Welcome to Project Hyde

[Tetroneaque]

Tetroneaque awoke to the smell of some fresh baked bread. That was certainly the last thing he expected, not having had that pleasure ever since the Empire had taken him captive. Then he remembered, he had escaped the Empire! He sat up in the soft bed and eyed the small plate on the night stand. Half a loaf of fresh bread lay upon the plate, alongside a tall glass of some fruit juice. Tetroneaque's stomach growled, having had nothing for over two days. The Kitsune wanted to simply devour the food, but resisted the urge and savored it. It had been so long since he'd had anything to eat besides government gruel and water, and this bit of food was to be enjoyed.

All too soon he was finished eating and drinking, but he was still hungry. He still wasn't sure where he was exactly though. Nothing looked familiar. It was obvious whoever had taken him in wasn't an Imperial or he'd be waking up in a interrogation cell. He still felt a bit woozy from his ordeal over the past few days and was trying to get his thoughts straight. Then it all came rushing back. The escape, the battle, and then self destructing the Fury to cover the train's escape. He fell back onto the pillow as he finally felt safe for the first time in years.

"I'm with other Kitsune now. Safe." He smiled up at the ceiling, simply enjoying that feeling of not being an Imperial slave.

[The Ace]

Erik was with another Kitsune, his main strategist, discussing their next move. They were safe here, for the time being, but it will be only a matter of time before the Imperials track them here. This city is completely absorbed by the jungle, which is filled with predators. Kitsune made booby-trap serves as the second line of defense. And if that fails, machine operated machine guns and cannons can pound the invaders.

Erik turned to a service droid and said, "Call Tetroneaque. Tell him he needs to attend this meeting."

[Tetroneaque]

Tetroneaque was tempted to simply go back to sleep and let his body recover a bit more when the door opened and one of the droids from before came in.

"Your attendance is requested at the meeting, Tetroneaque. Please follow me." The droid stated in a polite, yet monotone voice. Tetroneaque hopped out of bed and did as he was told. The droid led him down a few nicely furnished hall ways. Nothing fancy, but there was at least carpeting and some decent touches so it didn't feel like a sterile medical ward.

They came to another room and the droid motioned for Tetroneaque to go ahead and enter. He came in, knocking on the door to announce his entrance.

"You wanted to see me?" He asked timidly as he came in.

[The Ace]

"Yes," Erik said when he saw Tetroneaque. He beckoned him to sit down on one of the metal chairs. When all the kitsunes were settled down, Erik got up and said, "Three month ago, the Imperial slipped a spy into my mists and our location was betrayed. The result was a battle in which eighty-seven of our kind died for the loss of only two Imperial troops. Then, not long ago, the Imperials once again found us. This time we choose to flee, but we did lose one member. We all know that it will only be a matter of time before the Imperials track us here. Now we are faced with a problem: we will stay and fight, or flee to another place?"

[Tetroneaque]

Tetroneaque sat and listened, taking in all the information he could. He glanced at the maps and such on the table and some of the other data, but mostly he listened to Erik. When the other Kitsune asked for an opinion on fight or flight Tetroneaque had an idea.

"Well, sir..." Tetroneaque began, trying to muster up the courage to speak his plan.

"We can only run so far before there is no where else to run. Yet we simply don't stand a chance in a stand up fight due to the Empire's superior numbers and weaponry. So I think the best solution is to let the Empire think they've killed all of us." He could see some of the other Kitsune giving dubious glances toward him. After all, he was the new guy. All he'd done was accidentally lead an entire Imperial fleet toward their last home, though he had destroyed half the Empire's bomber fleet in that incident. He took a deep breath as he continued to outline his plan.

"I say we fortify this place a bit, so if any Imperials find it they will believe we mean to stay and defend. Yet we should have already abandoned this area long before then. Droids, automated defenses, maybe even a few holo-projectors to make it look like there are some of us here when they attack. Then, self destruct the place and take out as many Imperials in the blast as possible. Since we'll already have left this place long before the attack even occurs they'll have no idea we weren't there. Thus, they are satisfied thinking we're eliminated and we have some time to regroup and plan our moves without the constant threat of attack." No one seemed to be saying anything, just looking at Tetroneaque. He felt so out of place there among everyone but he'd simply spoken his mind on how he thought they might survive best.

Tell them about your knowledge of the Empire's weapons. After all, you helped design a great many of them. Given time and resources you could probably make something even better than what those human bastards have.

Oh no, the voice is back.

Stop calling me voice! I'm just here to help you. You're not crazy. Now tell them what you know!

"If its any importance, I have intimate knowledge of most Imperial weapon and defense systems. If I had time, I could design counter weaponry that would eliminate the Empire's technological advantage... for a time at least." He added since no one had spoken up yet.

