He set the stone tablet down on the table. Master Ti tilted her head as she examined it. She reached out to touch it. Starkiller's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist in an iron grip. He was as startled as she was by his actions, quickly releasing her and stepping back.

"Don't," he began, soft and low, then stronger, "Don't touch it."

"Padawan?" Master Ti said mildly. Starkiller's skin was clammy, feverish almost.

"Are you alright?" Starkiller nodded, then shook his head.

"Did something happen?" Another nod.

"Okay," Master Ti said to herself, "How can I help you best?" He shook his head again, to clear his thoughts.

"I don't... I-i wasn't... I didn't know any better..." Starkiller stammered out, "I didn't know any better; it's not my fault. I-it's not-" Master Ti hugged him. He fought against her briefly, more in surprise than anything else, then relaxed against her chest, soft tears soaking into her robes.

"It's alright, Starkiller," Master Ti said gently. The boy choked out a sob.

"Galen," he corrected quietly, "My name is Galen."

"Galen," she repeated, rubbing her hand in soothing circles over his back, "It's alright. You're going to be okay. I won't let anyone hurt you. You're safe here." And on she went, murmuring comfort into his ear while he cried. Exhausted by both his journey and the emotional display, Starkiller fell asleep in his Master's arms.


CT-8538 peeked around the corner.

"We shouldn't be doing this," he whispered to his batch mate. The other child darted out from his hiding place, dragging his brother behind him.

"Commander Starkiller always comes to spend time with us tubies after the ARCs finish with their training time..." Tup responded distractedly, not letting go of CT-8538's wrist.

They snuck into the room.

"What are you boys up to?" A woman's voice cut in.

"Ah! Uh, General!" CT-8538 saluted, Tup hastily following suit. Shaak Ti smiled gently.

"At ease, cadets," she laughed.

"We, uh, we wanted to check on Commander Starkiller, General." Tup explained. General Ti laughed quietly and directed them to a door.

"He's asleep, but being able to sense a familiar presence should help." CT-8538 nodded and grabbed Tup's hand as they slowly slipped into Starkiller's room.

Starkiller was deathly still, his breathing slow but shallow. Tup easily clambered up on the bed and curled up by the commander's feet. CT-8538 was slower to join his brother, but sat next to Tup to wait for Starkiller to wake.