The dim light of the Executor's command bridge cast long shadows across the polished floors as Darth Vader stood alone, his towering figure bathed in the cold, blue glow of the active holoprojector. The flickering image of Emperor Palpatine appeared before him, cloaked in darkness, his sunken eyes gleaming with malice.
Vader bowed his head, his respirator filling the silence with rhythmic inhales and exhales. "My master," he began, his voice deep and mechanical. "I have engaged with the threat you sensed—a being known as Cooler."
Palpatine's hologram tilted its head slightly, his skeletal fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Cooler… this name is unfamiliar to me," he rasped. "Speak, Lord Vader. What have you learned?"
Vader straightened, his tone unwavering. "He claims to be the ruler of a distant galaxy, who now seeks to conquer ours. He destroyed an Imperial Star Destroyer with a single attack… a demonstration of his power."
The Emperor's lips curled into a grimace, his voice sharp. "And you did nothing to prevent this?"
Vader's mask tilted upward, his voice steady, almost dismissive. "Cooler is arrogant, my master. He believes his strength to be unrivaled. But the power of the dark side far exceeds any brute force he can summon."
Palpatine's eyes narrowed, his hologram crackling slightly. "You underestimate him, Lord Vader. You should know by now that not all threats can be crushed with mere displays of power. What else did he say?"
Vader's tone darkened. "He has issued an ultimatum—twenty-four hours for the Empire to submit to his rule, or he will escalate his campaign of destruction."
The Emperor's chuckle was low and sinister, echoing through the empty space of the bridge. "Submit? The Empire bows to no one, least a usurper from beyond the stars."
"I concur," Vader replied, his confidence unwavering. "Cooler's strength is… unusual, but it pales in comparison to the will of the dark side."
Palpatine leaned forward, his voice dropping to a hiss. "Do not let your arrogance blind you, Lord Vader. If this Cooler truly wields the power to destroy a Star Destroyer effortlessly, then he is no mere warlord. Tell me, what impression did you gain of him during your encounter?"
Vader paused briefly, his mechanical breaths the only sound. "He is calculating. Confident. Yet I sensed no connection to the Force. His power is not like that of the Jedi or the Sith—it is something else entirely."
Palpatine's expression grew darker, his gaze probing. "This makes him all the more dangerous. A power beyond the Force could pose a threat even to us. You must proceed with caution, my apprentice. Cooler must be studied, his weaknesses uncovered."
Vader's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I will destroy him, my master. The dark side will guide me to victory."
Palpatine's hologram seemed to lean closer, his voice a mixture of warning and reassurance. "Confidence is a strength, Lord Vader, but overconfidence is a weakness. You are to gather intelligence on this Cooler and his forces. Learn his motives, his vulnerabilities, and his methods. The Empire will not bow, but neither shall we act recklessly."
Vader inclined his head slightly. "As you command, my master."
Palpatine's gaze lingered, his mind clearly turning over possibilities. "And what of his ultimatum? What is your next move?"
Vader's tone remained firm. "I will confront him again. He underestimates me, as all enemies of the Empire do. When the time is right, I will strike him down and end this threat."
The Emperor's laugh was cold and hollow. "Do not underestimate him in return, Lord Vader. This Cooler is bold enough to challenge us so openly. There is a reason he believes he can win, and you must uncover it. But above all, ensure that the Empire's strength is felt."
Vader nodded once, his mechanical voice unyielding. "The galaxy will know the Empire does not falter, my master."
Palpatine's hologram flickered slightly, his voice taking on a softer, more cryptic tone. "You are my enforcer, my apprentice. I trust you will bring order to this chaos. Cooler may believe himself strong, but he is nothing compared to our power. Go now and show him the true might of the dark side."
With a faint crackle, the hologram faded, leaving Vader alone on the bridge. He stood motionless momentarily, his mind turning over the Emperor's words. Cooler was a formidable opponent; that much was certain. But Vader was no stranger to overwhelming odds. The dark side of the Force flowed through him, a storm of rage and power that would crush any who dared challenge the Empire.
He turned sharply, his cape billowing behind him as he strode toward the command console. Captain Piett stood at attention, his expression tense but focused.
"My lord," Piett said, his voice steady despite the growing tension. "What are your orders?"
Vader's gaze burned into the Captain, his voice a cold command. "We proceed to Cooler's location. Prepare the fleet, but do not engage until I give the order. Cooler must understand the price of defying the Empire."
