Voyage: Journey to Earth

Chapter 17: Earth

The humpback finally arrives at it's destination. The humpback enters Earths atmosphere as staff on the ground clear the way for landing. The slowly descends as it gently lands on solid ground near the base. As the doors open, the crew begins to exit the humpback. Some leave to greet their families while others go to gather supplies for the humpback. A few members of the crew follow Farron into the main republic base of operations on Earth. Jack and Sierra notice Farron and his escorts.

"You think this will work?" Asks Jack.

"It has to. Humanity can't be trusted with this tech." Says Sierra.

"I know, it's just... I don't know. We finally arrive on Earth only for us to essentially abandon it. It's one of those things that make you think about what our goal even is." Jack says with doubt in his voice.

"We both know this is for the betterment of the galaxy. Centuries of progress, entire species from different worlds coexisting, we can't let all that effort be destroyed to fuel the greed of the powerful." Sierra says with determination.

"Alright. I'll contact my folks. From there, I'll make sure the humpback has its captain." Jack says, inspired by what Sierra said.

"While you do that, I'll go finish my project. Just need to make some finishing touches. In the meantime, you should have this. Farron forgot to give it to you but he thinks it might be of help in this plan." Sierra says as she hands Jack what looks like a handle with a trigger on the side.

Sierra leaves and returns to the humpback while Jack finds the nearest call station. Jack puts single credit in the station and calls his family. He waits for a minute before getting a respond. A middle aged voice is heard on the other side of the line.

"Hey Ma. Its been a while hasn't it?" Says Jack, shocking his Mother.

"Jack! Oh my god! You're alive!" Mrs. Rider says upon hearing Jacks voice for the first time.

Jack hears as his Uncle and Aunt are also in shock upon hearing that Jack is alive. They all celebrate the fact that Jack has returned home after many years. This excitement is cut short when Jack is asked when he will return home.

"I don't know Ma. There's something I have to do first. You're gonna have to wait just a little longer. Its something bigger than just me going missing. It concerns the galaxy itself. I can promise you that once this is done, I'll come back home."

"Alright. Just... be careful out there. When we lost you, we all thought that you ended up like your Father. We couldn't stomach the idea of losing you. We're just glad to know you're alright." Says Mrs. Rider.

The Riders bid farewell and end the call. Jack struggles to keep his composure and nearly breaks down from the conversation. Before Jack could process the conversation, he notices Farron being escorted by members of the humpback. Composing himself, Jack makes his way towards Farron ready to enact the plan.

Meanwhile on the humpback, Sierra is putting the finishing touches on her project. The galaxies first combat mech. Xel walks in and sees what Sierra has made. They are both impressed and shock at the sight of Sierras creation.

"So this is the thing you've been working on?" Xel asks, trying to understand what they are looking at.

"Yep. I took a goro unit, added a canopy, modded it to except standard issue arena equipment, and strengthened the armor. Now when something like those pirates show up, we'll be ready for them." Says Sierra, proud of what she had made.

"Do you have name for this thing?" Asks Xel.

"I'm thinking of calling it the battle kong. Has a nice ring to it." Says Sierra.

Back with Farron, he enters the office of republic commander William Anderson. Farron presents the technology to the Commander with caution. With the tech in the Commanders hand, Farron asks William what the republic intends to do with the tech. William smirks and approaches Farron, tech still in hand. The Commander gives Farron the answer to his question.

"With this tech, the federation will be vanquished from the galaxy and the republic will rule over the newly unified galaxy." William says, shocking Farron with the authoritarian phrasing.