In the dimly lit command center of Cooler's flagship, Salza moved with purpose, his armor gleaming under the faint lights. His blue skin looked almost metallic in the shadows as he approached his commander, Cooler's imposing figure seated on a sleek, dark throne, one hand draped over the armrest with an air of nonchalance. Salza cleared his throat, his voice steady and respectful.

"Lord Cooler," he began, bowing slightly. "An enemy vessel has entered the system. A lone shuttle from the larger ship has broken off and is approaching our location."

Cooler's crimson eyes glinted with interest, and a small smirk played on his lips as he leaned forward to peer at the monitor before him. The shuttle was visible, moving steadily and clearly unescorted. Its audacity intrigued him.

"Alone, are they?" Cooler mused, tapping a clawed finger on his armrest. "This… representative must be quite confident to approach me without protection." He let out a low, amused chuckle. "Very well. If they wish to negotiate their own defeat, I see no harm in meeting them personally."

Salza nodded, though a faint line of worry creased his brow. "Shall I accompany you, my lord?"

Cooler waved his hand dismissively, standing up. "No need. I'll handle this myself. It seems only fitting to meet the Empire's delegation with the same… sense of confidence." He glanced back at his men, who watched him with admiration and respect. "Prepare the main deck for my departure."

Without waiting for another word, Cooler strode out, his cape billowing behind him as he approached the main hangar. The silence among his troops was reverent; they knew better than to question their commander's power, especially when he seemed in such high spirits. If anyone could face down the Empire and come out victorious, it was Cooler.

As Cooler's ship loomed in the atmosphere above the planet, a lone Imperial shuttle descended steadily, a dark figure sitting in silence within. Darth Vader's black-gloved hand rested on his lap, his gaze focused forward, his mind attuned to the cold presence of the dark side that flowed through him. The shuttle touched down with a soft thud, the door hissing open to reveal the barren, rocky landscape just outside.

Vader rose, his figure framed by the gloom within the shuttle, and strode down the ramp. The wind stirred the edges of his cape as he walked forward with his usual quiet menace, his presence a dark storm of unyielding intent. As he advanced, a crackling voice sounded over his comm.

"My lord, this is Captain Piett," came his officer's calm, professional tone. "Another Star Destroyer has just arrived in orbit. We are in position and ready to provide support as needed."

Vader's stride did not falter, nor did his gaze shift. He raised one hand to the comm, speaking with a cold edge. "Do nothing, Captain. Wait for my command."

"Yes, my lord," Piett replied, his voice unwavering.

Vader's attention shifted from the communication as he sensed a presence approaching. Far above, he saw a figure emerge from Cooler's ship, descending through the sky as if gravity were nothing more than an inconvenience. Cooler floated down casually, arms crossed, his violet bio-armor gleaming in the harsh sunlight. His eyes, a brilliant crimson, locked onto Vader with a gaze that spoke of both amusement and disdain.

As Cooler touched down, he uncrossed his arms, his stance relaxed but powerful. A small smile curved his lips as he observed the dark figure before him, intrigued by the eerie calm radiating from Vader.

"Well, well," Cooler's voice was smooth, with a cold amusement in it. "It takes courage to face me alone, I'll give you that." His gaze swept over Vader, appraising him. "You must be the representative the Empire has sent to negotiate their defeat."

Vader's response was a silent, unyielding stare, his expression hidden behind his mask. The chilling sound of his respirator filled the silence as he stood his ground.

Cooler arched a brow, clearly intrigued. "And do you have a name, or does the Empire prefer anonymity for its lackeys?"

"I am Darth Vader," he intoned, his voice deep and resonant, carrying a weight that seemed to echo across the barren landscape. "Dark Lord of the Sith."

Cooler's smile grew, a hint of something almost predatory in his eyes. "Ah, a lord, then," he mocked lightly. "And what exactly does this 'Dark Lord of the Sith' think he can accomplish here?"

"This galaxy belongs to the Empire," Vader replied, his voice as steady as iron. "Your presence is neither wanted nor tolerated."

