[He doesn't release that hold on Eli's hand, something in him refuses. A fear that isn't native, born of armed assertions and hardened ultimatums— the knowledge that if they are discovered, it would be all too easy to turn Eli Vanto from an asset into leverage. Against Thrawn, against the Empire itself
Does it matter? If the Chiss are unaffected by the fall of the Empire— by Thrawn's own demise—]
What of the Empire?
[He does not ask if it still stands, or if that is why Eli chose to slip into Hathaway's service, rather than remain behind in the Unknown Regions. It would be too obvious, and he has trained the man too well.]
no subject
Does it matter? If the Chiss are unaffected by the fall of the Empire— by Thrawn's own demise—]
What of the Empire?
[He does not ask if it still stands, or if that is why Eli chose to slip into Hathaway's service, rather than remain behind in the Unknown Regions. It would be too obvious, and he has trained the man too well.]