The High Republic: Out of the Shadows

The High Republic: Out of the Shadows is a novel geared towards young adults. Its release date was July 27, 2021. Justina Ireland is the author, and Disney–Lucasfilm Press handled the publishing duties. This book is a component of the larger Star Wars: The High Republic initiative in publishing. The announcement occurred during a High Republic panel at New York Comic Con on October 8, 2020. A sample chapter saw publication alongside the novel The High Republic: Into the Dark. ## Publisher's summary The most deeply buried secrets present the greatest challenge to uncover... Sylvestri Yarrow's life has been plagued by a relentless string of misfortunes. Following her mother's passing, she has dedicated herself to maintaining the family's cargo enterprise. However, the combined pressures of escalating debt and increased Nihil attacks on defenseless vessels threaten to strip Syl of her mother's legacy. Seeking assistance, she journeys to Coruscant, the galactic capital. However, she finds herself entangled in a dispute between two of the Republic's most influential families over a territory on the frontier. Syl has no desire to become embroiled in familial politics, but the allure of a substantial reward piques her interest... Meanwhile, Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh receives a summons to Coruscant, the reason and sender remaining unknown. Accompanied by her Padawan Imri Cantaros, she arrives at the capital alongside Jedi Master Cohmac Vitus and his Padawan, Reath Silas. They are tasked with aiding in the resolution of the property conflict on the frontier. But the question is: why? What makes this seemingly insignificant patch of space so crucial? The answer will guide Vernestra to a fresh perspective on her abilities, and lead Syl back into the past... revealing truths that have long been hidden in the shadows. ## Plot summary ### Different lives Sylvestri Yarrow, who owns the cargo hauler known as the Switchback, is under considerable strain due to a series of unfortunate events. Since the death of her mother, Chancey, at the hands of Nihil pirates, Syl has been experiencing a rapid depletion of money. The downfall of the Byne Guild further complicated matters, even though she is aware that her copilot, Neeto Janajana, suffered as a result of their exploitative indentures. The Switchback abruptly exits hyperspace while traversing the desolate Berenge sector, leaving Syl, Neeto, and the antiquated droid M-227 perplexed, attributing it to a malfunction. However, the sudden appearance of pirate starships brings back memories of her mother's death for Syl, and Neeto must convince her to board the escape pod by emphasizing that her death would prevent her from alerting others to the Nihil's apparent new strategy. Vernestra Rwoh engages in meditation within a garden located on the Starlight Beacon when her Padawan, Imri Cantaros, interrupts to display his recently constructed new lightsaber. He also informs her of a comm droid awaiting her outside. The droid, however, is malfunctioning, and Imri requests permission to leave due to the overwhelming number of people exacerbating his potent empathic abilities. As Vernestra waits alone, she encounters Padawan Reath Silas, who recently arrived at the space station alongside his Master, Cohmac Vitus. Reath assists in repairing the droid, promising to see her later. Vernestra receives a call from her former Master, Stellan Gios, who requests her presence on Coruscant, as a Galactic Republic senator seeks her assistance in resolving a situation within the Berenge sector. Reath has experienced an eventful year since becoming Cohmac Vitus' Padawan. After unloading their ship, Cohmac grants him leave to eat while he meets with Marshal Avar Kriss. In the cafeteria, Reath joins Vernestra and Imri, learning about the Padawan's newfound empathic abilities, which he struggles to control when used on Reath. Reflecting on romantic relationships after their departure, Reath recalls Nan, the Nihil he encountered on the Amaxine space station, before dismissing the thought and focusing on his food. Aboard the Gaze Electric, Nan observes a meeting between Marchion Ro and the Tempest Runners that she is not authorized to attend. She