“As is right and proper,” the chancellor continued. “But we will not allow him to use it for his own political or financial gain. We have all worked too hard for that.” Soh’s posture changed, her head rising slightly. “And there is still much work to do. The fair will go ahead, my friends. It must. Not for the spectacle, nor the glory, but for the message it sends to the galaxy as a whole. The Nihil want us to run back to the Core and cower in our beds. They want us to give up on our dreams and ambitions. That will not stand. They have committed terrible crimes but are nothing more than a rabble. Rest assured, I have studied intelligence reports and risk assessments. I have sat through multiple briefings and countless simulations. Every decision I have made is based on fact, not conjecture or fearmongering. As for the Nihil, well … we have seen their like time and time again, pirates and agitators, and yes, we will see their like again in the years to come. The difference between us and them is that we are united, while they are disparate; we are many, while they—by their very nature—are few. And, as discussed, we have stepped up security measures around Valo and will continue to do so if the attacks, sporadic though they are, endure. But know this; the one thing we will not do, that we will never do, is live in fear of something that might happen with no discernible evidence that it will happen. If we did, if we halted our plans even for a second, then the Nihil or the Drengir or anyone else who conspires to disrupt our way of life would win without even firing a shot.”

Soh paused, not for applause, but as a sign that the conversation was at an end. That didn’t stop Reza from adding a heartfelt “Well said,” or for Noor to nod sagely on his holoscreen.

“We have no doubt that everything will run exactly as planned,” the senator said, trying to save face following Soh’s impromptu speech. “However, we would be neglecting our responsibilities—”

“If you didn’t at least question our actions,” Soh conceded, with her most diplomatic smile. “I understand, Noor. Really, I do. Nonetheless, there is still much to do … If that is all, I thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing you all on Valo.”

One by one, the officials made their farewells, their holosquares fizzing off in turn.

“Well, that went well, I thought,” Soh said, walking back to her desk, which sat in front of a glistening map of Republic space.

“Except for the mention of Toon and his schemes,” Reza added, walking with her. “That damn Sullustan is nothing but a thorn in all our sides.”