Tensions rise when a representative from the Nihil reach out to the Republic for "peace" talks, putting Chancellor Soh in a difficult situation. Don't worry; Elzar is weirdly right next to her for moral support while also stewing over Avar.
Speaking of stew, Porter hears a message of hope from Hetzal, and needs to escape Daedus while avoiding the revenge-seeking General Viess. Avar and Belin somehow safely land on Hetzal themselves, but a secret plan to escape from the occlusion zone relies on an untrustworthy Nihil.
But the Republic gets a small victory when their slicer might have found a weakness in the impenetrable Stormwall; they just need Elzar to convince the Jedi council to help, leading to a surprising moment of growth.
Sense of foreboding? 8/10. Flirting in the workplace? 9/10. Writing? Another 10/10 from George Mann.
For Light & Life
