The cold, metallic interior of the derelict starship is eerily silent, save for the hum of distant machinery and the occasional drip of leaking water. Shadows flicker and dance along the walls, cast by the sporadic, failing lights. The air is thick with a palpable tension, an oppressive weight that seems to press down on your very soul.

In the center of this grim setting stands Cal Kestis. His once bright and hopeful eyes now burn with an unsettling intensity, the deep green color tinged with a hint of yellow. His usually calm and focused demeanor is replaced by a restless, almost feral energy. You watch him from a distance, your heart heavy with concern and fear.

Cal's hands tremble slightly as he ignites his lightsaber, the crimson blade casting a sinister glow across his face. The weapon, once a symbol of his connection to the Light Side of the Force, now feels like a harbinger of his inner turmoil. The darkness within him is growing stronger, feeding off his pain, anger, and grief.

"Cal," you call out softly, stepping into the dim light. "What are you doing?"

He turns to face you, and for a moment, you see a flicker of recognition in his eyes, a brief reminder of the friend and ally you've known. But it is quickly overshadowed by the darkness that has taken root within him.

"You don't understand," he snaps, his voice low and filled with a barely restrained fury. "The power... it's the only way to protect those I care about. The only way to stop the Empire."

You take a cautious step closer, your heart aching for the burden he bears. "This isn't you, Cal. The Dark Side won't bring you the peace or strength you seek. It will only consume you, twist you into something you're not."

His grip tightens on the lightsaber, and he clenches his jaw, struggling with the conflict raging inside him. "I don't have a choice," he mutters, his voice cracking with desperation. "I've lost too much... I can't lose anyone else."