Home > Work > Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars: Thrawn, #2)
1 " Uncertainties are often useful in paralyzing an opponent’s plans and actions "
― Timothy Zahn , Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars: Thrawn, #2)
2 " The past is the past," Vader said. "The present and future are all that matter. "
3 " Besides, it is often wise to conceal one’s full capabilities from potential enemies. "
4 " For a long moment, they stood together in silence. Vader thought about his secret... about Thrawn's loyalty... about the Emperor's continued need for him. Perhaps the entire Empire's need for him... "Anakin Skywalker is dead," he said.Thrawn lowered his head. "I know."Vader nodded slowly. *I know.* Not *So I have heard.* Not *So I was informed.* But *I know.* "We will not speak of him again," he said. "*You* will not speak of him again.""I understand, my lord," Thrawn said. "But I will always honor his legacy. "
5 " 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. "
6 " She’ll recognize my style,” Anakin said. “And this is the first place she’ll come looking for me.” “Is falling into enemy hands part of your style? "
7 " One additional thought. Chiss names are difficult for many species to properly pronounce. I suggest you address me by my core name: Thrawn.” “That’s all right, Mitth’raw’nuruodo,” Anakin said. Did this being go out of his way to be annoying and condescending? “I think I can handle it.” “Mitth’raw’nuruodo,” the alien said. “That’s what I said,” Anakin said. “Mitth’raw’nuruodo.” “It’s pronounced Mitth’raw’nuruodo.” “Yes. Mitth’raw’nuruodo.” “Mitth’raw’nuruodo.” Anakin clenched his teeth. He could hear a slight difference between his pronunciation and the alien’s. But he couldn’t figure out how to correct his version. “Fine,” he growled. “Thrawn. "
8 " But as the attackers began falling from the Defenders’ concentrated fire Vader reached the firing line, the red blade of his lightsaber cutting through the enemy like a scythe through ripened grain as he walked through their midst. "
9 " The side effects of combat can be unpredictable. "
10 " Yes,” Vader said, frowning. “Are you suggesting I was wrong? "
11 " Unknown Regions.” “I understood travel into the Unknown Regions was difficult.” “Indeed,” Thrawn said. “The hyperlanes are few and not easy to traverse. But system jumps are possible if a traveler has sufficient time and is content with traversing limited distances.” “And if one was not content with limited distances?” “One would need a careful study of the border,” Thrawn said. “Millennia ago a set of chained supernova explosions throughout this particular region threw planet- and moon-sized masses at high speeds across the stars. The movements of those masses continually alter the hyperlanes, changing the paths in ways that are difficult to calculate. Other phenomena in other parts of the border created similar barriers. The hyperlanes that remain largely intact are beset with other dangers. "
12 " Perhaps,” Thrawn said. “Still, it would be wise to think on it, General. "
