The ship shuddered as it broke through the planet's atmosphere, the dim interior lights casting a flickering glow over the team as they made their final preparations. Outside, Vrykor IV spread out beneath them, a rocky, desolate landscape dotted with jagged cliffs and sparse vegetation. The Crimson Claw Gang's compound was nestled deep within this wilderness, surrounded by high walls and heavily armed guards, but Tarrin wore a grin that suggested he saw the whole thing as a minor inconvenience.
"Alright, everyone," Tarrin said, clapping his hands and flashing his usual grin. He leaned forward, his gaze darting between each crew member. "Let's go over the plan one last time before we land. And yes, I know I've said this three times already," he added, rolling his eyes with a playful smirk, "but that's what good leaders do—keep everyone on their toes."
Lura, the Twi'lek sharpshooter, sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her seat. "Tarrin, we've got it," she said, smirking. "I'm on the sniper ridge, Zako's handling tech, Draze is piloting the getaway… and Gine," she glanced at Gine with a raised eyebrow, "is our, ah, main distraction."
"Exactly!" Tarrin pointed at her as if she'd solved a complex puzzle. "Our ace in the hole!" He looked over to Gine, winking. "You're going to make sure all eyes are on you, Gine. Don't be shy; make a big entrance. The bigger, the better. It's our ticket in."
Gine gave a short nod, unbothered by his enthusiasm. Her face was calm, her expression almost bored as she leaned back, her arms crossed. "I'm sure I can keep them busy," she said, glancing out the window as the rugged terrain of Vrykor IV came into view. "Just make sure you don't get lost while I'm causing a scene."
Tarrin let out a hearty laugh, clapping her on the shoulder. "See? That's the spirit! Don't worry; we'll be in and out before they know what hit them."
Hossk, the large Trandoshan, snorted, giving Gine a skeptical look. After his earlier defeat at her hands, he'd remained quiet, but his glare suggested he still didn't fully trust her. "Just don't get in over your head, girl," he growled, his tone dripping with condescension. "Distract them, sure, but don't bite off more than you can chew."
Gine rolled her eyes but didn't dignify his comment with a response. She knew her abilities far exceeded anything this gang—or even her teammates—could imagine.
The ship touched down with a final shudder, and the crew quickly gathered their gear, each one slipping into their roles with practiced efficiency. They exited through the ramp, stepping onto the rocky ground beneath the cover of the surrounding cliffs. The Crimson Claw compound loomed in the distance, its high walls silhouetted against the evening sky, watchtowers casting ominous shadows over the barren landscape.
Tarrin gestured for everyone to move into position, giving each team member a quick nod before turning to Gine. "Alright, Gine. You're up," he whispered with a grin. "Remember, make it flashy."
Gine just nodded, taking a deep breath as she straightened her posture. She strode forward casually, not bothering to hide herself as she approached the compound's main entrance. The massive fortified gate loomed ahead, its metal surface reinforced with thick panels and secured with a network of security locks. Crimson Claw guards patrolled the wall above, their eyes narrowing as they spotted her approaching.
As Gine closed the distance, the gang members raised their blasters, shouting at her in a language she didn't recognize. Their voices were loud and aggressive, but Gine simply continued walking, her expression a mix of annoyance and mild amusement.
"Seriously?" she muttered as she stopped just a few feet from the gate, her arms crossed as she faced the guards. This better pay well."
The guards continued to shout, their blasters aimed directly at her, but Gine ignored their warnings. She raised her hand, her fingers glowing with a bright, crackling energy that pulsed with raw power. The guards hesitated, their eyes widening in confusion and fear, but it was too late for them to react.
Gine released the energy with a calm, almost casual flick of her wrist, sending a blast straight at the fortified gate. The explosion was deafening, and the impact shattered the metal, sending chunks of debris flying in all directions. The shockwave threw back the guards on the wall; the roar of the blast drowned out their screams. Smoke and dust filled the air, and the main entrance to the compound lay in ruins, a gaping hole where the gate had once stood.
Behind her, the crew watched in stunned silence, their jaws dropping as they entered the scene. Lura's eyes were wide, her mouth hanging open in shock. "Did… did she just… blow up the gate?" she whispered, glancing at Tarrin, who looked equally surprised.
Tarrin's grin returned, wider than ever, as he let out a low whistle. "Now that's a distraction," he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Remind me to never get on her bad side."
Zako was frozen, his eyes darting between the smoking wreckage and Gine. "How did she… what even was that? No blaster, no explosives—just her hand?"
"Focus, people!" Tarrin hissed, snapping out of his shock and nudging the others. "We've got a job to do! She's buying us time—let's make sure we use it."
The crew quickly moved into action, slipping through the shadows as they approached the compound. Gine, meanwhile, strode forward, stepping over the rubble as she approached the stunned guards who were beginning to regroup, some scrambling to raise their weapons again. Her gaze was calm, her expression bored, as if she were merely brushing off a minor inconvenience.
One of the gang members—a large, heavily armored alien with tusks and a gruff voice—shouted orders in a panic, urging his comrades to attack. They opened fire, blaster bolts whizzing through the air toward Gine. She barely flinched, dodging the shots easily, her movements fluid and effortless. Each bolt missed her by a hair, and she smirked, her Saiyan instincts kicking in as she felt the familiar thrill of combat.
"Is that all you've got?" she taunted, raising her hand and firing another energy blast. The bolt of energy tore through the air, sending another section of the wall crumbling to the ground. Dust and debris rained down, and the guards scrambled to find cover, their fear evident in their eyes.
From his vantage point on a nearby ridge, Tarrin could see the guards' reaction, their fear and confusion growing with each passing moment. He turned to Lura, who was setting up her sniper rifle, a gleam of admiration in his eyes. "She's a one-woman army," he muttered, impressed. "I knew she was strong, but this… this is something else."
Lura grinned, peering through her scope as she took aim at a guard on the far side of the compound. "Let's hope she can keep it up. The more chaos she causes, the easier this job gets."
Meanwhile, Gine continued her onslaught, swift and precise movements as she deflected blaster shots and sent energy blasts hurtling at her enemies. The gang members were in complete disarray, their shouts of confusion and terror filling the air as they struggled to regroup.
A few guards tried approaching her from behind, but she sensed them easily, spinning around and delivering a powerful kick that sent one of them flying. He crashed into a nearby wall with a sickening thud, slumping to the ground unconscious. The others hesitated, their blasters shaking in their hands as they realized just how outmatched they were.