[The Ace]

Some of the Kitsunes laughed as Tetroneaque finished.

"You are a fool! Your idea is horrible!" one of the Kitsunes said.

"I think it is a very good idea. Have the Imperials running in circles," another, older one said.

"You are losing your mind old man, where do you think we go if you abandon this place? This is our last home!" said a third Kitsune.

Pretty soon, the whole room was shouting and arguing at each other. Then it turned violent as a Kitsune started punching those who disagree with him. A fight broke out as the members threw whatever they could at each other, even other Kitsunes. Erik drew out his pistol and fired it in the air. The whole room was silent. "The enemy is at our doorstep and yet you guys have the time to fight each other?"

"I think we should let the new one continue,[/COLOR=RED]" the old fox said again, "[COLOR] Go on, what do you have in mind?

[Tetroneaque]

Tetroneaque was quick to duck down and get out of the way when the fight broke out, and quite happy when Erik stopped the whole thing. He straightened his lab coat out and adjusted the goggles on his forehead back into place before he continued.

"Well, from what I've seen of the Empire's plans when I was their captive, they don't have much of a force in the Easter Spine mountain range. The rebels keep hammering their supply convoys to and from there. Basically no one has a good foot hold there despite what they may tell others. I think that an underground base there would keep the enemy from finding us, and even if they did they'd have a whole mountain range to search and rebels to deal with before even getting to us." He noticed a few Kitsune rolling their eyes at such a ridiculous plan. Of course no one had that range under control, so what made him think he could help them take it.

"You see they keep fighting for the surface. I suggest we take it from underground." Again more stares and even some derisive laughter directed at Tetroneaque. He took a deep breath as he explained in more detail.

"I can design several large scale transports capable of burrowing through the ground, and even the hardest rock. We will be able to use these to dig out a base and mask our movements to the new staging area. It will only take a few weeks at most before the first transport is ready. As for power at the new base it will be easy to use the geothermal energy in the area to power everything, doing this will also make it impossible for Imperial scanners to locate us due to energy readings. The last part however is a bit trickier, the food supply. We can't very well grow much food underground, and we won't be able to risk shipping it in." Tetroneaque noticed he seemed to have everyone attention and even a few of the one's opposed to his idea seemed to be at least listening now.

"I created a device once, I called it the Hoshi-no-tama, or spirit ball. It was able to accelerate the growth rate of plant life as well as act as a source of artificial sunlight and nutrient enhancer. In fact it even seemed to be reversing the negative weather that has taken a grip on the planet since the transformation, at least for a small area. It was that device that made the Empire capture me in the first place and attack my home town." Tetroneaque had to choke back a sob at that memory, but pushed forward anyway.

"I can make another of these Hoshi-no-tama. The only catch is that the components to create one are very rare. The Empire has enough to make at least thirty of them, but wouldn't even allow me to make one to ease the food shortage they have. We'd only need one though to keep over twelve thousand comfortably fed, indefinitely."

Now it seemed he had the undivided attention of everyone in the room. He smiled a little at that, not used to people actually giving a damn what he had to say. It was a nice feeling.

"In conclusion, we set up a new base underground. We use the geothermal currents in that area to provide power. The Hoshi-no-tama I build will provide us with basically an unlimited food supply. The only thing now is keeping the Empire from finding us here until our new home is ready."

[The Ace]

The Kitsunes started talking among themselves. Though some still have doubts about the new Kitsune's idea, most of them agree. The old fox rose again and said, "There are also other ways to get food. The Eastern Spine is a battleground between the Rebels and the Imperials, both whom needs the treacherous passes for their supply caravans. These days the Imperial is sending more supplies than usual because their hold in the Northern Provinces is still not secure. We can easily raid a Imperial convoy and make it look like the Rebels. We can also do it to the Rebels. This will guarantee that our food and resources don't run out."

The others nodded their approval. Another Kitsune said, "There are plenty of gold, silver, and other mineral mines in the mountains. Not only will we be able to harvest them for our own uses but we can also sell those minerals to the mercenaries or pirates in exchange for services and supplies."

"And for defense," Erik began, "we can build pillboxes and bunkers into the mountain and arm them with either manned or automated machine or laser guns. The goal of these defenses is to make the enemy lose so many men, they will be discourage to go any further. Meanwhile, we can add rockets, missiles, laser cannons, and flak guns in the caves and hide them with cloaking devices. And if those are breached, then they will have to face a force of battle droids before they want to kill us. Objections anyone?"

No one had any objections. They all agree that this will be the best course of action. Erik said, "Then it is decided then. We move into the mountains as soon as possible. But first, we need a name for our new faction. Ideas anyone?"

[Tetroneaque]

Suggest calling yourselves "The Fox Fury Federation." Though the humans call you foxes in a derogatory manner, you can turn that hate around and fuel your own fury to strike back at them!

