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“Centerpoint Station,” Fyor Rodan of Commenor said, “is ideally positioned to defend Kuat. But what is Centerpoint’s current status? Can we count on Corellia?”

Chelch Dravvad shifted in his seat, looking uncomfortable. Mara didn’t envy him. Corellia had been used as a trap, a target to tempt the Yuuzhan Vong into Centerpoint’s range. Now the Corellians had back-blading in mind.

“My report isn’t good,” Dravvad answered. “After Centerpoint was fired toward Fondor, there was some kind of interior malfunction, probably due to Sal-Solo’s mishandling. That information must not reach the Yuuzhan Vong, though. As long as they consider Centerpoint operational, it provides a deterrent for this entire region.”

Mara sensed uneasiness around the table. Several heads nodded somberly.

Fey’lya crossed his arms over his tunic. “And now Corellia threatens to act alone, making the Centerpoint weapon its rallying point.” He glanced aside at Councilor Dravvad.

“Without Fondor’s shipyards,” the Corellian said, “New Republic forces could not have used Centerpoint as planned anyway. The HIMS devices, which would’ve allowed our forces to maneuver in and out of the interdiction field, were built there.”

Admiral Sien Sovv, the Sullustan fulcrum of the New Republic Defense Force, had been threatened with a senatorial vote of no confidence after the Centerpoint catastrophe. He’d barely survived. “Chief Nylykerka,” he asked, “what news from Kubindi?”

The burly Tammarian shook his head. “Our only communication has come courtesy of Jedi Kyp Durron. I’m sure you’ve seen that on HoloNet.”

Sovv’s jowls quivered with distaste. “Who hasn’t? I suppose Jedi Corran Horn has returned to his usual heroics as well, by now,” he suggested, turning to Luke.

Sitting next to Mara, Luke shook his head. “Corran is still in seclusion on Corellia.” Lying low, Mara knew, after the Ithor catastrophe.

Sovv sniffed loudly.

Cal Omas, formerly of Alderaan, said, “I find it interesting that the enemy took Kubindi without harassing either Fwillsving or Kessel.”

“The biology people,” Nylykerka said, “believe that the Kubaz’s history of genetically engineering insect species made that world’s resources appeal to the Yuuzhan Vong.”

“And the disinformation campaign?” Fey’lya turned to a tall, slender woman standing behind Chief Nylykerka.

Mara knew Major Hallis Saper by sight. The former documentarian, now employed by NRI, opened her hands. “We know the Yuuzhan Vong are superstitious. Unfortunately, until we can get a better sense of what they consider good and bad portents, there’s little we can do to convince them they’re seeing bad ones.”

Admiral Sovv slowly shook his head. “Thank you, Major Saper. We will inform you as information becomes available.”

Fey’lya raised the room lights to a slightly brighter level, and Nylykerka deactivated his map as Major Saper left the chamber.

Borsk Fey’lya cleared his throat, making a braying noise. “Councilor Pwoe?” He indicated the tentacle-faced Quarren seated across from him. “You requested a place on the agenda.”

Councilor Pwoe lowered his head, resting his facial tentacles against his chest. “Master Skywalker,” he said, “I am glad that the topic of Jedi Horn and Jedi Durron was raised. Unless you can exercise a greater measure of control over the Jedi, you must prepare for a new round of persecution.”

Luke raised his head but didn’t speak.

“Your nephews,” Pwoe continued, “allowed Sal-Solo to fire the Centerpoint weapon. True?”

“Yes,” Luke said. Mara glared at the aging Squid Head. “At the New Republic’s request,” Luke reminded the council.

“We are disturbed,” Pwoe said. “Jedi and other vigilante groups are becoming increasingly active. Justice must be meted out under the rule of law, not by petty tyrants in X-wing fighters.”

Mara eyed Fyor Rodan, who’d made no secret of his opposition to forming any new Jedi council.

Rodan stirred. “There was a time,” he said, “when the presence of twenty Jedi on Coruscant might have seemed like a guarantee of our safety. Now, it seems that you head an order of twenty