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bigcountryrecycling · 10 days ago

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The Ultimate Guide to Scrap Metal Recycling: Turn Trash into Treasure

Scrap metal recycling is more than just a trend; it’s an opportunity to turn unused, old, or unwanted metal items into something valuable. Whether you’re cleaning out your garage, decluttering your business, or searching for a way to make extra cash, recycling scrap metals is both profitable and environmentally friendly. If you’ve been searching for scrap metal recycling near me in San Angelo, TX, this guide will help you navigate the process effectively, ensuring you get the best value while benefiting the planet.

What Is Scrap Metal Recycling?

Scrap metal recycling is the process of collecting, sorting, and repurposing metal materials that are no longer in use. Metals such as aluminum, copper, steel, iron, and brass are often found in old appliances, vehicles, construction waste, and household items. Instead of letting these metals end up in landfills, recycling facilities process them into reusable materials for manufacturing new products.

The best part? Recycling metals requires far less energy than mining raw resources, making it a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

Why Should You Recycle Scrap Metal?

Recycling scrap metal is beneficial in several ways:

Environmental Impact: Mining raw metals depletes natural resources and contributes to pollution. Recycling reduces this burden.

Energy Savings: Recycling metals uses significantly less energy compared to producing new materials. For example, recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy needed to produce it from ore.

Financial Gain: Scrap metals have monetary value. By finding a facility offering scrap metal recycling near me, you can earn cash for items you no longer need.

Reducing Landfill Waste: Recycling keeps bulky metal items out of landfills, helping preserve land and reduce soil contamination.

Types of Scrap Metals You Can Recycle

Understanding the different types of scrap metals can help you identify items to recycle and maximize profits. Here are the most common metals:

Ferrous Metals: These contain iron and are magnetic. Examples include steel and cast iron, often found in cars, furniture, and household appliances.

Non-Ferrous Metals: These do not contain iron and are not magnetic. Examples include copper, brass, aluminum, and stainless steel, commonly found in wiring, plumbing fixtures, and beverage cans.

Precious Metals: Rare metals like gold, silver, and platinum can be found in electronics and jewelry. These are highly valuable and worth recycling.

Where to Find Scrap Metal Around You

You might be surprised by how much scrap metal you already own. Look for recyclable materials in:

Old Appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and microwaves.

Vehicles: Old cars, car batteries, and exhaust systems.

Construction Waste: Pipes, beams, nails, and metal fixtures from renovations or demolitions.

Electronics: Broken laptops, old cell phones, and wires.

Household Items: Aluminum cans, metal furniture, and tools.

A quick search for scrap metal recycling near me will direct you to local recycling centers that accept these items. Many facilities even offer pickup services for larger or bulkier loads.

Steps to Recycling Scrap Metal Successfully

Collect Your Scrap Metals: Gather all metal items you no longer need and sort them into ferrous and non-ferrous categories. Use a magnet to help identify metals—ferrous metals stick to magnets, while non-ferrous metals do not.

Clean Your Metals: Remove non-metal materials like plastic, rubber, or glass. Clean metals often fetch higher prices.

Weigh Your Scrap: Scrap yards pay based on weight. Knowing the weight of your materials will help you estimate their value.

Find a Local Facility: Search for scrap metal recycling near me to find reputable recycling centers offering fair prices. Compare rates to get the best deal.

Transport or Schedule Pickup: For smaller loads, transport the scrap yourself. For bulk loads, many facilities provide pickup services for added convenience.

Benefits of Choosing Local Scrap Metal Recycling Centers

Working with local scrap metal recycling centers offers numerous advantages:

Convenience: Local facilities are easier to access, saving you time and money.

Better Prices: By comparing rates at nearby centers, you can find the best value for your metals.

Community Support: Recycling locally supports local businesses and reduces transportation-related carbon emissions.

Make Scrap Metal Recycling a Regular Habit

Recycling scrap metal is not a one-time task—it’s a sustainable habit. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or business owner, regularly recycling metals can benefit your wallet and the environment. Establish a system to collect and sort metals throughout the year.

Conclusion

Scrap metal recycling is an excellent way to turn unused items into something valuable while helping protect the planet. By searching for scrap metal recycling near me and working with trusted local facilities, you can make the most of your recyclable materials. Start today and see how recycling scrap metal transforms both your surroundings and your mindset.

