As the Humpback heads for Virontus, Sierra makes a few extra upgrades to the Battle Kong. She works relentlessly with rage upon knowing who Jack was sent to kill. To believe her friend would resort to this has left Sierra disappointed and furious. Xel walks in on Sierra working and sees the upgrades in question, a pain of hidden blade in the arm inspired by Jotun’s buzz-saws. They also notice the pain Sierra is going through and tries to calm her down.

“Sierra. I know how you’re feeling right now but I’m telling you this now. Jack is beyond saving at this point. You’re better off ditching him and move on with the rest of the crew. For your own sake at the very least.” Says Xel.

“Xel. Just shut the hell up. I’m more than aware of what you’re trying to do but it’s my responsibility to stop him. Jack is going too far with this and it’s only going to end in an avoidable tragedy.” Says Sierra.

“And how far are you willing to go Sierra? Are you prepared to do what needs to be done should it get to that point?!” Asks Xel with frustration and concern.

“I always come prepared. If I have to put him down, so be it. If only to save him from himself.” Says Sierra, surprising Xel.

As Sierra finishes the upgrades, the Humpback is ambushed by a Federation ship known as the Cretoxyrhina. Farron is about to order all starfighters into defensive positions as Sierra enters the Battle Kong and climbs on top of the Humpback. The crew of the Cretoxyrhina notice what Sierra is doing and are left confused. Gigas, captain of the Cretoxyrhina, looks at this situation and can’t help but laugh. That is when he decides to contact the driver of this black and red mech.

“You know. I’ve seen my share of fools but none as idiotic as you. Such a shame a young Aquarian like you decided to throw their life away with reckless abandon.” Says Captain Gigas with a cocky smirk on his face.

“Since you’re the captain of this ship, I’m going to offer a proposition. Take us to your emperor and we will let you be.” Says Sierra in a commanding tone.

“Or what? You’re going to turn us in to the Republic? They must be really desperate to send a bunch of nobodies. Hah!” Says Gigas, laughing at the sight.

Suddenly, Sierra aims the Battle Kong's pulse cannon at the Cretoxyrhina and blow the sharks dorsal fin clean off. This shocks both the crew of the Humpback and the crew of the Cretoxyrhina. This also makes Gigas realize that Sierra is no messing around. From there, Sierra restated her proposition to Gigas. Reluctantly, the Bruton captain obliges with Sierra’s demands.

“You got spunk kid. I’ll give you that. All troops! Escort the Humpback to Virontus! The Emperor’s going to hate this.” Says Gigas.

Sierra climbs back into the Humpback and exits the Battle Kong. Xel tries to calm her down but to no avail. Sierra locks herself into her room and breaks down as the thoughts of Jack’s actions and of what she might have to do spiral in her mind. The Humpback follows the Cretoxyrhina all the way to Virontus.

After a few days, the Humpback arrives at Virontus, home world of the Brutons. The Humpback lands next to the Cretoxyrhina as the population watches both ships. Captain Farron exits the Humpback and is joined by Sierra and Xel. Gigas exits the Cretoxyrhina and decides to escort Farron personally. Gigas orders his troops to be on guard while he approaches Farron, Sierra, and Xel.

“Let’s make one thing clear, the Emperor has a very busy schedule. Don’t say or do anything stupid. Got it?” Orders Gigas.

“Crystal clear. Just show us where he is.” Says Farron.

Ask they are being escorted, Xel decides to ask Sierra a question regarding Jack.

“Say Sierra. Do you think Jack going to show up and do what he was tasked with?” Asks Xel.

“Doubt it. He’s more likely to wait until night before going through with it. He might be an aggressive fighter, but he’s not reckless.” Says Sierra.

“I hope you’re right on this one.” Says Xel.

Soon enough, Farron, Sierra, and Xel arrive at the palace the Emperor resides in. Gigas orders the guards to stand aside and takes Farron, Sierra, and Xel inside the palace. While inside, Sierra and Xel take note of all the pictures of every Emperor that ruled the Federation. Eventually, they are taken to the throne room and see the Emperor sitting on the throne.

“Emperor Aggronius. These people request an audience with you.” Says Gigas, kneeling before the Emperor.

“At ease Gigas. Return to your post. I’ll see what these people want.” Says Emperor Aggronius.

Gigas exits the throne room, leaving Farron, Sierra, and Xel with Emperor Aggronius.

“Emperor Aggronius, I am Captain Farron of the Humpback and we bring a dire message to tell you.” Says Farron.

“And why should I believe the words of a few Republic officials?” Asks Emperor Aggronius.

“I can assure you we are not affiliated with the Republic. If anything, the Republic is hunting us down.” Says Farron.

This catches Emperor Aggronius’ attention and make him ponder the current state of the Republic. If these inhabitants of the Humpback are being hunted, then things must be dire in the Republic.

“Tell me more.” Says Emperor Aggronius, leaning on his throne.

“At the moment, the Republics days are numbered as the Humans of Earth are regressing into their darker tendencies. We believe that mankind’s aggression will drag the Republic into collapse and it seems they want to take the Federation down with them.” Says Farron.

“How exactly do you think mankind in going to do this? Surely the rest of the Republic would’ve caught on and declared mankind an enemy of the Galaxy.” Says Emperor Aggronius.

“By killing you and making the incident an official declaration of war.” Warns Sierra.