#but I do actually think blaster would do that. no medics in the wreckers after all

[seafoamsol]

Doodles from a friend’s magma

[zoeykallus]

angsty ER visits with tbb? (either reader or bb needing medical attention) tyyy

Coming right up... it's not all angsty, though. I took the liberty of going into the different personalities in this scenario. One is a bit angsty, one quite intense, the rest is rather fluffy. There is some drama, some angst, fluff and a bit of humour.

The Bad Batch x Reader HC's - Emergency Room

Warnings: A little angst/ a little hurt/ Fluff

Hunter

The burn on his arm looks pretty bad, and he is in pain too. He's playing it cool, but you can see it in his eyes.

"I hate this place"

You look at him, surprised.

"Last time we were here, you said Kix was the best medic you know"

Hunter smirks at you.

"You were scared like a little puppy, what was I supposed to tell you?"

Kix comes in and says, "Good to know, Hunter"

"Oh, hi Kix", Hunter says with a wry smile.

Kix looks at Hunter's arm. "That's not a blaster burn. How did you burn yourself there?"

You end up telling Kix the story how Wrecker and Hunter played some stupid game with throwing burning logs at a fire place when they were boozed after a mission.

Kix mutters, "You've got to be kidding me"

"Wish I was", you mutter back.

Hunter smirks, "Hey, it was all fun until Wrecker stumbled and hit me with the burning log"

Hunter hates needles. He will pull himself together, but you can still see it in his face if you look closely. He's a bit tense throughout the whole treatment and obviously relieved when you leave the med bay together.

"My brave man", you say with a slightly mocking undertone.

Hunter pinches you softly into your side, saying "Cocky thing"

Echo

He hates the med bay, he hates it so, so much. The machines, the scans, the sterile environment. It feels intrusive and sickening to him. It takes him back to a very dark place, one where he lost most of his human body.

"I feel fine. We should go", he mutters.

"Echo, it's okay, I'll stay with you and watch out for you the whole time", you promise him softly.

He seems rushed and shaky, his eyes twitching unsteadily from one corner to the other, every noise making him cringe.

Gently, you take his hand.

"Look at me, Echo"

He looks at you, out of wide eyes, you see in them a deep pain and a deep-rooted fear. Echo is a brave man, always ready to give everything on the battlefield, and he has proven that many times. But here and now he is really afraid.

When Kix walks in, Echo breathes a sigh of relief.

"Hey Kix, didn't know you were on duty today."

Kix smiled, "Hi Echo! I saw on the list that you had an appointment today, so I thought I'd take over. How are you doing, brother?"

"Pretty good, actually."

Echo was very grateful that Kix took the time. Actually, he had today off. Kix knew his medical history and knew about Echo's PTSD, he knew Echo would feel more comfortable if he took over the examination.

You smiled at Kix, very grateful that he was here.

"And you have your pretty girlfriend with you too, so this shouldn't be a problem today, right?"

Echo smirked at you.

"Yeah, I think I'll be doin' just fine"

Wrecker

He's pouting. He hates the med bay, most of all he hates needles.

"The blaster shot only grazed me, it's hardly worth mentioning," he grumbles as you push the giant ahead of you into the treatment room.

You say indulgently, "I know honey, you've said that at least five times now. But it still needs to be treated. Relax, Kix is on duty today. You like Kix, don't you?"

"He's a friend of Echo's," Wrecker says, "The guy's okay."

Kix greets you kindly and looks at the wound.

"You're right Wrecker", he says with a smile, "Just a graze, hardly worth mentioning".

Wrecker looks at you meaningfully, "Told you".

But as Kix prepares an injection, your brave giant jumps up from the treatment table.

"Yeah, well I really don't need that"

Kix raises his eyebrows and says, "I'm your medic and I'm saying you need this unfortunately so there will be no infections. After that, I'll put an ointment on it, a bigger band-aid, and then you'll be rid of me"

Wrecker looks from one to the other. Meekly, he finally looks at you and asks quietly, "Can you hold my hand?"

Kix blinks in surprise, but says nothing.

"Of course I can," you say with a smile and take his hand.

Kix is careful, and the matter is quickly settled. As you're on your way out, Kix calls out, "Hey Wrecker, catch," and throws him a lollipop.

" Since when do you guys have these?"

"Since the non-clone officers come here with their kids".

Tech

Tech grumbles, "I'm perfectly capable of providing my own medical care"

You nod and say softly, "I know that Tech. But the rules require this check-up."

He is not afraid of exams, he is usually quite curious about scans and the like. But most medics don't have much patience with him. He asks a lot of questions, talks a lot, and it wasn't uncommon for people to be rude to him. Tech always felt like a little boy who was being reprimanded and he didn't like that.

"Today Kix is on duty," you say encouragingly.

In fact, Tech relaxes a little when he hears that.

When Kix walks in and sees Tech, he smirks and says, "Ah, the most curious of patients."

Tech blinks in disconcertment, but Kix says, "It's okay. You can ask as many questions as you want"

You suppress a giggle, you know Kix better not have said that. Tech starts talking and asking questions and practically stops listening. During the scan he has to keep his mouth shut because he's not allowed to move, but as soon as he comes out of the tube his talking continues.

Kix is very gentle and patient, but you can see in his face, he'll be sighing with relieve when this is done, and you leave the med bay with Tech.

Kix looks at Tech seriously and interrupts him, "Have you had any headaches lately?"

Tech falls silent instantly.

"Was there something on the scan," he asks in an almost whisper.

Kix shakes his head.

"No, your stats are okay so far, but your vision has continued to deteriorate. You need even stronger goggles. Laser surgery might not go amiss, either. We can't restore full vision, but we can improve it. Otherwise, you'll have to wear binoculars soon."

