Later, the surviving cadets made their way toward the docked corvette, planning to use the comm system to apprise the nearest Chiss outpost of their situation. As they moved through the corridors, they made their way past the bodies of their fellow cadets--dragged there so that they might serve one final time. The slain Chiss rested on lightweight plates of mirrored transparisteel, the substance that had reflected back the sky and cast the illusion that the dome was a large lake.
The surface was subtly rippled, giving anything it reflected an illusion of depth and substance.
Jag glanced at the ceiling. Several ropes hung there, some still swaying. Moments before, every able-bodied Chiss had hung from two ropes hastily tied to the corridor’s metal framework--one tied about their chests to keep their hands free for weapons, the other to their ankles. Their reflections in the transparisteel panels mingled with the slain Chiss on the floor. To the pirates entering the corridor, the floor appeared to be littered with bodies.
Once the students began to fire, confusion overtook the invaders. They fired low, whirling toward each door leading from the corridor, but never realizing that the danger came from over their heads. The battle was messy and brief.
“An unusual tactic,” one of the survived Chiss allowed, his red eyes shining with approval as he glanced up at the ceiling.
Shawnkyr lifted one black brow. “Not so unusual,” she countered. “Defeat is often the shortest path to deception, and deception can lead to victory. All great tacticians know this to be true. Is that not so, Lieutenant?”
Several moments passed before Jag realized that he was the lieutenant Shawnkyr had addressed, or that the Chiss were watching him, waiting respectfully for his response. None of the other cadets had ever called him by his rank. When the Chiss were in good spirits, they addressed him by name; when not, they settled for “human.”
He considered his words carefully, understanding the importance of this moment. “We are all students of Grand Admiral Thrawn,” he said slowly. “They tell that his return was a deception, that he is dead. I say that’s a lie.”
For once, the Chiss composure failed his fellow cadets. Shock claimed every face. This subject was simply not discussed! But they watched him still, waiting for his next words.
“He will always be with us, as long as we can learn from his example.”
They considered this. “I had always dreamed of serving Thrawn.”
Shawnkyr said slowly. “That is not to be. But l, too, can learn from example. It took the Chiss too long to recognize the leader he was, and learn to follow. This mistake is not one I will repeat.”
She turned to Jag and handed him her cadet commander insignia, then snapped into a crisp salute. After a moment’s hesitation, the other followed suit.
With a full heart, Jag drew himself and returned the salute. The effort was too much, and once again the world spun and swam. He looked down, trying to get his bearings. .
Shawnkyr put a hand on his arm and began to propel them both toward the corvette. “I have high hopes for you, Lieutenant,” she said quietly. “Do not disappoint me by acting the hero’s part.”
“A member of the Chiss military, aspiring to be a hero?” he said in feigned disbelief. “What would Thrawn say of this?”
Star Wars: Hands of Thrawn Stories: Red Sky Blue Flame Page 3