has served as one of the Eye of the Nihil's trusted spies for the past year. During the meeting, Ro executes an Ithorian Tempest Runner for the loss of twenty ships and his entire Storm in a Republic ambush. Ro detonates an explosive charge on his helmet, resulting in the death of the Ithorian and those nearby. Ro also questions Lourna Dee about the progress of her Gravity's Heart weapon, which can disrupt hyperspace. Lourna persuades a hesitant Ro to lend his savant, Mari San Tekka, to the project. Ro agrees and assigns Nan to accompany his savant to the Gravity's Heart, entrusting her with safeguarding her at the cost of her life. ### The plot thickens After a failed attempt to alert the Republic authorities about the hyperspace anomaly in the Berenge sector, Syl encounters a Gigoran at a Coruscant tavern who introduces her to Xylan Graf, a shipping tycoon who seeks her assistance in investigating the disappearance of one of his ships, the Belt Runner, which vanished in the Berenge sector while transporting a shipment of coaxium. Graf explains that he has lost four ships in the past week. Given Syl's survival of a similar hyperspace anomaly, he hopes she can provide insight into the phenomenon. Syl agrees to help in exchange for a meal. Back on Starlight Beacon, Imri confides in his master Vernestra about his ability to use the Force to soothe people's emotions and alleviate their pain while on Valo. Vern reassures her Padawan that his empathic abilities are not a dark-side manifestation and that the Jedi Order can utilize Jedi with such gifts. Vern also meets with Master Avar Kriss to discuss her lightwhip, an unconventional weapon. Avar assures the younger Jedi that her lightsaber whip is effective in fulfilling her Jedi duties but advises her to keep the Order informed about her new weapon. Later, Imri inquires Vernestra about a disagreement between Master Stellan and Master Avar. Vern responds that the dispute is between the two masters and not their concern. Struggling to sleep, Reath engages in lightsaber practice with Vernestra. Vern gains the advantage due to Reath's defensive fighting style. Reath confides that Master Cohmac has been assigning them more dangerous missions since the Nihil attack on the Republic Fair at Valo. The following morning, Vernestra seeks to acquire a ship for her and her Padawan Imri's upcoming journey to Coruscant. However, quartermaster Master Nubarron denies her request, citing Vern's destruction of her junk hauler during the events on Valo. Fortunately for Vern and Imri, Reath invites them to travel with him and his Master Cohmac to Coruscant. On Coruscant, Xylan Graf accommodates Syl at a lavish hotel. While enjoying her luxurious accommodations, Syl is attacked by a Mon Calamari assassin. She retaliates and drives the assassin away. During the incident, her hotel room's fish tank is damaged. Following the assassination attempt, Graf decides to relocate Syl off-world, as someone is aware of the critical information she possesses. Meanwhile, Nan discovers that the Oracle is an elderly Force-sensitive human woman named Mari San Tekka. Mari possesses the ability to locate Paths, unconventional hyperspace routes. The Nihil have sustained her life beyond its natural limits inside a medical capsule. Nan views her assignment as an opportunity to climb the ranks of the Nihil. During the voyage, Ro's doctor reports that the puzzle box is missing. ### Detour to Tiikae While the Jedi are en route to Coruscant aboard the former Hutt hauler Fraunesaa, Master Cohmac explains to Vernestra that they have been summoned to Coruscant to provide testimony about the atrocities they witnessed on Genetia before a Galactic Senate committee comprising prominent senators and the Jedi High Council. The two Jedi also discuss concerns about the Jedi being coerced into the Republic's service. During the hyperspace journey, Vern experiences a Force vision depicting a group of Nihil attacking an Ugnaught family for stealing a puzzle box. Vernestra shares her vision with the Jedi, who also receive a distress call from the Jedi temple on Tiikae, reporting a recent Nihil incursion. Upon landing on Tiikae, Vernestra recognizes the town as the desert location from her vision. The local Jedi marshal Master Oprand