Looking for scrap metal recycling near you in San Angelo, TX? Look no further than Big Country Recycling! They specialize in recycling all types of scrap metals, offering you an easy, environmentally friendly, and profitable way to dispose of unwanted materials. Located at 5117 Armstrong Street, San Angelo, TX 76903, they make recycling convenient and efficient. Whether it’s aluminum, copper, steel, or other metals, they’re here to help. Call them today at +1(325) 949-5865 for more details or visit them to turn your scrap into cash. Choose Big Country Recycling—your trusted solution for responsible scrap metal recycling!

Source: https://bigcountryrecycling.wordpress.com/2024/12/30/the-ultimate-guide-to-scrap-metal-recycling-turn-trash-into-treasure/

#scrap metal recycling near me #scrap metal recycling #scrap metal recycling san angelo #scrap metal recycling tx #scrap metal recycling texas #scrap metal recycling usa #recycling

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vicstarmetal · 1 year ago

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Scrap Metal Melbourne - Your Trusted Metal Recycling Partner

Searching for scrap metal recyclers Melbourne? Look no further! We are the leading scrap metal recycling company in the area. Our team accepts all types of metal waste and offers top prices for your materials. Conveniently located in Melbourne, we cater to both residential and commercial clients. By choosing us, you are supporting eco-friendly practices and responsible metal disposal. Let's work together to make Melbourne cleaner and more sustainable. Contact us now and witness the difference we can make with our expert metal recycling services.

#scrap metal recyclers near me #scrap metal melbourne

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mwrecycles · 4 months ago

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Reliable Scrap Metal Dealers in Singapore - Find the Best Deals

Finding a trustworthy scrap metal dealer in Singapore is essential for both individuals and businesses looking to sell or trade scrap metal. With numerous options available, it's important to know where to find reliable dealers who offer competitive deals and professional service.

1. Scrap Metal Dealers in Joo Koon: Local Expertise

To meet the demands of the community, scrap metal dealers in Joo Koon offer customized services. These dealers offer convenient access and personalized service, making it easier to manage your scrap metal transactions. Their knowledge of local regulations and market trends ensures that you get fair prices and efficient processing.

2. Scrap Trading Singapore: Market Insights and Opportunities

Engaging in scrap trading Singapore involves navigating a dynamic market with fluctuating prices and varied demand. Reliable scrap metal dealers offer valuable insights into market trends and trading opportunities. By working with experienced dealers, you can stay informed about current market conditions and secure the best deals for your scrap metal.

3. Scrap Metal Dealers in Singapore: Quality and Trust

When choosing scrap metal dealers in Singapore, focus on those with a reputation for reliability and transparency. Reputable dealers ensure fair pricing, accurate weight measurements, and prompt payment. Their commitment to quality service helps build trust and ensures a smooth transaction process.

Summary:

At MW Recycling Acquiring the greatest prices and guaranteeing a hassle-free experience require collaborating with reputable scrap metal merchants located in Singapore. Whether you’re in Joo Koon or elsewhere, working with experienced dealers who understand the market can help you maximize the value of your scrap metal. Trust in reputable dealers to provide competitive prices and professional service, making your scrap metal transactions both profitable and efficient.

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jdass-corp370 · 5 months ago

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Experience with Quick Scrap Metal! 🌟

Hear what our customers have to say about their experience with Quick Scrap Metal! 🌟

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nostromosdead · 3 months ago

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Mother when will Ripley return 😔 I love your writing and I love Ripley even more

omg hello !! tysm—asks here & comments on ao3 really motivate me, so I really appreciate it!!

Let It Rip! (For Better or Worse.) - Part 3

TW for Part 3: Blood & Body Horror

Pssushhh

The soft beep of your cabin door sliding open stirred you from a relatively light sleep. Though, it’s worth mentioning that every sleep aboard the Nostromo had been a light one for you. Strange, sweat-inducing dreams would intermittently disturb you throughout the night. So, a deep sleep here was near impossible, unless it occurred within a cryo-chamber.

Soon after the door’s hushed announcement, a faint warmth brushed itself against your arm’s skin; it was a presence that you recognized before even opening your eyes—Ripley. Her voice, low and smooth, eventually reached you through the dim haze of early morning.

“Y/N… time to get up.”

