Dreams
A Wulfe Litefoot Adventure

By Cyberwulfe

His name was John Clarke, and he was a famous weapon's designer from the planet Hiltz. After designing several small arms he began to work on some more powerful weapons. His most successful weapon was the Nova Bomb, a projectile with homing capabilities and a powerful explosion that could wipe out lightly defended targets within a fifteen-meter radius.

Now he had designed a Super Shield that would make the ship it was equipped with virtually indestructible. He hadn't revealed his invention publicly, but he had called in the highest military powers in the known universe.

There was General Pepper from Corneria and several other Commanders, Captains, and Admirals. John would reveal his design to the highest bidder, and then sign a contract for even more money. He was betting on either the General from the Galactic Empire or General Pepper because both had almost unlimited resources, though Corneria was still paying for the war against the evil Emperor Andross from three years ago.

John called everyone into the small theater he used to demonstrate his inventions on a big screen and had everyone sit down. Then he began to describe his new weapon.

"Gentlemen, I appreciate you coming on such short notice, but I knew you'd appreciate it," began John," I'd like to highlight a few points about my new weapon before I start the bidding. It is a new shield, not just any shield, but one that can repel almost indefinite energy and projectile weapons. Now, let the bidding begin!"

Half an hour later John was satisfied. The Empire had won. For $345,678,230, he had given away his design and then revealed the entire design, prototype, as well as a demonstration. He had the contract made up and then signed it, next to the Emperor's signature. Now he would be paid $150,000 for each ship deployed with his new shield.

As the others left, the Imperial diplomat stayed behind for a few more minutes, then pulled a gun on John," Alright Mr. Clarke. I think I've got another deal for you. I'll take your new shield, and you get nothing!"

"What! I don't think so!" shouted John.

"You dare challenge the Empire!"

"I think you're the one daring to challenge," said John, he pressed a small button on his belt.

The walls opened up and ten small robot drones emerged, each armed with four heavy weapons," Daring to challenge a master weapon's builder," John finished his sentence as he pushed another button.

The guns fired, and the Imperial General fell to the floor. Smoke rose from his burned body. The smell of ozone reached John's nostrils and he left the room after deactivating his drones.

Three weeks later when the body of the General arrived at the Imperial palace the Emperor was furious. He called his aide to hire a bounty hunter to go to Hiltz to bring John to him. His aide bowed, then left the room.

The first bounty hunter he was able to contact was Dave Grey, also known as the Blue Devil. He had joined the Cornerian defense force but then Dave, with his cocky attitude, was discharged from the Academy. Dave became a bounty hunter, and made a name for himself in the first two years of his new job. Now 18, Dave had learned many skills from all over the galaxy, but wasn't a very good pilot. While not very aggressive in the air, Dave was an excellent hand-to-hand fighter. He had often collected his bounties by beating up his targets, then tying them up and carting them off to wherever they were due.

Dave had made a name for himself after he began wearing a blue bandanna and painted a blue devil's face on his ship, the Bandit. The Blue Devil was known to hunt without mercy, kill without thought, but these rumors were just conjured up by the local newspapers. Dave often thought twice before pulling the trigger or pressing the firing button in his ship (when he actually did well in a dogfight). Dave would never admit it, but he had a soft heart trapped inside a hardened body.

The Blue Devil always kept track of other bounty hunters and mercenaries, to make sure that they never got in the way of one of his bounties. The latest one to cross his path was one called Wulfe Litefoot. He was both a skilled pilot and fighter, but he was ruthless. Always demanding more than he had earned, and his set price, $20,000, was often un-payable. Many people had hired him only to find themselves one of his targets. The Blue Devil would have to be careful. One of these days he might actually meet face-to-face with Wulfe.

The Blue Devil reached over and pressed a button to deactivate his comm-viewer. The face of the Emperor's aide disappeared and was replaced with a blank screen. Dave weighed his options. The Empire was known for its ruthlessness, as well as arresting smugglers, bounty hunters, and mercenaries after finished jobs just to have them out of the way. It wasn't enough that the Rebel Alliance was fighting against them, but many pirates and lone "heroes" had also challenged them.

But after thinking about how desperately the Empire wanted this new shield he knew that they would be grateful enough to allow him to continue his profession unhindered. He began to search his data records for any information on John Clarke. He had paragraphs and paragraphs within minutes. John was born on Hiltz. After graduating from a high-class technical institute he had started his own business specializing in weapons manufacturing.

His latest new toy, the ZX-9 Super Shield, was capable of withstanding almost indefinite laser fire and projectile impacts. It was bidded off to the Empire three weeks ago, but the General had been killed by Clarke and now the Emperor had hired him to find John and bring him, and his invention, to the Empire.

And the price was so sweet too; $400,000, plus a full pardon of any previous crimes. The Empire must have wanted this shield pretty badly. Dave set a course for Hiltz and stretched out in his cockpit, waiting for the trip through hyperspace to end so he could collect his dues.

John was frantic. He knew that it was the dumbest thing to do, sending the General back to Byss like that, but he had to show that he wanted a serious buyer. He had packed as many things as he thought he would definitely need. A huge cache of weapons, from small, palm-sized blasters, to assault rifles, and thermal detonators.

His ship, a small freighter called the Boneparte, was almost loaded and ready for takeoff. The small droid brain, which preferred to be called VB-7, called to him in it's simulated female voice "Come on John. We've got to go before we get busted!"

