Star Wars: Thrawn

by Timothy Zahn

“And your study convinced you that it was better to hope the Empire would someday be your ally than to bring it down?” Nightswan shakes his head. His expression holds disappointment. “I’m afraid that uniform has blinded you to reality.” “Not at all,” Thrawn said. “Certainly the Empire is corrupt. No government totally escapes that plague. Certainly it is tyrannical. But quick and utter ruthlessness is necessary when the galaxy is continually threatened by chaos.” “And what happens when the ruthlessness breeds more chaos?” Nightswan asked. His tone holds challenge, his body stance briefly throwing off the weariness to hold fresh energy. “For that is what happens. Repression and revolt feed and devour each other.” “Then the revolt must die,” Thrawn said. “The danger is too great. The stakes are too high. If the Empire falls, what can replace it?” “Justice. Mercy.” Nightswan’s smile holds sadness. “Freedom.” “Chaos,” Thrawn said. “Lawlessness. The Clone War.”