The Warrior

And then I thought.

It's Zeb's day on IG. Do I really care to make also a *good* post?

Or just showing off one of the best things I bought like... ever?

So. Yeah.

There.

Nurture hope

“These people have attached themselves to me, Admiral. I can’t turn my back on them.”

“I see,” Thrawn said. “I have always known that you were a master tactician. I see now that you are also a leader.”

“Am I?” His expression holds bitterness. “Let me tell you a secret. At one point I had a grand plan for bringing all these insurgent and rebel groups together under one roof.”

“What stopped you?”

“Paranoia,” he said. “Distrust. Squabbling. Pride.” Again, he shakes his head. “I don’t know if anyone will ever bring them all together. I just know I couldn’t. So much for my leadership skills. [] What I don’t understand is why you still serve the Empire. []

“I’ll give you a scenario,” Thrawn said. “You and I face a dangerous predator intent on slaughter. Running is impossible; tools and weapons are limited. What are your options?”

“The obvious one is for us to join forces. [] But you’re clearly going for something else.” []

“You strike me down so as to make me the easier prey. While the predator devours me, you hope to find or build a weapon you can use to assure your own survival. [] There are evil things in this galaxy, Nightswan. Far more evil than the Empire, and far more dangerous to all living beings. [] We needed to know whether the Empire [] could be an ally against them.”

“Or whether it should instead be collapsed into an easy prey,” Nightswan said. []

“You understand now my scenario. [] The tone of a government is set by its leader. But Emperor Palpatine will not live forever. When it comes time for his authority to be handed to another, my position as a senior officer will allow me to influence the choice of that leader.”

“And do you expect that new leader to spread light into the darkness?”

“There is hope that he will,” Thrawn said. “But if evil is victorious, that hope will be extinguished. Forever.”

“Hope.” Nightswan shakes his head. [] “I fear, Admiral, that you’re still dangerously naïve on political matters. [] We have the same sense of duty, Admiral Thrawn. Perhaps we ultimately seek the same end, at least for the distant future. But we see vastly different roads to that end.” []

~

The characters' counter was truly brutal this week. And I waited to post this excerpt since I read "Thrawn," basically. All their conversation, truly. But I decided to start with this iconic "prey" theme because it's so important for understanding Thrawn's real motives.

However, I wanted to add also Nevil's comment about the Rebellion because, for how much I'm terrified to see my favorite characters misrepresented in the tv shows, there is a part of my heart that really hopes to see him in "Andor."

[Funko pop: @kb_graves. Art: @daniloreyesg]

Just polite

“Never make the mistake of believing forbearance equates to acceptance, or that all positions are equally valid.”

[Yes, this is from Thrawn' s journal]

~

As women, we are often expected to be soft-spoken.

Patient. Tolerant. Calm.

Always smiling.

And we are, right?

So people assume.

Assume we're weak.

Assume we're assertive.

Assume we're blindly accepting every shit they throw at us.

They mansplain us just because we don't expose their ignorance.

They think they can overpower us just because we're not screaming louder.

In truth, we're just polite.

I don't know if we will ever break the chains that restrain us to the role that society assigned to us. To the image that the world wants that we reflect.

But when you ask me why I love Thrawn so dearly, consider adding this to the pile of neurodivergence, overall weirdness, and tireless dedication that already allows me to see myself in him.

He is constantly misunderstood.

Mistreated.

Disparaged.

Underestimated.

And nevertheless, this doesn't make his firm judgment less sharp or his detractors' faults less painfully tangible.

The fact that he hides the denigrator's idiocy under a "perhaps" does not permit anyone to gaslight THE reality.

[I know. It seems that the photos are disconnected from the caption. But my week with 'Raw'n, hiking in the woods -and eating delicious food- gave me time for introspection. Also, sorry for the double image, which I normally tend to avoid. For once, I really could not choose. He looked *so relaxed* in both]

[And, yes, I am aware that he is an action figure. And, yet]

Where do you want me?

Thrawn turned back to Thalias and Che’ri. “And now for you, Sky-walker,” he said. “Let me explain the situation.” [] He held out a hand to Che’ri. “That’s where you come in, Sky-walker Che’ri. Come with me.”

He led her forward a couple of steps, stopping her beside the weapons officer. “This is Senior Commander Afpriuh,” he said, identifying the man.

“I know,” Che’ri said, nodding to him. “Hello, Senior Commander.”

“Hello, Sky-walker,” Afpriuh said, nodding to her. []

Thrawn looked down at Che’ri. “What we’re going to do is have Afpriuh attempt to lock on with the tractor beam, using a low enough setting that it won’t have any visible effect. You, Sky-walker Che’ri, will be watching the sensor display, using Third Sight to see a few seconds into the future. [] If and when you see the freighter make the yaw turn we’re looking for, you’ll indicate that by tapping or pressing down on his hand. When that happens, he’ll run the tractor beam to full power before he activates it.”

“That can’t work,” Thalias insisted. []

“I don’t know if it’ll work,” Che’ri went on. “But shouldn’t we at least try?”

Thalias looked at Thrawn. “What happens if she doesn’t do this?”

“Perhaps nothing,” Thrawn said. “The analysts may not find anything suspicious, and then all will be well. If they do, there may be trouble among some of the families. Perhaps serious trouble. But those are only possibilities. If you’re uncomfortable with this, you don’t have to do it.”

Che’ri squared her shoulders. “No,” she said. Her voice was shaking a little, but there was no hesitation in it. “I didn’t think I could learn to fly a spaceship. You said I could, and I did. If you say I can do this, I can. Where do you want me?”