You groaned lightly, eyes still shut in instinctual defiance as you curled deeper into the thin, sterile sheets. The recycled air of the Nostromo was chilly, but Ripley’s voice sent a flush of warmth through you. You didn’t want to leave the comfort of your bed, especially with her standing there—the thought embarrassed you beyond belief. What if your hair was messed up? Or your breath needed freshening? Or, oh God—what if she saw your underwear? You didn’t have time to think about how this was all your fault for not locking your door—Ripley was so close to you now. So close, you can practically feel the quiet strength in her voice.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips. “Come on, it’s not like you to oversleep—that’s why I came to check on ya. You don’t want to miss breakfast. Lambert’s in a mood, and Parker’s already complaining about the rations.”

You cracked an eye open, seeing Ripley standing at the foot of your bunk, arms crossed and a half-smile playing at her lips. She looked softer in this early light, a faint glow catching on the curve of her jawline, and her short-cropped hair slightly tousled from sleep. There was something unguarded about her in these quiet moments, it was a human warmth that made the cold, unnatural, steel walls of the ship feel just a little less oppressive.

You two had gotten a bit closer over the past few days. So far, that mostly consisted of Ripley periodically pestering you into telling her bits and pieces of your current research. Though, every now and then, when the hour was later, she’d come around and ask you a personal question or two.

“Ah. Good morning Ripley, um… I think I might stay in bed a bit longer,” you murmured, your voice still thick with sleep. “Much more comfortable.”

Ripley raised an eyebrow, stepping closer, and the corners of her lips curved into a teasing grin. “Oh come on science officer,” her tone was gruff, yet playful, “I’ll make sure the coffee’s hot. That’ll get you moving.” She reached out, her hand brushing your arm lightly once more—it was a touch that lingered just a little too long to be casual. (Or at least, that’s the conclusion your brain immediately relayed to you.)

You felt your heart skip at the contact, the warmth of her fingers seeping into your skin. There was something so unspoken between the two of you. It was an electric tension that buzzed and buzzed and buzzed whenever you were near her. The problem was that you had no definitive proof as to whether or not this experience was one sided. Sitting up slowly, you felt the pull of her gaze on you. That slight smile of hers was gravitational. You wanted more than anything to orbit around it, a pulse of heat penetrated your chest.

“Alright, alright,” you finally relented, throwing the sheets off and swinging your legs over the side of the bed. The cold metal of the floor sent a shiver up your spine, but you barely noticed, your attention still locked on Ripley. She was watching you with that familiar mix of amusement and something else—something deeper, more intense. Perhaps admiration? Perhaps judgment? Was there something in your teeth from the night before? Who knows.

You slipped on your jumpsuit and boots, the teasing weight of the moment still hanging between you both as you stood to your full height. Ripley gave a small, approving nod before turning toward the door. She paused just as she reached the threshold, and glanced back at you with a glint in her eye.

“Hup two, sleepyhead. Breakfast won’t wait forever.”

You followed her through the corridors of the bulky ship, its quiet hum served as a constant companion for you and everyone else aboard.

When the two of you finally reached the mess hall, the smell of synthetic food and tobacco filled the air. The rest of the crew was already gathered around the long, utilitarian table, laughing and talking over the usual rations. The room was filled with a rare sense of ease, the usual tension of space travel that you had constantly experienced was momentarily lifted by the shared familiarity of morning routines.

“About time,” Parker grumbled as you and Ripley entered, his mouth full of food. “We thought you two were gonna sleep through the whole shift.”

Ripley shot him a wry look before moving to pour herself a cup of coffee. You slid into a seat beside her, still feeling the lingering coziness of your earlier conversation. Across the table, Kane was sitting back in his chair, rubbing his stomach.

“God, I’m starving,” Kane muttered between hurried bites. “Feels like I haven’t eaten in days.”

“You’ll live,” Lambert teased, tossing a piece of bread at him. “Eat too much of this stuff, and you’ll wish you hadn’t.”

The casual banter continued as the crew ate, the small space filled with the sounds of clinking utensils and quiet laughter. For a moment, it was easy to forget the cold vastness of space outside the hull, and the isolation that came with it.

Ripley nudged you gently with her elbow, leaning in close. “How’s the grub?”

You smirked, meeting her gaze. “Oh, delightful. Can’t beat this five-star cuisine.”

Score! She laughed softly, at your cheesy reply. The sound was low and warm, and for a second, everything else seemed to fade. But then, across the table, Kane’s fork clattered onto the metal surface.

