Bardock stretched his arms, feeling the soreness in his muscles ease with each movement. The strange, transparent liquid in the bacta tank had done its job, mending his injuries far faster than he could have imagined. Though he still felt a faint ache in his ribs, his body was healed, strong, and ready for whatever lay ahead. He frowned as he glanced down at the loose, unfamiliar robes he'd been given in place of his usual armor. Everything about this place felt foreign—the soft light filtering through the large, arching windows, the intricate designs adorning the walls, and the quiet, almost meditative atmosphere. It was worlds apart from Planet Vegeta.

The door slid open, and Bail Organa entered, his expression brightening as he saw Bardock out of the tank and moving about freely.

"Bardock," Bail greeted warmly, clasping his hands together. "I see you're back in shape. It's good to see you looking well again."

Bardock gave a curt nod, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Yeah. I appreciate the help, but I don't plan on sticking around much longer. Got things to do."

Before Bail could respond, a smaller figure darted into the room, her footsteps light and quick. Leia, wearing a simple white tunic, grinned up at Bardock, her eyes filled with curiosity and a playful spark. She seemed unbothered by the Saiyan's serious expression.

"Hi, Bardock!" Leia said brightly, skipping up to his side. "You're all better now! Are you going to stay and explore Alderaan with us?"

Bardock frowned, an eyebrow arching in slight annoyance. "Kid, I'm not here for sightseeing," he muttered, crossing his arms. "I have things I need to take care of."

Leia's smile faltered a bit, but her curiosity didn't waver. "Oh," she replied, rocking on her heels. "Well, I just thought maybe you'd want to stay for a bit. We don't get visitors like you often. Besides," she added with a small, stubborn pout, "you seem like you'd be fun to have around."

Bail let out a soft chuckle, though he quickly stifled it when he caught Bardock's scowl. "Leia," he said gently, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder, "Bardock's been through a lot. Give him some space."

Leia glanced up at her father, her expression briefly turning disappointed, but she nodded. "Alright," she said with a small sigh. Then she looked back at Bardock, flashing him one last, hopeful smile. "If you change your mind, I'll be around!"

As she left the room, Bardock breathed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. The kid's energy was admirable, but her insistence was something he wasn't used to.

Bail watched her go, a faint smile on his face. "I apologize," he said, turning back to Bardock. "Leia… she can be a bit persistent. But she means well."

Bardock shrugged. "It's fine. Kids are kids."

There was a pause, and then Bail took a few steps closer, his tone turning more serious. "Now that you're feeling better," he began, "I have to ask… what are you planning to do next?"

Bardock's gaze hardened, his voice firm. "What I've told you already—I'm going to find my family."

Bail studied him, his eyes thoughtful, but his expression showed a hint of doubt. "You're set on this," he said quietly. "But, Bardock… you've admitted you know next to nothing about this galaxy. You don't even know if your family is… here. Or if they're even—" He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "If they survived whatever happened to your homeworld."

Bardock's jaw clenched, and he looked away, his fists tightening. "They're out there," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "My sons… they're tough. And Gine—" His voice softened slightly as he thought of his wife. "She wouldn't go down that easily."

A quiet voice interrupted, and they turned to see Leia standing in the doorway, listening intently. Her earlier cheer had faded, replaced by a rare look of solemnity as she took a tentative step forward. "You have kids?" she asked, her voice soft and curious. "Are they like me?"

Bardock's expression softened slightly, and he gave a slight nod. "Yeah," he replied, his tone grudgingly warm. "Two boys. Raditz and Kakarot."

Leia's eyes brightened. "What are they like?"

Bardock looked down, his gaze distant as memories of his sons filled his mind. "Raditz… he's the older one. A bit stubborn, strong-willed." He let out a dry chuckle. "Doesn't like to listen, but he's got a fire in him." His gaze softened further, almost like he could see his younger son before him. "And Kakarot… he's just a baby. Doesn't know anything about the world yet. But he's got spirit."

Leia tilted her head, her expression gentle. "They sound amazing," she murmured, her tone carrying a warmth that Bardock hadn't expected. "I bet they miss you."

Bardock's face tightened, his voice low. "I don't know if they even know what's going on… or where they are. But I'm going to find them."

Bail cleared his throat gently, his expression sympathetic but cautious. "Bardock," he began, "I admire your resolve. Truly, I do. But this galaxy… it's vast and dangerous. You said yourself that you're new here. How do you intend to even begin finding them? Let alone know if they're in the same galaxy?"

Bardock's jaw set stubbornly, but Bail continued, undeterred. "The Empire controls almost every corner of this galaxy. They have the resources and the reach… and they're not known for being forgiving of strangers wandering through their territory. Especially not someone like you."