Gine smirked, crossing her arms as she surveyed the chaos she had unleashed. "Come on," she called out, her voice carrying over the noise. "Is this really all the Crimson Claw Gang has to offer? I expected more from a supposedly dangerous outfit."
The gang members exchanged nervous glances, their confidence shattered by her effortless display of power. She could see the fear in their eyes, the hesitation as they weighed the risk of attacking her again. But she didn't give them a chance to decide—she raised her hand and unleashed another blast aimed at a watchtower. The explosion tore through the structure, sending it crashing to the ground in a cloud of smoke and dust.
"That's our cue!" Tarrin hissed to the others, motioning for them to move in. They darted through the smoke and debris, slipping past the panicked guards who were too focused on Gine to notice the rest of the team infiltrating the compound.
Tarrin, Lura, Zako, and Draze moved quickly inside the compound, navigating the maze of corridors and security checkpoints with practiced ease. Thanks to Gine's relentless assault, the guards were all drawn to the main entrance, leaving the interior largely unguarded.
As they reached the entrance to the vault, Tarrin glanced back at Zako, who was already hacking into the security console. "How's it looking?"
"Almost there," Zako muttered, his fingers flying over the controls. "Gine's got them so rattled, the system's running on backup protocols. Just need a few more seconds…"
Back outside, Gine continued her assault, the adrenaline pumping through her veins as she dodged another volley of blaster fire. She could feel the stares of the guards, their fear and disbelief growing with each passing second. They had never seen anything like her before—a lone woman, armed with nothing but her bare hands, taking on an entire compound and winning.
But despite the chaos she was causing, Gine remained focused. She was here for a job and intended to see it through.
"Let's make this quick," she muttered, sending one final blast at the remaining guards. The explosion rocked the ground, and as the dust settled, she caught a glimpse of Tarrin and the others slipping out of the vault, the Heart of Xylox secured in a small, reinforced case.
As the crew moved quickly through the smoky corridors of the compound, the faint sounds of Gine's onslaught still reverberated around them. Blaster fire, shouts, and explosions filled the air, but they grew more distant as Tarrin and the others approached their escape point. They finally emerged into the open, where the compound grounds stretched before them, littered with debris and smoldering wreckage. The scene was a testament to the chaos Gine had unleashed—a staggering sight that the group came to a halt, each member staring in stunned silence.
Lura released a low whistle as she took in the extent of the damage. "She… she did all this?"
Chunks of the compound walls lay in heaps on the ground, shattered by energy blasts. Guard towers had crumbled, and the few Crimson Claw gang members who hadn't fled were cowering behind the remains of what had once been a fortified gate. Smoke billowed up into the sky, mingling with the fading light of the planet's twin suns.
"I mean, I knew she'd make a scene," Zako muttered, adjusting the straps on his toolkit, "but… this? She tore through the place like it was made of cardboard."
Tarrin stood still, his eyes wide with amazement, as he turned to glance at Draze. "Remind me never to cross her," he whispered. This is… it's unreal."
Draze, normally the stoic one, had his mouth slightly open in disbelief. "How could she… how could she do this?" he asked, shaking his head. "She doesn't seem like a Jedi, but look at this…"
Just as Tarrin opened his mouth to respond, the distant hum of engines interrupted them, growing louder by the second. The crew looked up in unison, their expressions shifting from awe to dread as they saw the silhouettes of starfighters approaching in the dusky sky. They were sleek and deadly, the unmistakable crimson markings of the Crimson Claw gang emblazoned on their sides as they descended toward the smoldering compound.
"Not good," Lura muttered, her hand going to her blaster instinctively. "Looks like the Crimson Claw has air support."
Tarrin gritted his teeth, glancing at the case containing the Heart of Xylox and then back up at the incoming fighters. "If they corner us here, we're toast. We need to get back to the ship. Fast."
But before they could turn to run, the first fighter unleashed a volley of blaster fire in their direction, forcing them to dive behind a pile of debris for cover. The ground erupted with explosions around them, dirt and rubble flying everywhere as the crew scrambled for any shelter they could find.
"This is impossible!" Zako shouted, his voice barely audible over the roar of the fighters. "We'll never make it out alive!"
Just as hope seemed to slip away, a figure suddenly appeared above them, darting through the air with impossible speed. Gine shot upward, her silhouette briefly illuminated against the backdrop of the fighters' blaster fire. The crew's heads whipped up, their eyes wide with shock as they saw her—flying.
"Is that…? She's—she's flying?!" Draze sputtered, his normally calm demeanor shattered as he stared in amazement.
Tarrin was speechless, his brain struggling to comprehend what he was seeing. "She… she can fly?" he managed to choke out, his voice filled with disbelief. "Who is she?"
High above them, Gine surged toward the nearest fighter, her body streaking through the air like a comet. The pilot barely had a chance to react before Gine was upon him. She cocked her arm back and, with a single, powerful punch, smashed through the cockpit's canopy. The fighter exploded in a ball of fire, the debris scattering in all directions as Gine shot through the wreckage, completely unharmed.
The remaining fighters wavered, and the pilots clearly rattled as they tried to maneuver away from her. But Gine was relentless, moving with impossible speed as she targeted the next ship. She raised her hand, an orb of energy forming in her palm, and hurled it with deadly precision. The energy blast struck the fighter dead-on, tearing through the hull and reducing it to a smoldering wreck within seconds.
"Did she just… destroy a fighter… with her bare hands?" Lura whispered, her voice trembling with awe.
"That's not even possible!" Zako exclaimed, his voice filled with equal parts fear and admiration. "She's like… she's some kind of—of—"
"Legend," Tarrin finished, his voice barely a whisper. He watched as Gine systematically dismantled the gang's air support, taking out one fighter after another with breathtaking ease. "I don't know where she came from, but… this is beyond anything I've ever seen."
Above them, Gine obliterated the last fighter, the explosion lighting up the sky as she descended slowly back to the ground. She landed lightly on her feet, her expression calm and unfazed as she dusted off her hands. The crew stared at her in awe, their mouths hanging open as they struggled to find words.
Gine glanced at them, raising an eyebrow. "You all just going to stand there, or are we heading out?" she asked, her tone casual.
The crew snapped out of their stupor, quickly gathering their wits as they moved to follow her. Tarrin hurried to her side, his expression still one of stunned amazement. "Gine," he stammered, his voice filled with disbelief. "You… that was… how did you…?"
