“Everything checked out … again.” Elzar didn’t even try to disguise the irritation in his voice. “Do you know how many times Tiss has asked me to sweep the royal suite? And that’s after the Valo Security Force gave the place the thumbs-up.”

“He is just being thorough.”

“That’s one word for it. The others are beneath a Jedi.”

Stellan tried to suppress the smile that tugged at his lips. “I’m glad you realize. The important thing is that the regasa feels safe.”

“Yes Master. Thank you Master.”

“Oh, shut up.”

They both fell quiet as the ramp began to descend. Chancellor Soh stepped forward, her targons staying obediently where they were beside her son. Kitrep Soh looked as uncomfortable as Stellan felt in the glare of the cam droids, but, as Elzar predicted, every lens immediately shifted to the figures emerging from the shuttle.

First came guards carrying traditional Shilian weapons, the long, barbed pikes known as kiavene. The soldiers were dressed in long tunics, their faces hidden beneath near-featureless masks that were framed by their montrals, the distinctive horns capped with silver plating. Moving in unison, they marched forward, only to sharply double back, lining up on either side of the ramp. When they had snapped to attention, a vision in long, flowing robes began her descent. Elarec Yovet was simply stunning, her skin flawless orange and her montrals adorned with delicate golden metalwork that glinted in the sunlight, similar but far more ornate than the ear cuffs worn by the Valons. Her long head-tails hung down in front of her shoulders, past the high collar with its fur detailing and the heavy chain that marked her high office. Regasa of Shili, Supreme Huntress of the United Tribes, Ruler of Togrutas far and wide. Time seemed to stand still as she approached the chancellor, her guard falling in beside her. The two women appraised each other, as was the Togruta way, before Soh finally spoke.

“Most High Regasa, I welcome you to Valo, a proud member of the Galactic Republic. Tara macane vara numara narak.”

Stellan was impressed. Soh’s mastery of Togruti was flawless, no doubt the result of many hours of practice with various protocol droids. And there was no mistaking the look of respect on Elarec’s face as she returned the traditional greeting.

“Tara sootan koora manera narak.”

May the Force guide your path.

May the Force bring you home.