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Prisoners of War - Two Weeks Later

So the saga continues, as commissioned by 1mastermind - hope fully you guys enjoy this still as much as you seem to have before. Really cheers me to see all these kind comments come in, proposing various outcomes for the story. *chuckle* Have a good read!

*

It was another brilliantly sunny afternoon on the coast of Turrell, and General Rei was more than happy to enjoy this weather to the fullest. The white tiger was sprawled upon his recliner, with only a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect his virtue. Rei basked unabashedly and openly, his tail lolling down to the floor of the terrace from the side of the recliner. He enjoyed the feel of the warm rays on his toned body, so conductive of relaxation and rest. His muscles ached pleasantly from a good, hard workout of the kind he was accustomed to.

Every now and then, the tiger lifted his head enough so that he could glance over the barrister and onto the seaside, where his charges were having a bout of free time. He knew that the water was shallow enough and that the automated security towers made escape quite impossible, hence it was an opportunity the General gladly granted to his two captives.

They had waded out into the green water. It couldn't really be said that they were frolicking openly in the sea, but they still appeared to be having fun. A chance to stretch their legs, to enjoy the water, the sun, the feel of air moving so freely. The house was always kept at a comfortable temperature by a convection system that operated under such a flow that it was not really perceptible. Here, out on the terrace, down in the sea, one could feel the elements. It was something the General often missed when he was out on his campaigns, spending all those months in space. No wind, no rain, no sunlight, and even more worryingly so, simply no change. It was this lack that often grated on his nerves, a feeling that was certainly not foreign for spacefarers. Some found it meditative, like many men Rei knew had done, but he himself found his relief of mind in other things, such as the sound of the two men splashing about in the warm water below.

The pair down in the sea certainly looked better than the day they had arrived. Their fur was groomed and shiny, and they had gained back some confidence in their bodies as well. They moved more easily, obviously pleased that they had no cuffs and no walls around them. The regular exercise was doing marvels, too, the white tiger could note with private pleasure. They had started to fill out, and a healthy competition had developed between them, much to Rei's delight. Having Gantan and Sardo engage in such sparring was conductive of them working harder at it, too, the General thought.

That was definitely something Rei had hoped would happen. Their earlier adversity would have made it troublesome for the two to share their limited quarters and freedom, and to see them have a more natural relationship was certainly a good thing. Having them fight one another as well as Rei himself was not grounds for a successful...rehabilitation, as Rei liked to call it. He wanted these soldiers to make the best of their lives and the current circumstances, not to grind them down like the camps did even to the most resilient of men. That was not his mission.

The soft swoosh of the doors opening made his ears flick quickly. A glance showed that the unsurprising incomer was the Overseer. The black panther carried a tray with a tall glass upon it.

"Sir," the black panther murmured, "one chilled drink, to be brought to you after 25 minutes of sunbathing."

Rei let out a pleased rumble.

"Perfect timing, as always," the white tiger smirked.

"I have an internal chronometer, sir," the android noted. "I am incapable of losing the track of time."

Rei chuckled.

"You have the perfect comedic timing, too," the white tiger commented as he took the drink from the offered tray.

"Thank you, sir," the Overseer said. "I did not know that. I do not perceive humor as such, sir."

"I know," said the tiger. He took a sip and nodded approvingly.

"Quite perfectly mixed, too," the lip-smacking soldier commented.

"Thank you, sir. I am glad you are enjoying yourself, sir."

Further sounds of splashing echoed from below. Even the android cat glanced down to see the two felines down in the sea, almost up to their chests in water now.

"I am, yes," Rei said.

"The kitchen would like to know if your dinner order still stands, sir," the black panther questioned.

"Hmmmyes," the tiger spoke. He was more concerned with the sight of Sardo testing out backstroke on the gently swaying sea.

"I have delivered the information onwards, sir," the Overseer noted cheerfully. "Servings for three in the main dining room."

Rei took another sip. There was a pleasantly acidic tang to the beverage in the glass that was cold enough to gather condensation on its surfaces.

"That is good. I'm sure everyone will be very hungry tonight."

The black panther offered a quizzical look.

"Has their energy consumption been above their average needs today, sir?"

Rei chuckled and nodded towards the seaborne troops.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"Swimming is a highly aerobic activity while the lifting effect of the water reduces joint and ligament strain upon the person in question. I would estimate they are using over 1,000 kilojoules of energy while in the water. That is above the exercise they have already taken today. I would expect it to cause an increased demand for nutrition."

"I expect them to be ravenous," he chuckled. "that's what 'increased demand for nutrition' should be called, I think."

"I see, sir," said the android, "I understand."

Gantan's head emerged from the sea after a quick little dive, slick and dripping when he came up for a breath. Sardo was continuing his slow laps on his back, keeping his muzzle above water.

"Aren't they a sight?" Rei mused.

"How do you mean, that sir?"

Rei's ears flicked wryly.

"Not ontologically, if that is what you were wondering," the white tiger said with a smile.

"I did not question the validity of your statement in regards to them being within the capability of your or my visual acuity," the Overseer replied.

The white tiger chuckled.

"I know, I know. I was commenting on that they are quite pleasing, aesthetically."

"The nude male body is a frequent topic of artistic expression, is it not?"

"Indeed."

"It carries many aesthetic connotations, as recognized by many philosophies of art."

"It sure does."

"As well as being evolutionarily necessary."

The tiger's tail made a cheerful loop behind him.

"And that, too."

The black panther nodded.

"They are males with healthy proportions that would generally be considered attractive, yes," he said, "I think you are right, sir, they are aesthetically pleasing."

"Is that your measured opinion?"

"Yes, sir."

"Literally, I assume."

"Based on my visual approximation and my analysis of my database, yes."

"I would expect nothing less of you," Rei chuckled.

"Thank you, sir."

The white tiger sipped from his drink and let his eyes watch the glistening sea and the ripples the two soldiers made upon its living surface.