She shrugged, her expression nonchalant as she looked back at the smoking remains of the compound. "You said you wanted a distraction," she replied simply. "I just made sure no one could follow us."
Draze gave a low whistle, shaking his head as he glanced back at the wreckage. "You call that a distraction? You single-handedly took out their entire compound and their fighters! I'd call that overkill."
Gine smirked, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "I like to be thorough," she said, her tone light.
As they moved through the last stretch back toward their ship, the crew found themselves looking at Gine with a newfound respect—mixed with a healthy dose of awe and fear. None of them spoke, still trying to process what they had witnessed. Gine's abilities were beyond anything they had ever encountered, and it was clear that she was no ordinary being.
They finally reached the ship, quickly boarding as Tarrin settled into the pilot's seat and began the pre-flight checks. The engines roared to life, and within moments, they lifted off, leaving the ruined compound far behind.
As they soared through the planet's atmosphere, Zako finally broke the silence, leaning forward in his seat and staring at Gine with wide eyes. "Alright, I have to ask," he said, his voice filled with nervous excitement. "What are you, Gine? No blasters, no explosives, just… your bare hands? And you're… flying? Are you some kind of… I don't know, a Jedi?"
Gine chuckled, shaking her head. "Not exactly," she replied, her tone cryptic. "Let's just say I'm… stronger than most. My people are warriors. We're trained to fight from a young age."
Lura raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Well, I don't know where you come from, but remind me not to mess with your people," she muttered. "If everyone there is half as strong as you…"
"Trust me," Gine said, her gaze drifting out the window as they broke through the atmosphere, the stars stretching out before them, "it's a hard life. But it's what we're made for."
Tarrin glanced back at her, a smile breaking through his astonishment. "Well, Gine, whatever you are, you just saved all our hides. And for that, you've got our thanks."
Gine gave him a nod, but her mind was already elsewhere, thinking of Raditz and Kakarot and the life she was trying to secure for them. She hadn't revealed everything about her origins—some things were better left unsaid. But one thing was certain: she had earned the respect of this crew.
As they sped away from Vrykor IV, the crew fell into a contemplative silence, each still grappling with the events of the past few hours. They had successfully completed the heist, retrieved the Heart of Xylox, and escaped. But more than that, they had witnessed something extraordinary that none would soon forget.
The freighter hummed steadily as it cut through the quiet reaches of space, the dim glow of the ship's dashboard casting shadows across the cramped interior. Tarrin leaned back in the pilot's seat, his fingers tapping idly on the armrest as the stars streaked past outside the viewport. The rest of the crew was scattered around the cabin, each settling in for the journey to their next destination—Arboris Prime—where they'd hand over the Heart of Xylox to the buyer.
For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, each still reeling from the chaotic events of Vrykor IV. But as the adrenaline of the heist began to fade, an itching curiosity grew among the crew; glances were exchanged as they kept eyeing the reinforced case sitting on the floor between them.
Finally, Zako couldn't hold back anymore. He glanced over at Tarrin with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "So… we're all thinking it, right?" he said, nudging the case with his boot. "What's this 'Heart of Xylox' actually look like? All that trouble for a single item… makes you wonder, doesn't it?"
Tarrin raised an eyebrow, glancing at the case with an amused grin. "I have to admit, I am a bit curious," he said, leaning forward and tapping the top of the case. "I mean, we just risked our necks for this thing. Wouldn't hurt to take a quick peek."
Draze, who had been watching from his corner, gave a slight shrug, trying to seem indifferent but clearly just as intrigued. "I'm just saying," he muttered, "it better be something spectacular. They called it the Heart of Xylox, for stars' sake. Doesn't sound like something you'd just toss in a crate and forget about."
Gine, seated nearby with her arms crossed, watched them with a faint smirk. She'd been quiet since they left the planet, her mind still lingering on the destruction she'd left in her wake. But she, too, was intrigued by the mystery of this relic they'd just stolen. "Go ahead, then," she said with a slight shrug. "Open it up. Let's see what all the fuss is about."
Tarrin glanced around, gauging the crew's reactions, but everyone seemed to share the same mixture of curiosity and anticipation. With a grin, he crouched down, unhooking the latches and slowly lifting the case lid. A soft glow immediately filled the cabin, casting an eerie, almost ethereal light across their faces.
Inside the case, nestled within layers of protective foam, was a perfectly round, glassy sphere. It shimmered faintly with an inner light, a warm amber hue glowing softly from its depths. The surface was flawlessly smooth, almost mirror-like, and they could see their own reflections staring back at them from its polished exterior. But despite its beauty, there was something… underwhelming about it.
Zako squinted, leaning in closer to get a better look. "Wait… this is it?" he muttered, his voice laced with disappointment. "It's just… a ball. A crystal ball."
Lura raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she eyed the sphere with a skeptical frown. "Seriously? That's the Heart of Xylox? I was expecting something a bit more… impressive," she admitted, her tone flat.
Draze leaned over, peering down into the case with an expression of disbelief. "All that for this? It looks like something you'd find on a market stall. I thought it'd be… I don't know, something grander. The 'Heart of Xylox'—sounds like a legend, not some glorified paperweight."
Tarrin scratched his head, clearly as baffled as the others. "Well… maybe there's something special about it we can't see. Maybe it has some kind of hidden power, or it's extremely rare. I don't know. Our buyer is willing to pay a fortune for whatever it is, so it must be valuable to someone."
Gine leaned over to look closer, studying the sphere with a frown. She could see faint symbols etched within the glass, almost like stars trapped beneath the surface. The light within it seemed to flicker and dance, creating the illusion of depth as if the sphere held entire galaxies within its smooth shell. But even so, she couldn't help but feel disappointed. It was just… a ball.
"What's the big deal, then?" she muttered, folding her arms. "If it's that valuable, why didn't they put it in some high-security vault instead of stashing it in a gang's compound?"
Lura shrugged, still staring at the orb with a look of mild disdain. "Maybe it's one of those 'legendary' artifacts you hear about in old folk tales. Some ancient treasures passed down through generations are valued for tradition rather than practicality. You know, people make a big fuss over the kind of thing just because it's old."
Zako snorted, clearly unimpressed. "Some heart. If that's the best they could come up with, they should've called it the 'Paperweight of Xylox.'"