Bardock crossed his arms, a defiant glint in his eyes. "I'll figure it out. I don't need anyone's permission to find my family."

Leia stepped forward, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe… maybe we could help. I mean, my father knows a lot of people. Good people. People who don't like the Empire and who might help someone in need."

Bail's eyes flickered with worry, though he didn't immediately dismiss the idea. "Leia…" he began cautiously, but Leia looked up at him, her gaze earnest.

"But, Father, we help people all the time! And he's just trying to find his family!" She turned back to Bardock, her small hands clenched at her sides. "If they're out there, I'm sure there's a way to find them."

Bardock eyed her, a bit taken aback by her sincerity. He wasn't accustomed to seeing this kind of willingness to help in others—especially not from someone with no stake in his life. "I don't need your charity," he muttered, though his tone was more thoughtful than cold.

Bail placed a hand on Leia's shoulder, giving her a gentle, almost protective squeeze before addressing Bardock again. "She's right about one thing, though," he said, his voice measured. "I know people. People who have been hurt by the Empire, who know the galaxy's hidden paths. If you're serious about this, Bardock… you might need their help."

Bardock hesitated, his gaze flickering between Bail and Leia. He wasn't accustomed to the thought of relying on others—Saiyans were fiercely independent people. And yet, in a strange galaxy, with no knowledge of its systems or dangers, he understood the advantage of having allies, at least temporarily.

"I don't need anyone slowing me down," he said finally, though there was a hint of grudging acceptance in his tone.

Bail smiled faintly. "I don't think they'd slow you down," he replied, his voice calm. "They'd guide you. But the choice is yours."

Leia stepped closer, her gaze steady as she looked up at him. "I know you want to find them, Bardock," she said softly. "And I believe you can. But if my father's friends can help, maybe you don't have to do it alone."

Bardock sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he mulled over her words. This kid, he thought, had a surprising amount of spirit for someone so small. Oddly enough, her sincerity reminded him of Gine, with that same determination and warmth that cut through his usual walls.

"Fine," he said after a long pause, his voice rough. "If they can help… maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing. But only until I get what I need. After that, I'm on my own."

Bail nodded, respect evident in his gaze. "That's fair," he said. "I'll make a few calls. Discreetly," he added with a knowing glance. "The fewer people know, the better."

Leia beamed, her earlier disappointment forgotten as she admired Bardock. "I knew you'd say yes," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "You're going to find them, Bardock. I just know it."

Bardock grunted, though he didn't bother trying to hide the faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Guess we'll see, won't we?"

As Bail led him out of the room, Bardock felt a faint, unspoken hope take root in his chest. He didn't know this galaxy or its people, but he began to see that allies might make all the difference.

And he'd do whatever it took to find his family—no matter what lay ahead.

Gine cradled Kakarot in her arms, his small face nestled against her shoulder, as she walked back into the modest dwelling where Ben and Raditz were waiting. Her eyes softened when she saw Raditz, who perked up immediately. Relief flooded his young face as he ran over to her, his tail flicking excitedly.

"Mom! You're back!" Raditz's eyes darted to Kakarot, who was snoozing peacefully against her. "Is he… is he okay?"

Gine nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. "He's fine. Just tired," she replied, ruffling Raditz's hair gently. "Your little brother's tougher than he looks."

Standing a few feet away, Ben looked at her in awe, his expression a mixture of relief and disbelief. "Gine… you got him back," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "And you're… you're unharmed. Not a scratch on you."

Gine shrugged, adjusting Kakarot in her arms as she gave Ben a small, almost nonchalant smile. "I told you I had it under control," she said. They weren't going to keep me from my son—not for long, anyway."

Ben's brow furrowed, his gaze sweeping over her as though he were trying to make sense of what he saw. He'd always known she was strong, capable of defending herself—but what she'd done, taking on the Empire's forces and two Inquisitors, was beyond anything he could have expected.

"I knew you were strong," he admitted, his voice filled with quiet amazement. "But to take on the Empire's soldiers… and Inquisitors, no less… Gine, this is far beyond what I thought you were capable of."

Gine chuckled softly, a hint of pride flickering in her eyes. "They may have been tough," she said, "but they were no match for a Saiyan mother." Her voice softened as she looked down at Kakarot, her gaze filled with a fierce protectiveness. "I wasn't going to let anyone come between me and my children."

Raditz beamed at her, practically glowing with admiration. "You took them down, Mom? All of them?"

Gine nodded, her expression proud but controlled. "I did what I had to do, Raditz," she replied. "And I'd do it again if it meant keeping you and your brother safe."

