Whatever it costs

“Let me explain something, Qilori of Uandualon,” the Chiss said softly. “My job—the sole reason for my existence—is to defend the Chiss Ascendancy and protect my people. I will do whatever is necessary to achieve that goal, and I will allow nothing and no one to stand in my way. Do you understand?”

~

“I have nothing but respect for Mitth’raw’nuruodo’s abilities. I disagree with his choice of position.” []

“You mean his service with the Empire?”

“Yes.” Ar’alani half turned to gaze out the forward viewport. “There are grave threats facing the Ascendancy. []” She turned back to Faro. “Is his life here truly so much better?” []

“His life here is precarious,” she told Ar’alani. “But this is apparently where he thinks he can best serve all of us. Including the Ascendancy.”

~

“Someday, Mitth’raw’nuruodo, you’ll overthink and overplan, and it will come crashing down all around you. When that happens, I hope someone is there to lift you back to your feet.”

“You, perhaps?”

Ar’alani shakes her head. Her expression holds regret, perhaps even pain. “I very much fear I will never see you again. [] If you don’t return quickly, there may be nothing left for you to return to.”

“I understand. But for now, I must remain here.”

“Then do what you deem right,” Ar’alani said. Her expression is stiff but firm, holding farewell. “And may warrior’s fortune be ever in your favor.”

~

Thrawn’s eyes seemed to focus on something in the distance behind Ba’kif. “My job is to protect the Ascendancy and the Chiss people, sir,” he said quietly. “Whatever it costs to achieve that goal, I will pay it.”

~

The comm screen lit up with a face. [] Her blue-black hair was tied in a tight knot at the back of her head. [] “I am Admiral Ar’alani of the Chiss Defense Fleet,” she said in a clear voice []. “Are you he?”

“I am he.” Eli took a deep breath. “I am Eli Vanto. I bring greetings to you from Mitth’raw’nuruodo. He believes I can be of some use to the Chiss Ascendancy.”

“Welcome, Eli Vanto” Ar’alani said, inclining her head in greeting. “Let us learn together if he was correct.”

~

Eli.

After everything else.

You gave them even Eli.

"Whatever it costs."

[Photo: custom necklace by @caitlynminimalist]

Like the wind

That is the way it is with a wound.

The wound begins to close in on itself, to protect what is hurting so much.

And once it is closed, you no longer see what is underneath, what started the pain.

~

Writing today, before watching the first episode of "The Book of Boba Fett", I am tickled pink, nonsensically ranting about this for days.

Although possibly accounted among the "first wave" of "crazy fans" of a rather "obscure" character as Boba Fett, I am actually not excited just because of him. To be frank, I found his appearance in "The Mandalorian" amazingly cool, but slightly out of character.

People change, especially after, possibly, being digested for some time by a Sarlacc. Nonetheless, I personally noted a shift in his portrayal there.

But I am digressing.

Like most of you, lovely people in this community, my total eagerness and expectations are for Fennec Shand.

From her introduction to her further development in TBB, she quickly becomes one of my favorite SW characters.

And, yes, partially for nothing related to her fashionable appearance, quotable lines, and overall overwhelming awesomeness.

But because she is portrayed by the one and only Ming-Na Wen.

"The Joy Luck Club" is one of my favorite books, and her interpretation of June is simply sublime. And, I have to admit, "ER" was my very own introduction to a type of "active fandom" that, later, expanded to more franchises. And I do not even start with Mulan or Agent Melinda May.

[WHAT. A. CHARACTER.]

On top of that, having a 58-years-old woman kicking asses in a multimillion dollars production is exactly the spirit with which I want to start my 2022. As much I adored Leia's matriarchal leadership in the sequels, having Mrs. Wen jumping from rocks while shooting stormtroopers is the kind of mood I want for the future of this franchise and our society, in general.

~

I had on a beautiful red dress, but what I saw was even more valuable.

I was strong. I was pure.

I had genuine thoughts inside that no one could see, that no one could ever take away from me.

I was like the wind.

~

[Photo: creative and perfect, @geekablycute Fennec Shand earrings.

