The freighter drifted in the cold void, its engines humming steadily as the crew readied themselves for what lay ahead. The dim lighting in the main hold cast long shadows, adding to the tension that had been building since they left the shrine.
Liora sat cross-legged on the floor, her hands resting on her knees as she focused on the Sigil glowing softly on her palm. The light pulsed gently, in time with her breathing. She was trying to center herself, to understand the power that now coursed through her.
Across the room, Tharn was methodically inspecting his weapons, his movements precise and deliberate. The rhythmic click of his rifle's components being assembled and disassembled filled the silence. Kade lounged in the pilot's chair at the console, his feet propped up as he monitored the ship's sensors. Despite his relaxed posture, his sharp eyes flicked to every readout, scanning for signs of danger.
"How much longer until we reach the next temple?" Liora finally asked, breaking the silence.
"Five hours, if the nav computer's right," Kade replied, lowering his feet to the floor. "Though with this ship, I'd say it's a guess at best."
"We'll need a plan when we get there," Tharn said, his voice gruff. "The Empire isn't going to sit back and let us waltz in."
"They'll be waiting for us," Liora said softly, her gaze fixed on the Sigil.
Kade pushed himself up from the chair and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "Then maybe we should start thinking about how we deal with them before they blow us to pieces."
"We hold the Nexus Key," Liora said, standing. The Sigil's glow intensified, casting a faint light across the room. "The shrine told me it can unite the Starborn, but it won't mean anything if we don't make it to the next temple. That has to be our priority."
Tharn nodded, securing his rifle. "Agreed. But we're walking into a fight. The Vanguard doesn't lose easily."
Liora met his gaze, her voice steady. "Then we'll fight harder."
Kade smirked, though there was no humor in his expression. "Just remember, it's a lot easier to fight harder when you've got a plan. So, what's it going to be?"
The team gathered around the central console as Kade projected a rough map of the next temple's location. It was nestled on a remote planet covered in dense forests and jagged mountains. The terrain alone would be a challenge, but the real threat was the Empire's forces.
"They'll likely fortify the area around the temple," Tharn said, pointing to a plateau on the map. "If they get entrenched, it'll be impossible to reach the Nexus node inside."
"We can't just barrel in," Kade added. "We need to outmaneuver them."
Liora studied the map, her mind racing. "If we can use the terrain to our advantage, we might be able to draw their forces away from the temple. A distraction."
Kade raised an eyebrow. "And who's going to play bait?"
Tharn smirked. "I've been bait before. I'll manage."
Liora shook her head. "No. We can't afford to split up. The Sigil responds to the temples. I have to be there to activate it, but the rest of you are just as important. If we stick together, we can push through."
"You're betting a lot on that Sigil," Kade said, his tone skeptical.
"I'm betting on us," Liora replied firmly.
The room fell silent for a moment before Tharn broke it with a low chuckle. "You're starting to sound like a leader, kid."
Liora met his gaze, determination in her eyes. "Then let's give them something to follow."
As the freighter surged through hyperspace, Liora retreated to her quarters, needing a moment to herself. The weight of the Nexus Key hung heavily around her neck, its energy resonating faintly with the Sigil.
She closed her eyes, letting the hum of the ship fade into the background as she reached out with her mind. Images flickered in her thoughts—the temples, the Starborn, and the Emperor's shadow spreading across the galaxy. The stakes had never been higher, but deep down, she knew they had a chance.
The Sigil's glow pulsed brighter, and she felt a quiet resolve settle over her. The journey ahead would test them all, but the legacy of the Starborn was worth fighting for.