[his eyes widen in visible surprise, and then lower, feeling humbled and honored. There has only been one other human who has - to Thrawn's knowledge - shown as much loyalty and desire to protect others, even to the point where he himself lacked the courage or know-how.
It is both like and not like the moment when Florian offered to take Thrawn's place, should the unthinkable happen. He was always going to stay here for a deal of protection: that has not changed. But it's a cold shock to realize it's come far sooner than he anticipated.
Such is the level of trust between this warden-inmate pair that he does not insult Florian by asking how he will verify. He both trusts that Florian believes in Thrawn's word of honor, and that Florian has his own private methods of verification he'd rather not disclose.
He does give a slight, ironic smile at how Florian describes the Empire. How much of a politically naive fool was Thrawn, he wonders, first to not see it and then to believe he could change enough of it to make a difference? He has the Chiss, but he also has the people of the Chimaera and the rest of 7th Fleet - thousands of officers alone, many of whom he personally has slated for mentorship or promotion. They too would be chewed up and spat out, all for the sake of the Empire's never-ending demand for absolute control. He thrives in a military dictatorship, but it was always conditional. The Emperor had threatened him enough times to understand that cross-loyalties would never be tolerated. He could have become a political prisoner just as easily as an asset.
It pains him to admit that he knew it was a mistake and hoped for better.
Florian is waiting for an answer; Thrawn stands, extending his forearm for Florian to grasp in whatever way he pleases: the Chiss forearm or the human hand. Either is preferable; neither is sufficient to convey the depths of gratitude and affection. But he suspects his warden, who has insights into nearly everything, will know without him having to struggle with words]
Re: text
It is both like and not like the moment when Florian offered to take Thrawn's place, should the unthinkable happen. He was always going to stay here for a deal of protection: that has not changed. But it's a cold shock to realize it's come far sooner than he anticipated.
Such is the level of trust between this warden-inmate pair that he does not insult Florian by asking how he will verify. He both trusts that Florian believes in Thrawn's word of honor, and that Florian has his own private methods of verification he'd rather not disclose.
He does give a slight, ironic smile at how Florian describes the Empire. How much of a politically naive fool was Thrawn, he wonders, first to not see it and then to believe he could change enough of it to make a difference? He has the Chiss, but he also has the people of the Chimaera and the rest of 7th Fleet - thousands of officers alone, many of whom he personally has slated for mentorship or promotion. They too would be chewed up and spat out, all for the sake of the Empire's never-ending demand for absolute control. He thrives in a military dictatorship, but it was always conditional. The Emperor had threatened him enough times to understand that cross-loyalties would never be tolerated. He could have become a political prisoner just as easily as an asset.
It pains him to admit that he knew it was a mistake and hoped for better.
Florian is waiting for an answer; Thrawn stands, extending his forearm for Florian to grasp in whatever way he pleases: the Chiss forearm or the human hand. Either is preferable; neither is sufficient to convey the depths of gratitude and affection. But he suspects his warden, who has insights into nearly everything, will know without him having to struggle with words]