Tarrin chuckled, shaking his head as he closed the lid, the glow from the sphere dimming as it disappeared from view. "Alright, alright, so maybe it's not as flashy as we hoped. But hey, it's not our job to care about what it looks like. We're just the delivery crew, remember? And if someone's willing to pay this much for a fancy crystal ball, who are we to complain?"
Draze leaned back, crossing his arms with a shrug. "True. I mean, if they want to hand us a small fortune for some useless trinket, I'm not about to argue."
However, Gine couldn't shake a strange feeling as she thought about the orb's faint glow and its symbols. It felt oddly familiar in a way she couldn't quite explain. She leaned back in her seat, trying to ignore the gnawing sensation in her gut. She had seen plenty of strange things in her life, but something about this sphere felt… different. And yet, she pushed the thought aside. It was just a job, after all.
"So, we're still on course for Arboris Prime?" Lura asked, breaking the silence.
Tarrin nodded, settling back into the pilot's seat and checking the navigation. "Yep, we're only a few hours out now. Once we land, we hand over the 'Heart' and get our pay. Simple as that."
Draze leaned his head back, looking tired but satisfied. "I'm all for getting off this ship and spending some of those credits. This thing better be worth the trouble."
They all nodded in agreement, each imagining the hefty sum waiting for them at the end of this journey. They lapsed into silence for a while, the hum of the ship's engines the only sound filling the cabin.
The freighter landed with a soft thud on the landing pad of a secluded hangar on Arboris Prime, a planet known for its vast, dense forests and emerald-green landscapes. The meeting location was discreet, hidden deep within the woods, far from any prying eyes. The massive trees cast shadows over the ship as the crew disembarked, the air thick with the scent of earth and damp leaves.
Gine stepped out with the rest of the crew. Her senses heightened, and her eyes scanned the surroundings. The hangar was dimly lit, its walls covered in creeping vines, and the only sound was the soft hum of their ship cooling down. Despite the serene appearance, something about the place put her on edge.
"Everyone keep it cool," Tarrin murmured as they walked down the loading ramp. "We're here for one reason, and that's to make a clean handoff. No funny business."
"Got it," Lura replied, her gaze sharp as she scanned the shadows.
The mysterious buyer had insisted on meeting alone, so only Tarrin and Gine carried the case while the rest of the crew remained on the ship, ready to spring into action if necessary. They didn't have to wait long; a figure emerged from the shadows at the far end of the hangar, his form cloaked in a dark, tattered robe that billowed slightly as he moved. A strange, expressionless mask concealed his face, its surface smooth and metallic, with two narrow slits for eyes that glinted in the dim light.
Gine felt an uneasy chill run down her spine as she took in his appearance. The buyer moved calmly and deliberately, his footsteps eerily silent against the metal floor. His presence was unsettling, like something from a half-forgotten dream, and though he made no aggressive movements, Gine couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye.
Tarrin kept his tone steady and professional, though she could see the slight tension in his stance as he addressed the figure. "We've brought the item," he said, patting the case. "The Heart of Xylox, as promised."
The buyer tilted his head slightly, the faintest hint of intrigue in his posture. He made no move to approach, instead extending a gloved hand with a small, sealed pouch, which he tossed at Tarrin's feet.
"Your payment," the buyer said, his voice muffled and distorted through the mask. The tone was low, almost a whisper, but it carried a strange weight that made it resonate through the empty hangar. "As agreed."
Tarrin leaned down, picking up the pouch and opening it just enough to glimpse the glittering contents within—enough credits to set them up comfortably for a long time. He smiled, slipping the pouch into his pocket before gesturing to Gine to hand over the case.
Gine's fingers tightened momentarily around the handle, a sense of reluctance tugging at her as she glanced at the case one last time. But she shook off the feeling, reminding herself that this was just a job. She held the case out, and the buyer took it with a smooth, almost reverent motion, his gloved fingers brushing over the latches as though savoring the sensation.
"I'm curious," Tarrin said, unable to resist the question that had been gnawing at him. "What is it about this thing that makes it so valuable to you?"
The buyer paused, his head turning slightly to regard Tarrin. For a long moment, he said nothing, the dim slits of his mask focusing intently on them. Finally, he spoke, his tone cryptic and layered with hidden meaning. "There are… forces in this galaxy that run deeper than any of us can comprehend. This item is but one piece of a larger whole. A whole that will shape destiny itself."
Gine's eyes narrowed, and she stepped forward despite herself, curiosity bubbling up. "A… piece of what, exactly?"
The buyer's gaze shifted to her, and though she couldn't see his expression behind the mask, she sensed an almost knowing smile hidden beneath. "The answer lies in time… and patience," he said softly. "The heart of a legend waits only for those who seek it with true purpose."
Gine frowned, feeling the cryptic words settle uneasily in her mind. There was something about the sphere, something more than she could put into words, and though she didn't fully understand, she felt a strange connection to it. But before she could press further, Tarrin nudged her, signaling that it was time to leave.
"Well, whatever that means," Tarrin said with a chuckle, trying to keep the mood light. "As long as the credits are real, you can make whatever use of that thing you like. We've got no interest in whatever 'greater purpose' it has."
The buyer inclined his head slightly. "Indeed," he replied, his tone as calm and unreadable as before. He stepped back, the case tucked carefully under his arm. "Our transaction is complete."
Tarrin nodded, giving a quick wave as he and Gine turned back toward the ship. The rest of the crew was already waiting, the engines humming softly as they prepared to take off. Gine cast one last glance over her shoulder, watching as the buyer disappeared back into the shadows, the eerie glow from his mask fading from view.
As they boarded the ship, the strange encounter lingered in Gine's mind, a sense of unfinished business gnawing at her. The cryptic words of the buyer echoed in her thoughts, making her question what it was about that sphere—the so-called Heart of Xylox—that felt so significant. She took her seat, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to that strange, amber-glowing orb than met the eye.
Once the freighter lifted off, Tarrin let out a low whistle, his fingers drumming against the armrest. "We did it," he said, grinning at the crew. "Not bad, eh? A clean job, a nice payout, and we're set for a good while."
The crew exchanged cheers and laughter, the tension melting away as the adrenaline finally wore off. But Gine remained silent, her mind lingering on the buyer's words, the faint familiarity that the orb had stirred within her.
Lura noticed her silence and nudged her with a grin. "Hey, lighten up. We're in the clear, and we're a lot richer now."
Gine forced a small smile, nodding. "Yeah… I guess."
