#Wrecker Services Near Me

[onlineroadservices]

Budget Truck Rental vs U-Haul: 2025 Price Comparison | Find Semi-Truck Repair & Wrecker Services Near Me

Planning a move in 2025? Compare Budget Truck Rental and U-Haul prices with Online Road Services. While you’re at it, find reliable semi-truck repair and wrecker services near you. Our blog provides honest price comparisons and tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Visit us to make informed decisions and locate trusted repair services in your area. Trust Online Road Services for expert advice and professional solutions!

[punjabtruckdriving-school]

Reliable Mobile Truck Repair & Wrecker Services Near You

When your truck breaks down on the road, trust expert mobile truck repair services to get you moving fast. From emergency roadside assistance to wrecker services near me, we provide quick and efficient solutions to minimize downtime. Whether you need express truck repair or full diagnostics, our skilled technicians are ready 24/7. Stay on the road with reliable service and expert care. Read more to find the best mobile truck repair options for your fleet!

[truckexpert99]

What Awaits The Truck Industry In 2023?

The trucking industry has been a vital part of the global economy for decades, and 2023 is set to be a year of exciting developments and changes for the industry. In this blog, we will explore some of the trends and challenges that the trucking industry is expected to face in 2023, and how Breakdown Inc is working to meet the needs of truckers and trucking companies across the United States.

Truck Industry 2023: Trends and Challenges

The trucking industry is constantly evolving, and 2023 will see some exciting new trends and challenges emerge. Here are some of the key developments to look out for:

Electric Trucks: As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, electric trucks are becoming an increasingly popular choice for trucking companies. In 2023, we can expect to see more electric trucks on the road as companies look to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with emissions regulations.

Autonomous Trucks: Autonomous trucks are another exciting development in the trucking industry. While fully autonomous trucks are still a few years away, we can expect to see more semi-autonomous trucks on the road in 2023. These trucks use advanced technology to assist drivers, making the job safer and more efficient.

Driver Shortage: Despite the many technological advancements in the industry, the trucking industry still faces a shortage of qualified drivers. This shortage is expected to continue in 2023, which could result in higher wages and benefits for drivers.

Increased Demand: With the growth of e-commerce and online shopping, the demand for trucking services is expected to increase in 2023. This will put more pressure on trucking companies to deliver goods quickly and efficiently.

Truck Repair Service Near Me: The Importance of Local Support

One of the biggest challenges that truckers face on the road is breakdowns. Whether it's a flat tire, engine trouble, or a more serious issue, breakdowns can cause delays, lost income, and even put the safety of other drivers at risk. That's why it's essential for truckers to have access to reliable truck repair services.

At Breakdown Inc, we understand the importance of local support for truckers. That's why we have a network of over 20,000 skilled technicians across the country, ensuring that truckers can always find a trusted repair service near them. Whether it's a minor repair or a major overhaul, our technicians are available 24/7 to provide emergency mobile truck repair services.

Truck Breakdown App: A Game-Changer for the Industry

In addition to our network of technicians, Breakdown Inc also offers a truck breakdown app. The app is designed to help truckers quickly and easily find the help they need in the event of a breakdown. With the app, truckers can:

Request emergency mobile truck repair services

Find the nearest truck repair service near them

Get real-time updates on the status of their repair

Pay for services using the app

The app is a game-changer for the industry, providing a quick and easy way for truckers to get the help they need when they need it most.

Towing Service in Wyoming: Meeting the Needs of Local Truckers

Wyoming is one of the largest and most sparsely populated states in the US, and trucking is a vital part of the local economy. That's why Breakdown Inc has a strong presence in Wyoming, providing reliable towing services for trucks and other large vehicles.

Our 24-hour truck towing service in Wyoming ensures that truckers can get the help they need no matter where they are in the state. Our skilled technicians are trained to handle any type of breakdown or accident, ensuring that truckers can get back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the trucking industry is set to experience significant changes and challenges in 2023. From the adoption of electric and autonomous trucks to the ongoing driver shortage, the industry is constantly evolving. At Breakdown Inc, we are committed to providing reliable truck repair services, emergency mobile truck repair, and towing services to truckers across the United States. Our truck breakdown app is a game-changer for the industry, providing quick and easy access to the help truckers need when they need it most. With our network of skilled technicians and 24-hour trucks towing service, we are well-positioned to meet the needs of truckers in Wyoming and beyond. As the trucking industry continues to evolve, Breakdown Inc will be there every step of the way to support truckers and trucking companies across the country.

[cashforcarremoval1]

Say Goodbye to Unwanted Vehicles with the Best Vehicle Removal Service in Melbourne

If you have an old, damaged, or unwanted car sitting in your garage or driveway, it's time to think about a smarter, hassle-free solution. In Melbourne, vehicle owners now have access to an efficient, environmentally friendly, and satisfying option-- Vehicle Removal Service Melbourne. Not only does this solution help you remove your unwanted automobile, but it also provides instant money in return.

At Cash For Car Removal Melbourne, we make the process simple, fast, and profitable for you. Whether it’s a broken-down car, a rusted van, or a scrap 4WD, our team of professionals will come to you, pay you on the spot, and tow the vehicle away—all for free.

Why Use a Vehicle Removal Service in Melbourne?

Living in a busy city like Melbourne, space is always important. An unwanted car occupying space in your garage could be better made use of for storage or even as an extra space. Below are a couple of reasons that making use of a Vehicle Removal Service Melbourne is the best decision:

1. Free Car Removal

One of the biggest perks of hiring a professional service is that the towing and removal are completely free. There are no hidden fees, towing charges, or admin costs. At Cash For Car Removals, we handle all the logistics without any cost to you.

2. Instant Cash Payment

Why let a vehicle sit and rot when you can turn it into cash today? We offer competitive market rates for all kinds of vehicles—cars, vans, trucks, and even non-roadworthy or deregistered vehicles. With our Cash for Car Removals service, you receive instant payment on the spot, right before your vehicle is towed.

3. Eco-Friendly Recycling

Concerned about the environmental impact of vehicle disposal? Our Car Wrecking Melbourne team follows environmentally responsible practices to recycle and reuse vehicle parts. This reduces landfill waste and ensures that harmful fluids and materials are safely disposed of.

4. Convenient and Hassle-Free

Forget the stress of trying to sell your car privately, dealing with online listings, or waiting weeks for a buyer. With Vehicle Removal Service Melbourne, you can have your car removed within 24 hours, with paperwork and logistics all taken care of by our expert team.

What Types of Vehicles Do We Remove?

At Cash For Car Removal Melbourne, we accept all types of vehicles, regardless of condition. Whether your vehicle is running or not, registered or unregistered, we’ll take it off your hands. Here’s a quick list:

Accident-damaged vehicles

Flood-damaged cars

Non-running or mechanically failed cars

Rusted or junk vehicles

Unwanted cars after upgrade

Commercial vans and 4WDs

Scrap or deregistered vehicles

No matter the age, make, or model, our Car Wrecking Melbourne service ensures you get top dollar and professional service.

The Process: How Vehicle Removal Works

Using our Vehicle Removal Service Melbourne is simple. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Get a Free Quote

Call us or fill out our online form to get a no-obligation quote. Just provide a few details about your vehicle—make, model, condition, and location.

Step 2: Schedule a Pickup

If you accept the offer, we’ll schedule a pickup time that works for you. In many cases, same-day removal is available.

Step 3: Get Paid on the Spot

When our team arrives, they’ll inspect the vehicle, complete the paperwork, and pay you in cash—right on the spot.

Step 4: Vehicle Removed for Free

We tow your vehicle away with zero cost to you. It’s that easy!

Why Choose Cash For Car Removal Melbourne?

With so many options available in Melbourne, why should you choose us?

✅ Reliable and Prompt Service

We value your time. Our professional team is known for prompt response and efficient service.

✅ Highest Cash Offers

We pride ourselves on offering the most competitive rates in Melbourne for unwanted vehicles.

✅ Licensed and Insured

Our company operates with full licensing and insurance, ensuring peace of mind and legal compliance.

✅ Eco-Friendly Car Wrecking

Our Car Wrecking Melbourne facility is equipped to handle the dismantling and recycling of vehicles with minimal environmental impact.

✅ 100% Customer Satisfaction

We’re proud of our strong reputation and satisfied customers. Our transparent process and friendly team make the experience smooth and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Unwanted cars are more than simply an eyesore-- they occupy space, potentially leak unsafe chemicals, and depreciate over time. With Cash for Car Removal Melbourne, you can address all those problems while taking some additional cash. Our relies on Vehicle Removal Service Melbourne refuses that every automobile, despite its condition, finds a brand-new purpose-- either through accountable recycling or reuse.