Qwen explains that the Nihil have taken hostages at the town's lodging house, demanding the return of something stolen from them. Vernestra and Reath storm the lodging house and discover that the Nihil have murdered the Ugnaught hostages. The Nihil escape on speeder bikes with the puzzle box, which Vernestra resolves to retrieve. Vernestra finds an unexpected ally in Jordanna Sparkburn, the San Tekka clan's deputy on Tiikae. Together, they pursue the fleeing Nihil via speeder bike, overpowering and subduing them. Vern examines the Nihil's puzzle box but is unsure of its purpose. Meanwhile, the other Jedi have subdued the remaining Nihil marauders, taking one prisoner. The Nihil subdued by Reath escapes and attempts to attack his captors but is killed by a vollka, a predator capable of invisibility. Master Cohmac agrees to give Jordanna a ride to Coruscant so she can seek assistance from the San Tekka clan. While investigating the lodging house, the Jedi discover a hologram recording of Nan, a Nihil girl whom Reath encountered earlier on the Amaxine space station. Master Cohmac decides that the Jedi should bring the puzzle box to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant to investigate the Nihil's interest in it. ### Hyperspace intrigue Xylan Graf later escorts Syl to his lavish residence, where he reveals his laboratory dedicated to hyperspace research. He posits that Syl's presumed deceased mother, Chancey Yarrow, is aiding the Nihil in their attacks by utilizing uncharted hyperspace routes. Syl initially dismisses the notion that her mother is still alive. They are then joined by the Gungan Professor Thaddeus Wolk, a theoretical hyperspace physics expert. He supports Graf's theory that Chancey fabricated her death to continue her research into hyperspace physics. Wolk explains that Chancey was a former student whom he taught at the Academy of Carida, where he headed the hyperspace theory and philosophy department. Chancey had proposed a theory involving the use of artificial gravity wells to forcibly extract ships from hyperspace. As her mother's research challenged the established norms within her academic field, they dismissed her as delusional. Determined to pursue her research, Chancey feigned a change in her research topic to continue her investigation into gravity wells. When her misconduct was discovered, she was expelled from the university. Chancey subsequently departed the Academy of Carida to independently pursue her research into gravity wells. Xylan believes that Chancey constructed the gravity well projector in the Begenge sector. Wolk believes that Chancey is indeed alive and working for the Nihil and vows to stop her. ### A new assignment After arriving on Coruscant, Imri experiences a psychic episode through the Force. Following Imri's recovery, Vernestra advises him to study the philosophies of the Jedi Samara the Blue, who developed a series of meditations to assist the Genetians in managing violent emotional fluctuations. Vernestra then proceeds to the Jedi Temple to meet with her former Master, Stellan Gios. While traversing a hallway, she briefly encounters Master Yaddle, who advises her not to suppress her instincts before directing her to Stellan's office. Stellan informs Vernestra that the Republic and Jedi have yet to decide on an appropriate response to the Nihil threat. He assigns Vernestra and Imri to accompany Xylan Graf on a mission to the Berenge sector to investigate whether the Nihil are inducing hyperspace anomalies by testing an experimental technology. Stellan believes that Vern's visions could be a precursor to the rare Jedi ability to navigate through hyperspace via the Force. Despite her reservations, Vern reluctantly accepts the mission out of her dutiful obligations to the Jedi Order. Vern also presents Master Stellan with the strange cube she recovered from the Nihil. Stellan identifies the object as a puzzle cube that can be unlocked by entering a phrase. While examining the glyphs, he recognizes an old hyperspace prospector symbol and suggests that the Gungan Professor Wolk will be able to assist in deciphering the cube's mysteries. Syl struggles to reconcile with the revelation that her mother Chancey is alive. After breakfast, she meets with Xylan, who