Synergy

Mission 00: Ghost of Starfox

“The world believed Agent Ren died that night. His son never did.”

Thirteen years ago, rain and fog swallowed the docks of Apoline City Harbor as the clock neared eleven.

Two figures, Agent Sammus and Agent Sung, crouched in the shadows of a dilapidated warehouse, their breaths misting in the frigid air. Their mission was simple: intercept the deal, secure the formula, and disappear before anyone knew Starfox had been there.

□■¤¤■□

Sammus towered beside Sung, intimidating even at rest. Age had sharpened the lines on his face, but not the strength in his massive frame. He looked more like a heavyweight fighter than a covert operative. When situations turned violent, Sammus was the one agents trusted to hold the line.

Sung stood beside the crates in complete silence, sharp eyes tracking every movement along the harbor.

Tall and lean with an athletic frame carved through years of combat training, she carried herself with effortless control. Her dark hair framed striking features, while her calm expression concealed the dangerous precision beneath it.

Under the dim dock lights, every movement felt deliberate and controlled, like a coiled blade waiting to strike.

Years of martial arts training had transformed her into one of Starfox’s deadliest operatives. From close-quarters combat to rapid counterattacks, her fighting style relied on speed, fluidity, and ruthless precision.

She rarely raised her voice.

She never needed to.

Sung moved with precision and restraint beside him, making Sammus feel more like a battering ram than a covert operative.

■□¤¤□■

Sung activated her holographic watch, its display unfolding into a trio of screens. One showcased real-time coordination data, another mirrored the infrared feed from Sammus' thermal imaging glasses, and the third connected her to the team comlink.

Meanwhile, Sammus, his vision enhanced by the glasses' infrared sensors and integrated camera, maintained a vigilant watch on their target.

Sammus tapped his foot impatiently, his frustration mounting.

"Where is he? He was supposed to be here hours ago."

His partner rolled her eyes.

"Calm down, Sammus. This is the fourth time you've asked. He'll be here when he's ready."

As they huddled near the edge of the docks, opposite the derelict warehouse, a metallic clatter broke the tense silence.

Someone was ascending the rusty ladder. Their hands instinctively tightened on the concealed weapons, adrenaline surging through them.

A shadowy figure, vaguely humanoid, emerged from the gloom, inching closer.

The figure stepped into the dim harbor light.

Agent Ren had arrived.

□■¤¤■□

Andrew Franco—better known within Starfox as Agent Ren—climbed the rusted ladder with calm precision.

Within Starfox, Ren’s reputation carried near-mythical weight among operatives.

Outside intelligence circles, Andrew Franco did not exist.

Sammus relied on force.

Sung relied on speed and precision.

Ren relied on agility, instinct, and intellect.

Whether infiltrating black-market auctions or posing as foreign intelligence, Ren adapted with frightening speed.

But more than anything, Ren survived because he was always thinking ahead.

Ren’s eyes swept across the warehouse once—entry points, blind spots, escape routes.

He memorized them instantly.

That balance of intelligence and instinct made him one of Starfox’s most trusted operatives.

In Starfox, Ren had a reputation for surviving missions that should have killed him.

Sammus and Sung, their initial tension fading, slumped against the crates, a sigh of relief escaping their lips.

"Thank god it's you. We thought our cover was blown for sure."

"Honestly?” Ren began, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

"Your cover was blown the second Sammus started complaining through the comlink.”

Sammus stared at him, bewildered.

"What? How?"

With a calm and patient demeanor, Ren began his explanation.

"I can hear everything through the comlink. Because of you, Sammus, your impatience nearly blew both your covers."

Sung tried to stifle her laughter, but a mischievous glint in her eyes betrayed her efforts.

"And why the delay, Ren?" Sammus inquired, his voice laced with annoyance.

His son's eighth birthday was that night, and Ren desperately wanted to spend every possible moment with his family, anticipating potential trouble.

■□¤¤□■

Eight years earlier, during an operation in Paris, Andrew’s mission should have been routine—spending a leisurely afternoon with a woman.

Then he saw her.

Patricia Starfox—known in the field as Agent Rosita—was impossible to ignore.

Trained through some of the most brutal intelligence programs in the world, Rosita blended elegance, charm, and lethal efficiency effortlessly.

She possessed a unique blend of urban combat skills and a deep understanding of human psychology.

Her ability to blend seamlessly into any environment, from glitzy Hollywood parties to the gritty underbelly of the city, made her an invaluable asset to the agency.

Andrew, deeply engrossed in his mission, was unaware that a spark ignited between him and Agent Rosita. Their connection was immediate and intense, blossoming into a clandestine affair.