So, don’t let that old car rust away. Call us today, and experience the easiest, fastest, and most rewarding way to say goodbye to your unwanted vehicle.

[towing-services-nashville]

Visit our website: https://towingservicesnashville.com/ email us:info@towingservicesnashville.com

[tnttowing]

Towing Services VS Roadside Assistance: What’s the Difference?

When your car suddenly breaks down on the road, you have two options: call 24 hour towing service or ask for help from road assistance. Often, people consider these two to be the same. However, there are differences between them. Read more about their major differences, services, benefits, and charges. What is Towing? “Tow” means to move something from one place to another. Now, towing services have tow trucks that serve these purposes depending on different situations (size of vehicle, distance to tow, type of emergency). Usually, people take the help of a towing truck when their car won’t start. It may be seen in winter because the engine freezes up due to extreme cold. In summer, on the other hand, the high temperature causes the engine to heat up and makes driving uncomfortable. When you call a tow truck to your location, the driver provides on-site support for a flat tire, dead battery, or other problems. The driver only takes responsibility for taking your car back to the garage or home. Typically, the availability of heavy towing near me is excellent, and they are there for your services on time. But you might make a mistake if you want to call a towing truck through a middleman. What is Roadside Assistance? If your car breaks down on the road, you will need road assistance. When choosing road assistance, you need to ensure that they are trained, well-equipped, and experienced to provide quick repair assistance support to get your car started again. Moreover, the benefits included in roadside assistance, such as trip interruption coverage or a surety bond and insurance against arrest for traffic violations, may influence you to opt for it. When to choose them? If your car tire gets punctured and you don’t know how to change it yourself, roadside assistance comes to your aid with equipment. Roadside assistance service is also available in situations, such as a dead battery, no gas, and automatic locked doors. In case of major mechanical issues, accidents, overheating, engine failure, and vehicle size, a professional towing service is required. About TNT Towing: Whether it’s an accident, engine failure, or a vehicle that won’t start, TNT Towing is a reputable service available 24/7 to assist you. The company’s Lethbridge auto wreckers do not leave you until you reach your home with your car. For towing and roadside assistance services, visit https://tnttowing.ca/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/3BKOOCR

[sunshinewreckers]

Choosing the right car wreckers in Melbourne is essential for a smooth, profitable sale. Key factors include reputation, range of services, fair pricing, eco-friendly practices, and strong customer support. Evaluating these aspects ensures you maximize your vehicle's value and enjoy a hassle-free experience. Contact us at 039-369-0294 for a quote!

[gastontowingandtransport]

Prompt and Reliable Wrecker Service Near Me Gastonia

In Gastonia, trust Wrecker Service Near Me Gastonia for reliable and rapid assistance. Our 24/7 service ensures quick response times, providing expert towing solutions whenever you need them. Whether it's a breakdown or an unexpected roadside situation, our team is here to get you back on the road with efficiency and professionalism. When in Gastonia, count on our Wrecker Service Near Me for dependable towing services.

Call us - (980) 745-3756

[towbydragon]

Tow By Dragon

Website: https://www.towbydragon.com

Address: Servicing a 60-mile radius from Ocala, Florida, USA, including Villages, Dunnellon, Belleview, Silver Springs, Gainesville, and Hernando

Tow By Dragon is a premier towing service specializing in dealer trades and offering a range of towing solutions including light and medium duty towing, winch outs, Landoll transportation, and long-distance towing. They cater to a wide area around Ocala, Florida, ensuring fast, reliable, and friendly service. Their expertise in dealer trades helps car dealers serve their customers better, with a focus on "No Mile" dealer trades, customer home deliveries, trade-in retrieval, and assistance with inoperable vehicles.

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[breakdown-inc]

Need quick help? The Truck Breakdown app connects you to reliable wrecker services near me and truck repair near me. No matter the time or place, our app ensures you find expert assistance to handle breakdowns effectively. Stay safe and keep moving with our easy-to-use tool.

[onlineroadservices]

The Ultimate Guide to Tire Repair & Replacement | Expert Reefer Repair Services

Ensure your vehicle’s safety and performance with our ultimate guide to tire repair and replacement. At Online Road Services, we also specialize in professional reefer repair services to keep your refrigeration units running efficiently. From tire maintenance to reefer system diagnostics, our experts have you covered. Visit our blog to learn more about maintaining your vehicle and discover why we’re the trusted choice for tire and reefer repair services.

[stuckroadside]

What Are the Benefits of The Towing Company?

Towing companies are service providers that support drivers who require assistance when their vehicles have technical difficulties or are involved in collisions. These drivers may seek help after their cars have been involved in an accident. Many benefits come with using the services offered by towing Roadside Assistance, even though some people may view these costs as unnecessary and an unnecessary financial strain.

Benefits of The Towing Company

Provide Assistance

To begin, hiring a towing firm provides one with the sense of ease and security that one would expect. Individuals involved in a situation where an automobile suffers a technical breakdown and becomes immobilised on the side of the road may experience tension and irritation due to the problem.

Employing the services of a towing firm ensures that assistance will arrive as quickly as possible, relieving the motorist of the responsibility of actively looking for help and allowing them to focus on their well-being instead.

Have Specialized Services

In addition, towing firms are equipped with specialised machinery and staff their operations with professionals with a high level of expertise, allowing them to manage various car kinds and intricate situations properly. No matter the size of the vehicle being towed, whether it be a compact car or a massive truck, both vehicles have the necessary equipment to safely and successfully move the car, reducing the likelihood that any more damage will occur.

Secure From Damages

In addition, using a towing service can act as a preventative measure to ensure that the automobile is not subjected to any additional damage if it sustains any. Towing a car without the proper equipment or the necessary level of skill can lead to surface abrasions and indentations, in addition to the possibility of more severe damage. Towing service providers have the knowledge and experience to manage various vehicle types efficiently and the skills to safely and securely secure those vehicles for transportation.

In conclusion, despite the possibility of disregarding the benefits that are associated with hiring a Cheap Towing Service company, it is essential to acknowledge the convenience they offer, their specialised knowledge in managing various types of vehicles, their ability to mitigate additional damage to the car, and the possibility of not having to pay other expenses due to insurance coverage. 

As a result, motorists should consider using the services of towing firms if they are confronted with unanticipated problems with their vehicles.

[greattowingservices]

Finding The Best Towing Services In Emergency 

When you are stuck in the middle of nowhere with a complete malfunction of your vehicle which requires immediate mechanical assistance, what do you do?

This surely does mean that you vehicle has to taken to a nearby service station to get it fixed. The only way this is possible is by towing it. There are plenty of towing services provided by many companies. They offer immediate and timely services.  Towing services play a vital role in assisting drivers during unexpected and challenging situations on the road. Whether it’s a flat tire, engine failure, or an accident, towing companies are essential for ensuring that vehicles are safely removed and transported to their desired destinations.

Companies these days are so dedicated that they provide such excellent services in the towing field. What is most important is the cost. It finally does boil down to how expensive the services are. Most of these towing services are offered at a very genuine, affordable and cheap price.

A towing service is basically when you call in a company and they bring a truck with towing capability to drag your car down to the nearest place where it can be fixed or where the problem can be resolved. It would definitely be a good idea for you to have the contact information of various towing companies in your area on hand at all times so that if an accident happens you will be able to call the company instantly so that the situation can be fixed in a short amount of time.

A towing service always comes in handy when you are in the precarious situation of a breakdown or an accident. Always remember to keep your roadside assistance number or that of your towing service at hand for use in any kind of vehicle emergency. Today, most towing companies equip themselves with the right tools, techniques and vehicles to tow vehicles carefully without damage to the destination. Most vehicle owners can buy peace of mind when they hand over the vehicle to the towing service.

In search of a tow truck in Georgia? Look no further! Great Towing Services is here to offer top-notch tow truck assistance around the clock. Their talented team, unbeatable rates, and unparalleled expertise ensure that you’ll be more than happy with what they provide. They actually understand that vehicles can break down anytime, be it due to a flat tire, drained battery or otherwise.

Great Towing Services is your ultimate destination for 24-hour roadside assistance, transportation and recovery services, and flat tire solutions.

[cashforcarremoval1]

Car Removal Services: A Convenient Way to Dispose of Your Unwanted Vehicles

Is that old unwanted car in your driveway driving you crazy? Maybe it's broken, won't start, or you just don't need it anymore. Getting rid of a car can be a real pain. That's where car removal services come in. They make it easy, pay you cash, and care about the environment. This makes them a top pick for people who want to get rid of their cars and .

