The air in the underground bunker buzzed with tension as Seris, Liora, Tharn, and Kade finalized their plans to strike against the Empire. A crude hologram of the planet's supply routes flickered in the center of the room, highlighting key Imperial outposts and convoys.
Seris pointed to a marked supply line cutting through a canyon range. "This is their main artery. Every bit of fuel, weapons, and personnel comes through here. If we hit it, we cripple their operations."
Liora studied the map, the Sigil on her hand glowing faintly. "We need to do more than cripple them. If we're going to rally the galaxy, this can't just be a hit-and-run. We have to make a statement—show people that the Empire isn't invincible."
"Then we target their command center," Tharn said, his voice steady. "Take out their officers, destroy their communications, and leave them scrambling."
Seris frowned. "That's risky. The command center is heavily fortified."
"Which is why it'll work," Kade interjected with a grin. "They'll never expect anyone crazy enough to hit them head-on."
The plan was set. The resistance fighters would stage a diversion at the supply line, drawing the Empire's attention, while Liora and her team infiltrated the command center. The goal was simple: disrupt, dismantle, and deliver a message that the galaxy would hear loud and clear.
As the team prepared to leave, Seris pulled Liora aside. "You've got a lot riding on this Nexus of yours," she said. "But symbols won't win this war. People will. Don't forget that."
"I won't," Liora replied. "The Nexus is just the spark. It's the people who will keep the fire burning."
Night fell over the settlement, and the resistance fighters moved like shadows across the plains. Liora's heart pounded as their freighter skimmed low over the jagged terrain, the dim glow of the nebula above casting eerie shadows across the ground.
"We're coming up on the command center," Kade said, his hands steady on the controls. "Get ready."
Tharn checked his rifle, his expression grim. "Once we're in, we won't have much time before they sound the alarm. Stay sharp."
Liora nodded, the Sigil on her hand flaring briefly as she drew strength from the Nexus. "This is just the beginning," she said.
The command center loomed ahead, a monolithic structure carved into the side of a canyon. Its dark metal walls bristled with turrets and surveillance equipment, and stormtroopers patrolled its perimeter.
The freighter landed just out of sight, hidden among the rocks. The team disembarked, moving silently toward the base.
Tharn took point, his sharp eyes scanning for threats as they approached a maintenance hatch. "This is our way in," he said, gesturing for Kade to override the lock.
Kade worked quickly, his fingers flying over the controls. The hatch hissed open, and the team slipped inside, the cold, metallic air of the base pressing in around them.
Inside, the corridors were dimly lit, the hum of machinery a constant backdrop. Liora could feel the weight of the Nexus's energy, guiding her steps even as her nerves threatened to take hold.
"We're heading for the comms hub," Tharn whispered. "Once we take that out, the resistance can move in."
They moved quickly and quietly, taking out isolated guards and bypassing security checkpoints. But as they neared the comms hub, an alarm blared, and the base sprang to life.
"They know we're here!" Kade shouted, drawing his blaster as stormtroopers poured into the corridor.
The fight was brutal and chaotic, blaster fire lighting up the narrow passage as Liora and her team fought their way to the hub. The Sigil on Liora's hand burned brightly, its energy shielding them from the worst of the onslaught.
Tharn took down a squad of troopers with precision shots, his movements calm and controlled. Kade, meanwhile, darted between cover, his blaster bolts finding their marks with surprising accuracy.
Liora reached the hub, placing her hand on the console. The Sigil flared, and the Nexus's energy surged through her, disrupting the base's systems. Lights flickered, turrets deactivated, and the alarms fell silent.
"It's done," she said, turning to the others.
"Not yet," Tharn replied, his voice tense. "We've still got to get out of here."
As the team retreated, explosions echoed through the canyon—the resistance's diversionary attack in full swing. The Empire's forces were in disarray, their supply lines severed and their command center crippled.
Back aboard the freighter, Liora watched the chaos from the viewport, a mix of exhaustion and determination in her eyes. "This is what the Nexus wanted," she said softly. "Not just to fight back—but to inspire others to do the same."
Kade smirked, slumping into his seat. "Inspire, disrupt, survive. Sounds like a solid plan."
Tharn nodded, his expression grim but satisfied. "We've lit the spark. Now we have to make sure it doesn't burn out."