"Yes, my lord," Piett replied, bowing slightly before hurrying to relay the orders.
As the Executor shifted its course, Vader turned his attention to the viewport, watching as the stars stretched into streaks of light as they entered hyperspace. He would confront Cooler again, and this time, he would show the interloper that the Empire was not so easily challenged.
The dark side swirled around him, its power filling him with purpose. Whatever Cooler's strength might be, Vader knew the ultimate truth: the Sith always prevailed.
The bustling spaceport was alive with a cacophony of sounds, from the hum of idling starships to the chatter of merchants hawking their wares. Gine weaved her way through the crowded marketplace, her arms laden with supplies she'd just purchased. She kept her head low, her eyes darting from side to side as she moved. The hood of her tattered cloak was pulled up to obscure her features, her Saiyan tail tightly coiled around her waist beneath her clothes. Even here, amidst the chaos and noise of the crowd, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.
A vendor called out to her, waving a small assortment of tech parts in her direction. "Hey, you there! Need a hyperdrive calibration kit? Best prices on this side of the galaxy!"
Gine barely glanced at him, muttering, "No thanks," as she hurried past. She had more pressing matters to attend to, and every second spent in the open felt like an unnecessary risk.
Her steps quickened as she navigated the maze of stalls and cargo crates, her arms straining under the weight of the supplies. The credits she'd earned from Tarrin's job had lasted longer than she'd anticipated, but even so, she was careful with how she spent them. Food, fuel, and basic maintenance parts for the ship were all she could afford to prioritize. Luxuries were out of the question—not that she needed them. Her primary focus was keeping her sons safe, and anything beyond that was secondary.
As she passed a group of laborers unloading cargo from a freighter, Gine felt a prickling sensation at the back of her neck. Her instincts screamed that something was off, though she couldn't pinpoint what. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the crowd for anything—or anyone—out of place. Nothing stood out, yet the unease lingered.
"Just keep moving," she muttered to herself under her breath, shifting the weight of the supplies in her arms. "Get back to the ship, and everything will be fine."
Still, her muscles tensed as she adjusted her path, taking a slightly longer route to avoid the more crowded sections of the port. She knew the Empire was hunting her, and the last thing she wanted was to draw attention. The spaceport's loudspeakers crackled to life, announcing the departure of another freighter, and Gine used the distraction to slip through a quieter side alley.
She turned a corner, her boots scuffing against the worn metal flooring, and finally caught sight of her ship in the distance. Relief washed over her as she quickened her pace, eager to put the feeling of being watched behind her.
As she approached the docking bay, she took a moment to glance around, her Saiyan senses on high alert. The spaceport workers did their business, fueling and maintaining various vessels, and no one seemed to be paying her any mind. Still, the nagging sense of unease refused to leave her.
Once she reached the ship, she tapped the access panel, the door hissing open as she stepped inside. The faint hum of the ship's systems greeted her, a comforting sound that reminded her of its relative safety. She set the supplies down in the cramped galley, rolling her shoulders to ease the tension that had built up during her walk.
"Raditz!" she called out, her voice echoing through the small ship. "How's your brother doing?"
Raditz's voice came from the sleeping quarters, slightly muffled but still audible. "He's fine, Mom! He just ate and fell asleep again. I think he likes sleeping more than anything else."
Gine chuckled softly, shaking her head. "He's a baby. That's what they do."
She moved to the cockpit, her fingers gliding over the controls as she began prepping the ship for takeoff. Fuel levels were adequate, systems were operational, and the supplies she'd purchased would last them for at least another couple of weeks. Everything seemed in order, yet the uneasy feeling gnawed at her.
"Mom?" Raditz's voice startled her slightly as he stepped into the cockpit, his expression curious. "You okay? You've got that look again."
Gine paused, her hands hovering over the control panel as she glanced at her son. His young face was filled with concern, but there was also a spark of the Saiyan confidence she saw in herself and Bardock. She smiled faintly, ruffling his spiky hair. "I'm fine, Raditz. Just… something feels off, that's all."
Raditz frowned, his tail flicking behind him. "Is it the Empire?"
"Maybe," Gine admitted, her tone quieter now. "It's hard to explain. It's like… I don't know. A bad feeling."
Raditz tilted his head, his youthful curiosity evident. "What kind of bad feeling?"