Cooler chuckled, folding his arms once more. "Oh, I'm afraid you're mistaken. From now on, this galaxy will be under my rule. I am Cooler, and soon enough, everyone will understand that they would be wise to kneel before me." He raised a hand in a dismissive gesture. "However, I have no desire to destroy everything within it. Think of the Empire's forces as… servants, useful extensions of my rule."

Vader's tone remained unyielding, each word heavy with intent. "The Empire will serve no one."

Cooler laughed, his voice ringing out across the landscape. "I thought you might say that." He looked up, his eyes narrowing as they fixed on the Imperial Star Destroyer in orbit. Without returning to Vader, he raised one finger, a faint glow gathering at its tip.

Before Vader could react, Cooler released a thin, concentrated beam of energy from his finger. The beam whizzed past Vader, missing him by mere inches, and tore through the atmosphere toward the Star Destroyer above. The massive vessel exploded instantly, reduced to scattered debris that drifted through space, its fragments visible even from the surface.

Vader did not flinch, his stance unchanging even as the Empire's ship was obliterated before him. His silence was unwavering, his presence as dark and foreboding as before, refusing to show the slightest sign of fear or shock.

Cooler turned back to him, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched for a reaction. "You have courage. I'll give you that," he murmured. "But courage will only carry you so far. I am not some petty warlord, Vader. You and your Empire will fall in line under my rule, or I will destroy you, one ship at a time."

Vader's respirator filled the silence once more, his tone as cold and impassive as ever. "The Empire does not bow."

Cooler's smirk widened, his expression growing darker. "Then consider this your final warning. I will give you and your Empire twenty-four hours to reconsider. Return to your leaders and tell them of my offer. Should they refuse…" He cast a glance at the smoldering debris in the sky above. "…then they'll share the same fate."

The two stood silently momentarily, two powerful figures locked in a standoff. Through the Force, Vader could feel the sheer power radiating from Cooler. It was unlike anything he had encountered before, a raw strength far surpassing even the most formidable beings he had faced. At that moment, he understood that Cooler was no ordinary foe. Yet the dark side surged within him, filling him with resolve. Fear was a foreign concept, and he would not allow himself to be cowed by this invader.

With one final glance, Cooler turned, floating back toward his ship, his amusement clear. "Think carefully, Vader. It would be a shame for your Empire to be reduced to rubble. Take this time… to consider."

As Cooler's form disappeared back into his vessel, Vader stood alone, the wind stirring his cloak as he considered the implications of the encounter. Cooler was powerful, that much was certain, and his threat was unlike any the Empire had faced. But Darth Vader was not one to retreat or surrender, no matter the odds.

Reaching up, he activated his comm, his voice as calm and steady as ever. "Captain Piett, hold position and await further orders. No one engages without my command."

Piett's voice crackled over the comm, tense yet obedient. "Yes, my lord."

As the shuttle arrived to retrieve him, Vader's mind raced, already calculating his next move. Cooler was a formidable opponent that would require careful planning to defeat. But Darth Vader would stop at nothing to ensure the Empire remained supreme.

The dark side of the Force swirled around him, filling him with a cold resolve as he prepared for the battle to come.

In the dimly lit expanse of his private office aboard the Chimaera, Grand Admiral Thrawn sat at his desk, bathed in the soft, eerie glow of starry space beyond the viewport. His gaze, calm yet razor-sharp, was focused entirely on the object he held between his fingers—a gleaming orange sphere marked by a set of four red stars nestled within its depths. He turned the sphere slowly, observing it with an intensity reserved for only the most curious artifacts. This was no mere relic. Its beauty was deceptive; he could sense it held a power he had yet to fully understand.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing as he considered the possibilities. His fascination with other cultures' relics had often led him to discoveries that seemed minor to others but were invaluable to him. This artifact, however, felt different, as if it called to something ancient and untapped.

The quiet hiss of the door opening broke the silence, and Thrawn's gaze lifted as an officer entered, saluting crisply. "Grand Admiral, there has been a sighting," the officer reported, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Of the woman you ordered us to track."

Thrawn's red eyes flashed with interest as he carefully set the sphere onto a small, ornate stand on his desk, his fingers lingering on it for a moment longer before he folded his hands.

"Show me," he commanded, his voice smooth and unhurried.

