"Both he and I think she's sincere," Jaina said. "You should talk to him yourself, though." Translation: Keep it short. I'm enjoying time alone with my fiance.

"I will, just as soon as I'm done with your future husband. Jag, Han and I have just returned from a rather informative expedition. We've got some news to share with you as soon as possible."

"I'll be in my office first thing tomorrow morning," Jag said. Translation: Don't interrupt right now.

Leia couldn't help but smile. She knew how they both felt. It was one reason she and Han, in recent years, had tried to avoid getting embroiled in adventures without each other as much as possible. "I'll contact you then and we'll set something up. Jaina, welcome home."

"Thanks, Mom." From anyone else at any other time, the sudden click would have been rude. Hearing it now from Jaina only made Leia happy.

"Home now?" asked Han.

"Luke now," Leia said. Because Jaina had said he was in a meeting, she expected simply to leave a message, and so was surprised and pleased to hear her brother's voice. "Luke! Jaina said you'd returned."

"It's good to hear from you!" Luke said. "I thought you and Han would be here when I arrived."

"We left before you sent word and, well, we've been a bit busy. We're getting ready to land shortly. When can we meet and catch up?"

"The sooner the better, and it's all work unfortunately," Luke said. Han scowled. "I've just finished up with a meeting of the Masters, and I'd like to share some of the decisions we reached. One is that the Jedi will be withdrawing from any official involvement in the government, and I'd like you to be present when Saba and I inform Treen and Dorvan. The Jedi would like Dorvan to officially become the new Chief of State of the Galactic Alliance."

"Poor Wynn," Leia said at once. "He's not going to like that."

"He won't have to like it, he just has to accept it," Luke said.

"He will," Han said. "Underneath that perfectly groomed and boring exterior beats the heart of a good man."

"I think we all agree on that. Maybe even the part about the boring exterior," Luke said. His voice was warm with humor, although he sounded tired. "The second thing is, the Jedi are leaving Coruscant. As soon as possible. When the transition is stabilized, I'd like you to join us."

Leia was so stunned she couldn't speak for a moment. Even Han looked surprised.

"Luke-I don't know if-" she started.

"I know, I know," Luke said. "But this needs to happen, Leia. I'll explain my reasoning when we get together, and I know you'll understand. Meet me at the Temple. We'll grab a cup of caf, work up a game plan, and then head over to the Senate chamber."

"All right, we'll be there shortly. By the way, my nephew is apparently wandering around the Jedi Temple in the company of a Sith girl. I'm going to want to hear about that, too."

Luke chuckled. "I promise. See you soon."

OFFICES OF THE CHIEF OF STATE, CORUSCANT.

"Grand Master Skywalker," Wynn Dorvan said, rising as Luke, Leia, and Saba entered the meeting room at the offices of the Chief of State. He extended a hand. Luke took it, smiling. "Welcome home."

"Thank you," Luke said. "It's good to be home." Even if it is only for a short while, Luke thought.

"Jedi Solo, also good to have you back," Dorvan said, turning to Leia. "I hope your trip went well."

Leia gave him a smile. "Indeed it did."

"Master Sebatyne. Welcome. Grand Master, I don't know that you've met Senator Haydnat Treen, of Kuat."

The elderly woman rose with fluid grace, smiling warmly at Luke. "Master Skywalker," she said. "What a pleasure to finally meet you. We are so very glad you have returned."

Luke was used to dealing with politicians. He was not as familiar with them as Leia was, but he did not much care for the rather unctuous Senator. He sensed a coolness behind her effusiveness, a calculation, and secrets that were well kept.

Of course, he mused, that could be said of most politicians. And all beings had secrets. Nonetheless, her presence in the Force was not one that endeared her to him. He smiled pleasantly.

"Thank you. And of course I know of you, Senator Treen. Master Sebatyne informs me that you have helped things move along quite smoothly during your tenure as acting joint Chief of State."

Nothing changed physically, but he felt her put up her guard. Treen was not Force-sensitive, but the effect was very similar. She knew how to keep things buried. Quite deep.

Further pleasantries were exchanged, then the five of them sat around the table.

"I'll get right to the point," Luke said. "Senator Treen, Dorvan-I believe you know that the Jedi never intended to rule the Galactic Alliance. The coup was performed for the sole purpose of eliminating a leader who had become a threat to the very government she was attempting to run, nothing more. And this triumvirate the three of you have managed was meant only as an interim measure."

"It's been working rather well," Treen said. "All things considered."

