“My own gain?” Toon spluttered. “I think only of the people, throughout the Republic, who live in fear of a cloud on the horizon every day of their lives. And what of those who believe the chancellor’s politicizing, who believe the rhetoric, the promises. People who think they are safe, when this attack proves they are anything but, as do the other attacks that have blighted the frontier in recent months. These are the people your administration is failing, Madam Chancellor, and these are the people who will see for themselves, mark my words.” With that, the Sullustan looked pointedly behind Soh, snorting with obvious derision. “After all, you already have the cams with you.”

Stellan turned, knowing full well who the senator was referring to. Rhil Dairo stood at a respectful distance with her ever-present cam droid, observing everything.

“The Senate approved GoNet’s presence,” Soh argued, prompting another snort of derision from the Sullustan.

“I know. I was one of those who voted to allow it, in the vain hope that the galaxy would see the truth, but somehow I doubt this footage will make the cut. It hardly fits your narrative, but let it be known that I am more than happy to speak to Ms. Dairo, on the record.”

“Master Gios.” Nib’s urgent voice cut through the argument. “We have word from Cyclor.”

At last, Stellan thought, turning to Nib’s terminal. “Is it Stokes or Zettifar?”

Nib shook her head sharply. “No. It is Porter Engle and the drift from Derra.”

“Put it on speaker,” Soh commanded, shooting a look at Tia Toon. “So we can all hear.”

A press of a button and the Ikkrukki’s gruff voice echoed around the chancellor’s office.

“Communications are restored,” he said, his words edged with static. “The Nihil had dispatched scrambler droids on the edge of the system.”

“And the battle?” Grand Master Veter asked.

If the veteran Jedi recognized the Grand Master’s voice, it didn’t seem to faze him. “The locals have fought valiantly. Most of the Nihil raiders have been taken out along with the scav droids.”

The sound of laserfire played over the speakers, followed by a grunt from Engle.

“Porter?” Stellan asked.

“Apologies, Master Gios. The stragglers are a scrappy bunch.”

“And the lead ship?”

There was another pause, followed by the screech of static.

“Jedi Engle!”

“I’m here.” The Ikkrukki’s voice was more distorted than ever. “Although there’s no sign of the Cloudship. The Cyclorrians say it was destroyed.”

“What of Stokes and …” Soh paused, searching for Bell’s name.

“Zettifar,” Stellan filled in for her.

“Bell? Bell’s here?” The Ikkrukki sounded surprised at the revelation. “I haven’t seen …” His gruff voice trailed off.

“Porter?” Stellan prompted.

“I’ve found him,” came the reply in a tone that chilled Stellan’s blood. “And it’s not good.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Beyond