The lighthearted mood in the room shifted as Kane’s hand flew to his chest, his face twisting in sudden pain. The room grew quiet, all eyes turning toward him as he gasped for breath, his skin rapidly turning pale.

“Kane?” Dallas called, his voice filled with concern.

Kane’s eyes bulged—his fingers clawing at the table as his entire body convulsed violently. The air in the room thickened with panic as Kane’s choking gasps filled the silence, his face contorted in agony.

Before anyone could move, a horrific, wet crack split the air. It was followed up by a sharp, sickening rip.

The entire table jerked backward as blood sprayed across the white surface, splattering in arcs across the crew’s horrified faces. Kane’s body jerked once more—his chest bulging grotesquely, something writhing just beneath the surface of his skin.

Then, with a final, gut-wrenching burst, a small, serpentine creature erupted from his chest. Its slick, pale form gleaming under the harsh lights of the mess hall. Blood and viscera pooled around Kane’s lifeless body as the newly-born creature shrieked. It was this high-pitched, piercing sound that sent everyone into motion at once.

Ripley’s hand shot out, grabbing your arm as the two of you lurched back from the table, moving as a single unit. The infant intruder twisted its long, sinewy body; its tiny teeth bared as it hissed at the stunned crew. Rich, vibrant blood dripped from its maw, a grotesque contrast to its pale, wriggling form. The room was consumed with the scent of hot iron.

Parker cursed loudly, knocking over his chair as he scrambled backward. Lambert screamed, her hands flying to her mouth in horror. Dallas stood frozen, staring at the creature in shock, unable to move as this… thing writhed its way onto the table, slick with Kane’s blood.

Your heart thundered in your chest, the sheer terror of the moment paralyzing you. Were you dreaming? You were definitely dreaming. Right? No, wrong. Ripley’s right grip on your arm proved to you otherwise. Her breath came to your ears in the form of sharp, panicked gasps. As the two of you finally locked eyes, the horror of what had just happened began settling in.

The creature seemed to pause for a moment, its eyes scanning the room for any immediate danger. When it found none, (as you all were simply too astonished,) it darted away as suddenly as it had arrived. Disappearing into the shadows of the ship, it left nothing but the echo of its chilling cry behind.

The silence that followed was absolutely deafening. Kane’s body lay still—a mangled, bloody wreck, and the creature was gone—somewhere out there, loose in the Nostromo.

You swallowed hard, your mind struggling to process the horror you’d just witnessed. What the fuck. Ripley’s hand, still death-gripping your arm, trembled slightly. And when you dared to meet her gaze again, there was no trace of the earlier warmth. Only fear. Raw, and real.

#alien 1979 #ellen ripley #ellen ripley x reader #alien #alien fanfiction #tw blood #tw body horror #ripley x reader #again so sorry about not proofreading LOLLL #sarahs ficz #sarah answers asks!!

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staycalmandhugaclone · 6 months ago

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Fool's Errand Pt 3

Part (3) of Fool's Errand, the next arc of Doc's Misadventures! If you're new, start at the beginning with Touch Starved!

I already apologized. And I'll do it again.

Warnings: Suspense, profanity, dread, mild PTSD, mention of blood, reference to medical procedures

WC: 3,811

I’d never worn the older model helmets, but I’d heard of the endless complaints about their breath filters; how humidity collected so quickly within the heavy buckets that droplets would obscure the HUD and wreak havoc on the electronics. I’d heard how much heavier and bulkier that armor was; how little it helped fend off the cold and heat, but as we crouched within that blistering server room, as we listened to the rhythmic clang of metal feet marching upon metal floors with sweat stinging my eyes and beading atop my lip, with the stale taste of recycled air sitting heavily upon my tongue and fogging the inner visor while I struggled to hold Hunter flush against me with one arm and my pistol raised in the other, I loathed to imagine how that armor could have possibly been any worse than mine.

No one moved. No one spoke. Echo crouched around the server near the exit while Hunter and I hid several yards behind him, waiting on bated breath for the door to open, for the endless stream of droids to pour into the small room and an impossible battle to begin. But the door didn't open. Nor did the marching stop.

