#ba'kif x reader

[danger-xylophones]

Okay here’s a request, no rush on the writing, take your time. How about a domestic one shot with General Ba’kif. He needs a break, he has a lot to deal with.

TDIL I can write for Ba'kif

Pronouns: neutral

warnings: implied chiss reader and ungodly amounts of fluff

Note: 'baba' is a widely used term across various cultures with a couple different meanings. In this instance I use it as an affectionate pet name for the grumpy general

Ba’kif designs I like/reference I II

masterlist | chiss

The light from the questis was burning your eyes, a result of having stared at if for so long - no doubt. Even spaced lines creating elegant tables filled with data upon data had long since blurred together into an incomprehensible information vomit. To your good fortune, it was the end of your work day anyways.

With a lengthy sigh, you set the questis face down on your desk and rose from your seat. Your lower back seemed to yell in protest, angry from the lack of proper lumbar support it seemed. A dry smile spread over your lips - when you were younger, your mother had often jokingly warned you to never grow old. Now you wished you'd listened to her. After a few stretches, you were finally able to amble out of your home office.

As nice as it was that you had a job that allowed you to work remotely, it did lead to a sense of isolation from your coworkers. Maybe you should reach out to some of the others on Naporar? See if you couldn't find a day for you all to go out and get drinks or something.

Your musings trailed off as you made it to the kitchen and started on a pot of tea. When the water reached a boil, you began pouring it into a cup.

A shrill but quiet beep sounded from the front door, followed by the distinctive sound of it opening. A smile lit up your face. "Ba'kif?" You called out.

"Yes, my love." His gravelly voice answered back, "I'm back."

Abandoning your tea, you swiftly stepped out of the kitchen - intent on finding your husband. He was still by the front door, slowly toeing off his boots in the entry way. "Ba-Ba" you cooed, making him look up at you. A subtle purple blush was just visible beneath the white of his full beard. You reached out, arms wrapping around his middle to tug him in to a firm hug. "Welcome home." With your face pressed into his chest, you could feel the embroidered honor patches denoting his status as Supreme General gently digging into the plush of your cheek. It was a welcome reminder that your dear love was a powerful and honorable man. "I missed you."

With a hum he raised his hand and cupped the back of your head, keeping you close. "I missed you too." Ba'kif mumbled, his voice not unlike the low of a contented growzer.

Smiling gently, you pulled back but kept your hands on his waist. "Long day?" You asked with a subtle squeeze before letting go and stepping aside to invite him in.

He snorted derisively, "An understatement if ever there was one," as he trekked further into your shared home, he removed his dress jacket. "I didn't think the meetings would end." He draped the jacket over his arm just as he crossed the threshold to the bedroom.

You made a humming noise in the back of your throat, sympathetic to his plight, as you plucked the immaculate white coat off of his arm and moved to hang it up. "The syndicure still on you?"

"Yes," Ba'kif heaved in a drawn out sigh as he shucked off his uniform pants, "the Ufsa are outraged at the council for reinstating Thrawn." He moved to the dresser and pulled out a comfortable pair of pants and a loose shirt.

"I told you they would be." You pointed out, moving to collect his discarded clothing. Ba'kif turned around right as you'd picked them up.

"I was going to get that, dear." He frowned, one arm through the sleeve of his shirt.

You waved him off, "I was right there," and moved to deposit the pants in the hamper you'd set aside specifically for his white uniforms. "Let me guess," you leaned against the wall to watch as he finished dressing, "They want you to kick Thrawn off again and give command of the Springhawk back to Samakro?"

"I didn't kick Thrawn off his ship-" Ba'kif started to grouse as he sat down on the bed to retrieve his slippers.

"You took his toy away, Ba." You crossed your arms and sent him a pointed look.

"It was for his own good." He raised his gaze to the ceiling, closed his eyes, and then shook his head as he brought his chin down, "If the syndicure had its way it would've been his career." Ba'kif seemed to brace himself for a moment before rising and approaching you. "But enough about that," you met him in the middle where he was quick to pull you close, "how was your day?"

"Fine," you hummed noncommittally, one hand creeping up the back of his neck to play with the hairs at the base of his skull, "boring. As nice as it is to be able to do laundry and get paid," he let out a little chuckle, "it becomes mind-numbing when you aren't here to talk to."

"I warned you about taking a remote position, love." He said with a small laugh. After a beat, he bowed his head and gave your lips a quick glance. You got the message and soundly pressed yours against his in a soft kiss. Now that he was starting to relax and forget about his day, he was becoming more affectionate.

You parted from him, "I only took it so I could spend more time with you, Ba-Ba." Like magic, his face flushed again. That nickname worked like a charm, seamlessly causing the normally composed man to blush like a mid-ager. "I'm trying to plan ahead for when you retire-"

"I'm not ready to retire-" he immediately protested.