"And the galaxy is fortunate that three cool heads prevailed," Luke said. "But I must inform you now that one of those beings will no longer be able to perform in that role any longer. I intend to withdraw the Jedi from any position of power or authority in the Galactic Alliance. The Jedi will become an order responsible only to itself and to those beings it serves."

That took both Treen and Dorvan aback. Luke went on to tell them what he had told the Masters-that the Jedi needed to become autonomous. That the Sith and Abeloth still needed to be hunted, as the threat they posed was not just to the Galactic Alliance, but to the entire galaxy. And that while Luke trusted that no one in this room was on their way to becoming a second Daala, he believed that the Jedi needed to be able to act on their own, freely and immediately, with no one to forbid or direct them.

As he expected, he sensed both dismay and relief from Treen and Dorvan. "Daala's desire to make the Jedi perform like an extension of her own will was ill advised from the start," Dorvan said. "Her first mistake was in exiling you, and she continued to compound that mistake. I can appreciate your Order wanting to be able to act independently. But what does that mean for the Galactic Alliance?"

"Friendship," Luke said at once, sending Dorvan sincere rea.s.surance. "We're not abandoning you. If you have need of us, we will be there. The only real difference is we're not confined to helping only those beings the GA wants us to help."

"I think it's a splendid idea," Treen said. "You're not droids or hired thugs, Master Skywalker. You should not be treated as such. While I commend Master Sebatyne on the civilized nature of the coup, I think it high time that the Jedi and GA politics disentangled themselves." She paused and c.o.c.ked her head. "Except ... how do we actually go about that?"

"The triumvirate you formed was an emergency measure," Leia said. "Legally, once the emergency is past, you need to hold a formal election as soon as possible."

"Leaving aside the difficulty of arranging a parade," Dorvan said drily, "that will still take some time."

"We're all just making this up as we go along. The GA has been fortunate that it's worked so far, but I think with the withdrawal of the Jedi, we should look to precedent. And while I wish none of you ill, the closest type of precedent would be how we would determine another Chief of State if the present one were to die."

Dorvan consulted his datapad. "Current law would stipulate that the Senate elect a leader to serve for no more than two standard months until such time as a proper election can be duly held," he said. "That being the case, I would suggest that Senator Treen, as she has already been serving in that capacity, would take over Daala's position." He seemed heartened by his conclusion.

"Oh, dear me, no!" exclaimed Treen. "The little taste I've had of this so far has convinced me that I want no part of it. Kuat is starting to think I've forgotten about them and their specific interests. It's far too complicated, and there is no time for proper caf breaks. I would refuse such a position if the Senate were to offer it to me. I rather think that the Senate would wish to continue with you at its head, Wynn."

Leia smiled at him. "Wynn," she said, "we've known each other a long time. You're in a unique position."

Dorvan sighed. "I didn't even want to manage an a.s.sistant, let alone an entire government."

"Better you than someone hungry for power," Luke said. "It doesn't have to be forever. At least let the Senate put you in charge until there's a chance for a fair and legal election. No one says you have to run for office then. But for now, it sounds like putting you in the role of Chief of State won't cause upheaval and chaos at a time when the GA needs stability."

"Very well," Dorvan said, in a hollow tone of voice.

"Oh, come come, Wynn," Treen said brightly. "You sound like you're being led off to execution!"

"I rather think I am," said Dorvan. "But I suppose there's no help for it."

The five eased quickly into the details of how the departure of the Jedi would be handled. And there were a great many. Even so, it seemed like all of them were in harmony. By the time the meeting was over, they had a date, an itinerary, had gathered copies of the necessary doc.u.ments, and had decided when, how, and by whom the various revelations would be made. It had been a highly successful morning, but Luke could tell Leia was not as comfortable as she had appeared to Treen and Dorvan.

As he, Leia, and Saba walked together back to the Temple, he asked her about it.

"I agree with your reasons for the Jedi leaving," she said. "But ... I don't trust Senator Treen. She's hiding something."

"I noticed that as well," Luke said.

"Even this one did," Saba said. "This one had hoped it was simply unfamiliarity with the nature of human politicz. Otherz in the cabinet, too-something seemz unquiet. But this one is confused. If Treen hungerz for power, why did she refuse it when it was all but handed to her?"

"I don't know, but I don't like it," Leia said. "I don't like any of this. And we're not having a private meeting with Dorvan about that because ...?"