"Settle down VB! I'm almost done!" replied John. He knew how testy the droid could get.

As he boarded the ship, one of the small optical sensors which served as VB-7's eyes zoomed in on him," You're a little stressed out. How 'bout I make you a coffee?' joked VB.

"How 'bout I disconnect your audio outputs!" shouted John," Start up the engines, I need to run back to get something."

"You're the boss, boss."

John exited the ship and ran back to his workshop. It was a mess, with tools and instruments strewn about. He didn't have to be tidy, he was in a hurry. He ran over to the opposite wall from the entrance and slapped it near the floor. A small panel slid open and he reached inside and pulled out a small radio transceiver. He sighed, then returned to the ship.

The engines were already fired up by the time he got back. After climbing the boarding ramp he made his way to the cockpit. Once there, he looked at one of VB's optical sensors," Let's get as far away as we can!"

"Titania is always good this time of year!" VB-7chirped.

"Yeah right. I might was well let the ship drift into Solar!" said John sarcastically.

The ship lifted off. John looked at his business for the last time. Once they were at a safe distance he pushed the button on the small box in his hand. The main building exploded, followed by the two smaller workshops, and finally the hanger and power generator. John hung his head and sighed. With the success of one invention his whole life had gone down the pipes.

John looked back into the small compartment behind the cockpit. The shield generator was strapped to the deck. John felt like just destroying it now. It had caused him so much grief already. But he would wait and see if it became more valuable later. He wanted an Ace up his sleeve if he should need it.

Wulfe cracked his knuckles as the image of General Pepper came onto the screen," Wulfe. I'm glad I managed to reach you!"

"What's up General?" asked Wulfe, still remembering that the General had said that he would call on him again if he ever needed his services.

"I have a job for you, one that will pay much more than $20,000!" said Pepper.

Wulfe beamed," Oh, really?"

"Let me brief you: a weapon's designer named John Clarke has developed a super shield that is capable of withstanding almost indefinite damage."

"Oh yeah? I know that guy. Set up shop on Hiltz," interrupted Wulfe.

"Yes, well the Empire had betrayed him after paying for it fair and square, so he murdered the Imperial and now they've sent a bounty hunter after him to bring both him and his shield to the Empire. You must find John before this other bounty hunter does."

"So, you need me to fetch this guy's new toy. What else do I get out of it?" asked Wulfe.

"Well... I suppose I could give you a less powerful version of his shield, can't have you flying around nearly indestructible," grumbled Pepper.

"Of course not, despite our alliance," smiled Wulfe.

Pepper just nodded and flicked off his communicator. Wulfe scratched his back. He wondered what it would be like to be nearly indestructible, as well as being extremely rich. He would be sure to overcharge the General. Wulfe straightened in his seat and turned his ship to John Clarke's last known position: the planet Hiltz.

Just as Wulfe emerged from hyperspace, another ship was entering the sector. It was the Bandit. The Blue Devil hailed Wulfe," Attention Howl of Canis. This is my job. What are you doing here?" ordered the Blue Devil.

"I might ask you the same thing, Devil. I've been hired and sent here. Now if you'll stay out of my way I'll only be a few minutes; less than an hour if you're lucky."

"It doesn't have anything to do with weapon's designer John Clarke does it. If so he's my bounty. Back off!" ordered Dave.

"I don't think so!" shouted Wulfe.

He set his fighter into a steep dive, straight for the planet's surface. Dave tried to follow, but his ship lacked the speed. He would wait and catch up to Wulfe on the ground. As he got closer to the planet's surface, Dave began to sweat. This was it, the fight between him and Wulfe Litefoot, the very thing he had reminisced over was about to happen: he would meet Wulfe face-to-face!

As Wulfe emerged from his fighter, Dave's ship was just coming towards him. Wulfe set his ship's anti-theft device to air-defense and made his way into the base. Dave tried to destroy the fighter by strafing it, but the ship's auto-guns kept him at bay. He would have to land at a safe distance and come in on foot.

He climbed over the rocks and debris from the exploded base and finally made it to the remains of the main entrance. He could see Wulfe's footprints in the dust. He followed but lost them as a pile of rocks had fallen and were virtually free of dust. He cursed and looked in several directions. There they were, a set of wide prints common to the wolves of Canis.

Dave could see a small light at the end of a corridor. He snuck up, ready to fight. He jumped through the doorway, only to see a light fixture hanging by it's wire. Dave looked around, but could see no sign of Wulfe. Then something hit him in the back, knocking him into the room and onto the floor. The door had closed and was now clicking into place. He could hear a voice shouting through the metal," I got what I came for. Good luck getting out of there!" It was Wulfe!

Dave pounded at the door. Wulfe laughed as he ran back to his ship. Dave could hear the engines power up and then the ship flew off and the sound faded in the distance. Dave looked around for something to use to break the door open, but most of the stuff in the room was destroyed. He picked up the remains of a chair and when smashing it against the door didn't work he tried a more practical use for it. He slid it through a space between the door and the wall and pried at it. The door began to creak. After a few more tugs it finally let go and clanged into the hallway.

Dave stumbled out and rushed for his ship. It was still in one piece. Either Wulfe was in too much of a hurry to blast her, or he wanted the challenge of competition. One thing about Dave was that he was resourceful. A ship in hyperspace can't be tracked, unless it has a tracking device secured to it. Dave hoped that his TD shooter had found its target.