Ben's expression grew serious, concern darkening his gaze. "Gine, I don't doubt your strength, but… you've crossed a line with the Empire. They won't let this go. They'll hunt you down, especially after what you did. It isn't safe for you to stay here anymore."

Gine's smile faded, and she nodded in agreement, her eyes turning thoughtful. "I know," she said quietly. "The Empire doesn't like being humiliated, and I made sure they'll remember what happened today." She shifted her weight, a hint of weariness in her stance as she continued, "But… I've got a plan. That job I took? It paid well enough for me to get us off this planet, maybe even somewhere they won't follow."

Ben's eyes widened slightly, a glimmer of hope mixing with the concern in his gaze. "So you're planning to leave?"

"Yes," she replied, her voice steady. "I have enough credits to get a ship, and with a little luck, we'll be able to find a place where the Empire won't be breathing down our necks."

Raditz's face lit up with excitement. "We're leaving Tatooine?" he asked, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. "Finally!"

Gine chuckled, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Yes, Raditz. We'll be somewhere safer soon."

She turned to Ben, her expression softening with gratitude. "You've done so much for us, Ben. Letting us stay here, helping me figure things out… I owe you more than I can say." She hesitated, then gave him a hopeful look. "Are you sure you won't come with us? You'd always have a place with us. It's the least I could do after everything you've done."

Ben offered a kind but firm smile, shaking his head. "Thank you, Gine. Truly, the offer means a lot," he said gently. "But I can't. I have… my own reasons for being here." His gaze turned distant, a glint of resolve in his eyes. "There are things I need to do that keep me here on Tatooine."

Gine studied him for a moment, sensing the weight behind his words. "Alright," she said softly, accepting his answer. "But if you ever change your mind, you'd be more than welcome."

Ben's face softened, and he stepped closer, pulling a small communicator from his robe. "Here," he said, handing it to her. "Take this. It's a secure communicator. If you ever need help, or if things get… difficult… you can contact me. I'll do what I can, even from here."

Gine took the communicator, her fingers brushing over it as she looked up at him, her expression filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Ben," she murmured. "For everything. I won't forget it."

Ben gave her a small nod, his gaze steady. "Stay safe, Gine. And… keep an eye on those boys." His gaze lingered on Kakarot, who had woken up and was staring at Ben with wide, curious eyes.

Gine smiled, adjusting Kakarot in her arms. "I will," she promised. She looked down at her children, her heart swelling with a fierce determination. "I'll protect them, no matter what."

With a final nod, Ben stepped back, watching as Gine gathered Raditz and Kakarot, ready to embark on the next part of their journey. He knew she was heading into a galaxy filled with dangers, and her strength alone wouldn't protect her from every threat ahead. But he also knew that if anyone could overcome those obstacles, it was her.

As Gine turned to leave, she paused at the doorway, glancing back at Ben with a soft smile. "Goodbye, Ben. Take care of yourself."

In return, he gave her a gentle smile, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Goodbye, Gine. May the Force be with you."

Gine tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "The Force?"

Ben's smile grew, but he simply nodded. "Just… something to keep you safe on your journey."

She nodded, not fully understanding but appreciating the sentiment. With that, she turned, leading Raditz and Kakarot out into the desert sands, ready to forge a path to safety for her family.

Ben watched them go, a mix of relief and worry filling his heart. He had seen incredible power in Gine, a strength that defied explanation. But now she was stepping into the unknown, with only her courage and love for her children to guide her.

As the desert winds swirled around him, Ben looked down at the empty space where they had been. "May the Force be with you, Gine," he murmured softly, knowing that their paths might one day cross again.

The Fifth Brother and Seventh Sister stood in the shadows of a dimly lit Imperial communications room, their faces hidden beneath their hoods. Red emergency lights cast a faint, ominous glow over the chamber, illuminating their tense expressions as they awaited the call. The air was thick with a mixture of unease and frustration—their failure on Tatooine weighed heavily on both of them, but the knowledge that they would now have to face the Grand Inquisitor made it all the more oppressive.

The holo-transmitter whirred to life with a low hum, flickering for a moment before the tall, imposing figure of the Grand Inquisitor appeared. His red and black markings were stark against his pale skin. His eyes were sharp and unforgiving, and he wasted no time addressing them.

"Fifth Brother. Seventh Sister," he said, his voice as cold as the void. "I understand that you were dispatched to Tatooine with a simple directive: capture or kill the woman responsible for attacking our stormtroopers. Instead, I receive a report of your failure. Explain yourselves."

The Fifth Brother clenched his fists, his jaw tight as he glared down at the holo-image. "My lord, this woman was… unlike anything we have ever encountered," he growled, the frustration evident in his voice. "She took down an entire squad of stormtroopers with ease. We had no chance to subdue her."

