So Much For Shore Leave

CHAPTER TWO

We touched down on the landing pad in front of the Senate building and a collective sigh of relief echoed throughout the shuttle. It's been a long time since we had been back to Coruscant—and even longer since we had a break.

"Finally time for some R&R boys!" Fives exclaimed as the doors opened up to let us off. I was just as relieved as the troops to be home. That last mission was a close one, and we all needed to relax. I know Anakin was yearning to see Padme, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. Luckily, he didn't have to hide it around me. Padme was like a sister to me.

We met when Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and I were dispatched to Naboo amidst the Separatist's blockade many years ago. I was just a youngling at the time and was training under Master Qui-Gon as his Padawan. The council didn't like that Qui-Gon had taken on two padawans, but Qui-Gon was never one for caring about what the council wanted. I was quite perceptive at my young age, and had figured out that Padme had a duplicate posing for her as queen so she could move around freely. I had complimented her on her tactics when we were alone and she discovered that she could confide in me—and that was a trust that I have never broken. I knew about Anakin and Padme, their relationship, and secret wedding. In all honesty—there are many things I disagree with in the Jedi code and the way the council enforces it. Master Qui-Gon showed me that being a Jedi is more than just following a code, a very misguided one at that. The fact that Jedi cannot have any attachments is at the top of my list of "Stupid Rules That Were Written Thousands of Years Ago By A Bunch of Dead People That Do Not Make Any Practical Sense." I've fully embraced the idea of Anakin and Padme getting married and support their decision completely. I have sworn to protect their secret with everything in my power, and I hope to one day be able to forge my own relationship with the one I love. In my opinion, it is our attachments that make us stronger, not weaker. I fight to protect those I care about, and that's what pulls me toward the light—love.

"Ready for some time off, Rex?" I placed a hand on his shoulder as we descended the exit ramp.

"Indeed General," He turned to me, "It's going to feel strange taking some time off from the fight."

"Come on, Rex," I patted his back, "I know you're at home on the battlefield, but you've got to learn to kick back sometimes and relax!"

He let out a chuckle, a reaction not many others were able to get out of the war-hardened Captain. "I guess I'll have to follow your lead, General." His golden-brown eyes locked onto mine and I felt a knot form in my stomach before I broke his gaze. I couldn't help it—I was very fond of the Captain, and, like my dear friend Anakin, I was very bad at hiding my feelings. The worst part was, I think everyone could see that as well.

Before I could think of something to say, our group was approached by Chancellor Palpatine and his entourage, with Masters Obi-Wan, Windu, and Yoda in tow. I lit up at the sight of mine and Anakin's Master. I couldn't wait to tell him all about how we narrowly escaped death this time. But my smile quickly faded when Chancellor Palpatine spoke to our group first, addressing Anakin.

"Welcome back Generals," his low voice cooed as he opened his arms in what was meant to be a warm gesture. "I am pleased to hear the Chandrilans were saved, and their weather machine is no longer in Separatist control, thanks to you and your forces"

Anakin spoke first. "Thank you, Chancellor. General Kraken will now have to come up with his own deadly weapons to hold entire planets hostage, instead of hijacking a weather machine meant to save lives."

The Chancellor gave a grin. "Were you able to successfully recover the device then?" He inquired.

"Unfortunately, by the time we reached the device, it was too late. The Separatists had already overloaded the machine, and I had no choice but to destroy it." I chimed in.