"Oh, we'll have a private meeting with Dorvan," Luke a.s.sured her. "For one thing, I'd like you to brief him on who in the Senate you think he'll be able to work with. Beings like Lando's friend Senator Wuul. I also have a favor I'd like to ask him."

Leia glanced at Saba, who seemed more amused than anything else. "But we don't want to warn him about Treen?"

"Not yet." Luke leaned over and said in an exaggerated whisper, "Trust me."

Leia rolled her eyes.

It was The Perre Needmo Newshour that got the scoop. Luke, along with Leia and Han, had always been impressed with the format Needmo had chosen to keep the public informed. Except where a segment was clearly identified as an editorial, as was the case with the late, greatly missed Madhi Vaandt's segments, the news was presented in a clear and unbiased manner. There was no mudslinging, no vicious scrambling for ratings-and Luke suspected that the fact that The Perre Needmo Newshour eschewed such things was why it actually landed in the top five week after week.

Needmo himself had volunteered to conduct the interview, and Luke was looking forward to it. He now settled in the interviewee's chair, having endured the unusual activity of having makeup put on his face and his hair styled, and made himself comfortable.

"I've been interviewed before, of course," he told his host as he sipped a cup of water, "but usually it's on site and right in the middle of the action. I haven't been in a studio before."

"I am proud that we are the first, then," Needmo replied, his small eyes crinkling in pleasure. "I have a top-notch team, Master Skywalker. They're consummate professionals."

Luke nodded. "I saw the interview you did with Rokari Kem, of Qaras," he said. "I'm glad she'll be coming to Coruscant. We need beings who can combine compa.s.sion with levelheaded leadership."

"Indeed we do. She has granted me another exclusive once she settles in as Senator. I'm looking forward to it."

The studio was a hive of activity. He'd met the director, Jorm Alvic, and the producer, Sima Shadar. Now tech specialists checked lighting and sound quality, and droids hummed and whirred on various errands. Jorm, a human in his early middle years, leaned forward into a mike and announced, "We'll be live in one minute, gentlebeings."

"We're ready, Jorm!" said Needmo cheerily. A slender Twi'lek adjusted both their personal mikes, brushed a stray lock of hair off Luke's forehead, and scampered off the set. The energetic music of the opening credits began to play, and the cam operator counted down. Three, two, one- And go, he mouthed.

"Good evening, gentlebeings, and welcome to tonight's edition of The Perre Needmo Newshour," said Needmo. "We open our show tonight with an exclusive: a one-on-one interview with the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, Luke Skywalker. Welcome, Master Skywalker."

Luke smiled. "Thank you. And you're welcome to call me Luke. Before we continue, while I'll be happy to answer your questions shortly, I need to tell you that I have chosen your show as a platform to make a very important announcement."

Luke sensed through the Force that Perre was taken off-guard, but the elderly Chevin was such a professional that neither his body language nor his voice betrayed his surprise. "Why, I'm honored, Luke. I'm sure that with all that's going on throughout the galaxy, you'll have a lot of important things to share with us. By all means, please continue."

Luke turned so he was facing the cam. "Over the last forty years, I have endeavored to build and manage the Jedi Order in accordance with our highest ideals: cooperation, peace, freedom, decent treatment for all beings. Recently, in my absence, the Jedi were faced with a terrible choice-disobey the Chief of State and risk having our very Temple attacked, or answer cries for help from beings struggling to free themselves from slavery. They chose to overthrow Daala's government, and since that time the Jedi, including my sister, Leia Organa Solo-who was once Chief of State herself-have been working closely with Acting Chief of State Wynn Dorvan and the Senate. Our goal is to completely transition the Jedi out of the government of the GA. After much deep thought and meditation on the subject, I have come to a decision. I have reached the conclusion that the Jedi can best serve the beings of this galaxy by becoming an Order that is independent of any and all political ties-by going even further than removing ourselves from the direct act of governance. While we support the Galactic Alliance, we will no longer be an official branch of it. And to that end, the Jedi will be departing Couruscant as soon as the transition of power is complete."

Perre Needmo had been right about the professionalism of his staff. There was a huge spike of surprise from them and from Needmo himself, but though there were several open jaws and wide eyes, no one uttered a sound.

Needmo leaned forward slightly. "Luke, it's my understanding that the public never did think that the coup's purpose was for the Jedi to gain power. Daala's policies were becoming increasingly harsh and militaristic, and it's safe to say that she won no friends by bringing in the Mandalorians to enforce those policies. Polls indicate that the populace is content with the Jedi's current level of partic.i.p.ation. Are you sure this isn't an overreaction? It's possible that beings will feel the Jedi have abandoned them."