informs her of the Graf family's plans to designate the Berenge sector for hyperspace experiments. Xylan wants Syl to testify against Professor Wolk's theory that the Nihil are testing hyperspace-disrupting technology in that sector. In return, he offers to assist her in settling her debts. Despite her ethical concerns, Syl agrees to Xylan's plan due to her precarious financial situation. At Gravity's Heart, Nan executes a Weequay Nihil Shrike who participated in the Tiikae raid for failing to recover the puzzle box. Nan is reprimanded by Chancey Yarrow for killing one of her subordinates. Chancey explains that the "Oracle" is the missing Mari San Tekka, whom the Nihil kidnapped a century ago. Mari possesses the rare ability to sell all of the possible routes through hyperspace, time and location phased. Distrusting Marchion Ro and his agents, Chancey confines Nan to a cell. Xylan and Syl meet with Senator Ghirra Starros of Hosnian Prime, whom Graf attempts to persuade to open the Berenge sector as a testing ground for hyperspace research. Xylan asserts that Syl can testify that Chancey is deceased and that the Nihil are not responsible for the hyperspace disturbances there. Xylan offers to bring Syl and Professor Wolk along for the exploratory mission. Engaging in political maneuvering, Ghirra promises to grant Xylan's request if he allows two Jedi representatives to accompany them. These Jedi representatives turn out to be Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh and her Padawan Imri Cantaros. Xylan is incensed that Jedi adolescents will be sent to monitor the mission but reluctantly accepts Senator Starros' conditions. ### The assassination Sylvestri is initially unwelcoming towards Vernestra since she reminds her of a past trauma. Syl tells Vern that Senator Starros assigned her and Imri to the mission in order to provoke Xylan. Syl also educates Vern about the intricacies of Coruscanti politics. A senatorial staff member named Kyrie escorts Syl, Vern, and Imri to a waiting speeder that transports them to the building housing Professor Wolk's office. Outside the building, Vern briefly chats with Jordanna, who is heading to the San Tekka corporate office. Vernestra and Imri take a lift to the floor where Professor Wolk's office is located. Before they can locate Wolk's office, they are caught in a bomb attack. Meanwhile, Syl speaks with her ex-girlfriend Jordanna. Jordanna expresses regret for not leaving with her when she asked. Syl departs to rejoin the two Jedi adolescents, but Jordanna insists on following. They soon hear the sound of gunfire. Vern utilizes the Force to deflect the debris from her and Imri. They soon encounter the terrified Professor Wolk, who informs them that he is in danger. The Gungan professor is then struck in the chest by a blaster bolt. Vern pursues a Twi'lek assassin and uses her lightwhip to deflect the blaster bolts, incapacitating him. Vern provides an account of the assassination attempt to a Balosar security officer named Ashdree Marq. Imri has been injured by debris during the bombing. After reuniting with Jordanna and Syl, they learn that Professor Wolk. Syl informs Vern that Professor Wolk had been the target of an assassination attempt the previous day. She tells Vern that she believes that Xylan Graf was behind the assassination of Professor Wolk. Imri agrees that Graf is concealing something. Syl also proposes another theory that Graf may be the next target of the assassins. ### Preparing for departure Following Wolk's assassination, Senator Ghirra Starros persuades Master Cohmac and his Padawan Reath to accompany Vernestra, Imri, Xylan Graf, and Syl on their expedition to the Berenge sector. She is concerned that the Nihil are developing a "destructive weapon" in the Berenge sector and that Graf is not being transparent. Syl meets in a diner with Vernestra, Imri, Jordanna, her vollka Remy. Syl reflects on her mother Chancey leaving her in the care of the Ugnaught mechanics Klanna and Roy, intending for them to teach her how to repair a hyperdrive. Syl recalls this as the last time she saw her mother. Syl invites Jordanna to travel the galaxy with her. However, Jordanna is training to become a deputy for the San Tekka and plans to return to Tiikae. While discussing