The Humpback arrives on the planet Hydrus, home world of the Aquarians, after a long multi-week travel. Upon landing, Sierra finds that Jack has beaten them to the planet and is in the middle of repairs. Farron encourages Sierra to go to Jack before leaving to speak the Presidents of Hydrus. Sierra takes a deep breath and approaches Jack. Jack sees Sierra approaching him and stops what he’s doing as Sierra hugs him. Jack contemplates pushing Sierra away but finds himself unable to.

“You have no idea how worried I was when you left. I started to fear the worst.” Says Sierra.

“I can only imagine. But I’m here now.” Says Jack.

From there Sierra and Jack decide to catch up on what has happened. Jack was surprised to hear thing ranging from the Battle Kong upgrades to Sierra and the crew helping rebellions on other planets. Afterwards, Sierra and Jack discussed how they always wanted to visit Hydrus back in the day. Sierra had never been to Hydrus, at least not since she was an infant. Despite this, Sierra only wishes that the circumstances were different. Sierra then asks something that Jack would rather not answer.

“So, Jack. What has the famed Mr. Rider been up to as of late?” Asks Sierra.

“Not much really. I’ve continued to try and help others. So far, the only way someone like me can do that is through bounty hunting. It’s a start at least but far from preferred.” Says Jack, trying to not say more than he needs to.

“What kind of bounties are we talking about?” Says Sierra with concern in her voice.

“Various kinds ranging from redistributing resources to those in need to combating some pesky trouble makers. My current bounty has me taking out someone important to the Federation.” Says Jack.

Sierra is taken aback by what she had heard. Not only has her friend become a bounty hunter but his current bounty is one that carries massive implications.

“Jack. Do you have any idea what you’re being paid to do?” Says Sierra.

“I’m aware of the task at hand. What I don’t know is who I’m being told to take out.” Says Jack.

“Then its better if you reject it and come back to the Humpback.” Says Sierra, pleading with him to not do anything he’ll regret.

“You know I can’t do that even if I wanted to. After the incident, I can’t afford to lose you or anyone else. Just forget you ever met me for your own sake.” Says Jack.

As Jack is about to leave, Xel arrives to let Sierra know the Humpback is leaving soon. Jack takes a good long at Xel and is reminded of his biggest failure. Before Sierra could leave, Jack gives both her and Xel one last warning.

“I don’t know if either of you know this, but war is immanent. There’s no preventing it at this point. There is only mitigating the damage. I’d recommend you hide until it blows over. For your sake at least.” Says Jack with concern in his voice.

Jack finishes his repairs and prepares to leave as Sierra and Xel return to the Humpback. Xel is frustrated bay what Jack had told them. All that effort put into finding him and all they got was a Jack that’s unrecognizable from the one they knew. Sierra is filled with disappointment but that feeling soon turns to rage. In an instant, Sierra punches the nearest wall with her full Aquarian strength, leaving a noticeable dent in the wall. Seeing this, Xel tries to tell Sierra what they think needs to be said.

“Sierra, listen. When I told you to lower your expectations, this wasn’t the scenario I was picturing. Knowing that Jack was willing to get himself killed for a bullshit sense that he’s reducing harm. What the hell is he thinking?!” Says Xel.

There is a long pause as Sierra not only comes to terms with what she heard but also what needs to be done.

“We have to stop him.” Says Sierra, breaking the silence.

“What?” Asks Xel.

“You heard me. It’s as you said, he thinks he’s reducing harm. In reality, he’s only accelerating this conflict. The Federation will use his actions as a justification for war. Even if we can’t stop it, we can reduce the damage. And we start by stopping Jack and taking down his client. It’s the least we can do.” Says Sierra.

“Tch, very well then. So, what do you have in mind?” Asks Xel.

Sierra discusses her plan to Xel and proceeds head to Farron’s office to tell the Captain what she and Xel knows. Luckily, Farron had already told the Presidents about what’s to come and to make the necessary preparations. Farron is relieved to know the Humpback has a critical ally at hand, the Trinity Alliance. This relief is short lived as Sierra enters Farron’s office with the information she knows.

“Captain. Jack is targeting a Federation official. Any idea who it might be?” Asks Sierra.

“I’m not certain. I’ll see if I can get anyone to piece together who the target is. We can only hope its not anyone of importance to the Federation.” Says Farron.

“Okay Captain. Just wanted to let you know.” Says Sierra.

“One more thing. I’m aware you fully intend to get your friend back no matter what. Just be careful out there.” Says Farron.

“I will Captain.” Says Sierra.

Meanwhile, Jack takes off in his starfighter for his destination. He thinks back to Sierra and Xel’s words before pushing those thoughts aside. Suddenly, Jack gets a call from his client just as he exits Hydrus’ atmosphere. Jack answers the call.

“Ah Mr. Rider. I see you’ve excepted the bounty.” Says the Client with glee.

“Just tell me who it is and I’ll be on my way.” Says Jack.

“Now, now. You know full well I can’t tell you through telecoms. Meet me at Phillies diner and I’ll tell you all you need to know.” Says the Client.

Jack heads for the meeting spot to go over the bounty. Little does he know, his client has connections to the galaxy’s most infamous criminal organization.