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Sometimes a series of events can only be described as a miracle, like living through an entire military career in the Empire only to serve out another in the Ascendancy. Another miracle can be the Protector, now commanded by Senior Captain Thunhe, being shoreside just in time for the Winter Solstice.
Life has slowed down in retirement, but with the arrival of their adopted daughter and her two best friends—who they seemed to have adopted by proxy—everything is vibrant once again. The past three days have been a flurry of parties, dinners, and other social calls. But tonight is a night for just their family and friends. Eli has rented out the backroom of their favorite restaurant and the air is warm with the company of their loved ones.
Thalias and Mak’ro sit in the corner with Ar’alani and Tro’omis, deep in discussion over a pot of sizzling dumplings and amber ale. Thunhe speaks wildly to a group of young officers who she invited, but Eli has yet to meet. And of course, Thrawn is attached at his hip, never a fan of large social gatherings and always in need of a lifeline.
“Good evening, sirs,” Wuluko says, approaching them where they have parked at the bar.
“Guess we’ll never shake that habit out of you, will we?” Eli teases. He likes Wuluko, he’s a good kid. Since Thunhe has taken charge of the Protector, Wuluko has been promoted to her Chief Intelligence Officer. He is able to decode messages and code faster than Eli could ever hope to. Together, they are a reckoning. The Ascendancy has nothing to fear with them at the helm of a warship.
“Not tonight, sir. Actually, I was hoping I could talk to you both outside?”
Eli glances at Thrawn who checks on Thunhe and nods. With one more sweep of the room, Eli nods as well. “Lead the way.”
Wuluko just takes them out of the back room and into the hall that separates the space from the main dining room. “How, uh, how have you been?”
“Doing good,” Eli says. “Taharim has loved having us as adjunct professors, but it has been great having Thunhe back. How are you?”
Despite his blue skin, he looks a little green as he adjusts his high collar. “I’m doing great, sir. But, uh, on the, uh, topic of Thunhe.”
“Is she alright?” Thrawn asks.
“No! I mean, yes! She’s doing great.”
“That’s good to hear,” Eli says.
“Um, alright, well, um—”
“Wuluko, take a breath.” Eli puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder as he begins to realize what this is about. Time changes all things—it fades memories, dissolves friendships, but sometimes it nurtures a friendship into something more.
“You both know Thunhe and I have been going steady for a while,” Wuluko begins slowly. “And I have never met anyone more brilliant and kind and selfless. She makes people believe that they’re capable of more than they ever thought possible… She makes me feel like I can do anything. Eli, Thrawn, I come to you to ask for your blessing to marry your daughter. I promise to honor her, cherish her, and support her in all things she does.” Wuluko bows, though he looks more like he is hanging his head for the guillotine.
Eli can feel the tears spring to his eyes as he looks up at Thrawn. Thrawn’s usually impassive facade is cracking around the edges, his shock and joy bleeding through in the fine wrinkles around his eyes and mouth.
“Wuluko,” Eli says, choking a little on his emotion.
Wuluko straightens.
“It would be our honor for you to marry Thunhe,” Eli says and they both bow to Wuluko.
“Thank you, sirs.” He exhales sharply.
“Though, I have to ask. Why did you ask us? I didn’t think that was a Chiss custom.”
“It’s not,” he says. “She asked me to ask you. She said it was a Lesser Space custom.”
“It is,” Eli offers.
“Though,” Wuluko smirks, “If I’m being honest, I think she just wanted to see if I had the balls to actually ask.”
Eli chuckles. “Yeah, sounds like Thunhe. When do you plan on asking?”
“Tomorrow, we’re gonna hike to see the frozen waterfall. I figured I’d ask her when we get to the top.”
“Good choice,” Eli says and pats Wuluko’s shoulder. “I can’t tell you how happy I am for you both.”
“Thank you, sir. Let’s just hope she says yes.”
“She will,” Thrawn says.
They re-enter the party largely unmissed. Only Thunhe notices their arrival, but looks straight past her dads to Wuluko. Her smile is broad and her eyes glisten with the kind of look that makes Eli know their love will last a lifetime.
He takes Thrawn’s hand, unable to cope with their daughter growing up so quickly without their permission. Thrawn squeezes back just as tightly.