A droplet crept slowly down my cheek, teasing the nerves in a torturous dance. My arm kept tensing, desperate to swipe at the distracting sensation regardless how useless the gesture would be, and, all the while, Hunter continued growing heavier and heavier against me, breath sounding more strained with each passing second. We needed to move. I needed to get him somewhere safe where I could tend him properly before the swelling in his throat obscured his breathing or his lungs collapsed against the growing pool of blood collecting in his chest. I needed to make sure Crosshair wasn’t about to sacrifice himself to grant us a distraction. I needed to get out from beneath this kriffing ceiling that forever seemed on the verge of crashing down around us.

“Looks like Tech was right.” Echo’s voice cut through the frenzied thoughts plaguing me, and I realized with a sigh of relief that the marching was beginning to fade. Swallowing back the tension seizing my shoulders, I forced myself to let out a slow exhale before turning my attention back to Hunter.

“Let’s get you sitting again for a bit.” I murmured, already easing him down, stomach churning at his every groan. I could feel the stiffness of his movements, the way his entire body strained with each inhale as he tried and failed to hide the way he’d begun to tremble.

“We’ve loca- … droids are ��” Snips of Tech’s voice sounded through the coms. What came through was distorted, static nearly rendering his crisp voice unintelligible.

“What? Tech, you’re cutting out.” Echo called, words clipped with frustration.

“..hair used a transp- … roof collapse- …” He continued, apparently oblivious to the interference.

“Tech… Tech, I can’t-!” Echo growled as his brother unintentionally cut him off.

“… going to target another section nearer to you.” The distortion suddenly faded, though I found myself desperately wishing it hadn’t.

“… what?” I breathed, attention locking on Echo.

“It appears that Section U-7 isn’t as well protected due to natural divots in the terrain covering it.” Tech explained. “It should allow you ample room to climb to the surface. Just ensure that you are at least four sections away – based on the area damaged in the initial attempt, that should prevent you from being caught in the cave in.”

“W… wait…”

“Copy; we’ll be ready.” Echo stated, already turning to quickly cross the distance between us.

“N… we’re… we’re not caving in the damn building…” I nearly stammered, throwing myself to my feet as though I might force my words into reality.

“Listen, we”

“No! Kriff, Echo, we’re-!” My nearly frantic demands fell short when Echo suddenly shouted my name, his hand reaching out to clasp around the back of my neck, and I hated how effortlessly that touch grounded me – how much I needed him to ground me.

“Listen to me… We’ll be nowhere near where they’re going to shoot. We just need to make sure we get out before the droids double back toward us.” He spoke slowly, voice mediated in a perfect balance of urgency and control. “If we don’t do this, I don’t know how long we’ll be stuck down here, and I don’t think he has that kind of time.”

My heart twisted at the way those final words dropped into a whisper, helm just shifting toward Hunter. Jaw grinding against the infinite excuses and pleas begging for breath, I glanced toward the crumpled figure beside me, chest bucking weakly with too-shallow gasps, and I knew there was no real choice here. Of course, my fears meant nothing beneath the danger of delaying our escape… but that didn’t make it any easier to force my head to nod, body shaking slightly as I looked back to Echo, grateful only that he couldn’t see the terror on my face behind the impassive visor.

“Okay.” He murmured gently, hand tightening once more around my neck before stepping back. “Most of the droids were sent to the first explosion, but there are still some patrolling back here. We want to avoid them if we can, but we need to move quickly, otherwise that section will be crawling with clankers before we can get out.” As he spoke, he positioned himself beside his brother. I didn’t need him to explain before mirroring him on the other side, one hand guiding Hunter’s arm over my shoulders while the other grasped his belt.

“Alright, Sargent, time to move again.” I had to fight to strip the fear from my voice, face pulling into a sympathetic wince at the deep groan that escaped him as Echo and I carefully lifted him to his feet. “I know,” I breathed, eager to use my need to offer him some glimmer of comfort as a distraction from my own dread, “but we’re leaving. We’re getting out of here, and then I can fix you up and let you sleep for a while; okay?” He didn’t even try to answer, legs only occasionally managing to hold some meager portion of his weight.

Echo granted him only a moment before guiding us forward.