the recent assassination of Professor Wolk, they are joined by Xylan and his entourage. Xylan speculates that the Gungan academic was assassinated to cast suspicion on the Graf family. He also reminds Syl of her promise to testify before the Senate committee. Vern also shows Xylan the puzzle box she recovered on Tiikae. Xylan believes that his grandmother, who resides at the Graf family compound near Neral's moon, can help decipher the glyphs. He convinces the four to accompany him to the Graf family compound while en route to the Bergen sector. Meanwhile, Nan spends two days in captivity aboard the Gravity's Heart, which she resents. By contrast, Doctor Uttersond regards his imprisonment as a holiday. Later, they travel with Chancey Yarrow and several Nihil aboard the Whisperkill to an unknown location in the Hynestian sector. Back on Coruscant, Xylan invites Syl, Vernestra, Imri, and Jordanna to his luxurious tower in the upper levels of the planet. They are joined by Master Cohmac and Padawan Reath. While meeting in the dining room, they discuss the family feud between the Grafs and San Tekkas over control of the Berenge sector and the late Professor Wolk's theory about a Nihil weapon in that sector. Xylan claims that the Nihil are not building a weapon in the Berenger sector, but Jordanna and Cohmac are skeptical and believe that an investigation is warranted. Xylan convinces Master Cohmac to let the group travel with him to Neral's moon so that they can travel to the Berenge sector on his experimental starship Vengeful Goddess. ### Smoke and mirrors During the journey aboard Xylan's ship Resplendent Pearl, Syl and Jordanna spend time together, discussing Chancey, Xylan, the Jedi, and the Nihil. Jordanna explains that the Nihil attract outcasts and losers by providing them with a home and misleading them into believing that violence is a tool they can use. While checking the navicomputer, Syl realizes that Xylan's ship is bound for Haileap in the Dalnan sector. She realizes that Xylan has been deceiving them and rushes to warn the Jedi. Meanwhile, Vernestra speaks with Master Cohmac, who reassures her that Master Stellan did not send him and Reath because the Order underestimated her and Imri's ability to handle Xylan. Cohmac believes that Senator Starros was not being honest about her request for assistance and suspects that some politics is at play between the San-Tekkas and Grafs. Cohmac also explains that being a Jedi Knight also requires maturity and does not depend solely on one's Force powers. While resting, Vernestra hears a mysterious telepathic voice through the Force, telling her that the way is clear and that she must come. Vern is woken up by a concerned Imri, who warns about the dangers of deep meditation. Vern admits that she can't control her deep meditation powers. Shortly later, they are joined by Sylvestri, who warns them that Xylan is taking them towards the Dalnan sector. Syl warns the Jedi that Xylan cannot be trusted. Vern agrees with Syl but decides that they should also speak with Master Cohmac about the matter. Elsewhere, Nan accompanies Chancey Yarrow for a meeting with Catriona Graf, the Matriarch of the Graf family, at the Graf family compound Everbloom. The Matriarch has agreed to let the Nihil set up an ambush for the Jedi at her opulent retreat. Following the meeting, Chancey questions Nan about her loyalty to Marchion Ro. Nan professes her loyalty, stating that Ro has assigned her to look after the "Oracle." Chancey, however, is aware that Nan had secretly sent a message to a San Tekka conglomerate office about Mari San Tekka being held captive on the Gravity's Heart. Her plan was to use the San Tekka clan attack as a means of escaping her captivity at the hands of Chancey. Chancey responds that she had intercepted the message before it could be sent out. Admiring Nan's resourcefulness, Chancey offers her Nan a place as her spy. Back aboard the Resplendent Pearl, Sylvestri confronts Xylan about their trip to Haileap in the presence of Cohmac and Reath. Xylan admitted that he lied about their true destination due to the presence of Jordanna, who is serving the San Tekka clan. Xylan says that he also wanted to mislead the Nihil in case they were tracking them. Having analyzed the