Tech sighs and lowers his head, shoulders slumping even further.

"I guess laser surgery would make sense," he says quietly.

You stroke his cheek.

"It'll be fine."

Tech sighs, "That's not the problem. The problem is that I'm the only clone who needs constant medical touch-ups, even if I don't get injured in combat"

"That bothers you?"

Tech blinks, takes the goggles you put in his hand and puts them back on.

"It's not necessarily very good for my self-esteem".

You kiss his chin, and Kix looks away for a moment, preoccupied with something else.

"You'll always be my hero. My very special genius. The person I love the most"

Tech smiles at you.

"That's more than enough for me, Mesh'la".

Crosshair

He never goes to the med bay. Unless he is forced with force, or he is really badly hurt. He has everything else treated by Tech. He doesn't trust all these reg-medics. Crosshair feels uncomfortable among them. This animosity is mutual. The regs don't feel very comfortable in his presence either.

However, he has no choice right now. He is strapped to a stretcher, he has taken several shots, blaster burns in his torso and back, one in his right thigh. Tech has stabilized him, put him on an IV, and given him pain meds. It's all like a dream. A bad dream.

All around him are regs and medic droids. He sees you in the background, your face is wet with tears, and you look as if he were already dead. He wants to tell you not to make such a fuss, that everything is half as bad, but he can't open his mouth.

Crosshair can feel his own heartbeat, all dull and way too loud. Adrenaline. A reg leads you out of the treatment room. Crosshair wants to reach out to you, tell them not to take you away, but he's strapped down. His breathing is getting more restless, his chest seems to be getting tighter, and the pain is slowly coming through the painkillers.

Panic. Crosshair swallows, shaking. Again and again his gaze wanders to the spot where you were standing before. Everyone around him is so hectic, the restlessness is transferred to him.

"He's hyperventilating," he hears a reg say.

Kix's face appears in his field of vision. A relief.

"Hey buddy, it's okay, we got it covered here. Your girlfriend's waiting for you outside. You just need to hang in there for a bit now. I'm going to give you an anesthetic. When you wake up, she'll be sitting by your bedside, okay?"

Crosshair can't nod, but he blinks and his breathing slowly calms.

"There you go. It's going to be okay," Kix says with satisfaction, and with a helper droid and two more medics, he prepares everything for the treatment."

_____

When Crosshair wakes up, you are really sitting at his bedside. You fell asleep in your chair. Your eyes are puffy from crying, your mascara a little runny, and yet he's never seen anything more beautiful.

"Kitten"

His voice a little hoarse and his mouth all dry.

"Kitten, wake up"

You blink. Realizing that Crosshair is awake, you jump up from your chair and hastily come to his bedside. He lifts an arm heavily and wipes away a tear.

"Stop crying already," he says gently, "I'm not dead yet."

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

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@puppetswithteeth

[echos-newlegs]

Hi love! Can we get 28 with Hunter? ❤️

Dancing Around

Yes, wait I actually have a cute idea for this one ohmyfforce- but you didn’t give me a gender so I did femish!reader. Hope that’s okay— I am so sorry if this is trash. I dunno how to write Hunter, apparently 🧑🏼‍🦯

Hunter x Reader: “Kriff you’re hot..”

Warnings: Language, probably. I cuss a lot sorry guys 😔

You and the bad batch were sent to a foreign planet to help watch over senator Amidala. She had another attempted assassination against her, and the 501st weren’t available. So she specifically asked for you and the boys. You and Padmé knew each other, and she trusted you. Plus she knew you did a hell of a good job keeping the boys in line. No, you weren’t their Jedi, you were their, well. Everything. You were a mechanic, pilot, and a trained medic. Plus, according to all of them, even Crosshair. You were a hell of a cook. You and Clone Force 99 were off to a ball. Whether they liked it or not.

“A ball.. Like a dance?” Crosshair asked you as you stood next to Hunter and explained the plan of attack to them all. “Yeah, did I stutter?” You spat and Wrecker laughed at that. He always enjoyed how you wouldn’t take crap from his vod. “No, what, you expect us to be let into a Kriffing dance?” Crosshair fired back and you sighed. Pinching the bridge of your nose. Crossing your other arm under your chest. “Yes, because we were ordered to attend. I just need one of you to dress up and pretend to be my date, and it’s either you, Wrecker, or Hunter.” You added. “What about Tech?” “He has his own job, were you not listening to me at all? You have ears for a reason. I didn’t realize you needed hearing aids, too.” You hissed. “Tech will be keeping tabs and hacking into the cameras. So which-“ You weren’t even able to finish your sentence and Hunter was speaking up. “I can.”

Crosshair looked over to his brother with a shocked look, but then a smirk. The both having a small stare off. Cross smirking like he knew something you all didn’t and Hunter glaring daggers. Unspoken words that you weren’t about to intrude on. “Awesome, now we just need to meet up with Padmé and then we can get our outfits.” You added, and Crosshair scoffed walking off. “Hey, you try wearing a dress I’d MUCH rather wear a suit!” You snapped. Shaking your head and turning to walk off yourself. “Fucking prick.” You muttered, and headed back off to the project you were previously working on.

Hunter stood in place for a second. Wrecker and Tech smiling over to their brother. Hunter shooting the two of them a look. “What?” Tech grinned and shook his head. “Nothing,” Wrecker wasn’t as secretive about what he was thinking, though. “You just wanna dance with y/n.” Hunter looked to the larger male with shock. Blush creeping up the back of his neck. “What? No I don’t this is for a mission and the two of you weren’t volunteering. I was just tired of y/n and Crosshairs bickering.” He informed them, and Wrecker chuckled and walked off. Tech snickering and saying a quick, ‘uh-huh, sure,’ before he was walking off himself. Leaving Hunter alone in his thoughts. So what if he just wanted an excuse to dance with you, or even just fake being your date for one night. Was that too much to ask for?