The Grand Inquisitor's expression didn't waver, though his gaze grew colder. "I am not interested in your excuses, Fifth Brother. You are an Inquisitor. You were handpicked to deal with these sorts of threats." His eyes narrowed, and his tone turned even icier. "And yet, you tell me that a single woman, armed with nothing but her bare hands, bested you both? Do you expect me to believe this nonsense?"

The Seventh Sister stepped forward, her voice strained but determined. "My lord, we are only reporting what we witnessed. This woman… she destroyed an entire squadron of TIE fighters—from the ground—and blocked lightsaber strikes with a single finger. She was unfazed, as though our weapons were nothing more than toys."

The Grand Inquisitor's gaze turned sharp, and he let out a low, disdainful laugh. "A woman… who can block lightsabers with a finger?" He looked down his nose at them, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Have you been taken in by some Jedi parlor trick? Did a desert illusion cloud your senses, Seventh Sister?"

The Fifth Brother gritted his teeth, fighting the urge to snarl. "With all due respect, my lord, it was no illusion. I witnessed it with my own eyes." He took a steadying breath, his face a mask of barely contained anger. "I've never seen strength like that. Not from any Jedi or enemy we've faced before."

The Grand Inquisitor's eyes narrowed, his expression growing more severe. "Then you have lost your edge," he hissed, words cutting through them like a blade. "If you cannot defeat a lone woman on Tatooine, what good are you to the Empire? I question if you are worthy of the title of Inquisitor."

The Seventh Sister's eyes flickered with fear and anger, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. "Grand Inquisitor," she said, her voice steady but strained, "we understand the gravity of our failure. But this woman—she's not simply a rogue or a Jedi. There's something… unnatural about her strength. She defies the rules of combat, of logic itself. She even—"

"Enough." The Grand Inquisitor's voice cut her off, sharp and final. He raised a hand, his eyes burning with anger. "Your insistence on defending your incompetence is tiring. You were sent to bring her in, and you have failed. That is all that matters to me."

The Fifth Brother's fists clenched even tighter, but he held his tongue. He could feel the weight of their failure bearing down on them, the shame gnawing at him as he struggled to find the right words. Finally, he spoke, his tone quieter but filled with determination. "Give us another chance, Grand Inquisitor. We will bring her to you or eliminate her."

The Grand Inquisitor sneered, his gaze filled with disdain. "Another chance? You expect me to place my trust in you again after you allowed a mere woman to humiliate you in front of the Empire's forces?" He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Do you think Lord Vader would be as merciful as I am?"

The Seventh Sister's breath hitched at the mention of Vader, and she bowed her head slightly, her voice almost a whisper. "No, my lord. We do not."

"Then know this," the Grand Inquisitor continued, his tone laced with menace. "The Empire does not tolerate weakness nor failure. You will bring this woman to me, or I will ensure that the consequences are… memorable." He allowed a pause, letting his threat sink in. "But I will give you another chance to explain why you think this woman is worth my attention. Speak carefully."

The Fifth Brother's expression hardened, and he took a steadying breath, carefully choosing his words. "She possesses a level of power that we've never encountered outside of the Force," he said, his voice low but firm. "She flew—without a ship—and shot down TIE fighters with energy blasts from her hands. She shattered an AT-ST walker with a single blow. This isn't something any ordinary enemy could do, my lord. She's a threat, not just to us, but to the Empire itself."

The Grand Inquisitor's gaze flickered with something akin to intrigue, though his usual disdain quickly masked it. He studied them both briefly, his face unreadable, before finally speaking.

"A woman with the power to take down Imperial forces as if they were nothing," he murmured, his tone contemplative. "And you say she did this without using the Force?"

The Seventh Sister nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, my lord. We sensed no Force signature from her. It was… as if her strength came from something else entirely."

The Grand Inquisitor's expression darkened a glint of suspicion in his eyes. "If what you say is true, then this woman is indeed… unusual." He allowed a pause, his gaze piercing as he looked at each of them in turn. "But your failure remains. You allowed this woman to escape, and in doing so, you have alerted her to the Empire's presence. You have given her reason to flee and hide."

The Fifth Brother opened his mouth to protest, but a single, icy glare from the Grand Inquisitor silenced him. "Do not think for a moment that your excuses fool me, Fifth Brother," he snarled. "You may have faced something strange, something powerful, but you are Inquisitors. You are trained to overcome any challenge, and you failed."

The Seventh Sister lowered her head further, her voice trembling slightly. "We will not fail again, my lord. We will bring her to you."

