"With the destruction of the planet Phaaze, Samus Aran's arduous fight against Phazon has ended. However, in the vast regions of space, this victory is just a twinkling of a star, spreading the light of hope through the darkness."
- AU 242
If only it could be that easy. Phazon is sentient. It is alive. It acts on instinct, working strictly for its self-preservation. Putting an end to Dark Samus and the planet Phaaze only brought with it a false sense of security. Assuming that their destruction spelled the eradication of all Phazon is comparable to saying a child will die if their mother is killed. Samus herself is proof that that logic holds no truth.
The Phazon that remained would multiply. Its planet of origin having been destroyed, Phazon would find a new place to possess; A planet that is the base of operations for a certain band of galactic plunderers. The previously high concentration of Phazon on the Pirate Homeworld dwindled greatly after the Leviathan was destroyed. But still, some would linger, hiding itself away until it could grow enough to begin its attack.
The pirates would come to terms with the fact that their newly named leader had been destroyed. This time for good, for there would be no way to revive her. She was comprised solely of Phazon and Samus's Phazon Suit. Without either of the two, Dark Samus was never to return.
Reverting their loyalty to Ridley, the space pirates' scientists would rebuild him once again. They had few supplies, resulting in a weaker creation. And yet, his restoration gave them a leader. Bowing before him, the pirates would claim that their allegiance was never to waver again. Ridley would turn his head to them, his eyes shining blood red. "Destroy the Hunter," would be all he would say before spreading his torn wings and taking to the air. Watching him leave, the pirates would cheer. Finally, the order had been given.
They were to focus everything they had on destroying Samus.