It didn’t take you all long to get to your destination. Last mission you were only one jump away. Padmé was thrilled to see you, as you were her. The two of you sharing a hug and a small catching up. Before the boys seemed to get too antsy, and caught her attention. “These must be Clone Force 99?” She spoke and you nodded, looking over to your boys with a grin. “Yeah, don’t mind them, they’re shy.” You tittered, smirking over to Cross who shot you a displeased look and an eye roll. “There’s Wrecker, Tech, Hunter, and Crosshair.” You spoke, holding back the urge to make a comment on all of them. Padmé smiling sweetly and waving her hand when they saluted her. “At ease, no need for that here. Now let’s get going. You all need to look like you came to a dance, not like you just got out of the war.” She spoke, you and the gang following her inside.

The boys all headed off with a man to get their suits fitted, you heading off with Padmé to get your outfit. “Do I have to wear a dress?” You asked her with almost a whine. “I can’t fight in a dress, you better not make me wear heels, stars I’d rather get shot!” You exclaimed and she laughed at that. “You don’t have to wear heels, but you have to wear a dress. I’m sure your date would love to see you in one, anyways.” Curse your stupid girls night you had with her a few months back when you were passing through Naboo without the boys. You told her all about your stupid feelings for Hunter, and she obviously didn’t forget. “What? No! I don’t like him anymore, he doesn’t like me anyways.” You lied. You did still like him, and she knew it. “Uh-huh, and I’m in love with a Sith Lord, are we sharing more lies?” She teased and you ducked your head down. “Come on, I’ll make the dress simple.”

Oh, the dress was nothing simple. It may have been in Padmés point of view, but not yours. It was a a flowing red and black dress that matched with her own. It wasn’t sparkly or anything, thankfully, but it was just too much in your perspective. Plus she had her servants put your hair up ina fancy bun that you didn’t even know was considered a bun. Then your nails were painted, since you refused the acrylics, and last but not least. The make up. “If I get bad acne after tonight, I’ll never forgive you.” You spoke with a frown and she laughed. She laughed at you. “Y/n, if you get acne from what little makeup you have on your skin is too sensitive.” You huffed at that, and followed her to sit and wait, until you were supposed to head out for the dance.

Tech took off shortly after he got his suit. He headed to hack into the cameras to keep an eye on things inside and out. Along with being able to watch the vents. Which were the main worries. Something could easily come in and out without them knowing about it.

Crosshair and Wrecker were the next to leave. Cross was able to head above the dance floor and scope out the place on the floor above. He wasn’t allowed his rifle, which pissed him off a bit, but he did have a blaster under his suit jacket like the rest of the boys did. Wrecker was on the main floor, where Hunter was following shortly after. Waiting for you to join him so the two of you could pose as a couple talking with Padmé.

You were the last to leave and enter the ball room. Padmé had left and told you to take your time. You were overthinking all of this. Hands trembling and face flushed red. This was way out of your comfort zone, and not only that, but Hunter would see you. Eyes darting around and then you inhaled. This isn’t for you, this is for your friend. You are here to protect Padmé. Feeling for the blaster hooked to your thigh with a holster. Then you were opening the door and heading for the dance floor.

You were scanning the crowd, looking for any signs of Padme or Hunter. Pushing through the crowd best you could. Lips pressed together, firmly, as you ventured the crowds. Letting out nervous chuckles and ‘excuse me’s. Bumping into someone for what felt like the hundredth time. You looked up with a nervous smile. Opening your mouth to say a quick apology. Until they turned and you saw it was Hunter. He looked so different, so.. Handsome. He wasn’t wearing his bandana, he was shaved, clean. Plus his suit was stunning. Not only that, but it complimented your outfit perfectly.. Padmé, working her wonders.

“Kriff..” He basically breathed out, and your smile faded a bit. Eyes darting to the side nervously. “You’re hot.” He finished, and your eyes looked back to his. Gulping. Did he really just? “Or I mean, um, you look nice,” He awkwardly stammered. He was shaking, and you couldn’t tell if he was getting overstimulated and anxious, or if it was because of you? It had to be overstimulation. “Hey, Padmé should be away from the crowd, let’s get you out of here.” You told him. Motioning for him to follow. He nodded and accompanied you. Eyes never leaving you, not even for a second.

The two of you found Padmé talking with some other political people. You weren’t sure who though. You could honestly care less. “Hey,” you chimed when she smiled over to you. Padmé excusing herself and coming over to stand in front of the two of you. “Well, if it isn’t the dashing couple,” She teased. The both of you looking away sheepishly, and you glared at her. Just a bit. “We aren’t,” “Hunter, I was only teasing, I know you aren’t a pair. A shame, you two look absolutely amazing.” Padmé added with a sigh and you glared at her full force this time. “Ooh, I love this song, Come on guys, look less awkward.” She added, shoving the two of you back into the crowd. You were starting to wonder if there were even assassins that this point.

You got lost, again. Hunter was looking for you in a bit of a panic. “Y/n,” He blurted, trying to make himself taller to look over the crowd and find you. A hand grabbing yours and pulling you further. “Hey!” You snapped, and turned to see another guy. “Aren’t you here to dance?” He asked with a grin. Grabbing your hands and swinging you around. You did your best to not punch and kick him to the ground, but just went along with it at first. Hunter finally spotting you. Noticing your uncomfortable look as the guy, obviously wasted. Danced with you. It wasn’t so much that he was jealous, he just didn’t want you in a situation you weren’t comfortable in. Or at least that’s what he told himself.

