Redhawk Caldera Starship enterprise

The two things that Elwood had been waiting for finally happened: Finley spoke to Eljay, and then the boy reached out to them physically. He glanced at Fin, feeling proud of her for feeling proud of Eljay, and in the next moment they were all embracing one another. Eljay's murmured confession was not surprising, but it was still good to hear. There had been plenty of days filled with questioning and doubt, during which they had been unsure of their eldest son's feelings toward them.

"We missed you too," Elwood said, gladly reiterating what he had already expressed. As far as he was concerned, he couldn't say it enough. They might have to accept that Eljay would eventually return to Drageda, but this time, when he left the caldera, he would know that his family loved, supported, and appreciated him.