The Grand Inquisitor leaned back, his expression hard and unforgiving. "See that you don't," he said coldly. "For your sake, I suggest you locate this woman swiftly and bring her back alive. If she truly possesses power beyond the Force, then she may be… valuable to the Empire."

He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing. "But understand this—if you fail again, if she escapes because of your incompetence, I will not be so forgiving. Do not disappoint me a second time."

The Fifth Brother and Seventh Sister both bowed their heads, their expressions grim as they absorbed his words. "Yes, my lord," they replied in unison, their voices laced with anger and shame.

The Grand Inquisitor's image flickered as he leaned back, his gaze still fixed on them with cold, calculating intensity. "You have your orders," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "I expect results."

With a final, disdainful look, he cut the transmission, leaving the room in silence. The Fifth Brother and Seventh Sister remained motionless, the weight of their failure pressing down on them, each grappling with the stinging humiliation of their defeat.

After a moment, the Fifth Brother clenched his fists, his voice a low growl. "We'll find her," he muttered, his tone filled with anger. "No one defies the Empire and gets away with it."

The Seventh Sister's gaze hardened, her eyes filled with a cold determination. "We underestimated her once. We won't make that mistake again."

They stood silently momentarily, their minds racing with plans and strategies. They would find the mysterious woman, the one who had dared to humiliate them—and this time, they would be prepared.

The Grand Inquisitor's boots clicked steadily on the polished floors of the Star Destroyer's cold corridors, his mind still simmering with irritation after his discussion with the Fifth Brother and Seventh Sister. The story they had recounted felt absurd, yet the intensity with which they'd insisted left him unsettled. A woman capable of effortlessly blocking a lightsaber, taking down TIE fighters from the ground… It was inconceivable. And yet, the Inquisitors seemed absolutely convinced of what they'd witnessed.

As he reached the turbo-lift, the comm crackled softly, a summons beckoning him to meet with the ship's commander—the Grand Admiral himself. He stepped inside, his face tightening as the lift hummed and ascended to the command level. The conversation he was about to have would be one of great importance. The Grand Admiral was not one to waste his time on mere rumors or exaggerations; if this woman truly presented a threat, then he would be the one to analyze it and prepare a solution.

The turbo-lift doors slid open, and the Grand Inquisitor strode into the bridge's command center. Officers moved efficiently at their stations, the ambient hum of technology filling the space. The tension on the bridge was palpable; everyone knew the reputation of the man in command, and no one dared to make a mistake.

At the far end of the command deck, standing near the viewport that framed the vast, star-strewn darkness of space, was the Grand Admiral himself. His back was to the Grand Inquisitor, his arms crossed behind him in a posture of calculated control. Even from this distance, the Inquisitor could see the unmistakable blue hue of the Grand Admiral's skin, contrasting sharply against the pristine white of his uniform.

The Grand Inquisitor approached with careful respect, stopping a few paces behind him and giving a slight bow. "Grand Admiral, I trust you summoned me to discuss the situation on Tatooine."

The Grand Admiral turned slowly, his red eyes glowing faintly in the dim light of the bridge, a calculating gleam in his gaze. "Indeed," he said, his voice smooth and composed. "I have reviewed the preliminary reports. It seems your recent mission did not go as expected."

The Grand Inquisitor clenched his jaw but kept his tone calm. "Yes, Grand Admiral. The Fifth Brother and Seventh Sister encountered… unexpected resistance."

"Resistance?" Thrawn echoed, his tone one of mild curiosity. "They encountered a single woman, did they not? One woman who, according to them, defeated not only a squad of stormtroopers but two Inquisitors and a squadron of TIE fighters."

The Grand Inquisitor gave a stiff nod, still somewhat uncomfortable repeating the tale. "That is their report, yes. They claim she demonstrated strength and abilities that rivaled, if not exceeded, that of a Jedi. Yet there was no indication of the Force in her actions."

Thrawn's expression remained unreadable, his gaze piercing as he processed the information. "Fascinating," he murmured, almost to himself. "A woman who possesses abilities outside of the Force. Such a thing would be… remarkable, wouldn't you agree?"

The Grand Inquisitor's mouth twitched in a faint smirk, though he quickly subdued it. "Surely you don't believe such tales, Grand Admiral. The Inquisitors must have exaggerated. It's highly unlikely for any individual, Jedi or otherwise, to have that kind of strength."

Thrawn's gaze shifted, narrowing slightly as he studied the Grand Inquisitor. "I am not one to dismiss possibilities, no matter how unlikely they may seem," he said, his tone calm yet firm. "In my experience, denying the unknown is the first step toward defeat."

