“But I told her I hated her,” Che’ri sobbed. [] “I just wanted some graph markers. So I could draw. But she said she didn’t have any, and couldn’t get any before she left, and I said Ab’begh has them and that she was a terrible momish—” She covered her face again, and the sobbing resumed.
Ar’alani patted her shoulder gently, feeling like a fresh recruit on her first training mission. She would take a battle against multiple enemies any day over trying to soothe a terrified child. “Listen to me,” she said, wincing at the command tone of her voice. “Listen to me,” she tried again, this time trying for gentleness. “This isn’t like books or vids. This is real life. Just because someone goes off on a mission right after they’ve had a fight doesn’t mean they’re going to die. [] Tell you what,” she said. “I’ll draw you a hot bath—Thalias said you like those—and while you’re soaking I’ll make whatever you want to eat. How does that sound?”
“Okay,” Che’ri said.
“Okay,” Ar’alani repeated. “I’ll go start the bath while you figure out what you want.”
Che’ri nodded. “Admiral Ar’alani… Thalias said you’ve done a lot of things with Captain Thrawn.”
“I’ve had my fair share of experience with him,” Ar’alani said, smiling wryly. “And Thalias’s right. Being with Thrawn is one of the safest places she can be.”
“Can you tell me about some of the stories?” Che’ri asked hesitantly. “She gave me some, but they’re all official and stiff and I… don’t read very well. Thalias likes to read but I can’t…” Without warning, the body-racking sobs were back. Ar’alani closed her eyes and let out a silent sigh.
This was going to be a long, long night.
~
Stars, this woman.
This Admiral.
Words fail me, once again.
We often associate leadership with ruthlessness or hardship.
But Ar'alani is bold, sarcastic, utterly fun.
Kindhearted with Ch'eri, patient with Thrawn, hilarious with Wutroow.
Ultimately.
Extraordinary.
[Photo: wonderful art and print by @portraitsbyalan]
No comments:
Post a Comment