#clone trooper intel

[aliettali]

I wanna know more about your clone ocs!

thank you so much for asking this you have opened the floodgates i am so sorry! 

i have nine: tidbit, crypt, oops, flipside, sher, intel, three-two, pint, and dangle. i’ve only (officially) drawn crypt and tidbit so far, but i do have a sketch for oops that i’ll be putting in here as reference. it is also worth mentioning that only crypt and tidbit are actually alive - the others all died so they dont have as much lore!

everyone except tidbit (crypt + co) are batchmates. the large majority of them die before they can individualize so they don’t have many unique designs my bad! also they’re all relatively young- i’d like to think that they’re fresh out of kamino and get assigned to the 501st on umbara almost immediately. and that goes SPLENDID (all of them die except for crypt, who is left to deal with losing every single one of his batchmates within a single campaign)

putting things under a "keep reading" section because it gets pretty long

crypt ct-4342:

well he WAS going to be a medic and them umbara fucked him up so severely (physically and mentally) that he couldnt deal w the hypothetical consequences of having blood on his hands anymore

now hes a slicer (he goes back to get medic certified because he does want to save people but that’s a separate character arc) 

honestly i signed him up for bad things happen bingo and he just has to deal with it

doesnt get a name until after umbara, chose it because a) encryption, slicing reference b) crypt -> grave -> his brothers never got one

facial/corneal scarring that holds his right eye slightly open+ some hearing loss that he makes up for with (unsanctioned) modifications to his bucket. outer arm scarring too because he shielded his head

tidbit ct-2719:

field medic ! hes also a little bitch but a) older and b) aware of concepts such as “emotional maturity” and “compartmentalization” so he’s doing ok 

he and crypt hit it off pretty quickly because it took him exactly three whole days of being stationed w the 501st to sprain an ankle by doing a cartwheel on a sloped floor (dangle dared him to)... but he was polite and nice and compliant in the medbay which is rare

theyre the most brother figures to ever i love them dearly

anyway tidbit keeps his hair short because he got fed up w it getting in his face when leaning over people you know how it is. never plans on getting a tattoo because he’s seen too many people in the medbay with ink related infections for that to happen, settles for hair bs instead

got his name because he tells his patients random bullshit to distract them

mostly closed off bc he’s seen a lot of troopers die (he cares far too much and it’s becoming a problem) and if he can’t save them in time then it means he’s losing those he loves because of his own incompetence

oops ct-4748 (dies on umbara): 

this motherfucker decided to catch an activated thermal detonator and tossed it back so late that he burnt his eyebrows off permanently (he also has burns on his hand but they wear gloves)

the only thing he said was “oops” so that’s his brand now

overall he was a pretty chill guy too bad he died saving crypt 

(he dies draped on top of crypt, who wakes up half thinking that they’re back on kamino in a batch pile but nope! oops is dead sher is dead pint is dead three-two is dead he can only pray that dangle and intel are alright) (crypt gets up and casts oops off and has to leave him behind, stumbling through a veritable graveyard, almost blind in one eye and teary-eyed in the other, and almost gets shot when he finally finds more troopers) (they’re the 212th but its okay they're alive and okay) (he gets through the disguise clusterfuck and crypt races over to tidbit to ask about dangle and intel) (they’re dead and gone and he has never been so alone)

flipside ct-4344 (dies on umbara):

little bitch, got his name because he really hated the kamino bunk pillows and kept flipping them over to get at the cooler side (he just ran really hot for no reason)

dies in a classic krell “push forward no matter the consequences” maneuver- he's the first of the batch to die actually good for him

was probably the closest to straight up defecting out of everyone

sher ct-4190 (dies on umbara):

the calm normal guy, he and intel are probably the reasons the batch got off kamino in the first place

slightly longer hair than regulation - he wanted to grow it out into a ponytail but guess what happened

was an older brother out of necessity but the others realized how hard he was taking it whenever any of them did something reckless and got hurt as a result so they toned it down a bit

forces crypt to go on without him when he gets shot and subsequently dies alone

he was going to be a sniper bc he always had steady hands (his batchmates always asked him to cut their hair for them) (he was trembling when he died) (i think he was too kind to survive much longer than that anyway)

intel ct-4223 (dies on umbara):

REALLY focused on making plans, the second most responsible

“guys, please, what’s the plan? we have intel for this test, we just watched the other group take it-”

“you and your intel. i say our plan is to FUCK IT and BALL” 

he and sher try really hard to manage the others. sadly kamino does not manufacture child leashes

gets killed on umbara like a good soldier who follows orders (krell tactics again)

he dies painfully aware of his own insignificance bc preciously he was driven by some hope that hey!!! if we get past this training/test/battle we won’t be forgotten but exactly three people end up remembering him as a person lmao (tidbit, crypt, rex)

i think he and dogma fucking hated each other

pint ct-4337 (dies on umbara):

the only one of them to have paint on their armor pre-umbara and thats through sheer bad luck - he walked into a room and kicked over a can of paint and got some of it on his boot toe

dies alongside intel

three-two ct-4332 (dies on umbara):

never chose a name, pretty withdrawn from the rest of his batch bc he, unfortunately, is hyperaware of his circumstances and what will happen to his brothers after the war

aggressively regulation haircut

as soon as intel and pint are killed in front of him he realizes that they might not matter in the long run but his brothers wormed their ways into his heart and now they're gone before he even chose a name. he didnt even get to tell them his name and they're dead (messes up and gets shot moments later)

dangle ct-4322 (dies on umbara):

suspiciously flexible, probably hypermobile, loved dangling (!) from the top bunk with his legs on the bed and his entire upper body just. hanging there

saw shaak ti do a sick jedi trick ONCE and decided that was his brand so he liked practicing cartwheels and splits and backbends in his spare time

they didnt have music (cant have shit on kamino) so he hummed his own and imagined dances to them

dies on umbara ft the clone eating plant thing because he was under the impression that crypt was just killed

#star wars tcw #tcw #the clone wars #clone trooper oc #clone trooper crypt #clone trooper tidbit #clone trooper oops #clone trooper flipside #clone trooper sher #clone trooper intel #clone trooper pint #clone trooper dangle #blast batch #lmao i care them #expect comics sometime

[motherofdogs1010]

A Jedi in Arrakis (Paul Atreides x Reader)

Summary: While on the run from Empire troops, Jedi padawan Y/N comes to find out that hyper-driving in a compromised craft can have some major setbacks when she discovers not only is on a new planet but a whole new galaxy as well...

Warnings: jedi!reader, eventual 18+, NSFW, angst, fluff, eventual smut/pinv!sex, oral sex, talks of questioning the Force and teachings, more to come as story progresses

A/N: Like Ahsoka, I left Reader to have white, which means they are neutral and I feel Anakin would have taught any other padawans to be neutral when it came to the Force. The type of lightsaber Reader has for any photo reference is the same type Darth Maul has!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics Banner by @vase-of-lilies

Part II

She had e/c eyes that looked at him softly as she laid beside him; the white silk she wore over her body showing the curves she possessed as she reached a hand out and caressed his cheek.

"Paul", she softly said, her skin tanned and soft.

Her hair fell around her and framed her face as she blinked.

"Paul..."

Her voice lulled him before he heard a humming, a buzz of electricity coming to light before a white light took over, shielding him from her...

🪐

In a galaxy far, far away...

Hands gripping the steering wheel of her craft, Y/N looked at the controls to see if hyperdrive was even possible and saw that it was not yet as she dodged another Imperial craft shooting at her.

"BB, you better hold onto your metal butt", she called out to her robotic companion.

BB-1 was a BB prototype similar to the R2-D2 design with the little robot being circular and having a teal color scheme; she heard the little robot let out a squeak as it rolled to secure itself to something.

Y/N hadn't thought of the Empire being on Dantooine but she thought wrong; she had been sent there by her Jedi Master, Anakin while Ahsoka (her fellow padawan/classmate) was sent to assist in the Clone Wars on the field. This intel was supposed to be useful to the Rebellion against the Clone War and Y/N knew if she was captured, that could only result in terrible things.

"BB", she said as she dodged a meteor in their path. "Connect to the database and upload what we got then delete everything."

BB let out a little beep followed by a whirling noise before getting to the task as she saw the Storm Troopers still on their path.

It was an agonizing five minutes of waiting for BB to upload the data, hearing an excited beep from BB as she had just winced as their craft was hit with another beam from the Storm Trooper craft just as she saw that hyperdrive was possible as the system alerted her of all the damage.

"Alright, BB!" she said, looking over her shoulder. "Now really hold on to your metal butt! It's going to be bumpy!"

BB let out a whirl of noises just as she hit the button for hyperdrive...

Her head was pounding as heard BB's concerned noises before she heard the beeping of the ship and opening her eyes with a gasp and looking around, it all rushing back to her of the system failure during hyperdrive, her trying to navigate as they were descending fast onto an unknown planet.

"Hold on, BB", she said, "let me... let me grab my-"

She grasped at her side where her lightsaber was clipped as she un-clipped herself from her seat, standing up as she winced from the headache; BB came towards her and beeped, Y/N patted its round little head as she went to the door of the ship, hitting the button to open it but saw wouldn't budge.

With a sigh, Y/N went to where her supplies pouch was and making sure she had plenty of water and food before activating her lightstaber, its white energy glowing as she stuck it into the metal of the door, doing her best of welding it open.

And with success she did as she managed to budge the door open to show a endless desert with hot air that hit her in the face; it reminded her of Tatooine with its similar landscape except she would say Tatooine had more rocky structures than this place.

"Where are we, BB?" she voiced as she stepped out.

The sun was hot against beige tunic and she frowned under the force of the heat, looking at BB before putting her hands on her hips.

"I guess let's do some exploring, huh?"

🪐

It was hard walking through all the sand, making sure she didn't stumble as she walked. And it was pretty boring considering there was just sand and oh, more damn sand; she wondered why it looked like the sand glittered at some points as her and BB continued their journey before her eyes widened at the sight of a large machine that reminded her of AT-AT Walkers except this one was larger in width and was... digging into the sand?

Either way, that had to mean that people were around as she began to jog towards there considering that it was so close.

BB rolled easily over the sand as they heard the sound of aircrafts and looking up, she saw two that resembled a bug, a dragonfly really. It hovered in the air as if it was looking over the machine and she squinted as she looked before beginning to feel the ground begin to shake violently to the point that she was knocked over.

Looking around, her first thought was a Nightwatcher worm and she looked at the machine as she begun to run with BB following closely; she held her lightstaber in her hand, her pouch bouncing as she ran with all her might to the machine.

Paul watched as the dust cloud grew as the sandworm quickly approached the Harvester, his father arguing that it was better to save the men on the Harvester than prioritize the Spice.

"Forget the Spice, we need those men", Leto argued and Paul's eyes squinted as he saw two figures running towards the Harvester.

"Look there", Paul pointed, his father leaned and looked.

"It's a girl and a... robot?" he said.

A.I. and anything of that nature had been banned in the Empire since the great war against A.I. so many centuries ago so it was curious as to who this was.

"How many men are on that?" his father asked.

"21", Shadout responded. "23 with the girl and the robot."

"We can only carry 6 on each ship", Paul mentioned.

"We'll make it work", his father confidently said.

🏜️

She was right that machine would draw in people as it was being evacuated as the sandworm was coming closer. BB was squealing as the sandworm was hot on their trail before she panted, "Go, BB! I'll hold it off!"

BB squealed and she said, "Go! I'll be there too!"

Turning around, she panted as she sucked in a breath and held her hand out, focusing her mind on the Force and its power as the creature closer. She felt vindicated as she saw the creature hit a invisible wall, panting and sweating as she held back the creature, the heat exhaustion getting to her as she tried her best to keep the creature back as black began to spot into her vision.

Suddenly, a hand gripped her shoulder and she looked to find two men: one around her age with handsome, pale features and dark curled hair, and an older man with greying hair.

"Come on, follow us", the older man said, she nodded.

With a final push of the Force, she ran behind the men onto one of the ships, stumbling but gleefully cheering once she saw BB there, who twirled in happiness and squealed.

"BB", she said, the robot rolling to her and she hugged it. "I told you I'd make it."

BB let out noises and she laughed.

"You understand that?" a man asked.

"Don't you?" she asked as she stood. "Where am I?"

"You're on Arrakis", a older man with thick dark hair and a facial beard said. "I'm Duke Leto of House Arrakis and this is my son, Paul. Do you mind telling me where you're from?"

"Arrakis? I've never heard of it", she mumbled, "I'm Y/N L/N from Naboo. What star system is this?"

"Canopus", Leto said and Y/N's eyes widened. "Where is this Naboo? I've never heard of such a planet in the Empire?"

Y/N now realized where she was as BB let out a concern noise. They weren't just in an entirely different solar system, they were in an entirely different galaxy...

#reader insert #x reader #chubby reader #dune #dune part ii #dune imagine #dune movie #paul atredies x reader #paul atreides x you #timothee x reader #timothée chalamet #jedi!reader #starwars

[bluegalaxygirl]

Undercover (Bad Batch X Reader) P1

Plot: Reader goes undercover at a prestigious event, her job is mainly to gather intel while the batch keeps watch.

Warning: Bad language, Drinking and Violence

Reader is female (sorry), Established relationship, Poly relationship between reader and each member of the batch. There's some brother moments and banter between the clones but no Clone X Clone stuff.

language list

P2 - P3 - P4 - P5 - P6 - P7

The mission seemed simple enough all you had to do was gather information for the the Jedi order who have suspensions that a neutral senator is actually working for the Separatist, along with a few of his friend. There isn't any solid proof, and they needed to be sneaky about it so, who better than a squad that no one knows enough about to do the job. The prestigious party the senator is hosting at one of his grand halls is the perfect place to get everything you all need, so your now in the fresher getting into a dress that was gifted to you from senator Chuchi. A one-shoulder strap Floor-length black dress with a heart neckline, the fabric is tight around your waist and a red silk sash is resting around your hips, there's a high split on one side but the fabric of the skirt is slight ruffled making it so you can only see your leg coming out of the gap when walking, your shoes are simple red heals not to high and easy to fight or run in if needed. Your job is to listen in on conversations, hopefully get talking to the senator himself and get him to spill at least something, Hunter, Wrecker and Crosshair have already set off to get themselves set up, Cross of course being high up and out-of-the-way enough to where he can see the main hall but also not be seen while the other two act as guards. A knock on the fresher door snaps you out of your thoughts getting you to turn towards it while making sure your hair is swooped over one side letting it rest over the single strap of your dress and covering your ear for an ear piece you'll be wearing later. "Y/n, we're heading out soon, you ready?" Echo's voice calls out from the other side of the door bringing a small smile to your face.

Echo's and Tech's job is to go in through the back and gain access to their system gathering any records and files they can and it seems they have the go ahead from Wrecker who's managed to clear a path for them by the back door. "One second" You call back grabbing your red clutch bag before taking one last look in the mirror, your surprised at how good you look, when the dress was first gifted to you it didn't seem like it would look good on you at all but you were so wrong. Walking to the fresher door you open it and step out almost bumping into Echo who's still waiting outside the door, his eyes look you over going slightly wide from amazement, taking a step back the cyborg gulps having never seen you in anything other than your armor and blacks before. Stunned he stands there almost motionless as his eyes continue to look you over, letting out a small laugh at his reaction you place a hand on his shoulder and call his name managing to snap the poor trooper out of his shock, Echo's eyes meet yours still looking like a deer in speeder lights, but he knows he has to get something out instead of just standing there staring at you "Y-you look n-.. Beautiful" Echo offers you a smile glad he managed to stop himself from saying you looked nice, you look beyond nice so why was that the first word that tried to leave his mouth? Biting your lip lightly you step closer running your hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck while placing a lingering kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Ner Ka'ra" You whisper always happy to see the clone so flustered and that slight pinkness on his pale cheeks, he's so cute, feeling his flesh hand wrap around your waist to hold you closer you let out a hum of contentment letting him hold you close "I mean it Ad'ika, you look … Kandosii'a" Echo whispers in your ear before placing a kiss on your neck.

Kissing his cheek one more time you pull away while taking his hand starting to walk into the cockpit ready to start the mission, with Echo following closely you make your way over to Tech who's waiting by the open door of the marauder his eyes only focused on the data-pad in his hands. So lost in his own world he doesn't notice you or Echo walking over, letting go of your hand Echo clears his throat to get his brother attention which finally make him look up from the data-pad. Tech goes to say something as he looks up only to stop when seeing you, a strange feeling he hasn't felt before rushes through him making his body tense up. "We ready?" You ask after a while of silence, managing to push the strange feeling aside Tech nods relaxing a little and managing focus on the task at hand "Ah, yes, here put this in, and we'll get going" He adjusts his goggles before handing you an ear piece which you happily place in your ear making sure your hair is covering it from sight, Echo stares at his brother flicking his eyes at you then back to Tech secretly telling his brother to say something. Getting the hint Tech quickly offers you his hand and helps you down the steps of the ship, you can walk perfectly fine but your not about to pass up his offer so take his hand and walk down the steps "That dress, it's the one Senator Chuchi gifted you, correct?" The goggles wearing clone asks unsure of exactly what to say as that feeling from before bubbles up again.

Letting out a hum you give him a nod while starting walking with the two down the back streets that lead to the grand hall, your hand still in Tech's while Echo places a hand on your lower back "She made a good choice, the fabric shows off your natural curves, the exposed shoulder makes you look confident and the peek of skin is most differently an attraction. As for the bottom half of the dress-" Tech watches your leg peek out of the slit in the shirt as you walk gulping slightly to try and regain his nerves "It hides a lot but also gives those who are interested a look at your fair skin and toned leg when you walk away… The mix of red and black is quite symbolically, perfect for this mission" Tech finishes stopping at the spot where there supposed to split up and turns to you pulling his hand out of yours forgetting that he hadn't let you go. Echo holds back a laugh at his brothers attempt to compliment you but at the same time felt outdone since all he could muster was a simple compliment. Turning to Tech you run your hand over his cheek while leaning in placing a light kiss on his lips, as much as he struggles with emotions and compliments you know he tries, it may not be a normal compliment and you may not have understood some of it but at the end of it all you could see what he really means. "Thanks Can'gal, thats very sweet" You whisper against his lips earning a smile off the clone who runs a hand over your waist feeling more relaxed as that feeling goes away being replaced by that familiar warmness in his chest that only you can provide.