The officer nodded, activating a holoprojector that displayed a grainy but discernible video feed. The footage showed a slender, muscular woman with wild hair and a tail moving purposefully through a small outpost on a backwater planet. At her side was a young boy with the same distinctive tail, and she cradled an infant in her arms. They were browsing what appeared to be a supply station, the woman keeping a cautious eye on her surroundings as she gathered provisions.

Thrawn leaned forward slightly, his gaze intent as he studied her movements. Even from this limited footage, he noted the fluidity of her motion, the barely contained strength in each stride. There was a power in her presence, something unmistakable yet unfamiliar.

"She is… unusual," Thrawn murmured, almost to himself, his gaze never leaving the hologram.

"Yes, sir," the officer replied, standing at attention. "No records indicate her as a Jedi or any known rebel operative. She… does not appear to fit any known profile."

Thrawn's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "And yet, she has drawn the attention of the Inquisitors. Fascinating." He paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Have we identified her destination?"

The officer shook his head. "Not yet, sir. The ship she's using is unregistered—likely acquired through unofficial channels."

Thrawn's lips curved into a faint smile, his tone as calm and collected as ever. "I imagine she would prefer to keep her movements unknown. But she is not a ghost." He turned his attention back to the footage, his mind already calculating possibilities. "Prepare the Chimaera. We will depart at once."

"Yes, Grand Admiral," the officer replied, his voice filled with admiration as he executed another crisp salute before swiftly exiting.

Once alone again, Thrawn activated his communicator, reaching out to one of his most reliable yet enigmatic allies. The flickering blue hologram of the Grand Inquisitor appeared before him, his imposing figure kneeling respectfully, head bowed.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn," the Inquisitor intoned, his voice carrying an edge of restrained curiosity. "You have news?"

"Indeed," Thrawn replied, his voice even, calculated. "The woman you have been tracking has been sighted in a remote world, procuring supplies. I do not yet know her destination, but I have a strong suspicion she will lead us to something… worth investigating."

The Inquisitor's gaze lifted, his sharp eyes catching the dim light of the hologram. "Do you intend to intercept her, then?"

Thrawn nodded, his gaze contemplative. "Yes. I will take care of this myself. Your services may be needed once we have her in custody. If she possesses the power rumored to be hers, it is only prudent that we exercise caution."

The Grand Inquisitor inclined his head, his expression one of approval. "I shall await further orders, Grand Admiral. I sense… something unusual in her presence."

"Unusual indeed," Thrawn mused, his gaze drifting momentarily to the sphere on his desk. "But not a Jedi. And that, I believe, is what makes her so intriguing. She is powerful, that much is clear, yet there is no trace of the Force in her. I would like to know what grants her such strength."

The Inquisitor studied him, his dark eyes glinting. "A mystery worth solving, perhaps?"

"Indeed." Thrawn's gaze returned to the hologram of the woman, studying her intently. "I suspect she may be unlike anything we have encountered. That will be her downfall." He allowed himself a faint smile. "Underestimation is a weakness. And though she may appear formidable, she is not invincible."

The Inquisitor nodded, his tone unwavering. "And what of your approach, Grand Admiral? Surely, she will not be easy to contain."

Thrawn leaned back, steepling his fingers as he outlined his plan. "If she is as powerful as she appears, I will avoid direct confrontation. Her ship, however, will be her prison." He paused, calculating his words carefully. "Once we have a visual lock, we will detonate her vessel. Even the most powerful being would be hard-pressed to survive the vacuum of space."

The Inquisitor's face twisted into a faint smirk, the calculation in his eyes matching Thrawn's own. "A sound strategy. It will make capturing her far simpler. Dead or alive, you will have your victory."

Thrawn inclined his head, his expression unreadable. "Precisely. Prepare yourself, Grand Inquisitor. Once I have her, you may be required to learn her secrets."

The Inquisitor nodded, his expression one of satisfaction. "I look forward to it, Grand Admiral. I will await your signal."

The hologram flickered out, and Thrawn was left in silence once again, the faint hum of the ship his only companion. He looked down at the orange sphere on his desk, studying its reflective surface. Like the woman, this object seemed to carry something mysterious within it—a power he had yet to unlock. The legends he had uncovered suggested that it was part of something greater and could grant incredible abilities to those who understood it.

