Back at the Humpback, the crew makes preparations in the event they run into the likes of the Federation or Ragnarök. Sierra checks the statistics of the Battle Kong to make sure its fully operational. Suddenly, the Humpback is intercepted by the Dunkleosteus which begins its assault by sending out Argentavis starfighters at the metal cetacean. Farron orders all starfighters to engage in defensive measures while the barnacle cannons take aim at the Dunkleosteus. The starfighters engage in combat while the two ships exchange shots. Upon seeing this, Sierra enters the Battle Kong and takes a modified auto-cannon. Xel tries to stops Sierra as she is about to exit the Humpback.

“Sierra! Wait! It’s too risky to be out there. They’ll see you as an easy target and gun you down the first chance they get.” Says Xel.

“You’re right Xel. But I can’t sit by while this bastard continues to give us hell. I have to do something, even if what I do only slows them down.” Says Sierra.

Sierra climbs on top of the Humpback and takes aim at the Dunkleosteus. In three careful shot, Sierra shoots down three of the Dunkleosteus cannons, giving the Humpback and upper hand over Fatalis and his ship. Some of the enemy starfighters take notice and start firing at the Battle Kong. Sierra shifts her focus towards the starfighters and fires three more rounds. Each of the shots takes down three starfighters but a fourth one rushes towards Sierra and opens fire with its laser guns. Sierra dodges the shots and aims the auto-cannon at this particular starfighter, knowing she only has four shots left. The starfighter proves to be difficult due to its speed and ability to outmaneuver the Battle Kong. Doesn’t help that this one is piloted by ace pilot Commander Hornet. Sierra misses her shots as Hornet shoots the auto-cannon, destroying it with ease. This leaves Sierra with only the Battle Kongs pulse cannon.

“It was foolish of a mech driver like you to think fighting us was a good idea. No matter. No one ever mourns the weak.” Says Commander Hornet as he destroys four of the Humpbacks barnacle cannons.

“Stay still damn it!” Says Sierra, trying to aim at Hornet.

Hornet prepares to aim at Sierra, knowing that Sierra is unable to line up a shot at him. Before he could fire, an Eagle starfighter intercepts the shot and shoots one of the Argentavis’ thrusters clean off. This gives Sierra the opening she needs to fire at Hornet and blows off the right wing of his starfighter.

“Damn it! Who the hell was that! All units, defend the Dunkleosteus! Swat this bird out of the sky!” Ordered Commander Hornet as he retreats.

Seeing the opportunity, Sierra and the starfighters bombard the Dunkleosteus alongside the Humpback and the mysterious Eagle starfighter. The Dunkleosteus ends up sustaining heavy damage from the full-scale attack. Between its cannons being destroyed and its armor breaking under the constant fire, the Humpback and its crew has the Dunkleosteus on the rope. Left with no choice, Fatalis makes a decision very painful to his ego.

“All units! Fall back! This battle is a bust! Know that the Emperor will not forgive this failure!” Ordered General Fatalis.

The Humpback and its crew cheer as the Dunkleosteus retreats from the battle. Sierra breathes a sigh of relief knowing they had survived a grueling battle. Sierra then sees the Eagle starfighter fly past her into the distance. Though the Humpback sustained some damage, what matters is they were able to avoid losing more of the crew. Sierra reenters the Humpback and is greeted by Xel.

“Glad you made it back. For a second, I feared the worst would happen.” Says Xel.

“We were all lucky this fight didn’t turn into a disaster. For now, let’s celebrate this victory while we can.” Says Sierra.

While the crew of the Humpback celebrates, Sierra gets a message on her telecommunicator. As she opens the message, Sierra is shock by what she sees. It was a message from Jack. After all this time, he finally responds.

“Sierra. Even though I told you not to find me, it seems we end up finding some way to find each other. It’s clear to me as it must be for you. If its closure you want, you can find me at Hydrus. I’ll be repairing my starfighter until you get there. I’d rather you’d stay away but I see there’s no way to convince you to change your mind.” Says the message Jack sent.

“Damn it, Jack. Why would he message me now? No matter. I have to tell the Captain.” Says Sierra.

Sierra leaves to speak with Farron as the Humpback leaves for its next destination. Xel notices and decides to follow Sierra. Xel could tell something is off so they decide to ask Sierra directly.

“Sierra. What’s wrong?” Asks Xel.

“Jack is heading for Hydrus. I have to let the Captain know as soon as possible.” Says Sierra in a hurry.

“Okay first of all, we were already heading to Hydrus. Farron wants to let the council know of our findings. Second, lower your expectations. For all you know the Jack you knew is gone and he’s become something unrecognizable.” Says Xel, airing on the side of caution.

“You don’t understand. We’ve heard jack-shit from him and when we’re being hounded by Federation troops, that’s when he decides to show up. I just need to make sure it’s really him and convince him to return to the Humpback.” Says Sierra.

“I know but things have been stressful for all of us. Why not work on a mech? That usually helps takes your mind off things. Says Xel.

“Alright. Just know if I upgrade the Battle Kong to ridiculous levels, I’m blaming you.” Says Sierra.

Sierra returns to the Battle Kong and performs the regular amount of maintenance. While the thought of Jack exits her mind, Sierra starts pondering something else. She thinks about the raptors Ragnarök used and how they seemed designed for combat. This is odd since mechs were always designed for civilian use only. It’s even illegal to use mechs as weapons. Could Ragnarök’s mechs hint at the kind of plan the Republic has in store? Sierra could only shutter at such a thought.