“There was a moment, during the attack, when I gave in to the dark side. It was only for a moment, but the results were … devastating, in every sense of the word.”

“Do you know why it happened?”

Elzar rubbed suddenly dry lips. “Yes. And I think it’s been coming for a while.”

Again there was a pause, but this time it was Stellan who broke the silence.

“We’re all tested, each and every one of us. And yes, there are moments when we’re found wanting. The important thing is that you’ve recognized it, and you’ve asked for help.” He reached out and squeezed Elzar’s arm. “You said you were here for me, and that goes both ways. We will get through this, all of it. We’re not alone, not when we have the Force and we have each other.”

“And what about Avar? Do you think I should tell her?”

“If you think it will help. Just like the old days, eh?” Stellan tapped Elzar’s arm, his voice changing, becoming more formal. Someone was waddling up to the screen: archivist OrbaLin. Stellan turned and addressed the Ugor.

“Master OrbaLin, how can I help?” His eyes dropped down to the datareader in the archivist’s gloved hands. “Is that—?”

“The analysis, yes, Master Gios. It appears the Nihil are mobilizing for another attack.”

“So soon?” Elzar asked.

“According to the data, two of the leaders, a Pan Eyta and Lourna Dee—no doubt the Twi’lek we both encountered, Master Gios—have spread word that they are to choose between one of two locations.”

Stellan took the reader and flicked through the text. “Which are—?”

“Hetzal Prime or the Cyclor Shipyards.”

“Picking up where they left off,” Stellan mused.

“Or where they began,” Elzar pointed out. “If they wipe out the new crops, bacta supply would be put back years.”

“Whereas the destruction of the Skyhawk yards would be a clear threat to Republic security.” Stellan stopped scrolling, highlighting one particular paragraph in the report. “According to this, the Nihil have intercepted a request for an increased Jedi presence from Cyclor …”

“In case of another attack,” OrbaLin confirmed. “A request we’ve been unable to fulfill, due to the current crisis.”

Stellan turned back to the display, bringing up a star map. He tapped again, highlighting first Cyclor’s position and then the Hetzal system’s.

“Reading between the lines, they’re waiting to see what we do next. If we send a contingent of Jedi to Cyclor …”

“They’ll return to Hetzal,” OrbaLin said.

“Whereas the shipyard will be the target if it looks like we’re reinforcing the Rooted Moon,” Elzar said, following the logic, even though he didn’t like it.

Stellan fell quiet, his eyes flickering over the map.

“I know that face,” Elzar said. “You have a plan.”

“Possibly.”

“So you should probably share it.”