"Not abandoned them," Luke emphasized. "Abandoned constrictions and restraints on our ability to help as we are called. Once the Jedi are autonomous, our ability to help those truly in need will actually be increased, not decreased."

"Can you give me an example?"

"A perfect one is the recent slave revolts," Luke said. "Daala met those uprisings with force. The Jedi have gone to help with negotiations-my sister Leia, for instance, has only recently returned from Klatooine. When the extremely peaceful Octusi were being ruthlessly suppressed, the Jedi stepped in to stop it."

"Don't you think that makes you a vigilante organization?" pressed Needmo. "Some would say, without constraints the Jedi would run amok."

Luke smiled gently. "I think those who would say that are those who, like Daala, wanted the Jedi safely under their thumbs. The Order has been around for a long, long time. I think this new move is going to benefit everyone. Initial meetings with Wynn Dorvan and Senator Haydnat Treen are progressing very well. The Senate will move to elect an interim Chief of State, and I think we all know who that's going to be."

"If it is Wynn Dorvan, then certainly no one could ask for a more meticulous Chief of State," said Needmo. "Though there was an incident not too long ago that showed a different side of the onetime chief of staff. Let's take a look."

The vidcams began to display the image, now engraved upon the mind of every Coruscanti citizen-and probably the vast majority of citizens of the entire Galactic Alliance-of Wynn Dorvan racing up the steps of the Temple.

And with that segue, Luke Skywalker knew that all would be well.

"Are you watching, my dear?" said Treen into her comlink. She was propped up in bed on nearly a dozen perfectly fluffed pillows. The heavy draping of the bed's canopy was parted on the end to reveal a large vidscreen displaying Luke Skywalker's lined yet still somehow boyish face several times larger than life. On the bed beside her was a tray of small, delicate pastries and a cup of hot cocoa.

"Indeed I am," came Kameron Suldar's pleasant voice. "I usually don't like The Perre Needmo Newshour. Staring at a Chevin is not my idea of a pleasant way to get information."

"Nor mine, but Master Skywalker's news is nothing but good for all of us. The boy is sometimes wretchedly naive."

"You're sure he doesn't suspect?"

Treen took another sip of cocoa. "Suspect what? Dorvan would have loved it if I had relieved him of his burden, but that wasn't what we wanted. I was quite serious when I said being Chief of State was too complicated, and I have far grander ambitions."

"Let us hope Moff Lecersen can deliver as promised."

"My dear boy, don't you worry about Drikl Lecersen. I know how to handle my ride to power. Do you know how to handle yours?"

"Indeed I do, Senator. Indeed I do."

CORUSCANT.

"I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT YOUR FAMILY WOULD HAVE MOVED BACK into a regular apartment by now," Jag said as they approached the safe house where Han, Leia, and Allana had been forced to live over the last few months.

"Are you kidding? When would we have had time to move? Even with droids to take care of most of it, moving is a pain. And we've been a bit busy, you know," Jaina replied.

Jag smiled a little. "I suppose you're right. I guess I just never liked the idea of the Solos having to live in a safe house at all."

It still was technically a "safe house." Jag and Jaina, having had a lot of experience recently with just this sort of thing, had swapped vehicles a few times and were fairly certain they had eluded detection. With the coup, or "transition of government," depending on which term one preferred, there seemed to be no real risk anymore to Jaina's famous-some would say infamous-family. Still, they were the Solos, and the current situation could change at any moment. One day, no doubt, they would find better and more public accommodations, but now, their home base needed to remain secret. It was just safer that way.

Jaina and Jag had had "the discussion" earlier-the one that, in months past, might have blown up into a real fight: the discussion about what each of them had to do to move forward. Now, however, although it was not what they ideally wanted, Jaina and Jag had found they could discuss the situation calmly.

"I'll be departing with the Jedi-temporarily, at least," Jaina had said. "With all the controversy around the coup and the Jedi's new direction, the Jedi need to be seen as completely united behind Uncle Luke's decision. I'm ... Jag, I'm not sure how long we'll be gone, nor what's going to happen to the Jedi in the end."

He had nodded. "I expected you would go with them," he had said. "And I completely agree with your choice."

"You do?"

"Absolutely. You're needed there for now. Luke has made a bold move. It would undermine his authority if his niece chose to stay behind, no matter who she might be engaged to."