He turned, his gaze drifting to a nearby shelf lined with various artifacts—relics of cultures and worlds the Empire had subjugated. His eyes fell on a small, polished orb, sitting alone in the center of the shelf. He walked over to it, lifting the object with deliberate care, letting it catch the light. It was a smooth, almost glass-like sphere, gleaming faintly as he held it up, his expression contemplative.

"Take this, for example," Thrawn said, his tone almost casual as he turned the sphere in his hand, examining it from every angle. "This orb was collected during a recent campaign on a planet whose inhabitants revered this object as a relic of immense power. They believed it could bring forth their heart's truest desire." His gaze turned to the Grand Inquisitor, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "To those who lack understanding, it may appear to be nothing more than an ornament. But to the people who once held it, it was sacred."

The Grand Inquisitor raised an eyebrow, glancing skeptically at the sphere in Thrawn's hand. "A quaint superstition," he remarked dryly. "Do you believe there's any truth to such a legend?"

Thrawn's smile remained enigmatic, his red eyes glinting as he looked back at the orb. "I believe that, regardless of its true nature, this sphere held enough significance to spark loyalty, hope, and reverence among its people. Those are powerful motivators, Grand Inquisitor. Whether or not the object itself possesses any special properties, the belief surrounding it holds a power of its own."

The Grand Inquisitor considered this, his brow furrowing slightly as he tried to decipher the point Thrawn was making. "And you think this woman might hold a similar sway? That her powers, whether real or exaggerated, could make her dangerous?"

Thrawn's gaze sharpened, his grip tightening slightly around the orb as he turned back to the Inquisitor. "If what you say is true, if she indeed possesses strength beyond any Force-user, then yes. I believe she could prove to be… most dangerous. Such power would not go unnoticed by the galaxy's more volatile factions. And if she were to harness this power effectively, I would not be surprised if she could conquer an entire planet by herself."

The Grand Inquisitor let out a dry, disbelieving chuckle, though he quickly suppressed it under Thrawn's steady, unamused gaze. "Forgive me, Grand Admiral, but do you truly believe a single woman could seize control of an entire planet? That she could inspire such fear?"

Thrawn set the sphere back on the shelf with a slow, deliberate motion, his expression never faltering. "Grand Inquisitor," he said, his tone calm and precise, "my role in this Empire is not to make the mistake of underestimating possibilities, no matter how unlikely they seem. If she is capable of taking on two Inquisitors and our forces, then her threat is not one to be brushed aside."

The Grand Inquisitor's smirk faded, his expression growing serious. He knew that Thrawn's approach to the unknown was measured and deeply analytical—he didn't believe in things without reason. If he saw potential danger in this woman, it meant he was taking the matter with full seriousness.

Thrawn looked back at the sphere on the shelf, his gaze contemplative once more. "In my study of other cultures, I have learned that there are forces beyond what we understand, forces that drive people to extremes for power, for influence." He gestured to the orb. "This… artifact, as unassuming as it may appear, once commanded the loyalty of an entire civilization. Imagine what power such a figure as this woman might command if her strength were to become a legend."

The Grand Inquisitor inclined his head slightly, acknowledging Thrawn's point. "So, then," he said slowly, his tone measured. "You believe she should be… eliminated before she becomes a larger threat?"

Thrawn's smile was faint, almost imperceptible. "Perhaps," he replied, his tone as smooth as ever. "Or, if possible, she may prove to be of use to the Empire. Such power, if channeled properly, could be… beneficial." He let his gaze linger on the sphere for a moment before turning back to the Inquisitor, his eyes sharp and calculating. "But before we act, we must first understand what she truly is and where her abilities come from."

The Grand Inquisitor nodded, finally understanding Thrawn's approach. "You want her captured, then. To be studied, to determine the extent of her abilities."

Thrawn inclined his head, his expression thoughtful. "Precisely. We do not know if this woman is merely an anomaly or a harbinger of something greater. If her powers are as formidable as you claim, then she could either become a formidable enemy or a valuable asset."

The Grand Inquisitor's lips curled into a smirk, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. "Then we will bring her to you, Grand Admiral. The Fifth Brother and Seventh Sister won't fail a second time."

Thrawn's eyes flickered with approval. "See that they don't. And remind them that I am not as forgiving as you." He paused, his gaze once again drifting to the orb on his shelf, his fingers tracing the smooth surface. "Power, Grand Inquisitor, often lies in the things we cannot fully understand. Do not underestimate this woman or the potential she represents. We are on the precipice of something significant. It would be wise to tread carefully."

The Grand Inquisitor bowed, understanding both the weight of his assignment and the warning hidden in Thrawn's words. "I will ensure that she is brought to you, Grand Admiral. She will not evade us again."