He checked the read-out monitor and it showed a bright red dot quickly moving away from Hiltz. Dave had him! He would follow Wulfe until he found John Clarke, then he would simply kill Wulfe and take John and his shield to the Empire.

While looking around, Wulfe had found out that John had taken his ship, blown up his base, and flown to the distance planet of Crytos. The first two were obvious, but Wulfe had to hack into the remains of John's computer to find out the last little tidbit of information.

As he arrived at Crytos, he looked upon one of the most beautiful planets just out of the Lylat system. It's colours swirled blue and red, and often performed translucent rainbows of colour. He shook his head to remind himself of why he was here and flew towards the planet's surface. He tried to lock onto the most recent engine signature and succeeded in getting that of an old Hiltz Corp. JJ-72 Light Freighter. Wulfe recognized it immediately as the Boneparte and followed the path on his sensor screen.

After landing near the freighter, Wulfe began to look around. He got strange looks from bystanders, who either knew of his reputation or were curious as to why he was on such a backwater planet; or perhaps both. Wulfe merely ignored them and kept searching. After finding the area clear he began his search for John himself. He checked at the nearby spaceport lounge but the information on starship owners was "confidential".

Wulfe would have to find him on his own. He had a scent from the ship and tried his best to follow it through the other smells coming from the spaceport. Outside there were several vendors selling food and other items to the crowd of people who had just arrived in a large passenger cruiser. Wulfe passed by the vendors and let the smell of food filter through his nostrils. Then he stopped. He had lost John's scent. Pointing his nose to the sky he tried to find it again, but it was gone.

Wulfe backtracked and arrived at the other end of the crowd, but the scent wasn't there either. He cursed. This was his big chance to make some decent pay and he'd lost it; but one scent he did have was one he was familiar with: the local pub. He crossed the street and entered the darkened, smokey bar.

After sitting in a table in the corner of the room, Wulfe ordered a big glass of their strongest drink. Through the years he had tried many drinks, but nothing got him like his home planet's Gtyou. While in the bar, a few customers had entered and left the bar but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Then Wulfe was approached by a tall, mean looking flamingo.

"You're sitting in my corner," grumbled the flamingo.

Wulfe looked around as well as under the table," I don't see your name on it, whatever it is."

"The name's Captain Spike, and it's the last name you'll ever hear !"

He grabbed the table and threw it out of the way, then he turned towards Wulfe. He stopped short and swallowed hard. His knees began to shake and he collapsed to the floor. While Spike had been busy with the table, Wulfe had unstrapped his pistol and now had it level with the Captain's head.

"You were saying?" grinned Wulfe.

He had never seen such a tall bird run so fast. Wulfe holstered his blaster and waved at the wide-eyed group of onlookers. He got up, paid for his drinks, and then left the bar ignoring the stares.

The Blue Devil landed his ship a few rows down from Wulfe's. After following the homing beacon to Crytos he had found the exact location of Wulfe's ship and now prepared to collect his quarry. He too found the Boneparte but was unable to aquire access to the interior of the ship. He began to wander the streets, trying to collect every bit of information from his surroundings. He caught sight of a blue flamingo running pell-mell down the street as if he were being chased by a rabid wolf. What he didn't know was that that was exactly the case.

He ignored the bird and continued his way down the street and around the corner. He had just disappeared when Wulfe came out of the bar. He looked up and down the street, then walked the opposite way. The Blue Devil had come to a dead end and was turning around to go back, when a trio of sparrows tried to jump him and steal his money. The Devil let his fighting instincts take control and soon there was nothing but a pile of unconscious birds laying against the wall.

After brushing himself off and inspecting a small knife wound on his arm he continued his way down another street. He had just missed Wulfe again as he entered a gun shop. The Devil, frustrated with his fruitless search, decided to return to his ship for the remainder of the day. He would continue in the morning. He heard a gunshot. Glancing down the street he noticed the gun shop and waved it off as a customer trying out his new piece.

Wulfe blew the smoke that was slowly filtering out of both barrels. His new gun, a semi-automatic double barreled GX-49 pistol, gleamed in his hands.

"And you say it's never been used?" asked Wulfe.

The owner of the store, a short, pudgy squirrel nodded his head," I suppose they tested it but..."

"I know. But not since then. How much did you say it was?" asked Wulfe.

"Forty thousand. I could give you a full load of ammo and a belt for it for an extra twelve?"

Wulfe tossed him a roll of bills. After flipping through it and drooling in the process the squirrel asked him another question," You want paper or plastic?"

Wulfe walked down the street with his new gun strapped to his side. The GX-49 was a combination of new and old technology. The new technology was a laser. It was a heavy caliber blast capable of blowing holes through body armour. The old technology, a second barrel located directly below the first, was a simple bullet carbine. When linked, these barrels could do quite a bit of painful damage. Since the bullet could travel faster than the laser beam, the target would first be hit by a tiny piece of steel. A split-second later the laser beam would catch up and burn away any exposed skin, scales, feathers, or whatever the case may be.

Wulfe did not usually look for trouble, but he knew that wearing his gun out in the open in this part of the city would cause some. Before he reached his next destination he was pulled into an alley by a strongly muscled badger, who asked a simple question:

"Your money or your life?"

