Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars: Thrawn, #2)

by Timothy Zahn

“Technologies may certainly be different,” Thrawn said. “Science itself, less likely. There are certain laws that are universal.”

But the texture of his mind was unlike anything Anakin had ever touched before. It was neat and well ordered, the patterns of thought flowing smoothly and precisely in ways not unlike those of scientists or mathematicians. But the content of that flow, and the muted emotions accompanying it, were completely opaque. It was like a neat and precise array of unfamiliar numbers.

“Our myths of the Republic speak of two groups of beings with such powers: the Jedi, and the Sith. But the Sith are reputed to be clever and capable warriors.

“I’ve heard of Count Dooku,” Thrawn said. “A Jedi like you, is he not?” “A fallen Jedi,” Anakin said, a bit more curtly than he’d intended. “Not like me. But don’t worry, we’ll get him. We’ve got Chancellor Palpatine on our side, and I’d put him up against Dooku and Grievous any day.” Thrawn was silent for a moment. “Just remember that the goal in war is victory, not revenge.”

“I am a warrior. A warrior may retreat. He does not flee. He may lie in ambush. He does not hide. He may experience victory or defeat. He does not cease to serve.”

The grand admiral was smart and subtle, but never used his brilliance to show up or humiliate anyone. He demanded results, but never perfection, and had amazing stores of patience for those who were truly working to their fullest ability. He cared about his people, to the point of standing up for them even against the disapproval of powerful men like Lord Vader.

It was a pity Thrawn’s style of leadership hadn’t spread through the rest of the navy. Still, he was certainly having an influence on the younger officers. If he lasted long enough, maybe those lessons would someday become the military standard. If that happened, he suspected, the Empire would stand forever.