Thrawn was momentarily taken aback by the kiss, before he allowed himself to melt into it and return it, putting his hands on Eli's waist. The other Chiss were looking at them, watching their display of affection. If anyone had any doubt as to how they felt about each other, that doubt was long gone.

"I will. You have my word."

He pressed their foreheads together for a moment, before he slowly pulled out of Eli's embrace. Cutting it too close would earn Darth Vader's ire. Thrawn gave Eli one last look as the shuttle door closed behind him.