Eli is an intriguing character because his loyalty to the Empire despite what it's done is a huge mindfuck to me. And I don't hate him for it either, he'll be loyal to a cause he doesn't believe in as long as Thrawn is his commander.
He also values the chain of command and respects it. He is very much a product of the Imperial Navy, to the point of doing things he disagrees with even if he's uncomfortable with it.
He's distrustful of Rebels and does not like them, and considers them a threat. He's who the Ghost crew would be terrorizing or vice-versa.
he's a ball of sunshine and trustworthiness but he's an imperial at the end of the day. His mission to serve the Chiss was sanctioned under an Imperial Officer, who he will still remain loyal to until the end.
his actions benefit the Empire above all else. Even with the Chiss, he works with imperials and has absolutely no problem with it.
And he'll do what he needs to advance his career
He's a 'means justify the ends' type of guy, and that's just a great example of what Imperial brainwashing has done since the end of the Clone Wars.
He didn't defect like Kallus. He will still serve the Empire when they need him and will go down with.
He reflected on the Wookie incident, and continued to serve in whatever capacity he was ordered to serve in.
(also I haven't finished Treason yet, so please no spoilers. These are just my observations as i'm reading)
