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“Vansyn,” said Lecersen, speaking into his comm, “are you watching HNE?”

“I am, and I must say, it’s absolutely riveting programming.” It was, without a doubt, Javis Tyrr’s day. First the coverage of the “Insane Jedi Rampage,” then the expose of the fact that the Jedi had another crazed Knight stashed away in the bowels of their Temple. And now, the coup de grâce, an exclusive interview with no lesser personages than Acting Grand Master Kenth Hamner, Master Cilghal, a Chadra-Fan Jedi named Tekli, and both living Jedi Solos.

“I understand he has his own show now,” Vansyn continued. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets bumped to prime time after this.”

“Indeed,” said Lecersen. Leia Solo was speaking now, looking directly and sincerely into the holocam, doing her best to smooth over the bluntness of her offspring. “He is a resourceful one, isn’t he? He could prove very useful.”

JAINI SOLO’S QUARTERS, JEDI TEMPLE,

CORUSCANT

The reporters finally drifted away at twilight, after the interviews had all been conducted and the Temple had resumed what looked to them like its normal, boring routine. The curious onlookers had begun to drift away in search of other distractions.

Jaina was exhausted and furious. What part of her day had not been spent swallowing her pride had passed in basic hard labor. All part of Kenth’s punishment for doing something he had known kriffing good and well she—

Jaina stuffed that emotion down. He’d been right. Once this came to light, she’d known she’d be forced to own her actions and take the proper punishment for disobedience. So she had not uttered a word of complaint as she helped out in the laundry and the cafeteria along with apprentices and staff members.

Now all she wanted to do was get to her quarters and fall into the blessed unconsciousness of sleep.

She was therefore surprised to open the door to her room and find Jag Fel waiting for her. The room’s lighting was dim, and the table that was normally covered with datapads, flimsi, and various assorted knickknacks had been cleared. Two plates with something lavish and complicated looking on them were flanked by gleaming silverware, along with a bottle of something sitting in a bucket of ice.

“I’ve been swallowing my pride all day,” Jaina muttered. “I’m not hungry.”

Jag shrugged. “Well, I am. Do you know what time it is?”

“I’ve been a bit busy.”

“I know. That’s why I thought you might want something to eat. You tend to forget to fuel yourself when you’re in full-on-charge mode.” He rose from the bed where he’d been lying, went to her, gently pressed her into a chair, and tugged off her boots. She was so distressed by the events of the day, she let him.

“Come on. Eat something and tell me what happened. I saw the holonews, of course, but something tells me that Javis Tyrr might not be reporting the entire story.”

Despite her disgruntlement, the aroma of the roba steak was appetizing, and Jaina found herself digging in as she told him about what had happened. Jag listened quietly, his eyes intent on her, offering silent support.

“I never mentioned you, Tahiri, Winter, or Mirax,” she said. “I was forced to reveal Tekli, but I honestly think that was a good thing. You know how agitated she can get. I think it was kind of a relief for her.”

“I agree. And thank you. I knew you wouldn’t.”

She gave him a fleeting smile that turned into a real one, reached across the table, and laid a hand on his. He squeezed it tightly.

“Everyone who matters knows exactly what the situation is,” he told her. “Up to and including Master Hamner. I’d go so far as to say even Daala understands, but it’s contrary to what she wants and frankly what I think she believes to be a positive thing. Your actions helped the Jedi retain two very valuable study subjects, and that might be what solves the whole problem.”

“Hey, you think my double could stand in for me here?” Jaina said, making a feeble and somewhat wistful joke.

“She’s good, but her mouth is all wrong. I don’t think she’d fool Jedi,” Jag said, looking completely serious.

Jaina