I’d absently thought of the unending passageways stretching out beneath the façade of that long-abandoned school as a maze, but I didn’t truly understand how apt that simile was. Corners I’d once assumed to be mirroring ninety-degree angles proved far from exact, easily ruining any preconceived sense of direction. Hallways that seem infinite proved frightfully short with sudden dead-ends and false doors leading nowhere. Even the ceiling, upon closer inspection, dipped and rose just subtly enough to leave one questioning if they’d imagined it to be twice as high mere moments prior. It was dizzying by design, and I shuddered at the cruelty of its creators, horrified at the thought of finding myself lost here, alone and abandoned, wandering in constant terror and confusion, forever disorientated by the perfect mockery of logic sewn into every corridor.

If was only because of Echo’s unwavering confidence that I was able to fight back the threat of that fear. He moved without hesitation, as though the blueprint of this wretched place was ingrained into his mind, and, again, I found myself wondering if it was – if he was able to download such information and reference it as easily as thinking through the complex interplay between flesh and hardware forced upon him by the very people he’d been created to fight.

Regardless how he did it, his confidence was infectious in a way I’d forever be grateful for, and I let myself be led swiftly through hall after hall, Hunter’s nearly limp form carefully balanced between us. He kept his pistol readied in his hand, but we both knew the ramifications if he had to use it. Our presence would instantly be revealed, summoning the droids en masse to our location. Alone, Echo stood a chance, but handicapped by Hunter and I…

So, we tread softly through the halls, no words shared nor intentions voiced. With a blind trust I didn’t hesitate to offer, I followed him step for step, unsure how much further we needed to travel, painfully aware that I’d never be able to find my way back, and desperately trying not to think about what was about to happen.

I almost dismissed the tiny click that sounded through our coms as interference, but then Echo pulled us under the narrow overhang of a doorway. And the world around us shook. My heart leapt into a frenzy, free hand darting out to the metal framework as though I might somehow keep the structure from caving around us. There was a brief pause, and then another tremor tore through the underground prison, this one violent enough that I was certain we would have fallen had we not been leaning against the heavy door behind us.

When metal bends, it does so slowly. It groans in mourning of its own demise. When it yields beneath impossibly heavy loads, and what support it once offered fails, surrounding brick and motor and stone are rent into an avalanche of unforgiving power and unapologetic destruction. When metal bends, it groans, and then it screams. Low and ancient and piercing, and somehow louder even than the growing crescendo of the endless tons of rubble and debris left crumbling in its wake.

I felt that scream more than I heard it. I felt it rake down my spine and fill my lungs with ice. I felt it in the memory of rebar being torn from my chest and fire searing through cloth and skin and muscle. I felt it flood my veins with adrenaline and twist my breath into frantic gasps too shallow to stave off the panic of suffocation.

Something wrenched me forward, ripping me from the haze of terror. Echo. He was shouting as he raced into the spiderweb of hallways, dragging me with him through his hold on Hunter, but I couldn’t understand what he was saying. I was too lost in my own thoughts to fight him, body snapping back to the present if only to maintain his rigorous pace.

No more effort was wasted on stealth. He didn’t bother slowing at intersections, pistol darting around the corners, trigger finger poised. Even through my fear, still, I found myself amazed at how quickly he felled the growing number of droids we ran into, appearing to all the world utterly unhindered by the nearly dead weight hanging between us.

I would have thought Hunter was unconscious if not for the occasional tightening of his hand in a pained fist or the listless attempt to convince his legs to move in sync with ours. Still, I didn’t doubt how fleeting that consciousness was; how he likely faded for several seconds before clawing his way back to awareness, but I could tell the time lost in momentary lapses was growing longer.

“How much further?” I finally asked, words breathy and quick as we darted down a long corridor. Echo didn’t answer me, merely nodded overhead. “Fuck…” I huffed. Massive cracks stretched out above us, centripetal pattern clearly illustrating the nearby epicenter.

“You’re doing great, Doc.” Echo murmured, deep voice impossibly gentle and somehow free of the strain from our mad run. “Just stay with me, and we’ll be out of here soon.”

“Our next mission… better be in a kriffing… prairie!” I growled between ragged gasps, but the quiet laughter that danced on Echo’s breath offered the perfect distraction, however brief, to the consuming dread demanding I flee the inevitable disaster looming in the precariously balanced steel and stone barely held back by still groaning struts.

Crimson light flared through the passageway, the shriek of blasters deafened beneath the faint grunt that followed.

