Treason (Star Wars: Thrawn #3)

by Timothy Zahn

Typical. Politics, maneuvering, covering their backfills, trying to make everyone happy while looking for advantage wherever they could. Everyone did it, from that old fool of an Emperor down to the lowliest bureaucrat.

“Admiral Ar’alani says you like art.” “I study it. Do you like art?” “A little.” Her voice still holds weariness, but now also holds interest. “I like music better.” Her eyes return to the sculpture they focused on a moment ago. “Music is seldom of use to me.

Someplace under strong enough Imperial rule that a lone ISB agent without a support system wouldn’t be in any danger, but disconnected enough from Stardust that no one involved in this plot would be there. Ord Pardron, maybe, or Radnor.

“I’m worried, yes,” he said. “But only in the sense of uncertainty. Without full knowledge, a person has to rely on trust and hope. Insufficient hope usually comes out as concern.”