Pulling away you turn to Echo who has that soft look on his face, wrapping an arm around his neck you pull the cyborg in for a hug placing a kiss on his cheek "Be safe" You tell him before pulling away slightly to peck his lips "We will. Be careful Cyare, if you need help or a break just call out" Nodding you give both of them one last kiss before head off in one direction while the two head off in the other, walking out into the street you follow it down to the large brick building with white marble stairs and people gathered all around. Red velvet rope stops crowds and news reporters from getting any closer, guards and robots are stations all around keeping guard and helping people out of vehicles that pull up to the walk way, taking a breath to calm yourself you hold your head high and walk up to a short line of people who are showing off their golden invites to a service droid who's wearing a black tux. Handing your invite over the droid scans it before gesturing you through onto the red carpet lining the way up and into the building, the sound of people yelling, camera's flashing and screaming soon dies down as you make it past the wide open golden doors and into the building, calming instrumental music fills the halls along with light talking and laughing, a completely different environment to the chaos outside. After making it up yet another set of stairs you make it to the last guard point, people shuffle through the metal detectors as the guards on either side watch, waiting to jump in the moment an alarm goes off, taking a breath you step though knowing it's not going to go off but you know what to do next which is what actually make you nervous.

Deliberately flexing your foot in your shoe loosening the already loose strap, it comes off making you stumble a little and drop your clutch bag. Bending down to pick up your bag your hand is met by a black gloved hand causing a smile to form on your face as you look up to meet eyes with Hunter. He easily slips a knife into your bag before handing it to you without anyone noticing, taking your free hand he guides you to stand up straight letting his eyes look you over in the posses. "Ma'am, please allow me" A smirk appears on the leaders face while kneeling down and taking a hold of your exposed leg, placing your hand on his shoulder for balance you watch as his gloves hands brush against your skin and lift your leg up, so he can place your shoe back on and tighten the strap. "Perfect" Hunter whispers gently placing your food down but keeping it out of the slit in your dress, while standing he lets his hand run up your leg to your knee before letting it go to take your hand off his shoulder, bringing your hand to his lips Hunter kiss over your knuckles making you cruse him in your head at how flustered he's making you. At this moment you want nothing more than for him to kiss you and hold you right now but it would give the mission away so you have to hold back, your'll make a mental note to get him back for this later though. "Have a nice night, Ma'am" Hunter lets go of your hand and bows slightly before walking away still with that smirk on his face, composing yourself for a moment you grip onto your bag while making your way into the main hall seeing it packed with people, the stage right at the back has several aliens playing instruments but there's no singer with is a good thing since there's already a lot of talking and laughing almost drowning out the light and beautiful music.

The hall is exactly how Tech described, white marble pillars line the sides of room holding up baloney's that people use when a play or consort is on, the room is walled in white and red floral wall paper and gold specks, the large stage is made out of a dark wood with strange lights hanging around and heavy red curtains pulled back to the sides. The floor is all red carpet and flat perfect for all the round tables with white cloth and pots of flowers to cover the area, most of the white wooden chairs are unused most guest preferring to stand and mingle, a make shift bar is off to the left with two bar tenders but no one is ordering drinks from it since there are staff walking around with trays of small food and glasses of wine. The area for the staff is just behind the make shift bar but you know it only leads to a prep room and not an actual kitchen which is on the other side of the room behind sealed doors, walking into the room your eyes scan the crowd trying to find your target. "Pretty girl, look at you all dressed up" A snake like voice comes over the com in your ear making you smile, taking a wine glass of a waiter you thank them but are mainly aiming it at Crosshair who is somewhere up above you. "Been holding out on us Ad'ika… He's on your 4, surrounded by blue suits. Go strut your sexy ass over there" You can hear the smirk in his voice making you blush with a wide smile, turning to where he mentioned you notice your target with several business men around him engrossed in conversation and laughter, it's going to be hard to get him away without looking suspicious so for now you'll just have to ease drop. Sipping on your wine you walk around looking over the decor, feeling flowers on the table and looking at art work on the walls portending to ponder in order not look like your listening.

Their conversation is boring at best mainly talking about gossip from their homes but nothing that would indicate that he's working for the separatists. "We're in the control room" Tech's voice comes over the coms along with the sound of clicking and turning which is most likely Echo working his magic. "Good, our pretty girls inside mingling with the locals" Cross chuckles making it hard for you to resit rolling your eyes "Y/n's here? Where? I wanna see" Wrecker's voice comes though making you hold back a laugh at the clear pout he has on. "You can see her later, just keep focused" Echo groans through the same line as the big man which means there all in the same room together, that wasn't part of the plan which makes you worry a bit. "Wrecker.. Stick to the plan" Hunter whispers in slight anger making the big guy groan, walking over to another painting you have to hold back another laugh at Wrecker's pouty voice "But Tech's won't show me the recording, come on, you've all seen her why can't i? … I'm not aloud up front only in the back where she isn't going to be so just show me and then I'll go" A drawn out sigh is heard behind him clearly coming from Tech "Fine, here you go" The goggles wearing close gives in showing the big guy a recording of you in the dress, there's a loud gasp followed by Wrecker's much cheery voice "You look amazing Cyar'ika, like an angel but in black" his heartfelt compliment makes your heart swell almost making you tear up but you manage to control yourself and move to the next painting as to not seem weird just standing in one place for so long.

Echo sighs through the com clearly annoyed by what Wrecker just said "I know what your going for but its not the compliment you think it is… a black angel is mostly seen as the devil or death" Before the big guy can apologise or retract his compliment Tech clears his throat indicating he's about to spill some interesting facts which makes your chest grow warm again "In some cultures yes, but in mythology and other cultures black angels or angels in black represent a more complex or morally ambiguous character and symbolize a sense of power, rebellion, or a departure from conventional norms." After he's finished there's a short silence before Wrecker lets out a confused "huh?" while Crosshair chuckles finding all this quite amusing "I actually like it, i think it suits her. Miss angel in black" Taking a long sip from your glass of wine you hold back your need to answer wanting to tell the snickering sniper to shut up and focus but luckily Hunter does that for you. "Focus, all of you" Hunter whispers through the com again managing to stop the chatter and get everything back to doing their jobs and hopefully Wrecker has headed off to be where he was meant to be. Through the conversation you've been listening in on the senator and his pals who are still just gossiping about their lives at home, clearly not going to get anywhere you walk away finishing off your wine and setting the empty glass down on a table full of empty glasses tapping it before walking away. "Nothing… really?" Cross asks after seeing you tap the empty glass letting him know what you found, with all their talking he's surprised you got nothing at all.

Heading over to the bar area you have a look around for any of the lesser targets but none of them are in sight, its strange since there should be at least one or two. Its still early so hopefully they will show up but if their not here then where are they? Leaning on the bar you get a surprised look from the man behind it since no one has ordered a drink and the bar is mostly here just to block the unsightly view of the back room from guests "Can i get a blue moon please" You ask with a sweet smile making the man nod and start to make you a drink, you feel sorry for the two men behind the bar both just having to sand here all night and do nothing, your sure some people would love it but you could never. When the small blue drink is placed down you gladly take it thanking the young man before taking a sip, a thought crosses your mind as you do, these bar tenders have been here the whole time just listening so maybe you can sweet talk your way into some kind of useful information "Slow night?" You ask with a small laugh asking the two of them trying to lighten their mood, both seem board and hopefully that will make them willing to talk "Yes ma'am" They both answer in unison as if they were addressing a superior officer, it makes you laugh being reminded of Reg's on their first day "We'll since no one is taking advantage of the free bar, i was hoping i could ask you about this place, its history and architecture i was going to ask the owner but…" Looking over at your target you watch him laugh with the other men, another round of wine in their hands "I don't want to interrupt his much-needed down time"

Turning back to the two men they both eye you with suspicion while glancing at each other having a silent conversation, holding out your hand for them to shake you bring them back to you hoping to stop their worrying "Sorry i should introduce myself, I'm F/N F/LN I'm a Anthropologist at Yavin Prime, i hear this place has a rich history so i hope i can write about it" You smile seeming to ease their worries, it doesn't take long for them to talk about its history, who owned it before your target and what it was used for, the information wasn't fully useful until they got to its more resent events, the basement area has recently been commended due to structure issues, the only problem is there's no basement on any floor plans. Portending to think for a second you tap your half empty glass in short bursts almost like mores code so Crosshair knows your on to something "That's very unusual, basements are very rare for a building of this size that was built centenaries ago, no wonder it must be falling apart" You tap your chin hoping to draw out more information while not asking directly and giving yourself away "Oh no it was built a few years ago, There was some kind of sink-hole bellow the building, it seems they decided to put a basement down there instead of covering it up" One of the bartenders says only to get nudged by the other one who leans on the bar to be a bit closer to you.

A part of you wants to pull away mainly because of the slight growl in your ear from Crosshair but you know this is something you have to hear so leaning closer you let the man whisper to you after making sure no one is looking your way "I heard they put it down there since the more square foot you have on a building the more you can sell it for. On a building like this you can't add on without a reason… Between you and me i think the sink-hole was made up so the owner can sell this place for more money and pay back his debt" The man whispers to you making your eyebrow rise, the other bartender is quick to grab his mates shoulder and pull him away from you giving him a hard glare "Dude, the hell" They whisper to each other starting to bicker and fight about what you had just heard, your target has no records of being in debt, that only means he's dealing under the table so to speak. "The schismatics show no basement levels or any work or money transfers related to it" Tech's voice comes over your com, the sound of clicking is still heard in the background indicating there still in that room trying to get the data they need "There is a report of a sink-hole but its actually two buildings away" Echo states with a curious hum "Wrecker and i will check it out, the rest of you stick to your jobs and keep an eye out" Hunter orders his voice no longer a whisper meaning he's already away from his station "Y/n, see if you can talk to our target, get his attention somehow"

#the bad batch #bad batch x reader #bad batch #polly relationship #tech x reader #echo x reader #wrecker x reader #crosshair x reader #hunter x reader #clone force 99 #the bad batch x reader #Bad batch x reader poly

[dindjarindiaries]

Senator's Shadow - Chapter 2

summary: You make your arrival on Eirus, and what you’re met with makes you even more glad you’ve brought Clone Force 99 with you—even with your conflicted feelings about the squad’s leader.

pairing: hunter (the bad batch) x fem!reader

rating: mature (18+)

tags: bodyguard romance, forbidden love, fluff & angst, emotional & physical hurt/comfort, canon-typical violence, injuries & blood, trauma, eventual/mild smut

word count: 5.094k

chapter 1 ⟸ series masterlist ⟹ chapter 3

chapter 2 ⟹

There was a gentle knock on the door to your cabin before you heard the voice of your captain. “We’re about to drop out of hyperspace, Senator.”

You raised your voice enough to be heard. “Thank you Captain.” With an exhale, you set aside your datapad and tried to still your racing heart. It was no surprise that you had lost track of time; you were meant to be getting more rest, but all you could do was dive even deeper into your research on Clone Force 99.

Especially their leader, who had quickly gained your interest and your eye upon meeting.

There hadn’t been much on Sergeant Hunter in the battle briefings and write-ups you had gained access to, aside from successfully leading his squad in mission after mission. Their genetic mutations all made sense simply by their names, and the ARC trooper Echo at least had a background from his time with the 501st and the details of the mission on Skako Minor. Hunter’s seemed fairly straightforward, and there was at least the information that he was a master tracker of sorts. How exactly it worked, however, eluded you.

Much about him was already eluding you, mostly the way he seemed to reciprocate whatever nonsense feeling had caused your propriety to slip. You’d spent endless rotations learning how to fit in with the Senate, and all it took was once glance to forget it all. It seemed very much like the same had happened to him—at least, based on how all the other clones acted.

“Senator?” The same voice nearly made you jump as it broke through your reverie on the other side of the door. “We’ve arrived, and Clone Force 99 is trying to reach you.”

You blinked a few times and nodded to yourself, hurrying to brush out the wrinkles in your senatorial clothes as you headed for the door. The last thing you checked was the hidden holster on your thigh before you opened the door from the inside. The captain fell into place as you nodded at him. “My apologies for the delay. Thank you for making me aware.” The captain bowed his head, bringing up the rear as you headed to the cockpit.

Stepping inside and seeing the view of your homeworld through the viewport made your chest tighten, even as a wave of strong relief washed over you. You didn’t have to step foot on the planet to know that it was feeling less and less like the home you had worked to hard to save. With the information and intel you had gotten on the inner workings of the Separatists’ scheming, it wouldn’t be much longer until the free planet was yet again trapped by another unjust regime.

“Senator,” one of the pilots began, nodding towards the blinking light that indicated the comms, “Clone Force 99.”

You nodded, unable to fight the smile that tugged at your lips. “Patch them through.”

The pilot obeyed, and soon, a familiar voice was speaking loudly over the connection. “Is it actually the senator this time?” Wrecker boomed.

The pilots cringed, but you couldn’t help chuckling as you responded. “Yes, I’m here.”

“Good.” You fought the urge to smile wider when you recognized Hunter, but the effort was in vain. The sound of his voice alone was a vast comfort to your tightened chest. “We thought you’d want to hear this.”

“You thought correctly. Please continue, Sergeant.”

“There is no hostile welcome awaiting us onworld,” Tech spoke on behalf of the sergeant and his squad. “There are, however, some strange patterns in the way they are greeting vessels other than your own.”

You furrowed your brow at that. “Strange how?”

“It is an attack pattern we recognize from our own dogfights against the Separatists,” Tech continued. Your heart began to weigh heavier inside your chest. “Strangely, however, there were no ill intentions, as we were simply escorted more closely to the surface. I am not sure who is in charge of such protection on Eirus, but they have clearly—.”

“Thanks, Tech.” Hunter stopped him before he could continue. A wave of gratitude washed over you. While Tech’s thoughts would no doubt be important, it was already beginning to send you into a spiral about the current state of your homeworld. “We’ll get more answers for you later, Senator. For now, we’re awaiting you onworld.”

You nodded to yourself. “Thank you, Sergeant. We’re on our way.”

As soon as the comm connection was broken, you exhaled a light breath. Thankfully, you had long since mastered the art of keeping an emotional mask on at all times, something that came along with your role as a senator. The worry you felt for your world was strong, but somehow, knowing you had a group as effective as Clone Force 99 made you feel much better.

Once they got all the details, they would understand. It was very much the reason why you had chosen them in the first place.

Your ship was soon landing, and the captain and guards fell into place before the hatch opened. The ornate stairs led your way down to the surface, with you being the last to take them. You were ready to descend them with as much familiarity and confidence as you were used to, but this time, there was a hand waiting there to help guide you, the same one that had taken your hand on Coruscant.

You smiled in gratitude at Hunter as you accepted his hand and made your way down the steps. He remained helmeted, as did his squad, as he nodded. He only let go once your feet were secure on the surface. The helmets still did nothing to hide Clone Force 99’s reaction to their leader’s actions, especially with Crosshair accidentally grunting at Wrecker’s elbow jutting into his ribcage.

“Welcome home, Senator,” Hunter greeted you. He gestured with his helmet to the open hangar. “We’ve already cleared the area. The greeting party wasn’t too happy with us, but it wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened.”

You chuckled at that and nodded. “I appreciate your squad’s thoroughness, Sergeant.”

Hunter returned your nod. “We’ll lead the way in.”

“Thank you.” You beamed as Hunter turned around to direct his squad ahead. Crosshair and Tech shared a glance while Wrecker directly followed the sergeant’s order. Echo paused for a moment to give you a small bow before he moved into position, which you returned with a smile of gratitude.

They were no doubt an effective clone squadron, but it was glaringly clear they were also a family. That only made you feel even more certain about your decision to bring them with you.

You swallowed back your dread and advised your captain and your guard to let you remain in front, placing you directly between them and Clone Force 99. The hangar reserved for you wasn’t large, especially compared to Coruscant’s, which meant that you were soon inside the planetary capitol.

You had to hold back your sigh at the sight of the diplomats awaiting you. While you had been specifically chosen by your people to represent Eirus in the Senate, the rest of the planet’s government was repurposed from that which came before it, and they had all been less than helpful in swaying your people from the Separatist cause. At the head of them all was the Prime Minister, a Rodian who was clearly less than happy to be greeted with the sight of Hunter and his squad.

“You clones again?” the Prime Minister scoffed. “I already told you that this is a private space.”

“Prime Minister,” you spoke up loud enough for the Rodian to hear. “That’s no way to speak to my chosen protection.” Clone Force 99 parted themselves to let you be seen, and you stopped to face the Prime Minister with an eyebrow raised. “I was hoping for a warmer welcome.”

“Ah, Senator!” The Rodian clapped his hands together. “My apologies, my apologies. I simply wasn’t expecting you to have… well, hired protection.”

“Just because I have a history of fighting doesn’t mean I should travel without protection, Prime Minister.” You had to hide your smirk when you heard Wrecker chuckle to himself proudly at your words. “Regardless, these brave men are much more than just ‘clones.’ They are soldiers of the Republic who make up the elite Clone Force 99.” You gestured to the two rows of black-and-red armored men on either side of you. “They deserve to be respected as such.”

You caught the visor of Hunter’s helmet for a moment and noticed the way he had tilted it at your words, as if he were attempting to express his gratitude—or admiration. A small smile stretched on the corners of your lips before you focused back on the Prime Minister. “Once again, Senator, my apologies.” The Rodian bowed his head. “Truly, I am quite glad and relieved to see you.”

“I wish I could say the same.” Your tone failed to hide your bitterness, even amidst your necessary diplomacy. “But this venture isn’t being made under ideal circumstances. I was hoping to avoid this.”

The Rodian looked less than impressed. “To avoid serving your purpose, Senator?”