“Echo!” He’d already sent a flurry of shots in retaliation by the time I looked up to see the half-dozen droids marching toward us, unfazed by the flurry of blue plasma from Echo’s pistol. There was no cover in these unending halls. Nowhere to hide. Shifting Hunter’s weight in an attempt to shield him behind us, I snatched at my own pistol, HUD instantly flaring to life with split-second targeting assistance that had long-since become second nature to obey.

He wasn’t staggering. Beyond that initial grunt of pain, Echo showed no signs of even noticing that he’d been hit, and, from where I stood, I couldn’t begin to guess how bad it was, nor was there time to check.

“Go!” He shouted the instant the last droid fell. An objection bated atop my tongue, desperate to be voiced if only to quell my fears. I wanted to tell myself that it couldn’t be that bad – he was sprinting so quickly, I could barely keep up, so, surely, it couldn’t be that bad… but this was Echo...

He took a sharp right at the next junction, and the undeniable glow of sunlight pierced the darkness midway down the hall. I’d been so overwhelmed by the steps to simply escape this nightmare, that only when that escape was without our grasp, did I pause to think about what lay in wait just above this metallic prison. Already, I could hear the scream of blasterfire and the roar of engines.

“How bad is it?!” I had to shout as we neared that final turn, the raging battle above us quickly becoming deafening. Echo glanced back toward me, and I could imagine the flash of confusion hidden beneath his bucket before understanding dawned on him.

“It barely grazed me! I’m fine!” He yelled back. I didn’t believe him. But what options were there? Any second, more droids would march upon us. We couldn’t stay here long enough for me to even try to argue with him, much less actually tend whatever wound he was surely hiding.

The following hall ended abruptly in a steep mound of jagged metal and crumbled stone. My legs trembled at the very sight of it, exhaustion threatening to overtake the flood of adrenaline diluting my blood. Even with Echo’s help, hauling Hunter over shifting debris and nearly vertical boulders was going to be nearly impossible.

“Once we get near the top, I’ll go ahead to make sure it’s clear; then I’ll come back to help get him out!” Echo stated as he took the first step forward.

“Hunter? You still with us?” I murmured, shaking him slightly. No response. “Hunter.” I called louder, unsurprised by the following silence but no less panicked by it. Teeth ground together, I used that panic to push myself forward, forcing aside thoughts of what a single misstep might wrought; how easy it would be to cause the unsteady debris to roll out from underfoot; how a single stone might rob the cliff face of its tentative stillness and bring it all sliding down atop us; and I cursed the resilience of that waking nightmare. I cursed the certainty that such fears never plagued me prior to this Force-forsaken war, and I cursed the hopelessness that I’d never truly be free of it.

But Hunter was fading, and I’d risk my own life a thousand times over to see him safe. So, I climbed; free hand darting out to latch onto exposed rebar and bent purlins for whatever purchase I might find as Echo and I heaved Hunter’s limp form toward the fingers of blinding sunlight streaming through the crescent ring of soil overhead. My heart threatened to stop each time a handful of pebbles tumbled down in the wake of our steps, every time the ground yielded, dragging us back down several feet, but we didn’t stop.

Twice, the sound of approaching droids forced us to pause, and those pauses granted me an excuse to study the unflappable ARC as he quickly took them out. I could see how quickly his shoulders bucked beneath rapid breaths and could only assume he’d muted his com to silence himself lest his mic expose him. As he turned, I caught the occasional glimpse of black marring the armor about his left shoulder, but he kept it angled away just enough to hide the entirety of it from me, and I couldn’t deny how desperately I wanted to shout at him – to yell that I wouldn’t worry so much if I at least knew rather than having to guess.

“Alright; wait here!” He shouted when the surface was finally within reach. He didn’t grant me time to respond before slipping out from beneath his brother’s arm and hauling himself over that final lip. Jaw locked in some useless attempt to keep my teeth from clattering, I turned my attention to the ruined passageway beneath us, pistol raised though my hand shook with fatigue. Anxiety made my heart race even faster as I strained for any indication that the enemy was coming. When something shuffled above me, I didn’t hesitate before swinging the gun sharply toward it.

“Whoa! Just me!” Echo murmured quickly, freezing halfway down the narrow opening.

“Sorry.” I muttered, holstering my weapon. He let out an amused huff before continuing toward me.

“The others are in their transport taking potshots at the droids. It’s lured most of them away from us, but we’re a good klick from our ship.” He explained as he slipped back beneath Hunter’s arm.

