“I see what all beings see in others,” Yiv said. “Opportunity. For you, the opportunity to add to your knowledge of art. For me, the opportunity to make new friends within the churning sea of life that makes up the Chaos.”

“And if the Vaks don’t wish to be friends to the Nikardun?”

The Benevolent’s smile faded. “We would consider such a rejection to be an insult.”

“An insult that would need to be avenged?”

“To be dealt with,” Yiv corrected. “Avenged is far too savage a word. Your observational skills are impressive.”

“Some things are obvious,” Thrawn said. “The tendrils on your symbiont, for example, with the inside group thinner than those on the outside. I presume from their rhythmic movement that the inner ones sample the air in the same way the outer tendrils sample your food and drink?”

“Indeed,” Yiv said, his smile widening even as his eyes went a shade cooler. “Few people have ever grasped that fact and distinction. None have grasped it so quickly.”

There was a movement at the edge of Qilori’s vision, and he turned to see the Chiss woman slip past him. Thrawn looked over as she walked to his side, peering closely at her face. “Better,” he said. “But not perfect. You will rise an hour early tomorrow morning and practice.”

She bowed low. “Yes, my lord,” she said softly.

“And this is?” Yiv asked, gesturing toward her.

“A person of no consequence,” Thrawn said. “Now that she’s finally returned, it’s time to retire for the night. Thank you for your time, General Yiv. Perhaps we’ll have an opportunity to resume this conversation another time.”

“Indeed, Artistic Master Svorno,” Yiv said, inclining his head. “I’ll look forward to it.”

He watched in silence as the two Chiss wended their way through the crowd. Then he again beckoned to Qilori. “So that’s the one who stole my ship from Rapacc,” he said, his voice thoughtful. “Interesting.”

“He’s more competent than he seems,” Qilori said, wincing a little. The whole conversation had seemed pretty pointless. If Yiv blamed Qilori for wasting his time—

“You think that display showed incompetence?” the Benevolent said contemptuously, still watching the Chiss. “You think just because there were no loud voices or discharged weapons that we didn’t engage in combat?”

“But—” Qilori looked at Thrawn as he disappeared through an archway.

“Trust me, Pathfinder,” Yiv said, his voice dark, his symbionts undulating in quiet agitation. “I understand this person now, and he is every bit as dangerous as you told me. You were wise to bring him to my attention, and then into my presence.”

“Thank you, your Benevolence,” Qilori said. He still had no idea what had just happened, but if Yiv was pleased he certainly wasn’t going to argue the point. “What are you going to do with him?”