“Hey, that’s my date,” He gruffed and the guy looked over to hunter with a brow raised. “How’d this pretty girl end with you?” He blurted in a slur and Hunter rolled his eyes. “She’s mine,” He snapped and the guy sighed, letting you go. “Alright, if he doesn’t dance with you. You know where to find me.” He spoke, before kissing your hand and drifting into the crowd.

You were at a loss for words, the two of you staring off in the direction the man went off in. “What an ass,” The two of you blurted. Looking to one another with a blank stare. Then bursted into a small fit of laughter. “A dance then? Padmé asked us to look less awkward.” Hunter spoke. “Plus, I don’t want that creep stealing my date again.” Holding a hand out with a smile. Stars, this had to be a dream. You taking his hand hesitantly. Allowing him to pull you towards him. One hand on your hip, the other in your hand. Your own free hand resting on his shoulder. “Look, about earlier, when I said.” You smiled and shook your head. Raising your hand. Gently touching his lips. “Shh, Hunter you’re fine, I know, you probably didn’t mean it.” You spoke with a smile. Stars you couldn’t even take the hint when it was right in front of you.

Hunter furrowed his brows and shook his head. “What? No.. I meant it, mesh’la, what do you take me as?” He asked, smiling and looking down at you. Now was your turn to get nervous and for your face to go red. “I uhm- I take you as.. Someone who wouldn’t flirt with their pilot. I thought one of the others dared you to..” You started and he shook his head. Stopping the sway of the dance you were both in. Hand releasing yours so he could raise it to cup your cheek. His other hand still on your hip. “Y/n, you look beautiful, I mean it, too. No one dared me to do anything, I promise.”

This felt like a dream come true. hunter was leaning down. Your lips were inches apart and you were squirming. “Prove it then,” You murmured, and he leaned in. Though before he could capture your lips with his you heard a shout in your ear pieces. It was Tech. “Kriff..” You both murmured. Hunter pulling away so the two of you could listen to the others words. “If we make it out of this alive, I’ll show you tonight.” Hunter spoke with a small smirk. Squeezing your hip and you smirked back. “That better be a promise, Sargent.” He snickered and pulled back from you, his hands still shaking a bit, and this time you knew it was from the crowd. “I would never lie to you, ever.” And off he went. You taking off in your own separate way. Now you had a reason to complete this mission, and a thank you that needed delivered right to Padmé.

[writer1]

A Transformative Reunion

The request: Werewolf Crosshair please

A\N: this was requested by @qualityhistorygamingwinner . Thank you so much for the request, I had a lot of fun with it. @ahsokatano-thetogruta helped me out with some ideas for this one, so thanks so much.

Warnings: Transformation, talk of abandonment, fear, angst.

Crosshair lets out a low growl, as he faces Hunter, Echo, Tech and Wrecker. The kid and you are both at the ship, making him even angrier. “Stand down, Crosshair!” Hunter yells, making Crosshair growl again. “No, I am to take you traitor’s to the empire.” He growls, making Hunter get a sad look. “Crossy, this isn’t yo--” “DON’T CALL ME THAT!!!” He yells, glaring at Hunter and the rest of them. 

“You betrayed me, left me behind while you galavanted  across the galaxy. Never once did you try to save me. Never once did you come.” Crosshair feels a splitting headache starting, but he doesn’t even care. 

“You were able to save the girl from Kamino. You were able to save the Syndullas. But not me!! Never me!!” If Crosshair could see their faces, he would see looks of guilt. Looks of heartbreak and forlorn. But he can’t see any of that, so he just glares from behind his helmet. “You left me, but the Empire taught me that I could be stronger. They made me stronger.” 

“Crosshair… What are you talking about? What have they done?” Hunter asks, making Crosshair laugh. “Let’s just say the empire came up with a new serum.” Crosshair can see his brothers bristle. “What have they done, Cross?” Hunter asks again, much more forcibly. Crosshair smirks under his helmet. “You’ll find out right now.” He growls, but it’s inhuman, startling his brothers.

He concentrates, just like how the Empire had trained him. He growls when he feels the dull discomfort fill his body, and he falls to the ground. He hears Hunter’s helmet clatter to the ground. “Crossy!!? You alright, Vod’ika?” Hunter asks, but Crosshair just growls as his bones start to crack loudly, making his brothers gasp. He groans when he starts to grow bigger, his armor growing tighter and tighter.

He groans when his armor grows so tight he can hardly breathe, then he breathes a sigh of relief when it pops free, falling to the ground. He growls as his skin itches, thick grey fur growing all over him. He feels his mouth elongating into a snout, as his legs crack and bend, forming haunches. 

His ear’s move to the top of his head, growing pointed, and he grows fangs and claws. After a few more moments of him growing bigger, Crosshair stretches out and the transformation finishes with a long, fluffy tail growing from his backside. 

He looks up at his brothers, seeing Hunter’s shocked face. The rest of them still have their helmets on, but Crosshair can feel their shock and fear radiating through the air. He growls, then he pounces!!

Hunter lets out a yell as his back hits the ground, and he pushes on Crosshair’s chest as the wolf tries to bite him, letting out snarls and growls. Hunter can’t believe this. Can’t believe what the Empire has done to his baby brother. Suddenly, Crosshair is knocked off of him, and Hunter jumps up to see Wrecker wrestling with him. 

Crosshair grabs Wrecker’s leg, whipping him against the wall. It makes the gentle giant groan in pain as he stands up, ready to get back to fighting Crosshair. Hunter growls and runs, grabbing his helmet. He watches as Crosshair stalks towards Wrecker, then HUnter runs and jumps onto his back, ripping on the fur. It makes his brother growl and whip him off. 