"Curious," he murmured to himself, his gaze unfocused as his mind turned to the coming encounter. This woman was tied to something larger that might shift the balance of power within the galaxy. And if he could claim that power for himself, he would hold an advantage that the Emperor could not ignore.

"Prepare yourself, stranger," he said softly as if she could hear him through the vastness of space. "You will have no idea what awaits you."

Thrawn rose with a final glance at the sphere; his gaze steeled and his mindset. His plan was simple, elegant, and assured of success. The woman might possess unusual abilities, but her mistake had been revealing herself at all. She would be nothing more than another piece on his chessboard.

He straightened his uniform and strode out of his office, his footfalls echoing through the silent corridors of the Chimaera. As he walked, he commanded the ship to prepare for hyperspace, every officer on board moving in a coordinated dance as they readied the Star Destroyer for departure.

This mission, Thrawn knew, would be one of his most intriguing pursuits yet. And when it was over, he would have his prize.

Ahsoka's ship hummed softly as it soared through the black expanse of space, its controls glowing faintly under her hands. The stars streaked past the cockpit in long trails as they traveled at high speed, and Ahsoka's keen eyes scanned the console, her focus razor-sharp. Bardock sat beside her, his gaze fixed on her with a look of restrained impatience, his arms crossed over his chest.

After a few moments of silence, Bardock glanced at her, his expression intense. "Alright, Ahsoka," he began, his voice gruff but controlled. "I agreed to help you, but I need to know exactly what we're up against. The sooner we hit this place, the sooner we can start looking for my family."

Ahsoka's fingers danced over the controls, making minor adjustments before she turned her attention to him. "It's fair to want answers, Bardock," she replied, giving him a brief, reassuring smile. "I understand you're eager to find them. But trust me, this mission isn't just a random hit. It's connected to something much bigger."

Bardock's eyebrow raised slightly, and he leaned back in his seat, his posture still tense. "Bigger than the Empire?" he muttered, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

"Bigger in its own way," Ahsoka answered, keeping her tone patient. She adjusted the trajectory, the ship gliding smoothly under her practiced hand. "I'm part of a… well, let's just say it's a movement. There's a growing rebellion against the Empire, a network of people from all over the galaxy who are fed up with their tyranny. Right now, we're small, operating in the shadows, but we're getting stronger every day."

Bardock listened intently, his expression softening slightly as he absorbed her words. "A rebellion, huh? And here I thought the Empire ruled this galaxy unchallenged."

Ahsoka chuckled softly, her gaze returning to the stars. "That's what they want everyone to think. But people are fighting back. They're tired of being oppressed, and some are willing to risk their lives for a chance at freedom." She paused, casting him a thoughtful look. "That's what I've been doing—helping people, striking at the Empire where I can. It may seem small now, but every bit helps."

Bardock's gaze grew distant momentarily as he mulled over her words. His mind drifted back to his own people, to the Saiyans who had once thrived under the rule of a tyrant. He'd seen firsthand what unchecked power could do. Finally, he nodded, his expression resolute. "I get it. Fighting back is the only way to change things."

"Exactly," Ahsoka agreed, nodding appreciatively. She turned back to the console, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "That's why this mission is important. We're headed to an Imperial facility where they store classified intel. If we're lucky, we'll find information that could change the game—lists of Imperial targets, supply routes, maybe even information on key personnel."

Bardock's gaze sharpened, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Intel, huh? So this isn't just a random hit. You're striking at their nerves."

Ahsoka's smile held a hint of pride. "Exactly. Every bit of intel we gather is a weapon we can use against them. And if it means I can help you find your family faster, all the better." She gestured at a display on the console, where a small, green blip indicated their destination. "We're closing in. The facility is a remote outpost on an isolated planet. It's not heavily guarded, but make no mistake—it's still tough to break into."

Bardock leaned forward, peering at the display. "So, what's the plan? We charge in, grab what we need, and leave?"

Ahsoka chuckled, shaking her head. "Not quite. This place might not have legions of stormtroopers, but it's well-fortified, and they'll definitely have alarms. We'll need to be fast, stay out of sight where we can, and take down any patrols quietly."

