"Ah," Thrawn says, as if only now just understanding. "In that case . . . "

He clasps his hands loosely behind his back, pondering potential strategies.

"In that case I should think a base camp, of sorts, at the very edges of the Unknown Regions -- or rather, just outside, to start -- might be a solid opening. Draw the rebels out, obtain materials and supplies where navigation is a good deal simpler . . . while also building the resources to move such items around inside the Unknown Regions with relative impunity."