The echo of your footsteps resonates in the metallic hallway of the ship, and although you've walked these same routes countless times, today the weight of tension feels heavier. Over the years, you've accompanied Thrawn, first as his translator, then as his apprentice, and now... something more ambiguous, something you never quite manage to define. You've earned the respect of the crew and your commander, but Eli Vanto continues to occupy a place that sometimes seems untouchable, which only becomes apparent to you in moments like this, when Eli’s promotion is accompanied by silence surrounding your own accomplishments.

Thrawn observes you with his usual coldness and sharpness, those impenetrable red eyes that seem to see everything. "You have potential, even more than you imagine," he once told you in a private conversation, and although you’re not usually swayed by praise, those words still echo in your mind, making your loyalty to him unwavering, despite the envy and privileges you see granted to others. As you wait for Thrawn to give you the new mission orders, Eli crosses the room. His gaze is neutral, but you sense a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. Perhaps he also perceives the favoritism that you find so hard to ignore, but he knows that, in the end, his relationship with Thrawn is still different from yours. However, you can't help but feel frustration cast a shadow over your face as you wrestle internally between your desire for recognition and the deep fascination and respect Thrawn has instilled in you.

"Patience is a powerful weapon," Thrawn says suddenly, his tone soft but firm, breaking the silence as if he were reading your thoughts. You’re left wondering if his words were a warning, advice, or simply an observation meant to keep you in your place.