Chaos Rising (Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy, #1)

by Timothy Zahn

“I understand, and bow to your wishes,” Thrawn said, taking Thalias’s arm. “May your future be of sunlight and peace.”

Thalias braced herself. She’d hoped to avoid that question completely, but down deep she’d known it would eventually rise up to slap her in the face. She’d come up with a couple of plausible-sounding lies, and for a moment she was tempted to use one of them. But sitting here, listening to his measured voice, she knew it would be useless. “It’s going to sound stupid,” she warned. “Noted. Continue.”

Ha best response ever

“Intent and motivations are irrelevant,” Thrawn said. “Judgment can focus only on actions.”

Failure can be a harsh but capable teacher.” “But only when those who observe it learn from it.”