Your scenerio in which Thrawn forgives all of this is equally unlikely, I imagine.

[Just saying.]

And I cannot appeal to his sympathies without names.

[Even with names — it wasn’t like he spent much time with the rank and file. He knew some of the older generals, certainly...but those without major achievements in the Empire? No way.

He pauses, and then lets out a shaky exhale.]

It looks as if we are stuck.