Both quotes are from "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan]

Have yourself a merry little Chissmas

"Have yourself a merry little Chissmas

Let your heart be light

From now on

Your troubles will be out of sight."

~

I love how @nerdilyinclined is geeking-up the classical carols.

And so, a merry little Chissmas, Thrawn.

More than ever, after "Lesser Evil", I just wish for you a time when troubles were truly miles away.

Eli and Ar'alani.

Ch'eri, Samakro and Thalias.

Kivu'rik'ardok.

Like in the olden and golden days of yore, gathering together once more.

For you.

Like Mr. Zahn, I guess, I hope that the powers-that-be will have the heart to write you at home (the only home you have ever known), surrounded by your faithful friends, and even, perhaps, some new ones.

I know. I know.

It's a silly thought for Christmas.

When the "real world" is a mess.

When people are suffering, and the lack of empathy is everywhere.

When even members of this amazing community are not well, or in trouble.

But, see, Thrawn.

Maybe this is the point.

Maybe this is the reason why, among all the infinite things we cannot control, I would love that at least you, YOU, an imaginary character from a multimillion dollars franchise, could have a little bit of peace, recognition, and love.

[Photo: wonderful Chissmas decoration by @rylothrelics. With the cute cute Santa Thrawn.]

You sleep more than I do

“Really,” Eli said, frowning. He hadn’t heard anything about criminal profiling work. “When have you been doing all this?

Thrawn inclined his head. “You sleep more than I do.”

Eli felt his face warm.

~

'Raw'n pompously declared that the pillows were super comfy. I honestly don't think he slept, but he asked for a set for himself anyway.

I love hotel rooms.

Maybe because, for me, they mean vacation (which I love) or conferences (which I also really love).

And, for how much I enjoy traveling with friends, there is a special joy in being alone in a hotel room.

Or, well.

Alone with a 6 inches tall blue alien who doesn't sleep, anyway.

Today's plan, my second jump, is being tested at 8:45 am, in time to fulfill the challenging requirement to land within 24 hours after a negative result with a 17 hours journey ahead, and having the first trip of my life in business class.

After two years of canceled flights and rescheduled mess, I accumulated so many e-tickets coupons that Delta was basically becoming my saving account.

So, I decided.

Spending them all for a business class ride.

Which sounds fancy (and I'm not fancy) and a very adult thing (and I'm SO NOT an adult).

But, I guess, they will get that memo kinda quickly when I will start to take pictures of the above-mentioned —incredibly handsome— lil guy in my very fancy and very adult seat.

There.

Ultimately, I managed to bother you also on this Thrawn Thursday.

Hugs and Chisses

"The Unknown Regions remained uncharted because a chaotic web of anomalies had created a near-impenetrable barrier to exploration; only the most foolhardy or desperate ventured there—criminals, refugees, and, if the reports were true, remnants of the old Imperial fleet who had refused to accept New Republic rule.

A few planets had been discovered, but their populations remained small, and their trade with the rest of the galaxy had been throttled by the navigational risk. The Sith and the Jedi had found paths through to even more dangerous, more hidden worlds—or so legends said—and the specific, carefully stepped coordinate jumps required to safely navigate the anomalies were among their most closely guarded secrets."

["The Rise of Skywalker" - by Rae Carson]

~

As some of you might have already read in my IG stories, I am attempting to visit my family (actual and found) in Italy for the holidays.

Things once trivial like boarding a plane and waking up the next day in another continent are now definitely more challenging.

Saving you the long list of complications, I decided to embark on the journey, anyway.

Jump by jump.

"If we can make it to the ground, we'll take the next chance.

And the next. On and on until we win... or the chances are spent."

This also means a couple of weeks of not planned posts.

Yes. So even more useless than usual.

But, equally, the domineering reappearance of my teensy-weensy favorite travel companion.

'Raw'n.

Camera lover, gourmet connoisseur, and infallible copilot, he will take care of me every step of the way.

Drowning our uncertainties in cheese triangles and fruits sticks.

Thus.

So long, folks.

Hugs and Chisses!