Hunter feels pain as he hits the ground, but then his eyes widen when he gets an idea. He turns his comm on. “Guys! Turn your blasters to stun and shoot at Crosshair. Wrecker, distract him!”

Hunter hear’s affirmatives for his plan, making him smile. He watches as Wrecker jumps on Crosshair, making the wolf growl, he is then whipped off and Crosshair starts slowly walking towards him. 

Hunter has his blaster at the ready as he sees Crosshair stand on two legs, towering over Wrecker and raising his clawed hand, but before he can do anything three blaster shots hit him square in the back. It causes Crosshair to yelp and fall to the ground, completely passing out. Hunter runs over to him, kneeling down and placing a gentle hand on Crosshair’s shoulder. Wrecker pulls his helmet off, scooching closer and pulling Crosshair’s head into his lap.

“Aww, Crossy. What have they done to you.” Wrecker whispers, pressing a soft kiss to his brother's forehead, ignoring the soft fur. Hunter frowns as Tech and Echo run up. “We need to get him to the ship, then to Bracca. And Tech, try to figure out what they’ve done to him.” Hunter asks him, and Tech nods. “Already on it.”

“I’ll carry him.” Wrecker tells Hunter, carefully pulling Crosshair’s head off of his lap, he stands up and then gently scoops Crosshair into his arms. Echo and Tech both pick up his armor, blacks and rifle, as they all head back to the Marauder.

“What do we do now? And after Bracca. What if we can’t stop him from remaining like this?” Wrecker breaks the silence, making them all look around. “Then we protect him, that’s all we can do. We protect him with everything we have. Help him through it, like brothers do.” Echo tells them wisely, making everyone nod. “I believe he is a werewolf, from legends. That’s all I can come up with from research.” Hunter’s eyes widen. “The empire figured out how to turn someone into a werewolf!!? That is not good, not good at all.” He growls, looking away.

It’s silent for the rest of the journey back to the Marauder, as soon as they come near, you and Omega both run out. Your eyes widen when you see the beast that Wrecker has in his arms, and you cover your mouth, hearing Omega let out a short yelp. “What is that thing!!” You gasp out, making Hunter frown, glancing at the beast, then back at you. “It’s Cross, the Empire did something to him.”  

Your eyes widen, and you hear a gasp from Omega, but all you can think about is your boyfriend. Wrecker carries him past you and to the Marauder, making you run in after him. Hunter, Tech, Echo and Omega follow after. “Grab some blankets, we’ll make him a bed in here.” Wrecker informs you all,gesturing to the space in front of Omega’s room, making you nod as you run to grab some blankets. You and Hunter both arrange them on the floor, along with some pillows, then Wrecker lays him down.

“I’m going to get us out of here, before the empire comes. Hunter, you know where the sedatives are, make sure he has triple the regular dose. With my calculations, I’m positive that should keep him out as long as he gets that every three hours.” Hunter nods to Tech, and he runs to the cockpit. Echo closes the door of the Marauder.

You walk over to Crosshair’s head, sitting down cross legged. His right eye is towards you, showing black fur in the shape of his signature tattoo. You gently pet his head, letting out a sob when you start crying. He’s back, your boyfriend is back! You don’t care that he’s… this. Don’t care about the fur, the fang or the claws. All you care about is that you have your Crosshair back, and that’s all that matters.

“Will he be okay?” The small voice reminds everyone in the room of Omega, and you see Hunter kneel down. “Yes! We will get his chip out, and take good care of him.” He reassures her, making you tear up and lean down, pressing a soft kiss to Crosshair's forehead.

"He will be well taken care of here, and he is going to love his brand new baby sister." Echo coos, walking over and bopping Omega's nose, making the young girl giggle. "You really think so?" She asks, and everyone startles when Wrecker laughs out loudly. "Oh we know so!! He is a big softy with kids!" 

She looks to you, and you smile sadly at her. "He loved to play with the Cadets while on Kamino, helping to care for them and whatnot. He would have come for you, if he had known." Omega smiles at you, walking over and petting his furry arm, Hunter starts administering the sedatives. 

"That's how we met, I was sent in the beginning of the war to help care for the young Cadets. One day I saw Crosshair with them, and I actually never believed in love at first sight until that moment." Hunter, Echo, Wrecker and Omega all have smiles on their faces. Omega is the only one who hasn't heard the story. "That's amazing." She says, making you smile sadly, tears pricking your eyes. 

"It is, it really is." 

xxx

Crosshair lets out a groan, clutching at his head. His eyes snap open, looking around to see that he's on the floor of some kind of medical base. He blinks, his thoughts are clear, the drill that has been keeping him controlled, keeping him following orders is gone. What replaces it is sadness, guilt and hate. Hate of himself, hate of the monster that he allowed the Empire to turn him into.

With that thought he looks down at himself, letting out a whimper as he sees that he is still transformed. Why did he ever let the Empire do this?

He lets out a growl, gently feeling his head to find a bandage. He knows what it's from already. His brothers did it. They removed his chip! He knew it from the moment he woke up, but the reassurance of the wound makes him realize even more that this is not a dream.

He whimpers, knowing that what he's done is horrible. He killed civilians. Killed unarmed people for fun. And the worst thing he did, he tried to kill his brothers. His sister for crying out loud! He even shot Wrecker! His Ori'Vod.

He knows that no one will ever forgive him, especially not you. You would never love the monster he has become, even before the Empire turned him into a werewolf.

He tries to get up, but falls back down into the soft blankets, whimpering in pain. He hears a door open, looking over to see Hunter walk in. He closes the door behind him and walks towards Crosshair. "H-Hunter?" Crosshair asks, throat going dry. Hunter smiles as Crosshair sees tears fill his brother's eyes, and Hunter runs over, sitting down beside him. 