"When you do though - you'll get the chance to quit working before I do, Supreme General." You smirked at him while Ba'kif just rolled his eyes at the use of his title. "We'll not only have your stipend from the Stybla but also my income so we can finally travel like you want to."

He tilted his head. "Why do you think I'll rejoin the Stybla? Why not one of the nine?"

Smiling fondly, you cupped his jaw. "Because you love your family, Labaki." You ran your thumb over his cheek and relished in the feel of his beard tickling your palm.

When you'd met the man, he was freshly minted Lieutenant Stybla'ba'kif, a blood member of the Stybla family. You were an accomplished chemist for the U. A. G. and a new merit adoptive. And he'd barely been able to look you in the eye when he'd (quite literally) bumped in to you in the homestead after your ceremony. You'd followed him through his career, finally marrying after his promotion to colonel. And when he'd achieved flag rank, you'd surrendered your family name just as he had, in a show of support and as a signal to his detractors in the syndicure that he was truly going to uphold the tenant of no family ties.

"And they'd welcome you back with open arms." You pecked his lips.

He seemed thoughtful as he gazed at you, a look of nostalgia on his face. "And you'd rejoin with me?"

"I've followed you this far, Ba-Ba," you grinned as the flush once again appeared, "I'm not gonna retreat now."

Ba'kif chortled. "Was that supposed to be a military joke?"

You shrugged but couldn't contain the shit-eating grin on your face. "Depends, was it funny?"

He bumped his head against yours affectionately, "Coming from you? Yes."

You pressed forward, keeping your foreheads together. "Good." Bringing your hands up, you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled the man into another kiss - still soft but deeper than the first. Ba'kif pressed into you, his hands pulling your hips flush with his before moving wrap around your waist in a way more comfortable for him. You separated for a moment only to press back into each other again and again, slowly each time, in an achingly sweet waltz that made your stomach flutter and warmth flood your heart. At length you parted for good after one last lingering kiss that left your lips tingling with enchanted electricity. "Do you want to watch a holo?" You asked quietly, all too aware of the dazed look on your face. You had no reason to be ashamed, though as Ba'kif's expression was much the same.

"Sure," he hummed, "you pick. I'll order dinner."

"Order?" You asked as he pulled away from you and started to make his way to the living room.

"Do you want to cook?" He asked over his shoulder.

"No."

"Neither do I."

Behind his back, you rolled your eyes at him but couldn't help but smile. "Whatever, Ba-Ba." You turned in to the kitchen, intent on making yourself and Ba'kif some tea. Only to find a full tea-cup waiting on the counter.

[elivanto]

thrawn + politics = chaos (reference fully intended)

sooo i’m really making a quotes masterpost of thrawn’s political incompetence aren’t i. timothy zahn was like “i need to make sure the reader knows how politically inept thrawn is AT ALL TIMES” and it’s so delightful that i ain’t even mad. (and to be fair, it's really fucking relatable.)

thanks to the ascendancy novels we know that not only imperial politics are a problem for him, but it’s always been ... an issue, even in the ascendancy. so we’re doing this thing full on chronologically, beginning with the memories sections in chaos rising. buckle up kids because it’s going to be a LONG ride.

i'm mostly making this post for reference so feel free to skip to the parts that interest you—there are headings for every novel—because i honestly can't imagine someone wants to read ALL THAT (and that's probably not even all of it because i'm sure i missed some moments). sjdgdg enjoy!!!

now updated for lesser evil!!

chaos rising - memories

starting with our guy thurfian because HOW COULD I NOT. it’s his god given right. ANYWAY, he looked at that nerd and knew from the start that he was a lost cause

“I’m already missing all of today’s classes. My instructors would be displeased if I missed tomorrow’s, as well.” “You’ll be all right,” Thurfian said, hearing the strained patience in his voice. Did the boy really not understand the depth of the honor that had been bestowed upon him? Apparently not. Attending his classes was important. Adoption into one of the Nine Ruling Families wasn’t. […] Still, if Ba’kif’s assessment was correct, the boy would be heading for a military career. Politics weren’t nearly so important there. (memories I)

(if thurf only knew.) pretty much from the beginning ar'alani ziara, too, is aware that thrawn's strengths lie in strategy, not in stupid 'family quarrels'... and that maybe he doesn't care much for rules & guidelines

“Ready, sir,” Thrawn’s measured voice came. Ziara felt her lip twist. Now, when her stomach was tied up in knots, was naturally the moment he picked to be cool and calm. Or maybe it was just that space and combat were a more comfortable environment for him than a courtroom filled with officers, regulations, and family politics. (memories III)

then (a few years?) later, during ba'kif and ziara's conversation about him:

“He’s brilliant, sir,” Ziara said. “Excellent strategist and tactician.” “And his political shrewdness?” “Poor to nonexistent.” “Agreed,” Ba’kif said. “He’s going to need a steady hand, both to guide him and to prevent him from continually grabbing the wrong end of the fire stick.” (memories VII)

ziara: you're really gonna. you're really gonna make me babysit him. ba'kif: :)

when zistalmu tries to talk thrawn into accepting the irizi's offer to become a trial born:

In the military realm, Thrawn had demonstrated a fair degree of insight and tactical ability. But in the political realm, he might as well have been dropped straight out of the sky. (memories X)

'fair degree of insight' my ass. master of understatement. but gun to his head zistalmu wouldn't admit to it but god, thurfian was right.

after this... interesting... conversation, thrawn runs to ziara ar'alani to ask her for advice first chance he gets. which is during her promotion celebration party. not that she minds. but STILL. sksksk

“There are a whole lot of things that factor into a family’s position and power. Some of them are financial or historical; others are more nebulous, like prestige and reputation.” “I see,” Thrawn said, though Ar’alani was pretty sure from his expression that he didn’t. (memories X)

he definitely doesn't see. remember that for later. i'm already screaming about it.

a few months, years, i don't even know, what even IS time in star wars later, those two have a bit of a longer talk about politics after their little fuck up with the lioaoi and the garwians. not posting the whole scene here, but it's so, so good.

“I should have seen the signs.” “No,” Ar’alani said. “I should have. But not you.” “Because you’re more experienced?” “Because you don’t understand politics,” Ar’alani said. “Politics, vying for position, feuds, grudges, ledger balancing—they’re all things you’ve never gotten a solid grip on.” [...] “I see.” Thrawn took a long breath. “Then I need to study this form of combat. Study it, and master it.” “That would be helpful,” Ar’alani said. Only he never would master it, she knew. Just as some were tone-deaf to music, Thrawn was tone-deaf to the nuances and intricate self-serving dances that made up the world of politics. (memories XIII)

and another assessment by thurfian:

"[...] I looked into Picket Two’s current assignment, and it turns out they’re working a patrol zone a fair distance past the Ascendancy’s east-zenith edge. That would put him far away from the center of Ascendancy politics.” Thurfian ran that over in his mind. Given Thrawn’s political ineptness, that wouldn’t be the worst assignment they could give him. (memories XIII)

...and that was just the "memories" sections of chaos rising.

chaos rising - chapters

ba'kif, like, right at the beginning of the novel:

The Aristocra weren’t supposed to have any influence over military assignments. But that didn’t mean it never happened. The point was that, as usual, Thrawn had seen only the surface situation and completely missed the political subtleties. (chapter 1)

then thrawn gets command of samakro's ship, and even before he's there, samakro's already done with him.

So Samakro would do his job, and he would make sure the rest of the ship’s officers and warriors did the same. And he would hope very hard that whatever political mess Thrawn made this time wouldn’t blow up in all of their faces. (chapter 1)

thrawn, honey, your reputation precedes you.

ar'alani: why is this happening to me. again. (it's okay, she loves him)

“Really,” Ar’alani said, looking at the questis note again. So whatever Thrawn was doing was important enough that one of the top people on the Council was taking a personal interest, while at the same time there was something going on under the surface involving his sky-walker and her caregiver. Naturally, Thrawn would be oblivious to both currents. (chapter 4)

remember when i said to keep the "thrawn says he sees but he doesn't see at all" in mind? exhibit b:

“The Springhawk is pretty prestigious,” Thalias told him. “Maybe more than you realize. But even if it wasn’t, the Ufsa family would still want it back. It got taken away from them, and they’re notorious for resenting anything they see as a political backslide.” “I see,” Thrawn said. Thalias peered closely at him in the dim light. From the slight frown around his eyes, it was clear that he didn’t see at all. (chapter 13)

thalias is such a good bean. later in the novel, she has an interesting conversation with the mitth patriarch. EVEN HE KNOWS ABOUT THRAWN'S THING WITH POLITICS. cue me laughing/crying in a corner

“I knew from the start that politics wasn’t his strength. But I never realized just how blind he was to those shifting winds.” (chapter 18)

and i absolutely love this part here, thrawn and ar'alani:

“No, you’re right,” he said. “My failure with the Garwians…but this is different. This is war, not politics.” “Which are just two sides of the same coin,” Ar’alani said. “You’ve never understood that or been able to deal with it.” “I know,” Thrawn said. “That’s why we need to flip this particular coin over to the war side.” (chapter 19)

"this is why we need to flip this coin over to the war side" BECAUSE WHEN IT'S IN MILITARY TERMS, HE SUDDENLY GETS IT. that's like when you learn foreign concepts better through applying metaphors. it's an actual thing. mind: blown (also: "i know" 🥺 he doesn't even try to defend or justify himself and that's one of the things i love most about him)

and for a nice conclusion of chaos rising, have another little moment between him and thalias:

“At least you’re getting better at politics,” she said. “Between the Aristocra and the Vaks, you’re learning how to play the game.” Thrawn shook his head. “Hardly. Ar’alani and General Ba’kif are handling the dealings with the Aristocra. As to the Vaks, that was never strictly about politics.” (chapter 23)

bless ar'alani and ba'kif. i love them.

