In the vacuum of space, the Humpback continues making its way towards Avion. Reason for Avion is due to it being in the territory of the Trinity alliance. This makes the planet one of three best options for the crew of the Humpback, the other two are Theros and Hydros. While on their way to Avion, the Humpback gets a distress signal from a less than preferable place. The signal came from Arachtos, the home world of the Arachnoids. Due to the fact that the planet is in Federation territory, there is a high likelihood of the Humpback being shot on sight. Luckily, the source of the distress is from group of rebels called the Arachtos Liberation Front. Upon responding to the signal, Farron is met with the leader of the ALF named Tarantea.

“This is Tarantea to the Humpback! Do you copy?” Says Tarantea.

“We hear you loud and clear. What is your emergency?” Asks Farron.

“Federation troops have found our base and have us pinned down! We have conducted a full evacuation but some of us can’t escape. We are requesting urgent assistance ASAP!” Says Tarantea, the sound of blaster shots ring behind her.

“Alright. We’re heading your way. Just hang on until then.” Says Farron.

The Humpback changes course to the Arachnoid home world while the crew make the necessary preparations. At first, the crew was confused by the order by Farron and why the Federation would attack Arachnoids. The crew has little time to ponder as the Humpback warps to Arachtos. Upon entering the planet’s atmosphere, the crew witness as a battle is occurring underneath them. Eventually, the Federation troops notice the Humpback and redirect their aim at the ship. Sierra quickly enters the Battle Kong and leaps off the ship before crashing into the enemy. Upon hitting the ground, Sierra starts tanking the blaster shots to guard the rebels from the Federations attack.

“Go! Get out of here!” Says Sierra.

The rebels quickly fall back as Sierra charges towards the Federation troops. One by one, the Federation troops are sent flying as Sierra knocks them around. While she is doing this, the Humpback lands and opens its hatch to let the rebels in. The ALF quickly brought in as many as they could while Tarantea hops into a jaguar unit and exits the Humpback. Tarantea intends to lend Sierra a helping hand against the Federation.

“Need some back up?” Says Tarantea as she pounces and rips a drone to pieces.

“Shouldn’t you be with your crew?! We came here to get you out of this hell hole!” Says a confused and frustrated Sierra.

“And just leave you here? Hell no! Now let’s show these Federation goons what we’re made of!” Says Tarantea, rushing into battle.

Sierra and Tarantea pummel the Federation into next week. Between Sierra punching and grappling the troops and Tarantea ripping troops apart in the jaws of the jaguar, they whittle down the Federations numbers one by one. Of course, it’s not enough to force a retreat but it is enough to buy them time. With the Federations numbers reduced, Sierra and Tarantea decide that now is the time to return to the Humpback. As they do this, a loud bang rings out as the front and hind right legs of the jaguar are shot clean off. The jaguar tumbles and crashes onto solid dirt before grinding to a halt. Sierra turns and sees that the shots came from an ornimegalonyx starfighter equipped with pulse lasers. Sierra dodges each of the shots as she tries to reach Tarantea. As shots are fired, Sierra uses the armor of the Battle Kong to block the laser shots and shield Tarantea.

“What are you doing?!” Asks Tarantea, trying to get Sierra to leave.

“returning the favor. Now get in!” Says Sierra, opening the driver’s seat and reaching for Tarantea.

As Tarantea enters the Battle Kong, Sierra goes full throttle and books it for the Humpback. The ornimegalonyx chases the Battle Kong while firing its lasers. Suddenly, Sierra and Tarantea hear an explosion behind them and immediately realize that something shot down the starfighter chasing them. As they enter the Humpback, Sierra turns and sees the smoke from the ornimegalonyx followed by an eagle starfighter flying into orbit. The eagle bears striking resemblance to the starfighter Jack pilots. Before she could ponder the thought, Tarantea opens the driver’s seat and exits the Battle Kong with Sierra tumbling behind. Taratea reaches out he hand and picks Sierra up from the floor.

“Solid driving skills you got there. This ship is lucky to have skilled driver like you miss…” Says Tarantea before blanking on Sierra’s name.

“Sierra Oceana and I’m just a mechanic in this ship. It just so happens that mechs are my specialty.” Says Sierra, her head tendrils shaking in a flustered response to the compliment.

During the conversation, Sierra notices how different Tarantea and the rest of the ALF are from the Arachnoids the humpback crew had run into. It dawns on the young Aquarian that these Arachnoids were of the Spidus variant. Unlike the Scorpius Arachnoids, the Spidus variant possess six legs and two arms while resembling the spiders from Earth. Tarantea interrupts Sierra’s thoughts by asking a crucial question.

“You wouldn’t happen to know where I can speak with the captain of this ship?” Asks Taratea.

“Captain Farron should be in his office now. We were heading to Avion when we got your distress signal.” Says Sierra.

“Consider us grateful that you did. Had you all not shown up, we would’ve all been dead by now.” Says Tarantea.

Suddenly, Xel finds both Sierra and Tarantea and goes to inform them about the status of the ALF members.

“Tarantea. Just so you know, we’re treating the injured you and your rebels were able to bring in. They should make a full recovery by the time we reach Avion.” Says Xel.

“That’s good to hear. I just need a few with your captain and we’ll be out of your hair.” Says Tarantea.

“Alright then. Sierra, mind showing her where Farron’s office is?” Asks Xel.

“Can do. Come on Tarantea. His office is close to the main bridge.” Says Sierra.

As Sierra takes Tarantea to meet Farron, the Humpback ignites its engines and exits Arachtos to resume its travel to Avion.