There was no missing the slow movement of Hunter’s helmet at your side as he threw the Prime Minister a threatening glance. The sensation of comfort from before returned, despite the knowledge that you could handle yourself against this diplomat. “To avoid dealing with your government’s inability to follow through with my declarations from the Core, Prime Minister.”

It was Echo who snickered at that. You had to fight a smile as you heard it, especially with the way the Rodian’s face had twisted. “I fail to see how these horrifying riots are the result of what my government is doing.”

“Actually,” Tech began, much to the horror of Hunter—whose helmet whipped around to face his fellow brother, “research suggests that the weaker a government is, the more likely it is for such riots to take place. It would appear, Prime Minister, that it very well could be a weakness in your government that is either causing or allowing these riots to take place.”

“Tech,” Hunter hissed.

“It’s all right, Sergeant.” You waved a hand in his direction, though your gaze remained on the Prime Minister’s shocked face. “Tech is right. He’s simply said such it much more eloquently than I would have.”

“‘Eloquently!’” Wrecker repeated with amusement, giving Tech’s shoulder a nudge. “There’s a new one for you!”

Crosshair sighed at him. “He’s already gotten that one before, Wrecker.”

The Rodian scoffed in disbelief. “This is your ‘chosen protection,’ Senator?”

“It is.” You raised your chin at him. “And seeing as they will be looking after all of us during this venture, I suggest you begin to respect them, just as I told you before.” The Prime Minister was rendered speechless, allowing you to continue. “Now, I hope you’ve at least followed my desired accommodations?”

The Prime Minister snapped back into his role as host, as if the previous tense encounter hadn’t occurred at all. “Yes, yes, of course, Senator.” He took a small step back and gestured with his hand to the way ahead. “You can follow me this way.”

You nodded, stepping forward to follow him. On the way, you offered Hunter an apologetic glance, but he shook his helmet to reassure you that it wasn’t your doing. The warmth of comfort stuck to your chest as you returned your attention to the Prime Minister and followed him through the corridors of the planetary capitol.

While you remained attentive to whatever the Prime Minister was telling you, particularly regarding the most recent incidents, you also focused on your surroundings. You weren’t totally familiar with the layout of the capitol, seeing as most of your time spent on Eirus was in your own town prior to your appointment as senator, and having a familiarity with it was important to you. It would soon become a necessity.

“And here we are,” the Prime Minister announced as you came upon a dead end, where a set of double doors awaited. “Your room, and one for each member of your…” he hesitated, looking over Clone Force 99, “chosen protection.”

You nodded, satisfied for once at the words he said. “Thank you, Prime Minister. I appreciate you fulfilling this request.” You gestured with your eyes towards the double doors of your room. “I’m going to take some privacy for the rest of the evening so I may rest for tomorrow’s banquet.”

The Prime Minister bowed his head. “A sensible decision, Senator.” He began to back away. “I’ll make my leave for the evening.”

You returned the bow, waiting until he and his group had turned around to face your own guards and Clone Force 99. Your attention was fixed on the captain as you nodded to direct him. “You and your guard may rest for the night, Captain. Clone Force 99 will take things from here.”

The captain hesitated before ultimately giving in with a nod of his own. “Yes, Senator.” He led the way for his men, directing each one to the rooms further down the corridor.

A relieved exhale fell from your lips as you finally faced Clone Force 99. Hunter spoke up before you could. “You didn’t have to give us our own rooms.” His words were coated in gratitude, despite his insistence. “The boys and I are used to sharing.”

“Please, Sergeant,” you assured him. “It’s the least I could do to thank you for agreeing to this mission.”

“Mission?” Echo’s repetition of the word failed to hide his curiosity and his confusion. “You’re making this sound like it’s more than a protection job, Senator.”

“Echo,” Hunter began, barely holding back his sigh as he attempted to rein in his squad yet again. “I’m sure the senator’s just using the term loosely.”

“Actually, Sergeant, he’s right.” You cleared your throat, taking a quick glance around before lowering your voice. “We have a lot to discuss.”

The members of Clone Force 99 began to face one another, with Wrecker being the only one to speak on it. “Oh, yeah! I knew I would like her!”

You smiled at that and waved a hand towards your two doors. “If you follow me, I’ll brief you on everything.”

As you turned and led the clone squadron into your suite, the warmth of Hunter’s gaze through his helmet lit a blazing fire on the skin of your back. The turning of the gears within his mind was practically audible now that you had started to reveal your true intentions to them. Hopefully, he and his squad would remain on board once the details came to light.

Once the doors of the suite were secured closed, you gathered the soldiers around a holotable, reaching through the slit in your dress to take the datarod from your holster. You plugged it in, and instantly, a layout of Eirus’ main city illuminated in blue light, with red dots scattered throughout it. You exhaled in satisfaction that the map you had been making still worked as well here as it did on Coruscant.

Tech’s eyes brightened behind his goggles. “Fascinating.”

“Your approval means a lot, Tech,” you said with a warm smile. The entire squad seemed shocked by your drop in propriety as they shared looks with one another, but you kept going anyway. “I’ve been working on this for a while. It’s a layout of our capital city, where we are.” You pointed at the planetary capitol within which you stood. “The red signifies the places that the Separatists have been attacking.”

“Attacks?” Echo repeated. His namesake was beginning to make more sense. “You believe these are coordinated attacks instead of riots?”

“I know they are.” You twisted your lips and toggled the switches on the holotable, trading the image of the city with the man whose face alone made you scowl. “This is Lii Alvani, who was once our Prime Minister until our forces overthrew him. He was exiled, but the intel I’ve been receiving proves he’s struck a deal with the Separatists.”

“What kind of deal?” Hunter’s voice was low as he spoke up next. Your heart stalled for a moment in fear that he might withdraw his support from the mission, but the way he almost immediately softened his posture calmed you for the time being.

“If they fund his forces and provide him with backup if necessary to help him get the planet back, he’ll give the entire other side of our world over to them for droid production.” Your brow was creased in distress as you said the words aloud. Bringing this up to people who weren’t the ones you had once fought alongside was difficult, but the interest they showed was promising.

“Well, what’s the point of these attacks?” Wrecker pointed out next. “Wouldn’t the Separatists just launch a siege and call it a day?”

“That is not the point,” Tech chimed in. He was tapping on a datapad as if he was working out various probabilities, and you fought the urge to smile at the relief that washed over you at the sight of it. This was exactly what you needed; they were exactly what you needed. “Alvani does not desire to bring attention to the fact that the Separatists may soon be taking over the planet. Given the unrest that led to the senator’s appointment, Alvani is manipulating those who were not fully swayed to a side by laying the groundwork for the illusion that the Separatists can come in and offer a peaceful resolution at long last.”

“And the riots?” Crosshair questioned.

“Bait.” The room quieted as you spoke the word, and every helmet turned to you. “They’ve been wanting to lure me here because they know I’m the last strong link this planet has to the Republic.” You nodded at them dutifully. “I’m anticipating an assassination attempt.”

“Assassination?” Hunter was quick to lift his helmet from his head and tuck it under his arm as he repeated the word breathlessly. His brown eyes were the most expressive you had ever seen as they sent a strong amount of concern your way, his brow furrowed at the line between his tattoo and his warm skin.

“It wouldn’t be the first one I’ve had to avoid, Sergeant,” you reassured him, despite the odd sweetness his worry for you brought to your chest. “There were plenty before I was appointed as senator.”

“This sounds like a hell of a lot more than a protection job,” Echo muttered, though he didn’t seem upset about it.

“I’m deeply sorry I had to deceive you all at first.” Your words were sincere as you looked around the group. It was easy to catch Hunter’s eye without his helmet, which was focused on you with a new light of concern—and even a hint of understanding. The feeling of comfort swept through you once again as you went on. “There’s just an urgent need to keep this under wraps. I don’t know how far this scheme goes, and I need to give the illusion that I’m unaware of what’s really going on.”

Hunter’s brow raised before he asked his question. “Does your personal guard know about this?”

You shook your head. Hunter’s shoulders rose and fell in a deep exhale as the other members of the squad exchanged glances.

“Excuse my bluntness, Senator, but what exactly do you plan on doing about this?” Echo lifted his helmet to reveal his own concern and curiosity. “There are only five of us, and this looks like it could become a large-scale assault if we’re not careful.”

“I’m glad you asked, Echo.” The corners of your lips turned up as you prepared to reveal your full plan. “I’m aiming for two things. The first thing I need is time. There’s still a small chance to strike a deal that’ll satisfy the people the Separatists haven’t gotten a hold of.”

“And the second?” Wrecker asked, clearly hopeful for some action.

You couldn’t help smiling at him as you nodded. “Resistance. If we can counter some of these attacks and keep a low profile about it, then we can prove to the Separatists that Eirus isn’t worth the trouble.”

“‘We?’” Hunter gave you a pointed look. “Are you joining us on the front lines?”

You looked around the group with a more mischievous smile. “Of course I am.”

Wrecker laughed before pumping his fist. “Oh yeah!” Even Echo and Crosshair shared an impressed look with one other through their visors. You, however, could only focus on Hunter, who had started to raise the corners of his mouth in what could only be described as a proud smile.

But the light of concern still lingered in his dark gaze, one that was so sincere you found yourself appreciative of it. One of the hardest parts of becoming a senator had been others seeing you as helpless or defenseless, but this kind of concern was different. It was rooted in something else entirely, though you weren’t quite sure yet what that was.

“Again, I’m very sorry that you all had to be kept in the dark about the true nature of this mission,” you apologized, the guilt sweeping through you in a sudden and daunting wave. “I had no way of requesting your squad with the truth, and I hoped you would understand, even at this late stage.”

“We do.” Hunter’s response came without hesitation. His expression was fixed in steady severity as his gaze pierced your own. “Going off the books is what we do best.”

“That’s right, Sarge.” Wrecker crossed his arms and nodded at you. “Just give us our orders, Senator, and we’ll be there.”

Crosshair took his rifle from his back and assessed it as he shot Hunter a look. “I guess I’ll get to shoot something, after all.”

“Only if such actions are a necessity,” Tech countered, waving a careful finger in Crosshair’s direction. “In a situation as delicate as this, the wiser choice may be to keep our fingers off our triggers.”

You beamed at the excitement they were beginning to show. “Regardless, you were all chosen for a reason.” You took the datarod from the table and secured it back on your holster. “I’ve studied your missions, and it’s only further proven that each of your individual skills will be invaluable to my planet’s freedom.” Some of the weight began to fall from your shoulders as you nodded at them with deep gratitude. “I can’t fully express how much it means to me that you’ve agreed to help.”

“There’s no need to thank us,” Hunter assured you with a dutiful nod of his own.

“Hunter’s right,” Echo agreed, setting his hand on his hip. “We’re soldiers of the Republic, after all. It’s our duty to protect every single planet within it.”

“Still. This is a very unorthodox and even dangerous request, and it means everything to me that you’re willing to take it on.” You offered them one last smile before dismissing them. “All of you should get some rest for the night. Tomorrow will be a welcome banquet, and I’m expecting there to be some infiltrators. We’ll go over the plans then.”

The squad all acknowledged your words with their own nods before they turned to leave the suite. As Hunter went to follow them, you took a step towards him and lowered your voice.

“Sergeant,” you called for him, instantly earning his devout attention. “If I could speak to you privately for a moment?”

He nodded, turning his head to acknowledge a member of his squad. It was Echo who caught his eye, and no words had to be spoken as Hunter waved his hand to give his silent order. Echo looked between the two of you before tilting his helmet and leading the squad out of the suite.

You exhaled a deep breath once they had gone, focusing on Hunter and allowing his curious yet concerned gaze to relax you. “I appreciate your squad’s willingness to follow through with this mission, Sergeant.” You forced yourself not to break your gaze even as your inner strength began to falter. “But I also understand that, as a leader, you may see this as too much of a risk for your men.” You bowed your head. “I understand wholeheartedly if you want to withdraw from the mission.”

“I appreciate that, Senator, but you don’t have to worry.” You found Hunter’s gaze again as he took a small step closer to you. He lifted his chin in a resolve of his own. “We’re very welcoming to danger.”

You softly laughed at that, shaking your head as you raised your brow. “I really should’ve expected that from you all.”

The corner of Hunter’s mouth lifted in amusement. “Seems like you’ve done your research.”

You huffed and crossed your arms. “I’m not the only one who did.” You gestured with your head to the doors behind him. “Seeing as your squad had no reaction to my freedom fighting past.”

Hunter shrugged, the amusement still remaining on his expression. “We like to come prepared, even if we also like surprises.” He took a quick glance over his armored shoulder. “Research is Tech’s whole thing, anyway.”

You chuckled. “Yeah, that makes sense.” After a short pause, you released a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, your gaze falling to your feet as you attempted to put your thoughts into words.

You caught the movement of Hunter’s boots as they stepped even closer to you. “Senator?” You glanced back up and met his eyes, which had once again darkened in concern for you.

You offered him a small smile of whatever reassurance you could manage. “There’s another reason why I chose your squad, Sergeant.” Your grip on your upper arms tightened as you dared to go on. “I figured that out of any other clone squadron, yours would be the most willing to go against direct orders if necessary.”

Hunter raised an eyebrow at that. “What orders would we be disobeying?”

You held his gaze with newfound severity. “This is supposed to be a strictly diplomatic and peaceful conflict resolution.” You shook your head, at a loss. “But Eirus is well beyond that point.” You gave him a quick once-over. “Your agreement alone to help me fight will be disobeying a direct order from the Senate.”

You searched every inch of Hunter’s face for a single change, but his expression remained the same. After a few moments, he shrugged again, even offering a small smile as he responded. “That shouldn’t be a problem.”

You blinked a few times in pure disbelief. “Are you sure?” Hunter nodded, remaining resolute. You exhaled a breath of relief and let a smile overtake your lips. “Thank you, Sergeant. I’m sure you understand that, as a leader, it’s hard to navigate the safety of your people with what you know is right.” Your hands slid down to your legs and your gaze followed them. “It’s a very isolating feeling.”

“I do understand.” When you felt the gloved hand upon your shoulder, it brought your eyes back up to his, which had exchanged all concern for the comfort that had gone from a vague rush of warmth in your chest to an overwhelming ache. “But you’re not alone, Senator. Not anymore.” Hunter nodded in further reassurance. “Just let me know what you need, and you’ll have it. Like Echo said, we serve the Republic, and that Republic includes you.”

There was no fighting the grin that his words brought to your lips as you returned his nod. “Thank you, Sergeant. That means more than I can say.”

Hunter returned your smile before lowering his hand. “I know.”

You held each other’s gazes for a long moment. It was becoming more and more clear that you understood one another in even more ways, and that this was only scratching the surface of it. The research you had done on one another was no doubt a factor, but it went beyond that, deep down to something neither one of you had the courage to air with only a few hours’ familiarity.

Eventually, Hunter broke your gaze to glance towards the double doors. “We’ll take shifts keeping watch outside your doors at night. I’ll assign them as soon as we’re done here.”

You shook your head at him. “I appreciate that, but it shouldn’t be necessary.”

Hunter’s jaw tightened. “With assassination attempts breathing down your neck? I beg to differ, Senator.” He tilted his head at you. “Don’t worry, the boys and I are used to keeping watch. We do it as a precautionary measure whenever we’re traveling through hyperspace.”

You let out a steady exhale and nodded. “In that case, thank you, Sergeant.”

Hunter bowed his head. “No need.” He prepared to set his helmet over his head. “I’ll get to it, then.”

“Yes, before your squad begins to get the wrong idea.” Your expression is written purely in amusement as you watch Hunter’s stunned face flush for a moment. He’s quick in securing the helmet over his head after that.

“You’ll find they tend to get the wrong idea about things pretty often.” Hunter chuckled before he turned to make his way towards the double doors. You watched him exit, only gaining the faith to speak once more when he was about to open them.

“Goodnight, Sergeant.”

Hunter paused, glancing over his shoulder as his helmet nodded at you. “Sweet dreams, Senator.” With that, he stepped through the doors, leaving you in your lonesome as they closed. You took a deep breath and turned towards your bedroom, smiling to yourself despite the darkness that still loomed outside the capitol’s walls.

There was still much left to do to save your planet, but Hunter’s words were already reassuring. For the first time since this crisis began, you no longer felt alone, especially with the sergeant’s promise to do whatever it takes for you and your people.

chapter 1 ⟸ series masterlist ⟹ chapter 3

hunter tag list: @zenrobbins0021 @cw80831 @yunggoblin @maddiedrmr 

senator's shadow tag list: @violetlilly2020

#the next two we're amping things up so be READYYYY #tbb hunter #hunter tbb #sergeant hunter #tbb hunter x reader #hunter tbb x reader #the bad batch fanfiction #senator's shadow #dindjarindiaries

[hubblebubblehub]

I understand why people are upset that Ventress didn't really 'add anything' but to be honest I really liked how vague they kept it.

It's realistic. Ventress wouldn't know anything about m count experiments, and if she did her Intel would have been based on the clone war - I don't think she would've known anything about Project Necromancer considering there's a lot of security and it also seems to be a newer project.

I think Ventress answered the Jedi question for us very clearly - Omega isn't a Jedi. She could have the potential (I guess like Sabine - someone with low aptitude but can be pushed into Jedi status with the right training?) but that's not why the Empire is after her midichlorian wise.

I am really looking forward to seeing how they explain her blood, I think they're really tapping into Kaminoan/Clone centered experiments and lore which is so REFRESHING

I honestly feel like in the Clone Wars series and the Bad Batch too we are always getting CRUMBS on what life was like on Kamino, the extent of the experimentations and lack of commentary on just how BIZARRE the clone army really is. There were millions of them commissioned on some Jedi 'Vision' and they barely lasted a generation (10 years to make, 3 they served in the war(?))

We are only really seeing the aftermath experimentations with the new dark trooper clones (idk the name sorry) but I am so looking forward to more clone lore (especially about female clones like emerie and Omega!!)