In this post, we'll look at why car removal services matter how they work, and why Cash for Car Removal Melbourne is your best bet. We'll also talk about things like "Cash for scrap cars" and "auto wreckers Melbourne" to give you the full picture of what's going on in this business.

What Are Car Removal Services?

Car removal services pick up unwanted, old, or scrap vehicles from where you are and make sure they get rid of them the right way. These services want to make things simple and helpful for car owners. Instead of worrying about finding someone to buy your car or how to move it, you can rely on these experts to handle everything.

At Cash for Car Removal Melbourne, we provide top-notch car removal services to suit your specific needs. We promise that each step of the process is straightforward, quick, and puts you, the customer first.

Benefits of Car Removal Services

1. Hassle-Free Process

Getting rid of an old car can eat up your time and cause stress. But when you use professional car removal services, you don't need to bother with ads haggling with potential buyers, or figuring out how to move the vehicle. The company handles all of this, which makes the whole thing fast and easy.

2. Get Instant Cash for Scrap Cars

Getting rid of an old car can eat up your time and cause stress. But when you use professional car removal services, you don't need to bother with ads haggling with potential buyers, or figuring out how to move the vehicle. The company handles all of this, which makes the whole thing fast and easy.

3. Eco-Friendly Disposal

Old vehicles often contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Reputable car removal services ensure that your car is recycled in an eco-friendly manner. At Cash for Car Removal Melbourne, we work with licensed auto wreckers Melbourne to dismantle and recycle vehicles responsibly, reducing waste and environmental impact.

4. Free Vehicle Pickup

Car removal services also have other benefits such as free car pick up. Compensation does not include towing charges or the effort which might be required to transport a car to a scrap yard. At our Cash for Car Removal Melbourne, our team brings the services directly to your doorstep.

How Do Car Removal Services Work?

The process of availing car removal services is straightforward and designed with customer convenience in mind. Here’s how it typically works:

Request a Quote Contact a trusted provider like Cash for Car Removal Melbourne to get a free quote. Provide details about your vehicle, such as its make, model, condition, and location.

Schedule a Pickup Once you accept the offer, schedule a convenient time for vehicle pickup. We’ll arrange for our team to come to your location at your preferred time.

Receive Payment On the day of pickup, our team will inspect your vehicle and provide payment on the spot. Whether it’s cash for scrap cars or a check, we ensure a seamless transaction.

Eco-Friendly Recycling After collecting your vehicle, we collaborate with licensed auto wreckers Melbourne to recycle it responsibly. This includes dismantling, salvaging usable parts, and disposing of hazardous materials safely.

Why Choose Cash for Car Removal Melbourne?

With numerous options available, choosing the right provider for car removal services can be overwhelming. Here’s why Cash for Car Removal Melbourne stands out:

1. Competitive Cash Offers

We pride ourselves on offering the best cash for scrap cars Melbourne. Our team evaluates your vehicle’s condition and provides a fair, market-competitive price.

2. Reliable and Professional Service

Our experienced team is committed to providing reliable and professional car removal services. From the initial inquiry to the final transaction, we prioritize your satisfaction.

3. Eco-Friendly Practices

As an environmentally conscious company, we partner with certified auto wreckers Melbourne to ensure that every vehicle is recycled responsibly. By choosing us, you’re contributing to a greener planet.

4. Fast and Free Pickup

We understand that your time is valuable. That’s why we offer prompt and free vehicle pickup across Melbourne and its suburbs. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or in a remote area, we’ll come to you.

5. Transparent Process

At Cash for Car Removal Melbourne, transparency is key. There are no hidden fees or surprises. We provide clear information and ensure that you understand every step of the process.

Common Myths About Car Removal Services

Myth 1: Only Old Cars Are Accepted

Contrary to popular belief, car removal services accept vehicles of all conditions, including newer models, damaged cars, and even those with missing parts.

Myth 2: The Process is Complicated

With a reputable provider like Cash for Car Removal Melbourne, the process is simple and stress-free. We handle all the paperwork and logistics for you.

Myth 3: It’s Not Worth It Financially

Many people assume that they won’t get much value for their old cars. However, with cash for scrap cars services, you can receive a fair price regardless of the vehicle’s condition.

Conclusion

If you are having an old car that is of no use to you, then having car removal services for professional purposes can be the best thing. All these services give good financial returns while at the same time supporting environmental conservation and this can be done with a lot of ease. About Cash for Car Removal Melbourne: We are a car removal company that provides superior car removal services according to the customers. If you require immediate cash for your scrap cars or are looking for experienced and efficient auto wreckers in Melbourne, we are ready to offer our service.

It’s about time you did something with that car that has been sitting around the garage for the longest time. Contact Cash for Car Removal Melbourne today to learn the benefits of dealing with a professional car removal company. Contact us now and let us assist you in selling your vehicle for cash in a way that benefits not just ourselves but also the environment.

Source Url : https://www.myvipon.com/post/1456796/Car-Removal-Convenient-Way-Dispose-Your-amazon-coupons

[momojedi]

Across the Stars The Truth | pt. 10 an ocxoc fanfic - star wars/clone wars/bad batch universe

A/N: This one's heavy. Also more Malakai and Omega time, because they're dynamic is so adorable, she's one of my greatest comfort character. Btw I don't think I've mentioned this so far, but this story was not planned whatsoever. Every chapter you read is just randomly added, there is no plot layout or outlined, I'm really simply going with the flow. That's also why there may be some unstable characterisation or plot holes. Think of it as a first draft lol I have no idea if I'll rewrite it once its finished but just be aware that my writing is usually far more organised haha

Summary: The Batch manage to get the data - and unwanted attention. Malakai's past catches up to him.

CW: blood, (lightsaber) fight, near death experience, non-graphic injury, trauma response

WC: 3,2k

spotify playlist | masterpost

The maintenance corridor stretched on, cold and echoing with distant hums. Water dripped from their armour as they crept along the narrow passage with quiet and measured steps. But the tension had shifted, now thicker and sharper.

Hunter held up a fist, halting the group as they reached a cross-section in the corridor. Beyond the grating of a service vent, two troopers marched by, armoured head to toe in matte black. Their movements were deliberate, heavy. They carried modified blasters, more advanced than standard issue, and their armour - thicker, reinforced - was almost menacing in silhouette. The squad held their breath.

Once the troopers passed and the silence returned, Wrecker muttered, "Those weren't regs." Next to him, Echo shook his head. "No markings, no identifiers. Not clones. Not TK troopers either, though." Hunter's eyes narrowed beneath his helmet. "Armour's too advanced. Tighter formation. They're trained for something else."

Malakai stepped forward slightly, his voice low and even. "They're not guarding prisoners. They're securing something. Something important." He glanced back at the squad. "Or someone." Echo looked uneasy, glancing toward the corner the troopers had vanished around. "Place is starting to feel less like a prison and more like a fortress."

Wrecker snorted nervously. "Anyone else feel like we're walkin' into somethin' we weren’t meant to find?" Next to him, Hunter hesitated before speaking, his voice clipped and strict. “We get in. Get what we came for. And get out.”

The squad moved in shadows, pressed tight to the walls. Hunter raised a fist, signaling a halt as they neared the bulkhead door leading to the security office. Through the small viewport, they could see them: three uniformed officers at a bank of terminals, monitoring activity across the entire facility. A pair of dark-armoured troopers flanked the doorway, motionless. Wrecker exhaled sharply. "We takin’ them out quiet, or loud?" "Quiet," Hunter said, watching with narrowed eyes. "Loud comes after." "We need the terminal intact," Echo chimed in, "If I can get in and pull the prisoner logs, we’ll find the one Malakai’s after."

Malakai stayed silent, hovering just behind the group, eyes fixed on the guards with a rough intensity. The sound of Hunter's shuffling as he turned to look at the others however caught his attention. He pulled out a small disc, activating the holomap of the facility and displaying the layout. "Wrecker, start a diversion in the corridor, something big enough to pull the guards. Echo and I will breach the door and clear the room once they’re gone." "And me?" Malakai asked flatly. Their eyes met, piercing through each other's visor. Hunter hesitated. "Cover us," he nodded towards the blaster in the Mandalorian's hand, "And set blaster to stun. We want as little casualties as possible"

A flash of something flickered across Malakai’s visor, gone before it could be named. He gave a silent nod.