"The kind that makes you want to get off this planet as soon as possible," she replied, flipping a series of switches on the console. The ship's engines roared to life, the vibrations reverberating through the hull as it prepared for liftoff.
Raditz watched her closely, his arms crossed. "Do you think someone's after us?"
Gine didn't answer right away. Instead, she set the autopilot for an ascent trajectory and stood up, reassuringly touching his shoulder. "Maybe. Maybe not. But it's better to be safe than sorry. Let's not stick around long enough to find out."
Raditz nodded, his expression serious. "I'll keep an eye on Kakarot."
"That's my boy," Gine said with a small smile, watching as he disappeared back into the sleeping quarters.
She returned her focus to the cockpit, her fingers flying over the controls as she initiated the pre-flight sequence. The ship began to hum louder, the vibrations increasing as it readied for takeoff. Gine sat back in the pilot's seat, her gaze fixed on the viewport as the docking bay doors began to open, revealing the clear sky above.
Just as the ship began to lift off the ground, Gine's unease spiked, her instincts flaring. She muttered to herself, her grip tightening on the controls. "I've got a bad feeling about this."
A shadow passed over the docking bay outside the ship, followed by the faint, distant hum of approaching engines. Gine's eyes narrowed as she glanced at the radar display, her heart sinking as several blips appeared, moving rapidly toward their position.
"Raditz," she called sharply, her voice tinged with urgency. "Strap in. We're leaving. Now."
Raditz's voice echoed back, filled with concern. "What's going on?"
"Just do it!" Gine snapped, her fingers racing over the controls as she pushed the ship's engines to maximum thrust. The vessel shot out of the docking bay, its thrusters blazing as it ascended rapidly into the atmosphere.
As the ship climbed higher, Gine glanced over her shoulder toward the viewport, her eyes catching a glimpse of several small craft in pursuit—Imperial TIE fighters, their ominous screams slicing through the air as they closed in.
The cockpit of Gine's ship was a cacophony of alarms and flashing lights as she gripped the controls, her knuckles whitening. The scream of TIE fighters in pursuit filled her ears even through the ship's thick hull, and her radar was lit up with red blips, indicating just how close her enemies were.
"Hold on, Raditz!" she shouted, glancing over her shoulder toward the ship's rear where her eldest son was strapped in with his baby brother. "This is going to get rough!"
"Mom, what's going on?!" Raditz yelled back, his young voice laced with fear and excitement. "Why are they chasing us?"
"They don't need a reason," Gine snapped, banking the ship sharply to avoid a volley of green laser fire. The craft shuddered under the strain, but Gine's hands remained steady on the controls. "They're the Empire, and we're not exactly their favorite people right now!"
The ship burst through the upper atmosphere and into the inky expanse of space, the stars stretching out in every direction. Gine's relief was short-lived, however, as the looming shadow of an Imperial Star Destroyer came into view ahead of them. The massive vessel was a monolith of Imperial might, its triangular shape blocking out the light of the nearby stars. From its underside, swarms of additional TIE fighters spilled out like a nest of angry hornets.
"Oh, come on!" Gine growled, her eyes darting between the Star Destroyer and the rapidly approaching fighters on her tail. Her mind raced, weighing her options, but the odds weren't in her favor.
"Mom?" Raditz called out nervously, sensing her hesitation. "What are you gonna do?"
Gine clenched her teeth, her Saiyan instincts urging her to fight, but she knew her priority wasn't the Empire—it was her sons. She made a decision, glancing over her shoulder at Raditz. "Raditz, get up here!"
"What?!" Raditz's eyes widened as he unbuckled himself and scrambled into the cockpit. "What do you need me for?"
"I need you to take the controls," Gine said, standing up and pulling a nearby space suit off the wall.
Raditz blinked at her, his tail flicking nervously. "Take the controls? Mom, I don't know how to fly a ship!"
"You don't need to know how to fly it," Gine said quickly, strapping herself into the suit. "You just need to keep it steady and push this button when I tell you to." She pointed to a large button on the console, clearly labeled for the hyperdrive.
Raditz stared at her in disbelief. "That's it? What are you going to do?"
Gine pulled the helmet over her head, her voice slightly muffled as she gave him a firm look. "I'm going outside."
Raditz's jaw dropped. "Outside?! You're crazy, Mom!"
"Just focus on keeping the ship steady!" Gine snapped, her voice filled with a mix of determination and maternal authority. She patted him on the shoulder before heading toward the airlock.
