“It’s very simple,” Thrawn said quietly. “I expect the Nikardun to know a great deal about the Ascendancy and Chiss culture. To defeat an enemy you must know them, and they are clearly expert conquerors.” He stopped, an expectant expression on his face.

Thalias made a face. Playing teacher, just as he had on the Paccosh mining station, waiting for her to come up with the right answer.

But at least this time that answer was obvious. “So if they suddenly learn there’s something they don’t know about us, something really important, they might decide they need to rethink their whole strategy?”

“Exactly,” Thrawn said. “At best, it may cause Yiv to abandon his plans against us. At worst, it should buy us some time.”

He raised his eyebrows. “The question is whether you’re willing and able to play such a role.”

The obvious answer—yes—rose quickly into Thalias’s throat. But even as she opened her mouth to say the word, she realized it wasn’t nearly that easy.

She had no idea how a hostage spoke and behaved and thought. Probably there would be some hesitation, some low-level but constant fear for her life, possibly a degree of eagerness to please the one who held her life in his hands. Could she pull all of that off in a believable way?

More than that, going with Thrawn would mean leaving Che’ri alone aboard the Vigilant. Certainly the girl could handle a trip back to the Ascendancy on her own—it wasn’t like Ar’alani couldn’t assign one of her officers to take care of their sky-walker for a few days.

But Che’ri had lost so many other caregivers over her time in the fleet. Would she see Thalias’s departure as yet another abandonment, no matter how good or necessary the cause? Thalias could explain the situation before she left, but that didn’t necessarily mean Che’ri would hear or understand. Where exactly did Thalias’s true duty and commitment lie?

She looked at the map, at the clusters of enemy stars closing in around the Ascendancy. Suddenly her own uncertainties, comfort, and self-respect didn’t seem nearly so important anymore. As for Che’ri, Thalias could only do her best to explain it to the girl.

“I don’t know how to be a hostage,” she said, turning back to Thrawn. “But I’m ready to learn.”

Thrawn inclined his head to her. “Thank you,” he said. Stepping to the desk, he touched a key. “Admiral, this is Thrawn. Caregiver Thalias has agreed to accompany me. Can you inform Sky-walker Che’ri and make arrangements for someone to take over her care when we reach Solitair?”

“I’d like to tell her myself,” Thalias put in. “It might be easier coming from me.”

“That’s reasonable,” Ar’alani said. “Do you have someone you’d recommend to take your place?”