“Right here,” Thrawn said, moving her a few centimeters closer to Afpriuh. “This display—the one right here—is the one you’ll watch. I’ll keep it lined up on the freighter. Put your hand here—” he took her left hand and laid it, palm downward, on top of Afpriuh’s right hand “—and press or tap as soon as you see the freighter move. All right?”

She nodded. “I’m ready.”

~

Che'ri and Thrawn.

What an incredible power duo.

[She will be almost 40 during "Ahsoka"]

[Just saying]

Jorj

“I see,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said. “I appreciate your honesty, Jorj Car’das.”

“You can just call me Car’das,” Car’das said. “In our culture, the first name is reserved for use by friends.”

“You don’t consider me a friend?”

“Do you consider *me* one?” Car’das countered.

He regretted the words the instant they were out of his mouth. Sarcasm was hardly the option of choice in a confrontation like this.

But Mitth’raw’nuruodo merely lifted an eyebrow. “No, not yet,” he agreed calmly. “Perhaps someday. You intrigue me, Car’das. Here you sit, captured by unfamiliar beings a long way from home. Yet instead of wrapping yourself within a blanket of fear or anger, you instead stretch outside yourself with curiosity.”

Car’das frowned. “Curiosity?”

“You studied my warriors as you were brought aboard,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said. “I could see it in your eyes and face as you observed and thought and evaluated. You did the same as you were taken to your quarters, and again as you were brought here just now.”

“I was just looking around,” Car’das assured him, his heart beating a little faster. Did spies rank above or below smugglers on Mitth’raw’nuruodo’s list of undesirables? “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“Calm yourself,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said, some amusement creeping into his voice. “I’m not accusing you of spying. I, too, have the gift of curiosity, and therefore prize it in others.

~

“There are all too few idealists in this universe, Car’das. Too few people who strive always to see only the good in others. I wouldn’t want to be responsible for crushing even one of them. [] You have excellent insight into the hearts of others. Stratis has chosen well.”

“I guess we’ll find out.” Car’das held out his hand. “Well. Good-bye, Commander. It’s been an honor knowing you.”

“As it has for me, as well,” Thrawn said, taking his hand. “Farewell … Jorj.”

~

I do not have the number of characters or the literary ability to describe my love for Jorj Car’das.

So, yeah.

I hope the quote (and Thrawn's own affection) will do.

[Photo: I will never thank @ritarussiandoll_pins enough for believing in this pin. Thrawn's expression, his lips, his eyes. It is a masterpiece. Art by CaoAmoss on Twitter]

I assume

“Your next question is probably why this is all such a big secret.”

“Not at all,” Thrawn assured her. [] He looked her squarely in the eye. “*My* question is why you’ve told me all this. Surely I’m not senior enough for that kind of classified information. Especially not after today.”

“I told you because you thrive on information,” Ziara said. [] “The more you know about a situation, the better you are at coming up with the strategy and tactics necessary to handle it. Anyway, you’ll be called in for the top-level briefing soon enough.” She felt her lips pucker. “When that happens, try to act surprised.”

“I will,” he promised. “Speaking of surprises, does your family know you’re bringing a guest?”

Ziara shook her head. “No, but it won’t be a problem.”

Thrawn raised his eyebrows slightly. “You assume.”

“Yes,” Ziara conceded. “I assume.”

~

Ziara.

And her way of always not giving an absolute damn about what other people might think or argue, always pursuing righteousness, concreteness, results.

Deeply understanding Thrawn's logic and neurodiversity, his intuition, and intelligence, but also his necessities, limits, recursive gotos, and inadequacies.

And Thrawn.

Who always feels so comfortable when Ziara is around, who treasures her vision and approval, her acumen, perseverance, and boldness.

Perfect everlasting friendship.

[Photo: beautiful custom Chiss Thrawn pop made by @cardinal.creates, with a Ziara cadet pop by me. Cass is celebrating today the first anniversary of her account, so be sure to stop there and congratulate! 💙]

The alone leader

"When people look up to you, you don’t get to be selfish.

You say run, they run.

You say swim, they dive in.

You say light a fire, they show up with oil.

But whatever happens, it’s on you."

Vander - "Arcane: Welcome to the Playground"

~

"A leader is responsible for those under his authority.

That is the first rule of command.

He is responsible for their safety, their provisions, their knowledge, and, ultimately, their lives.

Those whom he commands are in turn responsible for their behavior and their dedication to duty. Any who violates his trust must be disciplined for the good of the others. But such discipline is not always easy or straightforward. There are many factors, some of them beyond the commander’s control. Sometimes those complications involve personal relationships. Other times it is the circumstances themselves that are difficult. There can also be politics and outside intervention.

Failure to act always brings consequences."

Thrawn - "Star Wars: Thrawn"

~

"The soldier in the field and the crew member aboard a warship inevitably see a war from a limited perspective. Their goal is to carry out their mission or their appointed task, and trust that their commanders are aware of the larger situation and the vast matrix of facts, positions, options, and dangers. Leadership is a role and a task that should never be aspired to lightly. Neither should loyalty be given without reason. Even if the primary reason is nothing more than the soldier’s oath and duty, a true leader will work to prove worthy of a deeper trust.

But leadership and loyalty are both two-bladed weapons. Each can be twisted from its intended purpose. The consequences are never pleasant."

Thrawn - "Star Wars: Thrawn"

~

Some people are simply born to lead.

They cannot escape it. Even if they try.

The ones under their authority see the resultion, the charisma, the glory.

Sometimes they blame the coldness or ruthlessness.

But, ultimately, they envy their power.

But true leadership is a curse.

Responsibility, consequences, pain.

Forced selflessness, no matter personal desires or happiness.

And a complete and everlasting loneliness.

[Weird caption for this shot. I know]