Bardock crossed his arms, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Quiet isn't really my thing. But I'll manage," he grunted, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Glad to hear it," Ahsoka replied, giving him an amused glance. "If we work together, we can get in and out before they know what hit them."

The console beeped softly, and Ahsoka checked the readings. They were closing in on the planet now, its barren, mountainous surface visible against the black of space. She activated the ship's scanners, running a sweep of the area to confirm the facility's location. The console highlighted a small installation nestled within a rocky canyon, surrounded by sheer cliffs and sparse vegetation.

"There it is," Ahsoka said, pointing to the display. "Looks like we've got a clear landing zone about a kilometer from the facility. We'll need to approach on foot to avoid detection."

Bardock nodded, his gaze fixed on the facility's outline on the display. "Understood. Let's get this over with."

Ahsoka maneuvered the ship through the atmosphere, the hull rattling softly as they descended. She expertly guided the vessel to the landing zone, a flat, secluded spot hidden by natural rock formations. The ship touched down with a soft thud, and she powered down the engines, turning to face Bardock with a determined expression.

"Alright," she said, standing up from the pilot's seat and grabbing a small pack of supplies. "From here on out, we stick to the shadows. The fewer people we alert, the better our chances of getting in and out with what we need."

Bardock also stood, rolling his shoulders as if loosening himself up for the mission. "I've handled worse," he muttered, glancing around the compact interior of the ship. "But don't expect me to play nice if things go south."

Ahsoka smirked, appreciating his confidence. "I wouldn't expect anything less." She pulled a datapad from her pack and tapped a few commands, creating a schematic of the facility's layout. "Here's the plan. We enter through the north side; it's the least guarded entrance and has minimal surveillance. From there, we'll make our way to the central database. That's where they store most of their intel."

Bardock's eyes narrowed as he studied the layout. "And what about their defenses?"

"They'll have standard Imperial patrols and droid surveillance," Ahsoka explained, pointing to a few key points on the schematic. "Most of the guards will be stationed around the main entrances and the storage areas. As long as we avoid those, we should be able to get to the database without too much resistance."

Bardock gave a short nod. "Sounds simple enough. So we get in, download whatever we need, and get out. Let's make it quick."

Ahsoka chuckled softly, glancing at him with a glint of admiration. "I'll admit, I like your attitude. Let's move."

They exited the ship, the cool night air hitting them as they stepped onto the rocky terrain. The canyon stretched out before them, shadows pooling around the jagged rocks and cliffs. Ahsoka motioned for Bardock to follow as they approached the facility, staying low and moving swiftly to avoid detection.

Ahsoka slowed as they approached the facility's perimeter, signaling for Bardock to stop. She pointed to a patrol of stormtroopers, their white armor glinting faintly in the dim light as they walked along a designated route. Ahsoka reached for her lightsabers, her expression focused, but Bardock stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

"I'll take care of them," he whispered, a confident smirk on his face.

Ahsoka hesitated momentarily, then nodded, stepping back to let him handle it. Bardock moved like a shadow, his footsteps silent as he approached the troopers from behind. With swift, precise movements, he took each one down, rendering them unconscious before they could make a sound. He returned to Ahsoka with a self-satisfied grin.

"Not bad," Ahsoka murmured, clearly impressed. "Maybe you do know a thing or two about stealth."

Bardock chuckled, shrugging. "Just because I prefer a fight doesn't mean I don't know how to be quiet."

They continued toward the entrance, and Ahsoka accessed a control panel by the door, her fingers flying over the keys as she bypassed the security protocols. The door slid open with a soft hiss, and they slipped inside, moving quickly down a narrow corridor lit by faint, sterile lights.

The facility was eerily quiet; the only sounds were the distant hum of machinery and the occasional echo of footsteps. Ahsoka led the way, her eyes sharp as she scanned for any signs of movement. Bardock stayed close behind, his senses alert, ready to act at a moment's notice.

They reached the central database room, a large chamber filled with rows of terminals and data storage units. Ahsoka moved to one of the main consoles and inserted a data spike to begin the download.

"Alright, this should only take a few minutes," she murmured, keeping an eye on the door.

Bardock stood guard by the entrance, his posture tense as he scanned the hallway. "Make it fast. I have a feeling we're not alone in here."