"Wait—how do I keep it steady?!" Raditz called after her, panic creeping into his voice.
"Figure it out!" Gine shouted over her shoulder, her tone more playful than serious.
As she stepped into the airlock and sealed the door behind her, Gine took a deep breath, centering herself. The hiss of decompressing air filled the small chamber as the outer door opened, revealing the void of space. Gine floated out, the ship's thrusters glowing faintly beneath her. She planted her feet on the hull and powered up her Ki, a faint blue aura enveloping her as she steadied herself against the ship's vibrations.
The TIE fighters were the first to engage, their green blaster fire streaking toward her. Gine's eyes narrowed as she raised her hands, deflecting the shots easily. The energy bolts ricocheted off her Ki aura, spiraling harmlessly into the void. She retaliated with her own volley, firing small but precise Ki blasts that struck the fighters with deadly accuracy. One after another, the enemy ships exploded in fiery bursts, their remnants scattering into space.
Onboard the Star Destroyer, the crew scrambled to adjust their targeting systems. "What is that?!" one officer shouted, pointing at the figure on the ship's hull. "Is that a person?!"
"Impossible!" barked the commanding officer, his face pale as he watched the Saiyan warrior single-handedly obliterate their fighters. "Focus the turbo lasers on that ship!"
Back on the hull, Gine's sharp Saiyan instincts flared as she sensed the massive turbo lasers of the Star Destroyer powering up. She braced herself as the first volley came, brilliant red beams tearing through the darkness. She dodged the initial shots with swift movements, her Saiyan reflexes making her a blur against the backdrop of space.
But the sheer intensity of the Star Destroyer's firepower took its toll. One of the blasts struck the rear section of her ship, sending a shudder through the hull. Gine growled in frustration, her eyes darting toward the damage. She knew they couldn't take much more of this.
Inside the cockpit, Raditz held onto the controls for dear life as the ship shook violently. "Mom, I don't think it's steady!" he shouted, his tail wrapping around the chair to keep himself from flying out of it.
"Just hold on!" Gine called back through the comm in her helmet; her voice strained but determined.
She focused on the Star Destroyer, her aura flaring as she unleashed a powerful Ki blast. The energy shot through space and struck one of the ship's turbo laser batteries, causing a chain reaction that sent debris spiraling into the void. The barrage of fire lessened, giving her the opening she needed.
"Raditz!" she shouted into her comm. "Push the button! Now!"
Raditz scrambled to comply, his hand slamming down on the hyperdrive activation button. The ship's engines roared to life, and Gine felt the hull tremble beneath her as the vessel shot forward, leaving the Star Destroyer and its remaining forces behind in a blur of light.
The sudden acceleration pulled Gine off the hull, but her grip on a tether secured her to the ship. She exhaled heavily, her breath fogging the inside of her helmet as the ship stabilized in hyperspace. Carefully, she returned to the airlock, re-entering the ship and sealing the outer door behind her.
As she removed her helmet and stepped into the cockpit, Raditz turned to her, his face a mixture of awe and exasperation. "That was insane, Mom! You were out there… like, fighting in space!"
Gine chuckled, ruffling his hair as she sank into the pilot's seat. "What can I say? I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
Raditz stared at her, shaking his head in disbelief. "I'm never complaining about training again."
Gine smiled faintly, her eyes softening as she glanced at her sons. Despite the chaos, they were safe; that was all that mattered. But the close call served as a reminder: the Empire was relentless, and they couldn't afford to let their guard down.
She sighed, looking out at the swirling lights of hyperspace. "We're not out of the woods yet, but we'll make it," she said quietly, more to herself than to Raditz. "We have to."
Onboard the imposing Star Destroyer Chimaera, Grand Admiral Thrawn stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his crimson eyes fixed on the holo screen displaying the aftermath of Gine's escape. The flickering projection showed the debris field left behind by the destroyed TIE fighters and damaged turbo laser arrays, while the faint trail of hyperspace energy marked where her ship had disappeared.
Beside him, the Grand Inquisitor crossed his arms, his pale face twisted into a wry smirk. He glanced at Thrawn, his voice dripping with dry sarcasm. "I trust this… debacle was part of your grand plan, Grand Admiral?"
Thrawn turned his head slightly, his expression as calm and calculating as ever. "If by 'debacle,' you mean a momentary complication, then yes, Inquisitor. It was."
