#I'd also like to think they take in Crosshair at some point

[echo-lover]

Why are you watching this, it's for kids. Focus on life, find yourself a partner, have your own family. You are an adult. Grow up.

You don't understand it. This is not just a series...

This series gives me a chance to feel like a kid again. I find comfort, safety and care in the arms of characters who mean the world to me. I experience each of their moments of sadness, each of their smallest joys, as if they were my own. This is my home, my safe space. I love them with all my heart. Thank you Star-Wars for my beautiful family.

I love Wrecker because he always managed to put a smile back on my face, even when I was having the worst day ever. His cheerful personality makes it impossible not to like him. Sometimes he is just a child, trapped in a large man's body. Behind all this muscles and enormous strength that can easily hurt you, there is a soft heart made of gold. He can be gentle, soft, even quiet if he has to. He would do absolutely everything for his family. He is also way more intelligent than he might think. The way he takes care of Omega melts my heart every time. Kids love him and he loves kids.

I love Tech because he can quickly adapt to situations. His voice is so special... I could listen to him for hours and never get tired of his facts about everything he saw and heard on his missions. He showed me that being smart is not something I should be ashamed of. His voice is calming, gives me comfort... I love his little jokes and moments where he was just a little savage in conversations. Even though he processes moments and thoughts differently, he is still able to share his own feelings with Omega. She helped him open up and show the part of himself that he kept closed from the world, even from himself. He loved his family so much that he sacrificed himself for their safety, paying the biggest price. He is worth every tear I shed for him (and there were so many).

I love Echo because I see a part of myself in him. He has been with me from the very beginning of my journey with Clones, and is one of the most important characters for me. I relate to him for many personal reasons. Even though he has experienced so much evil in his life, he is still able to be gentle, caring and show love to those who were closest to him. I especially love his bond with Omega, they both understand each other through their traumas, and way more. Omega quickly became the most important to Echo, but he couldn't give up on fighting, even for her. He felt that he has to somehow compensate for all the lost years when he was a prisoner on SkakoMinor. His honor, loyalty and courage inspire me every day. And his tenderness and softness touch my soul deeply. I could talk about him for hours and never get bored. I wish I'd be able to give him the biggest and warmest hug, and tell him how important he is to me.

I love Crosshair because he's the type of character I could easily hate, but I don't. In fact Cross is very close to my heart, I feel sorry for him and I want to help him get back to his old self. He is so much more than what the Empire has done to him. This sniper who never misses, who doesn't have to use his muscles to hurt - words are enough for him - silent, yet sharp. Precise, accurate, always on point. Confident, knowing his skills. Painfully honest, but needing to prove his worth to others at the same time. I know there is this soft side of him, hidden, but it is there for sure. The side that loves his brothers and little sister more than his own life. He need some time to understand that he is worth all the love in the Galaxy and I hope that Omega will help him to realize, that his brothers never really left him. They would take him back, if he just wanted...

I love Hunter because he makes me feel safe. I can't put it into words, but he's a character that reminds me of home... a loved one that I lost some time ago. He is so much like my dad at some point and his bond with Omega is so special for me. I know he's not perfect, he makes mistakes just like everyone else, but he always wants to do the right thing. He is a leader, not the one that only gives orders, but he is more like the head of the family who protect them - a father. He always puts his family first and is willing to do anything for them. For any of them, including Crosshair. He often doesn't give direct orders, just suggestions. His squad is not just soldiers, but they are his brothers, his closest family. His priorities changed when Omega appeared in his life - a child in need of a family, who trusted him and gave him love that he had never received before. From a soldier, he became a father, who would give everything for his daughter's safety and joy. His relationship with Omega is the most important to me. I loved him from the first moment and I could talk about him for hours, just like about Echo. I will always defend him. No matter what.

I love Omega because she took the best parts of each of her brothers. She is fearless, brave, strong and ready to defend her family until the very end. She's just a sweet little girl who can't have a normal childhood. She's different, just like her brothers, and she's so proud of it. She is not afraid to show her individuality. But even though she is strong and brave, she is still just a child. She needs love, protection... family... and Bad Batch gave it to her... a home, a safe place, loving brothers... Words cannot describe how important she is to me. Now she has changed so much, she is no longer this little Omega from first season... I think she becomes so much like Hunter.

[zoeykallus]

Me again! Here’s one that popped into my head randomly. What if the gender-neutral reader is “hunted” (or playfully tracked) by each BB clone? Like the reader took one of their blasters and is chased to get it back? Oooh and the reader takes Crosshair’s rifle!

Yeah, you, again, know that face by now 😁Hi! Uhm, well, let me give it a try...

TBB x Gender-neutral Reader (Extended) HCs – Lost Something? Part 1 Of 5 Hunter

Warnings: None (So far)

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

It starts with a simple assertion on your part. "I bet I can sneak up on you and steal something you're wearing on your body, like your blaster." Hunter raises his eyebrows. He laughs softly and says with amusement, "I think that's highly unlikely. My perception, as you already know, is much sharper than that of other people. You would never get close enough to me, at least not without me noticing" You smile unperturbed. You watch him, listen to him explain further. "Even if you could manage that, you can't hide from me, I'd be on your heels far too quickly. Stealing from me is much harder than you think" You nod slowly, kiss his cheek gently and say, "Okay, you're probably right. But the thought was interesting" Hunter laughs softly again. "Are you bored?" You grin at him and say, "No, I'm just naturally curious" Hunter kisses the corner of your mouth and strokes your cheek with one finger. "I see. Well, maybe we can discuss some more of your curious thoughts tonight. But now I have to go, I'm sure Echo is already waiting for me" You smile contentedly and say, "I'm looking forward to tonight"

You look after him until he disappears around the next corner to go to the meeting point at the market, where Echo is waiting for him. With a smile, you raise your right hand and look down at its contents. Hunter's blaster is in your hand. "Incredibly sharp senses," you say with a soft laugh.

Hunter walks alongside Echo through the market, looking for the stall of the merchant who sells them certain spare parts under the table, while he tells him about the conversation between you and him. Echo frowns a little, but he listens before saying, "And you told them, of course, that no one can steal anything from you that easily, hmm? Hunter laughs, a beaming smile on his face. He likes talking about you, any thought related to you is usually enjoyable. "Of course. I also told them they should know that" Echo nods slowly, completely calm, a barely noticeable smirk at the corners of his mouth. "Of course," he says, sounding almost subliminally sarcastic. Hunter shrugs and says, "We all know that no one can sneak up on me" "And where's your blaster then, genius? Have you forgotten it?" grumbles Echo, the smirk already a little more visible on his lips. Hunter glances hastily at the holster. Empty. "This can't be real," he says, stunned, almost a little breathless.

When your comm beeps, you know it's Hunter before you even look at the display. "Hi honey," you say sweetly. Hunter sounds dry as he says, "You tricked me" You laugh softly and say, "But that was the point. I proved my theory. I can very definitely steal from you" You feel it coming before it happens, but you don't have time to react. The next moment you're wedged between Hunter and a building wall. "I also said you can't hide from me," Hunter says with a smoky voice and a small smirk. Your heart is pounding in your throat, but not really from fear, it's a certain, energizing excitement. You concede, "Okay, yeah you said that and obviously you're right" Hunter reaches under your jacket, pulls out his blaster and puts it back in its holster. "I'm afraid you can't keep this, I still need it," he says, amused.

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

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@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

@greaser-wolf

@extrahotpixels

@hated-by-me

@hunterxcrosshair

@malicemercy

@bebopsworld

@echos-girlfriend

@cpnt616

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@jediknightjana

@pb-jellybeans

@antishadow2021

@sleepycreativewriter

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@1vlouds

@clonelovr

[vodika-vibes]

I saw that you asked for crosshair requests, and I had an idea I figured I'd run by you in case it gave you any inspiration. I was thinking about a kind of friends to loves situation with crosshair and his casual flirting suggesting a friends with benefits situation, but the reader says no despite clearly being attracted to him, and when pressed confesses to being afraid of falling in love with him if they hook up. idk if that's smth you want to write, just hope you focus on stuff you want to do and don't burn yourself out :)

We Could Be More

Summary: Summary: You and Crosshair are friends, only the emotions are a little…more. You’re not really surprised when Crosshair comes to you with a proposition. Friends with benefits would make sense, it’s not as if the Empire will allow you more. You’re both surprised when you turn him down.

Pairing: TBB Crosshair x F!Reader

Word Count: 1577

Warnings: Discussions of a friends with benefits type situation, some adult discussion, Crosshair demands an explanation when the Reader says no, discussion of the lack of clone rights

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni

A/N: I hope this is close to the idea that you had. I had fun writing it, and I'm so glad that people are feeding my sudden, and surprising, crosshair obsession. RIP me.

You enjoy your job.

You’d enjoy it more if you had your own workshop, or even a workspace that wasn’t a small, unused, section of the ship.

Hell, at this point, you’d be happy with having a chair and a desk so you don’t have to sit on the floor while repairing the mouse droids. You’d also accept a cushion, or a thick blanket.

But no.

You have to sit on the floor with little mouse droids zipping around you while you make sure they work properly.

Still, you like working with droids. They’re easy. Easier than your co-workers.

Well, easier than most of your co-workers.

You flip the mouse droid back on its wheels, and it zooms around you, chattering happily. “Alright, you’re all set,” You say to the droid, “Watch out for more Admirals.”

The little droid chatters and then zooms out the tunnel that leads to your…hallway(?) and you sigh and stretch your arms over your head. Maybe if you send a very polite email to your supervisor you can get a desk…or at least a proper cushion.

“You know,” You yelp at the voice coming from the doorway, “I think you like those droids more than anyone else on this ship, kitten.”

“Don’t do that! You nearly gave me a heart attack,” You say as you press your hand over your pounding heart. And then you drop your hand and glance up at the much taller man, “I thought you were on a mission, Cross?”

“I was, and now I’m not. Funny how that happens.”

“Ooh, you think you're funny, don’t you?” You say with an amused grin on your lips.

“Funnier than most of the people on this ship, yeah.” Crosshair leans against the wall and slides down so he’s sitting next to you, his knees raised and his arms draped over his knees, “Busy morning?”

“Isn’t it always?” You ask with a sigh, “One of the mouse droids was in the way when a member of the Imperial Guard came though, and nearly crushed him to pieces.” You gesture to the side, “It’s over there, somewhere.”

“Bad luck.”

“Tell me about it.” You say with a sigh, “It’s going to take me days to rebuild it.”

“Hm.” Crosshair hums noncommittally. “What’s the Imperial Guard doing here?”

“Hell if I know. You think anyone tells me anything?” You ask with a grin.

“Nah, but I know the mouse droids pick up audio.” Crosshair replies.

“Crosshair, are you implying that I’m spying on my coworkers, because that would be very, very wrong of me.”

“Uh-huh.”

You keep his gaze for a moment, before a grin cracks your face, “Okay, apparently the Emperor’s ship needed repairs, some kind of space debris.” You shrug, “I dunno, I don’t work on ships, I work on droids.”

“Yeah, I don’t think they could fit a ship in your hallway.”

“Excuse you, this is my office, sir.”

“And you can’t even afford a chair, or a desk. Shame.”

You laugh and bump him with your shoulder, “Rude, maybe I like sitting on the floor.”

“Do you?”

“No. I think my butt is numb.”

Crosshair’s eyes glitter with mischief, “Want me to massage it for you?”

“I don’t think you’ve earned butt touching privileges.” You counter with a sniff.

“Shame. You have a really nice one. Very round and squeezable.”

“Yeah, that doesn’t sound like a massage. It sounds like you just want to grope me.”

He shrugs, “Same thing.”

“Very different.” You correct him with a laugh.

“Not the way I do it.”

“Oh? You have a lot of practice then?”

“Well, I might be a little out of practice. I haven’t had the chance to practice my skills since the Republic fell.” Crosshair admits.

“Aww, poor thing. How ever will you survive?” You tease him lightly as a new mouse droid limps in and you grab it and flip it immediately.

“I have a pretty good idea,” Crosshair counters as he leans back against the wall, his gaze locked on you.