#the bad batch #star wars #sw meta #tbb meta #tbb

[questforgalas]

Thank you for coming back

Notes: So once again, @zaana's incredible art lived rent free in my head until I put it down on paper. So here's a delightful AU where Crosshair doesn't get sent to Tantiss because guess who gets to him first? Chose to do a rescue from Barton IV because Cross is in his imperial armor in the art, and I thought "Hey, let's maybe give him a break and not make him go through torture before he's rescued?" Neat idea, right? Let's tell Jen and Brad

WC: 3K (lol this was going to be a drabble)

Characters: The Bad Batch (all of them!)

Tags: Wrecker POV (he deserves all the Crosshair reunion energy), angst at the end (Crosshair is going through it ok), hurt/comfort, giant family group hug, Crosshair and Wrecker cry, Hunter is emotional, canon typical violence, implied mistreatment by the Empire (did I mention Crosshair is going through it?), family reunion, all the family fluff I could fit into 3k words

Tay's Masterlist

Read on AO3

The sound of blaster fire was becoming permanent in Wrecker’s ears. Hunkered down behind a duracrete barrier, he kept his DC-17 trained on the Imps attempting to advance on his position, blaster bolts streaming past his head. 

“Seriously, who trained these guys to shoot,” he thought to himself, needing to only dodge a few bolts from the barrage while his targets fell with each pull of his trigger. 

The landing platform at the depot on Barton IV was looking more like a true battlefield and less like a remote outpost with every passing minute. Two T-4 shuttles lay in smoking ruins - the first thanks to Hunter’s skill on the Marauder’s rear gun and the second thanks to an excellent detonator throw by Wrecker - and stormtrooper bodies lay scattered across the duracrete ground. So far, Wrecker and Hunter were executing their part of the plan perfectly, but when it came to creating distractions, there wasn’t much guess work as to Wrecker’s success rate. 

The Batch’s intel told them that the depot, located on a desolate, frozen planet that rivaled Hoth’s  icy temperatures, normally operated as a blip on the Empire’s priority list. In fact, blip might have been giving it too much credit. The small clone trooper squad that was assigned to protection detail put in requests for equipment, supplies, and reinforcements throughout their year of service, and every request fell on deaf imperial ears. Gathered from the information Tech found during his hacking, Commander Mayday of the squad put in a request for reinforcements 40 rotations ago, citing that only five members of his squad remained alive at the time the request went in, but Tech couldn’t find any log of a response anywhere in the records. Complete silence from the Empire. 

Until 4 rotations ago. The call went out for a platoon of stormtroopers to ready for deployment to Barton IV with orders to transport cargo of high importance to the Empire from the depot to the military base on Coruscant. Prior to the platoon’s arrival, a small squad of clone troopers was sent to scout and ready the depot for the cargo transfer. The squad consisted of two standard troopers and one specialized. One prickly, stubborn, unyielding specialized trooper who Wrecker couldn’t wait to see again. 

When Tech caught chatter that a clone trooper shot a commanding imperial officer in broad daylight in front of an imperial depot, he initially intended to send the intel directly to Captain Rex, informing him of another defecting clone who would be in need of assistance, but after he scanned the information log, he didn’t register his datapad falling from his hands, thudding on the floor, only able to to focus on activating the comm on his vambrace, urging Hunter to get to the Marauder as quickly as possible. Because there in front of him, written across the Marauder’s main computer, was CT-9904: Defector. Charged with the murder of Lieutenant Nolan. In custody on Barton IV. Scheduled for armed transfer in two rotations. 

The discussion was short - Hunter the only one remaining cautious until Tech confirmed the lack of security at the depot, even with the stormtrooper platoon coming in - and the Batch set their course to Barton IV less than two hours after the message was intercepted. The plan was easy, one the Batch could nearly execute in their sleep, even with their newer blonde addition. Create a distraction to draw the majority of security out into the open which Hunter and Wrecker would engage while Omega provided cover from the Marauder. Meanwhile, Tech and Echo skirt along the edge of the chaos, slip into the depot undetected, locate Crosshair’s location, and extract him while neutralizing any remaining threats if necessary. 

Plans 5, 4, and 21. The Batch specialty. 

“Wrecker, incoming! Northwest!” Hunter’s smokey voice called over the commotion. 

The far gate of the depot opened, ten stormtroopers running out to join the fight. “Yeah, I see ‘em, Sarge,” Wrecker confirmed. “They look excited to see us.” 

Hunter took cover behind his barrier, and turned his head in Wrecker’s direction.

“How about you give our hosts a warm greeting?” Hunter suggested, cocking his head to the side. Wrecker could feel the smug smirk under that helmet.

“Gladly,” Wrecker responded gleefully. 

Reaching into the pack on his back, he grabbed two thermal detonators, clicked them live, and chucked. They arced into the air, curving in opposite directions, landing right in the middle of the oncoming troopers, and Wrecker watched as all ten stormtroopers disappeared into a beautiful burst of orange, red, and black. 

“Direct hit,” Wrecker yelled, pumping his DC-17 in triumph. 

Across the way, Hunter gave a quick thumbs up and popped his head above his barrier. Wrecker did the same, confirming that the landing platform was clear of imps for the moment, but they knew more troopers would arrive soon. They’d only taken out about 30 of them so far. 

“Agh, where are they,” Hunter wondered, helmet trained on the door they expected to see their brothers emerge from. 

“Give ‘em a few more minutes, Sarge. I doubt the Empire just left Crosshair in a set of binders on a crate.” 

“They’re dumb enough to,” Hunter said. A soft chuckle came through his modulator, “Wonder how long he’d humor them until he took them all out with his hands still bound.” 

“Knowing Crosshair? They wouldn’t even get the binders on him,” Wrecker laughed. 

Hunter went quiet, helmet still pointed at the door. Then his shoulders fell like he was bowing to a weight Wrecker couldn’t see. “We’ll have to be patient. He’s…” Hunter paused. “He’s probably not the Crosshair we remember. There are going to be some … invisible wounds.” 

Wrecker released his own shuttered breath. He looked down at the ground for a moment, and then looked back up to find Hunter looking back at him. “Doesn’t matter how long it takes. We’ll help patch those up too.” 

Hunter remained still for a breath and then nodded. 

The silence was interrupted by a chime on Hunter’s comm. “What’ve you got, Omega?” he asked as he activated the connection. 

“I’m picking up multiple heat signatures heading our way. Looks like our little break is over,” Omega’s voice chirped over the comm. 

“Copy that,” Hunter responded.

Wrecker brought his own comm up to his mouth. “What’s your count, kid?” he asked playfully. 

“I’m at 4,” Omega answered, a smug tone floating through. 

“Only 4? You’re falling behind. I’m at 18,” Wrecker said. 

“I don’t think the thermal detonators should count,” Hunter interjected. 

“What?! Did you see how perfectly those landed? Probably my best yet! Not even Tech could pull that off.” 

“It’s hardly fair when I’m all the way back here on the Marauder!” Omega argued. 

“Excuses excuses, kid,” Wrecker teased. Their debate came to a quick halt when the remaining hangar doors of the depot opened, revealing the last wave of the platoon. “Alright, break time’s over. Shoot good, kid.” 

The platform became engulfed in battle once again. Blaster bolts peppered the air. Thermal detonators flew. Line after line of stormtroopers tried to take the advantage on the two ground soldiers and their coverage, but Hunter, Wrecker, and Omega held them back with ease. Wrecker heard General Skywalker speaking to Hunter about something called meditation once - a staple Jedi practice of centering one’s mind and connecting with the force through quiet sitting - and while Wrecker wasn’t sure this would meet the Jedi standard, he imagined this was the closest to meditation he would ever come. Surrounded by the sounds of battle. Adrenaline pumping in his veins. He’d hit a point of focus that drowned everything else out, his mission the only thought in his mind. And he was dam good at it, too. 

His DC-17 sang, and he let out a jovial laugh as he took down another line of troopers. As he focused on the enemies in front of him, the squad’s comm channel chimed in his helmet, and the only thing in the galaxy that could divert his attention from the battle in front of him called through the speakers.

“Hunter. Wrecker. We’ve got him. We’re approaching the exit. What’s the status of the platform?” Echo’s voice came through. 

For a second, Wrecker and Hunter turned towards each other, both chests rising rapidly with fast breaths not caused by the battle in front of them, and Wrecker knew if he could see Hunter’s eyes, they’d reflect the same bottomless relief he was feeling. 

Wrecker forced himself back to the present and provided cover fire while Hunter responded. 

“You’re clear to exit. A few imps left but nothing we can’t handle. Wrecker and I will provide cover fire while you cross the platform. Go directly to the Marauder,” Hunter ordered. 

Wrecker’s breath caught in his throat when a low, raspy voice could be heard in the background. “No, we thought we’d take a hike in the mountains.”

A hitched breath came through, and in his peripheral, Wrecker noticed Hunter lean his helmet back against the duracrete barrier, shoulders shaking. 

“I never thought I’d miss his attitude,” Omega piped in. 

That broke the tension building in Wrecker’s head, and a laugh barreled out from his chest. Brain clear and ready to act again, he focused on the remaining stormtroopers trying to hold their ground. 

“Omega, get the engines running. We’re getting off this hunk of ice as soon as we’re all onboard,” Hunter finished relaying the orders. 

“One more thing,” Tech’s voice came through this time. “I did the scan. The inhibitor chip has indeed been removed, but only after the encounter on Bracca. Crosshair did remove it voluntarily unbeknownst to the Empire.”

“Tech kind of refused to leave the holding cells until he was able to confirm it all. Hacked records and everything here on the depot. That’s what took us so long,” Echo supplied.

“Thank the Maker for Tech, and his stubborn need for knowledge,” Hunter mumbled. He went back on the comm, “Glad to hear it. Now get out here.”

Hunter turned to Wrecker. “Let’s take out as many as we can before they get here. Once they emerge, you lay down cover fire, and I’ll take overwatch.” 

“Copy that,” Wrecker replied, and they went to work. 

Time that had been passing at light speed slowed to the flow of Mustafar lava. Only ten stormtroopers remained posted across the platform, and Wrecker was determined to clear as many as he could before his brothers emerged. 

Another minute passed. Another. Then another. Time was taunting him.  

A whoosh floated over the blasterfire. The blasted door to the depot finally opened, and there in the doorway were three bent over figures - two supporting the weight of the third in between them - hobbling onto the landing deck. Wrecker allowed himself one glance hoping it would calm his running mind. Echo took most of the middle figure’s weight, flesh arm wrapped around their waist and scomp arm securing the arm wrapped across Echo’s back dangling over his shoulder, while Tech kept one arm around the figure’s waist and kept his blaster at the ready in the other. 

As Wrecker glanced at them,  it wasn’t the figure’s distinct all black armor - the armor of the imperial special forces - that identified him to Wrecker. No, it was the tattoo around their right eye. The tattoo Wrecker sat and watched as Tech gave it to them when they were still just cadets. The tattoo that represented their pride in their skill. The tattoo that told everyone exactly which batch he belonged to, front and center for all to see. The crosshair. 

Flanking from behind, Tech easily took down three stormtroopers before they made their way down the stairs. The remaining seven stormtroopers barked out orders to fall back, trying to regroup due to the new arrivals, and Wrecker used their confusion to his advantage, taking out another three in one go. Realizing they were outnumbered and outmatched, the remaining four stormtroopers fell back to the hangar, shooting wildly at any target they could see. 

Slower than Wrecker would like, his three brothers made their way to his and Hunter’s position across the platform. As soon as they crossed the threshold of their barriers, Hunter stood from his coverage, falling in step to provide cover directly at their backs. 

“Alright, Wrecker. Let’s keep these guys pinned as we head to the ship,” Hunter said. 

Jumping into position, Wrecker kept a steady pace back to the Marauder without breaking his fire on the remaining stormtroopers. Hunter hit one more as they walked, and Wrecker had his finger on the trigger to take down another when a streak of pink flew over his head and directly into the helmet of his target. 

He glanced over his shoulder. 

“Final count: 12,” Omega beamed down at him from the top of the ramp into the Marauder. 

“Aha! Nice shot, kid! Now let’s get out of here,” Wrecker said, barreling up the ramp into the ship. 

The ramp closed up as the ship made its way into the air, and the energy within immediately went still. Tech sat in the cockpit, taking over the controls from Omega once on board, but Hunter, Wrecker, Echo, Omega, and Crosshair remained in the hold. 

Crosshair sat in the chair in front of the computer, slumped over, one hand on the armrest propping him while an elbow rested on a knee like that was all the energy he could muster. He was breathing heavy, chest rising and falling as if he’d just finished a training sprint back on Kamino. Wrecker quickly gave his body a once over. Crosshair had always been lithe, by far the smallest body mass of the Bad Batch, but there had been muscle underneath those long limbs that gave any regular clone trooper a run for his money. Now, Wrecker clocked only bones showing underneath the exposed areas his armor didn’t cover, and his cheekbones were sharp above the hollowness of his cheeks. Purple blotched under his eyes, and it was impossible not to notice the deep scar that covered the right side on the back of his head. The scar he received when he took the full heat of a Venator ion engine. 

The same engine he tried to trap his brothers in. 

“Thank you…for coming for me. I…I wouldn’t have blamed you if you didn’t,” Crosshair drawled, head bent down. Whether he was unable to lift it from lack of strength or not being able to face the current scene, Wrecker wasn’t sure. His own heart was thudding in his chest, threatening to burst out. He called on every ounce of discipline and self-restraint he learned in his years as a soldier and remained rooted in place, holding his breath. The rest of the Batch stood as still as statues, four sets of eyes on their silver-haired brother. 

“You can drop me off at the closest port. You can pick. Doesn’t matter to me,” Crosshair said to the floor. Still, no one else spoke. He raised his head, glancing at each of them. His gaze settled on Hunter. “I…I’d understand if that’s what you want to do. It’s what you should do.” 

The five of them felt the Marauder lurch into hyperspace, but still, Echo, Omega, Hunter, and Wrecker didn’t budge. Footsteps approached from the cockpit, and soon, Tech joined them, choosing to sit in the chair across from Crosshair. The silence grew, and Wrecked noticed the crease between the sniper’s eyebrows deepen while his eyes darted around the group.

“Well, aren’t any of you going to say something?” Crosshair asked, frustration creeping into his voice. He glanced around one more time, and finally stood up from the chair, a growl coming from his throat, back hunched like he was ready to pounce, and his gaze locked on Hunter, a finger pointed at the sergeant. “Listen, I didn’t ask you to come get me. I was ready to die on that platform after I shot the lieutenant, and I was ready to die in whatever maker-forsaken place they were going to send me. You hear me? I didn’t ask for this.” He gestured around the room, around the Batch. 

“So don’t make me a burden you don’t want. Drop me anywhere. Leave me. It’s what I deserve - oof!” 

Wrecker couldn’t take it anymore, and as he watched Crosshair teeter on the precipice of self-destruction, he took two strides towards his brother, and engulfed him in his arms. 

Crosshair stiffened, his arms frozen mid-gesture to the side. Wrecker stood there, arms firmly wrapped around Crosshair’s back and shoulders, head dipping to rest on top of Crosshair’s head, and he waited. Eventually, Crosshair’s arms fell to his sides, but his body remained stiff like he wasn’t actually registering what was happening. Then, after a few breaths, his arms slowly rose, one wrapping under Wrecker’s arm and the other circling over his shoulder. 

“Why did you come for me?” Wrecker heard muffled into his chestplate. 

“We don’t leave our own behind,” Wrecker answered simply. 

Wrecker felt the shaking first, then he heard the soft sobs. Tightening his arms, he held his once-lost brother as if challenging the galaxy to try and separate them again. When he felt Crosshair crumble into his chest, he released the grip he’d been holding on his own emotions, and the tears flowed freely. Tears of sorrow for what Crosshair endured. Tears of rage at the Empire. Tears of sweet relief at his family being whole again. 

Wrecker felt a pair of arms sneak between his waist and Crosshair’s chest, and when he looked up, he saw Hunter wrapped around Crosshair’s back, arms crushing the sniper into the sergeant’s chest. “We’ve got you, Cross,” Hunter murmured. 

One-by-one, Tech, Echo, and Omega joined in, the last squeezing herself into the middle, wrapping her arms around Crosshair’s leg, and even when the sobs quieted, they remained that way. There was a lot to talk about. A long road of trust to regain. They were about to navigate rough terrain. And the past will resurface, in old wounds, physical and not. But none of that mattered right now. In the middle of their home, a family reunited. Unsure what the future would bring them, but ready to face it all together.

#tay writes the bad batch #tay writes #divider by samspenandsword #the bad batch #star wars #hunter #wrecker #crosshair #tech #omega #echo #tbb wrecker #tbb hunter #tbb omega #tbb echo #tbb tech #tbb crosshair

[elthadriel]

The Scent of Embers Lingers in the Air

Summary: Cody has made himself an invaluable asset to the Empire as a Purge Trooper. He has made himself an equally invaluable source of intel to the Rebellion when it suits him. Unexpectedly reassigned to a new Inquisitor charged with hunting a high-priority target, Cody intends for both of those things to remain true. Relationships: Cody & Barriss Offee, Cody/Rex Rating: M Tags: Imperial Era, Post-Order 66, No Chip AU, Purge Trooper Cody, Inquisitor Barriss Offee, Resentful coworkers to friends, Fascism, Implied/Referenced Torture, Unrepentant genocide justifications from pov character, Canon typical xenophobia and anti-clone sentiments, Cultural annihilation, Unreliable Narrator, Dubious Morality, Grief/Mourning, Minor Character Death, Past Barriss/Ahsoka, Pre-Redemption, Hopeful Ending Read on Ao3

For the @clonebang 2023

Featuring gorgous art from @sankt-jesper, @olives-and-lilies and @cmarani. Beta'd by @shadowlight17

#star wars #tcw #cb2023 #my fic #commander cody #barriss offee #codex #cody/rex #cloneshipping #This fic is why I've hardly posted in months #it's almost twice as long as anything else I've ever written #It took over my every waking thought

[twinterrors29]

the Kenobi twins, Ben and Obi, were trained as Sith under their Master in secret, with only vague rumors that the man had an apprentice at all, up until their teacher was murdered by one of Emperor Sidious' many lackeys

they naturally swore revenge, but knew that they would have to be very clever to even get close to Maul, much less to Sidious himself for ordering the attack

so they decided to go for a slightly more ambitious scheme: taking over the Sith Empire

and to do that, they would need a Clever Ruse

they would both pretend to be a single Sith Lord, claiming the name Darth Wan, and would take turns playing this masked role in public depending on which set of skills they expected to need to emphasize in that role

while the other would be left free for various other tasks:

sleep

pretend to be Darth Wan's veiled attache/armored bodyguard/helmeted pilot and gather intel by pretending to be part of the scenery while providing an additional layer of security in their role

sneaking off for assassinations and espionage while their known Sith identity has a rock solid alibi

a few years into their scheming though, Sidious rolls out his clone ploy, integrating the troopers into the Empire's functions

and the bright young Commander Cody starts to become suspicious of this one Sith Lord he's been assigned to guard (and discreetly keep tabs on for Lord Sidious)

he of course doesn't let on to this, either to the man himself or to his superiors

because he's Intrigued

and, perhaps, he's having a little too much fun flirting with him, as well as his bodyguard...and his attache...and his pilot...

