As the humpback continues its voyage, Sierra and Xel struggle to process what Jack told them about the republic. Sierra is confused as to how the republic could be backsliding while Xel is enraged by the corruption in the system.

"So that's it? Everything we've been fighting for was for nothing? All this effort and it turns out the republic is no better than the federation." Says Xel.

"Not everything has been for nothing. We found ancient technology! Its just that maybe its better in our hands than in the hands of the republic." Says Sierra, trying to take a level-headed approach.

Before Jack could explain in more detail, the humpback gets an incoming transmission from a nearby ship. As Farron enters the command deck, a screen opens revealing General Joshua Midas on the opposite end. It quickly dawned on Farron that the transmission is coming from the flagship of the republic, the Deep Blue.

"Captain Farron! Its been a while! We really need to catch up once your mission is over. Speaking of your mission, what is your current objective anyway?" General Midas says with an annoying energy.

"General Midas. For your information, we are currently on our way back to Earth. We intend to deliver a piece of technology that will give the republic an advantage over the federation." Says Farron, annoyed by Midas' presence.

With this knowledge, General Midas asks to take the technology off the humpback to deliver it to Earth. Sensing something amidst, Farron sends Jack, Sierra, and Xel to deliver the tech to the deep blue. Unbeknownst to the deep blue, Farron gave the three of them a tracking device that belonged to the federation. With the device in hand, Jack,Sierra, and Xel go to retrieve the tech before making their way towards the deep blue. As they enter the deep blue, Jack, Sierra, and Xel are taken aback by the sheer scale of the ships interior. The deep blue was massive from the outside but the inside gave a true sense of its size. Its size was comparable to a major city or even a small nation. Before they could process the scale of the ship, Jack, Sierra, and Xel are approached by General Midas.

"I see Farron sent his best." Says Midas.

"We've brought the tech. Just like you asked." Says Sierra, showing the tech in her hand to Midas.

"Really? This is the tech you were tasked with delivering? Seems a bit small for ancient technology made by ancient beings." Midas says shocked at how small the tech is in person.

"We can assure you that this tech is more powerful than it seems." Says Xel.

Reassured by Xels statement, Midas escorts Jack, Sierra, and Xel to a containment facility for the ancient tech. Unbeknownst to him, Sierra activates the federation tracking device and passes it to Jack. As they approach the containment facility, Jack places the tracker on a nearby wall thats obscured by furniture and desks. Midas orders for Sierra to hand over the ancient technology but Sierra is hesitant. Before Midas could take the tech from Sierra, alarms go off within the ship. The crew on the bridge of the deep blue warn of the megs presence. The federation has arrived for the tech.

"Status report! What the hell is happening!" General Midas ordered.

"Its the federation sir! We are under attack! Requesting orders sir!" Says one of the ensigns.

"All pilots! Engage counter offensives! Ensigns! Get those cannons online! Show the the might of republic!" Commanded General Midas.

While he was giving orders, Jack, Sierra, and Xel run for the entrance to return to the humpback. They watch as pilots engage in combat with federation starfighters. Midas catches on to what's happening and chases Jack, Sierra, and Xel. Midas pulls out his gun and shoots at Sierra. Xel intervenes and is hit by a stray shot on the shoulder. Sierra grabs Xel and continues to run while Jack provides cover fire. As Jack, Sierra, and Xel enter the humpback, the humpback proceeds to warp away from the fighting flagships.

"Those traitors! When the council hears about this, those bastards will get the full wrath of the republic." Midas says, angry at the deception.

Meanwhile back on the humpback, Jack, Sierra, and Xel take a sigh of relief knowing they managed to escape. Xel leaves to get their injury looked at while Sierra goes to perform maintenance on the humpback. Jack contact Farron and asks if the council knows of the current situation. Farron does not know but plans to inform the council of humanity's backsliding. But for the time being, everyone is focused on making back to Earth in one piece.