Thrawn Ascendancy Book 3: Lesser Evil

But Nakirre had agreed to travel here with the alien, and the Kilji Overlords had affirmed his decision, and so here they were.

And truth be told, Jixtus did have some intriguing ideas on how the future of the Kilji Illumine could be shaped.

“People who would otherwise ignore the wisdom and guidance of the Kiljis would be encouraged to listen,” Jixtus continued. “People who would otherwise scorn and scoff at your philosophy could be silenced or sent where their rantings would not disturb or disrupt.”

“It would allow us to bring order,” Nakirre agreed, images of unprecedented stability running through his mind. Conquest.

“Exactly,” Jixtus said. “Order and enlightenment to billions who currently struggle and flail helplessly in darkness. As you well know, encouragement and persuasion—even passionate persuasion—can move a culture only so far. Conquest is the only way to bring Kilji insight to the whole of a region.”

“And you believe these beings are prepared to receive such insight?” Nakirre asked, sweeping his hand across the viewport at the merchant ships floating placidly in their orbits.

“Is there ever a time when enlightenment would not be beneficial?” Jixtus countered. “Whether they realize it or not, whether they accept it or not, the Kilji path is what will ultimately bring them prosperity and contentment. What purpose delay?”

“What purpose, indeed,” Nakirre agreed, gazing at the ships. So many merchants, so many nations, all standing helpless before the might of the Kilji Illumine. Which should he choose first?

“As I promised, we will guide you as to the nations most quickly and easily conquered,” Jixtus continued. “There are representative traders here from each of the four the Grysks feel are the most promising. We’ll speak with them in turn, perhaps sample the goods they’ve brought for sale. You will then—”

“Generalirius?” Vassal Two called from the sensor station. “A new ship has arrived. Unknown configuration.”

Nakirre looked at the visual display. The newcomer was indeed unlike any of the other ships already in orbit. Representatives of some new nation, no doubt, here to join in barter and trade.

Or perhaps not. The design of the craft was not that of a merchant. Its shape, the systematic groupings of bulges along its sides and shoulders, the distinctive sheen of a nyix-alloy hull …

“These are not traders,” he said. “That is a warship. Is it not?” he added, turning to look at Jixtus.

Only to find the Grysk silent and unmoving. The veiled face was turned toward the visual display, the robed figure as still as if the being hidden beneath the robe had turned to stone.

Usually Jixtus had a comment for everything. For once, he didn’t.

“If you’re concerned, you need not be,” Nakirre reassured him. The newcomer was about two-thirds the size of the Whetstone, probably no more than the equivalent of a Kilji picket cruiser, with a comparable ratio of weaponry. Should they choose to initiate combat, he had no doubt the Kiljis would win.

He could only hope they wouldn’t be so foolish. The destruction of their ship would mean those aboard would never hear the Kilji philosophy and thus could never achieve true enlightenment.

“Generalirius, the warship is broadcasting a message,” Vassal Four said. He touched a switch—

“—to all assembled merchants and traders,” a smooth, melodious voice came over the Whetstone’s bridge speaker, the Minnisiat trade language words articulated with clipped precision. “I am Senior Captain Thrawn of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet warship Springhawk. I have news for any Watith who may be present. Are there any of that species to whom I may speak?”

“Are there?” Nakirre asked, looking back at Jixtus.

Jixtus stirred, breaking whatever paralysis had overtaken him. “Are there what?” he asked, his voice odd.

“Are there any Watith?”

Jixtus seemed to gather himself together. “I don’t know. I didn’t notice any of their ships when we arrived, but I also wasn’t looking for them. I suggest we hold here and see if anyone answers him.”

“If no one else stands forth, I will speak with him,” Nakirre declared. “I would learn what news he bears.”

“I would advise against that,” Jixtus warned. “The Chiss are a devious species. He is likely asking that question in the hope of drawing you out into the open.”

“Drawing me out?” Nakirre asked. “How would he even know I’m here?”

“I didn’t mean you specifically, Generalirius,” Jixtus said. “But be assured he’s hunting for information. That’s what this particular Chiss does.”

“If no one wishes news,” Thrawn continued, “perhaps someone will give us the location of their world, so that we may return our prisoners to their people.”