“Norel, it’s fine. They can stay.”

The aide turned back to her, his ridged brow furrowed. “But Madam Chancellor, the conference—”

“Will continue as planned,” Soh insisted, returning her gaze to the screens. “As everyone is aware the administration has afforded full access to GoNet. Of course, all footage gathered will be vetted for security purposes before broadcast, so we can speak freely.” She turned back toward Rhil. “This is pre-recorded material, I believe.”

Rhil nodded. “Yes, Chancellor. We won’t be going live until the night of the opening ceremony.”

“Excellent. Then join us. You, too, Master Jedi.”

Quo stepped back to let Stellan and the others join the chancellor, although it was clear the Koorivar’s grip on his datapad had tightened. Stellan and Nib shared welcoming nods with the other person present in the room, Soh’s Kalleran deputy, Larep Reza, another rising star in the Senate and the official most likely to replace Soh when the chancellor’s term ended. He certainly looked the part, with his striking fins framing a smooth nose-less face, dark stripes fanning out from a pair of eyes that were already older than his years. The cams loved him, as did the political commentators, not to mention the gossip-holos that were as obsessed about his love life as they were about his broad, finely muscled shoulders.

Rhil sent a silent command to T-9, reactivating the droid’s quadronic mics. Soh had already returned to the conversation at hand.

“And everything is proceeding according to schedule?” she asked Samera.

“Absolutely. There has been a slight issue with the holoprojectors in the United in Song exhibit but—”

“I’m not sure that the chancellor needs to concern herself with the specifics, administrator,” Quo cut in.

“On the contrary,” Soh said. “I want to know everything.” She turned her attention back to Samera. “I saw the concept art for the United in Song attraction. It looked positively charming.”

“Wait until you hear the melody …” Samera said with the faintest of smirks. “It’s … unforgettable to say the least.”

“What about the Innovator?” Senator Noor asked, obviously keen to keep the meeting on track.

“Almost ready for launch,” Stellan informed them. “Jedi Indeera Stokes and her Padawan will be traveling with it, ready for its arrival during the opening ceremony.”

Soh beamed at the news. “Excellent. It will be a sight to behold.”