You hum thoughtfully as you examine the wheels.

You and Crosshair are friends, because that’s all the Empire will allow. It’s illegal for Crosshair to have relations with people. And actual relationships are out of the question. Which is a shame, you’d be interested in seeing where this, whatever it might be, could go if given the chance.

You pull a piece of metal out from the wheel well, and then set the droid back on its wheels, and it scurries away. “Sorry, you were saying?”

Crosshair stares at you, a small smirk on his lips. “I have a…proposition, of sorts, kitten.”

You arch a single brow, “Go ahead.”

His smirk grows, “When was the last time you got laid?”

Your face burns, “I’m not answering that.”

“Come on, kitten, it’s me.”

You fold your arms, “If you tease me even once-”

“I would never.”

“Yes, you will.” You grumble. Crosshair flashes, what he probably thinks is, an angelic look, and you huff and avert your eyes. “...fine, I’ve never actually-”

A broad grin crosses his face, “Kitten, are you a virgin?”

You scowl at him, “You heard me.”

He looks absolutely delighted, and you consider kicking him in the shin for half a minute. “That makes my proposition even better.”

“If you’re about to tease me-”

“How do you feel about a friends with benefits type situation?” Crosshair interrupts you.

Your words die on your tongue, and you blink at him, “...what.”

“You heard me.”

“I did, I’m just trying to process.” You admit, you hold up a finger, “I just told you that I’m a virgin, and you want a friends with benefits situationship. With me.”

“Did I stutter?”

“Just making sure I heard you correctly.”

“You did.”

You frown at him, rolling the idea around in your mind.

It’s not that you don’t want. Because you do. More than you’re ever going to put into words. Crosshair is so handsome and while he’s not kind, he is good. Good in a way that he doesn’t seem to see in himself.

You could love him, if you gave yourself the chance.

And you can’t risk that. You can’t risk him.

So, hating yourself a little, you focus your attention on him, “I’m flattered, Cross.” You say slowly, “But I think that’s a terrible idea.”

“Why?” His eyes narrow at you, “Because I’m a clone.”

“Of course not. That’s never been important to me.”

“Then what? You’re not attracted enough? I’m not nice enough?”

“Cross-”

“You didn’t flat-out refuse, you said it’s a terrible idea. Why is it a terrible idea?” Crosshair demands.

“Because.”

“Because isn’t an answer.”

“Because I’m afraid I’ll fall in love with you, and you’ll get hurt.” You say honestly.

Crosshair pauses, “...You’re going to have to explain that one to me.”

“I’m not dumb, Crosshair. I know it’s illegal for you to have sex with anyone. And it’s even more illegal for you to enter a relationship with someone. And the Empire isn’t the Republic, they will kill you before they’ll punish me.”

He leans back, his gaze calculating, “What if I said that I didn’t care?”

You frown at him, “I care, that’s enough for me.”

He leans in so that his face is only a few inches away from your own, “What if the Empire wasn’t a concern?”

You lean in as well, so that you're even closer, “You can’t bring down the Empire, Crosshair, you’re one man.”

“I could try, if you wanted me to.”

Your gaze softens, “As strong and broad as your shoulders are, that weight would still crush you, Cross.”

He searches your face for a moment, “What if we defected?”

“Please tell me you don’t want to defect simply so you can get laid?”

“I’m not dumb, it’s only a matter of time before they decommission me.” Crosshair says, “The Clones are expendable.”

Your hands curl into fists, your nails digging into the palms of your hands, “Cross-”

“So what do you say? If we defect, would you be willing to consider a friends with benefits relationship?”

“You’re impossible.”

“Hey, if I’m about to risk my life by running away from the largest government entity in the galaxy, I’d like to know if there are some perks on the other side.”

“Oh my god,” You push your hands through your hair, “Okay, fine. Yes. If we defected, and I knew you weren’t going to get yourself killed simply because you wanted to get your dick wet, then yes, I would agree to a friends with benefits relationship.”

He leans back, “Deal. We leave tonight.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Is it a good plan?”

Crosshair just smirks, “How many mouse droids can you call back right now?”

“...all of them, why?”

“Call them back, we’re going to rig them to blow up.”

Your jaw drops, “My babies-”

He rolls his eyes, “You have a better suggestion?”

“...no…”

“Great. Then get started. I’m going to come and get you tonight. We’re going to escape on one of the smaller ships.” Crosshair says.

“And go where?”

“Pabu.”

“I have questions.”

“My batch mates live there.”

“...I have even more questions.”

“They can wait.” Crosshair leans over to you and lightly kisses your temple, “You have work to do, kitten. I’ll see you tonight.”

And then Crosshair is gone, and you’re left feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.

[miss-musings]

Analyzing the Allegories in The Bad Batch Episode 3.05 "The Return"

I know a lot of folks out there love analyzing the metaphors and allegories in The Bad Batch Episode 2.09 "The Crossing." (This video has a great breakdown! I highly recommend it.) It really dives into Tech's psyche, his autism (or the Star Wars equivalent of it) and his bond with Omega.

And, as much as I love that episode, I have to admit: I love Episode 3.05 "The Return" even more so for a lot of the same reasons people love "The Crossing." It really dives into Crosshair's psyche, his trauma and his bond with his family (especially Hunter).

Both episodes are so rich and layered, giving us a lot of time for introspection in an otherwise fast-paced, action-packed show.

I'd like to present two allegorical readings for "The Return." While there is some overlap, they ultimately have major contrasts and reinterpret some moments very differently. They ultimately hinge on whether you want to interpret the Wyrm as a good thing or a bad thing.

Thus, you may prefer one over the other, or maybe you'll like both. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments/reblogs!

Author's Note: This will end up being the second part of a much longer analysis I want to write about 3.05 "The Return." But, this second part about the allegories wasn't as time-consuming as I imagine Part 1 about the character beats/analysis will be, so I'm tackling it first. Once I've written Part 1, I'll update this intro section with a link. Cheers!

Allegory #1: The Wyrm is a Good Thing

The one overlapping point between both of these allegorical interpretations is that the Outpost base represents Crosshair, mainly his heart.

Like the Outpost, Crosshair was abandoned by the Empire. He served his purpose and was cast aside, set adrift. Now, he is alone, isolated and purposeless.

Additionally, Crosshair carries Mayday in his heart (which is something TBB composers recently confirmed on Twitter), and the Outpost is home to the last remnant's of Mayday and the other clones -- their helmets.

But while he carries memories of Mayday, Tech and other clones in his heart, he doesn't have anyone actively in his life. Just as the Outpost doesn't have anyone actively stationed there anymore.

Now, under Allegory #1, the snow represents Crosshair's trauma.

Just as the snow has covered the Outpost, Crosshair has been buried in trauma -- from many things, but especially from his experiences in 2.12 "The Outpost" and from his time on Tantiss.

The snow is emblematic of his trauma because the last time he was on Barton IV, he and Mayday are nearly buried in an avalanche and then they have to fight their way back through the snow-covered terrain, in a blizzard. While it isn't actively snowing at the Outpost in 3.05 "The Return," the snow that's covering the base has left it inaccessible.

Arguably, the snow can represent the specific trauma of losing a brother, because Crosshair audibly freaks out when Hunter falls into the crevasse. He's afraid of losing Hunter the same way he lost Mayday. He doesn't want to lose another brother to this planet and its snow.

So, just as the Outpost and Crosshair were both abandoned by the Empire, now they're both buried under the weight of the snow (or what it represents).

Now, enter: The Bad Batch.

Crosshair's family arrive at the Outpost and they take down the perimeter defense at the base. But, under Allegory #1, this is a Good Thing.

Because the Wyrm represents Crosshair's family, love and hope.

You can argue that the Wyrm represents Hunter specifically. They're the only two characters we see in the tunnels, and Crosshair has the remark about "I think I just made it angrier," which applies to both Hunter and the Wyrm at different points in the episode.

You can also argue the Wyrm represents Omega, because it shows up as they're talking about her. Plus, just as the Wyrm ultimately brings Hunter and Crosshair together and forces them to reconcile, so too does Omega. Plus, Hunter's line of "Not alone -- we'll do it together" can apply to facing the Wyrm as much as it does to eventually raising Omega.

But, ultimately, the Wyrm represents Crosshair's family (whether Hunter or Omega specifically) and the love and hope that they bring with them.

In the final shot of the episode, we see that -- even though the snow still covers the Outpost -- we also now see tunnels that the Wyrm created during its attack. They're essentially inlets into and/or outlets out of the Outpost now that weren't there before — a way through the snow.

Now that his family and their love and hope are back in his life, Crosshair has a way out and a way forward in life (or back to his family) that he didn't have before — a way through the trauma. He has their love and support. He has an outlet now.

(P.S. I also just love the idea of his family metaphorically wyrming their way back into his heart. LOL)

Allegory #1 fits better when you put it in the context of 2.12 "The Outpost" and the final scene in 3.05 "The Return."

Crosshair, in a very big character moment for him, takes the initiative and opens up to Hunter.

Crosshair in general, but in this episode specifically, is very closed off. Earlier in the episode, he avoided talking to Hunter, and wasn't forthcoming about his time on Tantiss or his experiences at the Outpost. Part of that is because of his personality, but a lot of it is because of his trauma.

But, at the end of the episode, Crosshair now feels comfortable enough to open up to Hunter. Arguably, he didn't really need to, at least not right then. He and Hunter had reached an equilibrium or understanding after facing the Wyrm together. Whatever anger and resentment they had for each other had dissipated.

Yet Crosshair feels he's ready to and needs to truly reconcile with his brother. Despite everything he's faced, he feels he has an outlet now, and he uses it and basically starts his healing process.

(PS - There’s a great side-by-side comparison of this scene vs. the S1 finale here.)

And, as I said, in the final shot we see the Outpost still covered in snow, but now there are tunnels going into/out of the base. There is now a way out, a way forward.

Allegory #2: The Wyrm is a Bad Thing

Just as in Allegory #1, the Outpost represents Crosshair -- isolated, abandoned and purposeless. But, now we're going to switch gears on what the Bad Batch and the Wyrm represent.

After months of isolation on Tantiss, Crosshair has his guard up. He isn't letting anyone in. He isn't letting anyone save him.

Until Omega.

It's clear from 3.01-3.05 that he has bonded with her in a way he hasn't bonded with anyone since arguably Mayday.

That's because he keeps letting people in, and then failing them and subsequently losing them -- his brothers, especially Tech; then Cody; and then Mayday. It's partly why he pushed Omega away so much on Tantiss. He definitely wanted her to increase her chances of escaping successfully by not risking breaking him out too, but he also didn't want to get emotionally close to her after failing and losing so many other people.

But, thanks to Omega, he escapes Tantiss and reunites with his brothers, and he suggests they go to the Outpost to pull more intel on Tantiss.

Under Allegory #2, by bringing them to Barton IV and the Outpost, Crosshair is inviting them into his heart. And the fact that the group debates whether Omega should go and that it's Omega who ultimately deactivates the sensors is significant.

The Bad Batch, specifically Omega, deactivating the Outpost’s sensors represents how they make Crosshair feel vulnerable again.

Just as the base’s guards were up until they (specifically Omega) deactivated them, so too were Crosshair's guards up until his family (specifically Omega) re-entered his life and his heart.

This is partly why, when Hunter confronts him about betraying their family and then the Empire, Crosshair goes for the proverbial throat by bringing up Hunter's insecurities about failing Omega.

For a combination of reasons, Crosshair is feeling vulnerable for the first time in a long time, and while Hunter had very reasonable concerns and questions, he picked the worst possible moment to confront Crosshair about it.

Enter: the Wyrm.

Under Allegory #2, the Wyrm represents everything that threatens Crosshair and his heart -- whether that's external threats like the Empire or Tantiss, or internal threats like his fear and trauma.

After Crosshair comes face-to-face with the Wyrm, his initial response is to confront it alone. He likely feels guilty for endangering his family by bringing them to the Outpost, and doesn't want to risk failing and subsequently losing them the way he lost Mayday and others.

However, Hunter and the others emphasize that Crosshair can't and shouldn't face the Wyrm alone -- that they have to do it together.

