Jack arrives at Phillies diner on planet Lupus. As he enters the diner, Jack studies the room for any hint at his client. At first, all he could see were people going about their day. Eventually, Jack sees a hooded figure in the furthest corner of the diner. In all likelihood, this was Jack’s client in question. Jack approached the Client and sits on the opposite side of the table.

“Well, you took your sweet time getting here. I would have guessed that you bailed on me for something else.” Says the Client.

“Cut the crap already. You know why I’m here. Just tell me who my bounty is and I’ll be on my way.” Says Jack.

The Client pulls out his telescreen and shows Jack a picture of the target in question. Jack couldn’t believe who it was that the Client was asking him to take out.

“Do you have any idea who this?” Asks Jack with shock in his voice.

“I’m very aware of who it is. It’s just some Federation politician.” Says the Client.

“Not just some politician but the Emperor himself. Do you have any idea of the consequences that’ll transpire if any went through with this?” Says Jack angrily.

“And are you aware of the amount war crimes committed under his watch? I can assure you that you will be paid famously for this. As a bonus, think about all the lives you’ll be saving from this.” Says the Client.

Jack is hesitant at first. While it’s true he’d be saving lots of lives, Jack also knows that such an action would make him and those close to him a target. After a very uncomfortable thirty seconds, Jack makes his decision.

“Fine. But let’s make one thing clear, I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing this to finally put an end to this bullshit. Too many people have suffered from this conflict. Taking out the Emperor just means one last evil in the Galaxy.” Says Jack.

“Good to hear. I’m sending you the credits right now. You’re doing something good here Mr. Rider. I expect results out of you.” Says the Client.

Jack leaves Phillies diner and enters his starfighter. While in the starfighter, Jack looks at a photo of him with Sierra and Xel back on the Humpback. The three of them had bonded over their journey and all it took was an incident to tear them apart. Jack could hear Sierra questioning what he is about to do followed by Xel putting on blast for doing it. Jack takes a deep breath and asks himself one important question.

“What the hell did I just sign up for?” Asks Jack.

As the Eagle takes off, the Client contacts an important member of Ragnarök and lets him know of the plan currently underway.

“King Drasill. It’s done. Soon enough the Galaxy will be yours for the taking.” Says the Client.

“Excellent. With the Federation in chaos, they will fight the Republic and destroy one another leaving everyone begging us to save them. You’ll be surprised how quick people will give up their rights for security. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a pesky team of mech drivers to contend with.” Says King Drasill, Leader of Ragnarök.

Back at the Humpback, Farron was listening to the whole conversation tanks to a tracking implant placed on the Eagle. Farron is disappointed by what Jack is about to do. But with this knowledge, Farron knows what must be done and knows only one person who can stop Jack. He exits his office and gives a speech to the crew of the Humpback.

“Listen one and all. It is with great disappointment to inform you of one of our own. It would appear that Jack intends to assassinate the Emperor of the Federation. Should he do this, war is all but guarantee to break out. It is up to us to warn the Emperor and bring Jack home. I know you all don’t think highly of the Emperor and even I do not look at him in highest regards. But right now, we have a responsibility to stop war from starting. We, the Humpback, will not allow for senseless slaughter of innocent people while those in power do nothing. We will do what must be done for every living being in the Galaxy!” Says Captain Farron.

The crew cheers on the inspirational speech that Farron gave. But for two members in particular, the news came as a shock. Sierra and Xel couldn’t believe that this was how far Jack was willing to go. At that point, Xel sees Jack as a lost cause, a threat to everyone on the Humpback. Sierra by contrast knows what must be done and is willing to stop Jack to do it. With this in mind, the Humpback sets its course for Virontus, the Bruton home world. All the while, Sierra makes the necessary preparations for stopping Jack.