The path curved around a grove of billian trees, their flutestems whistling in the evening breeze, leading to a small clearing beyond. There, Soh’s appointment waited—a group of some of the most powerful people on the planet, and therefore the entire Republic. Four Jedi: the Quermian Yarael Poof and Togruta Jora Malli, both members of their Council; Malli’s second, the imposing Trandoshan Jedi Sskeer; and Master Avar Kriss, who had been directly involved with the resolution of the Legacy Run disaster in the Hetzal system. Senator Izzet Noor, of Serenno, the spokesperson for the majority of the Outer Rim Territories. Jeffo Lorillia, her transportation secretary. And finally, Admiral Pevel Kronara, of the Republic Defense Coalition, the organization created from the pooled resources of many worlds to handle the rare regional flare-ups that could not be managed via the forces of any one planet alone. Kronara did not command the RDC, but he was a high-ranking member with direct knowledge of the matters to be discussed.

A few Coruscant Security Force guards were discreetly positioned around the edge of the clearing, and a polished copper-colored servitor droid stood nearby, ready to provide any required aid.

The seven people were chatting among themselves, but fell silent as Lina approached. She walked straight to Avar Kriss, smiling. She extended her arms and took the Jedi’s hand in both of hers, clasping it and looking the other woman in the eyes. Avar seemed tired, but that was no wonder, considering the ordeal she had been through.

“Master Kriss, on behalf of the entire Republic, please accept my gratitude for everything you did out there in Hetzal. You and the other Jedi saved billions of lives, not to mention helping to secure food production for the Outer Rim.”

“We are all the Republic, Madame Chancellor,” Kriss replied, giving a little smile of her own. “We did what we could.”

“It’s inspiring, and symbolic of everything I want this Republic to be. We all help each other, and we all grow and thrive together.”

Lina released the Jedi’s hand, giving her another smile as she did. She looked at the rest of the group.

“I have decided to expand the hyperspace closure another five hundred parsecs around Hetzal until further notice.”

Senator Noor let out a low whistle. He was a thin, tall man, aged but vigorous, bald but for a lush fringe of white hair that he wore long, letting it drape over the collar of his bright-green robes.

“That will strangle that part of the Outer Rim, Chancellor. Do you have any idea how much traffic moves along those routes? Trade, transportation, shipping…”

“I’m not talking forever, Senator. But these Emergences keep happening—how many do we have so far?”