Star Wars_ X-Wing 08_ Isard's Revenge - Michael A. Stackpole [43]
“Now you, a Bothan, are a hero who has attained parity with human heroes. They accept you, and you accept them, and this is very good. The same is true for Ooryl Qyrgg or Chewbacca. You are shining examples to humans of what nonhumans can do. In this capacity you serve every nonhuman species in the New Republic very well.”
Borsk drew his hands together, rubbing one over the other. “You, however, have a romantic relationship with a human. The message that sends is not one of equality. It suggests that, somehow, a nonhuman is not sufficiently worthy of your affections. This relationship was tolerable and manageable when it could be dismissed as a dalliance. Settling down for a life with Gavin Darklighter will confirm what the Empire has been telling us all along: We are inferior to humans, and even our heroes know that, which is why you, Asyr Sei’lar, take as your life companion a human.”
“No, that’s not right.” Asyr shook her head, but the earlier vehemence in her voice had lost something. “By choosing Gavin, it says there are a galaxy of possibilities out there.”
Borsk slowly shook his head and allowed a kindly note to enter his voice. “Possibilities, yes, but sterile ones, unfruitful ones. You’re telling everyone that you would rather turn your back on the family traditions of the Bothans to marry a human than accept your responsibilities in our community. That may not be the message you intend to send, but that is the one everyone is hearing.”
Asyr leaned forward, bending over the back of the chair. “You’re telling me that by exercising my freedom of choice, a freedom I fought for and helped win from the Empire, I will be perpetuating the Empire’s influence?”
“It is not as grave as that, but essentially you are correct. You have the misfortune to be a Bothan hero in a time when we desperately need Bothan heroes to be very Bothan. It’s not fair. It’s even cruel. But it is your lot in life, and your responsibility to deal with it.”
She looked up at him. “What would my future be? What do I have to do to be more Bothan?”
“I have not thought along those lines.”
Asyr snarled, curling a lip to show some teeth. “You can badger me, you can hurt me, but do not treat me like some stupid child. The second you saw my application you plotted out the course you would like my life to take. You would have me break off my relationship with Gavin and then what? Resign from the squadron, return to Bothawui to command my own squadron? Then, after a time and suitable negotiations I would be wed to a nephew of yours? Perhaps a son?”
Borsk narrowed his eyes. “That would be an acceptable course, yes. Your family is desirous of your return to our world, and there are many Houses that would welcome you into them.”
She nodded. “And the alternative is what, to be ostracized, cut off from my people? I would get no Bothan child to raise, and you would use your power to see to it that Gavin and I never adopted any other child? You would make my life miserable because if I am unwilling to serve as the sort of example you want, you can make me into a negative example that will serve your purpose just as easily.”
Borsk nodded a brief salute to her. “You are very Bothan at the moment, Asyr. This is good. Your choices are clearly laid out for you.”
“You would have me break Gavin’s heart.” Asyr hesitated for a second. “You’ll let our people break mine for me.”
“Better one heart broken than the culture of a people lost forever.”
Asyr straightened up. “I will need time to think on this.”
“It is understandable.” Borsk Fey’lya smiled easily. “Rogue Squadron’s current mission should redouble your fame. At its conclusion your decision would be expected.”
She nodded once. “You’ll see how truly Bothan I am, Councilor Fey’lya. As power flows are warped and twisted, just remember it is you who made me remember, and made me live up to my heritage.”
12
Adjusting his blaster belt, Corran Horn sprinted across the Swift