Just as the download was completed, an alarm blared, and red lights flashed as the facility's security protocols activated.

Ahsoka's expression darkened. "So much for stealth." She pulled the data spike from the console, tucking it into her belt. "Come on, we need to get out of here before backup arrives."

They moved swiftly back the way they'd come, but as they reached the exit, a squad of stormtroopers rounded the corner, blasters raised, blocking their way. The lead trooper raised his blaster, ordering his squad to aim. "You are under arrest! Drop any weapons and put your hands in the air!"

Bardock simply grinned, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists. "Looks like we're doing this my way." His voice was filled with the thrill of battle, his eyes narrowing as he stepped forward.

Ahsoka reached for her lightsabers, her expression tense as she prepared to deflect the incoming blaster fire. But before she could ignite her blades, Bardock let out a low chuckle and raised his hand. With a flash of energy, a radiant aura of blue surrounded him, sparking and crackling with raw power.

The stormtroopers hesitated, their stances faltering as they watched Bardock, visibly unnerved by the intense glow enveloping his body. "What... what is that?" one of them stammered, fear seeping into his voice.

Bardock didn't answer. He brought his hand forward and formed a small, pulsating ball of energy, his focus steady and lethal. Ahsoka's eyes widened, realizing just how powerful he was—but even that realization didn't prepare her for what happened next.

In an instant, Bardock hurled the energy blast down the corridor, and it exploded with a deafening roar, its force tearing through the stormtroopers in an instant. The walls cracked, and the lights flickered as the blast engulfed the entire squad, leaving nothing but charred armor fragments scattered across the floor. The sheer impact of the attack reverberated through the facility, shaking the ground beneath their feet.

Ahsoka stood there, momentarily speechless. She had fought alongside powerful warriors and Jedi, but she had never seen anything like this. The destructive force of Bardock's attack was... otherworldly.

"Bardock..." she murmured, her eyes wide as she looked at him, both in shock and awe. "What… what kind of power is that?"

Bardock smirked, shrugging casually as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Just a simple energy blast." His eyes gleamed with a hint of pride as he turned to her. "I told you I'd handle it."

More stormtroopers began rushing down the adjacent corridors, their blasters trained on Bardock and Ahsoka, but Bardock barely seemed to notice them. Instead, he stepped forward, a confident grin on his face as he unleashed another powerful blast, vaporizing the troopers before they even had a chance to fire. He moved with an unrestrained fury, cutting down wave after wave of Imperial forces with shocking ease. Blaster bolts that managed to get close either missed him entirely or seemed to dissipate against his aura.

Still recovering from the surprise, Ahsoka activated her lightsabers and moved alongside Bardock, taking down troopers in the sections he missed. But her strikes seemed almost unnecessary—Bardock was a storm unto himself, clearing their path with raw, overwhelming power.

As they neared the exit, Ahsoka glanced back at the smoldering wreckage in their wake. She couldn't hide the astonishment in her voice as she spoke, her tone tinged with respect. "I've never seen anything like that. Are… are others of your kind this strong?"

Bardock chuckled, powering down his aura as they reached the outside of the facility. "Not all of us." His tone grew somber, a hint of pride mixing with the weight of memories. "Back home, I was nothing special—just another low-class warrior. But I survived… and surviving has a way of making you stronger."

Ahsoka studied him as they hurried across the barren landscape toward her ship. "You're no ordinary warrior, Bardock. Even if you don't have the Force, you've got something just as powerful." She looked down, her thoughts racing. "I can see now why you're so determined to find your family. They must mean a lot to you."

Bardock's expression softened, a rare vulnerability flickering in his eyes. "They're all I've got left. My mate… my sons… I'll do whatever it takes to find them."

Ahsoka nodded, her respect for him deepening. "Then let's get off this rock and get you one step closer to finding them."

They climbed into the ship, and as Ahsoka fired up the engines, Bardock settled into his seat, his eyes fixed on the stars beyond. As they lifted off, he glanced back at the smoldering facility, the faintest hint of satisfaction crossing his face.

"Thanks for letting me stretch my legs," he said, smirking. "It's been too long since I got to cut loose."