Wulfe grinned and drew his new toy. The pair of dark holes were simultaneously lit up as they fired their own type of destruction. The badger gasped and fell to the ground. Smoke rose from the charred hole that had appeared in the badger's chest. The smell of cooked meat was too overpowering for Wulfe, and he had eaten the brute in less than half an hour. Slightly ashamed of himself he tried to wipe the stains off his hands using the badger's shirt. Moderately satisfied he continued on his way and emitted a low belch.

The next day John Clarke awoke to the smell of eggs. He sat up in bed and yawned. After rubbing his eyes and stretching his face he went downstairs where his friend had already cooked breakfast. He knew his friend very well, and trusted him not to give him away to anybody that may come looking for him; but of course, fathers are like that.

"Morning dad," said John.

His father, who was well past fifty, raised his head from his own breakfast and smiled," I thought you might like to sleep in a few extra hours, especially after what's been going on."

"I know. I'm starting to decide whether to destroy this thing or keep it. It could mean so much for further research of planetary deflector shields. Just think: having the ability to deflect a bombardment from a tyrant as evil as Andross..." his voice trailed off.

"That would be a great accomplishment," nodded his father.

The shield generator, which was still in its crate, was now used as a table. It was covered with a cloth to hide its true identity from anyone who just happened to see it. To a normal person, it looked like a modern box-table, a piece of furniture very common around this area.

After breakfast, John went out to get somethings that he needed, both for his ship as well as food for himself and his father. On his way to the starship yards, he spotted someone he wished he'd never seen: it was Dave Grey, the Blue Devil. John ducked behind a stack of boxes and hoped that Dave could not smell him, but it was too late. The Devil was upon him in seconds.

"Well well. John Clarke. I've been hired by Emperor Palpatine himself to arrest you, confiscate your shield generator, and bring you to the Empire," announced Dave.

"You found me, eh?" sighed John.

"With some help. Wulfe Litefoot led me right to you."

"Did I?" came a voice from behind them.

Dave whirled around and got a boot in the face. He stumbled back and focused on the grey figure of Wulfe standing there. He steadied himself and reached for his gun.

"Come on," said Wulfe," You know better than to try that with me."

Dave nodded, a distraction, then leapt at Wulfe.

John ran back to his father's house. He almost rammed the door down and threw the cloth off of the crate in the kitchen," We have to leave, now!"

"Why. What's up?" asked his father.

"Two mercenaries, the Blue Devil and Wulfe Litefoot are after me."

"Wulfe Litefoot? You sure got someone who wants you bad," said his father.

John just grunted as he hefted the crate onto a hover-sled that would allow him to shuttle the generator to his car. He would have to get to his ship and load his cargo before the two mercenaries finished their duel.

"Let me give you a hand with that."

"No dad. I need you to pack up a few things, only essentials, then get ready to leave."

"You're asking me to leave?" said his father, surprised.

"I don't want you mixed up in this. I'll take you to another planet, get you set up. I'll even loan you any money you need, but I don't want you to get hurt."

His father nodded and left the room.

Wulfe waited around the corner while the Devil approached. Wulfe wiped the blood from his lip and prepared to strike. Just as Dave was coming around the corner, Wulfe reached out, grabbed both his ears, and slammed the Devil's head against his knee. Dave stumbled back and fell on his face. Wulfe stood over him and thought about whether to leave him or blast him.

He didn't have time to think. Dave kicked his legs out from underneath him and Wulfe collapsed right beside him. They rolled over each other and exchanged blows. Dave kicked Wulfe off of him and then jumped at him. He knocked Wulfe against the wall and kicked him in the chest. Wulfe gasped and then swung his fist at Dave. Dave ducked and returned the blow, connecting. Wulfe was knocked down again.

On his hands and knees, Wulfe spat. Dave kicked him in the ribs and floored him. After several more blows Dave straightened up.

"You put up a pretty good fight. But if you'll excuse me I have to go collect my bounty."

He stepped on and over Wulfe's motionless body and followed John's scent to his house. It was empty. He knew that the only place John could go now was the spaceport to leave the planet and that is exactly where he went.

John was just strapping down the crate when VB-7 emitted static that John deciphered as a gasp. John looked up at what the droid was complaining about and saw the Blue Devil walking down the row of ships towards him. He punched the button to close the access ramp and waited anxiously as the hydraulics slowly lifted the slab of metal into place. Dave pounded on the outside of the hull but it was too late. He ran to his own ship, more afraid of being vaporized by the ship's exhaust as it took off.

After getting clearance for takeoff, John hit the accelerator and took off. He sighed and drew a long, relieved breath.

His father put a hand on his shoulder," We made it."

"Not yet we haven't!"

Dave cursed. Flight control wouldn't let him leave. Apparently security had scanned his ship and found his illegal modifications. He cursed whoever outlawed capital ship weapons on a fighter as well as upgraded shields, hull, and engines. He was very angry.

He waited until the chief of security was knocking on his hull, requesting access before taking off, whether he had permission or not. He didn't hear the scream as the fighter's afterburners disintegrated the chief where he stood, but if he did he wouldn't have forgotten it; ever.

