Beginning of the End

Giru detects a Black Star Dragon Ball on Rudeeze, a planet of endless sand dunes and punishing heat. During the flight, Trunks casually suggests swapping Pan for Goten on the next trip home, calling into question her value to the mission. Pan overhears and is deeply hurt, feeling like she has been treated as a burden from the very start of the journey.

After landing, the oppressive desert heat immediately takes its toll. A colossal Sandipede attacks and damages the ship, spilling their water supply. When Pan tries to help with repairs, Trunks dismisses her again, telling her to go play inside the ship.

Pan's frustration boils over. She storms off into the desert alone, determined to find the Dragon Ball by herself and prove once and for all that she belongs on this mission. Giru follows her. The heat is relentless, and without water, Pan quickly succumbs to dehydration and heat exhaustion, collapsing in the open sand.

A second Sandipede attacks the defenseless Pan, but Giru intervenes just in time, fending off the creature long enough for Pan to recover. When she comes to, she finds that Giru has not only saved her life but also located both the Five-Star Black Star Dragon Ball and a source of water.

Pan embraces Giru and tearfully apologizes for all the times she mistreated the little robot. When Goku and Trunks catch up, they discover a nearby oasis and use the water to repair the ship's cooling system. Trunks apologizes for his comment and tells Pan she is a vital member of the team.

Far away on Planet M-2, a very different scene plays out. Dolltaki reports back to Dr. Myuu after the destruction of Lord Luud, but instead of the scientist, he is greeted by General Rilldo. The mechanical general, making his first appearance, executes Dolltaki on the spot for his string of failures. A far more dangerous adversary now waits in the wings.