Hunter also says: "Then let's get to it, before it tears this place apart." Crosshair and his family have to work together to protect the base, the same way they have to work together to protect him.

Allegory #2 fits better in the larger context of Season 3, specifically everything that happens after this episode.

Crosshair insists on facing CX-2 alone in 3.07 "Extraction" and would've died if Howzer and the others hadn't saved him. He is alone in 3.11 "Point of No Return" when he misses the shot to track Omega's ship. And he feels like, because of his failures, he needs to spare Hunter and Wrecker by infiltrating Tantiss alone in 3.15 "The Cavalry Has Arrived."

But, just as the Bad Batch work together to restore the Outpost's defenses and protect it from the Wyrm, Crosshair is best protected when he is with his family -- when they are working together.

With prompting from Hunter, Omega helps Crosshair to start facing his physical and emotional trauma in 3.08 "Bad Territory." His brothers refuse to let him infiltrate Tantiss alone in 3.15 "The Cavalry Has Arrived," and after they get captured, Echo and Omega work to break them out. And, when faced with an impossible shot to save Omega from Hemlock, Crosshair makes it thanks to Hunter's support and Omega's faith in him.

These are situations he wouldn't have been able to navigate alone, just as he wouldn't have been able to face the Wyrm and protect the Outpost alone. Heck, even Batcher helps Crosshair find and save Hunter after he falls into the tunnel. He probably couldn’t have done that by himself.

Crosshair needed his family to support and protect him from both his external and internal threats, just as they protected the Outpost.

So, in the final shot of 3.05 "The Return," we see the ship flying away from the Outpost. The Wyrm's tunnels are visible in the snow -- reminiscent of scars or wounds -- but the Outpost is still standing, still protected.

Analyzing the Title, Final Thoughts

I honestly can't decide which allegory I like better. I think they can both be powerful ways to interpret and 'read' the episode. Let me know if you have any additional insights or opinions.

As I said, I really love how emotionally poignant and significant this episode is. Just like 2.09 "The Crossing" was about Tech and Omega's bond, 3.05 "The Return" is definitely about Crosshair's bond with Hunter specifically, but his family in general.

Like Jennalysis says in The Crossing allegory analysis, I also enjoy thinking of all the things a TBB episode title can refer to. The Return has a lot of options:

Crosshair's return to Barton IV, obviously

Omega's return to Pabu, and her return to Hunter and Wrecker

Echo's return to the Bad Batch family, even if temporarily

Under Allegory 1: Hope returning to Crosshair's life and heart, as Hunter alludes to in the final line: "And who knows? There just might be hope for us yet."

Under Allegory 2: Crosshair's physical and emotional return to his family; or said another way, allowing his family to return to his heart

There might be more but that's all I have for now. As I said, this will end up being Part 2 of a much larger analysis on the episode. I plan to write Part 1, which will break down Hunter and Crosshair's character beats and some other fun details, in the coming days.

Stay tuned! :)

[warsamongthestars]

I became curious about something; how different do you think things would go if someone else but Crosshair had a 'functioning chip'? Say Hunter was the one 'loyal' to the Empire. Because then the rest of the Batch would suddenly stand leaderless for instance. Ignoring the bad writing of the show of course. (Sorry if you've covered this somewhere already.)

I prolly have covered it? I don't think so, but I also don't remember, and I am doomed to inevitably repeat things as all who forget their history are will to do...

I think that the situation is an interesting story to explore.

But if it followed TBB's logic, it would be one that, unfortunately, would inevitably done the same things that occur in TBB, without fail and maybe with only minor to insignificant one-line differences.

( Almost word per word, exactly like a fanfiction rewrite that spends a majority of its time just copy pasting lines word per word without taking it stories into new directions... just merely adding scenes that get a Mature Rating slapped on )

Because TBB is not, in fact, written to tell stories but sell you something for attention and subscription money. It was never going to be deep, it was only going to bank on hype, rush and attention-of-the-moment; and it was never going to follow any kind of character or character arc beyond how it affects their OC and the OC's rival character.

So to follow the lines of this logic, to follow TBB, is to place Hunter as Omega's anime rival... and it would be just like Crosshair's arc, if not exactly. Maybe a change of planet, maybe a change from sniper rifle to combat knife, exchange the energy bow for a vibrosword, but the result wouldn't be any different.

BUT.

If we were to follow the line of thinking, with the idea that unique characters make the plot, they are not made by the plot... And that means following the character as they are introduced and presented, with all implications in mind, with the world build of Star Wars and the set up of the Clone Wars...

And of course, adding the best parts-- human experience and human imagination in a beautifully gruesome mesh-like disaster...

It starts with the fact that the Bad Batch are killers first and foremost. They brag about putting down insurrections and killing the people involved [the Yalbec story from the Bad Batch arc of season 7. The implications behind their bragging are horrifying, so I grabbed popcorn.], as well as the fun additional information that suggests why there was an insurrection [ I'd be pretty pissed too if my giant bug mother was hunted down and killed because her stinger was delicious to some cultures, and even more so if the Republic we're apart of does nothing about it. ]

They all follow the Empire, because its easy. Even better, they're highly regarded for their skills, probably finally get a paycheck with benefits. To the bad batchers, there really isn't much difference between the Empire and the Republic, the Empire is just the Republic with the shackles off anyway, and they're just continuing what they've been doing since deployment.

But because the chip runs on regular clone genome, not their mutant modified brains, that's when conflict would begin arise.

That's the sciencey-bullshit explanation.

The narrative-bullshit explanation, is that the strongest parts of each character can break through the evil-artifact's influence, provided that what is strong about them isn't what the evil-artifact attaches / attacks.

That's a general set up. So let's add your suggestion as a spark point to get stories going moving forward. Setting up the setting is all nice and dandy, but we need Ideas now.

So let's add in the idea that while everyone knows something is probably wrong, but can't quite put their finger on it, they know that there is obviously up with Hunter.

He's colder, he's more vicious, he's not the anxious compulsive snarker now, he's seemingly more a perfect soldier than any reg. Orders are absolute and be damned to anyone in the way.

( It was already noticed that the regs are acting like that too, regardless if they were like that before, and this on the backburner of the minds of the Bad Batch. But because most of the Bad Batchers are "special" (save Echo, who is freaking out) they don't consider themselves to be as knee deep in the cacky as they actually are. )

Echo is the very first one to call it out. He knows something is wrong. His brothers aren't acting right, the Bad batch have been getting these odd headaches, and Hunter has done a total 180. But given that Echo is new, the rest of the Batch try to confront Hunter.

( The jedi are dead. Echo saw the massacre reports and recordings via his new built-in hacking skills. Rex is dead, Jesse is dead, Kix is dead--everyone he has ever known, is gone. And if they're not gone, they are certainly not them anymore. Echo wants desperately to trust his squad--they're the only ones left... )

They send Wrecker first, because its hard to do anything to Wrecker. Wrecker's general warmhearted rough housing, results in being yelled at and given a vicious cold shoulder. Wrecker leaves Hunter alone, and becomes depressed.

Then its Tech, who isn't a socialite by any means, and tries to break the ice, so to speak, with fun information facts he's learned. When Hunter ignores him, Tech skips right into direct confrontation, breaking down that there is something wrong going on and they're in the middle of it, Hunter shuts him down. Tech leaves Hunter alone, and copes by putting his mind to a nearby droid project, and never saying a word to anyone.

Then the big one, Crosshair. Second in command, confident and in control, and the biggest asshole when he has had it with someone. He straight up confronts Hunter, no preamble, though unlike the avoidant Wrecker or the bullheaded Tech in confrontations, Crosshair hits his marks.

"You weren't like this before." "You're acting like a Reg." "Since when did we care about Orders?" "Since when did we care about missions beyond surviving them and the GAR?" "You notice how the Empire is killing regs enmass?" "You're going to led us to our death with that attitude."

( It should be noted, that Hunter's original self, has just enough capacity over his chipped brainwashing to not report his brothers, nor to execute them for defying Order 66. )

( This is not enough, however, to stop him from retaliating with the full force of a wild animal. )

Hunter and Crosshair end up in a fight. Hunter, at his worst, is a vicious dirty fighter who uses his environment and flexibility and stealth, to take down an opponent. He is wicked wiht a knife and small arms, Crosshair's absolute weakness as a primarily long ranged fighter. Hunter, chip or no chip, does not attack to kill his brothers, but Crosshair is dragged to medical afterwards for an "incident with a training droid".

Echo has had enough. Lines have been crossed, he has been told to sit back and wait for the team to handle it, his own feelings are a chaotic mess, and now his alarms are going off.

Whatever is going on with the clone army and with Hunter, its not something that can be reasoned with, and its certainly not something that can be done about when under the scrutiny of these natborn officers.... These new officers who would order public staff executions, and gods knows what else they do to the planets they occupy...

The only decision is to run and maybe, find a way to help from the outside, because they're not doing shit here.

( with dragging of feet and looming disaster in their minds ("We're just, leaving Hunter behind!?"), it doesn't take much for Echo to convince the remaining squad that they can't handle Hunter right now, but maybe, just maybe, they can find help and get him later. )

( "He'll be fine, he has to be fine, they aren't going to kill him because of our failure, that'd just be a... waste of resource," says Echo, "We just need to sell it like its a mutiny." )

They do. Hunter is hard to deal with one on one, but collectively (well, minus a wounded Crosshair) its easy to cause a scene and punch his lights out in front of cameras.

The tricky bit is running to the Havoc Marauder. They are, of course, successful, but not without some strange, unseen, outside help from a blond haired clone cadet we haven't seen up onto this point. To CF99, it just seems like coincidence that the blast doors reopen as they're closing, and that training droids are suddenly flooding hallways.

They fly off.

And that would be... well, at least the first five episodes maybe? No TV show movie or 1 hour episode start, just, full on first quarter of season 1.

This is just my idea of it... but it starts with setting Echo up as the leader of the Bad Batch, and it does not involve Omega having center stage, but merely being an implied part of plot to be revealed later.

As for what happens going forward, that depends on what we want them to face. Do we want them inevidably heading to Wayland? Does Wayland even exist as it does in TBB or is it something else? Does Pabu exist or maybe are we canonizing old media planets into the Disney verse? Does Cid exist or is someone else around?

The best thing about a over arching episodic story... is that you can literally do anything, as long as you know the world build and the rules of the "game". There's a lot more that can be done in the STar Wars sandbox than just rehashing familiar shit for kudos and likes.

But we can set up a few things from what we know prior and from what this set up already has.

Rex is out there, starting the Rebellion, and he's working to free clones--which is perfect in order to get Hunter back. This also sets up the reveal of the chips as well as the fact that it was Fives who discovered them, and it was only by slim chance, that Rex ever escaped in the first place.

Crosshair would understand the logic of leaving Hunter, but the emotional impact of leaving a brother for potential dead, would immediately make him a rival challenging character to Echo. The writing rules of this situation, however, is to make him merely a rival, not a saboteur. Just because someone is a dick, doesn't mean they're going to unscrew the ship engine and tell the enemy where you're at. This is very important to keep in mind.

Each Bad Batcher would have an episode to come to terms with leaving Hunter, facing what their relationship with him meant to them, and dealing with the possibility that he may or may not come back. Part of this is returning to a post-battle Kamino and finding 99 was killed, which would play into why each Batcher is anxious.

Just as well, for emotional character scores that doesn't involve the plot or grief, each Batcher gets an episode to face the galaxy on their own merits, potentially leading them to a finale arc later on for when this initial over-arching plot is over, as a way to either allow the next over-arching plot or to retire the character for now. Rule of writing? It has to bee on their merits alone, not detailing their relationship with their team.

Of course we're going to have team episodes that help define to the audience what kind of relationship with batcher has with one another.

And we're gonna need episodes where the Bad Batchers butt heads with Echo as Echo leads a team that he wasn't a vital part of, and didn't share much history with.

Obviously we have to save Hunter. None of this 3 years separation-dangle-him-in-your-face shit. And Just as the other batchers get their own character episodes, both for their histories and themselves facing the world--Hunter needs those too without the looming threat of the chip. But before we get there, we're going to have fun with his chip episodes but allowing him to have an evil arc with obvious internal conflict--as his true self fights with the evil outside forces controlling his life.

