"General."
The scarred Exile glanced up from her work, a slight grimace on her face. "I told you, call me Bak."
"I know, Gen—"
She raised an eyebrow and he quickly corrected himself, "—I mean, Bak. You need to rest."
"I'm fine," she said, her tone barring against further discussion. He watched as she fixed the hyperdrive panel in place with a hydrospanner, furrowing his brow. "You push yourself too hard, General."
"Who are you to tell me that?" she snapped, immediately regretting the edge in her voice. "I'm sorry," she whispered. He offered his hand and she took it, feeling his strength as he pulled her to her feet. Cold and metallic though it was, his grip was a comfort; strong and reassuring—letting her know she was not alone. He brushed the hair from her face and gently stroked her cheek. "I forgive you, Bak. I just want you to rest."
She touched her hand to his and smiled tiredly, the dark rings around her eyes contrasting with her pale skin. Burying her face in his chest, she said, "I'll get some sleep," her voice muffled against his shirt. He planted a soft kiss on her head, and then guided her to the girls' dorm. She turned in the doorway and smiled at him. "Don't wreck the ship while I'm asleep," she joked.
Bao smiled back and gave her a mock salute. "I won't."