#star wars #the clone wars #sith #sith empire #clones #obi wan kenobi #commander cody #darth maul #darth sidious #loosely inspired by #sass and murder #aka the kenobi twins au #by #norcumi

[vincentferard]

My thoughts on CX-2 in the most recent episode. Spoilers for The Bad Batch ofc! (Under the cut)

Okay, I have so so many thought and things I noticed in the most recent episode and I feel like if I don't share them I'm going to explode. So tune in and buckle up cause here comes a lot of word vomit 😂😭

I'm saying it right now to get it out there, I think CX is Tech and I am absolutely expecting to sob about it in the upcoming episodes.

So actually starting off, the way he interacted with Phee and Phee's ship!

He was able to get into the computer of the ship and maintain the information so easily

And the way he lingers after and watches Phee. He didn't have to do that, he had the intel, he could've left

But no, instead he stays and risks getting caught so he can watch her for a moment

Doomed love makes me so sad :(

Another thing I've been paying attention to and thinking about is that people keep theorizing CX-2 is either Tech (most likely) or Cody (less likely), right?

People have also pointed out that in yesterday's episodes CX had an accent resembling Cody as well as an accent resembling Crosshair later on

Did you know that a lot of autistic/neurodivergents in general have a subconscious tendency to mimic the way speak speak, things they say, and even their accents to fit in?

Since Tech is cannonly confirmed to be autistic and he definitely struggles with social interactions/situations the CX trooper being Tech would make that much more sense

Another thing I noticed a lot of people pointing out was how CX used the term "domicile" and...yeah.

I'm sorry but I deadass can't imagine any clone ever ever using that word other than Tech.

Also, and this one absolutely set the final stone for me, even his ship is programmed to do a Tech turn

I fucking cannot

I want my brother back, but at what cost?

If CX really really is Tech (which is seemingly more and more likely every episode) how the hell is the crew gonna handle this??

I cannot see a way that it turns out to be Tech and he doesn't die again or kill his brothers or something

I am so anxious 😭

#the bad batch #bad batch #tech #bad batch tech #tech bad batch #cx 2 #the clone wars #sw tcw #sw tbb #star wars the clone wars #star wars #star wars the bad batch #commander cody #crosshair #pabu #tbb pabu #tbb phee #tech x phee #tbb crosshair #crosshair tbb #phee genoa #my ramblings #my rants

[ghostofskywalker]

Not Just For Show

Echo/Fem!Reader

Words: 1,924

Summary: While on a mission for the Republic, you and Echo get a lot closer than originally expected. You're definitely not complaining though, because his lips are really soft.

Prompts: "you're a horrible liar" and "who cares what they all think?"

Note: this fic is part of the @cloneficgiftexchange, which i ran! these prompts came from @fives-lover, and i hope you enjoy my interpretation :)

Clone Troopers Masterlist

“Do you see anything?” you asked as you leaned in closer to Echo, voice pitched low so you wouldn’t catch the attention of any prying ears. There was a consistent buzz throughout the room of the bar, and your eyes moved along the perimeter of it, taking in the different people who were supposedly here to have a good time.

He shook his head. “No, and I doubt that we’re going to be able to find what we’re looking for if we stay in this booth all night.”

As your partner for this mission, Echo was also keenly aware that if the two of you did not figure out where the leaking of Republic intel was coming from (and sources say it was coming from this bar), then it would set the rest of the mission back indefinitely, as well as put the lives of countless clones, Jedi, and other officers at risk. You had been assigned to work together to figure out who was selling these secrets, making sure that they were caught and that one less danger was weighing on the shoulders of those fighting for an important cause.

You nodded, knowing that he was right. “Should we split up then? You take one side of the room and I’ll take the other?”

“That sounds like a plan.”

With one more shared look, you slipped out of the booth and began to circle the perimeter of the room, keeping your eye out for anything that seemed out of the ordinary. Thankfully the bar was on your side of things, so you were able to stop and get yourself something to drink without taking your eyes off the other patrons for too long.

But even after splitting up and spending some time wandering around, you were still at a loss for who might be the one selling Republic secrets. All the intel pointed towards this place and this night, so where were the signs? You caught Echo’s eye from across the room, and the look on his face tipped you off that he was faring no better than you right now.

He looked strikingly attractive right now, even all the way across the room. You had never seen any of the clones without their armor before, and the civvie clothes that had been picked out for him were certainly flattering in a way that plastoid plates weren’t. The pants and shirt fit him like a glove, which you supposed was a side effect of working in an army full of identical men: you didn’t have to worry about things not fitting as much as you would with an army full of people of different shapes and sizes.

Get you mind out of the gutter, that little annoying voice in your head said. You’re on a mission right now, you can’t keep thinking about how much you want to kiss your fellow operative.

It probably wasn’t a good idea to be dreaming about Echo like this in the middle of a mission, but you couldn’t bring yourself to stop. He didn’t know how you felt about him, no one did, but lately those feelings had only been growing, and it was only a matter of time before someone wised up and figured it out. This was one of the only times you would get to see him like this without any of the 501st watching, so you fully intended to stare at him for as long as you could get away for it.

The comm device on your wrist flashed a new message from Captain Rex, asking if you were having any success yet. You quickly responded in the negative before walking over to Echo. “We have to figure something else out,” he said. “This isn’t working.”

You nodded as an idea popped into your head, and you grabbed his hand before you could stop yourself. “Come on,” you said, pulling him in the direction of the dancefloor. “Maybe a more central location will help us figure something out.”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Echo asked as you stopped and turned towards him. The feeling of his hand in yours was enough to make you want to melt right then and there, but you managed to keep your legs standing.

It must have been the liquor in the drink you ordered, because your response was a lot bolder than you usually would have been. “What? You’re saying you don’t want to dance with me?”

“More like I’m saying I have two left feet,” he said, but your encouraging smile finally had him moving closer and starting to sway along to the music.

You thought the feeling of his hand in yours was perfect, but it was already being dwarfed by the feeling of his hand on your waist. You were trying to see what was going on around the bar, but the smell of Echo’s soap was distracting, and you were starting to regret this choice of cover. Because while one part of you was shouting with glee and telling you to lean in and kiss him, there was another part of you that was desperately trying to focus on the task at and.

“Echo,” you said after a few moments of dancing with him. “You’re horrible liar, you know that?”

“What?’ Echo looked affronted and confused, and you couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled from you.

“You definitely don’t have two left feet,” you said.

“I will have to disagree with you there,” he said. “Dancing has always been Fives’ thing more than mine, I always felt more awkward at 79’s than anything else.”

“And do you feel awkward now?”

Echo paused before responding. “No, but this is different. It’s always easier to be someone else when you know it’s all for show.”

You nodded, only slightly pained at the implication that he was only dancing with you to keep up the ruse, and not because he actually wanted to. “Nice to know I mean that much to you then, trooper.”

Echo’s eyes widened as he realized how his words sounded. “No!” he said. “I wasn’t trying- I didn’t mean- I just-”

You laughed again, and his face relaxed a little. “Don’t worry,” you said. “I’m only busting your shebs, I know what you meant.”

He let out a comedic sigh of relief, and you couldn’t help the way your smile grew. “If it means anything,” he said. “I think the reason my dancing isn’t so terrible right now is because you’re here.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever gone this long without stepping on someone’s foot while dancing,” he said. “And I can’t help but wonder if it’s because you’re so good at this.”

Your brain was practically mush right now, there was no coming back from this. “I think you’re just underestimate yourself,” you managed to get out.

Whatever Echo was going to say would have to wait, because you spotted a shifty-looking Rodian man over his shoulder. You didn’t even need to say anything before Echo caught on, leaning in to whisper in your ear. “Do you see something?”

You nodded, watching as the man looked around the room and then headed in the direction of the side door. “Follow me,” you whispered back, grabbing Echo’s hand and moving towards the exit.

“You know,” his voice was soft as he walked next to you. “With the show we just put on while dancing, people around here are going to talk.”

“So?” you asked, the glint in your eye telling him that you absolutely knew what people would assume. “Who cares what they all think?”

By the time you got out the side door, the Rodian wasn’t in your view any longer, but you could hear muffled voices just around the corner.

“What are we going to do?” Echo whispered urgently. “It’s not like we can walk into view and say we’re looking for Republic secrets!”

Truth be told, you hadn’t exactly thought about that yet. And once you did start thinking about it, you realized that you had another issue: even out of his armor, Echo was pretty kriffing recognizable as a clone trooper. But you didn’t really have time to really think this whole thing out, especially not as you realized the voices were getting closer and closer to where you were.

“Echo,” you whispered as you stared at him. “I have an idea, but you’re going to have to play along.”

He nodded, and even though you wished you had more time to fill him in on the plan, you didn’t. You placed both your hands on his cheeks and pulled him into a kiss, situating yourself so that you covered him as much as you possibly could.

Thankfully, Echo seemed to realize what was happening, and he played along as he placed his hands on your waist, holding you close to him. Yes, this was all for show, and yes, this was really nothing but chaste kiss of disguise, but there was something about the feeling of his lips against yours that you found exhilarating.

You could hear mutters around you as the Rodian and whoever he was speaking to passed you by, but you didn’t move. As long as he didn’t realize you were onto him, he could judge whatever he thought you were doing out here all he wanted.

When the coast was clear and the door to the bar was swinging shut, you pulled away from Echo. Trying to ignore the way his lips looked slightly swollen and the way his eyes held an emotion you couldn’t quite place, you had to get back to business. “We need to contact Rex,” you said. “I think we have our guy.”

Echo just nodded, and you quickly sent Rex the description of the Rodian, as well as the few snippets of conversation that you heard right before you got a little, ahem, distracted. Since this was only a reconnaissance mission, technically your job was done and all you had to do was wait for someone to pick you both and take you back to the Resolute.

What was going to happen now? Had you crossed a line when you kissed him? The thoughts ran rampant in your brain, and you knew that everything had changed when your lips touched his. “Look, I don’t want to make things weird between us now,” you said.

Echo looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“Because I kissed you,” you said. “I know we’ll just let everything go back to normal and-”

You were definitely not expecting for him to cut you off. “What if I don’t want things to go back to normal?”

Resisting the urge to pinch yourself (so you could decide whether or not this was really happening), you just stared at him. “What?”

“I really like you,” he admitted quietly. “And I would really like to kiss you for real, not just when we need to hide my face and blend in.”

“I really like you too,” you said, desperately hoping that this wasn’t some amazing dream that you would wake up from any second. “And I’d also really like to kiss you again.”

He obliged almost immediately, and no more words were exchanged between that moment and the time that Jesse and Fives picked you up on a speeder and headed back to the Resolute. As you wrapped your arms around Echo’s waist and held on, you couldn’t help but feel excited about where your new relationship was going to go.

- the end -  

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#CFGE23 #clone trooper echo x reader #arc trooper echo x reader #arc trooper echo #arc trooper echo x you #echo x reader #echo x you #echo x female reader #clone trooper x reader #clone wars fanfiction #star wars x reader

[hellhound5925]

HERE IT IS 🙌🏻 THE MOMENT LONG AWAITED

Cyare Verd

*OC Raven x Hunter

A/N: Welcome back! I apologize for taking so long but ☝🏼 I edited my original story up to the fourth chapter only to decide I still didn’t like it so guess what I edited the same four chapters again 😅

I’ll start by saying, yes it still follows the season two storyline of The Bad Batch (unoriginal I know) but I did change it up quite a bit. If your looking for Omega (lol) shes gone 👋🏼 I was never a huge fan of her so I wrote her out 🫣 otherwise, I hope you enjoy the new version of my fic. I will be taking it off Wattpad and AO3 in the meantime so I can finish making edits.

Oh, one last thing. If you would like to be tagged please drop a comment or send me a message ☺️ Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time out of your day to read this. It means the world to me.

Anyways. Without further ado 🤲🏻 I present to you my updated fic 💖

Prologue/Background

Raven (If you see this. It’s the Pov for the following)

​Before order 66 went down, I spent my time on Kamino training new batches of clones for the Grand Army of the Republic. I met many of the troopers who lived there during the time including Sargent Hunter of the infamous Clone Force 99. Our interactions were usually quite brief but there was a certain charm about him I enjoyed from our very first encounter. However, I was there to perform my duty to my clan and that always came first.

​It was an honor to continue the legacy my father - Kal Skirata - left behind. He and my brothers - the Null ARC’s - have been off trying to thwart a plot they didn’t realize would lead to order 66.

​During that time, Kal’Buir had asked that I stay on Kamino not only for intel but also to get out any defecting troopers.

A friend of mine, who is another Mandalorian by the name of Aspen, posed as a supply ship for myself. She would drop off supplies or bring me an array of random items I asked for to validate her being there. Aspen would then smuggle troopers to Mandalore where they were to live out their days as they wished. A part of our clan. Clan Skirata.

When order 66 did finally happen, my brother Ordo had warned me to prepare for something big that would be happening soon. Whether or not he knew exactly what I’ll never know.

For the first few days, I lingered on Kamino waiting for any one of my brothers or Kal’Buir to contact me but it didn’t come. About a week later a droid appeared in my quarters with a message. ‘Get out now. You’re in danger Sen’ika (little bird).’ Kal’Buir was the only one who ever called me Sen’ika - mostly because I hated it but he could get away with anything.

Shortly thereafter, I packed my things discreetly and called for Aspen. She came within a rotation claiming the usual - that she was here to deliver supplies for me - and to my surprise they let her in.

The minute I was on her ship, the two of us left. We ended up on the planet in the mid rim. Where Ord Mantell became our temporary home.

Chapter One: Cid’s Parlor

Raven

Standing out in the busy streets of Ord Mantell, the sun beats down on my beskar fighting the darkness that rests on my shoulders. I will my feet to move it’s as if this weight is too much for them to carry.

My irritation radiates off me as the thunderous pitter patter pounds in my head each time a citizen passes by - must be nice to live so carefree - I think to myself. Yet they pay me no mind, even though the very nature of my armor is intimidating.

The dull black shein of a well-worn helmet that sits upon my head, with the infamous T shaped visor. The rest of the plates are the same color with a few iridescent feathers poking out from underneath. Ironic right.

This armor is my pride and joy. It was a coming of age gift - if that's what you want to call it - from my father. Kal’Buir was by far one of the greatest Mandalorians in the history of our people - though my opinion might be biased.

A wave of sadness washes over me at the thought of him, my family, my brothers, and my best friend Aspen. Shaking the thoughts from my mind I tell myself they wouldn’t want me to sulk. Aspen would smack me if she were here. Unfortunately, the two of us had to go our separate ways after getting into some trouble. What else is new?

Aspen has always been the friend I can count on for anything. We met as kids on Mandalore and practically grew up together. Once we were old enough, the two of us would drink - a little too much - and run our mouths. Sometimes I’d come home with a black eye and Kal’Buir would say ‘I hope the other guy looks worse’. With a osik (shit) eating grin he knew I could handle myself.

Eventually that trouble caught up to us. When I had been on Ord Mantell before, she and I got into it with a group of merc’s and Cid saved our skin. Usually I didn’t pick fights we couldn’t win but that time I did.

That was just after our home was bombed by the Empire. My family. My clan was there as far as I know. Rumor has it the surface is no longer safe. The blast destroyed everything and killed everyone. Grief does funny things to people.

Since then Cid feels we owe her every time she calls. Aspen was smart enough to ignore her but I can’t leave business unfinished. I don’t like owing people anything.

Bitterness courses through my veins and I find my feet moving through the doorway.

Hunter

Cid's Parlor is loud and crowded - as usual. Which for enhanced senses is why I prefer the solitude of the ship. Let’s not even get into the stench of hot bodies and alcohol might put me over the edge.

I take a deep breath to steady myself and push out the overwhelming sounds and smells, in an attempt to tune back into my brother's conversation. Echo and I were discussing whether or not the Marauder needs maintenance. Which is true it does. However, we don’t have the credits.

One glance over at Wrecker and its obvious Tech is beating him - again - at dejarik.

With a sigh and a gentle swirl of the pint in my hand, I watch as the amber liquid spins like a world pool. The sickly-sweet smell of blood orange and yeast reaches my nose. I let myself get lost in it for a moment, the scent totally washing over me.

The weight of the things we have had to endure begins creeping in. My men. Their safety and well-being are my responsibility. Crosshair.

Before I’m sucked too far into the void, my senses pick up something that wasn’t there a moment ago. Dark, sweet raspberry, rose. I’d recognize that scent anywhere after the hours I’d spent committing it to memory.

Lifting my gaze from my glass, it’s pulled like a force of gravity as a Mandalorian female enters the parlor. A warmth washes over me mixed with a little relief at seeing that all too familiar T-visor. I can’t contain the shock that creeps on my face at her presence or the memory—

‘Alright everyone, today we go over the basics.’ Her voice is crisp but not cold, giving orders and yet…silky smooth. I could listen to her speak to the regs all day.