However, their happiness was short-lived. The revelation that Patricia was the daughter of an agent from Starfox Headquarters, their agency's bitter rival, shattered their world.

For decades, both agencies operated as rivals hidden beneath political alliances and government contracts.

Yet despite their loyalty to opposing sides, Andrew and Patricia could never bring themselves to hurt one another.

Their love for one another transcended their duty. By a stroke of fortunate circumstance, both agencies faced a new, formidable threat, demanding the combined strength of their finest agents.

This shared adversity proved to be a turning point. The successful completion of this joint mission demonstrated the possibility of cooperation, leading to a historic decision: the merger of the two agencies. As a tribute to Patricia's late father, they retained the name Starfox.

The years that followed saw the two organizations seamlessly integrate, their missions evolving into a unified force.

□■¤¤■□

After eight years of partnering on missions, an unexpected turn of events unfolded: Patricia gave birth to a healthy baby boy. They named him Edward, honoring Andrew's late brother who had lost his life during a mission.

The arrival of their precious son led them to finally tie the knot.

■□¤¤□■

Three hours earlier.

Edward's eighth birthday party had just wrapped up at the Franco household, leaving the kitchen littered with paper plates, balloons, and half-opened presents.

While Edward was settling in for bed, Andrew finished loading the dishwasher.

His phone buzzed, displaying a call from 'D'.

"Yes, D, I'm on my way..."

Andrew answered, his voice weary.

"But do me a favor and tell Sammus to chill out before I kill him myself."

He ended the call, the tension palpable.

Patricia approached him, concern etched on her face.

"D called again?”

Andrew sighed.

"Yes, they're already at the location. I'm sorry, honey, but I have to go. They're waiting."

Patricia nodded understandingly, walking towards him and planting a soft kiss on his lips.

"Eddie's all settled in. He's waiting for you to say goodnight."

Patricia watched Andrew walk away, his figure receding down the hallway.

A wave of worry washed over her as she whispered.

"Please, God, watch over him."

□■¤¤■□

In Edward's room, Andrew gently opened the door. Moonlight and the dim glow of the nightlight softened the room. His son lay nestled beneath the blankets, eyes wide with anticipation.

"Hey, son..." Andrew greeted softly.

"Ready for bed?"

Edward's lower lip trembled.

"Daddy..."

Andrew's heart sank.

"What's wrong, buddy?"

He sat on the edge of the bed, mirroring his son's somber expression.

"Do you really have to leave?”

Edward's voice cracked.

Andrew offered a reassuring smile.

"Yes, son, your Aunt D called. I have to go to work."

Edward's brow furrowed.

"Can't you go tomorrow? Or can't Aunt D go by herself?"

Andrew shook his head gently.

"This is important, son. I can't let them down."

Disappointment clouded Edward's eyes.

"But I don't want you to go, Daddy."

Andrew's tone hardened slightly.

"Hey. None of that.”

The words hung heavy in the air, and Andrew immediately regretted his sharpness.

He leaned forward, pulling his son into a tight hug.

"I know, buddy. I know."

Edward clung to him, his small body trembling.

"You promise you'll come back?"

"I promise..."

Andrew whispered, hugging him tighter.

"I'll be home before you wake up. We'll have pancakes."

He reached into his pocket, his fingers brushing against the cool metal of the sterling silver cuff bracelet. A polished blue opal shimmered at its center beneath the bedroom light.

He held it out to Edward.

"Here, son."

Edward's eyes widened as he examined the bracelet.

"Wow, Daddy! It's beautiful!"

He tried to slip it on, but it slid right off his tiny wrist.

"It's too big."

He sighed as Andrew smiled at him.

"I know, but I want you to keep it with you. Whenever you see it, remember I'm always with you.”

He kissed Edward's forehead.

"I'll take good care of it. I'll make you proud, Daddy."

Edward promised, his voice firm.

"I know you will..."

Andrew said, beaming with pride.

"I'm already so proud of you."

Edward hugged him again, burying his face in his father's chest.

"Promise you'll always be there, Daddy?"

"Always..."

Andrew vowed, holding him close.

"Now, time for sleep."

Edward nodded, his eyes already starting to droop.

"Can you read me a story?"

Andrew smiled and settled back on the bed, ready to weave a magical tale for his son.

Edward was asleep before the story even ended.

■□¤¤□■

Sammus’s voice cut through Andrew's reverie, shattering the poignant memory he'd been savoring of that special moment with his son.

"Hey, I believe our target has arrived."

Sammus announced.

