“This is Stellan Gios,” a voice crackled over the link, the Jedi Master’s usually rich tones rendered tinny by the vast distance between them. While Starlight Beacon had improved communications on the frontier, the comm network was still stretched to breaking point, even here in the Mid Rim. Chancellor Soh had promised a complete line of Beacons stretching from the Core to the farthest reaches of the Republic, but until that pledge became a reality, they would have to cope with bouts of static that frequently drowned out communications.

“Apologies, but can you repeat that?” Indeera was forced to say as the rest of Master Gios’s greeting distorted beyond recognition.

“Of course,” he complied. “I was just checking on your progress for my report to the Council. Will the Innovator be ready to launch on time?”

“Ahead of schedule,” Bell cut in, before blushing as he realized he had spoken when the question was directed at his Master. Indeera made a show of rolling her eyes, although the smile on her lips told him he wasn’t in trouble. For all her wisdom, she wasn’t one to stand on ceremony.

“I’m glad to hear it … Padawan Zettifar, isn’t it?”

Bell nodded even though Stellan couldn’t see him. “Yes, Master Gios. The Cyclorrians are a marvel, as is the Innovator.”

“Then I look forward to seeing it for myself, and to finally meeting you, of course. Nib Assek has been singing your praises.”

Bell’s blush deepened. “She is with you?”

“On our way to Valo, yes. She’s looking forward to seeing you again.”

“She is too kind,” he stammered, not knowing what to do with himself.

“And my Padawan is too modest, even for a Jedi,” Indeera cut in. “The Force has blessed him, as you will see for yourself, old friend.”

Bell’s eyebrows shot up. He had no idea that Indeera knew Gios, let alone that they were as close as her tone suggested.

“I don’t doubt it,” Stellan said. “Until Valo, then. I hear the pickled cushnip is to die for.”

“Better than we ate on Theros Major? I’ll be the judge of that.”

Stellan chuckled on the other end of the line. “Why am I not surprised? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment with a cam droid.”

It was Indeera’s turn to laugh. “Well, if you will get yourself promoted to the High Council … People will be asking for your autograph next.”

“I’ll send them your way instead. Gios out.”

“What’s he like?” Bell asked as Stokes slipped the comlink back beneath her soft leather jacket.

“Stellan? One of the finest Jedi I’ve ever known. We met on Caragon-Viner, long before I went to Elphrona. He’s younger than me, of course, but—”