She continues barking out orders which I recognize as the basics for hand-to-hand combat. I stop listening about half way through just to commit her to memory.

Covered head to toe in dark black beskar, her visor drifts over the group of men before her. The small frame is quite a contrast to the 6ft Clone troopers in formation. She has such a commanding presence, exuding confidence. My eyes roam over her curves and stop at the dual westar -35’s attached to either side of her thighs. For a moment I swear my heart might leap out of my chest—

Raven Skirata.

My trousers suddenly become constricting forcing me to shift uncomfortably. We only ever ran into one another a few times on Kamino. Mostly casual conversation about war efforts. The sound of her laugh when I told her about some of the things we’d improvised on missions, is one my brain never lets me forget. I never did get the courage to ask her about herself.

Raven crosses over to the bar and my eyes follow her every move. It’s only now that I notice she’s skinnier than I remember. Her complexion is quite pale in comparison to the dark circles under her eyes. The sight causes my chest to tighten. What the hell happened?

"Long time no see. I was starting to think you wised up" the Twi-lek bartender says by way of greeting. There's a long pause as the Raven drops her shoulders considerably.

"Unfortunately, I'm a little low on rations to be wise" she shoots back, that silky smooth voice taking on a sarcastic tone.

Having caught the attention of a rather large man - whose been talking loud enough for everyone in here to hear - he leans over to speak to her.

"Wow, that must be real beskar.......Wonder what kind of price someone would pay for th-that...." He slurs a little at the end.

In one smooth motion, Raven ejects her vibro-blade from her vambrace - the steel practically sings - slamming his head into the bar top with the other hand. A loud thud follows. Some of the patrons stop talking to stare while the Twi-lek laughs.

Pressing her blade to his throat she leans in close she sneers, "Try to take it from me and I'll find out how much someone will pay for your head.”

The man proceeds to mumble and she cocks her head at the bar tender as if in annoyance. Letting go of the man he slumps to his knees before getting up and stumbling away, hand pressed to his temple.

I have to work had to suppress the smile that threatens to creep onto my face, the corner of my mouth twitches anyways.

"Don't mess with Mandalorians" Echo chuckles, drawing attention. Raven glances our way tensing. Mentally I command myself to look away but I can’t. For a moment I swear, even through her visor we make eye contact.

Raven

After I’m satisfied I’ve put this man in his place, I let go and he slumps to the floor. Comments fly from over my shoulder but there’s that voice I’ve heard thousands of times that stands out.

I can’t help but turn and that when I see them. The red and white plastoid. Thanking my ancestors for the helmet, I roll my eyes at just how ironic it is they are here. Sargent Hunter and the Bad Batch. He and I have spoken a few times on Kamino but the others I’ve never officially met.

Frozen in place, I stare for a second. The Sargent doesn’t take his eyes off me with an unreadable expression. If I’m lucky he won’t recognize me - I think to myself. Forcing myself to move, I turn back to the bartender with a finger in the air, signaling I’d like a shot.

My gloved hands make their way to my helmet and gently slide it off, letting my messy blonde braid at the back of my head fall. Lately I find myself caring less and less about what I look like.

Placing my helmet on the bar top, I take a breath to steady myself before taking the shot. The burning liquid a welcomed punishment if nothing else.

The bartender nods over my shoulder and I sign knowing what's coming.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes" Cid says, throwing an arm over me like we are old pals.

I roll my hazel eyes "I'm not here because I want to be. Lets get on with it" I grumble.

"No 'Hi Cid, how are you?'" She asks.

"Nar'sheb (shove it)" I say in my native tongue with a polite smile on my face. She has no idea what I said to her but there's a snicker from someone close by.

————

"Remember what happened last time you threw your attitude around like that? " Cid scolds me as we enter her office.

Picking dust off my flight suit I sass, "I'm not here to discuss my 'attitude'. What's the mission?"

Cid moves behind her desk and crosses her arms "Fine, I need you to help out a group of fine gentlemen." She starts to explain, her tone a little too...chipper.

I raise a brow, shifting my weight and hum my dissatisfaction.

Cid immediately gets defensive, “Look it’s not my fault you mandos like to find trouble. You’re just lucky I was there to bail you out. Besides, these guys could really use someone with your skills. Dooku's private stash is being relocated by the Empire and I want you to help them get as much as possible".

The fact that she said Empire had my attention and attitude immediately shifts.

"I thought you might like that and I promise I'll give you 20%" she continues noticing my mood lighten.

"30 and it's a deal" I counter.

"Hey! I gotta pay those other guys too. I feel I'm being quite generous.”

I guess for considering who I’m speaking with… "Fine 20%, Now who are these guys?"

"They call themselves the Bad Batch. Wait here I'll go get them" she doesn’t give me a chance to respond before she heads out the door.

For a moment I stay where she left me and contemplate my next move. I can either play it like I don’t know them and take the chance their Sargent will recognize me or…

With an annoyed sigh, I stride over to her desk and set my helmet down before scanning the book shelves. Most of these I’ve read during my ‘spare time’ when Cid let me crash here before. Not surprisingly, there’s nothing new.

Leaning my back against one I take my gloves off and unbraid my hair. The blonde waves fall loosely over one shoulder ending just below my breast. It’s a wonder I ever let it get this long but a part of me just can’t bring myself to cut it.

I make myself comfortable at her desk, leaning back and kicking my boots up on it, When Cid flings the door open and scowls at me. My stomach ties itself into knots but I try to seem disinterested by playing with my hair.

There’s a chance these guys decided like the others to side with the Empire. But the odds they did and they are here? Slim but not zero.

Pushing off the desk I stand and stroll around to the front, leaning against it. A few golden strands fall into my face with the movement. My hands naturally side down towards my blasters holstered at my sides. A defense position that’s become muscle memory. The Sargent eyes follow my every move.

"Take it easy there Mando these are the good guys."

Cid rolls her eyes after seeing my body language. Once again in typical Cid fashion she hid this from me, likely knowing I wouldn’t come.

The largest one of the 4 pushes past.

"I'm Wrecker! I like to blow stuff up!" He says very loudly, sticking out his hand. My body is further tensing.

I hesitantly shake his hand, which compared to mine - even with gloves on - looks like it could easily crush it.

"Wrecker, I feel that last part was not necessary" says the one holding a datapad.

"I am Tech by the way.”

Nodding by way of greeting, I quickly glance over at their Sargent. Had I blinked I would have missed the split second of recognition before the mask of a leader slid into place.

The one with a socket arm glances over at him. Probably from the tension radiating off of me. Those amber eyes see me for exactly who I am.

My breathing picks up, but I quickly get it back under control. The former doesn’t seem to notice, not taking his eyes off me.

I decide to meet his gaze with a challenging one. Hoping to hide whatever it is he sees.

Shaking his head like he’s having a difficult time dragging himself from thought, introduces himself.

“I'm their Sargent-well was their Sargent...Hunter and this is Echo" he gestures to socket arm.

Echo waves at me with his socket and a soft smile. I nod slowly and clear my throat.

“I know who you are.”

Tech lifts his eyes from his datapad to look at me once again. Before he or anyone else can I say anything I continue,

“Raven. Raven Skirata.”

————

When I start towards my ship - alright so it's not really my ship, I stole it - I was so deep in thought I almost didn’t hear someone call out to me.

"Wouldn't it just be easier if we all went together?"

I stop not bothering to turn around "How do I know you won't leave me behind?"

If these are the clones I’ve heard so much about, there’s a good chance I can trust them. However, my instincts are telling me not to. Echo, almost like he is reading my mind says,

"You can trust us, we aren't like the others".

The sorrow in his voice fills the space between us, making me uncomfortable. I roll my shoulders, hands flexing at my sides.

Without saying anything I head up the ramp to my ship, gather a few things in my pack, and come back out to see Echo standing where I left him. The rest of the group must have gone to their ship. With a small nod he leads the way.

As we approach, I stop for a moment before heading up the ramp to admire the hull before me. An Omicron class attack shuttle but it’s been modified. It’s just as impressive if not more so in person. My brothers - specifically Mereel and Jaing - would have loved this thing, I can practically hear them fighting with even Ordo for who would pilot.

With a few steps up the ramp, I peer inside and it’s notably clean. Briefly I take in the surroundings noting the others up front in the cockpit area. Echo glances back at me sensing my hesitation.

“I’ll show you around”

I tip my visor towards him appreciatively, without saying a word.

————

Echo finishes the tour with the bunks, two on the left and two on the right. He gestures to the right, showing me which one is mine and offers me a gentle smile. With a quick glance I realize there are only 4 of them.

“Hunter usually stays up in the cockpit. You get his bunk.”

Great.

I nod my appreciation again and take my pack off my shoulder. The only things in it are a couple changes of regular clothes and some rations. I've not got much to lose that isn't my beskar these days.

Placing my pack on the lower bunk, the mythosaur skull on the back of my gloves stare back at me with hollow eyes. It’s almost like they know. Our people are gone. For a moment I wonder if anyone will even remember what it means.

I forgot Echo was still standing there until his throat clears. He says carefully, “Your father is Kal Skirata.”

My heart starts to thunder in my chest at the mention of his name. I finish settling my pack before I turn to face him. A part of me wants to answer but it feels like my mouth is full of cotton. I mentally thank my ancestors for the visor between us.

“He was one of my instructors. In my early days I mean. He was always really good to us. I heard about what he did...he got some of us out.”

Silence fills the space. I slide my helmet off, tucking it under an arm. Unable to look him in the eye, my boots seemingly interesting all the sudden.

“He’s gone.” My voice almost doesn’t sound like my own. Distant.

“Too many good people have been lost because of the war. I’m sorry to hear that.”

In his kind words, the galaxy feels a little less lonely. I finally lift my head and meet his gaze, seeing the loss there.

“I’m sorry for your loss too.”

Echo only offers me a somber smile in response. My walls go back up and I decide to change the subject. It comes out a little sassier than I had intended.

“So, you all have enhanced something or other right? I mean I was on Kamino and spoke to your Sargent a few times but mostly what I know is what I’ve heard.”

”Each of us had a unique quality. Wrecker is brute strength, Hunter has enhanced senses, and Tech is really smart.”

”Wasn’t there another member? Crosshair?”

Another sad look from him, “He chose the Empire.”

“Ah” I nod my understanding. “How do you fit in here?”

He rubs the back of his neck and chuckles.

“I was originally with the 501st under General Skywalker. We were on Skako minor and I was blown up. Captured by the Techno union and they made me mostly a machine.” Echo lifts his socket arm as a reference.

“My Captain. Rex. He and the Bad Batch rescued me. I owe them everything.”

That name. Captain Rex. It sounds familiar. ”No offense but you just met me and you trust me enough to tell me all this?” My sass once more evident.

He smiles and says “Your father spoke highly of you.”

My throat closes up at the same time pride washes over me. When I don’t respond he continues.

“I’ll leave you to get settled in” and with that he turns and heads toward the cockpit.

I watch as he reaches the others and takes a seat. Unable to do anything else other than process what he just said.

————

It takes me a while to recover from the conversation. A part of me hesitates to comm Aspen but I can’t risk compromising her.

Instead, I take my time to check my weapons (two blasters at my hip, vibro blade in my vambrace, and the various blades stashed in my boots and under my back plate). No one bothers to check on me, which is just as well. Finally, I end with checking the HUD in my helmet - which seems to be functioning fine.

Discarding my helmet on the bunk, I head for the cockpit where the others are chatting quietly. The hushed tones likely to prevent me from overhearing. Hunter stiffens as I approach which only confirms my thought.

The four seats at the front were taken up by each of the members. Leaning against the doorway I cross my arms over my chest plate.

"We don't have a reason to trust each other but once this mission is over and I'm paid, I'm gone. You won't have to worry after that.” The annoyance plastered on my face is visible to all.

They all glance at one another except Hunter, his eyes fixed on my face like he’s trying not to look anywhere else. He almost looks hurt at my comment.

"That seems reasonable" Tech says very matter of factly.

”Great. So, what's the plan?”

“Get to Serenno and scout the area." Hunter says turning his attention to space zooming by at light speed.

I sigh, "That's not much of a plan but I can improvise."

Wrecker chimes in, ”Ahaha you’ll fit right in!” Awkward silence fills the space before I break it.

“Right. Well I guess we should all rest up so let me know when we land.” Spinning on a heel, I head for the bunks.

Next Chapter here.

Wattpad link here.

Taglist: @cloneloverrrrr @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @idoubleswearimawriter @savebytheodore @savebytheodoresnonjosestuff @jediknightjana @techs-goggles9902 @clonethirstingisreal

Lemme know if you wanna be tagged in the future!

#the clones #star wars clone wars #the bad batch #tbb hunter #hunter the bad batch #the bad batch tech #mandalorian oc #tbb hunter x you #tbb hunter x reader #the bad batch hunter #bad batch hunter #hunter #hunter bad batch #hunter x reader #clone trooper hunter #Sargent hunter #clone force 99 #starwars the bad batch

[littlefeatherr]

In response to this post by @s3ap0tat0 , I came up with a little drabble for these two.

Alena (meaning: protector) served as one of Cham Syndulla's freedom fighters. Cham personally tasked her to protect Eleni while posing as her personal handmaiden and nursery caregiver for Hera. She helped Hera repair Chopper, who quickly came to adore her.

Along with the Syndullas, Alena was imprisoned by Rampart for breaking Hera out of Imperial custody; she also was part of the group freed by the Bad Batch. After their escape from Ryloth, she continued guarding Hera and trained her in weapons and self-defense.

During her assignment with Hera and Eleni, Alena met CT 7551, "Inferno", a sergeant formerly under Captain Howzer's command. Before being sent offworld, Howzer managed to smuggle out a list of clone prisoners held by the Empire in the care of Sergeant Inferno. Eventually, he found Alena, who took him to Cham and Eleni's hideout.

There was only one bed

Through former ARC trooper Echo, the Syndullas arranged for the pair, posing as a honeymooners on Corusant, to pass the list to Captain Rex.

Inferno and Alena were married on Curosant by Senator Riyo Chuchi after their assignment was completed. The couple stayed on as part of Rex's resistance group. Inferno's intel directly led to Howzer and his men being rescued by Echo and Fireball, setting off a series of events that exposed the clone experiments at the secret Imperial base on Mount Tantiss.

Eventually, they settled on an undisclosed Outer Rim world near Cut and Suu Lawquane's homestead and had a large family.

the end 💕

#the bad batch #tbb fanfiction #tbb drabble #tbb #captain howzer #eleni syndulla #cham syndulla #hera syndulla #i'm very slowly returning to writing #happily ever after #because it's what they deserve

[veny-many]

I'm suddenly thinking about Sith!Plo Koon au.

But like... Actually undercover(?)Plo?

When Plo survived from Order 66, he planned to take down Sith Emperor, and he failed, now waiting for his death.

But Sidious was impressed by Plo about his achievement in time of the clone wars. So he offered him the last chance to serve under his Sith Empire.

Of course Plo denied it with no hesitation. But then, Sidious said something to him like:

"Do you think your path was still right, Jedi? The Order that left your dear Ahsoka Tano alone to death? What about you? Isn't your pride once led your dear clone troopers to painful death?"

"It was you who led them to traps."

"No, it is your arrogance you learned from Jedi, what made them suffer. Face the truth, Jedi. All of them are made to die for you."

And if Plo never be shaken by these words, it would be lie.

Sidious refers that there are still battalions that served under Jedi, are fighting till death even in Empire. Knowing Plo would never want to leave them suffer alone. That his dear Wolfpack is still on battlefields, and if Plo won't elaborate, Sidious will make their fate much worse than ever.

Kel-Dorian might be right way following peoples, but also a protectors of their peoples. And Plo just couldn't leave his troopers.

And somehow, Sidious seemed to believe Plo Koon is almost fallen, and Plo decided to use that nearly truth judgment.

And yes, Sith! Plo but actually he is secretly gathering Empire's deep secrets and helping innocents and Jedis. It is very dangerous but his brain death tactics from Baran Do sages made him easily fool the Sith lord. And no one questioned about his intent when he is already looked scary(sorry Plo) and deep grief and calmness radiated from him.

Wolfpack was patched back to Plo. But they were not the same troopers who Plo fought together. They referred themselves numbers, and never replied to Plo's affection like before.

But Plo still cared them like sentients. Highly praise of them, and never make them suffer or sacrifice for missions, and never letting them hunt for innocents or children to prevent their hands from blood(and also saving peoples)

Sometimes, Wolfpack almost shot Plo because he triggered their Order 66. And they became more depressed and aggressive. Plo knew it was not their intention, any of this, but he had to be more careful before helping them be freed from Empire with other clones.

Slowly Wolfpack gather their personality back with Plo's help. Like Boost starts to ambush hug his brothers, and Sinker says something sarcastic humors about Empire when they are alone, and Comet wandering around like before. And Wolffe still protective around his troopers, it never changed, but he became more and more depressed and closed when he interact with Plo more. Like he is losing to guilt.

Ahsoka and Plo secretary telepath with their intels? YES. Ahsoka worries about Plo, but all he says is "I'm alright little 'soka :)" and sending "4th be with you all" to Rebels.

Sidious somehow notices something wrong, because look, former high Council member is now failing to completely succeed almost every mission? That's not right.

And clones are having bad times as people doesn't need them anymore.

And Plo's like: This is not good. How do I flee with my boys from this Empire?

Wait we still don't know how clone rebel happened

The bad batch season 3 will explain that to us right? But im scared of them. I don't want my heat to be broken again

#star wars #the clone wars #plo koon #commander wolffe #104th battalion #wolfpack #sith(?) Plo au? #but actually not? #my whump #my au

[momojedi]

— 𝐖𝐈𝐏 𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐃𝐀𝐘

**

type. wip note. this isn't really something i usually partake in, but i've decided to give you a little glance at what I'm working on ;)

"I told you, I left the Sith! I have nothing to do with them anymore!" "Liar!" General Skywalker growled at you, slamming his fist on the cold iron table. You flinched, pulling your arms to your chest. General Kenobi, who calmly stood next to Skywalker, watching you like a hawk, hummed softly. "Why would the Sith simply let one of their own roam around with possible intel that could harm them?" With a frustrated huff, you crossed your arms over your chest and turned your head away.