I know I don't like her as she's treated in TBB, but Omega would be an interesting character to use without putting her in the spotlight. We do need someone around who knows their medical. Just maybe she's integral to freeing Hunter...

Because I love a dose of self indulgence, and every writers needs that in their stories, each Batcher gets a Chip episode or Chip Arc in some fashion. Enough to ensure character conflict and growth, and also to inspire fans to create their own Chip AUs. Could be that, because of how CF99 was made, removing their chips are a lot more complicated than just a brain operation on a derelict ship.

New Clones introduced of course. Perhaps those who would've filled in for clones who died in TCWs--like, since Commander Ponds die, who was Windu's new Commander for the rest of the war? And those from TBB, cos let's face it, thems were awesome too. Mayday might just survive this time!

No Guest Characters. If there are, they need to have a serious connection to clones, other wise, someone is robbing story and character for cameo rights, and that's not how you make a story. This is a clone story.

If we're gonna have Rex, we need Cody. Cody needs to be totally chipped as a foremost example of how bad the chip gets. He's meant to serve exactly as he's intended, as he's done in all his appearances, and in this case, he needs to additionally be Rex's rival and antagonist character.

And the final writing rule, the most important one...

Clone stories need to have an element of tragedy and finality. You don't have to kill a main character to get it, but there is no happy ending here.

The happy ending is performed by Luke Skywalker in "Return of the Jedi".

We can only achieve Bittersweet, at best. Everyone can live, and still lose.

Its by this rule, that Order 66 really is the tragedy its born to be and not just an excuse for the plot to get rid of all the Jedi characters.

We should see its direct effects as a clone story, and not just some one handed episode that never becomes relevant again. When this story ends, the loose ends should be on purpose as a message of "Because of the events leading to this story, this rope is permanently cut and can never be tied again. This is not a place of honor, we are survivors of the worst and the world cannot be fixed."

...

I wasn't expecting to write a full episode with a concept board attached, but damn, here you go, a full novel for your question.

[neyswxrld]

beachboy

Wrecker x gn!reader

summary: You and Wrecker have a nice evening together, talking and joking around slightly.

words: ~820

warnings: kissing, mentions of a possibility of wrecker dying, mentions of the bad batch finale, tech is alive

a/n: another fic for @summer-of-bad-batch! and that in time for wrecker wednesday! this time it's an older prompt from week 1: "it's not what you think". also, i saw this super sweet wrecker fan art by @queenjiru, where he is making a flower crown, and i just thought it fit's so well to this fic. imagine him doing that with little seashells. 🥰

MASTERLIST

"I missed you," you whisper and press your lips onto Wrecker's. He smiles into the kiss, deepening it a bit before he parts from you again.

"Missed you too!" he grins, and you sigh quietly, carefully taking his face in your hands.

It is a few days after the boys came back from Tantiss, with Omega, and surprisingly but luckily Tech, safely tucked under their arms. You're sitting at the beach, a warm breeze blows above your heads, protecting you from the evening heat. The sun is about to kiss the waterline at the horizon, causing an orange and cozy atmosphere. It felt like forever since you had such a lovely evening together, with just the two of you.

"I was worried about you. When you stumbled off that ship, I thought you'll drop," you mumble and Wrecker sighs. The smile on his face fading into a glum expression.

"I was worried too, honestly. At some point, I- I even was sure I won't come out of it at all. Thought I'd never see you again. I'm… I'm glad I did," he admits, and for a short moment, your heart sputters.

You know how strong and resistant he is, and you know he always tells you how he feels and what he thinks. But to hear that he himself believed he would… he wouldn't make it, weights heavily on you.

If Wrecker thought he could be defeated, the mission - the rescue - must have been horrible. You couldn't imagine what his and his brothers went through. Hell, Crosshair came back with just one hand. You couldn't imagine the pain he was in.

You shake your head, trying to shake off these darker thoughts and try to focus on the good.

The boys are here. Wrecker is here. They got Omega out, and she's safe from now on. They even found Tech somewhere among the prisoners. And They're… not fine, yet, but alive.

Everything was going to be okay.

"I'm so happy that you're here. I… I wouldn't have known what to do without you," you admit, moving your thumbs across his cheeks.

Wrecker presses his face into your hands, enjoying your warm, assuring touch.

"You could've taken that good-looking beach boy," he suggests, seriously, but after a few seconds his expression breaks into a lighthearted smile.

"Wrecker," you shake your head, looking at him just a bit disappointed. "You know I would never."

"I know, I know," he chuckles, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you closer to his chest. "I just enjoy teasing you about your secret admirer," he smiles and shakes his head slightly, too.

You realize this is his attempt to change the topic. He doesn't want to think about what happened. He isn't ready to talk. Maybe never might be. But it's okay.

You play along.

"I already told you, it's not what you think. He gifts those seashells to everyone," you assure him, and Wrecker raises an eyebrow.

"Well, not to me!" he says, admittedly, a bit disappointed, "I never got some shells!"

"You want me to bring you some?" you ask, with a raised brow.

The slight redness that appears on his face is answer enough, but his adorable, little nod sells you completely.

"Well, then I'll keep my eyes open. Just can't promise they're as pretty as the ones from my beach boy," you snicker and give his cheek another small kiss.

"Ah, so he is your beach boy now?" Wrecker asks with a raised eyebrow.

You shake your head slightly. "No, no worries. Not ever. Not when you're here, by my side," you say, smiling at him.

"'n' when I'm not?" he questions, coming closer again. You shake your head again. "Not even then. It's… always going to be you," you whisper against his lips, but don't really touch them.

"You're going to be my only beach boy," you say again, and you notice the new flash of red that climbs up Wreckers neck and onto his cheeks.

"Really?" he asks. You nod. He smiles.

"As long as you appreciate all the seashells I'm going to find you," you smile and Wrecker nods.

"As long as they're from you, they're the most pretty thing in the world," he assures you, grinning, pressing his lips against yours again.

He's careful. Warm. Sweet.

The both of you smile.

From that moment on, you try to keep your eyes open, every time you're at the beach. And with time, you find one shell after another. Wrecker always gladly accepts and appreciates them, just like he promised. He even started to make some bracelets and necklaces out of them, gifting them to you, Omega, his brothers or other friends. He loves them, and always wears his own anklet around his leg, presenting it proudly to everyone who's willing to look.

His genuine smile makes your heart beat faster every time.

TAGLIST

@isthereanechoinhere96 @trixie2023 @freesia-writes

[jedi-enthusiast]

I'm bored, so here is how I'd fix 'The Bad Batch.'

Caveat: Obviously I would've preferred a show centered around clones like Rex, Cody, Fox, Wolffe, Echo, etc. instead of some random "special" clones we've literally never heard of, but that's not what we got so I'm making a post about what we have to work with. Also, obviously I'm not gonna cover every issue about the show, these are just the main things I'd change.

1. Un-whitewash them. In fact, un-whitewash all of the clones, but that's a given.

In the same vein, though, have them actually look like clones. It makes like 0 sense for them to have to hide or have to wear disguises or what have you to hide the fact that they're clones...when they don't look like clones.

I'm gonna be honest, if they weren't introduced as clones in the show, then I wouldn't have had any idea that they were clones. They look nothing like Temura Morrison or the other clones. Fix that.

Or, hell, if people are absolutely dead set on them looking different, have them hate the fact that they look different from the other clones rather than making them think they're so much better than everyone else.

Sure the Kaminoans might've said something or other about them being "better" then the other clones, due to their modifications, but they're also just as likely to have said something negative about them looking different since they want things to be uniform---not to mention that their "special modifications" probably got more attention on them from the Kaminoans, which would obviously be something that sucked ass and probably got them in more trouble/gave them more restrictions.

I feel like it'd be more plausible for them to want to blend in and not want that extra attention- (and everything that comes with it) -rather than them having a whole complex about being "so much better" than everyone else. Especially considering that, generally speaking, their modifications don't really seem to make them any more "special" than anyone else.

----------

2. Get rid of the animosity between TBB and the rest of the clones. It makes no fucking sense.

No more of the "regs" bullshit, no more of TBB not giving a shit about other clones, no more of the bullying that apparently went on on Kamino. None of that shit.

The whole "oh the regs bullied TBB because they looked different, boo hoo" thing doesn't even make fucking sense!!! 99 looked different than all the other clones and they fucking loved him! Not to mention the importance that the clones place on individuality, distinction, and being yourself---it makes no sense for looks, of all things, to be something the other clones make fun of TBB for!!

And, honestly, given how TBB consistently talked about/treated the "regs," I'm more willing to believe that the other clones started "bullying" them in retaliation to TBB calling them "expendable" and acting like they were so much better than them.

But, that's besides the point, anyway-

Have TBB actually care about the other clones, have them be close, have TBB have more than blank faced reactions to finding out their brothers are being mind controlled---actually have them give a shit and want to help, but they're unable to.

----------

1. In the same vein, get rid of the animosity Crosshair has with the rest of TBB. It makes no fucking sense, given the direction they're trying to take with the show.

It definitely makes no sense for them to have this whole plot/conflict thing about "saving Crosshair" when none of them actually seem to like each other.

In fact, make the whole team actually seem like they like each other---right now they seem like strangers who barely tolerate each other that just got locked inside a 7/11 together. If there's gonna be a show centered around them, that's gonna try and sell the idea that they care about each other or whatever, actually make it seem like it!!

Have them have more emotions about being separated from Crosshair, have them fuck up a mission on accident because they forgot he wasn't there, have them be more than just "😐" at everything, for the love of fuck.

----------

3. Instead of making them boring characters that are basically just stereotypes + a one-dimensional version of Echo, give them actual personality.

Also, assuming they keep the abilities the same, let their abilities actually affect them negatively instead of just being a way for them to one up everyone.

Hunter - Give him a habit of being overly anxious. He's supposed to be a leader and he's supposed to be close to his team, so have him be worried about making a wrong decision so he often overthinks things to make sure that doesn't happen. Have him look up to Cody and maybe try to emulate him, since Cody seems to take sort of "older brother" vibes when he's around other people, people just seem to look to him for answers- (yeah because he's Marshal Commander, but also let me just have this). Give Hunter sensory issues, have him get uncomfortable and irritable and upset when things get to be too much.

Wrecker - Instead of making him "stupid, childish, and strong," actually make him smart---he's supposed to be a demolitions expert, so he's not just gonna be a dumbass. Also, maybe make him really protective over everyone and self-sacrificing, believing that he's the strongest so he can take the things that everyone else can't---have him be reckless, not because he's stupid, but because he doesn't want his brothers- (including the "regs") -to do the same thing and get hurt. Give him chronic pain. It hurts to grow and he had to grow a lot more than the others---plus, with all the injuries he's endured from protecting the others, he's bound to have been a little fucked up by those.

Tech - They wanna make him autistic coded? Great, we need more representation, but don't feed into stereotypes this time. Make him smart when it comes to his interests---engineering, technology, etc---but then also have him be lost when it comes to things that aren't in his areas of interest, don't make him know everything because that's not realistic. Maybe give him anxiety when it comes to social situations, me and a lot of other autistic people I know get anxious because we don't know what's "right" and "wrong" in social situations, let him actually have anxiety related to his social awkwardness instead of him just- 😐 -all the time. Have him be curious about things related to his interests and prone to rambling about them---let him be excited to tell other people what he knows instead of just saying- "I thought it was obvious." I'm not really sure what Tech's special ability is supposed to be other than just "smart," so let's just say he has an eidetic memory or something. Give him insomnia. Again, me and a lot of autistic people I know have trouble sleeping, and also let him have stress related to everyone always looking to him for the answers---let him mess up and feel guilty about messing up because "he's supposed to know everything/be the smart one."

