The Obsidian Throne floated in the void like a black star, its ominous presence casting an unseen shadow across the galaxy. Inside, the Shade Emperor sat motionless on his throne, his glowing eyes fixed on the holographic star map that displayed the temples' locations.
The battle at Vehloran's Cradle had unsettled him—not because the Starborn had won, but because they were learning. Each victory strengthened their bond to the Nexus, a bond he had worked tirelessly to sever.
"The temples awaken," the Emperor murmured, his voice a quiet rumble. "The Starborn grow bolder, but boldness is not strength."
A figure stepped forward from the shadows—a tall, gaunt man clad in dark robes, his face obscured by a hood. He was one of the Emperor's closest advisors, a seer who could glimpse fragments of the future through the currents of the Force.
"They move quickly, my lord," the seer said, his voice low and rasping. "But their light burns too brightly. It will consume them before they reach the Nexus."
The Emperor's gaze did not waver. "Perhaps. But I will not leave their destruction to fate. The Vanguard has failed me too often. It is time for a more decisive hand."
He rose, his dark cloak sweeping the floor as he approached the map. With a gesture, he highlighted the next temple in the Starborn's path—a secluded stronghold on the jungle world of Terak Prime.
"Terak Prime," the Emperor said, his tone measured. "A temple deeply rooted in the Force. It holds knowledge they will seek."
"And if they claim it?" the seer asked cautiously.
"They won't," the Emperor replied. "This time, I will lead the assault personally."
The Shadow Vanguard prepared for war. The hangar bays of the Obsidian Throne buzzed with activity as soldiers armed themselves and engineers loaded their ships with advanced weaponry. The Emperor's flagship loomed over the fleet, its massive size and power a symbol of the Empire's dominance.
Commander Varyn oversaw the preparations, her expression unreadable. She had failed at Vehloran's Cradle, and the Emperor's decision to take personal command of the next strike was both a warning and a humiliation.
As the troops lined up for inspection, the Emperor descended into the hangar. His presence was suffocating, the very air growing heavier as he approached. The soldiers snapped to attention, their armor gleaming under the harsh lights.
"You have seen what defiance looks like," the Emperor said, his voice carrying effortlessly through the vast space. "Now you will see what it means to crush it. The Starborn's light flickers, but I will snuff it out. And you will be my blade."
The soldiers saluted in unison, their voices echoing. "For the Emperor!"
The fleet departed for Terak Prime with ruthless efficiency. Hundreds of ships emerged from hyperspace just outside the jungle world, their dark forms blotting out the stars. The Emperor stood on the bridge of his flagship, watching as the planet loomed closer.
"Deploy the suppression field," he ordered.
The crew obeyed immediately, activating a device that sent a wave of dark energy cascading across the planet. It disrupted communications, disabled defensive systems, and sent ripples through the Force itself.
"Let them feel the weight of my power," the Emperor said, his tone cold.
On Terak Prime, the temple's guardians sensed the disturbance before they saw the fleet. The jungle trembled as the suppression field descended, its energy suffocating the air.
"The Emperor is coming," one of the guardians said, their voice heavy with dread.
"Then we must hold," another replied. "The Starborn will need this place if they are to succeed."
They activated the temple's defenses—ancient mechanisms powered by the Force that had protected it for centuries. Towers rose from the jungle canopy, and energy shields shimmered into place around the temple's perimeter.
But even as the defenses engaged, the sky darkened with the shadow of the Imperial fleet.
The Emperor watched from the bridge as the first wave of dropships descended toward the temple. He could feel the Starborn's presence growing stronger, their connection to the Nexus a faint but persistent hum in his mind.
"They will fight," he said, more to himself than to anyone else. "But they will fail."
Behind him, Varyn approached cautiously. "My lord, the temple's defenses are formidable. Should we soften them from orbit?"
The Emperor turned, his glowing eyes narrowing. "No. I will face them myself. The Starborn's hope must be extinguished by my hand."
Varyn nodded, though her unease was palpable. "As you command."
The dropships landed amidst the dense jungle, their black-clad troops fanning out to secure the perimeter. The Vanguard advanced with precision, their weapons trained on the temple's defenses.
At the center of the formation, the Emperor moved with deliberate grace. The dark energy around him seemed to repel the jungle itself, the trees bending away as he passed.
The temple loomed ahead, its spires glowing faintly with golden light. The air vibrated with power as the Starborn defenders prepared for the coming assault.
The Emperor stopped at the edge of the clearing, his gaze fixed on the temple.
"Liora Veylan," he said quietly, sensing her presence in the distance. "You cannot run forever."
He raised a hand, and the dark energy surged forward, slamming into the temple's shields with a deafening roar.
"Begin the assault," he commanded. "Leave nothing standing."