Speaking of a larger coalition... a coup to overthrow the government might be underway or thwarted when the Empire eventually steps in? I don't really know how Thrawn ends up an Imperial General though, so I'm only guessing.

I suspect we'll find out more about Thalia's ambitions and motivations because those things are rather vague right now. But that could just be me wanting the same thing you mention ;)

I agree, Yiv seems more interesting than I expected.