The Inquisitor raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Interesting. And here I thought she had simply outmaneuvered us. But please, enlighten me as to how this setback fits into your grand design."
Thrawn moved to the control console, his gaze never leaving the screen as he tapped a few commands, magnifying the damage to the Star Destroyer's turbo laser arrays. "Setbacks are inevitable in warfare," he began, his voice smooth and measured. "But what separates victory from defeat is how one adapts to them."
The Inquisitor chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Adapts, you say? She destroyed a squadron of TIE fighters, deflected turbo laser fire, and escaped unscathed. Forgive me if I fail to see how this is anything less than a humiliation for the Empire."
Thrawn's lips curved into a faint smile, the kind that carried more weight than an outright laugh. "Humiliation, Grand Inquisitor, is an emotion. It has no place in my calculations." He gestured toward the screen, where the battle remnants flickered in cold detail. "What we witnessed was not a failure, but an opportunity—a chance to observe her capabilities in action."
The Inquisitor tilted his head, his smirk fading slightly as he studied Thrawn's expression. "And what, exactly, did you observe?"
Thrawn turned fully to face him, his posture impeccable and commanding. "Strength, of course," he said, his tone even. "But also, precision. Restraint. She could have destroyed far more of our forces, yet she prioritized her escape over annihilation. That is not the behavior of a reckless individual."
The Inquisitor frowned, his sharp features hardening. "So she's disciplined. That hardly makes her invincible."
"Indeed," Thrawn replied, nodding slightly. "But it also makes her dangerous. She is no mere fugitive fleeing for survival—she is calculated and deliberate. And that is precisely why we must approach this situation with care."
The Inquisitor leaned against the console, his tone laced with skepticism. "And how do you propose we proceed, then? Another squadron of TIE fighters, perhaps? Or should we bombard her from orbit next time?"
Thrawn's expression remained unreadable as he tapped a few more commands, bringing up a sector map. "Our next move will be far more precise than brute force," he said, his voice carrying an air of quiet confidence. "She is resourceful, yes, but her actions suggest that she is not accustomed to being pursued on this scale. That will work to our advantage."
The Inquisitor crossed his arms again, watching as Thrawn's eyes flicked over the map. "You seem remarkably composed for someone whose target just escaped."
Thrawn turned his gaze to the Inquisitor, his crimson eyes gleaming quietly. "Composure, Grand Inquisitor, is the foundation of strategy. Panic achieves nothing. I have already begun considering several contingency plans for locating and capturing her."
"And these plans," the Inquisitor said, his tone skeptical. "They guarantee her capture?"
"Guarantees are the domain of the arrogant and the foolish," Thrawn replied smoothly. "But I would estimate a 92% probability of success."
The Inquisitor let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "A bold claim, Admiral. I assume you have some brilliant insight to ensure this probability becomes reality?"
Thrawn's faint smile returned as he gestured toward the map. "She has proven herself adept at escape, but such skill requires resources—fuel, food, and safe havens. The credits she possesses will not last forever, and her presence in the galaxy is… unique. She will need to resupply again, and when she does, she will leave a trail."
The Inquisitor raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "And you believe you can predict where she will go?"
Thrawn nodded. "I do. Her actions thus far suggest a preference for less populated, more remote locations. Places where she can avoid attention. By narrowing our focus to such systems and leveraging our intelligence networks, we will find her."
The Inquisitor tapped his chin thoughtfully, his skepticism giving way to cautious interest. "You make it sound so simple."
"Because it is," Thrawn replied, his tone devoid of arrogance. "It is merely a matter of patience and precision."
The Inquisitor straightened, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Very well, Grand Admiral. I will defer to your methods—for now. But know this: if she eludes us again, it will not be my patience that falters."
Thrawn inclined his head slightly, his expression unchanging. "Your confidence is noted, Grand Inquisitor. Rest assured, we will succeed."
As the Inquisitor turned and strode from the room, Thrawn returned to the holo screen, his mind racing with possibilities. He studied the faint hyperspace trail left behind by Gine's ship, noting its trajectory and speed. While the exact destination remained unclear, it provided enough data for him to make an educated guess.
He tapped a final command into the console, bringing up a list of systems within the likely range of her escape vector. One by one, he began eliminating options based on known traffic patterns, resource availability, and Imperial presence. The list grew shorter with each calculation, and Thrawn's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"She is a formidable opponent," he murmured to himself, his tone thoughtful. "But even the most formidable can be brought to heel with the right strategy."