"Hey, Crossy." Crosshair whimpers, ears pressing back when he hears his old nickname. Hunter frowns, then shuffles closer. "Can I… can I hug you? Please?" Hunter's tears start to drip down his face, and Crosshair nods. He hasn't seen Hunter cry like this in years. Hunter slams him in a gentle, yet firm hug. “It’s alright, Crossy. You’re back, that’s all that matters.”

Crosshair whimpers, nuzzling into Hunter as he hugs him close. He wants to push Hunter away so badly. Knows that he doesn’t deserve hugs or forgiveness. But he just can’t push his Ori’Vod away, not this time. He can feel Hunter running his hands through his fur, making Crosshair hum softly.

Hunter pulls away and smiles up at him, gently running a hand through the fur on his chest. “Where… Where are the others?” Crosshair asks quietly, and Hunter smiles. “Most are out gathering supplies from other ships here on Bracca, but Y/N is in the other room. She wants to see you?” Crosshair whines, ears pressing back. 

“Hey, no one is mad at you. We know it was the chip. She wants to see you, and I know you want to see her.” Hunter insists, but Crosshair knows that if he says no now, Hunter won’t push it anymore. But he knows his Ori’Vod is right, he wants to see you so bad.

“Alright… she can come in.” He whispers, fear lacing his voice. Hunter nods, standing up and pressing a kiss to Crosshair’s forehead before walking out of the room. Crosshair whines and starts chewing nervously on his hand a bit., watching the door. He can hear you and Hunter whispering, but then covers his ears, he doesn’t want to snoop. He then looks up to see you walking into the room, and he uncovers his ears.

You have tears in your eyes, making Crosshair’s ears press back as he whimpers, but then you suddenly run and collapse into him, shoving your face into his chest and crying. He freezes, tensing up. But then he gently hugs you close. “I’m so sorry, Cyare. I’m sorry.” He whimpers, running a hand along your back ever so gently. 

You press a kiss to his chest, running a hand on his shoulder. “What are you saying sorry for?” You ask, sniffling a bit as you choke on a few sobs as you look up at Crosshair. He whimpers, a few tears slipping from his eyes.

“I...I've done terrible things. I've killed people, Cyare. I… I almost killed Wrecker, I let the Empire turn me into… into this!” He growls, making you flinch, but you don’t care at all, reaching up and caressing his cheek softly. It’s hard to reach, because of his height now. But you don’t care, not at all. 

“You're here with us now, that’s all that matters. The person that did those things... that wasn't you, Cross, you'd never do the things the chip was telling you to do willingly. You're a good man.” Crosshair reaches up and grabs your hand, his much larger, clawed hand completely engulfing it. He lets out a whine from his chest.

“I'm not even a man now. I'm a monster.” He whispers softly, making you tear up. You stand up and quickly pull him into a tight hug, kissing his forehead. Crosshair looks up at you with his own tear filled eyes, pulling you back down and into his lap. 

“You are not a monster, not ever. I don’t care what you are, all that matters is you are here with me.” You reassure him, looking him in his tear filled eyes with your own teary, soft ones. He whines softly, ears pressed back as he nuzzles against your face, making you smile and pulls him down a bit more, kissing his cheek.

He hums, nuzzling into your hair. “I love you so much, Cyare.” He whispers, making you smile. He then stretches back out a bit, having been hunched over to reach you. “I love you too, Love. More than anything.” You smile up at him, running a hand along the fluffy fur on his chest. “I love you fur and all, I promise. You’re brother’s think the same thing, alright?” Crosshair nods, not quite believing it, but it helps so much.

“Thank you.” He tells you, making you smile and hug him close. “No thanks necessary.” You promise, then Crosshair’s ears perk up, and you two hear-- “Crossy!!” Crosshair gives a small smile when he sees Wrecker run into the room, he gently nudges you, making you smile as you get out of his arms.

He then opens them and looks away, as if he actually doesn’t want the hug, but everyone knows otherwise. Wrecker goes running, tackling Crosshair into a hug. Crosshair smile’s hugging Wrecker back as his tail wags, but no one cares. Wrecker nuzzles into his chest, hugging him so tightly. 

“You're back!! I’m so glad you’re back, Vod’ika. We missed you so much.” Wrecker let’s out a quiet sob as he snuggles into Crosshair as much as he can, making Crosshair nuzzle him back. “I missed you guys too, even if the chip tried to stop me.” He whispers, running a large hand over Wrecker’s head.

Wrecker smiles softly, tears still filling his eyes. “You’re so soft now, Ner Vod’ika. Super fluffy, does not fit your personality.” Wrecker jokes, making Crosshair smile and nuzzle him. “Yeah, but I know  you are going to love it, Ori’Vod.” Wrecker chuckles and cuddles in again,as Crosshair looks up to see Tech and Echo standing beside Hunter and you. 

Tech immediately runs over and joins the hug, surprising Crosshair, he had thought his brother would have a bit more caution. “I missed you as well, Vod’ika. You will not be leaving our sights for a long time.” Crosshair chuckles, nuzzling and licking the top of his brothers heads, he tenses up a bit. But Wrecker just laughs, and Tech hums thoughtfully. “Looks like a few wolf instincts come with being… whatever you are, it’s alright. We don’t mind.” Crosshair nods and nuzzles into Tech again. “I’m a werewolf.” He whispers, making Tech nod.

Hunter then pulls Echo over. “Mind if we join, Vod’ika?” Echo asks, making Crosshair smile and open his free arm. Echo and Hunter both fall in, making him smile. He hugs them close, nuzzling into the top of their heads. You and Omega both wait over near the door, knowing that the boys need their moment now. After a few moments they pull away, and stand up. 