Crosshair - Don't just make him an asshole who's always looking for a fight---maybe just make him quiet but with a sarcastic sense of humor, that way it's a lot more shocking when he starts speaking up against Hunter. Let him also be anxious in social situations since he doesn't know how to navigate them, let him look to Hunter or Cody for cues on what to do. Instead of basically saying "let's leave Echo for dead, he's just a reg" in TCW, maybe have him be vocally supportive of Rex whenever someone else shows doubt---have him understand not wanting to leave someone behind, have him care deeply about his brothers, and then let that make it hit so much harder when TBB has to leave him on Kamino. He's supposed to be The Best Sharshooter Ever due to genetic engineering? Great, give him eye problems. Make really bright lights hurt him, so he has to wear his helmet to make things easier on his eyes---maybe have him struggle with seeing things really close to him.

Echo - JUST GIVE ME TCW ECHO BACK, AND LET HIM ACTUALLY HAVE PTSD FFS

----------

4. Finally, change the direction of the story.

Make more of their story center around trying to help Rex save their brothers and try to figure out how to stop the Empire, not just them apparently having the world’s worst luck and being shitty bounty hunter knock-offs. When Rex asks them to help the Rebellion/their brothers/whatever, have them agree to help and go with him rather than Hunter basically just saying- "welp, that sucks ig, but I only care about my fellow "special" clones, so nah."

Have them join the Rebellion and help Rex free the other clones, use the show to give us a deeper look into the clones---what sort of culture they would’ve developed, the complicated relationship they would’ve had with the Republic, etc.

Give us episodes that center around Gregor, Cody, Wolffe, Fox, Rex, etc. and give us insight into what their lives were like after the Empire took over, rather than just having this show about a random group of "special clones" basically copying the style of The Mandalorian.

[secretthegriffin]

A MOST RESTFUL NIGHT

summary: crosshair often fights his exhaustion, but tonight proved to be a little bit more difficult...

pairing: crosshair / fem! jedi ( can be seen as reader as they're unnamed)

A/N : so this is basically an excerpt from a story I'll never finish. I don't usually post what I write but I felt this is special. I also would like to point out I am in no way shape or form a professional writer so I'm sorry if there's mistakes but anyways this is mostly in cross' pov. and its super fluff. with softie and slightly touched starved cross. so no warnings. :)

He sat alone in the darkness of the shuttle. All of his crewmates have been asleep for some time now so the ship was especially quiet. He held his fire-puncher with his supplies, ready to relax and clean the weapon. Most of the time his rifle hardly needed it. Alas he cleaned the damn thing so much though it turned habitual. Often avoiding sleep entirely he would indulge himself with said habit until complete exhaustion. It is so cleaning his rifle, he found himself entirely lost in the activity. He didn't even notice the hesitant figure approaching him from the shadows of the ship.

"How can you see? Its so dang dark" she sighed.

Almost startled, he looked up from the gun speechless. There the jedi stood as breathtaking as ever, standing before him.

"I don't need the light, I can see in the dark". He replied sarcastically.

Avoiding the jedi's sleepy eyes, he took her in. she wore her regular jedi robes, except she had a tightly fitted tank and shorts on as if she threw the robes over her sleep wear.

"figures" she yawned stretching her hands above her to the ceiling. cross was thankful it was dark, she wouldn't see his hawk like eyes devour every inch of her as she stretched. From her pretty face and soft curves down to her beautiful breasts and long smooth legs. Cross would be lying to himself if he said she wasn't attractive. Maker, she was down right the most stunning jedi cross had ever laid his eyes on. He keenly watched as she carefully made her way through the dark to the opposite side of the sofa he sat on. yawning once more she gestured to the rifle.

"Well, go on" she proclaimed.

"What?" He was taken aback a bit to be honest.

"Don't let me stop you from cleaning the damn thing". Gesturing once more to the rifle, but with a smile.

That damn smile. It made cross's heart flutter a bit. She could never know what she does to him. She made him felt things one never thought could exist. He hated it. Hated she made him felt this way. And yet. He hated how much he loved it. oh so much. With heat rising to his face, he smirked. going back to his business. Basking in the warm feel of her watchful eyes as he silently cleaned the weapon. He didn't quite understand why she watched. But he also didn't really care. He loved the idea of being the very object of her interest in this moment.

"Its soothing". She whispered. as if reading his mind.

"Excuse me?" He whispered back.

"The noise. Watching you...its.. Meditating" she hummed, closing her eyes.

"hmm". He didn't really know what to say, she must be especially tired.

"Can I get a better view?" Her bold question surprised cross a bit, making him stop suddenly to directly look at her.

"What do you mean?"

She huffed. her cheeks going pink as she smiled at him again, turning his insides to mush.

"Like this". She lifted his arm off his lap and gently adjusted herself to lay across his lap so her head rested on his thigh, looking at the rifle and his hands.

"Now I can watch closely and comfortably." she said quietly lifting her hands to snuggle between her head and his thigh.

"If I didn't know any better, sweetheart, I'd think you're looking for a different kind of entertainment tonight". He teased with a chuckle. Though he was not so subtly trying to hide the fact he was entirely flustered by the closeness. He couldn't take his eyes off her beautiful face. The warmth of her body on his thighs sent shivering chills through his body. Maker what he wouldn't give to wrap his arms around her and pull her closer to him, into his lap.

she giggled at his response but playfully smacked his leg.

"shut up. now c'mon, I'm trying to meditate." she insisted.

Looking down onto the gorgeous jedi, Cross gladly went back to his rifle, but not without a stupid smug smile on his face.

She watched intently as his skillful fingers cleaned the rifle. His hands were so carefully delicate as he took the weapon apart. She was surprised the mean marksman could care enough about something to treat it so. Watching as if he was an artist, it relaxed her. Sighing as she slowly fell asleep to the soft clanking of the metal.

As soon as Cross noticed she was soundlessly asleep, he thanked the stars for such a moment. His gun long forgotten, Cross silently studied her features and the gentle rise and fall of her chest. She looked so gorgeously peaceful and so serene. and so perfect against his lap.

"Mesh'la". He breathed. Gently brushing loose strands of hair from her face. His hands trembled as he ever so lightly with the tips of his fingers traced her face. they ached to reach out and hold her, but he could never let himself do that. After some time she began softly snoring. So with a tired and heavy sigh Cross tucked his arms under her, lifting her to his chest bridal style. He slowly and carefully made his way to her bunk. Softly laying her against the cot. But as he turned to go to his own cot, her hand reached out to his wrist stopping him.

"Do you wanna lay with me?" she whispered. She sounded so tired, and so beautiful. Cross sighed another heavy sigh, he too was tired. hesitating, he slid next to her, not touching her, but sitting awkwardly just next to her. He eyed her as she lazily curled herself next to his side, falling back to sleep. for a moment he thought about going to his own bed. until she reached out in her sleep, wrapping her arm across his chest to snuggle into his side. cross's heart completely stumped. He completely gave into his feeling he was never going to beat, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her as close to him as possible. He curled into her, almost melting. Soaking in the warmth of everything her. He felt so undeniably comfortable, he wished the stars this wasn't a cruel dream. As he held her tighter to his chest he succumbed to the drowsiness he'd been avoiding for so long. Loosing another internal battle. Falling oh so deeply into a blissful slumber.

-----the end---- <3

[clownery-and-fuckery]

Back on my sad shit again

"Nala Se abandoned me," Omega hissed, molten hot rage coursing through her as she gripped her seat. "Because she was too busy thinking about you."

"So, what?" Crosshair asked, equally angry beside her. "You wanted to see what we had that you didn't? Wanted to know what was so special about us?"

He could feel disapproving stares from behind him.

"So what if I did?!" Omega stood, yelling. The others in the waiting room startled at the venom in her tone. "Is it so bad that I want to know why I wasn't enough?"

"I'd consider myself lucky, in your shoes." Crosshair near snarled, leaning forward to meet her glare. "You have no idea what it's like to be on the receiving end of her 'affection'."

"Well I want to know!" Omega cried, throwing her arms up in frustration. "I want to know what it's like to have a mother that cares!"

"She didn't fucking care!" Crosshair snagged her arm, tugging her back into her seat as he gave the surrounding people apologetic looks for the disruption.

Omega opened her mouth to retort. "Shut up." Crosshair hissed, tapping her hard on the shoulder. "Just– stop. We're going back to the house soon."

She crossed her arms with a huff.

Omega and Crosshair are.... they're getting there. Small lore drop to go with this one because its DEFINITELY needed(under the cut!!!!!) ->

This one is seriously ooc at some points- at least in regards to Omega, but in the context of her story in this au in particular, the frustration is understandable.

The story in this AU was that Omega was abandoned by Nala Se, not given up or lost in a custody fight. Hunter got a call one night from Cody, asking if he and the lads could take their sister in for a few weeks until they found something else(investigation pending and all) and Hunter agreed

The investigation went on, Nala Se disappeared off the map, and Omega was left in the care of the Bad Batch- obviously they immediately love her, they get along and nothing changes there- expect Omega is dealing with the reality of a mother who cared more about her siblings than her.

She's what, seven years old? Abused or not, she's jealous of the attention her siblings got. She's confused, she doesn't understand that her neglect was a lesser evil– she just wants to know what she did "wrong"(which is NOTHING !!!)

So, yeah, her and Crosshair are polarised in this(at first) because neither can understand the others point of view. They consider the other lucky, and can't understand why on earth the other would think such a thing. Its complicated and messy, they're not very friendly. They will be, though. They'll have a long talk :]

(also they're at the dentist when that happens, Tech's getting a little check-up, it has zero relevance to the story, I just wanted to go to the dentist because of what the office represents[cause another important lore stuff caused by my own irrational fear of dentist chairs !!!])

[jediaprentis]

Clones shouldn't look identical

I have one nitpick about the clones looking the same (which isn't even a nitpick because no person besides me never mind Lucasfilm character designer would care, and even if they did they wouldn't have done anything about it - however, I have keen interest on faces so I offer for your consideration:)

Mouthbreathers!

And the like. We know how your face ends up looking is not only determined by your genetics but also by your craniofacial development which is affected by your early chewing and breathing habits. Basically, you did need to mew - as a kid.

So of course most clones would develop in a similiar way because they were basically bought up on an assembly line. They ate the same food, had basically the same airway structure and were likely quickly healed from any respitory illnesses. But there must have been outliers. After all, there were millions of clones.

I have prepared a demonstration:

It's very far from perfect as examples go, but we can see the basics: A weak chin and jawline, a longer face and nose (nose may also appear larger and more aqualine). There are also many other things such as smaller airways which can make breathing harder and dental problems due to narrow palate, but I'll leave this list shorter for the convenience of this post.

I think it would be absolutely delightful to see clones with differing craniofacial development! I wonder if their enhanced aging would affect it. If there were any underlying problems (such as mouthbreathing caused by broken nose that didn't heal properly or a habit picked up during a cold) that went unnoticed, I think the accelerated aging would make those effects stronger, since they would take less time to develop.

I'm not sure how much Kaminoans would care about the matter. Certainly in easily noticeable cases or if it affected breathing (and therefore performance in training). Maybe some barrack mates would complain that a brother is snoring too loud and it would be addressed.

I have one more thing to say and it's about Crosshair!

So does Crosshair have weak facial development? (and at this point I have to mention when I say "weak" I don't mean it as a negative thing. I think all faces are amazing and I even particularly like (one could even say, have a weak spot for) long faces, soft and narrow jaws and large noses in any and all combinations)

Crosshair definetely has a very long midface as well as weaker jawline than regs. However his chin does appear to be quite in line with the established norm and his face looks overall fairly balanced. I'd definetely put this down to genetics, at least for a large part, because his longness/tallness is a feature that seems to be a part of him in all fronts. He looks like a sniper :D

Perhaps I should create a clone oc that has weak CF development. He'd run out of breath quickly because he couldn't take in as much air. He'd snore too, and have a beautiful large nose and a charming small chin. If Lucasfilm won't do it I'll better get it done myself!

[the-oc-lass]

*Rings a bell* CROSSHAIR GIRLIES COME GET Y'ALLS FOOD

In light of all that angst we got last week, I decided to do some mental/emotional stability damage control and write a cute little fluff fic featuring Crosshair and a baby.