Sung, with a knowing glance and a reassuring smile, understood where Ren's mind had been.

The two discreetly rejoined their partner, their attention now fixed on the figure emerging from a sleek, black Maserati.

The black Maserati rolled across the dock, crimson underglow reflecting across the wet pavement.

Jet-style doors lifted upward as its occupant stepped out.

■□¤¤□■

Leonardo Di Lonzo built his empire through fear, money, and secrets. He was a shadow broker, his opulent lifestyle masking a web of illicit deals.

Starfox, the agency tasked with policing the shadows, had been watching him closely. Whispers of a clandestine meeting with a mysterious figure, a ghost in the black market who had stolen a government's most guarded secret, had reached their ears.

The stage was set for a confrontation, a game of high-stakes espionage where the fate of a nation hung in the balance.

Their primary objective was to obtain the confidential formula before the transaction was finalized.

□■¤¤■□

The three agents observed their target confer with his men as he neared a corroded iron door.

Sammus clenched his jaw.

"Let's go, we need to strike while we have the opportunity."

Ren restrained his partner.

“No. Dozens of armed guards, two elevated positions, and only one visible exit. We rush in now, we die.”

Sammus, however, disregarded Ren and strode towards the warehouse entrance.

Sung intercepted him.

"No, let it be. I've located an alternate entry point."

Ren trailed Sung toward the back of the warehouse, his gaze drawn to a grimy window squeezed between two towering crates.

As they neared, Sung produced a sleek, silver tool and, with a practiced hand, pressed it against the glass. A low hum vibrated through the air as she twisted the device clockwise, the window pane slowly yielding, parting like a reluctant oyster.

Finally, the glass slipped free, leaving behind a perfectly circular hole. Sung, her face illuminated by the sliver of moonlight filtering through the opening, reached for the latch and gently lifted the window.

Inside, the room was shrouded in thick dust, the air heavy with the scent of decay.

Sung eased the window open and nodded for Ren to look inside.

He studied the darkened interior, searching for movement—any glint of metal that might betray a hidden presence.

He quickly scanned the hallway, ensuring it was safe for his partner to emerge.

"All clear."

■□¤¤□■

Sammus lingered outside the warehouse, nerves jangling. How could he elicit the desired response? Desperation pushed him towards the door.

He’d meticulously mimicked their appearance, praying his disguise would hold.

"What is it?"

The guard barked. Sammus adjusted his tie, feigning composure.

"Um, I'm the recruit. Is this the correct address?"

The guard scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"You're late."

□■¤¤■□

Sung and Ren moved with deadly precision, pushing deeper into the warehouse toward their objective.

Ren felt he needed to say something before they went on.

"Sung, I need you to do something for me,” he said, his voice serious.

"If anything happens tonight, promise me you'll look after my family. Especially my son."

Sung, mid-stride, halted. Ren hadn’t donned his full gear.

"Why aren't you suited up?" she demanded, concern lacing her voice.

"In case I don't make it out of here..." he explained, the words heavy in the air.

Sung knew the risks. They always did. But the urgency in his tone sent a shiver down her spine.

"I promise..." she said, her voice low.

"I'll watch over them."

They crouched behind a stack of crates, the warehouse echoing with distant sounds of movement.

"Stay hidden..."

Ren instructed.

"...And wait for my signal."

■□¤¤□■

Minutes ticked by as Sung navigated a labyrinth of crates. Suddenly, she spotted one of Leonardo’s henchmen guarding a corner.

Sung shifted left, baiting the guard into reacting.

She pivoted instantly and crossed the gap in a single movement. Her elbow slammed into his neck.

The guard collapsed without a sound.

□■¤¤■□

Ren crouched low, straining to catch the hushed conversation between Leonardo Di Lonzo and his mysterious black market contact.

Di Lonzo, a figure of chilling calm, gestured to his enforcers. They moved with practiced efficiency, frisking the contact from head to toe, a silent search for hidden wires or electronic devices.

A curt nod from one of them signaled the all-clear.

"So, my men inform me you have something for me..."

Di Lonzo drawled, his voice a silken whisper that sent a jolt of icy fear through the contact.

"Something that should pique my interest, is that right?"

The man swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on Di Lonzo.

He retrieved a sleek, metallic briefcase from beneath the table. His thumbs pressed against the biometric lock. The case hissed open, revealing its precious cargo.

He turned the briefcase toward Leonardo, a triumphant glint in his eye.

"Is it what I think it is?"

The man nodded, desperation in his voice.

"Yes, sir. The super serum. They were developing it, but I couldn't get more. This is all I could salvage."