“I think it’s time you officially meet Omega, if that’s alright with you Cross?” Crosshair nods at Hunter, who smiles and walks over to Omega. “You’re going to love her, Cross. And she already loves you.” Echo reassures him, making Crosshair nod. 

He looks up to see you and Hunter walking over, Omega in between you. She looks nervous, making Crosshair frown a bit, but he makes sure not to look as intimidating, like he used to with the Cadets on Kamino. The only difference is that he’s now a werewolf, and looks even scarier.

Omega then walks closer to Crosshair, eyeing him a bit. He keeps absolutely still, watching as she looks him over, then-- “Kriff, you’re fluffy.” His eyes widen and so does everyone else’s. “Who taught you that word?” He asks incredulously, making Omega shrug. “I heard Tech say it a few times while working on the ship, and Echo has said it once or twice. Hunter may have said it once as well, Wrecker says it sometimes, but I don’t think any of them realized.” The reader is glaring at all of them except for Crosshair and Omega, as Crosshair also glares at his brothers.

“What is wrong with you!!! You don’t swear in front of kids!! Jeez, how did any of you keep this kid alive without me? Oh wait, you had Y\N, now that makes sense.” They all look at eachother, then burst out laughing. “It’s nice to have you back, Cross.” Hunter chuckles, making Crosshair smile, then he looks down at Omega. “It’s nice to meet you, Sweet. I know we met before, but I… wasn’t quite myself.”  Omega nods, then she walks over and plops herself in his lap, hugging him.

He sighs. “I see she’s been spending a lot of time with Wrecker.” He jokes, making Everyone laugh. Wrecker raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?” That makes everyone laugh harder, but Crosshair is focusing on Omega as she snuggles into him. He nuzzles her. “So you are the little sister I never knew? They said that you loved me already?” Omega nods, and Crosshair smiles, plucking her from his lap and holding her against his chest.

“Well, I love you already too.” Omega smiles brightly at that, nuzzling against him as well. “You are a good brother, I love you.” Crosshair smiles nuzzling and licking the top of her head, they have a lot to talk about, but right now, this is all Crosshair wants to do. Just be with his brothers, sister, and girlfriend.

xxx

You hum, slowly opening your eyes. Last night you all decided to have a cuddle pile with Crosshair, to welcome your boyfriend home. Omega cuddled up to him, since he’s the only one she hasn’t cuddled with yet. You open your eyes, seeing the small girl curled up next to Crosshair… next to a human Crosshair.

You smile, happy to know that this at least isn’t a full time thing. It would make poor Crosshair feel worse if he always looked like that, no matter how much you and the others don’t care. You reach over and run a hand over his short hair, the bandages having fallen off because they are too big. Omega is curled up to his bare chest, and Crosshair has an arm wrapped around her.

His eyes open suddenly, and he smiles when he sees you, then he looks down and his smile gets wider when he sees Omega, and that he’s human. “It wasn’t a dream.” He whispers, breaking your heart. You scooch over closer, gently cupping his cheek and sandwiching Omega between the two of you. “It wasn’t a dream, and you are stuck with us.” Crosshair smiles, looking down at Omega again and running a hand through her hair, then he presses a feather soft kiss to her hair. 

“I love her.  She’s definitely my sister.” You smile, nodding. “She shoots well, but you’ll have to teach her some tricks.” You joke, making a laugh rumble up from his chest, a genuine, happy laugh. “I will, I’ll teach her everything I know. She can be better than me, I know it. But don’t tell anyone that.”

You chuckle, leaning forward and kissing his lips. “I won’t, but they are hearing that you’ll be teaching her, and make sure you tell her you love her, and them.” Crosshair smiles, tears coming to his eyes.

“I will, I’m going to be telling them I love them every chance I get now. I’ll never let them go without knowing it.” He promises, kissing Omega’s head once again. You can tell that the chip changed Crosshair a bit, but you know that he’ll be okay with time, and that he’s softer now. It makes you smile. “We all love you, okay. We wish we could have found you faster, but we never stopped loving you.” Crosshair looks up from Omega, getting a genuine smile on his face.

“I know.”

Taglist: @pro-fangirls-unsocial-life @lightning-wolffe @captainrexisboo

[gaeasun]

Rant to me about Twitch. Just do it.

Oh boy ok you’re asking for it. 

under the cut because this got long :3

I don’t understand Star Wars dates too well but Twitch was about 8 1/2 years old/17 when he was sent out right before Umbara. Which would have made him maybe eleven when the Jedi first came to Kamino. Twitch has a natural caring and empathy for his brothers, so he was selected for medical training. The rest of his brothers were trained as typical grunt infantry, but they were all pretty close. Even though Kamino was terrible, Twitch was a bright sunshiny smiley kiddo. The kind that would randomly pick up a flower (if there were flowers on Kamino) and give it to you because it was pretty. All smiles and giggles and laughter. 

As the war went on more and more medics were needed, at a higher rate than other clones, so Twitch’s training was fast-tracked. While medics still got basic weapons and combat training, as deployment came closer and closer it got pushed aside in favor of more medic things. A lot of this included flash-training. Flash training was a method of “teaching” in which information was directly uploaded into a person’s brain, and was commonly and cannily used on Kamino because it was technically efficient. No muscle memory yet, but all the bare and raw information. As clone casualties increased and training time decreased for each generation, I’m thinking that flash training got more and more common. I’m assuming there were laws or general standards of how long it was healthy to use flash training for, and I’m assuming the Kaminoans disregarded these and pushed it to the limits of how long they could do it without frying anyones mind. So lots of Twitch’s medical knowledge is from flash training, and his last year or so was doing rounds in the medical labs and turning knowledge into experience.