But as the freighter sped through the stars, she couldn't shake the feeling that their job hadn't been as straightforward as it seemed. There was a strange energy around that sphere—something she had felt the moment they opened the case, something she couldn't explain. She shook her head, trying to brush the thoughts away. It wasn't her concern anymore. She had her pay, and that was what mattered.
Meanwhile, deep within the hidden chambers of a forgotten temple on a distant moon, the buyer walked slowly, the case tucked under his arm. He moved with purpose, his cloak trailing behind him as he descended a winding staircase, the shadows thick and silent around him.
He reached the end of the passage, where a small pedestal stood, illuminated by a single shaft of light from above. Placing the case carefully on the pedestal, he unlatched it and lifted the lid, his gloved hand gently lifting the amber sphere from its cushion.
The orb shimmered in the dim light, its glow casting strange reflections on the stone walls. He held it up, studying it for a moment before reaching into his cloak and pulling out another object—an identical sphere, its surface gleaming with the same mysterious energy.
The buyer placed the two spheres side by side, their light intensifying as they resonated in proximity to one another. A faint, rhythmic pulse filled the air as though the spheres were communicating in a language older than time itself.
"Five to go…" he murmured, his voice a soft whisper that echoed through the empty chamber. He stared at the two glowing orbs, his masked face expressionless but his posture betraying a hint of anticipation.
With a final glance at the spheres, he stepped back into the shadows, his form vanishing into the darkness. The two glowing spheres remained on the pedestal, their light flickering as if with a life of its own, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch toward some unknown destiny.
Ben sat alone in his small, dimly lit shelter, his hands resting on his knees, his gaze distant and heavy with worry. He had been going over their options for hours, his mind circling through plans and possibilities, but he kept hitting the same dead ends. The Empire had Kakarot. He could still hear the chilling words of the Inquisitors as they took him away, the cold promise echoing in his mind: "The woman we're looking for has twenty-four hours to turn herself in at the designated location, or the child's life is forfeit."
Raditz, seated across from him, was pacing back and forth, his frustration growing by the minute. His tail lashed angrily, and his fists were clenched. His youthful face was twisted with impatience and fury. "We shouldn't be sitting here, waiting," he spat, his voice filled with anger. They took Kakarot! My brother! We should be doing something—storming wherever they are and tearing the place apart if we have to!"
Ben's brow furrowed, his voice calm but firm as he met Raditz's fiery gaze. "It's not that simple, Raditz. We don't even know where they're keeping him. If we barge in blindly, we'll only be putting him in more danger."
Raditz glared, crossing his arms defiantly. "I don't care! I can take them down, all of them, if I have to!" His face flushed with determination. "I don't care about their blasters or armor. I'll make them pay."
Ben's eyes softened with a mixture of concern and caution. He didn't fully understand the extent of Raditz's abilities, but he could see the fierce determination in the young Saiyan's eyes, the kind of raw, boundless confidence that only came from someone who had yet to experience true consequences. "Raditz, I believe that you're strong," he said carefully, "but rushing into the Empire's grasp is dangerous. You can't even imagine what they're capable of, especially those Inquisitors. And we can't risk drawing too much attention. I have… certain reasons I need to keep a low profile here on Tatooine."
Raditz's scowl deepened, his tail flicking with agitation. "So what, then? Do we just wait? While my brother is out there, in their hands, helpless?"
Ben took a slow breath, choosing his words carefully. "Right now, we have to be smart, not reckless. I know it's hard, but we need a plan, not blind action. If we don't know where they're keeping him, we can't help him. And… we don't want to alert the entire Empire to our presence."
Raditz opened his mouth to argue, his fists tightening, but he knew better than to interrupt. He forced himself to stay quiet, though his body remained tense, practically vibrating with anger.
Ben hesitated for a moment, running a hand through his beard as he replayed the Inquisitors' words in his mind. "They said they would be waiting for her at a specific location," he murmured, his gaze distant. "In Mos Eisley… a specific location. They must want her to come to them on their terms."
Raditz's eyes flashed. "Her? You mean Mom?"
"Yes," Ben nodded. "The Inquisitors want her to turn herself in within twenty-four hours. They believe she's the one they're after. If she's not there… they made it clear Kakarot's life would be at risk."
Raditz clenched his jaw, a mixture of fear and anger flashing across his face. "Then we just have to wait for her to come back," he muttered. "She's tough. She'll know what to do."
Ben's brow creased with worry as he glanced out the window, scanning the desert landscape. Gine had left earlier that day for the job she was hired for. He had no way of knowing when she'd return or if she'd make it back in time to help them mount a rescue. The Empire's twenty-four-hour ultimatum weighed heavily on him, and he could only hope she would return before it was too late.
Just then, a faint sound caught his ear—the distant rumble of footsteps growing closer. Ben straightened, his heart leaping with cautious hope. A few moments later, Gine appeared at the entrance, stepping inside with an air of casual confidence, her share of the credits stashed in a small bag slung over her shoulder.
"Hey, I'm back," she said, giving them both a slight nod as she set down her bag. But her smile faded as she took in their tense expressions, a flicker of concern appearing in her eyes. "What's going on?"
Raditz was the first to speak, his voice filled with anger and desperation. "Mom! They took Kakarot!" His fists clenched at his sides, his tail lashing furiously. "Some guys in black and stormtroopers… they took him! They said they'll only give him back if you turn yourself in within a day."
Gine's expression darkened, her eyes narrowing as she processed the news. She took a slow, steadying breath, her gaze hardening with a mixture of anger and resolve. "So… they took my son to get to me," she said, her voice dangerously calm.
Ben stepped forward, his expression serious but sympathetic. "Gine, it's a trap. They're hoping you'll walk right into it. They're Inquisitors—agents of the Empire trained specifically to hunt targets of the Empire. If you go, there's no telling what they'll do."
Gine looked at him, her gaze fierce and unwavering. "Ben, I don't care what they are or what they're capable of. They took my son. This started because of me, and I have to be the one to end it."
Raditz clenched his fists, stepping forward with an intense expression. "I want to come with you, Mom. I can help. I can fight them."
But Gine shook her head firmly, placing a hand on Raditz's shoulder and giving him a small, reassuring smile. "Raditz, I know you're strong. I know you want to protect your brother. But this isn't your fight. They're after me, and I can't risk you getting hurt." Her voice softened, her expression filled with a fierce protectiveness. "I'm going to get Kakarot back. You and Ben need to stay here."
Raditz's face twisted with frustration, his eyes flashing with defiance. "But I can help! I'm not a little kid anymore, Mom—I'm a Saiyan! I can handle them!"