Moments later, the lights in the corridor flickered. Wrecker’s handiwork. A pipe exploded in a burst of steam just around the corner, tripping a heat alarm. The guards snapped to attention and moved toward the sound. Hunter and Echo surged in, blasters raised. The startled officers barely had time to turn before they were stunned and slumped to the floor. Malakai entered last, securing the door. The sirens hadn’t sounded - yet.

The hum of electronics filled the space as Echo sat at the largest console. "Alright… Let’s see what this place is hiding." Lines of encrypted data began to stream across the screens. Echo's scomp arm dug deep, fingers of his remaining hand twitching as he overrode each firewall. The room was dim, lit only by the blue glow of the monitors and the slow blinking of emergency lights along the ceiling. Malakai stood still behind him, arms crossed, watching.

It began simple. Names. Numbers. Codes. Then more names. And next to them, ranks.

Jedi. One after another.

Jedi Knight – Detained. Padawan – Terminated. Master – Transferred. Padawan - Transferred. Unidentified Force User – Executed.

Echo's brow furrowed. "This isn’t just a prison…" Looking over the names, Hunter's eyes widened, too. "These are Jedi." Echo scrolled faster, reading grimly. "There are hundreds of entries. All tagged as part of the 'Purge Directive.' Some have no names, just designations. Others have been marked as… dissected." After a moment, Malakai stepped forward slowly, his gaze locked on the screen.

Something in him was shifting.

He didn't say anything at first. He didn’t move. But his breathing, calm before, had grown uneven. Each name surged past him like echoes from a buried past. Familiar ones. Forgotten ones. And then…

Hyron Tonvar – Status: Converted. Result: Successful.

The words froze him. Malakai’s hands tightened into fists. His chest rose and fell, shallow, rapid.

Hunter, still reading, didn’t notice at first. But when he glanced back, he paused. "You okay?" Malakai didn’t answer. His eyes were locked on the word converted. His usually proud and prepared posture now seemed to buckle inward, like the wind had been knocked out of him without a sound. "Pull the data. Now," Malakai hissed without looking at Echo, more desperate than angry. "We need to go."

Abruptly, the lights in the room shifted to red and a deafening alarm cried out in the distance. Hunter's voice crackled over the vocoder as called out over the comm device. "We’ve been made. Wrecker, fall back - move now!" Malakai turned to the door, shaking off whatever had gripped him. He was on edge now, dangerously so. Like something inside had snapped, too tight to bend any further.

Echo yanked the last of the data and disconnected, moving instantly. Hunter followed, though not without grasping Malakai's arm. "I don’t know what’s going on with you, but hold it together." The Mandalorian remained silent, just watching him wordlessly. Then he pulled his arm out of the sergeant's grasp, wordlessly brushing him as he stepped past him.

The Marauder was nestled securely in one of the hidden rocky caves piercing out of the water, hovering steady above the waves. Inside, the silence stretched. Omega sat curled near the viewport, eyes scanning the endless ocean for any sign of the others. She’d long since stopped pretending to relax.

"Anything?" she asked, not bothering to mask the worry in her voice. Tech didn’t look up from the console. "Still no word. The facility's submersion may be interfering with their comms. We'll need to give it more time."

Omega’s eyes drifted to the radar panel. Abruptly, a new blip had just begun to glide across the screen, cutting through the atmosphere like a knife. "Tech…" she pointed cautiously. "That ship-" "I see it." His fingers tapped a command, isolating the transponder data. His brows drew tight as he read the incoming identification.

Omega leaned forward, already tense. "It’s not a cargo ship, is it?"

"No," Tech said softly, eyes following the large, red dot now closing in on their location, "And it’s not a routine patrol either." He quickly rerouted power to the comm array, fingers flying as he sliced into Nur’s encrypted Imperial feed. Static whined. Then a voice cut through, a familiar one.

"CT-9904 speaking. Authorization confirmed. Clearance code TK-77891. The Second Brother is en route to secure the facility. Targets are to be contained."

"Crosshair!" Omega cried before quickly turning to Tech, "They're going after the squad?"

Tech didn’t answer at first. His gaze stayed fixed on the shuttle's trajectory as it cut through the clouds toward the prison. "They must’ve tracked us," he said at last, voice low. "From Theta-Seven. We didn’t shake them like I thought."

Omega's nails dug deep into her palms as she balled her fists tightly, looking between her brother and the console. "But… Hunter and the others - they’re still inside." "That’s why we’re not panicking," Tech said, more to himself than her. He reached for the comm panel, fingers drifting across the controls. "We’re acting." Omega swallowed hard, her voice trembling with restrained urgency. "We have to warn them! Now." Tech glanced her way just once. "Already trying."

The hum of the engines beneath them seemed to throb with the weight of it.

Water pounded against the fortress walls like a war drum, the ocean above groaning with pressure. Alarms shrieked through the corridors, harsh and unrelenting, bathing every surface in pulsing red light. The facility was awake now. Hunter pressed his back to a bulkhead, eyes sweeping the corridor beyond, his breath steady behind the hiss of his rebreather. A blaster bolt ricocheted off the wall near his shoulder. "Move!" he barked, signaling forward with a sharp jab of his hand.

Echo ducked past him, Malakai close behind. Wrecker thundered after them, squeezing through the narrow corridor with fists clenched and teeth bared. The intel was secured. But the entire station was coming down on them like a closing fist. Behind them, boots pounded, shouting rang out. A squad of TK troopers poured into the hallway, blasters already raised. Wrecker pivoted and fired off two quick bolts, forcing the troopers into cover. "I don’t think they liked us stealing their secrets!" "Yeah, no kidding!" Echo snapped.

They rounded a corner at speed, nearly colliding with a sealed blast door. The path to the hangar, and with it the Marauder, was cut off. Malakai rushed to the panel, fingers already working. Sparks danced across the keypad as he sliced through the lock. "Gimme a second." "You’ve had two," Echo muttered, glancing back toward the corner where troopers were regrouping.

"Go faster," Hunter growled. Malakai didn’t speak, but his hands moved faster, nerves flickering under pressure. Then Hunter's wrist comm sputtered.

–…come in… danger… not safe… repeat—shuttle inbound… it’s—

Tech's voice broke into static, washed away in a high-pitched shriek. Hunter froze, narrowing his eyes at the comm. "Tech?" Echo leaned toward it, straining to catch any more words. "That didn’t sound good." The blast door slid open with a shriek of metal. Malakai stepped back. "We’re out of time." Hunter didn’t need to be told twice. “Go!”

They bolted through into a long, exposed causeway that spanned the gap between sectors of the fortress. Rain pelted the durasteel windows overhead, the shadow of the ocean shifting ominously through the glass. They ran single file, boots slamming against metal, every flash of red warning lights driving urgency into their stride.

"We’ve got to reach the filtration shaft," Hunter said, voice hard. "It’s the only way up without going through the main barracks." "I’d rather take on the barracks than another one of those freaks in black," Wrecker muttered. As they reached the far end of the causeway, the door ahead began to hiss open. Automated defense response.

Echo raised his blaster, firing before the door fully parted. A trooper fell. Another. But more poured through. "Through that side panel!" Malakai yelled, motioning toward an auxiliary shaft along the corridor wall. "It leads up to the landing pad!" Hunter nodded, ducking in first. The shaft was barely wide enough for Wrecker, who grunted and shoved himself through with a curse. They scrambled up the slick ladder, the sound of pursuit echoing beneath them.

The hatch burst open. Wind and rain hit them like a wall. The Marauder hovered just overhead, ramp lowered but never touching down, its engines roaring as it held position above the pad.

Hunter reached the top of the shaft first, helping Echo scramble onto the slick durasteel. Wrecker followed, hauling himself up with a grunt. Malakai was right behind - until a cold, invisible force seized his body mid-jump. He froze midair. Then - yanked. "No!" Wrecker bellowed, reaching for him - but the mercenary was already hurtling backward, dragged by a crushing grip of power.

Malakai hit the platform with brutal force, metal and bone jarring together as he skidded across the rain-slick durasteel. The wind howled around him, and rain pelted his armour like shrapnel. He rolled to a stop with a groan, the breath knocked clean from his lungs, pain flaring through his ribs. He barely had time to rise before the red glow split the storm.

The Second Brother stepped through the downpour, the crimson saber casting a halo of light across his jagged mask. "You always did run well," he said, voice warped and low through the modulator, like a predator savoring the moment before the kill. "But not this time." Malakai pushed himself upright, chest heaving under the weight of his armour. His stance was shaky, but defiant. "Get out of my way."

