Thrawn Ascendancy Book 3: Lesser Evil

A chill ran up Ba’kif’s back. Whatever it costs.

Something had happened at Hoxim, something Thrawn had been involved with that had never been revealed to him, the Council, or the Syndicure. Something evidently important or explosive or damning.

Senior Captain Samakro knew what it was, as did the rest of the Springhawk’s bridge crew. So did Thalias and Che’ri. Senior Captain Ziinda apparently also knew, and if the reports of a long conversation between her and Ar’alani were true it was likely that the admiral also knew the truth.

But none of them were talking about it, and none of them were likely to do so. Whatever the costs might be to their own careers.

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

“I understand,” Ba’kif said as he put away his questis. “I suppose you’re ready, then. I have to admit, though, that I’d always looked forward to seeing how you looked in admiral white. I suppose I’ll never get the chance now.”

“You were never likely to in the first place,” Thrawn said drily. “No one here would ever make me an admiral.”

“I suppose not,” Ba’kif said. “One other thing. Two, actually.” He opened the desk drawer beside him and lifted out the four-point pinwheel medal that had been given to Thrawn so long ago at the Stybla honoring ceremony. “Supreme Admiral Ja’fosk recovered this before your other medals and honor chains were put into storage,” he said, handing it across the desk. “We thought you might like to take it with you.”

Thrawn took the medal, cupping it in his palm, and for a moment gazed at it in silence and remembrance. Then he looked up and handed it back. “Thank you,” he said. “I’d prefer you keep it safe for me, if you don’t mind. The path I’m on may turn out to be rockier than expected, and I’d hate to lose it.”

“As you wish,” Ba’kif said, taking the medal and returning it to the drawer. “And no, I don’t mind at all, but would consider it an honor. This next item, though, I think you should consider taking with you.” He paused, recognizing even in that moment that he was being overly dramatic, then pulled out a distinctive double ring. “Caregiver Thalias asked me to give this to you,” he said, again handing it across the desk. “Uingali foar Marocsaa wanted you to have it as a token of gratitude from himself, his subclan, and the Paccian people.”

For another moment Thrawn stood motionless, a series of emotions playing across his face. Then, with the same reverence he’d shown the Stybla medal, he took the ring. “I shouldn’t accept this,” he said, his voice oddly hesitant. “Uingali and the Paccosh did far more in their own defense and the defense of Sunrise than I did.” He took a deep breath and carefully slipped the ring onto the two middle fingers of his right hand. “But in the spirit that it was given, I must with humble gratitude accept it.”