Wulfe coughed as he got up off the ground. He was sore from his beating and wished he had learned more about fighting and less about marksmanship and flying. He limped to the spaceport where he saw an ambulance and several police vehicles, including a hover-skimmer. This jet-like craft was equipped with a long blade for lift instead of repulsors. While totally useless in space, it was virtually unmatched in atmospheric combat. He decided to get all nice-nice with security before trying an illegal takeoff. He didn't want to tangle with the hover-skimmer.

After paying his docking fee he took his slip and went to his ship. He wasn't surprised to see several security people looking it over.

"Is there a problem here?" he asked.

"We've been inspecting your fighter, sir, and we've found several illegal modifications," said the apparent officer in charge.

"Oh. What kind of modifications?" asked Wulfe, acting innocent.

"This engine exceeds the manufacturers maximum suggested output."

"It is, after all, only a suggestion."

"And your weapons exceed this planet's limits for armament and number of warheads on board a small starfighter of your class."

"Well, how else can I protect myself in a galaxy as screwed up as this one is?"

"I'm sorry sir but we're going to have to put her in the impound."

"I don't think so. Look," he held out his docking slip," I've been here for one day, I've paid my fee, now what's you beef?"

The officer in charge, a bull, was obviously not amused by Wulfe's little witticism," That doesn't mean that you can merely take off with these illegal modifications. We'll strip your ship and then send you on your way."

"Very well," said Wulfe, trying hard to hide his grin.

As the four security guards approached the ship an alarm sounded. Laser blasts shot out and the guards fell to the ground, those not dead grabbing their wounded appendages. Wulfe shook his head and pulled out his remote. The ship let out a low hum then beeped, letting Wulfe know that his security system was disarmed.

John felt his ship shake. The Blue Devil was letting loose with his `illegal' weaponry and doing some damage to the aging freighter. With his dad in the gun turret, John had a sense of assurance. With over twenty years as a frigate gunner behind him, James Clarke was a formidable adversary. The only thing that kept him from destroying the Devil's ship was a combination of arthritis, and age.

Another laser blast crashed against the shields, followed by a missile. John knew that his shields wouldn't hold out for long.

"VB! How long 'till total shield failure?" he asked his droid.

"Three minutes and twenty-four seconds," she replied.

Could I do it in time, John asked himself. He ran back to the cargo bay and took a crowbar to the crate. He had the generator exposed within thirty seconds. After out the wires that powered the deflector shields he began to cross wire them with those of the ZX-9.

"Report, VB!"

"Less than two minutes!"

John began to work frantically. The shield would need another power source in order to meet is demands. It was risky, but he needed to patch into the weapons system. A few seconds later his father climbed down the gunnery ladder that led up to the turret.

"We just lost our guns!" he exclaimed.

"I know," said John, " I need the power to operate the shield generator."

"Are you crazy? It's untested. If something goes wrong it'll blow the ship to bits!"

"And if I don't activate it we'll be blown to bits!"

The two Clarkes stared at each other. Another blast rocked the ship, causing an alarm to sound in the cockpit.

"Well get going!" said James.

"Yes sir!"

James scurried up to the cockpit to pilot the ship, trying to avoid the laser shots long enough for John to connect the shield and either save or destroy them all. The lights went out. John must have cut into the final power supply in order to get the generator operational, thought James. John ran up to the cockpit.

"Will it work, John?" asked James.

"We'll find out in a moment," he flicked a green switch and waited.

The lights came back on and John glanced at the shield read-out. It was bright green, indicating full shields.

"It worked!"

Another set of lasers struck the ship. John looked at the digital display. It read Shield Power: 100%. John cried out for joy. His shield had worked.

Dave checked the power read-out for his laser cannons to make sure that they were working properly. He had seen the blasts hit the weakened shields just as they had powered back up to 100%. He knew that the ship might have been equipped with a backup shield generator, but backups were usually weaker, and only used in a pinch.

He locked on and fired a double pair of missiles. Still no effect. He followed his missiles with several laser blasts. The freighter's shields drop to 98%.

"Great!" shouted Dave.

Then he felt his ship shake. His shields were dropping rapidly. He pulled his ship hard to the left and blinked as the small, round fighter streaked past him. It was the Howl of Canis. Wulfe was attacking the Bandit.

"Get lost Litefoot! This is my bounty!" shouted Dave.

"You might be able to defeat me on the ground, but up here you're at my mercy!" replied Wulfe.

"I don't show mercy!"

"Neither does my trigger finger!"

Wulfe turned his ship around and fired several shots at the Bandit. Dave couldn't get out of the way in time and the shots damaged his G-diffuser. Dave checked his shields. Rear shields were gone, forwards working at 15%. Dave was starting to wonder how he was going to get out of this one.

Wulfe attacked from the rear. With pinpoint accuracy he shot the engines off the Bandit and then fired another shot into the ship's power core. He watched as the ship sparked and spiraled towards the planet's surface.

"See ya Devil!" taunted Wulfe.

Wulfe met up with John on the remote planet of Tenez. After landing his fighter next to the Boneparte he shook hands with the human. Wulfe had never actually met one, but they weren't rare in Lylat as well as the other surrounding systems.

"I thank you Wulfe. I guess I couldn't have defeated a pilot like you in combat. I surrender," said John.

"I'm only here to escort you back to Corneria to give your shield to General Pepper," said Wulfe.

"Pepper? He lost the bid for the shield. I hope he's planning on paying for it?"