He turned to the communications officer stationed nearby. "Prepare the fleet. We will adjust our course to these coordinates," he ordered, gesturing toward the narrowed list of systems. "And dispatch additional probes to monitor activity in the surrounding sectors."
"Yes, Grand Admiral," the officer replied, saluting crisply before moving to carry out the orders.
As the Chimaera adjusted its trajectory, Thrawn returned to his private quarters, his mind still working through the countless variables and contingencies. Gine had proven herself resourceful, but in the grand game of strategy, resourcefulness alone was never enough.
He approached the small stand on his desk where the mysterious orange sphere sat, its four red stars gleaming faintly in the low light. He picked it up, turning it over in his hands as he considered its significance. There was more to this woman than raw power—of that, he was certain. And when the time came, he would uncover every secret she held.
"Patience," he murmured, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Victory is inevitable."
The faint hum of Gine's ship traveling through hyperspace was a comforting sound, a rhythmic vibration that filled the cockpit as the stars outside stretched into long, brilliant streaks of light. She leaned back in her chair, letting out a sigh of relief. After narrowly escaping the Empire, she last wanted another surprise.
Her two sons were safe in the sleeping quarters: Raditz resting near Kakarot's crib, his tail curled around himself as he dozed off. The sight had brought a momentary smile to Gine's face, but the tension in her shoulders never quite left. The Empire would keep searching, and it was only a matter of time before they crossed paths again.
Suddenly, the comforting hum of the ship's hyperdrive stuttered. A loud, grating whine pierced the air, followed by a violent shudder that rattled the entire vessel. Gine bolted upright, her hands flying to the controls.
"What the—" she muttered, her eyes darting across the panels. Warning lights blinked furiously, and the main console blared a high-pitched alarm. The ship's hyperdrive status flashed red, accompanied by a message that read: MALFUNCTION DETECTED. EMERGENCY EXIT IMMINENT.
"Great," Gine hissed, her fingers racing over the controls in an attempt to stabilize the ship. "Just great. Can't I catch a break?"
The ship jolted violently, nearly throwing her out of her seat. Behind her, she heard Raditz yelp from the sleeping quarters. "Mom? What's happening?"
"Stay with your brother, Raditz!" she shouted back, trying to keep her voice steady despite the panic rising in her chest. "I'll handle it!"
The hyperdrive groaned again, and with a deafening pop, the ship was yanked out of hyperspace. The streaking stars outside collapsed into a swirl of chaotic, distorted light as the ship tumbled uncontrollably through real space. Gine gritted her teeth, gripping the controls tightly as she fought to regain control.
"Come on, come on!" she growled, punching buttons and pulling levers. But the ship wasn't responding, its systems sparking and flickering in protest. Outside the viewport, a swampy, green planet loomed closer with alarming speed.
"We're coming in too fast," she muttered to herself, her heart racing. She glanced at the controls, then at the stabilizers—both unresponsive. "Raditz! Strap in and hold onto your brother!"
"But—" Raditz started.
"Now!" she barked, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Raditz scrambled to secure himself and Kakarot as Gine wrestled with the controls. The ship's nose tipped forward, entering the planet's atmosphere with a blazing trail of fire. The sound of reentry roared in her ears, drowning out even her frantic thoughts.
"Okay, Gine," she said under her breath, forcing herself to focus. "You've got this, just like those old simulators. You're not crashing—you're landing. Controlled landing. Controlled."
The swampy surface rushed up to meet them, a patchwork of dense foliage and murky water. Gine pulled hard on the controls, slowing their descent as much as she could. The ship scraped the tops of towering trees before slamming into the ground with a bone-jarring impact, skidding through mud and water until it finally came to a halt against a massive tree trunk.
For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the hiss of steam and the groan of the ship settling into the muck. Gine sat frozen in her chair, her chest heaving as she processed what had just happened.
"Raditz?" she called out, her voice shaky. "Kakarot?"
"We're okay!" Raditz shouted back, his voice muffled but steady. "Kakarot's crying, but we're okay!"
Relief flooded through her as she unbuckled herself and stumbled toward the sleeping quarters. Raditz was holding Kakarot, who was wailing loudly but unharmed. Gine crouched down, pulling both of them into a tight hug.
"You did good, Raditz," she said, her voice soft but firm. "You kept him safe."
