Chapter Text
The holos in front of Thrawn illuminated his face as he examined the holo-posters used as recruiting materials. The admiralty had asked for him to be featured , in return the TIE Defender project will be brought in on to the discussion table to compete with Orson Krennic’s Stardust project.
He is so close to accomplishing his goals to alliance with the Empire to aid the Ascendancy in the Grysk battle. Should the TIE Defender be green-lighted, he will have at least a decent guarantee in securing a future for the Ascendancy.
But what does this have to do with being featured on a propaganda poster? Are they trying to appeal to alien populations? The naval recruitment has strict anti-alien sentiments, certainly no aliens will be recruited to serve, with him being an exception.
And they’d like a human officer to be featured as well, an officer who came from the Outer- rim but any officer would be fine. Perhaps the Empire is truly desperate or could this have anything to do with Project Stardust?
Thrawn’s first thought was Eli but knowing him, Eli might not be too enthusiastic about it. He’d like Eli to be featured along with him if it comes down to it. In the Ascendancy, it was tradition to have pictures of cahito von’ot or equal partners to be framed and put up in the Varcent bah Cahito. The hall was made to honor those who have served the CEDF with exemplary conduct and especially officers who found each other in military service, who have worked synergistically as if they were one soul in two bodies. Such a bond was viewed to be precious and very rare.
Thrawn had always found that to be worthy of admiration and hoped one day he could find an individual who could match him step by step.
And he did, in the form of Eli Vanto.
It may not be as grand as being featured in the Varcent bah Cahito, but in his mind a picture with Eli to be displayed to all would be enough to satisfy him for now.
Pneumatic hiss of the hydraulic doors leading to Thrawn’s office broke the Admiral out of his thoughts.
“Admiral.”
“Lieutenant Commander, I trust the new officers have been well acquainted with the Chimaera?”
“All officers have been assigned and accounted for, Commander Faro is briefing them as we speak.”
“Excellent work as always. Do take a seat, I have a matter to discuss with you.”
Eli’s eyebrow rose with concern, he looked at the holos displayed in an attempt to anticipate the situation but found nothing out of the ordinary. It is recruitment month after all, nothing surprising to see Imperial recruitment posters pulled up on his COs holo, Thrawn had always been one to research his interest but he’s been with the empire for close to a decade now, recruitment month should be nothing new to him.
“The Admiralty have been discussing a revamp on the recruitment campaign, as such this includes the posters that will be displayed, they have been quite vocal about their intentions to extend beyond the core worlds.”
“They’ve been doing that for years, but it’s not as effective as they’d like it to be. Honestly, the only thing that attracted me to join was the training in supplies was top notch, I really had no other intentions other than that until… you.” Eli chuckled as his face heated when he said the last part, the old Eli would have grumbled about how unfair his life has been turned upside down by Thrawn, but the current him would not have it any other way.
Command is really starting to grow on him and Thrawn has been a good mentor as well as secret crush.
It didn’t bloom out of nowhere, his feeling for his superior officer started to grow since Thrawn threw him in the bush to defend him from the assailants in Royal Imperial, there was the rocky start with Eli accusing him of plucking strings to keep him by his side as his aide but after that it was smooth sailing as Eli started to understand the inner workings of Thrawn’s mind.
Thrawn pretended he did not hear the last part of what Eli said. He understood he had uprooted Eli’s life previously but he’d like to argue that it was all in Eli’s favor, and a little bit of benefit on Thrawn’s part as he’d like to keep Eli close to learn about about the intricacies of Imperial politics as well as precautionary measures to test if Eli was a spy. But Eli had proved to be an astounding protege . To him, Eli had been a diamond in the rough, with just enough pressure and polishing, he would suit command like a fish taking to water with the added perks of being good in numbers.
“Indeed, the results were inadequate as I’ve observed. As such, they have offered that I, along with officers of my choosing, be put on a poster as a show of military triumphs the Chimaera as well as what the officers have achieved these years.” Thrawn steepled his fingers in front of him, hoping Eli would catch on with his suggestion.
“Are you recommending me?” Eli was dumbfounded. He would like to be in a picture with him but if his picture would be featured in Outer Rim planets like Lysatra, he’s not sure how his parents would react to it. Sure, he’s his own person and it shouldn’t matter what his parents think considering they’ve expressed their dissatisfaction with Eli following an alien officer but he was still hesitant about it.
At the same time, to be featured with Thrawn, the most brilliant military mind and also his mentor slash crush would be an honour. He’d want everyone to see the pride in working with Thrawn and also a selfish part of him wanted to commemorate their partnership for all to see.
“Yes, but if you find it unappealing I will look for another officer, it is your choice Eli.” Thrawn gave a tiny smile, so minuscule Eli would miss it if he was younger, but he’s been his aide for so long now, he’d come to learn Thrawn’s micro-expressions.
“I don’t feel comfortable with my face flying around the galaxy.” Eli returned with an apologetic smile, he’d love to but his parents…
“It’s quite alright, perhaps I’ll ask Commander Faro.” Faro may not be from Outer-Rim but she’s the next best candidate. She has performed her duties well and has found her way as one of his trusted officers on the bridge. Though Eli would always be his first choice.
“I bet she’d be ecstatic ,I was told she signed up for the naval academy after a trip to the Empire Memorial Museum following a very inspiring poster she saw.”
Thrawn’s eyes glowed subtly following Eli’s mentioning of the poster. Eli caught on with his CO’s interest and had to suppress a smirk. Ah, Thrawn’s and his artworks.
“I’ll send them to your datapad , maybe it’d be a good reference.” Eli was already tapping away as he spoke.
“I look forward to that.”
A chime from Eli’s commlink signified an end to their conversation. Faro had commed Eli to inform that the Admiral is due to come down to the lower decks for officer inspections.
“Sir, I suppose we should take our leave now. Faro is done with the briefing, it’s time for the inspection.”
Eli stood up as his CO went ahead before he fell into step several paces behind. Thrawn did not like the fact that Eli had a habit of trailing behind him, he saw Eli as an equal and after much reasoning with him, Eli had agreed only to do so during events which required public appearances.
One day, Thrawn will let it all be known that Eli is his cahito von’ot. Will always be his cahito von’ot.