Halo 3: ODST Operation Cup o' Doom

Chapter Five

"Three more days and we'll be on Concord," Rha' told the division. "Since we are still free from security watches for the next two weeks, everyone will get a chance to enjoy this little break."

The division cheered.

"Live it up, troops," Aria added, "because once we leave Concord, it's back to the grind until we get home."

The division slowly broke into smaller groups, buzzing with excitement at the thought of shore leave. Conversations erupted immediately—plans for shopping, food, sightseeing, and general mischief.

Aria stepped down from the front, stretching her shoulders as George and Yuri approached.

"Concord," George breathed. "Finally. I am going to eat my entire bodyweight in real food."

"You always eat your bodyweight," Yuri replied, patting his shoulder. "This time you'll just have witnesses."

Aria snickered. "Just don't get yourselves kicked out of the promenade again."

"That was one time!" George protested. "And—not my fault the bar didn't specify the drink limit!"

"It was one," Yuri deadpanned. "One drink."

George glared. "It was a very small drink."

Aria shook her head and walked away before she laughed too loudly.

Rha' approached her as the others dispersed, his hands clasped behind his back. "Our troops seem eager for leave."

"They've behaved—mostly—so they deserve it," she replied.

"You deserve it as well," he said, his voice softening. "You have worked tirelessly these last months."

She lifted a brow. "Is that your way of saying I look stressed?"

He tilted his head. "Not stressed. But... ready for rest." He pulled off his headdress. His eyes softened as he looked down at her. "Do you have plans for Concord?"

She shrugged. "Probably shopping with Kayla. Maybe drag the others around. Maybe just walk the beaches. Haven't decided."

He hummed thoughtfully. "Concord is known for its evening skylines. The moons create a luminous reflection across the water. It is... peaceful."

She blinked. "Have you been there before?"

"Once," he said. "A short deployment to scout the area." A pause. "If you wish, I can show you."

Her heart nearly tripped. "Oh—um—yeah, that sounds... great. I'd like that."

He gave a satisfied nod. "Then it is settled."

George and Kayla, standing across the room and pretending not to watch, exchanged wicked grins.

"Oh, this is going to be good," Kayla whispered.

"Fate is finally doing her job," George replied.

Rha' glanced over his shoulder, giving them a pointed look that made them both snap to attention.

"Am I interrupting something?" he asked, voice dangerously calm.

"No, sir!" they blurted.

Aria laughed under her breath. "You two are hopeless."

As the division filed out, Rha' leaned close enough that only she could hear him.

"Three days," he murmured. "I look forward to it."

She swallowed, cheeks warming. "Me too, sir."

He gave her one last lingering look before turning away.