Thrawn Chimaera : Galactic Civil War

Chapter Ten

The insurgent fight continued outside until Slavin, via holo, threatens to kill Hera and Ezra if Cham does not surrender. It was a strategy designed by Thrawn and Ziinuuvitas to better study the rebel priorities, moral and weaknesses, knowing Slavin would use the hostages as a trap.

From the light cruiser where they had eventually returned to due to the development of the events, Thrawn and Ziinuuvitas waited for the outcome. The blue man still studied the kalikori.

"All right, Captain Syndulla, let's see how you respond." He speaks to the kalikori, absorbed in his mind.

Some time passes until they learn about the cease-fire. Then, from the viewport, they see the Ghost approaching the exchange point, at the entrance of Syndulla's home.
The chrono moves the numbers further, setting the pace of the long waiting, when suddenly, a large explosion erupts from within the compound. Thrawn is calm, watching, and Ziinuuvitas studies him.

"Sir, they blew up Tann Province." She tells him cautiously.

Why is he not reacting?

"They did. What does that tell us?" he asks like a tutor to his pupil.

"After captain Hera Syndulla's remark on how she wished to destroy the Kalikori knowing you have it, we can conclude these rebels are willing to sacrifice much of their personal individuality in order to achieve victory. They are selfless, sir, and act in such way. Presumably."

"Very well, Captain." Thrawn keeps his eyes on the window, but smiles, which made her feel smug. She could also foresee things and keep up with his mind- that's why she was there after all.

The Ghost flies by as they watch, and Ziinuuvitas fears for a moment, but just like before Thrawn does not order their termination.

"They are in range, sir." Speaks the officer behind them.

"Hold your fire. They've earned their victory today." Thrawn tells him, and then the holo of Slavin appears:

"Admiral, the rebels are getting away!" Slavin is limping, holding his arm.

"Not to worry, Captain. I've found this whole experience to be very enlightening."

The Holo went off and silence reigned the room of the ship for a while. Then, Thrawn walked away while instructing the pilot.

"Ready the ship for departure. Our mission here is finished, we shall return to the Fleet."

Ziinuuvitas followed him, waiting for further instructions. She had not been dismissed, and Thrawn seemed to enjoy parading her around behind him. It was actually difficult to do so sometimes, because he walked quite fast had was taller, which meant she had to walk faster to keep up imediatly behind him.

But when he didn't rush his pace, walking slowly with hands behind his back, it meant he was scheming. And she didn't like when he was too absorbed, analysing everything.
Not that he didn't use his brain when he walked fast, because she was sure he probably made complex plans in his sleep. But that slow, measured walk of Thrawn, that was dangerous.

Ziinuuvitas would rather exercise her legs to keep up than not.

They felt the ship start moving, and Thrawn entered the Command Centre room where several holos of their strategy were still displayed. He turned them off, bringing up Lothal instead, but still without talking. She didn't dare to speak either, although she knew of his plans for the TIE Defender and the factories and mines on the planet.

But right now, her mind and heart raced: had she just escaped being uncovered in Ryloth? Had he possibly noticed anything that gave her away in his interactions with Hera or Ezra? Also, was all this truly worth it? Was Thrawn aware of how evil the Empire was?