Gine's smile faded, her expression turning serious as she looked him directly in the eyes. "Raditz, I know what you're capable of. But this is my responsibility. They took Kakarot because they wanted to get to me, and I can't let you get caught up in that. You need to stay here with Ben and trust me."
Raditz opened his mouth to argue, but something in her gaze stopped him. He could see the determination in her eyes, the fierce love that drove her, and he knew there would be no changing her mind. With a reluctant nod, he stepped back, his fists still clenched at his sides.
Ben placed a hand on Raditz's shoulder, giving him a reassuring nod before turning back to Gine. "I don't agree with this," he said quietly, his voice laced with concern. "But if you're determined to go, you should know… the Inquisitors are dangerous. They'll be expecting you, ready for anything."
Gine's eyes softened, a faint smile touching her lips. "Ben, I appreciate the warning. But I've faced worse. They think they're the ones with the advantage, but they don't know what they're dealing with." She straightened, her expression hardening with resolve. "I won't let them hurt my son. Not now, not ever."
Ben watched her, his gaze filled with admiration and concern. He could see the strength and determination radiating from her, a fierceness he hadn't encountered in many others. "Just… be careful," he said softly. I don't want Raditz to lose both his brother and his mother in one day."
Gine nodded, her gaze steady. "I'll bring Kakarot back. I promise." She placed a gentle hand on Raditz's head, ruffling his hair in a rare show of affection. "Take care of things here. And stay strong, alright?"
Raditz looked up at her, his face filled with a mix of anger, pride, and fear. "Come back with Kakarot," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Please, Mom."
"I will," she replied, her voice firm. "I promise."
With a final nod to Ben, Gine turned and left. Her footsteps were steady and unwavering as she disappeared into the sands of Tatooine, her figure silhouetted against the setting sun. Ben and Raditz watched her go, their hearts heavy with worry but also filled with quiet, unspoken hope.
As Gine's form faded into the distance, Ben placed a reassuring hand on Raditz's shoulder. "We have to trust her, Raditz," he said gently.
Raditz nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Yeah…"
But as they stood there in silence, both of them knew that the real test lay ahead. Gine was walking into the Empire's trap, but she was doing it for her son, for her family. And for that, Ben knew she would face any danger and endure any hardship.
The Empire had taken her son—but they had no idea what kind of force they had just unleashed.
Gine arrived at the location on the outskirts of Mos Eisley, her steps steady and unhurried, her expression set with cold, focused anger. The Empire had chosen an open, flat clearing near the edge of a rocky dune, an area where the sand stretched endlessly into the desert. The sky above was dimming as the twin suns began to set, casting long shadows over the array of soldiers, machinery, and imposing figures awaiting her arrival.
Dozens of stormtroopers stood in formation, their blasters trained on her as she approached. Flanking them were two towering AT-ST walkers, their blaster cannons trained squarely in her direction. In front of the soldiers, two figures stood side by side: the two Inquisitors she'd heard about, the ones who had taken her son. The Fifth Brother loomed over the group, his bulk and imposing stature a stark contrast to the lithe, sinister form of the Seventh Sister beside him. And there, cradled in the Fifth Brother's arms, was her son, Kakarot, squirming and letting out distressed whimpers.
As Gine drew closer, her eyes fixed on her child, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Her rage simmered beneath the surface, a cold fury that sharpened her focus and kept her voice steady.
"Give him back," she demanded, her voice low but unwavering, every syllable laced with barely contained anger.
The Inquisitors exchanged a look before breaking into mocking laughter. The Fifth Brother held Kakarot up slightly, his thick, gloved fingers gripping the infant in a way that made Gine's heart lurch with fear and fury. "Oh, is this what you want?" he sneered, holding the baby just out of reach. "This little… runt?"
The Seventh Sister's smile was hidden behind her helmet, but her tone was dripping with cruelty. "Look at her, coming here all alone," she taunted. "Did you really think you could walk into our trap and just take the child back? Did you think we wouldn't be ready for… whatever it is you think you can do?"
Gine's glare darkened, her gaze fixed intently on Kakarot as he began to squirm and whimper louder. "Let him go," she repeated, her voice like steel. "You wanted me, not him."
The Seventh Sister tilted her head, a mock expression of pity in her voice. "Oh, we know," she replied, drawing her lightsaber and igniting it with a hiss, the red blade casting a menacing glow across her face. "And we'll give you your child back… if you surrender to us. Just come quietly, turn yourself in, and this all ends."
The Fifth Brother stepped forward, his lightsaber igniting in his free hand. He smirked, clearly relishing the opportunity to intimidate. "If you resist, we'll make sure your son doesn't live to see another day," he said, his voice a low growl.
Gine's jaw tightened, her expression unmoved. "I came to get my son back," she said firmly. "I'm not surrendering to anyone. You'll regret taking him."
The Inquisitors sneered, clearly amused by her defiance. The Seventh Sister chuckled darkly. "You're in no position to make demands," she said, gesturing to the army surrounding them. "Look around. Do you think you can take on all of us?"
Kakarot's whimpers grew louder. His small fists clenched as he squirmed in the Fifth Brother's grasp, his face red and scrunched with distress. Gine's eyes flickered to him, her heart tightening painfully at the sight of her son in such distress. When he let out a shrill cry, something inside her snapped. Her calm anger exploded into a fierce, protective rage that washed over her like a tidal wave.
"Put. Him. Down," she said, her voice cold and dangerous.
The stormtroopers tightened their grips on their blasters, some shifting uneasily at the intensity of her tone. But the Inquisitors only laughed, ignoring her warning.
"Oh, we'll put him down, alright," the Fifth Brother taunted, his grip on Kakarot tightening slightly, making the infant cry out louder. "But only after you've learned your place."
Gine's fists were unclenched as she took a single step forward, her eyes blazing with anger. "I don't think you understand," she said, her voice steady but dripping with menace. "I'm going to take my son back, whether you like it or not."
Without another word, she sprang into action. In an instant, she was a blur, moving faster than the stormtroopers could react. Before they could fire a single shot, she was among them, her fists flying as she cut through their ranks with ruthless efficiency. Her Saiyan strength was unstoppable—one punch sent troopers flying, two at a time, their armor shattering under her blows.
