So Much For Shore Leave

CHAPTER THREE

Good going, you idiot. You've upset the general right at the start of your vacation. The clone captain thought to himself as he watched the petite figure of general Shaara Lin march away from him and towards the Jedi temple. Her long auburn hair shined brilliantly in the setting sun of Coruscant. Rex clenched his fist, wanting to catch up with her and apologize. A night enjoying a concert with the general sounded like a fine way to spend an evening off indeed. But it did not feel right. She was his general and commanding officer, their trust in each other on the battlefield was unbreakable. But here, beyond the battles and the blasters and the war? What could he possibly have to offer the general? And what could she ever see in him? Not to mention the fraternization breach and the endless torment he would have to endure from the rest of Torrent Company if they found out he and the general were seen out together. The truth is, there were a number of reasons why taking general Lin up on her offer would have been a bad idea, but Rex knew it was really his fear holding him back. He did not want anything to ruin their current chemistry, on and off the battlefield, and Rex knew that taking that next step might mean he would lose everything.

The captain sighed and shook his head. "Another time, perhaps." That was all he said as he watched the general disappear out of sight. He would see her again when their leave was up and it was time to return to the front. Rex could not believe he was thinking it, but he was actually looking forward to the end of shore leave.

Rex trudged past multiple battalions of his brothers prepping to board the shuttles that would carry them to their designated star destroyers awaiting them just off-planet. It felt like he would see more and more shinys every time another round of troopers were headed off to battle. A sign that the war was going to be dragging on a lot longer, and the cost of life was only becoming greater.

He entered the barracks for Torrent Company and found Fives, Jesse and Kix. The clones had already removed most of their armor and they were sitting on the ends of their cots having a seemingly light-hearted conversation.

"I mean," Fives started, "that's got to be what, the twentieth time the Captain was flung around by a Jedi?" The others laughed.

"It seems to happen almost every mission," Jessie added, trying to hold his laughter back.

"I think General Lin enjoys it a little too much if you know what I mean?" Fives nudged Jesse and gave him a sly look.

"Ahem." The Captain cleared his throat and the three clones snapped to attention, they had not seen Rex come in and were now clearly regretting joking about the Captain and the General.

"Sorry sir, just blowing off some steam after that wild last mission." Kix chimed in before the other two could try to explain.

"At ease." The Captain sighed. "You're on shore leave now boys, so it's fine if you want to enjoy yourselves, but please try not to embarrass the entire 501st while you're at it."

"Yes, sir!" The three troopers replied and dropped their stance. Fives approached the Captain while Jessie and Kix continued their conversation. Rex left the room and went to his private quarters with Fives trailing behind. The accommodations were small and simple, with one bed, a small desk, and his own bathroom, but just this little room tucked away in a corner of the giant hall the rest of his legion slept in was like a luxury hotel compared to what they were used to on missions.

Rex set his helmet down on his desk and slumped in his chair, leaning his head back and closing his eyes, if just for a moment. Fives then cleared his throat and addressed the Captain. "I apologize for what I said back there sir, it wasn't right to talk about you and the General that way."

Rex opened his eyes and continued to stare at the ceiling as he spoke. "It's alright Fives, I can handle a joke or two." He gave a faint smile, "and I think you're right." He turned his head to face Fives, "I think the General seems to enjoy throwing me in the air a bit too much."

Fives smirked, "Captain, if I may..."

Rex nodded, allowing Fives to continue on to where he knew this conversation was headed.

"We've seen so many good men fight and die in this war without ever experiencing anything other than being a soldier. It would be nice to know that it's possible for us clones to have something worth living for...something...good."

The sincerity coming out of Fives really surprised Rex, but he understood how he was feeling.

"Thank you, Fives. I'll try to keep that in mind." Rex sat back up. "Now why don't you and the men try to enjoy yourselves on this shore leave? You've earned it." He gave a reassuring smile.

"Yes sir." Fives agreed, then spun around towards the door, but paused just before exiting Rex's cabin. "You've earned it too, sir. Good night."

As soon as Rex could no longer hear Fives' footsteps down the hall, he finally allowed himself to completely relax. He dropped his shoulders and slumped down in his chair, breathing a heavy sigh. Something good...He thought to himself and smiled, then let the weight of all his exhaustion pull him under.