The Executor hung in orbit above the planet Eriadu like a silent predator, its sheer presence a testament to the Empire's domination. Kael stood in the dimly lit command center, his posture straight and his expression unreadable. Around him, officers and stormtroopers moved with the efficiency expected aboard the personal vessel of Darth Vader.
Admiral Piett approached cautiously, datapad in hand. "My lord, the Rebels on Eriadu have entrenched themselves in the southern jungles, converting an old Republic military facility into their base of operations. Intelligence suggests they are stockpiling weapons and supplies."
Kael's gaze shifted toward the holographic projection of the planet. His senses stretched outward, brushing against the faint echoes of life below. He could feel them—fearful, defiant, but ultimately insignificant.
"Have they made any attempt to conceal their movements?" Kael asked, his voice sharp but calm.
"Minimal," Piett replied. "Their leader, a Captain Jorran, appears to be growing overconfident. His past successes against Imperial forces have emboldened him."
Kael's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Then it's time to remind him of the cost of defiance."
Piett hesitated. "Shall I deploy a battalion to assist you, my lord?"
Kael shook his head. "No. This is a task I will handle myself. Send a squad to secure the perimeter, but keep them out of my way. I want no interference."
"Yes, my lord." Piett bowed slightly before retreating, leaving Kael alone with his thoughts.
As he turned to leave, Kael's black cloak swirled behind him, his twin lightsabers hanging at his sides. The dark side swelled within him, a tempest of power that he had come to embrace. The mission was clear, and failure was not an option.
The shuttle's engines whined as it descended through the thick canopy of Eriadu's jungles. Kael stepped out onto the damp soil, the humid air pressing against his skin. Behind him, a squad of stormtroopers disembarked, their weapons at the ready.
Kael raised a hand, halting the squad's movements. "Remain here and secure the landing zone. Do not engage unless I give the order."
One of the troopers hesitated. "My lord, with respect—"
Kael turned, fixing the soldier with an icy glare. "You will obey or you will be replaced. Is that clear?"
The trooper stiffened, nodding quickly. "Yes, my lord."
Satisfied, Kael turned and strode into the jungle alone. The dark side guided his every step, weaving through the dense foliage as if it were nothing more than mist. The faint presence of Rebel patrols brushed against his senses, distant and weak.
The first group of soldiers appeared ahead, their voices low as they discussed their patrol routes. Kael stepped into the clearing, his presence immediately commanding their attention.
"Imperial forces! Open fire!" one of the Rebels shouted, raising his blaster.
Kael's crimson lightsabers ignited with a hiss, their glow bathing the clearing in red light. The first bolt came toward him, but he deflected it effortlessly, sending it back into the chest of the shooter.
With a flick of his hand, Kael unleashed a Force Pull, dragging another soldier toward him with breakneck speed. As the man screamed, Kael pivoted and bisected him with a single, precise strike.
The remaining soldiers scrambled, but Kael gave them no time to regroup. He extended his palm toward the nearest Rebel, focusing his will. The man froze, his body trembling as Kael's Force Crush took hold. Slowly, deliberately, Kael compacted the man's form, bones cracking and armor crumpling as the dark side compressed him into a dense, lifeless mass.
One soldier tried to flee, but Kael unleashed a torrent of Force Lightning, the crackling energy reducing the man to a smoking heap. Another was hurled into a tree with a violent Force Push, his body collapsing lifelessly to the ground.
The clearing was silent within moments. Kael deactivated his lightsabers and continued his march toward the Rebel base, the dark side pulsing within him.
The Rebel stronghold came into view as night fell, its defenses illuminated by scattered floodlights. The base was surrounded by makeshift barricades and watchtowers, with patrols circling the perimeter. Kael crouched in the shadows, observing their movements.
Through the Force, he sensed fear. It clung to the air like a mist, emanating from the soldiers who guarded the base. They knew they were vulnerable, and Kael intended to exploit that weakness.
He raised both hands and reached out with the Force, grasping one of the watchtowers. With a sudden surge of energy, he ripped it from its foundation and hurled it into the base's barricades. The crash was deafening, sending soldiers scrambling in panic.
Kael moved swiftly, his lightsabers igniting once more. He leaped over the wreckage, landing amidst a group of soldiers. His blades danced in the dim light, each strike precise and lethal.
One soldier attempted to flank him, but Kael spun and unleashed another wave of Force Crush, compacting the man into a grotesque mass. The sight sent the remaining Rebels into a frenzy, their blaster fire becoming erratic.
Kael deflected the shots with ease, advancing relentlessly. He thrust his hand forward, sending a wave of Force Push that toppled a group of soldiers like dominoes. One tried to rise, but Kael gripped him with the Force and lifted him into the air, choking the life from him before tossing his limp body aside.
The ground trembled as Kael's fury grew. He reached out with the Force once more, tearing apart barricades and crushing turrets with sheer will. The Rebels' defenses crumbled around them, their efforts to resist growing increasingly futile.
At the heart of the base, Kael found Captain Jorran waiting for him. The grizzled leader stood defiantly, a vibroblade in one hand and a modified blaster in the other.
"You must be the Empire's pet Sith," Jorran sneered. "They always send one of you when they're desperate."
Kael's expression remained cold. "You've caused enough trouble for the Empire. This ends now."
Jorran laughed bitterly. "You think you can scare me? I've fought worse than you."
Kael's lightsabers ignited, their crimson glow casting eerie shadows. "Then prove it."
Jorran charged, his vibroblade flashing as he swung at Kael. The Sith apprentice parried effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. Jorran's strikes were powerful but wild, driven more by desperation than skill.
Kael countered with a series of rapid slashes, forcing Jorran to retreat. He extended his hand and unleashed a blast of Force Push, sending the captain sprawling to the ground.
Jorran rolled to his feet, his eyes blazing with defiance. "You'll have to do better than that!"
Kael smirked and raised his hand, summoning the dark side. The air crackled as he unleashed a torrent of Force Lightning, the bolts arcing toward Jorran. The captain screamed as the energy coursed through him, his body convulsing violently.
When the lightning subsided, Jorran dropped to his knees, his breath ragged. Kael stepped closer, his lightsabers humming ominously.
"You should have surrendered," Kael said coldly.
Jorran glared up at him. "I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees."
Kael nodded, a faint trace of respect in his gaze. "So be it."
With a swift motion, Kael brought his lightsaber down, ending Jorran's life in a single strike.
The battle was over. Kael stood amidst the wreckage of the base, his lightsabers deactivated and his breathing steady. Around him, the remnants of the Rebels lay scattered, their resistance extinguished.
As he walked back toward the jungle, Kael felt a surge of satisfaction. The dark side had guided him to victory once again, proving its power and his growing mastery over it.
The Emperor's words echoed in his mind: Even the strongest must prove their worth. Kael knew his journey was far from over, but with each victory, he carved his place in the galaxy.
By the time he reached the landing zone, the stormtroopers had secured the area. They saluted as he approached, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. Kael boarded the shuttle without a word, ready to report his success to Darth Vader.
The dark side pulsed within him, and Kael knew that his destiny was only beginning to unfold.