The Inquisitor didn't even bother to answer. With a sweep of his hand, the Force slammed into Malakai like a wall. He was thrown across the platform, crashing spine-first into a metal pylon. His scream was lost in the storm as sparks burst from the console he struck, jagged edges tearing through his side. He slumped forward, breath ragged, blood already leaking beneath his armour where metal had pierced flesh. The pain was sharp, blooming, but adrenaline kept him upright, though barely.

"Your kind never did know when to fall," the Second Brother muttered, advancing. His footsteps echoed against the platform with measured menace. “But you always break eventually.”

Malakai’s hand twitched. Then, with a burst of desperation, he lashed out. The Force rippled like a shockwave, violent and unfocused. It slammed into the Inquisitor just enough to stagger him, boots skidding. Malakai’s saber snapped to his hand, a double-bladed arc of golden light igniting with a hiss that split the rain. He charged.

Their blades met in a brutal clash, red and gold flaring in fast light bursts as they skipped across the platform. Malakai’s movements were sharp, trained, his strikes honed with desperation and memory. But the Second Brother was stronger, colder, and utterly ruthless. A feint, then a punishing counterstrike. Red sliced through yellow.

Malakai cried out as the saber punched through his side, armour splitting open with a hiss of steam and blood. The force of it sent him sprawling. His saber clattered across the ground and dimmed. He didn’t get up. The storm swallowed the silence. Malakai writhed, his limbs shaking as he tried to crawl forward, one hand clutching his bleeding side. His helmet fogged with each sharp breath. Blood spilled beneath him, dark against the rain.

The Inquisitor stood over him again. This time, he didn’t strike. Instead, he watched.

"...You think I wouldn’t know you?" the Inquisitor asked, voice lowering to something almost intimate. "Even with that helmet?" He crouched beside Malakai’s crumpled body, the red blade buzzing just inches from his chestplate. His head tilted, like a beast toying with a broken thing.

"I know that stance. That fear." His voice twisted into a smirk. "That failure."

Malakai groaned, his hand slipping in his own blood.

"Maxir Terren," the Second Brother whispered. "Temple Guard. Jedi. You can hide the name. But I'd always find it." Malakai didn't answer. Couldn't. He was barely conscious. The Inquisitor stood, blade raised to end it-

Blasterfire. A bolt slammed into the ground at the Inquisitor’s feet.

Echo’s voice rang out. "Step back!" The Marauder hovered close, ramp open again. Hunter was at the edge, weapon raised. Wrecker charged in first, barreling into the Inquisitor with a shoulder slam. The Second Brother reeled back long enough for Echo to slide in and grab Malakai under the arms. Wrecker fired another shot as cover while they hauled him toward the ship. They leapt aboard just as the Marauder pulled up into the storm, engines roaring.

Inside, Malakai lay slumped against the floor, hand still twitching toward his saber. His helmet remained on, concealing his face. None of the Batch asked questions, not yet.

Back on the platform, the Second Brother stood alone, saber still lit, its red glow hissing against the falling rain. His chest heaved once beneath his armour.

Then another figure stepped from the shadows, tall and quiet. Crosshair. "They got away," he said coldly.

The Second Brother didn’t look at him at first. Just watched the fading trail of the Marauder through the clouds. "…But not for long." He finally extinguished his blade. "We know who he is now."

The Marauder's engines roared as they tore away from Nur, leaving the fortress shrinking behind them in the rain and mist. Inside, the lights were dimmed, casting the cabin in a low, uneasy glow.

Malakai lay sprawled on the ground near the cockpit, armour dented and scorched, breath shallow behind his helmet. Echo knelt at his side, opening the medkit. Beside him, Omega hovered like a worried shadow, wringing her hands together. "He’s losing blood," Echo muttered under his breath. "We have to patch him up before we hit hyperspace." Omega stepped closer, voice trembling but gentle. "Echo... should I...?" "Help me get the supplies ready," Echo said, handing her a sterilizer and bacta-induced field bandages.

As they worked, Malakai stirred, a broken groan escaping from beneath the helmet. His gloved hands twitched weakly, as if trying to fend off something only he could see. Omega leaned in, voice soft and cautious. "Malakai? You’re safe. You’re with us." He didn’t seem to hear her at first. His breathing was ragged, shallow. Then, as Echo reached for the helmet latches, Malakai jerked away, a panicked noise ripping from his throat.

"No, no, don't- they'll find me, they'll see-" Omega froze, heart clenching. "Shhh, it’s okay," she whispered hurriedly, kneeling by his side. "No one's going to find you. You're safe, I promise. It’s just us."

Malakai struggled, like a trapped animal, breath hitching hard in his chest. "I can’t- I can’t- if they see-" he mumbled, voice breaking. Omega reached out carefully, resting a hand against the battered edge of his gauntlet. "We won’t let anyone hurt you," she said quietly. "But you’re hurt real bad... we need to help you, and we can’t if we can't see."

Malakai’s head lolled toward her voice, his breathing still fast and shallow. For a long moment, he didn’t move. Then, ever so slightly, he gave the tiniest, broken nod. Echo moved carefully, glancing once at Omega before he reached up and undid the locks with a soft hiss. The helmet slid free. The sound of released pressure filled the cabin as Echo lifted it, and for the first time, Omega saw his face.

Beneath the battered armour, he looked heartbreakingly young. His face was pale under the flickering lights, soaked with rain and sweat. His brown curls clung to his forehead, and bruises were already blossoming across his cheekbones and jaw. Freckles spattered his cheeks, somehow making him look much more vulnerable than he ever had. And his eyes - half-lidded, sea-green and glassy - darted weakly yet fearfully between them.

Omega reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from his eyes. "See? It’s just us," she whispered. Malakai’s dazed gaze found her. For a second, he seemed ready to flinch again but something in her face, her sincerity, rooted him. His breathing eased slightly. Echo moved in, inspecting the wound. "You’re gonna be alright," he said firmly. "We’ve got you."

Omega smiled softly. She squeezed Malakai’s gloved hand gently. "You’re not alone anymore," she said. "We’ve got you." Malakai's eyes fluttered shut, his hand barely tightening around hers before he drifted into a deeper, exhausted sleep.

Echo shot a quick glance at Omega. "Good work," he murmured. "He’s safe with us... right?" Echo patched the last of the wound and adjusted the blanket over Malakai’s shoulders. "Yeah," he said quietly, glancing at the slumbering former Jedi. "He is."

[starqueensthings]

The Influx

Summary: Wrecker is down bad for the fisherman’s daughter, though he hasn’t been able to summon the bravery to approach her… until tonight.

Rating/WC/POV: Teen because of kissing, I guess? 5700ish, 2nd.

A/N: not proof reading before posting because it’ll take me 726 years until I’m happy. Damn my perfectionism.

Divider by the lovely and talented @saradika

The din of Kamino’s waves crashing against the towering spindles of Tipoca city had always managed to mollify him. The rhythmic lullaby of that treacherous tide licking the belly of the building was amplified even further if the ever-shifting cold front overhead had crafted a storm; that booming thunder providing a near-perfect percussion for the music of the sea, and it was a song that saw him snoring within minutes of tucking his toes into bed. Yet the stillness of the ocean here on Pabu somehow also commanded the power to soothe his soul, and it was a calm that he hadn’t initially recognized; the lingering repose that dichotomously accompanied the constant ebb and flow of the Pabuan sea was as foreign to him as the warm embrace and unconditional welcome from the island’s citizens.

If you asked him what it was that kept him returning to the pier every morning, he’d hitch a quirky smile to that scarred face, and toss his hand in a wave of casual dismissal before launching into a myriad of superficial reasons: the smell of the salt in the air, and the way the sun baked the taste into his lips so that every word spoken between departing the dock and stepping into the refresher tasted like the remnants of a pleasant day. He’d remark that the radiant warmth of the beaming sun never had him itching against the unwanted beads of sweat that had a tendency form in the center of his back, the breeze off the water mercifully preventing the heat from becoming all-consuming and rendering him uncomfortable like so many of his previous missions on desert planets. He’d point upward to the sky where the flock of gulls swooping overhead never abeyed their cries of delight as the salty spray tickled their webbed toes. He would tell you that the hobby of fishing had anchored him in a way that nothing else ever had, as his years of enlisted service had never awarded him the luxury of leisure time, the chance for a hobby, or the opportunity for quiet, reflective solitude. And it was all so foreign… so foreign and so wonderful, and he’d happily spend eternity dangling his feet over the end of that old, sunburnt pier if the universe would allow it.

And while all of the aforementioned reasons were undoubtedly true, and while Pabu’s casual ethos had offered him a sense of comfort that Kamino’s oppressive rigidity never had, the true reason behind his continued return was something he would continue to keep close to his chest.