Nihil's attack patterns, Xylan believes that they are being aided by sympathetic insiders within the Republic government. He promises that they will arrive at the Graf family compound the following day before traveling to the Berenge sector. Xylan asks Syl to trust him. Master Cohmac accepts Xylan's explanation, having sensed through the Force that he is being truthful. ### Ambush at Everbloom The Resplendent Pearl arrives at Everbloom, a space city that serves as the Graf family's compound. Upon landing in the hangar, the Jedi are attacked by several Nihil, who unleash purple gas that incapacitates Xylan. Xylan's Gigoran bodyguard Basha carries him to safety and leaves the Jedi trapped outside the ship. Jordanna, Reath, and Master Cohmac are stunned by the Nihil. Vernestra wounds a Nihil militant by slicing off his hand with her lightsaber. She tells Imri to run before succumbing to the Nihil's gas. Aboard the ship's cockpit, Syl hears the fighting outside. She attempts to leave the cockpit but is blocked by Basha, who tells her to return. The two fight, and Syl's vollka Remy comes to her aid, stunning him with an electronic bolt. Syl exists the ship to aid her friend Jordanna but is confronted by her mother Chancey. Chancey orders Syl to stand down, but Syl is still bitter towards her mom. Chancey wants to reunite with her daughter and stuns the unwilling Syl. Later, Vernestra awakes in the luxurious Everbloom, where she is tended to by the Graf servant Saffa with Sassaberry juice. Saffa explains that the Nihil gas was originally manufactured by the Zygerrians to suppress slave revolts. She apologizes for the attack on behalf of the Matriarch. She soon rejoins Jordanna, Cohmac, and Remi, who are recovering from the effects of the Nihil gas. Vern learns that the Nihil have kidnapped Syl and the Padawans. The Jedi confront an apologetic Matriarch Catriona, who tells them that her grandson Xylan had been collaborating with Nihil elements on an experimental technology. As part of their contract, Xylan had agreed to bring them the girl Sylvestri. When pressed on the Padawans, Catriona says that kidnapping the Padawans had not been part of the plan. Catriona agrees to lend the Jedi and Jordanna their fastest ship, Vengeful Goddess, and directions to find the Nihil. When Vernestra asks her about the puzzle cube, Catriona explains that they are old prospector markings and that the glyphs translate as "increase," "decrease," and "home." She reveals that the riddle to the puzzle cube is "Always return home," an old San Tekka saying. While examining the puzzle cube, the Jedi and Jordanna discover a holographic recording of a young girl who turns out to be the missing Mari San Tekka. Cohmac believes that Catriona is setting up Xylan as a scapegoat to conceal her own involvement. The Jedi depart on the Goddess to rescue Syl and the Padawans. ### The rescue mission Meanwhile, Syl awakes in a cell with the unconscious Imri and Reath. Following a struggle with her Nihil guard Nan, Syl has a tense reunion with her mother Chancey. Syl is angry that her mother staged her own death and is collaborating with the Nihil. Chancey explains that she joined the Nihil after they offered to help her construct a prototype gravity well projector with the help of the Oracle. Chancey explains that the captive Padawans are tribute for the "Eye" Marchion Ro, the leader of the Nihil who is challenging the Republic. Syl is upset

Chancey considered that her mother might use people as experimental subjects for the Nihil. Chancey reveals to Syl that she requires assistance in operating the Gravity's Heart because the Nihil are untrustworthy. Syl proposes fleeing, but Chancey informs her daughter that the Nihil have informants everywhere, including within the Senate. Syl acknowledges her mother's belief that the galaxy is vast and indifferent, but she disagrees that this justifies selfishness and irresponsibility. Chancey departs, leaving Syl to spend time with the comatose Nan, hoping the young Nihil will "reason" with her daughter. Guided by coordinates from Catriona, the Jedi and Jordanna journey aboard the Vengeful Goddess towards Gravity's Heart, a prominent marker in the Berenge sector. Jordanna recounts the disappearance of Mari San Tekka to the