Leonardo leaned closer, his gaze fixed on the shimmering bluish liquid within the clear, corked test tube. A predatory smile spread across his face.

"Perfect. Just what I need for my… experiments."

With a snap of his fingers, a hulking henchman materialized, swiftly collecting the briefcase.

■□¤¤□■

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. Sammus.

"Sir…"

One of Leonardo's henchmen announced.

"This man claims to be a recruit."

Leonardo’s eyes narrowed, assessing Sammus with chilling intensity.

"A recruit, you say? And what tale do you expect me to believe?"

Sammus nervously adjusted his collar, the weight of betrayal settling heavily.

"What if I told you..."

Sammus drawled, a chilling smile playing on his lips.

"At this very moment, you have two agents within this warehouse?"

Ren’s eyes widened in disbelief. From the shadows, one of Di Lonzo's henchmen emerged, dragging Sung into the light.

"Sammus!" Sung gasped, disbelief and betrayal lacing her voice.

Sammus shrugged, a practiced nonchalance masking turmoil within.

"What can I say? Di Lonzo is persuasive."

Di Lonzo rose, a predatory gleam in his eyes.

"Now that, my friend, is how you make an entrance. Some of my own men could learn a thing or two from you."

He moved toward Sung, expression turning cruel. He grabbed the back of her head, slamming it against the table with brutal force.

"How could I forget such a familiar face?" he sneered.

"Agent Sung, it’s a pleasure to see you again."

As he released her, his men roughly seized Sung, dragging her to the background.

"If you're here, that means Agent Ren is here, isn't he?"

Sung remained silent—confirmation enough for Di Lonzo.

"Oh, Agent Ren, please show yourself!"

Ren sneered. He desperately wanted to maintain his cover, but his partner was in danger.

Di Lonzo rolled his eyes, cocking his gun and aiming at Sung.

"Once again, Agent Ren, show yourself! This is your last warning!"

Finally, unable to endure the sight of his partner in peril, Ren stepped out from his hiding place.

"Alright, Di Lonzo. I'm right here."

Two of the tycoon’s men escorted him down the stairs, bringing him face-to-face with Di Lonzo.

Ren sneered at Sammus, a rare flicker of approval crossing his face.

"For once, one of you has a brain."

Leonardo said, eyes narrowing on Ren.

"Now be a good little boy and show the class something I've been dying to see."

The henchmen searched Ren meticulously but found nothing.

"Nothing, boss."

One reported.

Leonardo’s smirk vanished, replaced by irritation.

"Must I do everything?"

He muttered, frantically scanning him. Ren, however, smirked.

"I assured you this is all real,” he said, voice dripping with amusement.

Leonardo regained composure, forcing a calm smile.

"You think you’re clever, don’t you? Don’t worry, I have ways of getting what I want."

Sammus stood face-to-face with his former partner, disbelief etched on Ren's face.

Years of friendship, dating back to childhood, shattered by this betrayal.

Leonardo, a smirk playing on his lips, began ascending the stairs to the mezzanine.

"I love to chat, but I have a prior engagement."

He glanced at Sammus, a clear message in his eyes.

"Surprised?" Sammus scoffed.

"I thought you were the smart one."

He punched Ren in the gut, sending him reeling.

"Always the golden boy, the perfect son. Everything handed to you, even marrying that stunning woman."

He gestured to his henchmen, who righted Andrew. Another sucker punch landed.

"Di Lonzo made me an offer I couldn't refuse. A chance to finally be... better."

Unnoticed by Sammus, Sung subtly worked at the zip ties binding her wrists. She remained still, her movements imperceptible.

“Guess I finally stepped out of your shadow,” Sammus spat, a flicker of defiance in his eyes.

"Keep dreaming," Sung said.

The second the zip ties loosened, Sung exploded into motion.

Two strikes.

Two men dropped instantly.

A kick cracked across another guard’s jaw.

She dropped low and swept the remaining men off their feet.

Ren moved through the chaos with ruthless efficiency.

One guard hit the floor from a precise strike to the throat.

He spotted Di Lonzo climbing the mezzanine.

"I'm going after Di Lonzo,” he announced.

Sammus lunged, but Ren rolled beneath the attack and sprang back to his feet.

Sung caught his arm, redirected his momentum, and hurled him across the warehouse.

The flimsy table shattered beneath him.

She followed with a brutal heel strike aimed at his head. Sammus blocked at the last second, the impact forcing both of them backward.

Sung landed lightly and reset her stance.

Sammus lurched up, a grunt escaping, cocky grin intact.

"Ready to fight, D?"

She sneered, her movements precise, every strike calculated.