As he turned to leave, he glanced back at the Grand Admiral, who continued to gaze at the mysterious sphere on his shelf, his mind clearly occupied with possibilities beyond what the Inquisitor could fathom.

Walking back down the corridors of the Star Destroyer, the Grand Inquisitor felt a renewed sense of purpose. This woman, this strange figure with her unheard-of power—she would be captured, analyzed, understood. And if she proved to be as dangerous as the rumors claimed, she would either be broken or destroyed.

There was no room in the Empire for uncertainty.

The vast emptiness of space stretched on infinitely, broken only by the faint shimmer of distant stars. In the dark reaches of a secluded part of the galaxy, a massive ship emerged from the shadows. Its sleek, imposing structure radiated an aura of power and fear, a silent menace drifting through the cold expanse. The vessel's hull gleamed faintly, almost reflective, with alien markings etched along its surface, a language unreadable to most in this galaxy. Its engines hummed with a low, ominous resonance, casting a faint blue glow.

Inside, a spacious chamber echoed with silence, save for the soft, rhythmic hum of machinery. At the heart of this chamber, elevated on a grand dais, sat a figure on a dark throne, his form hidden in the shadows. His posture was poised, exuding a quiet arrogance, his gaze sharp and penetrating as he surveyed the stars through the massive viewport before him. This was not the look of a conqueror beginning his journey but of one who was used to looking down on worlds he had already crushed.

Three figures stood below the throne, each clad in armor that gleamed dully in the dim light. They stood in silence, their postures disciplined, but even in their stillness, a faint undercurrent of unease ran through them. Finally, one of them, a tall figure with a sleek helmet and narrow visor, glanced at a panel on his arm and cleared his throat, breaking the silence.

"My Lord," he said, his voice low but respectful. "We've confirmed it—the galaxy we're entering is not recorded in our databases. This territory is uncharted."

The figure on the throne leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with a faint glow, a smile playing at the edges of his mouth. "Excellent," he replied, his voice smooth and cold. He settled back into the throne, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest. "Far from my brother's territory, with no traces of his insufferable influence."

One of the other armored figures glanced up, his tone inquisitive. "If I may, my lord, does this mean… we claim this galaxy as our own?"

The commander's smile widened, his expression filled with a mixture of arrogance and satisfaction. "Precisely," he replied, his gaze never leaving the stars before him. "The farther we are from that fool's reach, the better. And if this galaxy is uncharted, then it is ripe for conquest."

The three soldiers exchanged looks, the faintest hints of excitement flickering in their expressions. For them, conquest was a way of life, and this vast, unexplored galaxy offered endless possibilities.

Just then, a faint beeping echoed through the chamber. The armored figure closest to the control console glanced down, his face tightening as he examined the scanner display. "My lord," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice. "We're detecting an unknown vessel. It's approaching our sector, just at the edge of our range."

The commander's smile faltered slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Is that so?" he murmured, his tone sharp and curious. "It seems we're not the only ones prowling this corner of the galaxy."

As the commander leaned forward, the third armored figure, shorter and stockier than the others, peered over the readings with a frown. "It appears they're transmitting a message, sir."

"Let's hear it," the commander ordered, his tone casual yet laced with curiosity.

A few moments later, the message came through the speakers, the voice cold, authoritative, and unmistakably human:

"This is Imperial Command. You are entering restricted space under the jurisdiction of the Galactic Empire. Unauthorized vessels in this sector will be terminated. You are advised to turn back immediately."

The voice cut off, leaving the room in silence, and the commander let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "The Galactic Empire, is it?" he mused, a faint smirk twisting his lips. "How quaint. They believe they own this sector." He paused, considering the message for a moment, then laughed softly, a cold, amused sound that echoed through the chamber. "They think they can threaten me."

One of the armored figures took a step forward, his gaze trained on the commander. "What are your orders, my lord? Shall we avoid this… Empire's territory, or shall we respond?"

The commander's smirk grew, and he rose from his throne, his movements graceful yet imbued with an icy power. He glanced at the viewport, his gaze unfocused, as though already envisioning the destruction that lay before him. "They believe they can dictate terms to us. How amusing. But I think it's time we remind them of their place."

The three armored figures nodded, each one understanding the command without the need for further words.

"Open the hatch," the commander ordered, his voice as calm and collected as if he were ordering tea.

Meanwhile, aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Scorn, Admiral Taen watched the massive, dark vessel on the viewscreen with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. The ship loomed ominously in the vastness of space, its sleek, alien design starkly different from anything recorded in the Imperial databases. The bridge was tense, officers exchanging uneasy glances as they observed the unknown vessel drifting without a single sign of weapon activation.

