[ When she drew back and tentatively reached towards his sleeve, he gave her the side of his hand to grasp much as she had back on various transports. Now, as then, he tried not to think about how her small hand barely spanned two of his fingers, tries not to think about how young she was, already facing so very much in her life.

Whether it was back home, or here, he only knew that like it had been on Jabiim, he was going to have to trust her to be older than her age. It helped when she began to talk about the people here and helping them and he settled back on one heel, giving her his full attention. ]

Fighting for freedom usually results in losses, Princess, which is why freedom is so precious. [ It was the softest way he could think to disabuse her of the notion that either of them could be here and not see people hurt. ] But I do believe we have it in us to assist in this fight.

[ He frowned a little then, letting his thumb brush soothingly against the side of her hand. ] But Princess, you must understand. There is much we do not know about this confrontation, and while I agree these people have helped us and been kind to us, we cannot take for granted that they have our best interests at heart. It will be important for us to listen, carefully and consider closely what we commit ourselves too on this world.