It was you.

The sight of you. The thought of you. The ringing music of your laughter and how it relentlessly raised the hair on his arms despite the breeze having carried it several dozen feet down the pier. How the dazzling sunlight danced across the surface of the water and set your eyes aglimmer. The way you never failed to lose your footing and stumble as you stepped into the hull of your father’s boat, the goading churn of the water momentarily robbing you of the innate poise that had Wrecker nearly certain you were an angel. The way your brows furrowed in exertion as you unwrapped that weather-worn rope from its elegant coil around the wooden post anchoring your vessel to the dock and looped it carefully over the intriguing slope of your shoulder. The sound of that elated sigh pouring from your lips as you departed the pier for the solace of open water, arms thrown wide to embrace the wind as your father engaged the throttle…

But mostly it was the way his chest seemed to hollow and ache as your figure retreated toward the horizon. That unexplainable feeling of missing you despite hardly knowing you. The longing that lingered beside his heart in the wake of your departure. The potent elation that ignited like a fire in his gut as the bow of your boat reappeared amongst the orange glow of the setting sun, and the twitter of anticipation in his gut that simply refused to subside until your features were near enough to exude the pleasant exhaustion mirrored by your father.

Today, however, had brought an unprecedented and unwelcome deviation to Wrecker’s routine, and something near a debilitating disappointment sat heavily in his chest as the sun neared the apex of its journey across the sky. Despite the spotless curtain of blue overhead intensifying the enamouring hue of the water, there was no sign of you. Every gentle swell of the sea below the solemn swings of his feet saw your empty boat knocking rhythmically against the legs of the pier like a tantalizing reminder of your absence. The bountiful schools of exotic fish drifting merrily in the current below his perch only intensified his disdain as they refused to offer even a moment of consideration for the sparkling lure he’d lowered into their depths some hours earlier.

It wasn’t until the perseverant pangs of hunger swelled to waves of nausea did he finally concede to that sad sense of defeat and pull his bait from the water, shouldering his rod and retreating to the familiar cool, ionized air of the Marauder.

“What’s up with you?” Hunter probed upon his arrival, cocking an eyebrow at the chagrin ghosting behind his brother’s heavily scarred features.

“Nuthin’,” Wrecker fibbed with a halfhearted shrug. “Just overdue for some grub.”

His teeth sunk eagerly into the tangy flesh of the meiloorun Lyanna had tossed him from behind a stall at the market yesterday, but the sweet nectar pooling around his lips and dribbling down his chin only managed to only partially lift his sodden, dour spirits despite placating the emptiness of his stomach.

“No sign of your girlfriend at the pier today?” the sergeant jeered, leaning casually against the backrest of the navicomputer chair, folding his arms across his broad chest and surveying his brother with a knowing smirk.

“She’s not my g— wait, how’d you know?” Wrecker wiped the stray juices from his lips with the back of his hand before tossing the pit of the fruit out the open door of the ship, and into the seemingly waiting beak of a white gull.

“We bore witness to her participation in a tree planting ceremony this morning, down in the lower hills,” Tech offered from the cockpit, his interjection muffled by the abrasive whirring of the condenser perched precariously on his knees, his beloved spanner clutched tightly in a hand smeared with dark, oily coolant.

“Looked awful purdy too,” Hunter added with an infuriating wink, jestingly punching his brother's elbow before clunking down the ramp and into the last of the afternoon sunshine. “Woulda chatted her up myself if I didn’t think you’d knock me out for it…”

Wrecker’s lips had barely parted to confirm that violent notion when the sound of a sharp gasp sent his shoulders jerking in alarm, and a tiny hand immediately encircled the crook of his elbow, drawing his attention downward to the blonde bundle of joy bouncing up and down on her toes.

“Wrecker!” Omega shrieked, her free hand balled into a fist of glee and hovering in front of the radiant smile that had crinkled her big, brown eyes. “You have a girlfriend?! Who? Where? Can I meet her? Let’s go!”

“I would surmise that based on Wrecker’s continued, futile attempts at secrecy and the lack of colloquial interaction between parties, the female in question is not yet aware of his affection.”

As if the strenuous task of prying the cover plate from its position over the condenser's maze of copper tubing hadn’t rendered his features utterly demented by the duress of his efforts, Tech spoke characteristically passively. “And Wrecker,” he continued as the cover plate clattered to the floor at his feet, “You may be interested to know: Pabu’s current obtuse positioning in relation to its moon, combined with the planet’s 11 degree axial tilt, is due to largely shift the dynamic of the sea’s undercurrents. It is an anomaly known as ‘The Influx’ and it only occurs once every 12.63 years. While the effects of this deviation are negligible on land, the change in current will present a paramount opportunity for—”

“Ugghhh,” Wrecker groaned audibly, growing increasingly embarrassed that he hadn’t managed to conceal his crush as well as he’d intended. “Tell me later, Tech. I’m hittin’ the refresher.”

Ten minutes in the cool sonic and a mouth-wateringly fresh seafood dinner saw Wrecker nearly returned to the typical genial demeanor that had Pabu’s youth constantly prodding at his back. The intrinsic robbery of your absence that had simmered in his gut throughout the morning and mid-afternoon continued to dissipate the with diminishing daylight; the saturated hues of pink and orange sweeping across the sky as the sun began its nightly kiss atop the horizon felt like a divine reassurance that everything was precisely as it should be.

Barely an hour after their squad arrived in the courtyard for a much-discussed night of music and dancing, Shep and a handful of his closest friends emerged from behind the Tree of Life; their broad shoulders slumped under the weight of various musical instruments, and the smiles on their sun-kissed faces promised a evening of good tunes and wholesome merriment. A particularly mellow opening number saw Omega scooped into Wrecker’s large arms, her tiny hand enveloped in his as he waltzed them theatrically around in a circle, her giggles lost amid the obnoxious, off-key croon pouring shamelessly from his mouth.

“Wreck! 8 o’clock!”

Detecting the familiar urgency in his sergeant’s voice, Wrecker ceased his boisterous serenade and craned to peer over his left shoulder.

A tingle erupted underneath his skin upon seeing your figure retreat behind the tall, stone handrail of the grand staircase, and the serenity of which the sunset had endowed him was instantly swallowed by the ineffable desire to join you on whatever adventure had you bypassing a party and disappearing into the increasing darkness.

“Wrecker,” Omega whined, sending a sharp poke to his shoulder. “Why’d you stop?”

He shook the desire from his head and wrenched his unfocussed gaze away from the stone landing, and the contemplative hum pouring mindlessly from his lips as he hurried to redirect his thoughts into an excuse was, according to the blond bundle still perched on his arm, an inadequate replacement for his egregious singing.

“Because it’s my turn for a dance,” Hunter interposed, correctly recognizing the flummoxed expression on his brother’s features. “You can stand on my boots like last time. Wreck, why don’t you go down to the pier for a stroll?”

The implications of the wide-eyed, knowing glance that Hunter sent his way as he reached for Omega’s hands was not lost on the love-sick soldier, and Wrecker offered nothing more than an appreciative nod and a casual salute before lowering her to the ground and turning toward the stairs.

The pounding of his heart in his ears deafened him to the repeated clunks of his boots atop the stone, and the smattering of applause that succeeded the final ringing chord of the same song that had him unknowingly waltzing around the courtyard in front of your very eyes, offered a perfect distraction to slip, unseen, into the darkness.

But you were moving with intention, your purposeful strides hardly faltering in their cadence as you hopped down from the last step and headed along the same sandy pathway that Wrecker’s heavy boots traversed every morning. He stumbled slightly in his haste to catch you, adrenaline surging heavily through his veins as he recovered his footing and relaxed his grip on the handrail. “Cool it, Wreck,” he told himself, swallowing the lump in his throat and resuming his descent.

He, of course, knew your name, but he didn’t dare call for you; he wasn’t entirely sure what he would say if you acknowledged his summon and turned your beautiful eyes expectedly in his direction. Instead, he simply followed quietly in your wake, admiring the way the blossoming light of the full moon danced across your skin, and frantically trying to funnel the myriad of conversation starters whirling about his mind into one coherent salutation that he could offer when the time came.

“I thought that was you behind me, Wrecker.”

You spoke before he even had the chance, turning unexpectedly to face him when he’d reached a proximity near enough to hear you; the smile doming your freckled cheeks was a little too knowing to be effortless, though its unexpected emergence banished all hints of suspicion from his mind.