"Admiral," called out one of the scanning officers, frowning as he leaned over his console, scrutinizing the data feed. "We've detected a hatch opening on the enemy vessel… but no indication of weapon activity."

The Admiral's brow furrowed, his gaze narrowing as he tried to make sense of it. "No weapons? Are you certain?"

"Yes, sir. Scans show no energy signatures or offensive systems powering up," the officer replied, his confusion mirroring that of his crewmates. He double-checked the readings before nodding again, more uncertain than ever. "It's… just the hatch opening."

Another officer at a nearby station leaned forward, focusing intently on the monitor displaying the exterior of the enemy ship. He adjusted the view, zooming in on the open hatch. "Admiral… there's something else," he said, his voice tight with disbelief. "It appears… there's a figure rising from the hatch."

Admiral Taen turned sharply to face the display, his eyes widening slightly as the zoomed-in image came into sharper focus. Indeed, from the open hatch of the vessel, a figure was floating upward, his form silhouetted against the darkness of space. The figure appeared humanoid, though details were difficult to make out. But what was unmistakable—and wholly unsettling—was that he wore no spacesuit, no helmet, nothing to suggest protection against the deadly vacuum of space.

"Impossible…" Taen murmured, his voice barely audible. "How could anyone survive out there without…?"

He trailed off, unable to fully voice the absurdity of what he was witnessing. The bridge crew was silent, a mix of disbelief and unease gripping them as they continued to watch. The figure drifted calmly into the void, seemingly unbothered by the vast coldness and emptiness around him.

One of the lieutenants swallowed hard, his voice quivering as he broke the silence. "Admiral… what are your orders? Should we prepare to open fire?"

Taen's gaze remained fixed on the screen, his mind racing as he considered the situation. Every instinct told him to treat this vessel as a threat, yet the lack of weapons and the bizarre spectacle before him left him hesitant.

"Hold fire," he ordered, his voice steady but laced with uncertainty. "If this is some kind of ploy, we'll wait for them to make the first move. Maintain our distance and keep a close watch."

The bridge fell silent once more, every officer glued to their station as they watched the figure in the viewscreen. Then, as if sensing the eyes upon him, the figure turned, his face coming into view, though the distance still obscured his features. He raised his arm slowly, extending a single finger in the direction of the Star Destroyer.

A faint light appeared at the tip of his finger, a small, eerie glow shimmering with strange energy. The glow intensified, growing brighter and more defined, and the bridge crew's collective breath hitched in realization as they watched.

"Admiral!" the scanning officer shouted, his face paling as his hands flew across the console. "Energy readings spiking—something's building up, but… it's not from any conventional source!"

Admiral Taen's eyes widened as he watched the glow grow, and a sense of dread settled over him. "Shields at maximum!" he barked. "Prepare evasive maneuvers!"

But even as he gave the order, the light at the figure's fingertip intensified, coalescing into a single, blinding point. In the blink of an eye, the energy discharged, streaking through the void like a comet aimed straight for the Relentless.

The bridge was bathed in the energy's blinding white glow as it hurtled toward them, every officer staring in horror as the light closed the distance in an instant. There was no time to react. The beam struck the Star Destroyer's hull with a force beyond comprehension, ripping through layers of reinforced durasteel as if it were paper.

A deafening explosion filled the bridge, throwing officers from their stations as the entire vessel shook violently. Fire and shrapnel burst through the bulkheads, consoles exploded in a shower of sparks, and the walls groaned under pressure as the ship began to tear apart.

Admiral Taen clutched the railing, his mind struggling to process the speed and devastation of the attack. In those final moments, as alarms blared and the walls crumbled around him, he caught one last glimpse of the viewscreen. The figure remained, floating calmly in space, watching as the Star Destroyer disintegrated under his power.

And then, in a flash of searing light, the Scorn was gone, leaving only fragments and debris drifting through the void.

On the enemy vessel's command deck, the commander lowered his finger, a faint, satisfied smile gracing his lips as he watched the remnants of the Star Destroyer scatter into the darkness.

Well, folks, things are really heating up now! Gine's definitely on the Empire's radar, and not just any low-level grunts either—Thrawn and the Grand Inquisitor themselves are now very aware of her! That's some serious trouble. And Bardock? He's out there somewhere, determined to find his family, getting closer step by step.

Oh, and let's not forget that strange object Thrawn was holding while talking to the Grand Inquisitor. It looked oddly familiar… round, shiny, maybe with a hint of mystery? Could it be… another dragon ball? 😏 Seems the Empire has no clue what it's sitting on… yet.

And just when things couldn't get more intense, we've got a new player in the game, and he's "cooler" than anything the Empire's prepared for. This guy just took out an entire Star Destroyer with a single finger! Yeah, he's on a whole other level.