NEXT STOP: GREATER GOOD.

greater good

honestly there isn't a whole lot about thrawn & politics in greater good, but the stuff that is in there is absolute gold. i mean it.

“Just worrying about Lakinda. She and the whole Xodlak family have a lot of politics going on at the moment.” “Lakinda will do fine,” Thrawn said. “Politics aren’t supposed to be part of Expansionary Fleet missions.” “Of course not,” Samakro said. (chapter 11)

"of course not," samakro said, turned around, and rolled his eyes at the camera. of course not, senior captain thrawn. family politics aren't SUPPOSED to be part of CEDF missions. wink wink, nudge nudge.

thalias telling thrawn about her conversation with the mitth patriarch:

“I was unaware I needed looking after.” “Everyone needs some looking after,” Thalias said. “He mostly wanted me to run interference for you as best I could against your enemies.” “I assumed lasers, breachers, and plasma spheres were my primary tools against such people.” “You know what I mean,” she said. “Your political enemies.” His smile faded. “Yes.” (chapter 20)

thrawn: you know what i'll just blow them up or something thalias: ok first of all you can't just blow up members of the aristocra—

anyway, moving on. samakro has to deal with so much, honestly. someone give that guy a few days of shore leave.

“And that all of them are allied to different Ruling Families,” Samakro added. Thrawn’s forehead creased briefly. “I was unaware of that.” “Yes, sir,” Samakro said, wincing. Once again, Thrawn’s ignorance of political realities was peeking through. (chapter 22)

and then one of THE best passages in all of greater good, of course featuring samakro again, because he's the awesome-est:

“The truth, Laknym, is that I’ve been Thrawn’s first officer since he came aboard. I’ve watched him in battles, in preparation for battles, in the aftermath of battles, and dealing with Aristocra and senior officers.” He looked back at Laknym. “And I have never—never—seen anyone as utterly incompetent at politics as he is.” For a moment Laknym just frowned up at him. Then slowly, the frown relaxed. “You’re saying, sir, that Senior Captain Thrawn isn’t playing politics here because he never plays politics?” “I’m saying,” Samakro corrected, “that Senior Captain Thrawn never plays politics because he doesn’t know how to play politics.” (chapter 24)

POETIC FUCKING CINEMA, LADS.

even my dearest lakinda knows it by the end of the novel, even though she was convinced thrawn had some kind of nefarious political agenda against her at the beginning:

If Thrawn had already spotted the flaw and worked it into his plans… She dug her fingers a little harder into her armrests. No. There was no way Thrawn could have caught this one. Not with his blindness to family politics. He would continue on, bring the scenario to a triumphant end… and then watch helplessly as that triumph collapsed. (chapter 25)

update: lesser evil - memories

my guys. my dudes. i’m so emotional. not only did tim give us more thrass and thrawn interactions, he also gave us those two working together as a dream team with thrass taking care of (most of) the political shit and thrawn being his tactical genius self. [wipes tear]

so without further ado... i am literally losing my mind because we have another “I SEE” situation in which thrawn, in fact, does not see. see the first thrawn novel quote below to get to the riveting conclusion.

“Interesting,” Thrawn said, as he sipped at his drink. “I was told the Mitth and Irizi were rivals.” “That’s rather like saying Csilla is cold,” Thrass said drily. “No, their attendance is less courtesy and more wanting to keep tabs on what we’re up to. At any rate, one of their big goals in life is to get as many of their people into the Defense Force and General Ba’kif’s new Expansionary Defense Fleet as they can, and our Patriarch decided he’d rather have three military rematches to unveil than two. A quick word to Colonel Wevary, a one-day travel pass, and here you are.” “I see,” Thrawn said, the frown on his face suggesting that he didn’t see at all. “But that’s politics,” Thrass continued. (memories I)

thrawn, as always, not giving a shit about etiquette (as is his right) (but honestly, thrawn, that’s a fucking patriarch right there oh my GOD):

“Good evening, Your Venerante,” Thrass greeted the Patriarch as he hastily stood up. Thrawn, focused on his questis, didn’t seem to notice the other’s arrival. “I’m afraid we haven’t made much progress.” “Understandable,” Lamiov said, eyeing Thrawn still seated in his chair but apparently deciding it wasn’t worth calling him on his breach of etiquette. (memories VI)

and another fun moment:

Thrass leaned forward to look past Lappincyk at Thrawn, noting the single-edged focus on Thrawn’s face as his eyes flicked between the viewport and the displays. The center seat of the couch was reserved for the ship’s master, Thrass knew, with the seat on either side normally left empty. Only when the master deemed one of his companions or passengers worthy of special honor were those seats offered. Thrawn to Lappincyk’s right, Thrass to his left. Distantly, Thrass wondered if Thrawn recognized the honor he’d been granted by being offered the right-hand seat. Given that it was Thrawn, probably not. (memories VII)

update: lesser evil - chapters

thalias, recounting her meeting with thooraki at the mitth homestead:

Fleetingly, she thought back to her brief conversation with Patriarch Thooraki at the Mitth family homestead. There he’d encouraged her to help protect Thrawn from the political pressures that, despite his military genius, he seemed unable to recognize and counter. (prologue)

thurfian being... thurfian, convinced that thrawn‘s only still breathing holding his rank because of corrupt politicians or military leaders:

“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Thurfian said. “You’ll recall we’ve speculated once or twice that someone high in either the Syndicure or the Defense Hierarchy Council has been protecting Thrawn from the repercussions of his political blunders. Maybe that artifact wing is the reason.” (chapter 2)

...which. he isn’t even wrong lmao

this next one is delicious, if i may say so:

“Caregiver Thalias, of course,” Thrawn said. If he was concerned about the political ramifications they were all facing, he wasn’t showing it. “And Senior Captain Lakinda of the Grayshrike. No one else.” “You mean Senior Captain Ziinda,” Ba’kif growled. “She’s been rematched to the Irizi.” “Really,” Thrawn said, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “I hadn’t heard.” Ba’kif looked at Samakro. He’d heard, Ba’kif saw, and from the other’s expression it was clear Thrawn’s first officer had been working through the possible implications of Ziinda now belonging to the Mitth family’s most implacable rival. (chapter 3)

thrawn: [sigh] lakinda, ziinda, who even CARES ba’kif and samakro: 🥴

ah, yes. very sad that thrass is dead, if only for the fact that thrawn needed someone to navigate politics for him :/ (too soon? sorry, i was kidding. KIND OF.):

“Not since Thomoro the Tragic has the Ascendancy produced anyone with Thrawn’s unique combination of strategic and tactical skills plus the ability to observe, analyze, and predict.” “If only he also had Patriarch Thomoro’s political skills,” Lamiov said ruefully. “Which I doubt he ever will,” Ba’kif said. That had, after all, been the whole idea of working with Patriarch Thooraki to team him up with Thrass. The two of them working together… “But it’s no good dwelling on what might have been.” (chapter 20)

this one makes me want to strangle him just a tiny little bit:

“It was clear from my conversations with General Skywalker that the Republic was weak and fragmented,” Thrawn said. “Its leadership included many different factions and alien viewpoints, and it was continually being pulled in different directions. The Empire, in contrast, is unified under a single man and a single vision.” “Sounds like General Yiv and the Nikardun,” Ar’alani said with a shiver. (chapter 29)

thrawn: ah, dictatorships. i do love dictatorships

ok hon.

and the last one, even though i’m sure there’s one or two moments i’ve missed throughout the book:

“That’s our hope,” Thrawn said. “Though it naturally can’t be quite so obvious. The Syndicure would never permit direct contact with an alien government.” He smiled faintly. “Certainly not from a diplomatically useless agent such as myself.” (chapter 29)

i really love that he knows. dhdfsgf

NEXT UP: THRAWN.

thrawn

so. this part starts with one of my favorite quotes of the entire trilogy. it's a simple one but in relation to the ascendancy novels it's just SO. FUCKING. FUNNY. because eli, my boy, just reads thrawn so completely wrong in this moment. granted, they haven't been stuck with each other that long, but apparently the idea that thrawn has no fucking idea what eli's talking about is so outlandish to eli that he doesn't even consider it. remember the "i see" thing? where thrawn does not, actually, “see”? REMEMBER IT???

“I wasn’t able to get anything on why Captain Virgilio was replaced,” Eli murmured as they followed the procession of officers escorting the new commander, Captain Filia Rossi, on her tour of the Blood Crow. “But everyone agrees that Rossi’s very well connected. Nowadays, that’s all you need to get a command.” “I see,” Thrawn said. Eli grimaced. I see. That was Thrawn’s go-to answer when he didn’t want to say anything else. (chapter 7)

eli: ok thrawn doesn't want to talk about it then me: ELI. DARLING. HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT. EVERYTHING THAT'S COMING OUT OF YOUR MOUTH RIGHT NOW IS JUST GIBBERISH TO HIM.

okay. uh. i'm fine.

i love that throughout the course of the story, eli (and everyone else, for that matter) slowly find out that thrawn has no clue how to navigate politics. at all.