“Oh… uh…” he stammered, lifting to run a calloused hand along the back of his neck, his eyes darting away from yours and coming to rest upon the waistband of the cargo pants that hung just a little too nicely around your hips. “Yeah… I— I missed you this mornin’, and I saw you head down the stairs so I—”

“You missed me?” you interrupted.

He swallowed heavily again. Was it that tiny, innocent tip of your ear toward your shoulder that had his fingers fidgeting anxiously at his side? Or was it the gentle purse of those lips as you fought to repress that refulgent grin?

“Well… I didn’t miss you, miss you,” he digressed feebly, certain that the heat sending his cheeks aflame was also threatening to spout funnels of steam from his ears. “Well I did… but I didn’t see you this mornin’ is what I meant. I was here fishin’… and… and you were there… treein’.”

‘Way to be cool,’ he grumbled inwardly, only barely repressing a roll of his dark eyes as the music of your soft chuckle raised the hairs on his arms.

“Well, you’re not wrong,” you assured him with a shrug. “My father’s back was giving him grief this morning. I was hoping a little rest might get him back to normal for the influx tonight, but he’s still pretty sore so I’m just going to have to put on my Captain’s hat and hope for the best.”

“The influx?” Wrecker repeated curiously, watching you step clumsily down into the hull of your teetering boat.

“Yeah,” you agreed once you’d regained your balance, jabbing a thumb over your shoulder toward the open water. “The undercurrent’s shifted south for the first time in years. Apparently it’s going to bring in some big fish from beyond the bay, and if I can wrangle at least a couple of them, it’ll give my dad the break that he needs.”

The ghost of Tech’s image flitted across Wrecker’s memory; his brows furrowed behind his goggles while he simultaneously snipped a copper cooling line and launched into a seemingly unimportant info-dump about an anomaly brought on by Pabu’s moon, and Wrecker was flooded with the irksome notion that maybe he should pay better attention to his brother’s verbose rambling.

“Well I’m not doin’ anything,” Wrecker offered with what he hoped was a casual shrug. “I can give you a hand, if ya want?”

His breath hitched in his chest as you paused, slender hand poised halfway toward the rope wrapped expertly around the post on the dock, eyes alight and twinkling as if impervious to the deepening nightfall.

“I would love that, Wrecker,” you finally admitted with an encouraging smile that sent his heart somersaulting into his belly. “Hop in.”

The moment he left the security of the dock and stepped carefully onto the rolling floor of the boat, his hands darted outward to steady himself. The addition of his weight in the vessel sent a cascading series of large ripples atop the surface of the water, and that moment saw him eternally grateful that none of his brothers were there to guffaw behind their hands at the way his knees wobbled with every step.

“Actually, would you mind driving?” you proposed as he turned and headed for the stern of the boat. “It’ll be faster if I unload the perimeter rods and fill the Livewell, as long as you’re comfortable behind the wheel?”

“Uhhhh, I don't know if you want me drivin’ to be honest,” Wrecker chuckled through an apologetic grimace. “My brothers are always tellin’ me I’ve got the spatial awareness of a blind bantha.”

The laugh that stole through your chest as you ignited a small lantern and placed it on the Skipper’s seat damn-near hypnotized him; that small shimmy of your shoulders under the exertion of your joy, the way your eyes crinkled shut to permit the expanse of your smile to dominate your features, and that absentminded little slap of the knee that gave away the authenticity of your mirth.

“Never heard that one before,” you chortled, sticking the Captain's key into the ignition and kicking the engine into life. “But I think you’ll be alright. Inside the bay is a zero wake zone anyway, so we can’t do anything more than glide until we’re out on open water. Just make sure to avoid the Narrows and we’ll be fine.”

Wrecker followed your subtle gesture toward the horizon, his eyes quickly falling upon the mentioned pairing of dark, jagged rock walls only visible by their stark contrast to the beaming reflection of the moon atop the placid stillness of the water.

“I trust you,” you added with a smile and an encouraging nod. “Come here. I’ll give you the low-down on how it all works.”

Inflated by your seemingly unwavering confidence in him, he returned your smile and trod carefully toward your position behind the wheel. It was a simple set up really, nothing like the vast array of intimidating controls distributed across the entire cockpit of the Marauder, and your gratifying gaze felt drastically less oppressive than the burn of Tech’s narrowed eyes every time someone other than Echo reached for the copilot wheel.

The Captain’s seat perched behind you appeared both squashy and weathered, the leather seat cracking and peeling in several places as its integrity failed to match the powerful union of saltwater and hot sun. The steering wheel near-perfectly matched its seat counterpart, worn in the two places where your father’s practiced hands had undoubtedly spent decades navigating the vessel. Perched on the dashboard was a small, primitive compass, its needle timidly reorienting as every churn of the sea below them shifted the vessel. On the left was the throttle lever, and immediately adjacent to that, a sonar screen of-sorts was already depicting various subaquatic movements of which Wrecker could make very little sense.

“Give me your hand,” you requested kindly, reaching for his palm without even a breath of hesitation.

Your touch was mystifying; as mesmerizing and powerful as a bolt of Kaminoan lightning, setting his very nerves aprickle as if waves of electricity were coursing under his skin from the place your fingers had touched his.

“Right now we’re in idle—”

He could barely discern your words over the pounding in his ears, yet he hung on every syllable as you gently draped his palm over the handle on the throttle.

“—first gear is one notch down, second is down one more, and then reverse at the bottom—”

Surely you could hear his heart pumping so thunderously against his chest? And if that beaming moonlight wasn’t exposing just how flushed his cheeks had become, he’d eat his own boots. Yet you looked upward at him with that same adoring smile, as if there wasn’t a force anywhere on the planet that could deter you from keeping your hand atop his.

“—stay in first while we’re in the bay—”

Was his touch sending your stomach aflutter too? Were you as enamored with his eyes as he was with yours?

“—once we get past the rocks, change to second and we’ll head a few klicks west to get to where the rock shelf drops off—”

Was it painfully obvious just how much he was struggling to focus?

“—I’ll give you a thumbs up from the stern when we’re in the right spot. Sound good?”

“Glide while we’re in the bay,” he somehow repeated, his self confidence failing to reach the same degree of your implicit trust in him. “Second gear once we pass through the rocks, and then go until you give me the signal. Got it.”

With a level of concentration typically reserved for manning the tailgun amid a firefight, Wrecker furrowed his brow and steered the boat from the dock as you stumbled toward the starboard side of the boat and began unlatching several compartments.

Gliding across the still waters of the bay, where his reflection shone as clearly atop the surface of the water as it would in the refresher mirror, offered him a sense of glorious insignificance. The expanse of the sea felt nothing like the immensity of the sky where the utter lack of organic life often felt suffocating and restrictive. Below the tipping hull of this old boat was a world of its own, teeming with action and eternally unaffected by the ruination of war and destruction; a self-sustaining paradise for every ecosystem that resided amongst the currents, and he knew instantly this was a sensation that would have brought all of his brothers to their knees.

Yet nothing commanded his admiration quite like you did. He watched in pure adulation as you pulled half a dozen rods from a hidden storage container and laid them carefully on the floor. Horrified that whatever pitiful remnants of his composure might simply abandon him, he enthusiastically averted his eyes as you bent forward and disengaged the latch in the Livewell tank, filling it with the cool water needed to keep your bounty fresh and preserved until your return to shore. Once certain that your rear end was no longer pointed high in the sky, he risked another glance in your direction, only to have that devastating sense of longing surge through his chest. Framed by the dark outcrops of rock now flanking you on either side, your posture nearly stole his breath; arms thrown wide, head tipped back, and hair blowing wildly off your shoulders.

He stifled a grin and dropped his gaze to the throttle lever still casually anchoring his left hand. A little downward pressure had second gear activated, the engine roaring into life, and a genuine chuckle pouring from his salty lips.

The innocuous licks of the water tickling the sides of the vessel quickly turned deafening as each rolling wave saw the floor beneath his feet heaving and crashing onto the surface.

His arms were soon drenched in sea spray, yet he refused to shudder at the sensation as being on the open water, away from the shelter of shore and the stability of land was a feeling unlike anything else he’d ever experienced. It wasn’t isolating as he’d expected… he felt wonderfully small and truly free.

“You good back there?” you called to him, your voice almost entirely lost amid the power of the wind dancing across his ears and around his neck.

“I’m great!” he shouted back, savouring the way you beamed at him.

He’d never know if it was minutes or hours until he caught sight of your promised signal, the roar of the engine subsiding to nothing but a quiet hum as he returned the engine to idle.

“I think we’re in the right spot,” you sang, excitement triggering you to rub your palms together. “Can you help me toss the lines out?”

