The third episode of the Star Wars: Tales of the Empire animated anthology is entitled "The Path of Hate". This particular episode, which premiered on May 4, 2024, was brought to life by director Nathaniel Villanueva and writer Amanda Rose Muñoz.
Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth maintains a tight grip on the people of Calodan, ruling them with an iron fist. Scout guards and the HK-87 assassin droid stand watch on the roofs and battlements under Elsbeth's command. A starship with an oblong shape descends and lands in a clearing located just outside the town of Calodan. Ambassador Nadura of the New Republic disembarks from the ship, accompanied by an astromech droid that is blue and four New Republic soldiers dressed in blue uniforms. Nadura announces her arrival and requests that the gates be opened in the name of the New Republic.
The guards grant her and her party access to the town. Nadura and her soldiers immediately notice the somber and oppressed expressions on the faces of the people. Wing greets Nadura, recognizing her from the past, and inquires about the reason for her return. Nadura explains that she now serves as an Ambassador for the New Republic. She further explains that a special assembly has been established to recruit individuals to travel to far-off worlds and advocate for membership in the New Republic. Wing's lack of familiarity with the new government leads Nadura to the realization that the people of Calodan are unaware of the Galactic Empire's fall. Wing, aware that the guards are observing them, whispers that news often reaches Calodan at a slower pace than elsewhere.
Nadura takes note of the town's impoverished condition and comments that things have deteriorated since her departure. Wing expresses his regret for allowing Elsbeth to assume control. Nadura questions Wing about the actions of Magistrate Elsbeth. Wing responds that Elsbeth has been absent for quite some time, but her guards relentlessly keep the people working day and night. Wing also mentions that mercenaries have been frequenting Calodan recently. Nadura assures him that she has her guards, but Wing suggests that it may not be enough. Nadura expresses her desire to speak with Magistrate Elsbeth, but Wing remains pessimistic about the possibility.
Nadura insists on engaging in a dialogue with Elsbeth, firmly believing that the state of the galaxy has undergone significant changes. The New Republic delegation, accompanied by Wing, makes their way towards the gates of Elsbeth's residence. The gates are opened, granting them permission to enter. Upon entering the inner courtyard, they approach a wooden bridge spanning a pool of water. Magistrate Elsbeth, accompanied by one of her droids, approaches the newly arrived group. Elsbeth inquires about their purpose, prompting Nadura to explain that she represents the New Republic and seeks to present a petition to the New Republic Senate for the planet Corvus to become a member. While Elsbeth observes the fish swimming in the pool, Nadura elaborates that the New Republic is prepared to accept Corvus as a member in exchange for Elsbeth's resignation and relinquishment of control over the local systems.
Nadura issues a warning, stating that if Elsbeth refuses to comply, they will be compelled to place her under arrest. She urges Elsbeth to surrender peacefully. In response, Elsbeth questions Nadura's understanding of the people's desires. Elsbeth recognizes Nadura and recalls her departure several years prior due to her dissatisfaction with working in their factories. Nadura retorts that she had no intention of toiling for Elsbeth and her so-called "fair" wages. Nadura accuses Elsbeth of enslaving the inhabitants of Corvus. Elsbeth responds by stating that she cannot halt the events that have already begun, adding that she has had a vision and is determined to fulfill her destiny.
Nadura expresses her unwillingness to allow that to happen. Elsbeth challenges Nadura, questioning whether she is prepared to support her statement with action. Wing pleads for a peaceful resolution. Nadura earnestly implores Elsbeth to willingly step down and surrender herself. Nadura offers to assist Elsbeth in obtaining a fair trial and begs her not to ignite the world in flames. Elsbeth retorts that her world has been engulfed in flames since her childhood. She questions why this world should be any different.
Following a moment filled with tension, Elsbeth commands her guards to eliminate Nadura and her entire delegation. Scout guards open fire, killing two of the New Republic soldiers positioned outside the compound. The remaining guards retaliate by shooting down some of Elsbeth's guards. One of Nadura's guards sacrifices himself to restrain Elsbeth, enabling Nadura and the surviving soldiers to escape the compound before the gates are sealed shut. Elsbeth decides to spare Wing, recognizing his role as a liaison with his people. Nadura uses a comlink to instruct R8 to transmit a distress signal. Scout guards and assassin droids relentlessly gun down the remaining soldiers. Elsbeth and her guards exit the compound, pursuing Nadura as she flees through the streets, having lost contact with her guards.
She manages to reach the gate and sprints towards her starship. However, the scout guards detonate timed explosives on the ship's hull, resulting in its destruction. As a demonstration of her power, Elsbeth's scout guards employ flamethrowers to set the surrounding forest ablaze, causing great distress among the people of Calodan. Addressing the population, Elsbeth asserts that she is acting to protect them. She declares that they will work tirelessly, day and night, as part of an effort to rescue the galaxy from impending ruin. Wing approaches the dying Nadura, who urges him to remain brave, regardless of how bleak the situation may seem. As the comlink emits a beeping sound, Nadura reassures Wing that assistance is on its way and encourages him to do his part, no matter how insignificant it may appear.
Wing hears the voice of Bo-Katan Kryze through the comlink. Before he can respond, Elsbeth uses her beskar spear to destroy the comlink. She informs Wing that no one will be coming to help, as two scout guards forcibly drag him back to the village.