Slowly, slowly, so as not to rustle her clothing or disturb even one leaf, Affie reached for the blaster strapped to her side. It slipped silently free of its holster.

Yeah, firing into the hull could kill us all, she thought. But only if I miss.

I won’t miss.

Affie looked through her blaster’s sights, aiming them square at the man in the red scarf. If he turned even a fraction of a centimeter in her direction, he’d see her. That is, if he had time to see her before dying, which Affie didn’t intend to give him.

But he didn’t turn. Instead he began to cackle. “Yes, yes,” he called, probably to one of his shipmates, “that one will do nicely!”

He jogged away. Affie felt relieved—more than she should. She’d never killed anyone before and hadn’t wanted to begin. If it’s your life on the line, she scolded herself, you shouldn’t think about that. You shouldn’t think about anything but saving your own life.

Easier said than done.

Then a shriek echoed through the station. Affie couldn’t see who had cried out, but she already knew.

They’d taken Nan.

Reath looked around wildly, trying to identify the ringleaders. If he could take out one or two key players, that might well pacify the others.

A voice shattered his concentration. “Reath—help!”

Orla Jareni struggled through the jungle of the exposed atrium, half supporting a staggering Master Cohmac. Anyone on an upper level would have a clear shot. Reath hurried to help them reach the tunnel that led to the airlock ring.

Just as the three of them arrived at the tunnel, Dez Rydan dashed out, lightsaber in his hands, cloak billowing behind him. He went to help support Master Cohmac, but the older Jedi had already begun to rally.

“What happened?” Dez asked.

“He had a collapse. I think we both did,” said Orla. “Or we both had—an experience, one I can’t easily explain. But it’s rooted in the dark side. Of that you can be sure.”

The station atrium echoed with shouts, bellows, and the clanging of metal. Master Cohmac nodded quickly as he righted himself. “Orla, are you able to fight?”

Her hand went to the lightsaber at her belt. “Always.”

Master Cohmac glanced at Reath, who gave him a quick nod. Then the four of them rushed back into the station. “Orla, take these,” Master Cohmac called, pointing at the second level up. “I’ll clear the top levels. Dez, head to the far side of the station and see what’s happening there. Reath, guard the airlocks.”