“I do not understand,” Thrawn said, his usually impassive face troubled as he gazed at the datapad report. If Thrawn were a lesser being, Eli reflected, he would almost say the Chiss was confused. “What’s there to understand?” Eli asked. “It’s the result everyone expected.” The glowing red eyes bored into Eli’s. “Everyone?” “Mostly,” Eli hedged. Yes, that was definitely what he might characterize as confusion. “Really, it’s just navy politics as usual.” “But it violates all tactical reason,” Thrawn objected. (chapter 15)

1) "if he were a lesser being" eli, please. 2) "BUT IT VIOLATES ALL TACTICAL REASON" hold on i need a minute to go scream into a pillow.

then eli has to actually spell it out for him:

Eli hesitated. It really wasn’t his place to say this. But if he didn’t, who else would? And for all Thrawn’s military skill and insight, he seemed incapable of seeing this one on his own. (chapter 15)

and:

“Do you suggest I try to be less capable?” “Of course not,” Eli said firmly. “You do that and more people will die and more bad guys get away. I’m just pointing out that you need to be aware that you’re in the political crosshairs.” “I understand,” Thrawn said. “I will endeavor to learn the rules and tactics of this form of warfare. [...]” (yes, still chapter 15)

but as ar'alani already knows, he's unable to do that. :(

eli being frustrated about his blocked promotions and thrawn having no idea what to do about it:

And for all of Thrawn’s military cleverness, he had no idea how to navigate Coruscant politics. (chapter 17)

NIGHTSWAN KNOWS IT (and yes, eli's finally gotten his promotion, and then some):

“I’m not worried about it,” [Eli] assured Nightswan. “The future is what you make of it, as my father used to say. I’m a commander, I have a fairly decent list of victories on my ledger, and I’d like to think I’ve picked up one or two friends along the way.” “Really?” Nightswan said. “Because Thrawn doesn’t seem to have. Not politically astute at all, from what I hear.” (chapter 24)

PRYCE KNOWS IT:

Thrawn hadn’t introduced his subordinates, either. Fortunately, both Arihnda and Yularen already knew Vanto, and the other woman by default and rank had to be Chimaera’s captain, Commander Faro. Mentally, Arihnda shook her head. After all this time, Thrawn still didn’t have a solid handle on the political requirements of his position. (chapter 25)

i just. yeah.

and as soon as thrawn starts talking about politics that don't just affect him but the galaxy as a whole i'm out. like, thrawn who? don't know that guy. never heard of him.

“I’m afraid that uniform has blinded you to reality.” “Not at all,” Thrawn said. “Certainly the Empire is corrupt. No government totally escapes that plague. Certainly it is tyrannical. But quick and utter ruthlessness is necessary when the galaxy is continually threatened by chaos.” (chapter 27)

ffs we had a good thing going here. like, a cute "unable to understand politics but weirdly endearing" energy. but this? this is just bullshit. 😔

like what is he even talking about:

“Perhaps your optimism is not as strong as you claim,” Thrawn said. “The tone of a government is set by its leader. But Emperor Palpatine will not live forever. When it comes time for his authority to be handed to another, my position as a senior officer will allow me to influence the choice of that leader.” (chapter 27)

i'm not touching that mess with a ten-foot pole.

anyway, a couple chapters later i'm good again because the thrawn & pryce dynamic is fucking brilliant and i need 50k words of them sniping at each other stat.

“That’s not how you bring an accusation against a powerful member of the Imperial government,” she said. “For all your tactical skill, Admiral, you still don’t know the first thing about dealing with politicians.” “Do I not?” “You do not,” Pryce said. Her voice holds confidence. “Your entire career has been one of military triumphs and political bumps, and every one of those bumps has required someone with political skill to get you out of it.” (chapter 29)

when she's right, she's right ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ who wants to bet that eli & yularen were listening at the door the whole time? AH SORRY I FORGOT, no gambling aboard ship. apologies.

okay, thrawn over, next stop: alliances.

and sadly there isn't much of anything about coruscant politics—

alliances

—except vader, like, being CONTINUALLY worried that thrawn wants to usurp his authority or whatever and take his place at the emperor's side, which. anakin, please. the Grand Admiral couldn't be LESS interested in that. maybe... chill? a little? mr. dark lord of the sith?? ok cool.

and one other thing that i'm just gonna leave here without comment:

“Is that how your Republic does things?” Thrawn countered. “This isn’t about politics,” Padmé shot back. “It’s about individuals. People. Honor.” “Politics is built from individuals,” Thrawn said. “The Separatists wished to leave the Republic. Why didn’t you simply allow them to go?” “Because they attacked us. They started the war.” Padmé slashed a hand of dismissal through the air between them. “That’s not the issue here.” “Perhaps it is,” Thrawn said. “We need to understand you. We need to know what drives you.” (chapter 15)

(or maybe a little comment: honestly it's a great example of what he was talking about with ar'alani re: that he sees aliens only as assets, not as people in one of the memories sections in chaos rising)

treason

oh boy. oh boy. just like in greater good, there's not that much material to work with here but it's so, so entertaining.

