Years later Rex walked about the temporary Rebel base checking in with his team after the end of the Battle of Endor. He got all his men back on a transport headed to a more permanent location. He rode the transport with the young men around him, some of which who were technically older than him. I have no regrets. I was born to defend the Republic, and I have finally done so.

Some days later the transport landed in a place where the military and their civilian friends and family members were settled. Rex picked up his backpack and glanced at the scuffed up pate of his familiar blue and white helmet. He knew there would undoubtedly be scattered skirmishes, until it was really over, but he knew he was done with war. His mind was full of memories of all his fallen brothers, and all the warriors who gave their lives in what seemed like an unending conflict.

Emptiness began to creep into his heart. What is left for me? I can't go on like this, but I do need something. He looked around the hanger at all the new faces.

One of his men clapped him on the back and said "Plans, Captain?"

"Retirement" he said. "For real this time!" He gave the kid a convincing smile and the two parted ways. Rex found the administrator and got his assigned quarters. He found his door and put down his bag. His blue and white helmet rolled out as he searched his pockets for his keycard. He looked over noting someone pick up his helmet.

"Miss Sivvy?" asked Rex, hardly believing his eyes.

"Captain Rex?" she looked down at the helmet, then up at him. Into his eyes.

"Yes…" he said breathless.

He walked up to her and she placed his helmet on his bag. She didn't hesitate to reach up and kiss him square on the lips.

They then embraced and Rex said "I'm sorry…" he whispered into her neck. "We had to leave and I …couldn't bring myself to say farewell."

"I'm so relieved you're ok" she stepped back touching his beard. "I hardly recognized you with this beard."

"And the accelerated aging probably didn't help" he said self-conscious about his older appearance. "You're still fresh as spring" he said with a familiar smile.

Her laugh was short "Thanks" she said.

"You've become more mature, yes, but only more beautiful" he said.

Her face softened and she looked down at his helmet. "Seems you dropped this."

"That's alright. I don't think I will need it anymore. I decided to retire today."

"Perfect timing. I am heading somewhere you might like. I don't know if it will keep you busy enough, but there's plenty of nice weather, green grass, and home cooked meals."

Rex and Sivvy eventually returned to her home world and Rex reveled in the booming town that had sprung up around the old house and the wooded paths. There was more technology, and the clothing was a bit more modern, some of the dirt paths were paved and lead to new neighborhoods.

On a cool autumn afternoon Rex and Sivvy were taking a walk, doing some bird watching on clear sunny day. They were both surprised when two teen boys fell from a tree right in front of the couple. They both fell with a thud and leaves showered down around them. The two boys groaned, but got up, relatively unhurt. The first said "I told you not to go out that far."

The second, who appeared to be his brother said "But that's where the fruit was!" and he held up two bruised stone fruits, tossing one to the other. The first took a bite of the fruit and then realized they weren't alone. With a full mouth he said "Miss Sivvy! We didn't know you were back!"

Rex walked up and looked the two boys in the eye. They all went quiet, looking into each other's golden-brown eyes.

Sivvy said "Sixer, Tick, this is Captain Rex. He knew your fathers."

They both looked at the older bearded man in awe. "Wow" "Wow" they both said.

The boys spent the rest of the afternoon showing the couple all the best look out points and where they had seen certain birds. They were eager to hear stories of their fathers and Rex obliged, feeling wonder and warmth in his heart for the two kids. Soon enough it was time for them to part, but they promised to come by and visit Rex and Sivvy as soon as they were able.

As they walked back to their modest cottage in the woods Sivvy said "I'm sorry."

They stopped and Rex looked at her "For what?" he rested his large warm hands on her arms soothingly. He was older, but still viral and powerful and his very presences made her feel safe.

"I'm sorry…well…I didn't conceive" she said, looking down in shame. "The doctor said I…am not able…was never able."

"I never expected that of you. I never…" He didn't quite know what to say. "It was a great surprise to know those two still live on here in such a wonderful safe place. But being an uncle is one thing. It's much better this way" he said. And he meant it. He saw she needed more convincing "Had I found out that I had missed out on years of parenting a child, a child that I was responsible for? The guilt would plague me to the end."

She smiled sincerely and they went inside and laughed the rest of the night away. Sivvy had a slew of stories to tell Rex about Sixer and Tick's antics.

Rex lived out his days finding an inner quiet, continuously learning about his love with Sivvy, and enjoying the satisfaction of a peaceful life.

The End.