Toon stepped forward, drawing the lawman’s attention back to him. “And arrived in the nick of time. I shall send my compliments to Captain Snat.” He turned to face Chekkat and her mysterious bodyguard. “Arrest these two and impound their device.”

Stellan tried not to let his annoyance at being circumvented show. “Senator Toon, all things considered, I think that the Jedi should handle this.”

“I have no doubt you do, Council Member, but this is a Republic matter. These criminals came to me, breaking Republic rules in the process. They are my responsibility.” He lifted his head, challenging Stellan to contradict him. “Do you agree?”

“Of course,” Stellan said, glancing at Bell, who returned his saber to its holster.

“Although we would like to study this lightsaber,” Elzar added as Stellan released Yorrick into the security officer’s supervision, the Tholothian having the sense not to struggle as binders were snapped around her wrists.

“Be my guest,” Toon said dismissively. “Maybe you will share any information it proves about these criminals with the appropriate authorities.”

Stellan bowed magnanimously. “Naturally. Thank you, Senator.”

Toon took a step forward, his voice dropping. “No, thank you, Council Member. You jumped in to protect me, despite my reputation in the Senate, and it is appreciated, no matter what you think of me.”

Stellan went to protest, but Toon waved the sentiment away.

“I meant what I said, Master Gios. We are allies. I just wish for the Republic to stand on its own feet from time to time, especially following the events of Hetzal. You do understand that, don’t you?”

There was no duplicity in Toon’s words. Stellan nodded, saying, “We are all the Republic.”

Toon smiled. “Indeed we are, Council Member. Indeed we are.”

The senator swept from the room, his Orzrelanso aide limping after him. Mantessa was bundled out next, followed by Yorrick who called back over her shoulder:

“I’ll need that back.”

Elzar didn’t reply as the remaining security officers puzzled over what to do with the nullifier.

“Help them, Bell,” Stellan said, “We should get that thing offworld as soon as possible.”

“At once, Master,” Bell responded, although Stellan could tell he had a thousand and one questions. He wasn’t alone.

“Shall I go with them?” Elzar asked. “See what I can get out of Yorrick?”

Stellan shook his head. “We need to play by the rules. Toon’s right. This is Republic business.”

“But we’re all the Republic,” Elzar reminded him.

It drew a sigh from Stellan.

“Elzar, I mean it.”

“She’s obviously Jedi. Or at least used to be. Aren’t you curious about that?”

“Of course I am. But she isn’t going anywhere.”

“You honestly think a Valon cell will hold her?”

“The local detention center is more than capable of containing Force users.”

“But—”

“But nothing. I mean it, Elzar.” He pointed at the stains on Elzar’s tabard. “Go and get those checked out.”