"How 'bout sanctuary on Corneria from the Empire?"

"Uh, good point. Perhaps we can work something out? Me and Pepper I mean."

Wulfe smiled," Of course."

Dave was fuming mad. He climbed out of the crumpled wreck of the Bandit, now charred black after the spinning, uneven re-entry. Most of the equipment was destroyed, but his tracking computer was still functioning, barely. He limped the few miles to the spaceport where he handed over almost every credit in his pockets to purchase a new fighter; a small, lightly armed piece of junk, but Dave was certain it would get him as far as wherever John had gone.

He also wanted to take Wulfe Litefoot apart, piece by piece. He was humiliated by his defeat, but knew he didn't stand a chance in the air. He would have to find Wulfe on the ground. Dave cursed. He remembered Wulfe's skill with a laser blaster. He'd have to not only attack Wulfe on the ground, but sneak up as well. As these plans ran through Dave's mind, he flew through the atmosphere and towards the red dot on his tracking computer.

John insisted that they stay a few days, to make sure that they would have a safe trip to Corneria. Wulfe didn't trust John totally so it would be a four week trip through subspace to get to their destination. Wulfe leaned against the fuselage of the Howl of Canis admiring all of the ships in the spaceport. There were freighters and fighters and shuttles of all different makes and models. He was able to recognize several of them. There was a JH-473 heavy freighter from the planet Tirez. A GTY-4X3 skip-shuttle from Weston. And, then his heart skipped a beat. There before him, just a mere twelve meters away, was a V-40 Foxx from his home planet.

Wulfe gasped and slowly approached the ship. As he reached it he saw a pair of legs and a bushy tail sticking out from underneath the ship's starboard wing. Wulfe peered underneath and saw a beautiful female Collie attaching a pair of light repeating blasters on the wing's weapon's hardpoint. She looked over, obviously picking up Wulfe's scent.

"Hi there. You fly?" she asked in the most cheery voice Wulfe had heard in a long time.

"Uh... yeah. I love flying," replied Wulfe, stuttering a little.

"What kind of ship do you own?" she asked, sliding out from under the wing. They both stood up.

"Uh, mine's the T4-662 Snowflake over there," said Wulfe, pointing to the Howl of Canis.

"Nice. I've had her for almost two years now," replied the Collie, patting the shiny hull of the Foxx.

"Are you part of the RCN?"

"Well, I kinda ran away. I wanted to become a bounty hunter like my sister."

Wulfe looked at the Collie, taking in every detail. She couldn't have been much older than seventeen. Wulfe grabbed her shoulders," Go home."

"What?"

"Trust me. Running away from the Academy's the worst thing you could do. And bounty hunting is harder than you think."

"Who do you think you are?" she asked angrily," Wulfe Litefoot?"

Wulfe couldn't hold back his laugh," As a matter of fact... yes!"

"No way! I've been looking for you for months now. You're my hero!"

Wulfe rolled his eyes," I don't need or want a fan. What I do isn't pretty. I do it because need to live, to survive. Things don't come cheap these days. I work hard for my money."

"I can work hard, and I'm a pretty good pilot too. And I'm a killer shot with a rifle," beamed the Collie.

"What's your name?"

"Reetah. Reetah Yonule," she replied.

"You're Sakey's sister? But you're not a Shepherd!" gasped Wulfe.

Reetah blushed," I know. My father married our mother after Sakey's father was killed. She's been my best friend for years. Then there was an accident and she was wounded pretty bad. Then she went feral and became a mercenary. I was only a pup then."

Wulfe felt sorry for her, but didn't show it. He had to make sure she didn't go through with her plans.

"I still want you to turn around and go back home. Being a mercenary is a tough job. I've almost been killed several times. In most cases its luck that gets me out of it, but if I need to..." Wulfe pulled out his new blaster.

"Wow! Lemme see!" squealed Reetah.

"It's not for a kid like you! It's dangerous."

Wulfe's eyes widened as if he'd forgotten to do something. He reached down and pulled the knife out of his boot. After cutting a notch into the blaster's grip he returned both weapons to their proper place. Reetah seemed disappointed.

"Look, uh... I'm an my way to Corneria. I could take you there then we could make tracks for the Academy, if you agree to go home and give it a second chance?"

"I... I guess so?"

She looked down at the newly added blasters on the wing of her fighter. They looked brand new and ready for some action. Wulfe understood.

His childhood passion for flying had become a reality when he joined the RCN's Air Academy. Now he was flying on his own. A renegade. Hunting others for others for money. He knew it wasn't the best life, but he had become addicted to it. He couldn't go back if he wanted to.

John was pacing. Every second away from Wulfe was a second he was in danger. The Devil, although defeated, could easily find some way of locating them and taking him and his shield to the Empire. His father was sitting at the table, finishing off a bottle of some weird, popping liquor. John had tried some of it, but he wasn't much of a drinker, and the bubbles fizzed in his throat. There was a knock at the door. John nearly jumped through the roof. "Who... who's there?" he asked, reaching for the blaster that Wulfe had left for him. "It's me. Wulfe." "Prove it!" Next there were a series of knocks, followed by a loud thump. "That's the signal," said James. John opened the door, and kept the gun on the Canine stranger who followed Wulfe in. Wulfe nodded to John," It's alright, she's with me." "I hope she's trustworthy?" said John. "Stop being so paranoid. You'd think the Devil was right down the street?" said James. John just placed the blaster back on the table and took anther sip of the bubbling liquid.