It is aptly titled Crosshair and a Baby and it's currently on Ao3. The baby and its mom are OCs but that's not important to the story. I'd like to think this takes place in some version of a post-season 3 timeline. Idk, though, because at this point I have no idea how this season ends. We're all in this stress together, my friends.

In case anybody doesn't want to go to Ao3, the full fic will also be here as well. Have at it:

Echo Yothia—or, more commonly and affectionately just called “Ec” so as not to confuse him with the man he was named after—is a bundle of joy and a beacon of hope among the clones. With Ec’s mother playing the role of general to the clone rebellion, the boys are more than happy to help her look after her kid. After all, he’s half clone, and therefore like their collective nephew (or son, technically, since they have the same DNA, but they’d much rather be the fun uncles). Omega, however, happily plays the role of big sister to little Ec, playing with him and keeping him occupied when the others are busy. 

As of right now, she’s holding the baby while standing beside Crosshair, watching as Wrecker lifts Omega’s friend Ky—a Nautolan former-padawan—above his head while Ky giggles. Omega smiles and Ec giggles and squirms slightly, reaching a little hand toward Wrecker. 

“Omega!” The young clone turns her head, and Hunter waves a hand at her. “Come here a second.” Omega nods, then turns toward Crosshair. 

“Here, you hold him while I’m gone,” she says. Crosshair looks between her and the baby, giving her an unamused look. “Come on, Crosshair! I won’t be gone long. All you have to do is not drop him!” Crosshair looks at her for a moment more, then sighs. 

“Fine,” he says, carefully taking the baby. He’d never admit it, but the reluctance is mostly for show. He likes Ec about as much as every other clone, really. Omega smiles at him, then runs off to see Hunter. Crosshair watches her for a moment, then turns his attention down to Ec. The infant stares up at him with big brown eyes, smiling at him and giggling slightly. Crosshair frowns slightly, gently poking at the child’s nose. “What are you looking at, runt?” The little nose boop only serves to make Ec giggle again, and he lifts tiny hands to grasp onto Crosshair’s finger. As soon as his finger is in Ec’s clutches, Crosshair stills. Ec was a “preemie” (according to the nat-borns) born almost a month before he was supposed to, and he’s been small and tubby since then. He’s the type of baby that the Kaminoans would’ve never kept around, a fact that lingers with many of the clones—Crosshair included. In addition to the small child being so, well, small, he’s also being raised in the middle of a rebellion. You can’t blame them for being so protective of little Ec. Say what you will about Crosshair, but he’s not cold and heartless. In fact, he admits that when Ec grabs onto his finger, a warm feeling spreads through his chest, loosening a knot that he’d forgotten was there. Calling the kid “runt” is practically a nickname by now. He’s careful when he extracts his finger from Ec’s grasp, briefly punching a tiny cheek before he shifts the child in his arms. Ec whines a little, but Crosshair shushes him gently. For just a moment, Crosshair turns his gaze back in Omega’s direction, trying to see what she and Hunter are up to. However, Ec whines again, insistently patting at Crosshair’s jaw. The clone sighs and looks down at the infant, watching his eyes sparkle when Crosshair gives him attention again. Crosshair sighs, stroking his hand over the child’s short hair. It’s mostly brown, but there’s a tuft of his mother’s green coming in at the front. He’s going to have weird hair when he grows up. Ec giggles and pats at Crosshair’s jaw again. “Dada!” The entire galaxy stops. Planets stop rotating, stars fall out of motion, and the air is ripped out of Crosshair’s lungs. He knows the significance of that word for nat-borns. Logically, he knows that Ec probably doesn’t know which of the clones is his actual father and because he’s around them all the time, he’d probably call any of them “dada.” But as far as Crosshair is aware, this is the first time Ec has spoken anything coherent. It’s his first word. And he just said that word to Crosshair and called him dada. The clone stares down at the baby with wide eyes and Ec’s face scrunches into something a little sadder. “Dada?” Crosshair finally breaks out of his stupor, lifting his hand to stroke the baby’s cheek. Ec’s look of happiness returns, and Crosshair briefly looks around. It seems like no one else heard what Ec said. As Crosshair looks back at Ec, he decides it’s for the best. It’s a strange sort of honor to be the first one to hear Ec speak, but that honor should go to Ec’s mother, or Echo, or his actual father. Crosshair smiles slightly at Ec. This can be their little secret. He glances around again before planting a quick little kiss on the top of Ec’s head, and the baby giggles. He doesn’t speak again the entire time that Crosshair continues to hold him, and is eventually passed back to Omega to be brought back to his mother. Even when he’s gone, the warm feeling lingers in Crosshair’s chest, and he smiles contently to himself.

[therisingdarkness]

Making my case for Sleeper Agent Crosshair, 'cause even if it doesn't happen, I think it's an interesting idea and I'd happily watch three more seasons just to see it play out.

I just think it was pretty suspicious how events played out Infiltration and Extraction. Something always sat weird with me, the way Crosshair acted about his time on Tantiss, and then when he was faced with the CX clones.

I suppose you could say that the reason Crosshair was tight-lipped about his experiences and his apparent reluctance to speak about it could be chalked up to the torture and trauma he undoubtedly went through, but I don't really buy that. I think it's made clear that he cares about his brothers and Omega far more than he cares about keeping secrets.

But what was really interesting to me was the way he reacted when he came face to face with the captured CX operative in Rex's stronghold. It was the immediate unease, and the way the CX clone teased that they should be asking Crosshair, because he already knows. His taunt was so malicious, like Crosshair was supposed to have all the answers.

But then Crosshair seemed genuinely confused at points. Like he did end up telling them what these operatives were, but it still feels like something is missing. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to deduce that these clones went through some reconditioning program to make them this way. Its a conclusion I think they could have arrived to without Crosshair's input.

But what if Cross is actually a Sleeper Agent? Like, the reconditoning ran so deep that he himself isn't aware, but it shows itself in these weird little tells, like being so nervous to be in the same room as the CX clone. I would even say that in this last episode, maybe that shot he missed was missed on purpose--the reconditoning overriding everything else. Crosshair thinks he missed the shot, but it was actually a latent decision. Another deliberate choice not to show his facial expression throughout this moment, because what might we have seen? Horror, sadness, anger over missing the shot? Oooor...maybe blank indifference as his reconditioning takes over and does whatever needed to be done to complete the mission.

And even in Extraction, when he goes hand-to-hand against the assassin...like no offense, but why Crosshair, when he's the weakest member in close quarter combat? It's almost as if he deliberately outs himself in that position because he feels compelled to.

What if his hand tremor is not just a psychological response, but also the reconditioning at work, trying to keep him from helping his brothers. Like trying to prevent him from aiding them in any meaningful way.

I don't really think anything will come of it, it's honestly just a feeling I have and an idea that I thought sounded kinda cool and angsty. I could write about it.

Anyway, these are my thoughts about Sleeper Agent Crosshair Theory, and if it somehow comes true, ya'll heard it here first XD

[zoeykallus]

Hey Miss Zoey love your work! Just curious I've been reading a lot of the Dad batch but what about Uncle batch? For instance if you had to babysit the nieces and nephews with one of the boys or Rex or Wolffe how do you think it would go?

I hope that you are having a restful weekend and all is well. 😁

Aloha!

Thanks! Love to read that 😊 The "Uncle Batch", huh? Doesn't ring as good as the other one, yet I think it's worth a shot 😁 I'd like to know about that too!

I'm assuming younger kids, not teens...

The Bad Batch HCs - The Uncle Batch

Hunter

He's the uncle with the sick knife tricks that the kids aren't supposed to copy. The uncle who knows all about wilderness survival and takes them camping. He teaches them about fishing, making campfires, setting up camp and picking mushrooms. He is great with his nephews and nieces, he has the calmness and patience to be a good role model, except for the knife thing, maybe. Hunter has a way of calming children when they are hurt or scared, his voice and calmness soothe them almost immediately.

Echo

Can be a gentle soul, but he is not afraid to be stricter when he sees fit, unlike most of his other brothers, he can definitely say "no" when he has to. This doesn't make him unpopular, though, he is the uncle to go to for advice, and he tells the funniest stories about his brothers. He also makes the best snacks when he is responsible for the food as a babysitter. He might be stricter than the rest, but he is also loving and patient. Echo is that uncle the kids want to have around when they are sick. Echo makes the best soup and has the softest voice when reading to his sick nephews and nieces.

Wrecker

The fun uncle, who constantly tells jokes, takes the kids to fairs and amusement parks. Wrecker knows a lot of funny games, boredom does not arise that quickly. He can hardly say "no" and most of the time the kids have a sugar shock when they are left alone with him, because Uncle Wrecker always has sweets with him. Of course, he likes to watch over the kids, and he protects them with his life if he has to. The kids adore him, he is so warm and lively, but also gentle, that goes down well with the kids.

Tech

The uncle who knows all the answers, well, most of them. He knows a lot, tells a lot, and often doesn't realize whether he's exciting or boring the children. But his inventiveness knows no bounds, he invents new games practically non-stop. He is good-natured and can hardly say no, but when it comes to the safety of the kids, he puts his foot down. Nephews and nieces like him because he always has an answer when they ask him something, he is attentive and patient and never gets tired of answering their questions. The kids learn from him, but in a way he also learns from the kids, especially in the interpersonal area. He learns to read their behavior, and at some point he knows before something happens that something is up.

Crosshair

He tells the best scary stories, mostly ones that aren't really suitable for the kids, but they hang on every word he says with fascination. He is the quiet, grumpy uncle who rarely comes out of his shell, yet is adored on all sides by his nephews and nieces and is not infrequently introduced as the cool uncle. Of course, Crosshair pretends to be annoyed by the clinginess when they cling to his limbs, but underneath the grumpy facade sits a proud uncle who enjoys the attention.

Quite possibly, he'll smugly say to his brother(s), "Your kids love me more than they love you."

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@allsystemsblue

@palliateclaw

@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

@greaser-wolf

@extrahotpixels

@hated-by-me

@hunterxcrosshair

@malicemercy

@bebopsworld

@echos-girlfriend

@cpnt616

@dangraccoon

@jediknightjana

@pb-jellybeans

[echoedcrosshairs]

Anatomically Defective - Echo x Fem Reader

Summary: Pre-Order 66 the boys walk into 79’s to blow steam and you catch Echo’s eye 🩶Smut with a Fluff Plot♥️

Warning: NSFW, Crude Language, PiV, Toy, Echo’s history, drinking, self conscious Echo (esteem issues), 69, oral (f receiving)

word count: 4852

Part Two

"I'm going to talk to her if you don't make up your mind," Crosshair scoffed watching his brother stare longingly at the pretty girl at the counter.

"You're not her type," the bar tender laughed at Crosshair setting down another round of drinks, "I haven't seen her go home with just anyone and you come on very strong," he said walking away chucking more, "Refill, love?" the bartender said tapping your shoulder showing you a blue drink in perfect view of the squad behind him.

"Thanks, Arthur," you said deliciously eyeing the mysterious drink and the group of men staring at you, "Did that on purpose didn't ya?" you laughed lowly so they couldn't hear.

"The frosty one, Crosshair is kind of an ass but the ladies never shut up about him afterwards, but you might like the half droid, Echo. Nice Trooper, one track mind for duty though," he admitted walking back around the bar, "just thought I'd point them out."

"Their clones?" You asked dumbfounded trying and failing to keep yourself from looking at them one more time before wide mouth gawking at him.

"It surprised me too when I found out, but the it explains why they all got the same brown color."

Actually Echo's eyes are more golden then brown, "Tell me about Echo," you asked looking back at him again before downing the dangerously sweet drink.

"War hero of the citadel rescue and Anaxes, blown up trying to defend the ship, captured, revived then experimented on, rescued and then got right back into the fight... and helped finally defeat Trench. I honestly don't know much more then that, I never met him pre... blown up," he admitted, "I think you'll get along."

"Give him one of these on my behalf," you said swirling the empty glass, "Also, another one if you kindly have the time."

"Echo," Arthur said setting down the glass, "It's from Y/N, but I know you know that because you watched me make both of them."