Raditz puffed out his chest, clearly trying to be brave, though his tail betrayed him, twitching nervously. "What about you, Mom? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said, standing and brushing herself off. "Let's check the damage."
The ship's interior was a mess. Panels had burst open, wires hung loose, and sparks flew from several damaged systems. Gine grimaced as she surveyed the damage, her heart sinking further with every step. Once she reached the cockpit, she checked the diagnostics. The hyperdrive was completely fried, and several other systems were offline. The ship was intact but barely operational.
"Well, that's just wonderful," she muttered, slamming a fist against the console in frustration.
Raditz peeked into the cockpit, still holding Kakarot. "Can you fix it?"
Gine sighed, running a hand through her disheveled hair. "Maybe. I've done maintenance work before, but this…" She gestured to the sparking controls and the damaged hull. "This is going to take time. A lot of time."
Her gaze shifted to the communicator Ben had given her. She grabbed it, pressing the button to activate it, but all she got was static. "Of course," she said, tossing it back onto the console. "We're too far out of range."
"So we're stuck here?" Raditz asked, his voice filled with concern.
"For now," Gine admitted, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "But don't worry. We've been through worse."
She turned her attention to the viewport, which was partially obscured by mud and vines. Outside, the swamp stretched in every direction, a dense, foggy landscape filled with towering trees and strange noises. The planet's atmosphere was heavy and humid and carried an odd, almost oppressive energy that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.
Gine squared her shoulders, her determination hardening. "Alright," she said, turning back to Raditz. "Here's the plan. We're going to fix the ship, but first, we need to secure food, water, and shelter. This might take a while, so we need to be smart about it."
Raditz nodded, his young face set with determination. "Got it. What do you need me to do?"
Gine smiled faintly, ruffling his hair. "Watch your brother while I scout the area. And don't touch anything in here—it's all barely holding together as it is."
Raditz saluted dramatically, earning a chuckle from Gine despite the situation. "You can count on me, Mom."
As she stepped outside the ship, the swamp's damp air hit her like a wall. The ground squelched beneath her boots, and strange, distant sounds echoed through the dense trees. Gine took a deep breath, scanning the horizon.
"This isn't ideal," she muttered to herself, her tail flicking in frustration. "But we'll make it work. We have to."
With that, she set off into the unknown, her Saiyan instincts sharp and ready for whatever challenges awaited them in this strange, murky world.
The quiet hum of Ahsoka's ship filled the cockpit as it streaked through hyperspace, the faint glow of the console lights illuminating her focused expression. Bardock sat in the co-pilot's seat, his arms crossed and his tail flicking impatiently as he stared out at the swirling blue and white lights of hyperspace. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, hope flickered within him—hope that he was finally getting closer to finding Gine and his sons.
Ahsoka broke the silence, her tone calm but tinged with curiosity. "You're quiet, Bardock. Thinking about her?"
Bardock turned his head slightly, his sharp Saiyan eyes narrowing. "Yeah. For the first time in a while, I feel like I'm not just wandering aimlessly. If those reports are accurate, if she was really on Tatooine... then I'm close. Closer than I've been since I got to this galaxy."
Ahsoka nodded, her fingers moving deftly over the console to adjust their trajectory. "The report mentioned two Inquisitors were sent after her, so she must've drawn some serious attention. The Empire doesn't waste resources on just anyone."
Bardock grunted, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "They better not have done anything to her. If I find out those bastards hurt her or my kids…" His fists clenched, and his voice grew low, a dangerous growl. "I'll make them pay."
Ahsoka glanced at him, her expression serious. "I understand the feeling, but you'll need to keep that temper in check. If Gine is anything like you, I doubt she went down without a fight. From what we saw in that footage, she's strong—stronger than anyone here probably realizes."
Bardock smirked, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes. "Yeah, she is. She's tough, even if she doesn't like to admit it. She always acted like she wasn't cut out for fighting, but when it comes to protecting her family…" He paused, his smirk fading into something softer. "She's got more fight in her than she gives herself credit for."
Ahsoka smiled faintly. "Sounds like you've got quite the partner."
Bardock nodded, his expression hardening as he looked out at the streaking stars. "Yeah. And I'm not going to let anything happen to her. Not to her, and not to my boys."
Ahsoka leaned back in her chair, her tone turning thoughtful. "The Empire's reports said she was first sighted on Tatooine. If we start there and retrace her steps, we might be able to figure out where she went next. It's not much, but it's a start."