Dave arrived in the planet's atmosphere after a few days in subspace. He didn't want to risk blowing something inside the rickety old ship's engine system during a hyperspace jump. He had a few choices to make: either land and find them on the ground, or wait in ambush. Regarding Wulfe's piloting skill he decided on the first idea.

He noted that it was getting dark. He landed and notified security that he'd be spending the night in his ship. After plotting exactly which to rip off first, Wulfe's legs or his arms, he drifted to sleep, dreaming of the encounter.

Dave sat straight up as the sound of a freighter taking off shook his ship. He glanced out the window and watched as the large bulky ship gained altitude, its bright thrusters shrinking to pin-points of light, then disappearing.

He stretched and climbed out of the fighter. He found the Howl of Canis and the Boneparte, then followed the scents of his quarry to a small apartment building a few blocks away. He drew his blaster and burst through the door. There was nothing but a table, a few chairs, and a bottle of some fizzy drink.

"You sure can't sneak up on a guy, can you?" said a voice from behind him. It was Wulfe. Dave whirled around and got a wooden board in the face. Dave cursed as he jumped up and chased after Wulfe who was heading straight for the spaceport. Dave knew that Wulfe would run to his ship and take the fight to the sky.

After passing a few rows of ships Wulfe turned and ran past the shiny hull of Reetah's V-40 Foxx. Then Reetah came out from behind the fuselage and tripped Dave.

"You'll pay for that!" said Dave.

Reetah was obviously a better fighter than even the Devil himself. Before Dave could deliver a punch she had punched several times, thrown him over her shoulder, and hit him with a roundhouse kick. Dave slumped against the hull of another ship.

"Nice moves kid," applauded Wulfe.

"I stayed in the Academy long enough to learn it," replied Reetah.

"Dang!" hissed Wulfe. And I had to leave early!, he said to himself.

The two of them parted. Reetah boarded her ship as Wulfe joined John at the Boneparte.

"Let's get out of here before the Devil comes to," said Wulfe.

"Can't argue with that!" replied John.

The boarding ramp closed as Wulfe ran to the Howl of Canis. He started the engines and followed the light freighter up towards the black of space, with Reetah close behind.

"Looks we got ourselves a pretty good escort, huh dad?" smiled John.

"It ain't over 'till it's over," replied James.

Dave had a bucket of cold water thrown in his face. He shook himself dry and glared at the spaceport medic," Let me take a look at your face," said the medic.

"You're gonna get a good look at my fist if you don't get out of my way!" shouted Dave. He shoved the medic out of the way and ran to his ship. He took off after the three escaping ships, desperate to collect his bounty. He would kill all of them and then keep the Empire's thirty-thousand credit advance.

His ship wasn't very fast, but he still caught up with them.

"I'm gonna kill you first, Litefoot!"

"Bring it on, Devil!" replied Wulfe," Reetah, stay with the Boneparte. Close escort."

"Yes sir!" replied the anxious young Collie.

Wulfe broke formation and headed for a dead-on interception with Dave's new ship. Dave was driven by hatred and anger now, all of his buried kindness was gone. He just wanted Wulfe dead, then the girl for beating him up, and finally the Boneparte would be flamed; even if it took hours to blast through the shield!!

Wulfe didn't want to kill Dave right away, but allowed the low powered blasts to hit his shields before he pulled up, narrowly avoiding crashing into Dave's ship. He is crazy, thought Wulfe. He got on Dave's tail and fired several shots into the weak shields. The ship shuddered and managed an evasive maneuver. Wulfe countered it and found himself coming at Dave from below. He could see several missiles and rockets mounted on the bottom of the ship. Man! He's packing enough to blow a hole in a small moon!

Wulfe would have to take him out quickly before he shot at either Reetah or the freighter. Dave shot a few un-aimed blasts at Wulfe and scored, but barely caused any damage. He buzzed past Wulfe, allowing some time to get some distance between them, then boosted his engines towards the freighter. He locked all of the warheads and fired. The mismatch of missiles and rockets flew towards the freighter, the missiles homing and the dumbfire rockets merely hoping to hit something.

"Reetah, missiles coming in!" said Wulfe.

"I see 'em!" replied Reetah.

The sleek V-40 soared towards the tiny projectiles and fired its laser and blaster cannons. Some of the missiles exploded, but many escaped. They crashed against the freighter's super shield but caused little damage. Some of the rockets flew past, and would keep going until their fuel ran out and they self-destructed. The shield held at 96%.

Dave cursed and targeted Reetah. He fired several times and watched as the bright blue blasts found their mark. He was able to stay on her six for a few seconds, pounding away, but she managed to shake him off and tried to get herself on his six. She fired her laser cannons, followed by a missile. The older, low powered fighter lost its rear shields and sparked.

"No! Not again!" cursed Dave.

"I've got the kill-shot!" said Reetah, excitedly.

"This one's mine kid," said Wulfe.

He locked his dual missile launchers on the fatally wounded fighter," See you Dave. Give my regards to the real Devil!"

The pair of highly maneuverable concussion missiles launched from the Howl of Canis and after a few seconds found their target. Dave screamed as his ship was reduced to flaming metal, fuel, and technology. The bright explosion lit up the dimness of outer space and caused Wulfe to shield his eyes. When it was gone there was nothing left but one of the severed wings of the fighter, spinning away from where the rest of the ship used to be.

