[ It won't torpedo Martin's progress. Rex cannot be sure of that, but he believes it in the way he believes in everything else: it's a belief he has because anything else is intolerable, and he won't allow it. Martin has suffered through great indignities in the past that would cripple any person, let alone a child, and he's still here. He won't hide away forever, even if that means Rex has to push him out.

That's besides the point. That will take time and patience and work and is nothing they can solve now. And Rex has been in a position of command long enough to know what his men need - and for some of them, like his medics, that means a moment to worry about themselves instead of everyone else. He's never managed to lose that mindset that comes with the responsibility he carries with him. His army's a little... different looking now, but the end result's the same. ]

Well, you have time to sit down now. Go on.

[ He gestures for Cassandra to sit down in a smooth, insistent gesture that brooks no argument before taking a seat himself and pours two fingers of liquor in each glass. He slides one glass her way, but makes no move to drink his own yet. ]

One night off won't impede your progress any. [ He studies her. She looks exhausted, which is what he expected, but at least she seems to be unhurt. That's good for something. ] It's good to have a moment - to take stock. Did your people come out of this whole mess all right?

[ And by all right, what he really means is alive. They must be strained and upset, certainly, but as long as you still draw breath, you can recover from anything. ]