyes could study what was resting on its glass surface something blocked out his vision, the feeling of warm, soft, furry hands on his face made him instantly realise why the television was turned off,

“Hello Kadie.” He greeted as he reached forward to the coffee table and blindly felt for the remote.

“Don’t bother looking for it,” she told Reece, “it’s in my pocket.”

“Oh, well can I have it please?” Reece asked,

“Not until you have packed for our trip tomorrow.” She told him,

“But it’s not even seven o’clock yet.” He told her,

“Yes but if you pack now then we have the rest of our anniversary to spend with each other.” Reece saw her point; he nodded as he gently removed her hands from his eyes, he got up from his couch and made his way to the room. Kadie made her way into the kitchen, she opened the fridge and retrieved a cold bottle of water,

“Uh, Kadie?” Reece called,

“Yeah?” she asked,

“Do I even have a suitcase?”

***

Fox McCloud drove his car into the designated car bay the cruise company. Exiting the vehicle was a little annoying for the McCloud family as the two cars next to them were poorly parked, limiting the amount of space the McCloud could use to exit without leaving a big dent in the other cars body. Eventually they made it out without causing damage to the other cars and made their way to the check in station. The family walked up to a tiger who was crew member sitting behind a desk,

“Welcome to the Skycutter.” He cheerfully greeted, “May I please have your name, your tickets and a form of I.D?” Marcus reached into the backpack he was wearing; he pulled out the document that was asked for. The crewman inspected the documents, satisfied with what he saw the jaguar returne the documents, “Enjoy your cruise McClouds.” He told them Krystal thanked him before leading her family through the halls into the customs area. Kari was approached by a gorilla customs officer,

“Anything you would like to declare?” he asked her and the others, Kari shook her head in denial slightly intimidated by the muscular gorilla,

“Nothing here buddy.” Fox told him,

“Just had to make sure,” he told them, “we just had a guy with his wife come in and he got caught with a half eaten cookie in his pocket, something minor but it is against the intergalactical customs regulations.” Marcus shook his head,

“The idiot.” He added,

“Too right, well just walk through the scanner and if you don’t have anything then you can board the Skycutter.” Kari went through the archway scanner first, followed by Fox, Marcus and Krystal, nothing was detected,

“Enjoy your trip folks.” A female feline crewmember told them as they passed her, Fox thanked her and followed his family. As they walked past a set of offices one of the doors opened quickly, an annoyed Reece exited the office followed by a slightly amused Kadie.

“Hey you two.” Krystal called, Reece and Kadie turned around at the sound of the familiar voice.

“Oh hello Krystal.” Kadie happily greeted in reply, Reece smiled in return knowing that the three girls were going to talk to each other and not wanting to interrupt.

“Let me guess,” Marcus asked, “half eaten cookie?”

“Yeah, yeah shut up.” Reece answered, “One hundred and fifty credits fine, what a load of crap.”

“So what are you two doing here?” Fox asked,

“It is my anniversary gift to Kadie, cost a lot of credits and took me hours to book it but it should be worth it. So what brings you here?”

“Just a family vacation.” Fox replied. The group continued to chat as they made their way to their rooms.

***

Todd and Lola had just finished unpacking their suitcases into the cabinets and dressers, their room was rather luxurious, big and plenty of space, big and comfy sofa, bed, everything was of the best quality and top of the line.

“Well we are definitely lucky someone entered us in that competition,” Todd stated, “this room is awesome.”

“Yes it as very kind of them.” Lola added as she wrapped an arm around them. Todd smiled at his wife and hugged her in return. They heard a knock at their door. Todd broke the hug and went to open the door, the door slid open revealing a white vulpine crewman standing in the doorway, he was holding a bottle of champagne,

“Compliments of the crew.” He told Todd as he passed the bottle to him, Todd took the bottle and thanked the crewman. He returned to Lola who looked over the bottle,

“You know how much this costs usually?” she asked,

“Yes, a lot... I’ve looked at it before.” He replied. Lola walked over to the cupboard and pulled out two crystal champagne glasses, Todd carefully popped the cork on the bottle and poured the liquor into the glasses. Placing the bottle on a nearby table Todd took the glass from Lola,

“To us and this trip.” She toasted, they then slowly drunk the champagne.

***

Reece and Kadie walked near the pool, they were having a look around the ship to see where everything is and just what facilities were offered. The pool was already half full of people, Reece dipped his left foot in the water to see how the water was,

“The water’s good.” He told Kadie,

“Really?” she asked, knowing Reece was wearing clothes fine for swimming and had nothing valuable on him she gently shoved him into the pool, Reece fell in the water head first, he swam to the surface of the water, he wiped his hair out from his eyes and then wiped any water from his eyes. He looked up at an amused Kadie, “How good is it now?” she asked as she walked to the other end of the pool.

“You need to be more careful when you enter the pool,” A voice told Reece, “you almost hit me.” Reece turned around to see Todd, never meeting Todd before Reece didn’t know him,

“Yeah sorry,” Reece apologised, “my wife thought it would be funny to push me in.”Todd studied Reece for a minute,

“You wouldn’t happen to be Reece Kilza would you?” Todd asked,

“Yes, how did you know that?”

“My cousin in Fox McCloud, he tells me about all people on his team.”

“Cousin of Fox huh?”

“Yeah, Todd McCloud is my name.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Hey, how about you and your wife come and have dinner with me and my wife tonight?”

“Sounds good to me.”

“Well we have three weeks to get to know each other, Fox has told me some good things about you.” Reece and Todd continued to chat in the pool for a while.

***

A/N:Okay, that should do with the character introductions and meetings. In the next chapter it is time to get down to business.

[Kursed]

Kadie:*imatating lola* LOLa DARLING! How are you two doing? *coughs* wow your speachs is  really...snobby, no offence lola.

(FINNALY MAN FINNALY!)