Grand Admiral Savit (gagging noises) has him figured out right from the start:

The fact that he’d made it all the way to the very top was proof of his strategic and tactical abilities. But he had one huge, glaring, fatal flaw. Clearly, he had absolutely no competence in the realm of politics. The way he’d responded to Krennic and Tarkin proved that beyond any doubt. Brilliant tactician or not, favorite of the Emperor or not, he’d looked like a ratling caught in a floodlight sweep in there. (chapter 1)

"RATLING CAUGHT IN A FLOODLIGHT SWEEP" i have no idea what a ratling is, i don't know what a floodlight sweep is (do not explain it to me) but that image is priceless.

just a little later:

“So you’re saying that, rather than being a problem solver, I’m merely a weapon?” “Exactly,” Savit said, his estimation of the man beside him rising a notch. But only one. After all, Savit had had to lay it out for him. And even then, Thrawn had had to convert it to military terms before he was able to grasp the concept involved. (chapter 1)

again the understanding of foreign concepts through metaphors!!! i fucking love it.

He’d assumed Thrawn was another political appointee, like most of the other eleven grand admirals, though in Thrawn’s case it would be the Emperor playing the politics and not Thrawn himself. Clearly, this grand admiral had more than a modicum of native intelligence. (still chapter 1 smh)

ronan: ok so he's smart but politics? i have to laugh

and finally an assessment by karyn faro, my favorite imperial lady whom i love very much:

Thrawn didn’t behave that way to his officers. He also didn’t have the political finesse even to notice subtle pressures, let alone bow to them. (chapter 4)

she knows him. 🥺

again savit:

“This sort of thing always boils down to politics.” Which you know so little about, he added to himself. (chapter 18)

and again ronan (god what is it with these guys):

Ronan felt his lip twist. Like Savit would ever have accepted a short-end deal like that. Savit was right; Thrawn really was incompetent in the political arena. (chapter 20)

and for a very nice closing quote of this god freaking damn long post, thrawn himself tells faro that he knows he's not that good at politics.

He regarded her thoughtfully. “You also have a far better sense of Imperial politics than I do.” […] “Indeed,” Thrawn said. “As I said before, you have a much better instinct for such political matters.” (chapter 24)

in conclusion: he knows it and he's not afraid to admit it and that's so iconic of him.

okay so. THAT'S IT. hope you enjoyed and didn't fall asleep halfway through. if someone actually read the whole thing pls let me know so i can dedicate a gifset to you or something 🤭

[girlfromanotherworld2001]

Super cute

Okay here’s a request, no rush on the writing, take your time. How about a domestic one shot with General Ba’kif. He needs a break, he has a lot to deal with.

TDIL I can write for Ba'kif

Pronouns: neutral

warnings: implied chiss reader and ungodly amounts of fluff

Note: 'baba' is a widely used term across various cultures with a couple different meanings. In this instance I use it as an affectionate pet name for the grumpy general

Ba’kif designs I like/reference I II

masterlist | chiss

The light from the questis was burning your eyes, a result of having stared at if for so long - no doubt. Even spaced lines creating elegant tables filled with data upon data had long since blurred together into an incomprehensible information vomit. To your good fortune, it was the end of your work day anyways.

With a lengthy sigh, you set the questis face down on your desk and rose from your seat. Your lower back seemed to yell in protest, angry from the lack of proper lumbar support it seemed. A dry smile spread over your lips - when you were younger, your mother had often jokingly warned you to never grow old. Now you wished you'd listened to her. After a few stretches, you were finally able to amble out of your home office.

As nice as it was that you had a job that allowed you to work remotely, it did lead to a sense of isolation from your coworkers. Maybe you should reach out to some of the others on Naporar? See if you couldn't find a day for you all to go out and get drinks or something.

Your musings trailed off as you made it to the kitchen and started on a pot of tea. When the water reached a boil, you began pouring it into a cup.

A shrill but quiet beep sounded from the front door, followed by the distinctive sound of it opening. A smile lit up your face. "Ba'kif?" You called out.

"Yes, my love." His gravelly voice answered back, "I'm back."

Abandoning your tea, you swiftly stepped out of the kitchen - intent on finding your husband. He was still by the front door, slowly toeing off his boots in the entry way. "Ba-Ba" you cooed, making him look up at you. A subtle purple blush was just visible beneath the white of his full beard. You reached out, arms wrapping around his middle to tug him in to a firm hug. "Welcome home." With your face pressed into his chest, you could feel the embroidered honor patches denoting his status as Supreme General gently digging into the plush of your cheek. It was a welcome reminder that your dear love was a powerful and honorable man. "I missed you."

With a hum he raised his hand and cupped the back of your head, keeping you close. "I missed you too." Ba'kif mumbled, his voice not unlike the low of a contented growzer.

Smiling gently, you pulled back but kept your hands on his waist. "Long day?" You asked with a subtle squeeze before letting go and stepping aside to invite him in.