"Are you serious?" Crosshair said watching Arthur setting the matching drink down in front of Echo, "You're barely human and don't even have a-"

"Percentage wise he is correct about the first part. To think of it, I don't think Echo has had relations since he went-" Tech paused "boom. Is pleasure even plausible given the lack of anatomical parts?"

"I don't want to know," Arthur said excusing himself and walking around the bar, quickly pouring himself a shot and downing it, "Don't eveeen want to know."

"What?" You asked taking a sip of the drink, eyeing him cautiously.

"Nothing... nothing at all."

You roll your eyes at him. He leaves you to go poor drinks for a couple other regulars clients at the other end of the counter. It was so far a peaceful night, to early for the rowdy troopers to show up and but late enough for the regular fun ones to show up. You finished the drink, eyed Echo who was still staring at the drink. Well I don't think he's that interested, he hasn't even had a sip of it. You set the drink on the counter along with a few credits and made your way over to the slowly filling dance floor.

"Block!" You said running into the robot DJ getting groovy on the dance floor, grabbing him one of the girls could, "Mind if I cut in?"

"Hello, Y/N. Are you enjoying tonight's musical selection? I thought the alternating between slow and fast would create an interesting rhythm."

The song switched into a slow one, he reached out coldly and grabbed your hand, "I actually really like it, it's creating a dynamic atmosphere. It is most excellent," you said enjoying the dance, "Although it looks like some people don't understand it."

"As protocol dictates I must ask that I return to my post and adjust according, did you enjoy the dance?" Block asked.

"I did, thank you," you said letting go.

You laughed watching him walk away noticing eyes on your back, you ignored them and sat yourself in the dark corner of the bar furthest from them. You watched the dance floor in anticipation watching everyone enjoy the build up and the fall of music. The erotic dancing then fade into adorning swaying, watching the confused troopers was kind of fun. Arthur put another blue drink in-front of you saying it's on the house and apologized for being turned down. You told him it's okay, the night was young.

Echo watched her slide her empty drink towards the lip of the table and brought his gaze back to the glass. His brother's had a point, what could a girl like that want with a mess like him. Tech's words were cutting into him like a vibro blade, It's true I haven't been with a woman since, it's not that I don't want too... I just don't know if I can and she'd have to be very special to understand. He brought his eyes up noticing you were gone.

"She's with the DJ droid on the dance floor talking about the music selection," Hunter said finding you immediately, "Why didn't you go over there?"

"He's not a man that's why," Crosshair scoffed taking a drink, "Maybe I'll give it a shot," he said putting the glass down trying to stand up before Wrecker pulled him back down.

"Don't even think about it," Wrecker said with a yank.

Hunter was still staring at a silent Echo waiting. They looked to each other often for decisions but he didn't seem to trust him to go after it, "The girl showed interest in you and is over there dancing with a droid. I don't think the rest of us are her type," he said trying to encourage him, nonchalantly pointing at where you and Block were noticeable, "I would if I was you."

Echo watched Block nod at you before retaking his station. He looked at Hunter who gave him a nod. He got up which got him an off handed comment from Crosshair, You can keep her entertained and I can dick her down, which got him a loud thud of a punch from Wrecker. Echo scowled leaving the table, 'Was that a completely necessary comment?' he heard Tech say. Echo searched the booths for your face but the bright blue liquid at the end bar caught his attention.

"On the house. Don't know if he's just self conscious or more of droid then he appears to be, next time I won't try to help."

He watched you pick up the glass and swirling it watching the blue sparkle dance, "The night's young, won't let being turned down effect my night."

Echo watched you take a drink, looking around but didn't seem to notice him before looking down back at the glass. It is effecting you. What am I doing? Echo shook his head, took a breath trying to talk himself into walking up over when he left a shove behind him. 'Go' Crosshair hissed at him before stalking off. Oh, he was just trying to make me. Asshole.

"Sorry about that," Echo said shocking you causing you to shake a little and your drink slipped on you, "Fark I am so sorry," he said reaching and grabbing you some napkins. This is what I was afraid of, idiot, idiot, idiot.

"It's just a dress," you laughed blotting up the tiny spill, "I didn't even see you walk up," you said putting the wet napkins on the counter, "changed your mind?" you asked giving him a side glance looking at the sunken expression on his face before wiping up the counter.

"I just haven't had anyone take an interest in me since," Echo said raising his data port arm and sliding into the stool, "I am actually flattered."

"Really?" You said wide eyeing him, you looked at him closer. Sure he was paler, had a cyber connection relay system around his head but he still was insanely beautiful, everything else was just a bonus, "You're one of the cutest guys who's walked in here for a long time."

"She'd know, spends all of her free time here," Arthur laughed putting a glass infront of Echo.

"Dude... I live next door," you laughed.

"I just like giving you a bad time, keep this up though I might as well put you on the civvie payroll," he laughed walking away, "Don't make me regret this."

Your face flushed red, you put your hand over your check to try to cover it when you looked him equally as red but not bothering to try to hide it. You giggled a little bit removing your hand and putting both of them on the counter instead, "So what's with Frosty's glare?" You said noticing Crosshair looking in your direction.

"Crosshair? That's just his face."

"Not my type," you laughed winking at him making the glare worse.

"Got a thing for droids?" Echo asked nervously.

"What gave it away?" You laughed more thinking it was a joke, noticing the serious and the solemn look on his face observing you, "Oh, that wasn't a joke to you. I'm sorry. No, I don't like guys who think they can get anyone. Anyway he looks like a piece of work and not pleasant to be around."

"He's not," he laughed, it was warm like a planet that had two suns, "But he did shove me over here and in his own way told me to give it a shot. Sorry I saw you with Block and kind of assumed plus," Echo gave a small forced chuckle raising the arm again.

"Block? Maybe if his interface was better, at least I know he's reliable. Arthur wasn't kidding though, I spend a lot of time here so sometimes I give my input on the music when crowd watching especially when he changes it up and they don't seem to like it."

"Wait so you DO have a thing for droids?" He asked wide eyed with a smile this time.

"Guess I'll have to figure what out you are," you smiled into your drink sipping on it, "But that doesn't matter, it's who you are that matters. Nothing else matters, to me at least."

Echo's smile got bigger, maybe someone who actually sees me, "I liked that."

"Sooooo, how's it going," Wrecker asked tapping Hunter for his attention.

"I like her," Hunter said pulling his attention back to the squad, "She's definitely different."

"Excuse me, I'll be back momentarily. I- forgot something on the ship," Tech said drinking the drink and getting up.

"You? Forget something? Funny" Crosshair chuckled eyeing them at the end of bar.

"About you tell me about yourself," you smiled at him.

"Not to much to say that isn't easy information to find, I'm CT-1409, Echo. I was apart of Domino squad-" he started before you cut him off.

"That's not what I meant, how did you get the name Echo? What do you like to do in your free time? Favourite battle droid to fight, normal stuff."

"Normal stuff? Back when I was a shiny, I use to repeat every order given so I became Echo, hated it for the longest time but now I think it is the most perfect name my brothers could have given me."

"Oh," you asked turning your seat towards him.

"I'm the only echo left of Domino squad, last one still standing all of my brothers... gone. Echo of a man... I don't know, it just fits. For fun I use to enjoy reading regulation manuals, that's kind of boring to most people."

"It's... a beautifully poetic name," you said stunned, "as for the manuals, it just proves you've always been smart. People forgot knowledge comes from text just as it does from experience."

"What about you?" He asked.

You told Echo about yourself, his eyes seemed to continuously get more and more golden. He hung on every word you said time to time asking questions. Unlike other guys he seemed genuine and wasn't obviously undressing you with his eyes. Although I wouldn't mind if he did.

"Do you want to dance?" You asked, the liquid courage taking effect.

Echo stared down at his socket arm, "I'm not sure if-" he said awkwardly.

You grabbed his hand and elbow and dragged him to the dance floor, placing his arm around you and kept his fingers intertwined with yours, "Come on, scared?" you teased.

"Of making a fool out of myself."

You rested your head on his shoulder, "I'm not going to judge you, if anyone says anything they'll will regret it," you could hear his heart rate speed up and it speed up even further when he rested his jaw and cheek on you, "I take it confidence isn't your strong suit?" you whispered.

"Compared to my brothers I am... anatomically defective, more machine then man."

"I think you're more of a man then most of men in here."

Your hand moved tighter around his back and his breath hitched for a second before regulating. What was that about? You remember the padded circle your fingers moved over, Oh, his ports. His hand held yours a little tighter. The sensation was like a small jolt of electricity trying down him, "I don't know what that was," he whispered embarrassed.

You moved your hand again and it happened again, "I think it's cute," you giggled feeling his hand tighten again, "What does it feel like?"

"It feels like electricity... it's... good," he said hoping you wouldn't look up at the red across his face, at least now I know it's still plausible.

"Updateeee?" Wrecker asked watching them another with an ear to ear grin, "He look's happy."

"He does" Crosshair admitted.

Tech walked with a large punch with a project he'd been working on for some time, he looked at where his brothers were staring and found them on the dance floor. He gave a small smile when he caught Echo's eye and quietly walked forward and clipped it to his belt, "you might need it later," he whispered before returning to his squad.

"What was that about?" You asked looking at the large pouch.

"For once I have no idea what he's been tinkering on, but I know this isn't the place to open it."

"Want to go for a walk and see or... we can go back to my place," you suggested bashfully.

"Whatever you're comfortable with," he offered picking up his head.

You squeezed his hand, pulling back and smiling at him dragged him to the door, "I'd like the second open."

"What was that?" Hunter asked.

"Given Echo's lack of anatomy, I supply crafted him that anatomy."

"So... you made him a dick?" Wrecker said confused.

"Precisely."

You wrapped both of your arms around Echo's taking about the legend known as Domino squad and who they were and his loathing of Commando Droids and the Techno Union. You guided him into the building of your apartment quietly as you let him ramble about his adventures with Clone Force 99 but he missed his 501st brothers but it was his duty to let them go. You steered both of you up to the higher floor where your residency was.

"It's not much but it's home," getting him to chuckle at all of the manuals on your book shelf, "there's always something to learn" you said dragging him to the couch and turning on the holo.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one who enjoys learning," he chuckled sitting. Echo's hand grabbed the pouch off his belt and stared at it, What was so important... It can't be... can it? Echo carefully opened the package so only his eyes could it, his jaw fell agape and he stared it for a moment before quickly closing it and putting it back on his belt.

"And?" You asked watching several emotions and questions play across his face.

"It's an uh... indecent attachment," Echo said staring at the roof for a moment contemplating why Tech made it, how long as he been waiting to give it to him and if this was the wrong time to find out.

"That's actually kind of sweet," Echo heard you say and was shocked bringing his attention back to you plopping yourself gently into his lap, "We don't have to use it if you don't want too or I'm more then happy just sitting here and talking for the rest of the night."

"Cute girl in my lap? I'm happy with either too," the shameless flirt came out before he even realized what he said, he smiled that part of his old self was still there, "Plus I don't know if it even works-"

You moved yourself and straddled him instead place you mouth by his neck see what he'd do. Echo tried to keep his breathing even, It's been forever since a woman's been this close. She obviously doesn't seem to mind, I need to stop minding. Echo opened up his neck in offering, letting his hand move your hips, "You really don't mind do you-" the pressure of your lips on his neck silenced him.

You kissed up his neck and pressed harder into the spots that made his breathing quicken while doing your best to make sure no marks were left, "Not in the slightest," you purred bringing your hands up to the ports on the top of his neck seeing if they had the same effect, "How about you kiss me and we'll see how tonight goes."

Echo smirked a little knowing he was a damn good kisser, he moved his hand to your mouth and pulled you towards him. He took your bottom lip between his putting pressure on them and pulling you closer with his lips. Your hands started tracing around the ports, his breathing got more shallow, "You really seem to like that" you breathed between kisses.

"It's pleasurable," he admitted.

"I thought so," you purred leaning back into him, "take this off," you said running your hand down the front of his uniform.

