“All will be well, Noor. That I can promise you. We have been working with the Jedi every step of the way. A Jedi Master has even been assigned to Valo prior to the completion of their Temple to assure the safety of the planet.”

This, at least, seemed to put Noor at ease. “Yes. I know of the Master in question. Elzar Mann.”

“A fine Jedi and a trusted friend of this administration,” Soh said.

“Master Mann has been in constant contact with both Starlight and the Temple on Coruscant,” Kriss assured them.

“And is also working closely with my office,” Samera added. “He is very impressive.”

Was that a slight flush on the administrator’s cheeks? Rhil made a mental note to check that out when they arrived on Valo. It could be an interesting angle to follow.

“Elzar will know immediately if there is a disturbance in the Force,” Stellan assured them all.

Senator Vaadu raised a hand on the vidwall. “My apologies, Council Member. I didn’t mean to suggest that you haven’t made the necessary arrangements. If anything, I am concerned that any incident, no matter how small, will play into the hands of … certain agitators in the Senate.”

“Tia Toon,” Reza said flatly.

“You know he is only looking for an opportunity to push his precious Defense Force Program.”

“A program that the Senate has voted down at every possibility,” Noor said. “The financial implications alone …”

The chancellor raised a hand, silencing the senator.

“Yes, yes, we know the arguments, and you know my position. The program doesn’t fit with the philosophy of this administration and the Republic as a whole. But I also understand Senator Vaadu’s concerns. Senator Toon will be at the fair …”

“Along with representatives of the SoroSuub Corporation,” Vaadu added pointedly.