He snorted derisively, "An understatement if ever there was one," as he trekked further into your shared home, he removed his dress jacket. "I didn't think the meetings would end." He draped the jacket over his arm just as he crossed the threshold to the bedroom.

You made a humming noise in the back of your throat, sympathetic to his plight, as you plucked the immaculate white coat off of his arm and moved to hang it up. "The syndicure still on you?"

"Yes," Ba'kif heaved in a drawn out sigh as he shucked off his uniform pants, "the Ufsa are outraged at the council for reinstating Thrawn." He moved to the dresser and pulled out a comfortable pair of pants and a loose shirt.

"I told you they would be." You pointed out, moving to collect his discarded clothing. Ba'kif turned around right as you'd picked them up.

"I was going to get that, dear." He frowned, one arm through the sleeve of his shirt.

You waved him off, "I was right there," and moved to deposit the pants in the hamper you'd set aside specifically for his white uniforms. "Let me guess," you leaned against the wall to watch as he finished dressing, "They want you to kick Thrawn off again and give command of the Springhawk back to Samakro?"

"I didn't kick Thrawn off his ship-" Ba'kif started to grouse as he sat down on the bed to retrieve his slippers.

"You took his toy away, Ba." You crossed your arms and sent him a pointed look.

"It was for his own good." He raised his gaze to the ceiling, closed his eyes, and then shook his head as he brought his chin down, "If the syndicure had its way it would've been his career." Ba'kif seemed to brace himself for a moment before rising and approaching you. "But enough about that," you met him in the middle where he was quick to pull you close, "how was your day?"

"Fine," you hummed noncommittally, one hand creeping up the back of his neck to play with the hairs at the base of his skull, "boring. As nice as it is to be able to do laundry and get paid," he let out a little chuckle, "it becomes mind-numbing when you aren't here to talk to."

"I warned you about taking a remote position, love." He said with a small laugh. After a beat, he bowed his head and gave your lips a quick glance. You got the message and soundly pressed yours against his in a soft kiss. Now that he was starting to relax and forget about his day, he was becoming more affectionate.

You parted from him, "I only took it so I could spend more time with you, Ba-Ba." Like magic, his face flushed again. That nickname worked like a charm, seamlessly causing the normally composed man to blush like a mid-ager. "I'm trying to plan ahead for when you retire-"

"I'm not ready to retire-" he immediately protested.

"When you do though - you'll get the chance to quit working before I do, Supreme General." You smirked at him while Ba'kif just rolled his eyes at the use of his title. "We'll not only have your stipend from the Stybla but also my income so we can finally travel like you want to."

He tilted his head. "Why do you think I'll rejoin the Stybla? Why not one of the nine?"

Smiling fondly, you cupped his jaw. "Because you love your family, Labaki." You ran your thumb over his cheek and relished in the feel of his beard tickling your palm.

When you'd met the man, he was freshly minted Lieutenant Stybla'ba'kif, a blood member of the Stybla family. You were an accomplished chemist for the U. A. G. and a new merit adoptive. And he'd barely been able to look you in the eye when he'd (quite literally) bumped in to you in the homestead after your ceremony. You'd followed him through his career, finally marrying after his promotion to colonel. And when he'd achieved flag rank, you'd surrendered your family name just as he had, in a show of support and as a signal to his detractors in the syndicure that he was truly going to uphold the tenant of no family ties.

"And they'd welcome you back with open arms." You pecked his lips.

He seemed thoughtful as he gazed at you, a look of nostalgia on his face. "And you'd rejoin with me?"

"I've followed you this far, Ba-Ba," you grinned as the flush once again appeared, "I'm not gonna retreat now."

Ba'kif chortled. "Was that supposed to be a military joke?"

You shrugged but couldn't contain the shit-eating grin on your face. "Depends, was it funny?"

He bumped his head against yours affectionately, "Coming from you? Yes."

You pressed forward, keeping your foreheads together. "Good." Bringing your hands up, you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled the man into another kiss - still soft but deeper than the first. Ba'kif pressed into you, his hands pulling your hips flush with his before moving wrap around your waist in a way more comfortable for him. You separated for a moment only to press back into each other again and again, slowly each time, in an achingly sweet waltz that made your stomach flutter and warmth flood your heart. At length you parted for good after one last lingering kiss that left your lips tingling with enchanted electricity. "Do you want to watch a holo?" You asked quietly, all too aware of the dazed look on your face. You had no reason to be ashamed, though as Ba'kif's expression was much the same.

"Sure," he hummed, "you pick. I'll order dinner."

"Order?" You asked as he pulled away from you and started to make his way to the living room.

"Do you want to cook?" He asked over his shoulder.

"No."

"Neither do I."

Behind his back, you rolled your eyes at him but couldn't help but smile. "Whatever, Ba-Ba." You turned in to the kitchen, intent on making yourself and Ba'kif some tea. Only to find a full tea-cup waiting on the counter.