And of course, there was no Republic without Jedi. The Starlight Beacon housed the largest temple outside Coruscant, to serve as a hub for the Order’s activities in the Outer Rim and beyond. Designed by renowned Jedi architect Palo Hidalla, and staffed by some of the most experienced members of the Order, the Starlight temple provided everything younglings, Padawans, Jedi Knights, and Jedi Masters might require to serve the people and the Force.

The Jedi quarter lacked a leader, after the tragic loss of Master Jora Malli at the battle against the Nihil…but perhaps that, too, might be addressed.

Luminaries from around the galaxy had arrived to mark the occasion of the station’s dedication. The Third Horizon, hero vessel of so many recent events of galactic import, had already docked, its passengers released. And here, too, was the Jedi cruiser Ataraxia, permanently seconded to the Starlight Beacon as the Order’s mode of transport to and fro. It had gathered Jedi from Coruscant and beyond, bringing them here to witness a great moment that would change the galaxy forever.

The visitors disembarked, all dressed for celebration and ceremony. The Jedi in their bright sashes of cerulean and vermillion and purple, draped across the gold and white of their tunics, with the symbol of the Order shining out, the rising light of the Force. The Republic diplomats and warriors and leaders of industry and culture, wearing whatever best reflected the occasion, a spectacle of chatter and enjoyable pomp.

The Beacon’s staff took them in groups to demonstrate the station’s many features, pride and optimism on every face, visitors and guides alike.

Bell Zettifar had come from Elphrona, along with Indeera Stokes and Porter Engle. The surviving members of the Blythe family were invited to this event, but declined, choosing instead to return to their relatives on Alderaan.

Bell was lost. He did not understand what had happened, how his master could be with him one moment and then…not. Indeera, who had taken him as her Padawan until some other arrangement might be made, believed Loden Greatstorm was dead. Bell did not. Technically, he could take the vows to become a Knight back on Coruscant, but he could not countenance doing such a thing. Loden Greatstorm was to preside over the ceremony, as was right and proper. But now…how?

Ember padded along at Bell’s side. Perhaps unorthodox, but who would tell the Padawan he must be even more alone?

Porter Engle walked along with the group, quiet, and seemed to barely notice the wonders of the Starlight Beacon. He was remembering what it felt like to be the Blade of Bardotta, and remembering why he once chose to never be that person again.

Indeera thought about every decision she made during the rescue attempt on Elphrona, and wondered if some other path could have saved Loden and Ottoh Blythe. She did not know, and never would.