“Echo,” I called hesitantly as we started up that final stretch. His bucket shifted toward me, but his pace didn’t slow. “This site is too well guarded just for a senator…” He didn’t respond for a moment before replying in a low whisper.

“I know… but we don’t have time to investigate the rest of it.” He let out a deep grunt as we climbed through that narrow opening, and I couldn’t help but let out a relieved sigh upon seeing the darkening night sky looming between the swaying trees. “We’ll report it when we get back, and then it’s up to command.”

“Whatever’s down there will be moved long before then.” He let out a tense breath.

“Yeah…” He didn’t say anything more, though I didn’t doubt how poorly the situation sat with him. But we were only one squad… Even we had our limits…

I tried to remember the cryptic beauty of long abandoned buildings reclaimed by the indiscriminating wilds surrounding them. I tried to remember the stillness that granted such unhindered freedom for thoughts and memories I’d wanted only to forget. There was no trace of that stillness now, and what remnants of beauty yet lay before me would surely succumb to the heat of fire and crumble beneath the weight of too many metal soldiers.

Great plumes of onyx smoke billowed from craters now marring the forest that once hid the underground facility so perfectly. Even in the dark, I could see the hills crawling with movement - perfect formations of unthinking machines marching forward with utter disregard for the occasional explosion decimating their numbers as the stolen shuttle circled erratically overhead in dizzying maneuvers that screamed of Tech’s unique flying style.

An occasional blue bolt shot from the craft as well, and I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Crosshair. They’d made it out, and they were together. I could practically hear Wrecker’s cheers with every burst of destruction; could see that haughty smirk on Crosshair’s lips as he effortlessly sniped droid after droid with inhuman precision; could feel my stomach flip with how sharply Tech pushed the shuttle’s less than agile steering. They were safe. Now we just needed to make it to safety ourselves…

The majority of the Separatist forces were focused on trying to fell the stolen shuttle, but the occasional patrol still sent Echo and I darting behind a yet untarnished tree as we attempted to secret ourselves away to where our own transport lay in wait.

“Sounds like they’re starting to slow down.” I murmured quietly, attention shifting between the distant roar of warfare and the dark forests now surrounding us. It had been several minutes since we’d last seen a droid, and I was hopeful that the worst was behind us.

“They’re letting them regroup.” Echo explained quietly, voice just tinted with strain. “Make it easier for Wrecker to take them out.”

“Makes it easier for the clankers to hit them, too…” I replied darkly, jaw tensing with dread at the thought of them tempting fate. Forcing that worry aside, I turned my attention back to Hunter. “Think we’ll be safe here for a minute? I want to check him over.” He answered with a quick nod, already easing his brother down.

“The way he’s breathing…” He didn’t need to finish his sentence, the unnatural quickness of the Sergent’s short breaths an obvious sign that something was wrong.

“I know.” I hummed, already running another scan over him as I checked his IV. “Pressure’s building in his chest from a bleed. It’s slowing down, but that lung can’t expand properly.” My eyes rapidly darted over the stream of incoming data as the small device let out routine clicks and beeps. “But I can’t insert a chest tube with us hauling him around like this.” He was quiet for a moment as I added more medication to his drip.

“Will you be able to stabilize him at the ship?” He barely whispered the question, helmet studying the shadows dancing between the surrounding trees, and I couldn’t help the quiet huff that escaped me.

“We don’t have a surgery suite on the Marauder.” I stated blankly, but, after a few seconds, added, “He’s already responding well to… all this.” My fingers tapped the IV bag gently, too weary to list everything I’d been pouring into it; into him to try to keep his lungs from caving. “He’ll be anemic – weak – by the time we get out of here, but, as long as he doesn’t do anything stupid, he should be okay.” I let out another sigh before turning my gaze to the arc himself.

“Just a graze?” I nearly grumbled, head tilting pointedly as I studied the deep scorch marks burnt into his chest plate and rerebrace. He tensed, breath catching in his throat as he quickly looked away.

“My armor took the brunt of it.” He dismissed.

“Echo…” I groaned impatiently before pushing myself to my feet. “You going to let me at least slap a bacta patch on it before we get moving again?” It wasn’t a question, and he knew it. His shoulders sank beneath a resigned breath, but, just as he started toward me, the sky behind us lit with a blinding burst of light, and my heart stopped as we turned to watch in horror as that stolen shuttle crashed.

Next Chapter

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