The Humpback lands on the planet Panthera, the Felis home world. In the weeks since they left Avion, the Humpback is low on supplies due to some close calls. Sierra in particular is looking for a new generator for the Battle Kong. Some tests of the upgrades show that its current generator in not enough to sustain the power output of the new pulse cannon. Sierra exits the Humpback and enters a nearby town. The town contains a shop that sells generators for credits. As she searches for the generator, Sierra is approached by the local gang known as the Saber-tooths who take notice of the Aquarian. The Saber-tooths are three spotted Felis who are known to bully and steal whatever they want. Sierra tries ignore them but they refuse to simply let her be.

“Look what we have here. Not every day you run into a walking fish.” Says Leopa, the leopard looking Felis and the leader of the three.

“Yeah boss. I could go for a tuna sandwich right now.” Says Jango, the jaguar looking Felis.

“I’m busy right now. I’m just here for a simple generator. So why don’t you kitties leave before I show you what sharks a capable of.” Says Sierra with a stern tone in her voice.

“Boss. I don’t think we should mess with her. Let’s just cut our loses and get out of here.” Says Chetta, the cheetah looking Felis who realize who Sierra is.

“Quit being a pussy cat. What’s she going to do, bite our necks?” Says Leopa.

Suddenly, Sierra decks Jango in the face before sinking her razor-sharp teeth into his neck. Sierra then tosses Jango into Leopa, knocking the two Felis down. Chetta sees this an decides to run from the scene. Leopa rushes Sierra with a lead pipe only for Sierra to break his arm and toss him aside. Jango tries to ambush Sierra only to get jabbed in the throat followed by Sierra snapping his leg. With both Felis down, Sierra decides to cut her loses and return to the humpback.

“Screw this. I can always get a generator elsewhere.” Says Sierra before booking it.

“To believe I thought relying on a coward and a meathead was a good idea. Idiots! If you want something done right, do it yourself.” Says Leopa before realigning his arm and giving chase.

Leopa chases Sierra throughout the town, causing quite the commotion. Sierra tries blocking Leopa’s path only for the Felis to leap past every obstacle. Eventually, Sierra is stopped by a wall and realizes she ran into an alleyway. Leopa takes this opportunity and slowly approaches Sierra.

“Nowhere left to run little fishy. I’m going to enjoy turning you into salmon fillets.” Says Leopa with a sinister grin.

Suddenly, a load bang rang out as Sierra was about to fight Leopa. Leopa collapses to the ground with a large hole in his head. From there, a cloaked Felis lands in-between Sierra and the corpse. The Felis in question was a tiger looking Felis holding a powerful beam rifle.

“Who the hell are you?!” Asks Sierra.

“The names Tigrus. Let’s head for the rooftops. It’s not safe at the moment.” Says Tigrus.

Sierra and Tigrus climb onto the rooftops before running from the scene. After a while, the two of them stop to catch their breaths. The sound of sirens could be heard from a distance. Tigrus then removes their hood, giving Sierra a better look at their scarred face.

“Thanks for the save back there.” Says Sierra.

“Don’t mention it. He was my bounty anyway so I’ll have to inform my client.” Says Tigrus.

“First things first. I now have to return the humpback without a generator for my mech. Xel’s likely worried sick by now.” Says Sierra.

“I’m surprised a tech-wiz like you is using generators. Everyone knows mechs us photonium cores nowadays.” Says Tigrus.

“Hard to stay up to date when you have a whole government on your ass.” Says Sierra with an annoyed tone in her voice.

Tigrus then tosses Sierra a core and prepares to leave. Before they do, Tigrus gives Sierra some words of advice and a warning.

“There are rumors going around that the Emperor isn’t doing too well. The current theory is that this is an attempt at his life at the hands of the Republic. It’s likely that there might be a new heir to the throne. Tensions are high as is and this doesn’t help. So do us all a favor and keep up the good fight. The galaxy needs those who will stand against tyranny now more than ever.” Says Tigrus before leaving.

With the core in hand, Sierra makes her way back to the Humpback to finish the upgrades. As she enters the ship, Sierra is greeted by Xel who had been restocking medical supplies and was waiting for Sierra to return. Xel gives Sierra a stern talking to about how long she had been away and Sierra responds by showing them the photonium core. Sierra then opens up the Battle Kong and swaps out the generator for the core. All that’s left is to give it a test drive. Sierra turns on the Battle Kong and starts with simple movement before moving to target practice. With three shots from the pulse cannon, Sierra took down the targets with ease and minimal energy loss.

“Hell Yeah! It finally works!” Says Sierra with excitement.

“Guess all that hard work is finally paying off huh?” Says Xel, impressed by the results.

“Damn right it did.” Says Sierra as she opens the driver’s seat.

With the upgrades complete, Sierra exits the Battle Kong and leaves to speak with Farron. What Tigrus told Sierra is of great concern. What does the Republic hope to gain from assassinating the Emperor? For now, Sierra has to let Farron know so they can stop this conflict from escalating further. The Humpback leaves Panthera behind and begins making its way for its next destination. Little do they know, something more sinister is occurring behind the scenes.