□■¤¤■□

Ren drove his forehead into one thug’s face before gunfire erupted across the mezzanine.

Ren spotted the muzzle flash a split second before the trigger pulled. He grabbed the overhead pipe and swung clear as bullets tore through the railing behind him.

Metal sparks exploded around him as he pushed toward the office—Di Lonzo’s prize within reach.

"This is incredible..." Di Lonzo murmured, gazing at the vial of serum.

"Years of research, finally culminating in this—the perfect soldier."

The office door creaked open. Ren stepped inside.

"Time’s up, Di Lonzo. I’m here to arrest you."

Unfazed, Di Lonzo slipped the vial into his jacket.

"Try and take me," he said, posture straightening.

■□¤¤□■

On the ground, Sung dominated Sammus but was abruptly diverted.

Ren burst from the office, followed closely by Di Lonzo. Sammus seized the opportunity, grappling Sung and throwing her against a crate.

Di Lonzo slammed Ren across the warehouse hard enough to splinter a crate on impact.

Veins pulsed beneath his skin as the serum amplified his strength.

"I can still feel the rush of power," he declared, manic glee in his voice.

Sung pulled Ren upright.

"D, you need to get out of here," he urged.

Sung shook her head.

"No way. I'm not leaving you,” she argued.

"I've contacted the backup. You need to get to safety,” Ren insisted.

"I can handle this. I’ll buy you time. Go—hurry!"

Reluctantly, she sprinted toward the mezzanine.

Sammus surged after her, but Ren’s grappling hook shot from his cuff bracelet, yanking Sammus off balance.

Ren whirled—Leonardo directly behind him, a chilling smile playing on his lips.

Before Ren could react, Di Lonzo grabbed him by the neck, lifting him off the ground.

"Need help getting up?" Di Lonzo hissed.

With a vicious throw, Ren crashed into a crate, shattering it.

□■¤¤■□

Sung raced to the mezzanine, desperate for the rooftop. She burst through the door, spotting the rescue chopper—but a deafening roar tore through the night as a rocket streaked past, obliterating the chopper.

The blast slammed into her.

Pain exploded in her chest. She whirled—Sammus, former partner, chilling smile, bazooka smoking.

"Ah…My masterpiece,” he drawled.

"Join me, and ascend. Or become another… barbecue," he taunted.

Sung’s eyes darted. A thick power line stretched between the dock and a pole.

"I’d rather die with the people I love than become a monster like you,” she declared.

Sammus’s smile vanished.

Sung grabbed her magnetic marbles, flicking them at the bazooka. They clung, jolting Sammus with electricity. The bazooka erupted, consuming him in flames.

Sung didn’t wait. She wrapped her shirt around the power line, launched herself across the void, plunging into the harbor below.

The warehouse erupted behind her. Smoke and debris rained down.

"Andrew! Andrew, where are you?" she shouted into the communicator.

Silence answered back.

Then she saw it—Ren’s bracelet, among the wreckage. Hope flickered for a moment before the approaching sirens crushed it.

She leapt into their escape boat, fleeing the scene.

■□¤¤□■

Dawn broke at the Franco house. Patricia stirred, unease clinging to her.

The front door opened. Deneen’s face was grim.

"Where’s Andrew?"

Patricia asked.

Deneen hesitated.

"Can I come inside? I need to tell you something."

□■¤¤■□

Upstairs, Edward stirred.

Morning! Pancakes! Daddy!

He scrambled out of bed, only to see Deneen and Patricia solemn, tears brimming.

"Mommy, Aunt Dee, where’s Daddy? He promised pancakes!"

Patricia knelt, voice trembling.

"Sweetie… we need to tell you something, it's about Daddy."

Deneen joined softly.

"We’re so sorry, Eddie, but your Daddy… he’s gone."

Eddie’s face crumpled.

"No, he can’t be gone! He’s coming back, right? He promised!"

Patricia pulled him close.

"I’m so sorry, sweetie… he’s not coming back."

Eddie ran outside, desperate to find his father’s car.

"I know he’s coming back," He whispered to himself.

■□¤¤□■

He waited on the step, small against the growing shadows.

Patricia finally approached, heart breaking.

"Daddy’s not coming home, is he?" he whispered.

Patricia held him tight. Tears fell.

That night, Edward lay awake, clutching the silver bracelet, moonlight on his face.

"Daddy is not gone… I know he is not."

A shooting star streaked across the sky.

"I wish to become a secret agent like my dad, so one day I can find him," he whispered, eyes closed.

Sleep finally claimed him, the star and his wish lingering in dreams.