This had been going on for hours now. Since your arrest on Coruscant, the two Jedi had been trying their best to corner you during the interrogation, to give out any kind of information you might have on your master. Well - former master. After a full year of fighting alongside the Sith, you started picking up the ... more questionable aspects of what you thought to be your ideology.

"You surely know something. There's no way they'd let you run, you'd be dead!" Skywalker roared, fully taking in the role of the bad cop. You withstood his burning glare with a furious scowl. Keeping your eyes on him, you slowly leaned forward while carefully spitting out your words in a provocative manner, "I've said it before and I'll say it again," you hissed, furrowing your brows, "I know nothing. I was a mere apprentice when I left. I simply followed orders. I was never involved in any planning or briefing." And frankly, you weren't lying. Your master had been a paranoid man, fearful and secretive, who trusted nobody, not you, not his colleagues and sometimes not even himself. That often lead to him refusing to talk, shutting himself away from everyone, including his very apprentice, and not revealing any important war matters until it was almost too late. Needless to say, he wasn't an easy person to work with.

"Fine," Skywalker huffed frustratedly, standing up from his seat which left the chair to slide across the floor with a squeaking sound, "Rex, take our friend here back to their cell," he called for the trooper guarding the doors, who quickly marched up. Then, the Jedi eyed you again with furrowed brows, "Let's see how long it'll take to break them." You rose a brow at his words, a hint of worry bubbling up in your stomach when the trooper guided you away.

As you followed his lead, slightly struggling to keep up with his pace at first, you glanced at him, curiously studying his profile. He looked like the regular clone, albeit the blond buzzcut, yet he still caught you off-guard. You'd seen him fight before when you were following your master into the battlefield and for some reason, you couldn't help but be positively impressed by his confidence and skills. "

#star wars #the clone wars #the bad batch #star wars the clone wars #tbb #clone wars #star wars clone wars #bad batch #star wars the bad batch #x reader #rex x reader #captain rex x reader #captain rex x you #captain rex x y/n #sw captain rex #captain rex #wip tag #writing wip #my wips #wip wednesday

[dystopicjumpsuit]

Stars Beyond Number - Chapter 3

Valley of Dying Stars

Rating: T (rating varies by chapter; mature content will be tagged; regardless of rating, minors DNI)

Pairings: Echo x Riyo Chuchi; Gregor x OFC Cerra Kilian

Wordcount: 2.5k

Warnings: angst; grief; nightmares; use of stimulants as a coping mechanism; Fox girlies don't come for me

Suggested Listening:

Summary: Riyo visits the repair shop and shares some surprising intel.

A/N: This story shares continuity with Martyrs and Kings and "Do It Again," but all three fics can be read as stand-alones.

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There are no eyes here in this valley of dying stars.

—T. S. Eliot, “The Hollow Men”

“You know, the last time I piloted a ship, I crashed and lost my memory,” Gregor said with an infectious laugh.

“Which is why I’m having you fly this time,” Rex said. “For practice.”

Cerra met Rex’s eyes in silent acknowledgment and thanks. She handed him a travel mug, then took a long drink of her own bitter caf. Rex clasped her shoulder briefly, and she knew that he’d already forgiven her for her harsh outburst the night before. 

“Do I even want to know where you got that freighter?” she asked, gesturing at the ship that had materialized overnight. “We could have used it yesterday. Would have cut the Karthon travel time in half.”

“Trust me, you’re better off not knowing. If everything goes to plan, we should be back by nightfall,” Rex said.

“I should have the surgical pod up and running by then,” Cerra replied.

Echo observed their interaction closely, and Cerra wondered what was on his mind. She was grateful he’d agreed to Rex’s last-minute change of plan without question, but she still found herself awkward and tongue-tied around him. Regardless of her personal reservations about meeting Fives’s twin, she knew the ARC trooper was more than capable, and he would have Rex and Gregor’s backs through anything. 

The three men boarded the freighter, and the ramp began to close.

“Fly casual, boys,” she called with a wave.

Rex sent her a cocky salute, and she raised her mug in response. Gregor lifted off and turned the ship so the viewport faced the garage entrance. He held up two fingers in a crude gesture, and she laughed as she shot him a finger of her own. And then they were gone. 

She hated letting them go without her, but she wasn’t so delusional that she considered herself indispensable to the mission; she was fully aware she was nowhere nearly as qualified as the clones. They would be fine without her there to back them up. Besides, the damned surgical pod wasn’t going to set itself up. She sighed, refilled her empty cup with another round of lukewarm caf, and picked up her toolkit. It hadn’t taken long to pull the unit out of the Venator med bay, but getting it to run in their jury-rigged home base was going to take significantly more work.

She was dead on her feet. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept through the night. Even without the nightmares, there was simply too much work to do to allow for a normal sleep schedule, and the prior day had been particularly grueling. Thank the Force and all the stars above for Gregor. When she jerked awake in the middle of the night, too terrified to go back to sleep, he always knew exactly what to do to bring her back to herself. 

Some mornings when she woke up curled in his arms, she didn’t even remember what she had dreamed the night before. Not today, though. She remembered it clearly. The wrenching twist of durasteel and the deafening roar of explosive decompression echoed in her mind. She pressed her knuckles to her eyes to clear the grisly images of pooling blood and countless mangled bodies. Her leg throbbed, and she couldn’t tell whether the pain was real or merely a haunting specter from her memory.

She needed to be on her game if she wanted to get the surgical pod set up without frying the circuitry, and seeing double from exhaustion was not helping. By the time she finished her third cup of caf, she knew she needed something stronger, so she dug through the medkit in the kitchenette until she found a stim pack. She injected it quickly and put the medkit away, noting that it was running low on a few important supplies. She would need to venture into Coruscant’s black market to restock within a few days.

Cerra had been working on the pod for nearly an hour when the proximity sensor Rex had installed triggered a system alert. She slid out from beneath the machine and wiped her hands on a rag as she walked to the front of the garage to investigate. A familiar speeder docked next to the landing platform, and Senator Riyo Chuchi disembarked. She was alone, and Cerra wondered how she’d managed to shake her usual bodyguard escort.

“Good morning,” the senator called, smiling warmly. 

“Good morning, Senator,” Cerra replied.

“I wish you would call me Riyo,” she said. “We are quite literally partners in crime, after all.”

“Fair enough,” Cerra replied. “What brings you to our little hotbed of sedition?”

“I’ve brought some supplies and food. Are you alone today?”

Cerra nodded. “Rex and the boys are on an extraction mission.”

“I see,” Riyo said. “Rex told me your ranks were growing, and I wanted to be sure you had enough to cover the new clones who are joining you.”

Cerra respected Riyo immensely. The senator had painted a very visible target on herself with her public support for the clones and her outspoken opposition to the Empire’s treatment of them. She seemed to be driven only by a sense of her own duty and ethics, which made her all the more admirable. Cerra’s own work with Rex, though dangerous, was at least covert, and her motivations were far less clear-cut than Senator Chuchi’s.

Cerra helped unload and stash the supplies, gritting her teeth against the ache in her cracked ribs, and when they finished, Riyo stood, looking around the deserted garage a little uncertainly. Cerra needed to get back to work if she hoped to finish the pod before the team returned, but something about Riyo seemed forlorn, and Cerra hated to send her away. 

On a whim, she asked, “Would you mind helping me with a project? I need to get this surgical pod set up before Rex gets back, and a second set of hands would make it easier.”

Senator Chuchi’s golden eyes lit up at Cerra’s bald-faced lie. “I would love to! I have to admit I don’t know anything about machinery, though. I’m not sure how much help I’ll be.”

“That’s all right,” Cerra said, sliding back underneath the pod. “You can keep me company. There’s caf in the kitchen, if you want some.”

“That sounds lovely,” Riyo said, heading for the kitchen. When she returned, Riyo set a cup of caf on the floor next to Cerra, then settled onto a crate next to the pod.

Cerra took a grateful sip. “I knew I liked you.”

Riyo laughed softly in acknowledgment, then asked, “Where did you learn how to work on machinery like this?” 

“My mother was a ship’s mechanic in our planet’s military defense force,” Cerra said. “My father claims that I learned how to wire before I learned how to speak.”

“Did you follow in her footsteps?” Riyo asked.

“Nope. Her knees were wrecked by the time she was forty. She told me to become an officer with a nice, cushy desk job, so that’s what I did.”

“Did you ever see combat?”

“Anyone ever tell you you ask a lot of questions, Senator?”

“Sorry,” Riyo said, abashed. “I was just curious how you came to be involved with Rex.”

“It’s all right,” Cerra said. “I didn’t see real combat until the Clone Wars. Our defense force was folded into the GAR, and my desk job got a lot less cushy. And I’m not involved with Rex.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to assume,” Riyo stammered. “You two just seem… close.”

“We are close,” Cerra said. “But not like that. Hand me those hypersheers.”

Riyo handed her the tool silently. Cerra felt a pang of guilt at the senator’s mortified expression, but she was not prepared to explain the intricacies of her bond with Rex. It was not romantic, and it never would be. She wasn’t even sure she was capable of having that kind of relationship again—not after Fives. But even if she were, she and Rex had too much history, too much baggage, to even consider such a possibility.

Cerra didn’t know what to say, but luckily, Riyo had plenty of practice in diplomacy. She changed the subject. “Are you nervous about the extraction?” 

“Rex can handle it,” Cerra replied, tamping down her anxiety. He can handle it. He can. Gregor will be fine. They have Echo backing them up. Gregor will stay with the ship. He’ll be fine. Everything will be fine.

Fine, fine, fine. The word echoed in her mind like a bell. Perhaps if she repeated it often enough, she would start to believe it.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone more competent than Captain Rex,” Riyo said. She hesitated, then asked, “What do you think of Echo?”

“I’ve only run one mission with him so far, but he knows how to handle himself,” Cerra said. “No surprise there. He was one of Rex’s, back in the war.”

“Did you know him? In the war, I mean.”

“No, we never met,” Cerra said. She didn’t elaborate. No need to drag the senator into her own tangled past.

“I think he must be very brave to keep fighting after everything he’s been through.” The admiration was evident in Riyo’s voice.

“I agree. He’s committed to his brothers, and he’s a very capable warrior. I’m relieved he’s joined the team. It’s good to know he has Rex’s back. Lubricant gun, please.”

Riyo handed her the tool.

“I hope we can help even more clones get out and start new lives for themselves,” Riyo said. “My colleague, Senator Thulo, is working to build a clone sanctuary on her home planet.”

“That’s very generous of her,” Cerra grunted as she struggled with a stubborn fastener. The lubricant hadn’t worked to loosen it as she’d hoped. Perhaps a little percussive maintenance was in order. “Can I have that vibrohammer?”

“Isn’t that a bit of an aggressive tool for the job?” Riyo asked.

“Sometimes you need a blunt instrument,” Cerra said. “What inspired Senator Thulo to undertake such a risky enterprise?”

Riyo hesitated a moment. “Can I trust you not to let this information fall into the wrong hands?”

Cerra nearly laughed. “I think you know you can.”

“I’m serious,” Riyo said. “It’s not my story to tell.”

“Don’t tell me, then,” Cerra said with a shrug that Riyo couldn’t see. “Hydrospanner.”

Riyo passed her a laser-caliper. Cerra gestured at the spanner. “That one.”

Riyo took back the caliper and handed Cerra the spanner. 

“She’s married to a clone,” Riyo blurted out. 

Huh. I did not see that coming.

“A senator and a clone,” Cerra commented circumspectly. “What are the odds?”

“Greater than you might think,” Riyo said. 

Something in her voice gave Cerra pause. “Oh?”

“Yes,” Riyo said. “I—I was also… involved with a clone. Before. During the war.”

Cerra felt a sinking in her gut. “What happened?”

“He died,” Riyo said. “Not long after the rise of the Empire. That’s why I started fighting for clone rights. For him.”

“I’m sorry,” Cerra said in a low voice. “What was his name?”

“Commander Fox of the Coruscant Guard,” Riyo said.

All the air punched from Cerra’s lungs. She dropped her hydrospanner, the tool clattering to the floor.

“Are you all right?” Riyo asked, startled.

Cerra was glad she was hidden safely beneath the surgical pod so Riyo couldn’t see her appalled expression.

“I’m fine,” she lied. “Just got a little shock. From the circuit.”

She felt sick. Her voice sounded unsteady to her own ears, but Riyo evidently believed her. She groped around until she found the spanner and went back to work, fumbling with the wires as her mind raced and her hands shook.

Fox. Cerra shuddered as she wrestled her emotions under control. Riyo had been in love with Fox, of all people. Out of all the millions of clones, she had fallen for the man who had murdered Fives. Riyo didn’t know. She would never have confided in Cerra if she had known.

“Did you know him?” Riyo asked hopefully.

“No,” Cerra said hollowly. “I never met him.”

Cerra tasted bile at the back of her throat. How could she tell this kind, gentle senator that she had felt nothing but a fierce sense of satisfaction when she’d heard that Fox had been killed while hunting down a rogue Jedi? How could she confess that she had celebrated the commander’s death? A wave of shame swamped her. She knew now that Fox had been just as susceptible to the inhibitor chip’s influence as the rest of the clones. Rex had told her that when his chip activated, he had been fully conscious of his actions even as he was powerless to stop them. She could not imagine the agony Fox would have endured as he watched himself pull the trigger and take his own brother’s life.

Riyo was talking again, and Cerra forced herself to focus on the senator’s words.

“... providing security at a senate function. I’d met other clones before. Actually, Rex was the first clone I ever befriended. But Fox was wonderful. He was so kind, and so tired.” Riyo laughed softly. “Commander Thire used to say Fox’s body was fifty percent caf. He reminds me of you in that way.”

Cerra forced a chuckle. It was strange to hear Riyo speak so fondly of a man Cerra had dedicated years of her life to hating.

“We used to talk about running away together, hiding out on some remote planet. But I knew Fox would never abandon his men. They were the reason he worked so hard. He cared so much about them. When he died, it seemed only right for me to take up the fight for his brothers since he wasn’t here to do it any longer.”

Cerra set down the spanner and took a few deep breaths. Schooling her face into a careful mask of neutrality, she slid out from under the surgical pod and took Riyo’s hand in a comforting grip. The senator’s small hand was soft and warm and perfectly manicured, but she didn’t seem to mind that Cerra’s was rough and calloused from work. Riyo clutched it tightly.

“Wherever he is,” Cerra said, “I know he’s very proud of you.”

Riyo blinked back tears. Cerra couldn’t remember the last time she had wept. The complicated morass of grief, bitterness, and inexorable rage that she felt about Fives’s death refused to be expressed in anything as straightforward as tears.

“Thank you,” Riyo said in a trembling voice.

Cerra gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, then slid back under the pod to connect the last few wires.

“Done!” she announced. “Want to hop in and take it for a test drive?”

“But I don’t have a chip,” Riyo protested.

“I just need to turn it on and make sure everything’s working,” Cerra said. “I promise not to perform brain surgery on you.”

---

Next chapter

#captain gregor #captain rex #tbb echo #echo x riyo chuchi #gregor x oc #clone wars #bad batch #bad batch fanfic #stars beyond number #dystopicjumpsuit writes

[reneeofthestars]

REMEMBER THE FALLEN

Summary:

After a harrowing battle, Captain Mark and the other clone leaders of Chimera Company celebrate and mourn their fallen brothers.

Originally written for the unpublished fanzine, We Were Here - @cloneoczine celebrating Clone Trooper OCs

Word Count: 4,229

Mark stood on the landing platform for several minutes after the Jedi speeder disappeared into the distant Coruscanti traffic.

The airspace around the clone trooper barracks was quiet. With civilian traffic restricted and the next closest clone regiment a good distance away, the noise and light pollution was severely diluted, leaving Mark feeling strangely isolated.

His arms hung heavy at his sides, as they’d been when Commander Tiatkin had hugged him tightly. He hadn’t embraced her back; not because he didn’t want to, but because he couldn’t find the energy to raise his arms. It felt nice, though.

The Jedi had cried. Two years ago, Mark would have been appalled at the very idea of the all-powerful Jedi showing such emotion. But he understood now that Jedi were only mortal, and General Teyla Marin and Commander Gida Tiatkin were held very dearly by the clones of Chimera Company. It meant more to Mark than he could say that the two women had spent the entire day in the barracks, mourning with the troopers.

Their last battle had devolved into a nightmare.

Mark felt no ill-will towards the Jedi; they had done everything they could to counter the Separatist army, but Chimera Company had been outnumbered and outmaneuvered. The mission had been straightforward: Chimera Company was sent to wipe out a Separatist outpost on the jungle world of Akiva, and bring the planet under Republic protection.

He passed a hand over his face, scratching at his beard. The intel had been wrong. So very, very wrong.

They’d gone in prepared to assault a base. What they found instead was a battle droid factory, deep in the catacombs beneath the planet’s surface, churning out droid after droid after droid. It wasn’t the first time their intel had been bad, but never this bad.

The entirety of Tazer Squad sacrificed themselves to sabotage the factory. Though Mark hadn’t been able to get confirmation, and wanted to believe that they’d survived, the fact remained that he had last seen them swarmed by droids, falling beneath skeletons of steel. And somehow… he just knew they were gone.

General Marin said it was his Force-sensitivity. She’d carefully broached the subject a few months ago, and she and Commander Tiatkin had been… not necessarily training him, but teaching him about this bizarre connection he had. He hadn’t believed them at first; only Jedi could use the Force. But once he stopped resisting the idea, and opened himself to the possibility…

While he was still uneasy about the whole thing, Mark was learning that he could use the Force. He felt the ebb and flow of energy when the Jedi meditated with him, and could move small objects across the table. It came through most clearly during combat, when he wasn’t trying to use it at all. He noticed it first in the uncanny accuracy of his shooting, then in his reaction time. And it finally explained the connection he felt with the other clones, on a level he couldn’t describe. He could sense their feelings, could tell when they were lying, could know their intentions. Mark had always known those things, but now he understood why.

