Redhawk Caldera Starship enterprise

Finley still seemed unable to speak, and Elwood shifted ever so slightly to press his shoulder comfortingly against hers. His gaze never left Eljay's face, though, as a range of emotions shifted his expression. There was an apology, and while it was made with only four simple words, it was weighted with a thousand others that remained unspoken. Elwood shook his head gently and moved to close the gap between them.

He reached out to touch his son's shoulder with his nose, then withdrew just enough to talk with him. "It's okay. I understand. We just wish you had told us, but -- that's in the past now," he said. He certainly didn't want to make Eljay feel guilty for the decision he had made. With a small smile, he added, "Why don't you tell us about your adventures and how you ended up with Drageda?"