Star Wars: Thrawn

by Timothy Zahn

“Mitth’raw’nuruodo,” he said, bringing his glowing eyes back to Parck. “But I believe it would be easier for you to call me Thrawn.”

“My word is my guarantee,” Thrawn said. “Perhaps your servant can speak to the strength of that vow.” “My servant?” the Emperor asked, his eyes flicking to Parck. “I do not refer to Captain Parck,” Thrawn said. “I speak of another. Perhaps I assumed incorrectly that he was your servant. Yet he always spoke highly of Chancellor Palpatine.” The Emperor leaned forward a little, his yellowish eyes glittering. “And his name?” “Skywalker,” Thrawn said. “Anakin Skywalker.”

“Jedi Skywalker survived the war, then?” “Sadly, he did not,” the Emperor said. “I mourn his passing,” Thrawn said. “He was a most cunning and…may I consult my translator?” “You may,” the Emperor said. His eyes narrow slightly. The yellow tinge now appears stronger. “Eqhuwa.” “Courageous,” Vanto translated. His face radiates extra heat. The muscles beneath his tunic show stiffness. His lips compress tightly before and after he speaks the word. “He was a most cunning and courageous warrior,” Thrawn

“Change of subject. Did you really meet General Skywalker?” “I did,” Thrawn said, his voice going distant. “It was an interesting time.”

great tactician creates plans. A good tactician recognizes the soundness of a plan presented to him. A fair tactician must see the plan succeed before offering approval. Those with no tactical ability at all may never understand or accept it. Nor will such people understand or accept the tactician. To those without that ability, those who possess it are a mystery. And when a mind is too deficient in understanding, the resulting gap is often filled with resentment.

“Are you thinking the navy might be stockpiling the stuff?” “That is one possibility,” Thrawn said. “The other possibility is more…intriguing.” “That possibility being…?” “Some other project,” Thrawn said thoughtfully. “Something large, and unannounced.”