Chereads / the starborn legacy / Chapter 60 - Chapter 60 : Embers of Resistance

Chapter 60 - Chapter 60 : Embers of Resistance

The freighter pierced through the planet's atmosphere, its hull glowing faintly from the heat of entry. Below them stretched an endless expanse of amber plains, broken only by jagged mountain ranges that rose like ancient sentinels. The sky was bathed in a soft, violet glow, the planet's distant nebula casting its light across the horizon.

"This place doesn't look like much," Kade said from the cockpit, his tone skeptical.

"It's not about what it looks like," Liora replied, standing behind him. Her gaze was fixed on the planet below, her Sigil pulsing faintly. "The Nexus led us here for a reason."

Tharn leaned over the console, scanning the readouts. "There's a settlement to the north. Small, scattered. Looks more like a mining camp than a base of operations."

"Good," Liora said. "The Empire's less likely to notice us that way."

The freighter landed on the outskirts of the settlement, its engines powering down with a low hum. The air outside was thick and dry, carrying the faint scent of minerals. As the ramp descended, the crew stepped out, their boots crunching against the dusty ground.

The settlement was modest—rows of metal shacks, a few larger buildings that looked like storage facilities, and a central square with a weathered fountain at its center. The people here moved cautiously, their eyes wary as they noticed the newcomers.

"They don't trust us," Tharn said, his voice low.

"They've probably seen what happens when strangers show up," Kade added. "Usually doesn't end well."

Liora stepped forward, her hand brushing over the Sigil. "Then we show them we're here to help."

As they approached the square, a group of armed locals stepped out to meet them. Their leader, a tall woman with a scar running down the side of her face, raised a hand to signal her people to hold their fire.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

"My name is Liora Veylan," Liora said, her tone steady. "We're here because the Nexus led us here."

The woman's eyes narrowed. "The Nexus? You're talking about ancient myths. Stories that don't help us survive the Empire."

"They're not just stories," Liora replied, raising her hand to show the glowing Sigil. "The Nexus is real, and it's waking up. But we can't stop the Empire alone. We need you."

The woman hesitated, her gaze flicking between the Sigil and Liora's determined expression. Finally, she lowered her weapon.

"My name is Seris," she said. "I lead what's left of the resistance here. But if you're looking for an army, you're in the wrong place. The Empire's crushed most of us. All we have left are scraps."

"Scraps can still burn," Tharn said, stepping forward. "And if we work together, those scraps can become something stronger."

Seris studied him for a moment, then gestured for them to follow. "If you want to talk, we'd better do it somewhere private."

The group was led to a small underground bunker hidden beneath one of the storage buildings. Inside, maps and communication devices covered the walls, and a handful of resistance fighters worked quietly at their stations.

Seris crossed her arms, addressing Liora directly. "You say the Nexus is waking up. What does that mean for us? What does it mean for the Empire?"

"It means we have a chance to fight back," Liora said. "The Nexus isn't just a source of power—it's a symbol of hope. If we can rally the galaxy around it, we can push the Empire back."

"And if we fail?" Seris asked, her voice hard.

"Then we keep fighting," Liora said firmly. "Because the alternative is letting the Empire destroy everything."

The room fell silent as Seris considered her words. Finally, she nodded. "We'll help you. But if we're going to stand a chance, we'll need more than just hope. The Empire's forces here are spread thin, but they're still dangerous. If we can hit their supply lines, we might be able to buy ourselves some time."

Tharn stepped forward, studying the map on the wall. "We'll need to move fast. Once the Empire realizes what we're doing, they'll hit back hard."

"Then we make the first move," Liora said. "Together."

As plans were made and alliances forged, Liora felt the Sigil pulse with approval. The Nexus had brought them here for a reason—not just to awaken its power, but to ignite the embers of resistance that still burned across the galaxy.

This was the beginning of something greater.