And it was that why that forced him to face that every member of Tazer Squad was dead. He just knew.

He said their names out loud. The dark night of Coruscant might not care, but he did.

“Boots. Amari. Hatchet. Garrett. Lorn. Mouse. Targon. Mechi. Shave. Nath.”

Tazer Squad weren’t the only deaths.

General Marin called for the evacuation, but Separatist ships had lurked unseen in the shadow of nearby world Malrev IV and delayed the assistance of the Zenith of the Republic, leaving Chimera Company stranded planet-side with droids pouring from the catacombs, surrounding the Republic forces in a valley.

“Mixer. Shorty. Gangle. Anchor. Ralphie. Buzz. Kory. Sunspot.”

The droids kept coming. Brothers fell around him. Explosions rocked the world.

“Avery. Karn. Arial. Carbine. Brink. Gale. Twister.”

It was only thanks to a Republic-aligned local militia that Chimera Company wasn’t completely wiped out. Ground forces came in from behind the droids and cut a path for Mark and the others to escape through, and provided cover while they fought to get to an elevation that the transport ships could access. Meanwhile, the militia sent their limited fighters and gunships to aid the Zenith in keeping the Separatist ships at bay.

“Hazel. Mac. Croaker. Cred. Vent. Hinter. Gossip.”

Nearly everyone was injured. Blaster burns, broken bones, cuts, concussions, contusions. Mark himself suffered a blaster bolt to his chest, reaggravating an old wound. Commander Tiatkin got caught at the edge of an explosion and had been flung across the valley, landing unconscious. General Marin collapsed from exhaustion as soon as the Zenith jumped to hyperspace.

A week later, most of the clones had recovered, though a handful remained in critical care. Marin and Taitkin arrived at the barracks as soon as they were released from the Jedi Temple’s med center. And together, they all mourned. And laughed, which Mark hadn’t been expecting. But the Jedi had begun reminiscing about those who had been lost, and before long there was laughter and smiles. Sorrow still tinged it all, but it was easier to bear.

Mark drew a deep breath, trying to center himself. To feel himself here and now, boots on the landing pad, rooted to the world, to the galaxy. Constant and present like the cities of Kamino, stalwart and unyielding to the tempests around it. That had been an argument between General Marin and Mark, in the beginning of his not-training. She had described her mediations as floating in a void, tethers to all other beings keeping her in place. But Mark didn’t feel that. He couldn’t let himself feel weightless, drifting; he needed to be grounded, sure of himself before he reached out to others.

It was several minutes before Mark finally made his way back indoors. He lost track of how many times he clasped a trooper’s shoulder or hand, how many more he nodded to.

By the time he got to the officer’s quarters, he wanted nothing more than to collapse onto his bunk. But as the door slid open, he realized that wasn’t going to be the case.

The four lieutenants of Chimera Company were gathered in the center of the room, having hauled over chairs around a supply crate; a jug full of liquid sat on the crate, surrounded by five cups. Mark made his way to the empty chair, shucking his armor as he went. He let the purple-painted armor clatter to the ground, for once not caring about packing it away properly.

He accepted a cup proffered by Bookie before collapsing into the chair. “Hal, how’s your leg?”

Hal – fresh out of the med bay– grunted and extended his right leg gingerly out in front of him. “Stiff, but the bone’s mended. I can walk on it.” He waved a hand. “And Cleese’s got his hearing back.”

“What?” Cleese asked loudly, the scar across the bridge of his nose crinkling as he failed to keep from smirking.

Tech rolled his eyes and shoved Cleese’s shoulder. “What about you, Captain?”

“Stings a bit,” Mark admitted, a hand going absently to his chest, “but that’s the last time you’ll hear me say it.” The faintly caustic smell emanating from the purple liquid in his cup signified Christophsis tals – potent, crystal-cured alcohol. There had been toasts and honorifics all day, but one more could do no harm. He raised his glass. “To those who rest, and those who live. Vode An – brothers all.”

“Brothers all,” the other for echoed. They drank deeply; Mark’s eyes watered.

After a while of listening to the shuffle of footsteps out in the hall and the hum of power through the barracks, Bookie leaned forward, a loc of purple-dyed hair falling into his apprehensive eyes. “Captain? When are we due back to the front?”

Mark drained his cup and refilled it, keeping his eyes fixed on the sloshing liquid. His tongue tingled from it, but it would be another cup or two before he really started to feel its effects. It had been a while since he’d been properly drunk.

“Mark?”

“The Republic wants us mission-ready in two days.”

Cleese uttered a low curse, but Tech talked over him. “And the Jedi?”

“Marin said the Jedi Council agreed to not assign anything for seven days. She’s going to push for longer, but I think that’s all we’re going to get.”

A muscle jumped in Hal’s neck, right under the black ink of the Republic tattoo there. “A week is fine. Any longer, we’d all go stir-crazy. Don’t know about the rest of you, but I need action – I can’t just hang out at Seventy-Nine’s indefinitely.”

“How –” Bookie faltered, then pressed on. “How long did it take you to move on before? With… with your original company?”

Hal turned a baleful look on him. “It’s not a matter of ‘moving on’. It’s about not being stuck.” He drummed his fingers on the crate. “I was in the med bay for a week after the attack. Shattered my collar bone and a few ribs. It was all volunteer medics – no clones – and they wouldn’t tell me anything. That should’ve been my first clue something was wrong. They dunked me in some bacta, then kept me cooped up til I thought I was gonna short-circuit. By the time they let me out, I was ready to kill something.”

He paused, his focus drifting. “Went to join up with the boys – but found out I was reassigned cuz everyone else was dead. I was on the field the next day. It helped, being able to focus on the missions. But if I’d just… if I’d waited just a moment during the attack, I might’ve been able to grab a few others.”

Cleese frowned. “What d’you mean?”

“The clankers hit our outpost with an orbital bombardment. I only survived because I was able to make it to a reinforced bunker. There were three clones right behind me when we started running. But when I reached the bunker and turned around to pull them in, they were two dozen feet behind me. And a blast came down right on top of them. I couldn’t have outrun them that quick; maybe they got tripped up by something. But if I’d slowed up, realized I got ahead of them – ” he broke off and glowered at his cup.

The guilt rolled off Hal in waves. It was a pain shared by all the clones of Chimera Company; they were all survivors from other companies and squads that no longer existed.

“This is a day for remembering our brothers.” Mark raised his glass. “To Zeta Company.”

Hal’s harsh expression faltered and he ducked his head to hide his tears as the others repeated the salute.

Bookie spoke up; Mark felt his embarrassment at having prodded Hal. “We were fractured at Ryloth. We weren’t expecting the Separatist interest in the planet, and they hit us with more forces than we ever expected. It was a slaughter. Two of our squads survived the initial battle, and we hid in the canyons while we waited for reinforcements. But the droids chased us down.” Bookie averted his gaze, unable to make eye contact. “I was able to duck down quick enough after taking potshots – I dodged the bolts that came my way. But most of the others couldn’t. Only six of us walked away. They reassigned us to another force on Ryloth three days later. I think I would have liked to have some more time to process everything; I feel like I had to move on too fast.” He took a swig of the tal. “The Fifty-Eighth Battalion.”

They toasted; Mark took a smaller sip, a pleasantly warm buzz already at the edges of this consciousness. He had wondered when they’d have this conversation. Chimera Company had been formed almost two and a half years ago, and though they had all strengthened their bonds over that time, they’d never discussed where they’d come from, what they had experienced. Mark knew the stories of the rest of the company, but he’d hadn’t pressed the lieutenants; the weight of living while those under your command had died was a harder burden to bear.

After a stretch of silence, Tech turned his head away. “We didn’t even fall to the Separatists.” The bitterness in his voice made Mark’s gut twist. “There was a distress beacon out in the middle of nowhere. The General and the Captain argued about it, but the Jedi finally ordered the ship to go and offer assistance.”

“And there was nothing there?” Hal asked.

“Oh, there was. A civilian cruise ship, dead in the void. We boarded to search for survivors. Once we were all split up, the pirates made their move. They’d been lying in wait onboard, and picked us off as we went through the halls, and their ships dropped out of hyperspace and took out our capital ship.”

“How’d you get out?” Bookie asked, refilling Tech’s cup.

“A small group of us were in the lower levels of the ship. I could tell when they were nearby – I think I could hear them, or whatever – so we were able to sneak around them, for the most part. We managed to steal one of their smaller ships and get away. No one else survived.” He tapped his cup thoughtfully. “I was reassigned the next day, after we were debriefed. Didn’t really have time to process what happened. I just tried to fit in with the new group.”

“To the Two-Oh-Third,” Mark intoned.

After they drank, they looked to Cleese. 

He scowled. “What?”

“What about you?”

Cleese’s lip curled. “I don’t wanna talk about it.”

Mark set his cup down. “You’ll need to eventually,” he murmured softly.

Cleese’s head snapped toward him. “Why’s that?”

“Because you’ve been carrying around the weight of it since you lost your company. I don’t think you’ve ever let yourself mourn.”

“There’s always more brothers to mourn,” Cleese snarled. “More dead, every day – it’s a miracle that Chimera Company hasn’t suffered major losses like this before. There’s always dead brothers that need remembering, but there’s no time for it – we have to keep moving, we have to keep marching on, to win this war, so they didn’t die for nothing.”

For a moment, the only sound was the hum of the barracks’ generators. “I read the official report,” Mark said carefully. “That Haval Company responded to a distress call at Garentti’s Keep and gave the civilians enough time to evacuate the city and escape into hyperspace. You saved over two thousand people.”

“And I lost one-hundred thirty-seven men!” Cleese launched himself onto his feet, hands clenched at his sides. “One-hundred thirty-seven brothers who were depending on me to get them out alive. And they died. I only focused on the tanks and ships attacking from the north, I didn’t think to look out for anything else. A whole squad of commando droids crawled out from the cliffs to the south. Only reason I lived was ‘cause I felt one of the karking things sneak up behind me. They took us out from behind, and the clankers overran us.”

“You had no way of knowing. You did what you could with what you had.”

“And what about you, Mark?” Cleese was suddenly in Mark’s face. Anger radiated from him, washing over Mark in such a tangible way that he almost toppled off his seat. “Have you talked about losing the Eighty-Second? Only twelve of you survived, right? You lost an entire battalion. You gonna act like you’ve gotten over that? That you’re gonna get over this?”

He may have said more, but a high-pitched ringing in Mark’s ear drowned him out. Mark’s blood boiled and heart hammered, aching beneath the blaster burn scar. Brothers could fight, could say things and apologize later. A captain couldn’t.

Mark ground his teeth together as he slowly stood. Cleese filled his vision, shaking and blinking hard. Mark hadn’t gone over managing his emotions with the Jedi yet. Marin said it was because he already had control over it, that she wasn’t worried he would act out of anger. He wasn’t about to start now.

“Of course I never got over it.” Mark kept his voice low and even. “I did what I could, and it wasn’t enough. After that slaughter on Eadu’s moon, I blamed General Thalen, I blamed the Separatists, I blamed myself – I even blamed the ones who died. But the end result was the same. The men under my command were dead, and I wasn’t able to help them. It was out of my control. That doesn’t make the pain go away. Or the guilt. But when I was given command of Chimera Company, I had to pull myself out of my own misery, because others were depending on me.”

He paused and drew a shaky breath. The others were silent, waiting. Drawing on the Force, he grounded himself. And as he did, he felt his connection to them like a heartstring. He softened his voice.

“And this? No, I’m not going to move on very quickly. It’s easier, sure, because more of us survived, and I know that we’ll remain together. But what eases more of the pain for me is this.” He gestured to the assembled lieutenants. “Being together. Remembering together. The twelve of us from the Eighty-Second, we got four days. And all were hazy to me but the last one. Because the night before reassignment, we all met up in the mess and talked about the ones we’d lost. Just like we did today. For me, it doesn’t matter how many days it’s been – or how many years. The pain is still there. But it’s easier to bear when I’m with others who understand it.”

Cleese’s anger had melted into sorrow, and he didn’t say anything; he just sank back to his seat, head in his hands. Mark clapped a hand onto his shoulder, and raised his cup. “To Havel Company. And to the Eighty-Second.”

“I’m sorry, Mark,” Cleese murmured after he drained his glass.

Mark sat down heavily beside him. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

The other man smiled ruefully at the rapidly-emptying pitcher. “As far as gatherings go, I much prefer happier ones. One of the Haval Company squads learned from some local children about birthdays. The kids didn’t like that none of us clones exactly have a ‘birth-day’. So they decided that all clones were born on that day, and somehow convinced their parents to throw the entire Company a birthday party.” Though it was undercut by a dry sob, Cleese laughed. “I’ve never had such sweet desserts, before or since. That cake was way too rich, and we ate way too much of it.”

“Oh, cake will get you in trouble!” Bookie jumped in, his eyes suddenly bright. “Charger almost got married because of cake once.”

“Married? But we’re not allowed to marry until retirement.” Tech cocked his head to the side, frowning. “Unless that’s changed?”

“It’s still the same. It was an accident. We were on a backwater world where Basic wasn’t well-spoken. One of the locals offered him a cake – in a real meaningful way – but Charger just thought he was being friendly. The translator saw what was going on and managed to set it straight.”

Tech shook his head with a smile. “The long-necks really should have taught us to speak more than just Basic. I think I’d like to understand Huttese – it seems useful.”

“You had any communication mix-ups?” Cleese asked. Mark was relieved to see he’d relaxed.

“All the time. The boys always had trouble in the Outer-Rim markets.” Seeming to jump from one memory to another, he went on. “I was just thinking of the time a shiny – he didn’t live long enough to get a name…” Tech faltered, then gave a weak smile. “This shiny started trash-talking me to my face. Since I’ve always been pretty regulation, he thought I was a shiny from another unit. Didn’t realize I was the squad leader.”

Mark laughed. “What did he say?”

“He was complaining about the drills I was running them through. Thought I was treating them like cadets. He didn’t expect me to be going through the paces with them.”

“Shinies always have such big heads in the beginning.” Hal settled back, throwing an arm over the back of his chair. “Sometimes those heads never deflate. I had a kid in Zeta Co that crashed everything he ever piloted. Fighters, AT-RTs, speeders – if it had a control yoke, he’d end up walking away from a flaming heap of debris with a smile on his face. We called him Crash after the second time.”

After another drink, Cleese turned his watery gaze toward Mark. “I’d asked you when we first met, Mark, but I don’t think you ever actually answered me. The strike team you led on Brentaal Four. Did you really use a B-One’s faceplate to tunnel under a Separatist compound?”

He hadn’t thought of that mission in ages. “We didn’t just use a droid’s faceplate. But some of our tools had to be left behind when we had a complication with landing, so it was the next best thing available.”

“And that worked?” Bookie said incredulously.

“Droids never considered that we’d try to dig our way through. Besides, they were preoccupied with a diversionary force in orbit. If I hadn’t been so concerned about rules at the time, I would’ve let the men keep it as a trophy. It was probably the most useful thing the droid had ever done.”

Cleese slapped his leg as he laughed, tal sloshing out of his cup as he did. “Ah, damn.” He reached for a rag on a trunk behind him, still focused on the dripping liquid. The rag was about a foot away, but before Mark could get up to grab it for him – it moved.

Mark froze, watching as the rag twitched, then slid right into Cleese’s fumbling hand.

He stared at the other man, but Cleese didn’t seem to notice; he was focused on mopping up the mess, saying that at least he hadn’t hit the pitcher.

The Force. Cleese had just used the Force. Mark knew it. But how?

“You okay, Mark?” Bookie asked. Bookie, who had been able to dodge blaster bolts, moving just before they could hit him. Mark slowly looked around the circle.

Hal, who had found himself moving with unprecedented speed. Tech, who had sensed when pirates were nearby. And Cleese, who had sensed danger behind him, who had just moved a rag without touching it.

But then other instances started coming to the forefront of his memory: a clone who always caught whatever was thrown at him, even when he wasn’t looking; a squad jumping much further than they should have been able to over a crevasse; a clone that every animal seemed to become docile around; and every time someone had muttered that they had a bad feeling just before something went wrong.

They piled up, instance after instance of clones in Chimera Company that were just a bit faster or stronger, a bit more agile or focused, a bit luckier or more aware, a bit more –

Seas. They’re all Force-sensitive.

“Mark?” Bookie repeated, concern creasing his brow. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” Mark croaked, blinking rapidly. His heart thudded in his chest, his mind racing. “Yeah, I just – It’s been a day.” He stood, the alcohol rushing to his head and making him teeter for a moment. No, it wasn’t just the tal; it was the adrenaline that suddenly coursed through his veins, the energy that came with suddenly knowing something vital and not knowing what to do with it. “I think I’m gonna turn in for the night.”

The others made to rise, but Mark waved them down. “Don’t let me interrupt this. Stay up as long as you need. And remember – this doesn’t have to be limited to today. We can mourn and remember as long as we need.”

The others called out their good nights as he gathered his armor and made his way to the far end of the officers’ quarters. A door led to his private bunk, and when it slid shut behind him he stood there, arms shaking as he put his armor away.  

Force-sensitive. Was that how they’d all survived? The remnants of companies and battalions that made up Chimera Company, had they all lived because of the Force? Because they subconsciously tapped into an energy that they didn’t know about, and enhanced their skills, like he had?

Did it matter?

Before General Marin had started teaching him about the Force, Mark would have said no, it didn’t matter; the troopers had their abilities and advantages, and it didn’t matter where they came from.

But a company of trained, Force-sensitive clones? They would be a force to be reckoned with.

But would the Jedi see it that way? Would the Republic?

Mark sat on the edge of his bunk, elbows on his knees as he stared at his armor. He’d need to talk to Marin about it. He trusted her. Hopefully, she’d have an idea of how to proceed.

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