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Tadar’Ro was indeed anxious, if the pace he set was any indication. Luke and Ben found themselves using the Force to keep up with him. They could, of course, simply have asked Tadar’Ro to slow down, but knowing what he did, Luke understood the Aing-Tii’s driving need. And he, too, wanted to share what he had learned as quickly as possible.

Force-sensitives all apparently, the Aing-Tii knew they were returning. By the time Luke, Ben, and Tadar’Ro reached the Jade Shadow, dozens of Aing-Tii were waiting for them.

Still as stone they were, as ever, sitting on their haunches as if they had been carved so. Luke almost felt buffeted by their emotions in the Force: fear, excitement, hope, anger, resentment, gratitude. A rainbow.

Luke glanced over at Ben, who nodded solemnly. Then Luke took a deep breath, calmed himself, and spoke.

“When we came here, we had many questions about Jacen Solo. Thanks to Tadar’Ro, we have learned more about him. We also learned many things we didn’t expect to: about Jorj Car’das, about the Aing-Tii and how you use the Force. How you regard it. We are the richer for that knowledge.

“And in return, you asked something of us. Something that no one among you could do—consult the relics that are compiled in the Embrace and seek guidance from them. We have done so. I give you my solemn word that Ben and I have handled every single artifact in the Embrace, trying to find the answers you, our hosts, asked of us. And here is what we have learned.”

Ben shifted beside him uneasily. Here we go, Luke thought.

“While we learned much from the relics, and while we touched the Force through them, it is with deep regret that I must tell you, we gleaned no insight from them. No direction, no guidance, nothing that we could bring to you as proof that Those Who Dwell Beyond the Veil had plans for you at this juncture. I am afraid that the Aing-Tii are on their own. You and you alone must decide your destiny.

Whether you continue to believe as you have in the past, that the Force guides everything, or what the Prophet told you—that everything is pre-ordained—you must chart your own path.”

Grief and anger poured into the Force with such violence that Ben winced, and even Luke had to steel himself against it. Out of the corner of his eye Luke saw Ben’s hand twitch. Ben, sensing the hostility rampaging in the Force, desperately wanted to grab his lightsaber—but did not. Luke was very proud of him. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and protection. Never attack.

Then as quickly as it had come, the crowd’s anger abated. The onslaught of enraged, disillusioned Aing-Tii did not come. Luke relaxed slightly as he watched them. They were talking; their tongues flickered wildly. But he sensed it was less of an argument than a discussion. Something had shifted. It was subtle, but present. Luke could not understand them without the translation device, but he had a good idea as to what they were thinking. He glanced at Tadar’Ro, who hesitated, then translated.

“Some of them say, this is proof that we do not need offworlder aid to decide our own issues. Others say that Those Who Dwell Beyond the Veil have turned against us—while still others say they have enough faith in us to choose what is right. And still others say that if it were not for Luke Skywalker and Ben Skywalker, we would still be hostile to one another.”

Luke smiled a little. He could live with that. It was time for them to go.

The Aing-Tii began to drift away, returning to their ordinary lives and letting the “offworlders” be about their business. Luke turned to Ben.

“If you have any more questions for Tadar’Ro, you’d better ask them now.”

Ben shrugged, not looking at his father. “Nah, I’m good.” Luke frowned slightly, curious. “You haven’t attempted the flow-walking yet.”

“I decided not to do it. Come on, let’s get packing.” Tadar’Ro was confused. “But Ben Skywalker—we discussed this.” Luke’s eyes narrowed. “Tadar’Ro, can you give us a minute?” Tadar’Ro nodded. Ben and Luke strode up the ramp into the Jade Shadow and closed it.

“Ben,” Luke said