“Now that I can do,” he chuckled, cracking his knuckles before scooping the lantern from the skippers seat and departing the wheel.

“As far as you can,” you encouraged, taking the lantern from him and exchanging it with the nearest rod. “There’s holders every couple feet. We’ll cast out and then cross our fingers.”

The praise that you bestowed upon him after every broad toss of the line into the water swelled his chest and widened his shoulders. It wasn’t until each rod had been situated carefully in a holder, and the lantern placed delicately on the ground between your feet and his, did Wrecker’s gut begin to simmer with nerves once again.

“Where are you from?” you asked through the ringing quiet, the only discernible noises above the rhythmic licks of the water were the tiny clicks of each reel unspooling more and more line as the turbulent waves pulled the lures deeper below the surface. “I see you every morning at the pier but we don’t ever get to talk much.”

“I’m uh… from Kamino.” He tore his eyes from the nearest rod and glanced bashfully in your direction.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it,” you admitted with a snort, hands reaching delicately for the nearest rod and slowly cranking the reel to recoil the line. “But my father and I landed on the island when I was a little kid and we haven't left since, so… I’m a little bit sheltered. What’s Kamino like?”

Wrecker let a contemplative hum issue from his nose, his mind whirring as he tried to find words to properly describe the insufferable sterility of Tipoca City, and the complicated relationship he’d had with it before its obliteration. “It’s… Kamino,” he finally replied. “And most of it’s destroyed now. It used to storm almost every day. If we got even a splinter of sun, we’d all fight to get to the windows so we could look outside. It was a water planet, so the cities were built up on tall towers in the middle of the ocean. But it's weird… the sea there isn’t like here. It was rough and dangerous, and so cold that every time you got splashed, it felt like you were getting stung by somethin’...”

“Was there no land?” you asked incredulously, those enticing lips parting just enough to distract him. “How did you get your hands dirty as a kid?”

“Well… we found ways,” Wrecker shrugged, looking downward at his palms. “Me and my brothers were always gettin’ into somethin’ we shouldn’t have been. I’ll never forget the time Tech asked me to hang him upside down by the ankles so he could crawl into the garbage chute. He… uh… he likes researchin’ things, and there’s not much else to research on Kamino. I could hear him gibberin’ on about compost while he was hangin’ there, but Nala Se snuck up behind me and scared me so bad that I let go.”

“Let go?” you snorted, eyes wide and sparkling. “You dropped him into the trash?!”

“Not on purpose,” Wrecker defended with a reminiscent smirk. “But yeah. It’s alrigh’ though. He was only mad for a few hours, then he paid me back by lecturing me about fruit flies and their ‘growth cycles’ for a week.”

“I like him already,” you grinned, turning your attention back to the spool in your hands. “He sounds kinda… different.”

“He is,” Wrecker affirmed with a nod, failing to stop that smile that always peeled across his face when he spoke of his family. “All of us are in our own ways.”

“Well, can I meet them?” you queried, glancing back at him with your eyebrows raised.

“You— you want to?” he stammered back.

“I’d love to… if that’s alright with yo–?”

A loud gasp fractured your sentence, the rod in your hand having lurched nearly entirely from your clutches as something below the rippling surface of the water bit down on the lure and took off. Your body leaped into almost masterful action, your hands intensifying their grip around that graphite pole while your left leg lifted to brace yourself against the powerful tug toward the water. Wrecker froze in place, his mind still twirling happily with the notion of you wanting to meet the people he loved most, and it wasn’t until you muttered a string of undignified curse words did he reawaken to the challenge at hand.

“Maker,” you gasped as you lost your balance, your foot slipping from its position perched on the side of the boat and sending your hip crashing into the wall. “Wreck! Can— can you grab the net?”

Wrecker swallowed at the sight of the rod in your hands bent nearly in half under the duress of the unseen prize still desperately fighting for its freedom in the depths of the dark water. “Wrecker! Net!” you urged as you stumbled again.

“Net…” he repeated frantically. “Right.”

It must have only been seconds… fractions of seconds since he stooped to snatch the tool from the floor, but by the time he’d straightened up, the entirety of your torso had disappeared over the side of the boat, the muscles in your legs still seizing in an effort to keep you upright despite that unrelenting pull downward.

“This— this fish is… huge,” you managed to choke out.

The next several seconds played out in half time; each moment lasting two, each movement lagging as if the events were truly happening in slow motion. Your feet departed the floor, the soles of your shoes rising to waist height… then higher… as your body teetered over the edge of the boat, anchored in place only by the bend at your waist, and even that feeble grip began to diminish as the struggle to subdue your monstrous catch continued. Wrecker acted without coherent thought, darting forward and wrapping his arms around your waist to secure you, lest you tip any farther forward and disappear into that surging sea.

Your addition of your weight was nothing to him, even combined with the efforts of the still unseen aquatic beast, but now free of the risk of toppling overboard you seemed to funnel every ounce of energy into rigorously cranking the line back onto the reel. He took a step backward and away from the water, determined to keep you safe and dry, but a foreign object had found its way into the path of his retreating boots, and his heel knocked heavily against something before his ears were met with a deafening shatter. The boat was thrown into darkness, and the pair of you toppled with a thunderous crash to the floor.

There wasn’t the time or the wherewithal to relish in the feeling of your body against his. He saw his hands clutching tightly at your hips before he even felt them under his fingers. He could smell the pleasant aroma of your hair in his nose before he’d even realized he was sprawled onto the damp floor with your body perched awkwardly atop of his, and that musical laughter began pouring from your smiling lips before any semblance of understanding returned to him.

And when it finally did? Panic… erupting inside of him like a volcano. He was holding you. You were on top of him. He could feel every swell in your body, every subtle shake of your laughing shoulders. He could count the freckles on your back. He could feel your hand placed gently atop his. The rear end that he’d deliberately avoided ogling at was now nestled securely in his lap and it threatened to utterly destabilize him.

“Maker, we botched that one didn’t we?” you chortled as you shifted your hips and tumbled off of him, rolling onto your back beside him and nudging the now shattered lantern out of your space. “I think I lost the whole rod.”

He attempted to clear the shock from his throat, yet his lungs seemed to be completely void of the breath required to complete the task and nothing but a strangled choke left his lips. His skin was on fire. Spiked adrenaline was threatening to set his hands atremble. Surely this is how he would die… lovesick to the point of suffocation. Not falling from a towering height like his nightmares had always imbued him with, but laying side by side with someone who he cared for so deeply that even breathing felt like a challenge.

“Thanks for saving my ass, Wrecker,” you spoke, nestling your head against his arm.

You shifted your gaze to look upward at him, that beguiling twinkle in your eyes somehow even brighter now that the lantern had been extinguished; those stunning glassy orbs sending his mind spinning near-painfully as he fought to find the cognition to answer you.

“You’re… you’re ass—” he stammered, feeling his face burn red hot. “I mean, you’re welcome!”

A delicate snort was your knee jerk response, and the silence that ensued afterward was so stifling… so insufferable… that Wrecker was half a heartbeat away from clambering to his feet and pitching himself headfirst into the water to escape the embarrassment.

“Wrecker…” you mumbled suddenly, breaking into his panicked thoughts. “Why did you come find me tonight?”

“Because…” he started quietly after swallowing heavily. “Well because I— I wanted to see you.”

“Do you maybe want to see me more often?”

He snapped his head in your direction, brows furrowed together as the implications of your questions flitted into his brain. “I want to see you all the time,” he answered, his gaze betraying him by darting back and forth between your eyes and your smiling lips.

“Me too.”

His lips fell open as those freckled cheeks drew nearer, your sparkling eyes disappearing as your lids fluttered closed. He froze, his own sight disappearing as your hand reached forward and cupped around his jaw, your lips descending slowly and tenderly onto his. An explosion unlike anything he’d ever crafted went off in deep in the part of his stomach where only the deepest and most intense feelings emerged; euphoria had him utterly floating. There was simply nothing else. No one else. No fish in the sea. No stars in the sky. Nothing but the warmth of your hands on his skin, and the gentle swipe of your tongue along his lip. His hand found the curves of your body without coherent thought, pausing to linger at the curve of your hip for only a moment before trailing softly up your back until his fingers wove themselves into your hair.

But it was over before it began. You pulled from him abruptly, head snapping around as three more rods suddenly began to whir and noisily unravel their tightly coiled spools of line. “Oh, Maker,” you sighed. “How about you reel them in this time, and I’ll net and tank them?” you proposed.

“Deal,” Wrecker answered, shaking his head in complete disbelief as you stood up and darted towards the farthest rod.

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