Tetroneaque hated to admit it but that voice in his head seemed to have good ideas every now and then. Tetroneaque cleared his throat.

"What about, 'The Fox Fury Federation'?" Tetroneaque said a bit timidly.

"The humans call us foxes, using it as an insult and slur. How much would it hurt their pride to be put in their place by a bunch of foxes. They've pushed us around long enough, and I say its time they felt our fury!" He slammed a fist down on the table at the end to drive the point home, which was a bit unusual for the usually peaceful Kitsune. Tetroneaque knew the idea wasn't really his own... or was it... anyway the idea was now out there and he could only hope the voice hadn't steered him wrong.

[The Ace]

Some of the foxes laughed but the majority approved of it. To avoid another argument, the council decided to vote. Winning by a landslide, the name 'Fox Fury Federation' was adopted by the council. Erik stood up once again and said, "I officially declare the formation of of the Fox Fury Federation. This is our first meeting!"

The foxes around the table started clapping. Erik calmed them down and said, "For the time being, this council will rule the Federation. We will decided what happens later after the laws have been written. Now Tetroneaque, you will start working on the transport devices and design the new base. I will provide you with my best engineers and a fleet of worker droids. The rest of you will do your assigned jobs. The council we meet again in two days. Dismissed."

When all the councilors disappeared, Erik walked up to Tetroneaque and said, "Your idea might just save us all."

(Cheers )

[Tetroneaque]

Tetroneaque was surprised how smoothly went from then on. Being part of the ruling council seemed like a huge step to him, and he wasn't sure he was really up to it. All these Kitsune were counting on him now, and he was taking advice from voices in his own head. He decided not to mention that for now, not wanting to worry anyone. Besides, they'd voted on everything so it seemed fine to him. When everyone but Erik and himself were gone from the room he felt relieved. He didn't really like crowds.

"I'm just glad to be able to help. I hope everything goes as smoothly as we hope it will. I'll get started on the transports immediately, just show me to the labs or vehicle bay, or whatever is at our disposal here." He said with a nervous chuckle. It was a lot of pressure, but he was finally doing what he wanted to... save his race.

[The Ace]

Erik lead him to a huge underground chamber three stories high. There were causeways and towers all over the place and engineers were busy getting the equipments unpacked. Erik pressed a button on the wall and a small army of working droids walked in. "This is hanger bay, its where we keep all the machinery. There is a bedroom to your left, with a lavatory should you need to use it. A cafeteria is just up front and the storage lockers are to your right. If you need anything, ask the droids."

Erik was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something. He turned around and said, "Here, take this map. It might help."

[Tetroneaque]

"Thank you! I won't let you down!" Tetroneaque said in a grateful tone as he even went so far as to offer a small formal bow of respect. Then he straightened up as it was time to get to work. He glanced at the map, nodded, and then rolled it up and put it into his labcoat's pocket.

"First things first, we'll need to chart out the subterranean terrain for our new home. I think converting a few droids into some sort of burrow-bot might be in order." As he spoke he placed a hand on the first droid he could find and led it over toward a metal table next to a work bench covered in tools. He knew it shouldn't take long to convert the droid to it's new purpose.

[The Ace]

"I'm sure you wont," Erik shouted back as he left the hanger. He was suppose to be planning the defenses of this new base with his tacticians but he didn't even know where the new base is going to be, so he'd have to postpone that. Then of course, there is writing the law, but Erik hated laws and politics. Better leave it to those who have experience. He was about to go back to his quarters when an idea came into his mind. Why not go and check out how his new droids were doing? Smiling, Erik turned around and made his way towards the robotics facility.

[Tetroneaque]

Tetroneaque seemed to be in high spirits as he went to work, actually humming a little tune as he did so. For the first time in years he was working toward his own goals, helping his own kind, and he wasn't going to be exploited anymore. The droids were actually very helpful, and it was nice to have some help for once. The facility wasn't as high tech as the one he'd worked in at for the Empire, but he really didn't care. He was happy!

The time seemed to simply fly as he worked. Yet it all paid off. After almost half a day of non stop work, he had a dozen droids converted to his new "Burrow-bot" model. Special sonar that could see through rock, soil, and other minerals were equipped to them all as well as some very tough drilling equipment.

"I'll ask Erik if I can send these guys out tomorrow so they can go ahead and map out the new area. Now to get to work on the transports..." He stopped in his tracks as his stomach let out a growl.

"Ok, first some food." He chuckled to himself. He'd become so accustomed to simply being fed at certain times that he'd forgotten what it felt like to be able to eat whenever he got hungry. He set his tools down on the table and went down to the cafeteria. Maybe he'd be able to chat with a few Kitsune and relax just a bit.