“There have been raids, of course, as there have been for many years. Unfortunately, the Nihil are a way of life in, what do you call it …” The Togruta searched for the words, glancing at Reza and Soh.

“The Outer Rim,” Toon offered quickly, keen to keep in control of the conversation, “although of course for you, it has always been your own territory. The …”

“The Caramendary,” Tiss provided. “The Center.”

“The Caramendary, yes,” Toon repeated, savoring the word. “Yours is such a beautiful language. And one I hope to learn more of as our great cultures work together. I am looking forward to meeting Her Majesty … if I am permitted to join the reception?”

“Of course,” the chancellor cut in. “As a valued member of the Senate you are always welcome, both at the reception and here now.” She looked up as the pod docked at their destination, the doors sliding silently open to let them disembark. “Ah, we have arrived.”

“Indeed we have, Madam Chancellor,” Samera said, pitching her voice up so the other groups could hear. “Welcome to Hetzal. Senator, if you would like to follow me?”

Toon allowed himself to be ushered out of the pod, giving Stellan a self-satisfied smile. Stellan watched them go, Samera pointing out just a few of the exotic meat-fruits that hung from the brightly colored trees, Chancellor Soh following with Ambassador Tiss, trying to salvage the situation.

“That looked like fun,” Elzar said, appearing behind Stellan.

“Like fighting your way out of a doashim pit.”

“We must do that again sometime. And that crack about our allies?”

Stellan frowned. “How could you hear that?”

“Lip-reading. Not easy with a Sullustan, I can tell you.”

Stellan crossed his arms. “I thought he was going to start complaining about the Hutts there and then.”

Elzar mirrored the gesture, although Stellan doubted it was subconscious. Elzar never did anything subconsciously.

“It’s no secret that Avar is working with the slugs.”

Stellan raised a judgmental eyebrow.

“Sorry, sorry. All life is sacred, I know. But you can’t blame Toon. Who knows what the Hutts are planning?”

“Avar trusts them, and therefore so do I.”

“I’d feel better if I could ask her about it myself,” Elzar said, nodding toward Toon who was now helping himself to the vast buffet that had been prepared for their arrival. “Do you think he’s going to be a problem?”

Stellan shook his head. “I sense no malevolence in him. Mischief, maybe, but no malice.”

“He enjoyed making the chancellor squirm, that’s for sure.”

“They’re old rivals, but he is sincere. Whatever his agenda, Toon loves the Republic. He’s a complication but not a crisis in waiting.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Whatever happens, I think we can leave Senator Toon to the chancellor. She knows what she is doing.”