She ducks her head. One corner of her mouth pulls taught in a smile that strained at her jaw and demonstrated frustration without malice. Someone on either side wanted a friend, but she found their reasoning hollow.

If it were up to here, a double-blind of who was who would be the safest method of keeping this galactic pisssing contest away from everyone else. Unfortunately, she had neither the influence nor the moxy. Instead, she focused on Eli. He was demonstrably safe, and kind; he and questions she didn't retch to answer.

"Hera is level headed but doesn't let pragmatism interfere with kindness," Chise observed. "Whereas all I know of Thrawn is he's kind but Hera hates him."

Hence, a problem.

"I told Thrawn I wouldn't let enemies cross our threshold," Which now felt like a dangerous promise, she was resigned -

"If you love him like I do Elias, I sort of pity you."