Eternity in a Box

By Ladyravena

Introduction

The heavy footsteps of the marshal kept time with the monotone of the commander-in-chief, doing his duty without emotion, feeling, or inflection. A perfect Chiss officer, in a perfect world all the making of a thousand years of dogma. It fitted perfectly with the emblem of the CEDF and the Eighth Family that hung at eye line, the only ornamentation in an otherwise completely barren office. An office that was rarely used, and probably would go back to its previous storage duties, judging by the faint smell of dust and insect deterrent that hung in the air.

The Chiss officer in the midst of this pomp and formal occasion stood completely at attention, avoiding all eye contact with the C-in-C and the Aristocra. Eye contact would only make this worse than it already was. He focused completely on the emblem in front of him, something he doubted he would ever get tired of memorizing every swirl, line, and shape.

"Mitth'raw'nuruodo, in accordance with the ruling of the CEDF as at this date, you are hereby removed from the Chiss Expansionary Defence Fleet. You are stripped of duties pertaining to your former position. You are forbidden to discuss classified information. You are forbidden to divulge specifications of any Chiss military technologies, procedures or personnel. You will not identify yourself as an officer or member of the CEDF. You will not access any military files, databases, or information that is held by the CEDF or any military branch.

"You are to be stricken from the duty roster, never to be recalled, conscripted, recruited or re-enlisted in any branch of military or civilian protective duty. You will cease any and all contact with CEDF personnel that you previously commanded or accepted orders from. You are forbidden to contact, accept contact or obtain any information in any way from intelligence personnel or private intelligence sources. You will only enter property held by the CEDF or other military branches under armed escort, by order of the commander-in-chief or other equivalent ruling entity.

"You no longer have the right and privilege of wearing the uniform of a member of the CEDF." With that, the C-in-C reached out and quietly removed the ranking bars from the collar of the uniform. With that one movement, the CEDF's ceremony was done.

After a moment, the Aristocra stepped forward, face attempting impassiveness. But from the corner of his eye, Thrawn could see the hint of a smirk on the aging leader's face. "Mitth'raw'nuruodo, as you are disgraced from the Chiss Expansionary Defence Fleet, you no longer have the right and privilege of being a Trial-born of the Eighth Family. You are no one to us, and neither you nor your descendants will be considered qualified to represent the Eighth Family." With less finesse than the officer had shown, he ripped the burgundy patch from Thrawn's uniform.

As the marshal declared the ceremonies finished and correct as per all laws, Thrawn felt only numbness as the guards stepped forward, fastened his wrists behind him and led him back to his holding cell.