So Much For Shore Leave

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rex stood in the hallway outside the Chancellor's office, his head rotating like a swivel as he glanced back and forth down the halls. He had left the room right after General Lin, but she had somehow disappeared faster than a Starfighter jumping into hyperspace. He was hoping he would be able to speak with her after the meeting. He did not even know what he wanted to talk to her about, but he just wanted a chance to dissolve the tension that had been building between them in the last two days. They had both almost died trying to stop that weather machine...then he had to go and upset her as soon as they got back. He was unsure where their encounter earlier at the training facilities left them, and Rex did not want to go into this next mission with these jumbled feelings making chaos in his head.

"So much for shore leave, huh Rex?" Anakin slapped a palm on his shoulder as he came out of the Chancellor's office.

Rex turned to Anakin, "Yes sir, the boys are not going to like this..." he trailed off, trying to think of which of his brothers he would pull for this mission. His Arc Trooper Fives, Kix always gave him the least amount of trouble, and Jessie was always good in a pinch...

"Believe me..." Anakin shook his head "I'm not too crazy about it either, but we just have to put up with a couple of days of babysitting a celebrity... and then we'll be able to enjoy ourselves for the rest of our stay. Plus, it may be fun seeing Shaara get so star-struck she won't even know what to do with herself. I think she'll be too nervous to even speak the whole time."

Rex laughed, he could tell the General was excited about meeting Kalira Sionous, he may get some enjoyment out of this mission after all. She was usually able to keep her cool in most situations, but Rex knew this upcoming mission would be like nothing they've ever dealt with before. Highly publicized, in the spotlight, cameras and paparazzi everywhere--they were about to be thrown right in the middle of it. How would the General handle all of that pressure? How would he? It was a lot to prepare for in only a couple hours' time.

"Are you two alright by the way?" Anakin asked, catching Rex extremely off guard with his directness.

"Sir?" He asked, just making sure he understood what his General just asked him.

"I've sensed some..." he trailed off "let's just say...tension...around you two in the last couple days." Rex was completely stunned, now even General Skywalker could tell how terrible things were going. "No need to worry Rex," he leaned in closer, "You and I both know I can keep a secret. I just want to make sure you'll both be up to the mission."

Rex straightened up, "It won't be a problem, Sir. I can assure you."

Anakin pulled back and nodded, turning his head to see that Padme had just left the Chancellor's office with her handmaidens trailing behind her. She looked back towards the two of them and gave a smile at Anakin, which he returned before turning back to Rex.

"Good to know, " he sighed, "But Rex, just trust me on this..." He paused, seemingly looking straight through Rex's visor into his eyes, "You don't want to mess this up." He then patted him on the back and started to walk away "I'll meet you at the landing pad."

"Y-yes Sir," was all Rex could say as his General turned down the hall out of sight. Oh, brother...he thought. Generals Skywalker and Lin—between the two of them, it would be a miracle if he made it out of this mission in one piece.

"Right.." Rex said to himself, finally moving his feet. "Now to tell the boys their leave is being cut short...guess I should head over to 79's..."