Ironically, I just started reading it yesterday? (Thursday? what is time?) and also made it through 7 chapters! (LOL)

Unsurprisingly, my thoughts line up with where yours are. I find the view of the Empire from this angle to be fascinating and suspect Thane isn't going to play along being the dutiful soldier for long.
I suspected the older brother of the sabotage, too.

Tarkin is such an ass. I love that he's consistent. ;p