Home—specifically the Togruta homeworld of Shili—had been the biggest stumbling point when the Republic had first ventured into Togruta space nearly 150 years earlier. Members of the species were fiercely protective of their world and its surrounding moons, considering the ground beneath their bare feet sacred. Stellan glanced down. Sure enough, the regasa wore no shoes. Most Togrutas wore boots when they were offworld, but the High Huntress always went barefoot wherever she was. He had never met her, of course. Few in the Republic had. Those early encounters hadn’t gone well. The Togrutas had known about the Republic for centuries, just as the Republic had known about the Togrutas. There had been a mutual respect, many such as Jora Malli even leaving the Togrutas’ home planet to become Jedi, but having the Republic on Shili’s doorstep was a different matter. There had been clashes, some unscrupulous pioneers misreading the Togrutas’ apparent pacifism. Lines had been drawn that still remained nearly two centuries later. But here was the regasa, standing on a Republic world, the official guest of the chancellor. Stellan knew how important this meeting was to Soh’s plans. Having the Togrutas join the Republic was the culmination of what the media delighted in calling her Great Works, a lifelong ambition that she would do everything in her power to realize before her term of office came to a conclusion in four years’ time.

“Here we go,” Elzar muttered beneath his breath as the monarch was led along the line of dignitaries, bowing to each and every one as they were introduced. Stellan felt a stab of irritation. Couldn’t Elzar take anything seriously? It was fine back when they were Padawans, even young Jedi Knights, but now the eyes of the galaxy were upon them. Quite literally as it happened. Stellan felt a bead of sweat roll down his back and for a moment considered that Elzar had been right not to wear his heavy Temple robes.

Before long, Elarec was in front of him, being introduced by the chancellor.

“Lord Jedi,” the regasa said, using an honorific that the Jedi themselves hadn’t used for millennia—but the Togrutas refused to let slip into antiquity. “I see from your raiment that you are a member of the Council on Coruscant.”

“I am, Your Majesty.”

“Then you knew my great friend Jora Malli. I miss her terribly.”

“She was a wise and honorable Jedi, who now dwells in the Force.”

Regasa Elarec nodded sagely. “Of course. I had hoped to visit her station.”

“Starlight Beacon.”

Another nod, the gems on Yovet’s headdress catching the sunlight.

“Maybe you should,” Elzar cut in without waiting to be introduced. “I’m sure Marshal Kriss would be happy to welcome you and your retinue.”

“That would be most gratifying,” the regasa said, turning to Soh. “With the chancellor’s permission, of course.”