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“It’s a tough job, working down there in the dark and the cold all day long,” Han said. “Wouldn’t you rather do something a little … easier?”

“Like what?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” he said. “What are you good at? What have you studied?”

“Well … at one time I wanted to be a curator in a museum,” she said, sounding faintly wistful. “I was going to study archaeology. I know quite a bit about that.”

“But you came here instead of going on with your studies,” Han guessed.

“Yes,” 921 answered. “This life is spiritually fulfilling. My old life was empty and meaningless.”

Han hesitated. “How do you know that the doctrine they teach here is the right one? There are a lot of religions in the galaxy.”

She considered his question carefully, then, finally, replied, “Because when we are Exulted, I feel very close to the One. It’s a mystical moment. I feel One with the All. I’m sure the priests must be Divinely Gifted to be able to offer the pilgrims the chance to be Exulted.”

“Hmmmm,” Han said. “Sounds like maybe I should give it a try.” Over my dead body, he thought, but was careful to conceal his true feelings.

“Perhaps you should,” she said. “It’s time to head for the Altar of Promises, now. Perhaps you’ll be blessed by receiving the Exultation, too.”

“You never know,” Han said. “Can I walk you there?”

She smiled a little, eyes downcast. “All right.”

They walked together up the jungle path, side by side amid the pilgrims, with Muuurgh trailing behind. Han tried to make conversation, but 921 was silent and unresponsive. When they reached the Altar, Han did not withdraw to the back, but instead stood beside 921 in the midst of the group of believers.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she whispered. “It’s obvious you’re not a pilgrim.”

“If anyone complains, just tell them I’m a pilgrim candidate,” Han said, trying to gently tease her, but 921 wasn’t having it. She scowled and turned away from him, concentrating on the ceremony.

Teroenza and the other priests treated the crowd of faithful to a devotion that was identical to the one Han had attended before. This time, Han had little trouble resisting the effects of the Exultation—he remained clearheaded throughout. Instead, he watched 921, saw her rapt face, and inwardly shook his head. How can she be taken in by this ridiculous bilge? he wondered. She’s obviously intelligent. Why can’t she see that however these priests do what they do, it’s some kind of trick, not a Divine Gift?

Han watched in distress as 921 sank to the ground to receive the Exultation, then he crouched beside her as she writhed on the ground. It’s a miracle their hearts don’t just stop, he thought. Later, when the moment of Exultation was over, and the priests were gone, he helped her to sit up. She was smiling, though very weak.

“You okay?” he asked, concerned. The Exultation, whatever its other physical and emotional effects, seemed to leave the pilgrims drained. “You don’t look so good.”

“I’m fine,” she said, still trembling, and tried to get up. Han was quick to catch her and offer a steadying hand.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her breath still ragged. “I’ll be fine, now.”

“I’ll walk you back to the dorm,” he said. “Just in case. You look kinda shaky.”

She didn’t argue as he took her arm, and they started back along the path. It was growing quite dark by now, and Ylesia had no moon. Han could barely make out the path ahead, but 921 produced her goggles from the pocket of her robe and put them on. She led the way, but he kept hold of her arm to steady her.

“So, do you ever miss Corellia?” he asked.

“No,” she said, but he could tell it was a lie. “Do you?”

“I don’t miss the people, but I miss the planet,” Han said honestly. “Corellia’s a nice place. I always wanted to go to the ocean, but I never got the chance. Ever been to the ocean?”

“Yes …” she said slowly, as if his question brought back memories she’d rather not think about.

“You got a family there?”

“Yes …” she hesitated, then added, “at least,