Ahsoka laughed softly, shaking her head in disbelief. "Remind me to never get on your bad side, Bardock."

He chuckled, his gaze steady and unyielding. "Don't worry, Ahsoka. You're one of the good ones."

As the stars streaked past them and the ship leaped into hyperspace, Ahsoka couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope. With someone like Bardock on their side, perhaps the rebellion stood a chance after all.

Ahsoka guided the ship through hyperspace, the familiar blue and white streaks of starlight streaming past the cockpit windows as she settled into the pilot's seat. Bardock sat beside her, and his gaze fixed on the console where the data spike was plugged in, its contents now scrolling across the screen. The digital readouts flickered as lines of information passed by, countless Imperial files filled with classified intel.

Ahsoka leaned forward, her fingers deftly moving over the controls to sift through the massive amounts of data they'd extracted. She scanned document after document, occasionally pausing when something looked promising, her brows furrowing as she absorbed the Empire's secrets. Bardock leaned in closer; his eyes narrowed as he tried to make sense of the unfamiliar terms and titles scattered throughout the files.

"There's a lot here," Ahsoka murmured, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Supply routes, names of Imperial officers, locations of lesser-known outposts… This is exactly what the rebellion needs."

Bardock only grunted in response, his focus trained on the screen as he searched for anything remotely related to his family. "Yeah, but where's the stuff on my family? I'm not interested in rebel intel."

Ahsoka glanced at him, a sympathetic smile tugging at her lips. "Don't worry. If the Empire's keeping tabs on anyone, it's likely in here somewhere."

After a few moments, a familiar face flashed across the screen. Bardock's heart skipped a beat as he saw Gine's image, clear as day, staring back at him. She was alive. The relief that washed over him was immense, mingling with a fierce determination that filled every corner of his being.

"Gine…" he whispered, his voice a mixture of disbelief and joy. "She's alive."

Ahsoka caught the shift in his tone and looked over, surprised by the intensity of his reaction. "That's her, isn't it? The woman you've been looking for?"

Bardock nodded, his eyes still fixed on the image. "Yeah… that's her." His voice softened, and for a moment, the hardened warrior was replaced by a man who had just seen a long-lost love.

Ahsoka scrolled through the information attached to Gine's file. "It looks like the Empire wants her," she noted, her voice thoughtful. "There's a bounty on her, though it doesn't say exactly why. Just 'wanted for questioning in association with unidentified threats.'"

Bardock's fists clenched, his jaw tightening as he absorbed the information. "The Empire's been hunting her… for what?" He looked at Ahsoka, desperation flickering in his eyes. "Why would they want her? She's not some kind of threat."

Ahsoka shook her head, equally perplexed. "Maybe she's been seen as a threat because of her strength. Or maybe she's crossed paths with someone she shouldn't have." She continued scrolling through the documents, her brow furrowing as she analyzed more data. "But at least we know she's out there. This is a real lead."

Bardock exhaled, his relief tempered by the weight of the unknown. It was a step forward, but the Empire's active pursuit of Gine meant that she was constantly in danger. He could feel his fists itching to take action, but he forced himself to remain calm.

Then Ahsoka stumbled upon another document—a report that seemed out of place among the others, written in urgent language and marked with high-level security clearance. "This looks interesting," she muttered, clicking it open. The text described a recent hostile takeover of an Imperial planet, but the details were fragmented and intense.

Bardock noticed the change in her expression and leaned closer. "What's that?"

Ahsoka's face darkened as she read further. "Apparently, there's been an… incident. An unknown enemy has overthrown one of the Empire's planets in the Outer Rim. The report was vague, but the Empire had massive casualties. Looks like this enemy wiped out everything in their path."

She opened an attached video recording, her face hardening as she watched the shaky, grainy battle footage. What was supposed to be a clash had turned into a one-sided massacre. Imperial forces were torn apart like they were nothing more than toys, and the destruction was staggering.

Bardock's eyes narrowed as he recognized the distinct form of the ship in the video. The edges of his calm shattered as he realized just what he was looking at. He shook his head, trying to dismiss it as impossible, but his gut told him otherwise.

Ahsoka noticed his reaction, her brow furrowing. "Bardock, what's wrong?"