"Tatooine, huh?" Bardock muttered, his tail flicking again. "What kind of planet is it?"
"A desert," Ahsoka replied, her voice carrying a hint of distaste. "Hot, dry, and crawling with scum and villainy. The Empire doesn't have much of a presence there, but it's still a dangerous place."
Bardock's brow furrowed. "Sounds like a perfect place to lay low. If she went there, it was probably to avoid attention."
"Exactly," Ahsoka said, nodding. "But if she was spotted, it means something must've drawn her out. We'll have to be careful. If the Inquisitors confronted her, they might still have some sort of presence there."
Bardock's hands tightened into fists, his voice low and tense. "If those Inquisitors hurt her, I'll—"
"Easy, Bardock," Ahsoka interrupted gently, holding up a hand. "We need to focus on finding her first. Revenge can wait."
Bardock let out a sharp breath, leaning back in his seat. "You're right. I just… it's been too long. I've got no idea what they've been through, and the thought of her and the kids being in danger…" He trailed off, his jaw tightening.
Ahsoka placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll find them, Bardock. And when we do, you'll be there for them. Just stay focused."
He nodded, the fire in his eyes undimmed. "I'm always focused. Let's just get to this desert planet already."
Ahsoka chuckled softly, her tone lightening. "Patience isn't your strong suit, is it?"
"Never has been," Bardock admitted with a smirk. "But when it comes to my family, I don't have time for patience."
The ship's console beeped, signaling their approach. Ahsoka adjusted their course, the swirling lights of hyperspace giving way to the vast blackness of realspace. Ahead, the twin suns of Tatooine loomed, casting their harsh light across the barren, golden surface of the desert planet.
"There it is," Ahsoka said, her voice steady. "Tatooine."
Bardock leaned forward, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in the planet. "Looks like a wasteland."
"It pretty much is," Ahsoka replied. "But sometimes, a wasteland is the best place to hide. Let's head to Mos Eisley. If Gine was here, someone there might have seen her."
As they descended toward the planet, the ship shuddered slightly, the turbulence of the atmosphere rattling its frame. Bardock braced himself, his tail coiling around the base of his seat as they neared the surface.
"Mos Eisley, huh?" he muttered. "What's that?"
"A spaceport," Ahsoka explained. "It's chaotic, dangerous, and full of people who don't like questions. But it's also the best place to get information."
"Sounds like my kind of place," Bardock said with a grim smirk.
As they approached the spaceport, the sight of the sprawling settlement came into view. Low, sand-colored buildings dotted the landscape, and ships of all shapes and sizes were parked haphazardly in various docking bays. The air was thick with dust and the hum of activity, even from this distance.
Ahsoka guided the ship into a docking bay, the landing gear extending with a soft hiss as they touched down. She powered down the engines and turned to Bardock, her expression serious. "Alright, Bardock. Remember, we're here to ask questions and gather information. Don't draw too much attention to yourself."
Bardock raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're telling me not to draw attention? Have you met me?"
Ahsoka rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Just try, okay? The last thing we need is a fight breaking out before we get what we need."
Bardock shrugged, standing and stretching as he prepared to disembark. "Fine. But if anyone so much as looks at me wrong…"
"You'll let it go," Ahsoka interrupted, her tone firm. "We're here to find your family, not pick fights."
Bardock grumbled under his breath but nodded, following her toward the ship's exit. As the ramp lowered and the dry, scorching air of Tatooine hit them, Bardock couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation. For the first time in a long time, he was on the trail of his family.
But as they stepped into the bustling chaos of Mos Eisley, a darker thought lingered in the back of his mind. Cooler was here, somewhere in this galaxy, and if they crossed paths…
He pushed the thought aside, his focus sharpening. First things first: find Gine and his sons. Everything else could wait.
Well, it looks like the Empire is digging in its heels against Cooler's threats—but, seriously, what can they even do against someone who casually nukes a Star Destroyer with a finger? Guess they're banking on the dark side of the Force to save the day. Good luck with that, Vader.
Meanwhile, Gine had her first brush with Thrawn. Props to her for slipping away, though crashing on that swampy planet might complicate things. That place feels oddly familiar... can't quite put my finger on it.
And then there's Bardock, finally making moves to find his family. He's retracing Gine's steps and heading to Tatooine. Fingers crossed, he gets to them in time—before Cooler or the Empire decides to ruin everything.