"When we first met, I may have agreed with that sentiment," Thrawn admitted. "At first, you were simply useful. I could think of many advantages to having a Sith who was loyal to me. Then when I realized that you are Chiss, I felt... relief. Relief at having another of my kind close by."

The Empire of the Hand had plenty of Chiss, of course, but it wasn't the same. He couldn't see them every day, for they had important duties around his empire. Having Altair nearby was a comfort, even if they had remained distant towards one another for a while after that revelation.

The path took them out of the trees, into a secluded statue garden. "You are useful as a Sith, but that is not your only worth."