The group of adventurers had gathered together on board the Boneparte. After the Devil's ship had exploded they immediately journeyed towards Corneria, a trip that would take the next four weeks. Wulfe, though he liked sleeping in his fighter, didn't feel like being cooped up that long. His fighter, as well as Reetah's, was in tow, secured with the freighter's tractor beam. Wulfe had brought along his weapons, in case John tried anything funny.

Reetah seemed anxious and a bit worried. She stayed quiet for the first few hours, then began pacing in the cargo hold. Wulfe, knowing how she must be feeling, joined her.

"Hey, what's up? You've been pretty quiet," said Wulfe.

"I know. I just... I don't know what will happen when I get back. I'm gonna be in a lot of trouble," replied Reetah.

"Well, first you'll be reprimanded, have your flight license suspended for a month..." he trailed off.

"Well in that case I'm never going back!"

Wulfe took a step closer," It takes a brave person to run away and try to take on life by themselves, but it takes someone even braver to go home and ask forgiveness."

Reetah looked at him, not believing what he had just said; him of all people! She smiled a small smile and walked to the end of the cargo hold. Wulfe knew she wanted to be alone, so he left her to think about what he had said.

Three weeks and five days later they arrived at Corneria. The Boneparte, now escorted by two fighters, landed in the main spaceport in Corneria City. There, General Pepper and several soldiers waited to offload the shield generator. Wulfe emerged first and took the General's hand.

"Nice seeing you again, General," said Wulfe, shaking the huge furry paw in his own.

"Yes, you too Wulfe," smiled Pepper," And I see you succeeded in retrieving John and his shield."

"Yeah. It was nothing really."

"I guess I owe you a few thousand credits then?" said Pepper.

"And a degraded ZX-9 Super Shield," added Wulfe, not taking the chance at getting gypped.

"Uh... of course. I'll get my techs to work on it right away," mumbled Pepper. He obviously wished that Wulfe had forgotten about that part of the deal.

It had taken John Clarke over three years to perfect his Super Shield, but the army technicians had one built and degraded in less than three weeks. Wulfe watched happily as his old shield generator was removed and the new one was installed. John was in charge of the installation crew. He wanted to make sure the job was done properly.

"Hey John!" called Wulfe," How would you rate this baby?"

"That ZX-9 is now a ZX-4.5," replied John," You do the math," he shrugged his shoulders.

"Sounds good enough!" Wulfe licked his lips.

"It's about twelve times stronger than your old shield generator, and just nine times less powerful than the one that I hooked up to the Boneparte."

Reetah, who was standing on the other side of the Howl of Canis, admired the new shield. If only I had one too, she thought to herself. But she knew that she could never afford one. She would have to make due with her V-40's moderate shield generator. Even the one Wulfe had in his old ship was stronger than the one she had. Then she got an idea.

"Hey Wulfe! What are you gonna do with your old generator?"

As promised, Wulfe escorted Reetah back to the RCN Academy. He decided not to land and introduce himself. He was sure that they would either recognize him, or some curious secretary would check the database and find out that he was once part of the Academy and that he had assaulted an officer and stolen a fighter.

Wulfe bade his last farewell over the communicator," Good luck, kid!" He gave her a thumbs-up through his bubble canopy.

"You too," replied Reetah," When I graduate, how will I know where to find you?"

"You'll find me. I'm always around."

After tipping his wing towards her, Wulfe maneuvered the Howl of Canis away from the Academy, and towards what was once his home.

As Wulfe approached the wreckage that now orbited his home planet, Canis, he sighed. He had not visited this place since he was 16, and now since he was in the area he had come home. He recognized the remains of the space station Canorb 4, the place where he had grown up with his parents. Wulfe landed in the familiar docking bay and after donning his zero-G suit began to walk the halls that had not been walked in three years. He immediately went to his old quarters and found it the same way it had been during his last visit. He walked to his room, the many books, those that did not float around the room, still lay on the floor. He moved down the hall to his parents room. The bed was in the same place and the night stand still had a picture of his family on it.

He grabbed a large piece of metal that had been sheared off the wall by the explosive decompression and pulled out his knife. Not knowing how or why, an old childhood song came to his lips as he engraved words into the metal.

Here died Tipro and Iuna Litefoot, parents of Wulfe Litefoot.
May their spirits live on as their memories live forever.

Wulfe held it against the wall of the livingroom as he blasted the metal around it with his pistol. The molten metal cooled quickly in the sub-zero temperatures of outer space. Wulfe knelt with his head bowed for a few seconds, remembering his lost family. He stood and left the room.

After leaving the system, Wulfe wasn't sure what to do. He decided to travel to the distant planet of Anteevy to see what job he might be hired for, or what trouble he might get himself into. It couldn't get as bad is the last one, Wulfe chuckled to himself.

Back to Star Fox Fan Fics

Characters: Dave Grey, John & James Clarke, Reetah Yonule

Inanimate Objects: Hiltz Corp. JJ-72 Light Freighter (Boneparte), ZX-9 Super Shield, GX-49 blaster carbine, the planet Hiltz, the planet Crytos, the planet Tenez

©1998 Cyberwulfe (CW Inc.)