[PS - I am posting this Thrawn Thursday caption —on a Wednesday— because I genuinely span from zero time tomorrow to bored to death for seventeen hours. Forgive also the simplicity of the photo, but I am always utterly uninspired when *I* am inside the clothes that I want to share with you. That said, the t-shirt is hilarious, brilliantly Barbie pink, and I adore it with all my heart. By Chissless on Teepublic].

Loyalty

Did Thrawn even recognize the depth of loyalty he inspired in those who worked with him? Knowing Thrawn, probably not.

~

“The way she looks at the universe [makes her a good commander]. Certainly a better commander than I. [] Her officers follow her with confidence, even eagerness. Mine follow me because they’re good Chiss warriors.”

~

Samakro glanced around the bridge []. They were tense, he could tell, for all the same reasons he was. But he could see no panic or serious doubt. They’d been with Thrawn long enough to trust him to get them through whatever mess he was leading them into. Distantly, Samakro wondered if they’d had that same confidence back when he’d been the Springhawk’s commander.

~

Even from the beginning, the attitude of the officers and crew had struck him as unique. [] Everyone from Faro on down seemed intent on working together to do their jobs and complete their assigned tasks to the best of their ability.

The reason, of course, was obvious: Thrawn.

The grand admiral was smart and subtle, but never used his brilliance to show up or humiliate anyone. He demanded results, but never perfection, and had amazing stores of patience for those who were truly working to their fullest ability. He cared about his people, to the point of standing up for them even against the disapproval of powerful men like Lord Vader. []

The result was telling: a degree of loyalty Kimmund had seldom seen [].

~

Faro felt her eyes bulge. “My new [command]—sir?”

“Indeed,” Thrawn said, and this time there was no mistaking his smile. “Congratulations, Commodore Faro. May you serve the Eleventh Fleet as well as you’ve served the Seventh.”

“Thank you, Admiral,” Faro managed. “It—sir, it’s been the greatest privilege of my life to serve under you. I can only hope my officers will feel even a tenth of that pride and satisfaction under my command.”

“They will that, and far more,” Thrawn assured her. “And now, Commodore, one final time: You may prepare my ship.”

~

Inspiring people change lives.

And @geekablycute is precious.

She gifted me countless days of inner sublime joy.

"Thank you" is truly not enough.

Know their names

“I was just keeping up their morale,” Ahsoka said. “They need to know we take the same risks that they do. That we’ll sit down and talk to them, and know their names, instead of just snapping our fingers and calling them clone. Nobody likes being treated as if they don’t matter.”

For all her bluster, she had her very adult, perceptive moments. Anakin knew how it felt not to matter. “Well… they seem to like you. That’s good.”

“They’ve lost so many of their friends. Can’t you feel their pain?”

“They’re soldiers,” Anakin said. “It’s the job.”

“It’s yours, too, but you hurt all the time.”

Anakin didn’t look at Rex, and Rex didn’t look at him, but the captain took a few slow paces and put a little more distance between them, appearing engrossed in something via his helmet comlink. He was obviously anxious to avoid hanging around for what threatened to be a very personal exchange.

“You’re right, Padawan,” Anakin said. She was, and he didn’t want to discuss it; agreeing with her served both purposes. “We all handle our loss in our own way. Thank you for thinking of the men’s welfare.”

~

Respect and care are paramount in any relationship.

Mentors and pupils, managers and employees, generals and soldiers.

We can maintain the rigor of our decisions and firm evaluations without forgetting that personal and professional levels are different.

It is not just about being empathetic but also considering human complexity.

Others, like us, are not just one thing.

Not just clones, or students, or employees.

And it would be a crucial mistake to judge one aspect of a person's life as the totality of who the person is.

Some of my students are terrible at my subject.

Some because they actively prefer to enjoy their afternoons chatting with friends instead of unveiling the secrets of a gas turbine.

[How can I blame them?]

Some because they are absolutely the negation of what I teach.

Either way, I love them.

They are many many other things besides being a D- student in my class.

They are witty and hilarious, sweet and kind, generous and caring.

They will still receive a D-.

But, ultimately, it is not what matters.

[Photo: rocking my finals week with Her Universe]