Blaster fire erupted around her as the troopers attempted to retaliate, but Gine dodged effortlessly, weaving through the chaos with a fluid, almost dance-like precision. She reached out, her hand glowing with energy, and unleashed a powerful blast that tore through one of the AT-ST walkers, reducing it to a smoking pile of scrap metal. The explosion echoed through the desert, sending a shockwave that rocked the ground beneath them.
The Seventh Sister's mocking smile faltered as she watched Gine tear through the stormtroopers, her movements precise and lethal. The Fifth Brother's expression twisted with anger, his grip on Kakarot loosening as he realized he might actually be outmatched.
"Impossible…" the Seventh Sister muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief. "She's… she's no Jedi. She's something else."
With a snarl, the Fifth Brother handed Kakarot off to one of the stormtroopers, barking an order to keep the child back as he activated his double-bladed lightsaber, the crimson blades humming ominously as he stalked toward Gine. "I'll put an end to this," he growled, his voice filled with anger.
Gine didn't flinch as he charged at her, his twin blades slicing through the air with deadly speed. But she stood her ground, her eyes focused, her posture relaxed. As he swung his lightsaber in a furious arc, she raised a single finger, meeting his blade with effortless precision. The crimson energy clashed against her fingertip, sparking and hissing, but it did nothing to faze her.
The Fifth Brother's face contorted in shock as he stared at her, his lightsaber hovering uselessly against her finger. "What… how…?" he stammered, his voice filled with disbelief.
The Seventh Sister watched in stunned silence, her eyes wide with horror as she realized what was happening. Gine was blocking the lightsaber—with a single finger. And she looked completely unbothered as if it required no effort at all.
Gine's eyes narrowed, her voice cold and dripping with contempt. "You made a mistake taking my son," she said quietly, her tone laced with anger. "And now you're going to regret it."
The Fifth Brother roared in frustration, trying to push his blade forward, but Gine held it in place with barely any effort, her finger absorbing the force of his swing. She smirked, a dangerous glint in her eye, and with a single flick of her finger, she sent him stumbling backward, his lightsaber almost slipping from his grasp.
He staggered, his face twisted with disbelief. "This… this is impossible," he muttered, his voice trembling. "What are you?"
Gine didn't answer. She stepped forward, her gaze fixed on him with deadly intent, her movements as calm and controlled as a predator closing in on its prey. The stormtroopers around them faltered, some backing away, fear flickering in their eyes as they realized they were facing something far beyond their understanding.
The Seventh Sister finally snapped out of her shock, igniting her own lightsaber and stepping forward to join the fight. "Enough of this!" she shouted, her voice laced with desperation. "We'll take her down together!"
The two Inquisitors lunged at Gine, their crimson blades slicing through the air in a flurry of deadly strikes. But Gine dodged each swing with effortless ease, her movements swift and graceful. She didn't even raise her hands to defend herself, simply sidestepping their attacks with a calm, focused expression. Her gaze never left Kakarot as she slowly closed the distance between her and her son.
The Fifth Brother let out a frustrated growl, his strikes growing more desperate as he realized he could not land a single blow. "Stand still!" he shouted, his voice filled with rage.
But Gine just smirked, dodging his attack with a quick sidestep. "You don't get it, do you?" she said, her voice calm and unwavering. "I'm not here to play your games."
In a flash, she moved behind him, her hand gripping his shoulder with a strength that made him wince. Before he could react, she flung him aside, sending him crashing into a pile of debris with enough force to dent his armor. The Seventh Sister hesitated, her confidence shaken, but she pressed forward, lunging at Gine with a fierce battle cry.
Gine didn't flinch. She raised her hand, catching the blade between her fingers, the crimson light casting a harsh glow on her determined face. With a slight twist of her wrist, she redirected the blade downward, forcing the Seventh Sister's arm to twist painfully. The lightsaber deactivated with a sputtering hiss as the Inquisitor stumbled backward in shock, her weapon nearly slipping from her grasp.
The Seventh Sister's eyes were wide with fear as she backed away, her hands trembling. "This… this can't be… you're just a… a…"
Gine stepped forward, her gaze cold and unyielding. "I'm a mother," she said simply. "And I'll do whatever it takes to protect my children."
The remaining stormtroopers scattered, their morale shattered as they realized they were no match for her. Gine ignored them, her focus solely on the stormtrooper holding Kakarot. She strode forward, her expression deadly serious, and the trooper froze, his hands shaking as he clutched the crying infant.
"Give him to me," Gine said quietly, her voice laced with a quiet fury that sent a chill down the trooper's spine.
The trooper didn't dare disobey. He hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly extended Kakarot toward her, his hands trembling as he placed the child in her arms.
As Gine cradled Kakarot in her arms, his cries began to subside. She gently rocked him, a soft smile touching her lips as she wiped away the tears from his chubby cheeks. "There, there," she cooed, her voice soothing amidst the chaos she had left behind. "Mommy's here now. Those mean people won't bother you anymore."
Kakarot blinked at her, his wide eyes shimmering with a mixture of confusion and relief. He reached out a tiny hand, grabbing a strand of her hair and gently tugging it. Gine chuckled softly, her earlier fury melting away as she pressed a kiss to his forehead. "You always did like playing with my hair," she murmured, a hint of amusement in her tone. Just like your father."
Behind her, the Seventh Sister staggered to her feet, her helmet slightly askew and her cape torn from the earlier confrontation. She watched Gine walking away, a mixture of rage and disbelief contorting her features. "You can't just walk away from us!" she shouted, her voice echoing across the desert sands. "You have made a powerful enemy today!"
Gine paused mid-step, glancing over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow. "Oh? And who might that be?" she asked mockingly, her tone light as if she were merely discussing the weather.
The Fifth Brother limped forward, clutching his side where a piece of shrapnel had grazed him. "The Empire!" he roared, his voice filled with venom. "We will hunt you down! There is nowhere in this galaxy you can hide!"
Gine turned to face them fully, a sly smile playing on her lips. "You know, for agents of an all-powerful Empire, you sure do complain a lot," she quipped. "Maybe you should consider a career change. Less chasing innocent mothers, more... I don't know, knitting?"
A few of the remaining stormtroopers exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whether to advance or retreat. The Seventh Sister's hands trembled with fury as she readjusted her helmet, her eyes burning with hatred beneath the visor. "You will regret mocking us!" she screeched.
Gine shrugged nonchalantly, adjusting Kakarot in her arms as he began to giggle, amused by the heated exchange. "Could've fooled me," she said lightly. "Looks to me like you already did."