Jedi. While in a Force-induced meditative state, Vernestra experiences a vision of the imprisoned Mari San Tekka, appearing in both her youthful and elderly forms. She communicates to Vern that she has been traveling and has a path laid out for her. Vern shares the vision with Master Cohmac and the others, who infer a connection between the visions and their destination. Upon exiting hyperspace, Vernestra, Jordanna, and Remy leave the Vengeful Goddess in an escape pod to reach Gravity's Heart, while Cohmac fends off the Nihil ships. A Nihil skiff attempts an interception, but Jordanna destroys it with gunfire. However, the escape pod sustains damage from space debris. The trio prepares for impact as the pod hurtles toward the station. Concurrently, Reath and Imri regain consciousness within their holding cell. Syl briefs the two Padawans on their current predicament. Reath recognizes Nan from a prior encounter on the Amaxine space station. Nan persuades the Jedi and Syl to aid in their escape from the cell. However, she seizes the opportunity to escape the station alone. The trio is caught in an explosion, causing them to slide into a room containing a medical containment unit. A Chadra-Fan Nihil confronts the trio, holding them at blaster-point. Vernestra skillfully pilots the damaged escape pod into a sizable landing bay, toppling one of the parked Nihil ships. The trio engages in combat with several Nihil guards, fighting their way through. Vern encounters the hallway from her vision, where she reunites with Jordanna, Reath, and Syl, who have been exposed to Nihil gas. Syl covers the gas canister with a nearby trash receptacle. Imri directs Vernestra to the medical pod containing the aged Mari San Tekka, recognized by both Vern and Jordanna. They also discover the incapacitated Chadra-Fan Nihil nearby. Through the Force, the weakened Mari informs Vernestra that she has been traveling and has a gift for her, describing it as a final Path before her passing. Realizing Mari is near death and seeking to transition to the afterlife, Vernestra uses her lightsaber to sever the hoses connected to Mari's pod, liberating her from her confinement and allowing her to die freely. As the Jedi, Jordanna, Syl, and Remy proceed to the station's hangar, they find the Gravity's Heart under siege by Republic Defense Coalition forces led by Master Elzar Mann. The Nihil forces at the station disperse. While searching for a ship, Syl encounters her mother, Chancey, who attempts to persuade her daughter to leave with her aboard the Switchback. Syl declines, unwilling to be manipulated by her estranged mother. Vernestra employs the Force to disarm Chancey, throwing her blaster from her grasp. As Chancey flees, Vern discovers a shuttle, enabling the Jedi, Syl, Jordanna, and Remy to escape Gravity's Heart before its destruction by Longbeam cruisers. ### Jedi deliberations Following the events that transpired at Gravity's Heart, Vernestra participates in a debriefing session with the Jedi Council. Master Teri Rosason questions whether her youth led Xylan Graf to believe he could exploit her as leverage in his dealings with the Nihil. Vern responds that Xylan bears sole responsibility for his actions, stating she is only aware that Xylan convinced the Republic to finance a scientific expedition to the Bergen sector. She elaborates that Master Cohmac's prudence led to the deployment of Coalition forces from the Hetzal system to assist them. Master Stellan testifies that Catriona Graf has identified Lourna Dee as a pivotal Nihil leader, discussing the Graf family's interactions with the Nihil. He advocates for a public trial of the implicated Graf family members and a comprehensive, coordinated military response. Master Rosason voices concerns about the Jedi becoming militarized. Vernestra and Imri are excused from the meeting. They also converse with Master Cohmac, who assures them they acted to the best of their ability with the information available. Vern confides that she withheld her connection to Mari San Tekka and the Path she imparted. She explains that she informed the Council they had located Mari and entrusted the puzzle box to Jordanna for its return to her family. Vern believes the Jedi are not yet prepared to comprehend her