Fourth Wing
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
by Yarros, RebeccaThe chapter opens with a formal military commendation for Mira Sorrengail, highlighting her bravery during the battle of Strythmore, where she not only destroyed an enemy battery but also saved an entire infantry company. This recognition underscores her valor and the importance of her actions in the ongoing conflict. The recommendation for her to receive the Star of Navarre reflects her exceptional service, though there is an acknowledgment that even if she falls short of the highest honor, a lesser award would still be fitting. This sets a tone of respect for her combat achievements and foreshadows her rising prominence within the military hierarchy.
The scene shifts to a briefing room where Mira leads a training exercise with her squad. Ridoc’s casual attitude contrasts with Mira’s authoritative demeanor as she instructs the group on strategic thinking and battlefield improvisation. The squad is divided into two groups, each undertaking different activities—one studying past battles and the other on patrol. The environment is tense yet focused, with characters displaying varying degrees of distraction and curiosity, especially around Xaden, whose presence seems to influence the dynamics and energy in the room. Mira emphasizes the importance of anticipating how situations can go wrong, moving beyond theoretical knowledge to practical preparedness.
Mira introduces a simulated scenario involving a newly fortified enemy outpost, encouraging the squad to think critically about their objectives and tactics. The conversation reveals skepticism about the realism of such quick fortification, but Mira insists on considering all possibilities, including the likelihood of a well-established fortress. The dialogue exposes differences in experience and understanding among the characters, with some questioning protocol and others contemplating the unpredictability of combat. Mira’s goal is to teach her squad resilience and adaptability, preparing them for real-world challenges that often diverge from textbook scenarios.
The chapter concludes with Mira using physical models to illustrate teamwork and strategic coordination. She emphasizes that real combat is unpredictable and that each rider’s unique skills must be harnessed collectively. The scene also touches on the broader context of military service, with some characters expressing frustration about the timing of their deployment and the realities of wartime call-ups. Mira’s leadership style combines practical exercises with candid discussions about the harsh truths of warfare, aiming to foster a mindset of flexibility, resilience, and unity among her squad members.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of Mira’s role in the training scene, and how does her approach differ from traditional military education?
Answer:
Mira’s role in the training scene is to simulate real combat scenarios and prepare her students for unpredictable situations. Unlike traditional military education, which often emphasizes theoretical knowledge and strict adherence to protocols, Mira advocates for understanding how things can go wrong and encourages thinking beyond textbook tactics. Her method involves practical exercises like the “Battle Brief,” where students analyze a hypothetical enemy fortification and strategize using models. She emphasizes adaptability and critical thinking, recognizing that real battles rarely follow perfect plans. This approach aims to develop versatile, quick-thinking fighters who can handle chaos and unexpected challenges, reflecting her belief that theory alone is insufficient for actual combat.2. Question 2
How does the chapter explore the theme of unpredictability in warfare, and what lessons are the characters meant to learn from this?
Answer:
The chapter highlights unpredictability through Mira’s emphasis on “all the ways things can go sideways” during a battle. She critiques the reliance on theoretical knowledge, pointing out that real combat often deviates from plans due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, the scenario involving a newly fortified enemy outpost tests the characters’ ability to adapt when their assumptions—such as the presence of a simple wooden structure—are challenged. The characters are meant to learn that flexibility, quick decision-making, and understanding the broader context are crucial for success. Mira’s teaching underscores that preparedness involves not just knowing what should happen but also anticipating and responding effectively when things go awry.3. Question 3
In what ways does the chapter demonstrate the importance of teamwork and individual strengths in military strategy?
Answer:
The chapter demonstrates the importance of teamwork and individual strengths through the use of models and the concept of a reaction force. Mira encourages her students to consider how each rider’s unique abilities contribute to the success of a mission. She emphasizes that the power lies in the collective effort, with each individual bringing specific skills to the table, such as combat prowess, magic, or strategic thinking. The exercise of placing models of dragons and a keep on the map illustrates that coordinated action and leveraging individual strengths are essential for overcoming obstacles. This reinforces the idea that successful military operations depend on unity, communication, and recognizing each member’s role.4. Question 4
What does the chapter reveal about the characters’ perceptions of duty and their readiness for real combat situations?
Answer:
The chapter reveals a mix of perceptions regarding duty and readiness. Characters like Emery and Xaden express familiarity with being called into service before graduation, indicating a sense of duty and preparedness for real combat. In contrast, Dain’s reaction suggests a lack of readiness or confidence, as he seems overwhelmed or frustrated by the idea of immediate deployment. Mira’s emphasis on practical training and understanding how things can go wrong highlights that true readiness involves more than theoretical knowledge; it requires adaptability and mental resilience. The dialogue underscores the tension between the ideal of formal training and the unpredictable reality of warfare, challenging characters to confront their own preparedness and sense of duty.5. Question 5
How does the chapter use the metaphor of the models and the keep to illustrate broader lessons about leadership and strategy?
Answer:
The models and the keep serve as a metaphor for strategic planning and leadership in warfare. Mira’s exercise, where students manipulate models of dragons and a fortress, symbolizes the importance of visualization, planning, and coordination in military operations. It emphasizes that effective leadership involves understanding each component’s role and working together to achieve a common goal. The act of considering different scenarios—such as an enemy fortification built overnight—encourages students to think creatively and adaptively. This metaphor illustrates that successful strategy requires not only individual skill but also the ability to see the bigger picture, anticipate obstacles, and mobilize collective strengths, which are essential qualities of effective leadership.
Quotes
1. “For valor above and beyond the call of duty in the battle of Strythmore, where her bravery resulted not only in the destruction of a battery behind enemy lines but also saved the lives of an entire company of infantry, I recommend Mira Sorrengail receive the Star of Navarre. But if the criterion is not met, which I assure you it has been, downgrading to the Order of the Talon would be a shame, but sufficient.”
This quote highlights the importance of recognizing true heroism and the standards used to evaluate bravery, setting the tone for themes of valor and recognition that run through the chapter.
2. “Everything you’re taught at Basgiath is theory. You analyze past attacks and learn those very…theoretical combat maneuvers. But things out here don’t always go according to plan. So why don’t we talk about all the ways things can go sideways, so you’ll know what to do when they do, as opposed to arguing that the keep shouldn’t have fallen?”
This passage underscores the chapter’s emphasis on practical experience over theoretical knowledge, emphasizing adaptability and real-world application in combat strategy.
3. “Think of the power in this room. Think of what each individual rider brings to the table and how you’d use those powers in unison to conquer your objective.”
Here, Mira inspires a focus on teamwork and individual strengths, illustrating the chapter’s broader lesson about the importance of collaboration and strategic use of diverse skills in achieving common goals.
4. “You are all so fucking literal.”
Mira’s remark reflects her frustration with rigid thinking and highlights the need for flexible, creative problem-solving in unpredictable situations—an important lesson for the characters and readers alike.
5. “Catch.” One by one, she tosses painted wooden models of dragons at us, keeping one for herself. “Pretend Messina and Exal don’t exist back there, and we’re the only squad available to take back that keep. Think of the power in this room. Think of what each individual rider brings to the table and how you’d use those powers in unison to conquer your objective.”
This moment emphasizes the chapter’s focus on tactical thinking, resourcefulness, and the significance of strategic unity in combat scenarios.