The Fifth Brother's face twisted with rage. "Enough of this!" he bellowed. Turning sharply, he barked orders into his communicator. "All TIE fighters, converge on my coordinates! Target the woman and fire at will!"
The Seventh Sister's eyes widened slightly. "Are you sure?" she hissed under her breath. "We weren't supposed to cause too much of a scene—"
"I don't care!" the Fifth Brother snapped. "She has humiliated us! She must be destroyed!"
Gine watched their exchange with mild interest, tapping her foot impatiently. "You know, if you're done with your little tantrum, I'd like to get going," she called out. "Got a baby here who needs his nap."
In the distance, the distinctive roar of TIE fighters grew louder, their ominous silhouettes appearing against the darkening sky. Gine glanced up, spotting the squadron of ships heading straight for her. She sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Oh great, more toys to break."
The Seventh Sister pointed a gloved finger at Gine, her voice shrill with fury. "You won't escape this time!"
Gine shifted Kakarot to one arm, patting his back reassuringly as she raised her free hand toward the incoming fighters. "Hold on tight, little one," she whispered playfully. "Mommy's going to make some fireworks."
The TIE fighters streaked toward her, their lasers firing in a barrage of red bolts. Gine stood her ground, her hair fluttering around her as the wind picked up. At the last possible moment, she swung her arm in a wide arc, releasing a burst of brilliant energy that soared into the sky. The blast split into multiple beams, each one homing in on a different fighter.
The pilots had no time to react. One by one, the TIE fighters exploded in dazzling bursts of flame and smoke, debris raining down harmlessly in the sands far from where Gine stood. The sky lit up with the fiery remnants of the squadron, the echoes of the explosions rolling across the desert like thunder.
Kakarot clapped his tiny hands, giggling with delight at the spectacle, his earlier distress completely forgotten.
Gine smiled down at him, chuckling softly. "You like that, huh?" she said, tickling his belly. "Maybe next time we'll make them even bigger."
The Inquisitors and the stormtroopers stared in absolute disbelief, their faces pale beneath their helmets. The Seventh Sister took a step back, her confidence visibly shaken. "This... this can't be happening," she whispered. "She took out an entire squadron... by herself..."
The Fifth Brother's jaw tightened, but fear flickered in his eyes. "What is she?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
Gine turned her gaze back to them, her expression turning serious. "Listen closely," she called out, her voice carrying a weight that silenced any remaining murmurs among the soldiers. "I don't know what kind of game you think you're playing, but this is your one and only warning. Do not mess with my family again."
She paused, letting her words sink in. The air around her seemed to hum with latent energy, a subtle reminder of the power she held. "You're lucky I'm feeling merciful today," she continued. "Next time, I won't be so forgiving."
The Seventh Sister bristled, her pride fighting the fear that gripped her. "You think you can threaten us?" she shouted, though her voice wavered. The Empire does not tolerate defiance!"
Gine smirked, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Funny, I was about to say the same thing about myself."
With that, she adjusted her hold on Kakarot, giving him a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Ready to go home, sweetheart?" she asked softly.
Kakarot yawned, nestling against her shoulder. "Home," he murmured sleepily.
Gine took a deep breath, and then, to the utter astonishment of everyone present, she began to rise into the air. The sands swirled beneath her feet as she ascended, a gentle gust whipping around her. The stormtroopers gaped, some stumbling backward and tripping over themselves.
"She's... she's flying!" one of them exclaimed, his voice muffled by his helmet.
The Fifth Brother's eyes widened, genuine fear now etched across his face. "Impossible," he whispered. "No one can do that without the Force..."
The Seventh Sister shook her head vehemently. "This defies everything we've been taught," she hissed. "We have to report this to the Grand Inquisitor. She must be found!"
Gine hovered several meters above the ground, giving them a final, piercing look. "Remember what I said," she warned. "Stay away from my family."
Then, with a swift turn, she soared into the sky, leaving the stunned assembly behind. The wind carried her effortlessly, the landscape of Tatooine stretching out below as she headed back toward the distant horizon.
On the ground, silence hung heavy among the Imperial forces. The stormtroopers shuffled uneasily, awaiting orders that didn't come. The Fifth Brother and Seventh Sister remained rooted to the spot, their minds racing as they tried to process what they had just witnessed.
"What do we tell the Empire?" the Fifth Brother finally muttered, his voice hollow.
The Seventh Sister's gaze was fixed on the point where Gine had vanished from sight. "The truth," she said bitterly. "That we encountered a being of unknown origin and unparalleled power. One that could pose a greater threat than any Jedi."
He clenched his fists, a scowl darkening his features. "We cannot allow this humiliation to stand," he growled. "She will pay for this."
She shot him a sidelong glance. "First, we need to understand what we're dealing with," she cautioned. "Charging in blindly has already cost us dearly."
He grunted in reluctant agreement. "Very well. But mark my words—we will find her."
The Seventh Sister nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing. "Yes," she agreed. "And when we do, we will be prepared."
As the remnants of the Imperial forces began to regroup, whispers spread among the ranks about the woman who could fly and destroy ships with a mere gesture. Fear mingled with fascination, and a sense of unease settled over them all.
Far above, Gine flew smoothly through the evening sky, the twin suns casting a golden glow over the desert below. Kakarot had fallen asleep against her shoulder, his soft breaths warm against her neck.
She allowed herself a small smile, her heart swelling with relief and affection. "It looks like it's just you and me for now," she whispered. "We'll be home soon."
Her thoughts drifted to Raditz and Ben, and she wondered how they would react to the tale of her encounter. She suspected Ben might have a few choice words about keeping a low profile, but she couldn't bring herself to regret her actions. Protecting her family was all that mattered.
As she neared their modest dwelling on the outskirts of the desert, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The Empire had made a grave mistake in targeting her children, and she would ensure they thought twice before ever threatening her family again.
Well, folks, Gine just showed the Empire exactly what happens when you mess with a Saiyan mom and her kid—big mistake. She wiped the floor with those stormtroopers, knocked out those AT-STs, and even had the Inquisitors sweating by the end. She literally took out TIE fighters with one hand! 😅 But… something tells me this might come back to bite her, now that she's officially on the Empire's radar. Not exactly keeping a low profile, huh?
Oh, and remember that mysterious buyer? Yeah, he's still out there, quietly collecting those shiny "crystal spheres" (you know, they might have a dragon-related name 😉). Who knows what he's planning with them, but one thing's for sure: things are about to get interesting.