Starlight: Hidden Danger

The Republic Fair's impending arrival on Valo prompts the Agrarian and Agricultural Alliance to convene their annual seed bank conference at Starlight Beacon. This event serves as a pivotal gathering for agricultural luminaries from across the galaxy, fostering discussions on innovative farming methodologies and sustainable practices. Administrator Velko Jahen and Ghal Tarpfen, Starlight Beacon's Head of Security, are under immense pressure to guarantee the station's security and the conference's seamless execution. Their resolve faces a severe test when the Drengir infiltrate the premises…

Velko Jahen and Ghal Tarpfen are urgently heading towards the closest elevator on Starlight Beacon, with Ghal selecting the main concourse level via a button, en route to the security hub. Both are visibly concerned, Velko questions their ability to prevent harm among individuals, to which Ghal expresses a hope that they can. Upon the elevator's arrival, they swiftly exit and navigate through a clamorous crowd, with Velko reflecting on the rapid escalation of events.

A day prior, Velko's frustration arises from a color discrepancy in the writing on a banner intended for the Galactic Agricultural Alliance's conference, a result of Controller Rodor Keen's unwelcome intervention in her meticulous decorative arrangements. Leaving the Neimoidian tapestry-maker to continue his work, Velko ascends to the security hub to oversee the ongoing preparations. However, upon reaching the fifth floor, Velko encounters a human girl struggling with a substantial, weighty pot containing flowering vines, stirring unease due to its resemblance to the recent Drengir incursion. The girl clarifies that her mentor tasked her with delivering the plant to the dining facility within twenty minutes to prevent the blooms from wilting, given the insufficient humidity levels in most of the space station. Velko, taken aback by the girl's explanation, inquires about her arrival, to which the girl cheerfully admits to having sliced the locks. Before Velko can ask her identity, a nanny droid catches up, confirming the girl's prompt arrival. The girl introduces herself as Avon Starros, a conference attendee, before proceeding with her droid and the plant, promising to utilize the lift in the future.

The subsequent day sees the culmination of preparations following several rounds of discussions. The sleeping quarters and [food](/article/foodstuff] provisions are finalized. Security measures, informed by the heart-felt lessons learned from the Ambassador Ceeril incident, take into account longstanding treaties and disagreements to prevent any unforeseen occurrences. Velko awaits the arrival of five starships in the docking bay, carrying approximately one hundred scientists to the station from Coruscant, Chandrila, Onderon, Ord Mantell, and Raxus. Her aim is to expedite their arrival to their sleeping quarters for relaxation. No complications are anticipated.

Hours later, having welcomed all 106 participants, Velko joins Ghal in the security hub, where she is observing the monitors. The Mon Calamari observes that the most notable event is the full bloom of all the flowers in the gardens, fulfilling Velko's desire. Velko intends to express her gratitude to Castor, the gardener, for his efforts, acknowledging the ease of managing the gardens' artificial schedule. A notification sound redirects Velko and Ghal's attention, with the Head of Security reporting a violent infraction flagged by a camera droid in that area, leading them to witness a confrontation between an Ithorian and an Amani.

Upon Velko and Ghal's arrival, they find the two engaged in intense physical combat, communicating through hisses and clicks rather than spoken words. Ghal deploys her blaster, firing two [stun](/article/stun] shots, despite Velko's reservations about the optics of targeting their guests. A Siniteen woman approaches, introducing herself as Professor Sh'nar Qwasba, the head of the Agricultural Alliance, and voices her discontent over her colleagues' indiscriminate shooting. Velko offers an apology, and Qwasba explains her recent arrival and missed opportunity to meet the Administrator earlier. As Velko explains the transportation of the subdued scientists to the medcenter, Tarpfen interjects, emphasizing Starlight's zero-tolerance policy towards fighting. Qwasba acknowledges the Chief's extreme actions, but Tarpfen defends it as the optimal choice in the situation, noting the limitations of security droids in rapidly assessing dynamic scenarios.

As preparations are underway to transport the two scientists to the medcenter, Tarpfen receives a comlink call that prompts her immediate departure. The call originates from Jedi Master Estala Maru, who orders all Jedi and security droids to the dining facility without delay to address an urgent situation. Remembering Avon and her pot, Velko realizes that the vines reminded her of the Drengir!

Velko and Ghal rush down the concourse towards the dining hall, while Maru reiterates the ongoing riot. The chaotic brawl within the room surprises Velko, and as she and Ghal deliberate on their next steps, a group of Jedi led by Gil Jaretto, a visiting Master from Dubraib, offer their assistance. However, Tarpfen deems the Force-users' efforts to pacify the crowd too slow, prompting security droid Ateseven to deploy crowd suppression agents, rendering all the fighting scientists unconscious. Velko instructs the Jedi to patrol the corridors for potential outbreaks of violence, assuring them that she, Ghal, and the medical team can manage the situation. Following the Jedi's departure, Velko emphasizes the necessity of uncovering the cause of the incident.