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“Li Stonn.”

“Li Stonn, walking through that door is going to be one of the best decisions you ever made. When you leave us, you’re going to leave satisfied—but you’re not going to want to leave, because we have everything. Did you see something particular that you were interested in? Don’t be shy about asking—”

Luke pointed upward. “You had an ad up just a few moments ago. Something about the lost secrets of the Jedi—”

“Oh, excellent choice—a real find. We just added that to our catalog, and it’s already a best-seller. Absolutely authentic material, answers all the questions we all have about the secret masters of the galaxy.” The hook pressed a bright blue tab the same size and shape as the credit tab into Luke’s hand. “For security reasons, all our sensitive documents are available only at our central archives location. Just give these tabs to any trading agent when you arrive. Would you like a courtesy cab?”

Dual display screens in the back of the cab subjected Luke to a concentrated dose of Galactic Archives advertising—advertising that seemed to be tailored to the request he had made at the satellite shop.

The offerings included Emperor Palpatine’s Principles of Power, a private publication for Imperial Moffs; the Sith book of offerings and rituals; the H’kig book of laws; and the secrets of forming Bilar-type claqa group-minds, among others—with a special discount if Luke took any three or more. Most of the documents were undoubtedly frauds, and none tempted Luke beyond idle curiosity over the skillfulness of the fraud.

When Luke reached the traders’ central site, negotiating the price of his purchase required most of an hour, two attempts to leave empty-handed, and a promise to bring a friend back to The Galactic Archives with him. The final agreement brought the price down from two thousand credits for the Jedi file to nine hundred for the file and a pocket datapad.

By then night had settled solidly over Talos, and the bustle of activity had shifted away from the commerce district, leaving the flyways and walks there nearly empty. Luke walked west, drawn by a bright nightglow in the sky. Twice he was approached from the shadows, but the weak minds of his would-be attackers were easily influenced by a simple projection of doubt, and they retreated to await easier prey.

The nightglow came from the lights of a sprawling and boisterous entertainment district, The Revels. He could hear that it was well named long before he reached the district boundary and paid the general admission. The walks were jostling-full with visitors bent on pleasure, and the air was full of loud voices, laughter, and the music escaping from dozens of rec centers, casinos, and club bars.

Li Stonn wandered The Revels looking for a place to sit undisturbed and read about The Secrets of Jedi Power. Luke Skywalker wandered The Revels listening, watching, and trying to understand what drew so many and stirred in them such a desperately fevered energy. With the effects of his exercises lingering, the pleasures offered on the banner displays of the clubs and rec centers seemed shallow and uninviting.

Be a pirate for a night at Tawntoom Territory—

Play Point 5 where it was invented! New games every five minutes! Ninety-percent payoffs!

Near-Death Experiences! Walk Right to the Edge with our Master Torturers and Million-Credit Insurance!

Melee!—Any Weapon, Any Target! The Ultimate Personal Combat Simulator!

The Daughters of the Empath Princess Know Exactly What You Need—

Arena Shock-Ball—Now with Ultracharge!

Li Stonn was no more interested than Luke. But there were no places to sit outdoors—not even a half-wall or a ledge—and no peace from the crowd or the hookmen. The managers of The Revels had cannily decided that if a visitor needed to rest, it should be somewhere indoors, where the average seat turned a hundred credits an hour in drinks, food, and services.

Facing that prospect, Luke decided to leave The Revels and return to the docking bay. It was possible that Akanah