So I asked the question over on Wizos to get NN's attention and here is the repsonse. Very good question.
Nick Name wrote:
A few items like Djem So are exceptions but they explicitly say so, and say what must be resolved before/after. Energy Shield and Deflect however affect different characters. And the rulebook says the following:
Quote:
Player’s Choice: If several effects apply to one player’s character or characters, that player determines the order.
Acting Player First: If the effects apply to more than one player’s characters, the acting player (the one whose character is doing something) goes first.
So based on that, it appears you would be required to resolve the Energy Shield first as the attacker is acting.
(Funny, I would not have guessed this, so I'm glad I looked it up.)