hyperspace visions. ### A consolation gift In the meantime, Syl discovers that Graf Holdings, Incorporated has gifted the Vengeful Goddess as a gesture of appeasement. Jordanna also receives a message from Xylan, apologizing to Syl for his deception. He explains that he bequeathed the ship as compensation for her services prior to the Republic's seizure of the Graf family's assets. Xylan informs Syl that she has a contact on Takodana seeking ambitious new collaborators, advising her to connect with this individual. Syl and Jordanna resolve to travel to Takodana to capitalize on this opportunity. Jordanna decides to take leave from her responsibilities to the San Tekka family. Syl also intends to stop by Port Haileap and retrieve the remainder of her crew. Imri also visits his friends to bid them farewell. ### Nan's opportunity Before the destruction of Gravity's Heart, Nan escapes with Chancey Yarrow aboard the Switchback. Unwilling to return to Marchion Ro empty-handed, she chooses to remain with Chancey. Subsequently, the Switchback is intercepted and boarded by Graf family forces. The two encounter Matriarch Catriona Graf and Xylan. Chancey informs the Matriarch that the ship's cargo hold contains the routes and preliminary data within the datacrons. Chancey asserts that her research has validated her hypothesis that hyperspace is susceptible to attack, but not the brute-force approach favored by Marchion Ro. She posits that hyperspace warfare would necessitate a more refined form of disruption. The Matriarch decides to endorse Chancey's proposition. Xylan confirms that he has transferred ownership of the Vengeful Goddess to Sylvestri as recompense for his deception. Xylan also confirms that the Graf family has established a new laboratory for Chancey on an unlisted station built into an asteroid in the Hynestian sector. Chancey informs the Grafs that her research into gravity well projectors had attracted the attention of the Nihil and one of their sympathizers in the Galactic Senate. She adds that the late Mari San Tekka played a vital role in assisting them in developing a more effective version of the gravity well protector capable of predicting timing and direction. Matriarch Catriona also offers Nan a position with the Graf family, given the Republic and Jedi's actions against the Nihil. Recognizing the potential downfall of the Nihil, Nan inquires what the Grafs seek to know. ## Development Out of the Shadows was penned by Justina Ireland as a component of the Star Wars: The High Republic multimedia initiative. Announced at New York Comic Con on October 8, 2020, it was released on July 27, 2021. Ireland initially envisioned a love triangle involving Sylvestri Yarrow, her former girlfriend Jordanna Sparkburn, and Xylan Graf. However, upon commencing writing, Ireland discovered that neither Sylvestri nor she herself particularly favored Xylan, abandoning the concept before reaching the midpoint of the initial draft. ## Continuity The published version of the novel's prologue features several alterations from the preview version in The High Republic: Into the Dark. Notably, Sylvestri and her crew are now identified as former members of the Byne Guild. The Berenge sector was initially described as a star system. The name of Sylvestri's blaster rifle and the doll it was named after was originally "Betty" instead of Beti. When Reath Silas and Imri Cantaros meet in the cafeteria in chapter two, it is implied that they are meeting for the first time. This contradicts Into the Dark, which mentions in its first chapter that Imri is one of the friends Reath hopes to see again upon his arrival on the frontier. ## Media ### Editions - ISBN 9781368060653 ; July 27 , 2021 ; Disney–Lucasfilm Press ; US hardcover [1] - ISBN 9781368077170 ; July 27, 2021; Disney–Lucasfilm Press; US hardcover, Target Exclusive Edition [6] - ISBN 9781368079846 ; July 27, 2021; Disney–Lucasfilm Press; US hardcover, Walmart Exclusive Edition [7] - ISBN 9781368073448 ; July 27, 2021; Disney–Lucasfilm Press; US hardcover, Indie Exclusive Signed Copies edition [8] - ISBN 9781760509378 ; August 18 , 2021; Hardie Grant Publishing ; Australian paperback [9] - ISBN 9781368090414 ; July 26 , 2022 ; Disney–Lucasfilm Press; US paperback [10] ### Cover gallery