Emperor Aggronius couldn’t believe what he just heard. He knew he had his share of enemies but none that was willing to go that far. Heeding the warning, Emperor Aggronius orders for security to be ramped up. Farron, Sierra, and Xel were all surprised that Emperor Aggronius actually believed them. But not everyone was willing to take Farron, Sierra, and Xel at their word.

“My lord, you can’t possibly be taking this seriously. For all you know, these plebeians could be lying and are in fact Republic spies.” Says Quantis, Emperor Aggronius’ second in command.

“I am aware of this Quantis. But given our current circumstances, we done have a choice. I intend to have a word with several Republic officials about ending this conflict. A peaceful solution will always be the preferred outcome.” Says Emperor Aggronius.

“We greatly appreciate that you’re taking the necessary precautions. Things have been getting more hectic every day. It was an honor speaking with you.” Says Captain Farron.

Farron leaves the throne room with Sierra and Xel, believing that they have succeeded in preventing a tragedy. But something doesn’t feel right to Sierra. It all seemed too easy. She decides to come back later on to make sure things go smoothly. Back in the throne room, Emperor Aggronius thinks back to that warning he receive and the look on Sierra’s face. It was a look he only saw one other time and that was when his child Nova stood up to him to protect a commoner. It was the look of hope, the desire to do what is right no matter what. Before he could ponder the thought further, Emperor Aggronius is interrupted by Quantis.

“My lord, security has been strengthened per your request. You shouldn’t have to worry about any would be assassins for the time being.” Says Quantis.

“That’s good to hear. Get some rest Quantis. You seem exhausted as of late. I have some officials I must speak with now.” Says Emperor Aggronius.

Later that night, Sierra enters the Battle Kong and sneaks out of the Humpback. Sierra hurries back to the palace while avoiding detection from the guards. Upon arriving, she hides the Battle Kong in some foliage and sneaks into the palace. True to his word, security has indeed been ramped up after the meeting. Luckily, Sierra gets a glimpse of a shadow run past both guards and security cameras. Sierra follows the shadow to a door and jumps him. Pinning the shadow down, Sierra realizes that the shadow was Jack. Jack struggles to break free but is no match for Sierra’s Aquarian strength.

“What the hell are you doing here?!” Asks Jack out of frustration.

“Stopping you that’s what!” Says Sierra.

“You don’t understand. I have to do this. Think about the people that’ll be saved from this!” Says Jack.

“You god damn idiot!” Shouts Sierra before decking Jack in the face, hard enough to knock out some teeth.

Jack is stunned by this action. Never has Sierra struck him in such a manner. Sierra lifts Jack into the air and says some choice words to her friend.

“You think you’re helping people! Do you have any idea how this will be perceived by the Federation! This will only accelerate the conflict further, hurting the very people you’re trying to protect!” Says Sierra before tossing Jack to the ground.

“Tell me Jack. Did you take all the wrong lessons from the incident?” Asks Sierra.

Jack could barely respond before him and Sierra get pulled into the room they were standing in front of. Just in time too as guards rush down the hallway upon hearing the commotion. Sierra and Jack look and see who pulled them away from the guards. It was Emperor Aggronius who takes an opportunity to look at the would-be assassin. It becomes clear that this was the assassin Sierra warned him about. As much as he should kill jack then and there, Emperor Aggronius has something else in mind.

“For an assassin, you seem to be terrible at doing your job.” Says Emperor Aggronius.

“If you’re going to kill us, just do it already.” Says Jack.

“Let me guess, friend of yours?” Asks Emperor Aggronius, looking towards Sierra.

“Correct and he could be a pain in the ass at times.” Says Sierra.

“Now that that’s covered, there’s something the two of you should know. I spoke to several politicians and of all of them, only those from the Trinity Alliance was willing to listen. Apparently, they had suspicions of Mankind’s backsliding for some time. At the moment, they are currently developing a plan in the event of a worst-case scenario.” Says Emperor Aggronius.

“That’s good to hear at least. I think Farron knew the Alliance had something in mind.” Says Emperor Aggronius.

“But that’s not all. It’s come to my attention that Ragnarök knew of our particle cannon design due to information getting leaked to them. There was no evidence that the Republic sent them though. It would appear that there is a traitor among us.” Says Emperor Aggronius.

“But who would leak that info to Ragnarök?” Asks Jack.

Suddenly, a shot rang out and a blaster bolt pierces through Emperor Aggronius’ heart. Emperor Aggronius touches the cauterized wound and sees the blood on his hand as he staggers back from shock. The Emperor falls to ground as Sierra goes to check on him. Jack by contrast turns around and sees the source of the shot. To his horror, Jack sees Quantis holding a blaster, the smoke still emanating from the barrel.

“What the hell is the meaning of this Quantis?!” Asks Jack, ready to draw his blaster.

“Should’ve known relying on a bounty hunter was risky. Especially one with a damn moral compass. No matter. I’ll just have to dispose of both of you and deal with the consequences later.” Says Quantis, pointing his blaster at Jack.

Jack and Quantis stare each other down as Sierra checks on Emperor Aggronius. Jack pulls out his blaster and points it at Quantis.