Thrawn smiled. "My clever Eli," He leaned in to return the kiss, pecking Eli on his lips. Eli was so smart, so kind, it was no wonder Thrawn had developed feelings for him. Much as Thrawn wanted nothing than to have Eli with him always, sending him out here was for his own good.

"One day, Eli, I will return, and bring a force that the grysks will not be able to withstand." It was a promise, a vow, and Thrawn didn't break his promises, or make idle vows.