You saw the momentary confidence on his face fade but he complied taking it off, exposing pale skin and a thin sunken torso. You grabbed his face and pulled him back to your mouth before letting your hands trace around chest and ports, "You're handsome," you breathed resting your forehead on his staring down at him, "lay down," you said standing up and pushing him down on the couch. He looked at you but laid down his heart pounding. You crawled back onto his lap, moving your mouth down his neck again and then down his chest kissing everywhere while your hands played with his ports causing him to let out a small quiet moan. Your pressed your mouth into his chest mouth and quicken the tracing of your fingers making a silently loader moan escaped him.

The feeling in Echo started building up, every second making it harder to think. He sat up and pulled you up trying to center himself, "How about somewhere a little more comfortable for both of us and something a little more reciprocal?" he suggested nervously. You took his hand and guided him towards the bedroom, "Did you want to try it?" Your eyes flickering down to the pouch. He smiled putting his hand on your strap of your dress, "Wasn't exactly what I had in mind. I use to be quiet talented with mouth."

You took his hand and used it to removed the strap, "Prove it," you said taking the other strap off your self.

He stared you up and down blinking, mouth slightly watering, "Yes, ma'am," he watched you crawl on the bed waiting for him. Maker help me. He crawled on the bed, grabbed and kissed your hand up to your wrist and placed it on the back on his head nuzzling himself between your legs.

You let out a small 'ah' noise once his mouth made contact. A small smile pulled at the corners of his mouth seeing how wet you were for him already. You looked mildly embarrassed but he love, your fingers finding the ports and stroking them. Echo moaned into you, the warmth of it causing you twitch mildly for him. He ran his tongue up scooping gently into your soaked opening, savoring the sweet bland slick that was because of him. You felt him trail his tongue up to the delicate section of nervous sticking out, he adjusted his lips around it making a little vacuum seal with his mouth and twirling his tongue around it.

"Kark" you moaned your hips tilted into his mouth, pushing him harder against you.

He took his non useful arm around your leg and pulled you closer to him, letting his tongue coast up and down coaxingly. He could feel the electric feeling building up again, he brought his fingers to the the slit of the opening letting you cover his fingers before pushing them inside. He feel your clit engorging, content with himself that you were really attracted to him. He worked his lips up and down while his fingers tried to find the pace and motion you preferred.

"There," the word trembled out your head going further back into the pillow.

You could feel his arm trembling around your leg, you stroke him faster. Maker does this feel good. He took a chance, ever so gently stroking you upward with his teeth, "Echo," you moaned coming undone on his face with the surprising sensation. He pulled you closer to his face, his nose resting on you and his fingers not stopping as you road them through the sensation. You started shaking harder and he started shaking. You felt the moment the surge took him, his mouth came but his fingers went deep as they could, "Mesh'la," he let out shakily his breathing ragged. You cupped his cup cheek staring at him still panting staring at the bliss across his face and his big golden eyes staring at you. He carefully removed his hand still shaking, he licked each of his fingers and his eyes rapidly blicking he left out another small delish moan.

"I am jealous of whatever is going on in that neural connection," you scooted over creating space for him, "join me?"

He moved himself next to you, laying on his back his breathing still ragged, you rolled up and put yourself around his data and interlaced your legs with his. Echo was still reeling, his whole body felt like it was adrift on pleasure cruise, when you brought your hand to his chest he shuttered with a groan escaping. He brought your hand to his mouth, kissed and put it back on his chest covering it with his own. She's so beautiful, his hand tighten around yours and his arm also wrapped you closer.

"Handsome," you mumbled turning more into him, "and so so so talented."

"You're so beautiful," he looked admiring you, "I'm glad you think so. How about another one?" he offered.

"Maker please."

"Do you want to try it?” Echo asked awkwardly looking down at the pouch.

“We can just go see if it works, or I’ll happily keep your face between my legs,” you smiled.

Echo pulled himself up and finished stripping his leg armor and blacks. He watched you examine him, “See something you like?” he said slowly and awkwardly opening the bag.

“I really do think you’re handsome,” you smiled sitting up pulling him back towards you resting your face against his stomach and running your hands down the cold of his legs, “Nothing to be self conscious about or embarrassed about around me,” you said pulling back so he could fiddle with the attachment.

Echo attached two tiny connectors to the ports closes on each side of his lower stomach and one on each thigh, “So figured out what I am yet?” He teased smiling feeling the attachment connect and accepted into his system.

“Well… what do you want to be?” you asked pulling him back onto the bad.

“I’m definitely a happy man,” he kissed you until your head laid against the pillow, “Where I currently want to be however? Definitely in you,” Echo moved onto his elbow, letting his free hand trail down you while he took your pebbled nipple into his mouth letting his fingers drift back inside, “Do you know that you taste good?” He whispered into your ear.

You squirmed under him, his touch and the comment making a physical reaction. Bringing your hand back to his head, “Echo,” you breathed feeling his touch start being rougher and faster. You could feel yourself coating his fingers, he smiled pulling them out and using them to stroke the attachment and his stomach tense, you removed his hand and stroked it yourself. You moved your legs around his and flipped him on his back on the bed the smile turning into a grin, “How about a test run?” You worked it up and down watching parts of his body tense and release.

He tried flipping you but you planted your knees deeper into the bed in defiance, “Why don’t you back up then and put that tasty pussy back in my face?” He said enjoying the sensation but wanted it to be fair. Did I really just say that? After all this time I’m still the same. He watched you slowly turn around putting your legs back his arms and painfully to slow put your self on his mouth. ‘Maker’ he moaned feeling your grip tighten on him. Echo let his tongue slide in and out of you, twirling it around the inner edges of the split before working his mouth back down to your pulsating need for him. He hummed against it the small vibration making you press your self a little further down on his face, he let his hand trail around your body enjoying the sensation of your skin against his. He felt his leg start to lightly drum against the base board of the bed, I guess it’s my turn first this time.

You watched his leg drum and the other one start to quiver, you moved the hand that wasn’t stroking him to a connector on his leg wondering if he could feel both or if his body only registered one at a time. Surprised with your self you picked yourself off of him so you could see his face, he grabbed you and pulled you back down holding you there. Someone’s enjoying himself. You felt the moment he stopped, the orgasm take over. You gently continued to stroke him until his hand gently begged you to stop. You moved yourself back between his legs, you could see the speckling of sweat glistening his body and some of you on the corner of his mouth which took him no time to find and lick up with the tip of his tongue. Your eyes trailed around his body, the pale skin, big eyes, the bigger then normal lips and his jawline and cheeks sculpted like the maker made him himself. For me. His breathing was raspy but you wanted the rise and fall of his chest putting your hand on the his lungs slightly feeling the mechanical system underneath try to catch up.

“Do you think I’m a man?” He asked weakly, looking at your hand knowing what you were feeling.

“I do. One I wouldn’t mind getting to know more whenever your around.”

“I think I’d bore you,” he admitted.

You leaned up kissing across his collar bones, “Rules, regulations, reports, none of that could bore me as long as you were apart of them,” you paused leaning over his neck, “You’re the only man who hasn’t bored me,” you said kissing the base of his neck slightly pulling on it waiting to see if he’d stop you from making a mark but his moan and hand squeezing your hip was the green light, “You are not lesser Echo” you whispered before turning your attention back to his neck.

“I’d bring you with me if I could,” he said picking you up with the handful of hip he hand a grip on moving you back and plunging his cock attachment into you, his hips spreading bucking all of it into you, “No one’s made me feel like this before,” his voice sincere gentle and softly moving you up and down him. He brought the side of his non useful arm to your face nudging you up, watching you nuzzle the arm realizing how different and understanding you were compared to everyone.

Cautiously he moved himself back on top of you resting his forehead against yours, nearly pulling himself all the way out and rushing himself back in, “Is it comfortable?” he whispered.

“I wouldn’t be able to tell your anatomically defective” you teased, “If it feels good to you, that’s all I care about.”

“I care about you.”

“And I you.”

[archivewriter1ont]

20 Fic Writer Questions

I saw this and it said “whoever has AO3” so I assume I can join in, maybe? I’m so new to all of this social media stuff and even the SW fandoms!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

36 (since May 2024)

2. What's your A03 word count?

137,911

3. What fandoms do you write for?

The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch (I've got unpublished stuff for Leverage and the Librarians but it's not postable yet and likely never will be.)

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

A Tale of Two Snarks: Echo and Crosshair (9,089 words)

I Know Your Name as My Brother: Adopting Echo (25,972 words)

Echo and the Cadet Batch (8,284 words) (WIP, updated on Wednesdays)

Safe Place (11,063 words)

You're an Idiot (But You're Ours) (1,797 words)

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I don’t think I have a ton of angsty endings... I try to end everything off on a good/comforting/happier note.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Adopting Echo! Or maybe A New Hope or First Word... I can’t decide! I love fix-it happy endings with the reunited Batch on Pabu.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Thankfully I don’t! Most comments people leave have me grinning, giggling, or kicking my feet (sometimes all of the above).

9. Do you write smut? If so what kind?

Nope. Nada. Zilch.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

Not yet... That’s when we start getting into that Librarians and Leverage territory. Christian Kane’s characters are so good in both of them, but it’s difficult to decide on the mechanics of a crossover. 

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of, thank goodness!

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not that I'm aware.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I’ve done some collaborating with my sister on a few but nothing to the point of being cowritten. Some of the bigger ones we have planned may require it though!

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

Canon? Tech/Phee!! ♥️ 

Headcanon? Commander Cody/Riyo Chuchi. Rare pair, I know, but once I had that thought I can’t get it out of my head! He’s competent, she’s competent: he’s two hundred-ish pounds of walking tank and she’s a little spitfire who has zero issues stating her opinion, no matter how unpopular. I’m working on a fic starring these two but work/writing/life balances are making it difficult. 

15. What's a WIP you'd like to finish but doubt you ever will?

I plan to finish all of them! 😁 The one that will probably take the longest, though, is a novelization of the four TBB episodes in CW season 7. There’s so much to touch on and explore.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I'm still polishing up pretty much everything since I used to mainly write nonfiction and that's so different from writing fiction, but if I had to pick one I'd probably say sibling interaction. I feel a kind of similarity to the Batch in some ways because I'm also tactile and very clingy. Being a twin informs a lot of the hurt/comfort or just plain comfort scenarios I like to write.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Definitely endings and beginnings.🤣 If I write the ending out before the rest of the fic, I'm usually okay, but crafting the beginning line always seems to take longer than everything else!

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

If I have a good translator program I don't mind. I haven't done a lot with that in my nonfiction, but I am using a ton of Spanish in a novel I'm currently working on.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

The Bad Batch!

20. Favorite fic you've ever written?

It's a 3-way tie between the ongoing Protect Them series, Adopting Echo, and Cadet Batch.

[phantom-of-the-501st]

Is Omega going to leave the Batch?

SPOILERS

Of course my brain goes into TBB analysis mode when I'm supposed to be doing important stuff, but let's hope I can keep this short.

The ending of TBB has been described as bittersweet, and I wonder, following the context of the most recent episode, if this means that we're going to see Omega go her own way in order to be trained (assuming she has a high M-count). It would be very reminiscent of the bittersweet ending to Mando S2.

And it would make sense. Over the course of the show, we've seen Omega become more independent and more capable of looking after herself. We've also seen the likes of people like Hunter coming to terms with the fact that she is slowly growing more independent from him: not completely moving away from him, but starting to bond with other people and find a place that isn't just following Hunter.

And I think it would be interesting to see her utilise her skills away from the Batch. She's learnt something from all of them and we've seen her take after them, including Crosshair and Echo. She's learnt from the whole group and maybe that means that at some point she may choose to take her own path. It seems more consistent with a bittersweet ending than one of the Batch dying because I'd qualify that more as straight up depressing. (I also don't want it to be a case that she goes off to train after everyone else dies). We know the Empire won't be defeated, and with it being called into question whether or not the Batch are going to be able to keep her completely safe, I can see her leaving to be trained being an option (especially with her learning about connecting with the force from Ventress and Gungi).

I'm not saying this with 100% confidence though. I'm not putting this down as my definite prediction for the ending of the show, but I can see it as an option that makes sense with what we've seen before. Would I necessarily enjoy it as an ending? I don't know. I think I'd need to see it/think about it more to work that would. But I think it could happen.