"Perhaps things would have been different, yes, had we met while you were still very young." Thrawn would have been a caretaker and parent figure, rather than a romantic one. It's an interesting thing to ponder.

Once they're back in the office, Thrawn regards the artifact. "Whatever Sith created this, or whatever culture did, it may have been used as a meditation device, or, as you theorized, partial immorality. I would need to compare it to similar artifacts to know for sure." He turns away from the item and looks at Glenn. "Perhaps it is best if we keep the artifact and its uses to ourselves for now."

Thrawn is loyal to Palpatine, but only on the surface. He knows when to hide certain things from the Emperor. Though, now he's wondering what would happen if he were to give it to a former sky-walker who had long since lost their powers. So many possibilities are open.