He didn't answer immediately; his gaze transfixed on the screen as a figure emerged from the ominous ship. His voice dropped to a whisper, his disbelief apparent. "That's… impossible…"

The figure's unmistakable silhouette stood in stark contrast against the carnage below, an aura of sheer power surrounding him. Bardock's voice was almost choked as he muttered, "That's… that's Frieza's ship."

Ahsoka tilted her head, confused. "Frieza? Who is that?"

Bardock didn't answer her question, his focus entirely on the screen, where he could see the figure descending to the planet's surface. But as he looked closer, he realized that this was not Frieza. No, the armor was different, and his stature was slightly taller and more imposing. His skin was purple and pale white, and his presence was chilling, even through the grainy footage.

The name slipped from Bardock's lips like a curse. "Cooler…"

Ahsoka's confusion deepened. "Who is Cooler? Bardock, what's going on?"

Bardock's face was drained of color as he grappled with the implications. "Cooler… he's Frieza's brother. And if he's here, it means…" His voice trailed off, the weight of the situation crashing down on him.

Ahsoka's eyes widened as she began to grasp the gravity of what Bardock was saying. "So… this Cooler, he's like Frieza?"

Bardock shook his head slowly, his tone grim. "No. He's worse. Cooler doesn't just conquer—he destroys. If Frieza's a tyrant, then Cooler is a… a force of nature. There's no reasoning with him. He'll take over this galaxy if he's not stopped."

Ahsoka watched the rest of the video, her face reflecting her concern as Cooler's armored squadron—the three imposing figures Bardock also recognized—laid waste to Imperial defenses. Cooler's forces swept across the battlefield with terrifying efficiency, their power beyond anything she'd ever witnessed.

"He took that planet in a matter of hours…" Ahsoka whispered, her mind racing. "And if he's here…"

Bardock was silent, the weight of the revelation settling on him like a boulder. He'd thought he'd left all of that behind, that this new galaxy would mean a chance to start over. But with Cooler in the same galaxy, the danger to his family had increased tenfold.

"This isn't just bad," Bardock muttered, more to himself than to Ahsoka. "This is a nightmare."

Ahsoka placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him in the present. "Then we'll fight him," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her. "We'll warn the rebellion and make sure everyone knows what we're up against."

Bardock's gaze flickered, a faint glimmer of hope breaking through his despair. "You don't know what Cooler's like, Ahsoka. This isn't just some battle. If he's here, then… then my family might be in even more danger."

"We won't let that happen," Ahsoka replied, her tone filled with conviction. "We've got a lead on Gine, and we know where Cooler's forces have been sighted. We can use this information to find her and protect her from whatever Cooler has planned."

Bardock nodded, the fire in his eyes rekindling as he tightened his fists. Cooler might have been powerful, but he would stop at nothing to keep his family safe. This was no longer just a search—this was war.

"Then let's not waste any time," Bardock growled, determination hardening his voice. "If we're going to stop him, I need to find Gine before he does."

Ahsoka gave him a firm nod, reaching over to input coordinates based on their gathered data. As she set the course, she glanced at him, a glint of understanding in her gaze. "We'll find her, Bardock. And we'll make sure Cooler knows this galaxy won't go down without a fight."

As the ship continued through hyperspace, Bardock leaned back in his seat, his mind racing with possibilities and strategies. Cooler might have been unstoppable in his own galaxy, but here, he would find something unexpected: resistance.

Bardock's heart burned with a newfound purpose. He wasn't just fighting for his family—he was fighting to stop the nightmare that had haunted his life from consuming this galaxy, too.

Well, looks like Vader didn't get vaporized after all. I mean, he's just "that guy", you know? Bro didn't even flinch when Cooler casually one-shotted a whole Star Destroyer in orbit, and the blast was this close to him. Vader's out here like he doesn't "give two fucks." Cooler even gave him a 24-hour ultimatum for him and the Empire to bow down, but we all know Vader's not gonna take that lightly.

Meanwhile, Thrawn's on the hunt, and he's closing in on Gine. But hey, Bardock finally has a lead—Gine's alive! Here's hoping he can track her down before either Thrawn or, worse, Cooler does. Fingers crossed for some family reunion action… if they survive, that is!