Twitch actually hated flash training so much because he was definitely among the groups pushed to the limit on how long they could stand the training for and each time it left him feeling awful. His batch mates didn’t understand much as they had more training simulations and less flash training, but nights after were definitely spent in compiles if they could, or if they couldn’t someone would sneak into his pod and bring his pillow and blanket. Safe to safe when Twitch currently has nightmares, they’re one of the big three subjects (others being Umbara and The Nightmare) and was very very happy to learn flash training wasn’t a thing in other places. 

Also Twitch isn’t actually very good at combat. His blaster scores are just above the cutoff, and he managed to pass his combat drills by reading his opponent’s body language instead of being any good at fighting himself. On the field he much prefers to be giving medical aid rather than helping with the shooting. He’s not objectively bad, he’s still an enhanced soldier, but by clone standards he’s not the best. 

There’s only one of Twitch’s batch mates I have partially developed, and that’s his closest vod Ruckus. If Ruckus had made it past Umbara, he would have been part of that Hevy 🤝Hardcase🤝Wrecker group that loves heavy weaponry and explosions. Ruckus is hyperactive and Twitch is inattentive so they get got each other very well. 

When I say Twitch was sent right before Umbara I mean this was his first battle. Unlike say Dogma and Tup, who had enough fighting experience to earn them paint. Twitch and his batch were shiny as could be, and a little underprepared in general with their cutoff training time. Umbara was difficult for even the veterans. Twitch was a bit safer than the others since he wasn’t infantry, so he made it out relatively unharmed. His batch mates weren’t so luckily and died one by one throughout the campaign, which absolutely shattered Twitch’s heart. What kept him from spiraling was the attention of Fives, sent his way after Kix realized what happened and figured Twitch could use some comfort from someone who understood. Twitch and Fives formed a tight bond and Fives convinced Rex to transfer him into their little group, where he naturally became the kih’vod of the squad and loved by all. With his batch mates dead he lost some of his outgoing cheer and became more reserved, but with new brothers who love him and he loves right back he managed to hang on to his optimism.

Twitch wasn’t really given enough time to specialize in a field of medicine but after helping out with some of the clones that needed ongoing physical therapy (somewhat uncommon on Kamino because they didn’t really tolerate any recovery that would take longer than a few weeks and would increase costs) he found he absolutely loved the hands on approach to helping his brothers heal and feel better. His natural empathy and people-skills is very helpful in putting frustrated brothers in pain at ease. In any AU where the war ends Twitch takes classes and gets certified as an official Physical Therapist. When Echo comes back he personally helps him with his exercises and scar management. 

One of my favorite aus with twitch isn’t even mine lol, but belongs to ao3 Fulcrum55 who with my permission included Twitch in their fic. Twitch is a relatively new character, but he’s now permanently five years old (in human years not clone years and now without the accelerated aging) because of experiments done by the Empire on essence transfers using clones. But since being given a new body, he became force-sensitive and now that sense of intuition is increased ten-fold. Because of the strong bond he had with Fives, he was able to reach out to him (because Fives now also has the Force and is maybe twelve-ish and training to become a Jedi) and get rescued from the Empire. Once rescued he was officially adopted by Rex. Actually-Force-sensitive Twitch is something I’ve always wanted to explore and in this au he just knows things at this point I think he can practically hear the Force. 

[that-one-weeb-but-starwars]

My love| Echo (part 7)

Note: This ones got a lot of small details that add up to one and Its comin along

Warnings: sad echo and shocking information

Reader: Male

Part: 1 | 2 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

"Dad! Dad come on!" Rosyln cheered jumping on the bed.

"Come on dad! It's snowing!"

Echo groaned, "Come on dad!"

Rolling over to his back his little girl jumped into his chest.

"Man you're gettin big." Echo spoke as she smiled.

"Come on! Get up!" She cheered getting off the bed, "Dad's outside already!"

He smiled, sitting up he rubbed his back.

"Okay. Okay." Echo spoke pulling himself out a bed and grabbing a poncho hanging on the end of the bed.

"Yes!" She cheered rushing off, her boots making heavy thuds against the wooden floor as she ran to go meet her father outside.

Pulling on a turtle neck he pulled on the poncho afterwards, still in his sleeping joggers he walked through the house and to the front door.

"Okay Rosyln," he chuckled, walking out of the house and onto the porch, looking around he chuckled, seeing boot prints in the snow.

Following them he snuck around the side of the house, at the corner he heard giggling.

"I got you!" He shouted happily turning the corner but no one was there.

Looking around in confusion his eyebrows knitted togegher.

"Rosyln?" He called out looking around, "Rosyln? Darling? Where are you!?"

"Dad!" She shouted for, fear lacing her voice, "Dad!"

He rushed toward her voice rushing towards the sound of her voice, running around the side of the house he looked for her.

"Rosyln! Rosyln! Where are you!" He shouted, "where are you!"

"Echo! Echo!"

He jolted, Hunter holding his shoulder's, his breath heavy, a face filled with fear and pain.

"Echo! Hey. Hey. Calm down. Calm. Down." Hunter spoke, "it's me. It's Hunter."

"I." Echo started, but couldn't get out any words, "Hunter I."

"Hey. Don't explain it, just. Breathe." Hunter deamanded.

Echo's ragged breath started to slow, Hunter's hands on Echo's shoulders.

"W-when did I fall asleep?" He questioned looking around, the ship still in hyperspace.

"Echo I came in to check on you before I put Omega to bed. You we're staring off into space." Hunter told him, "Echo you need rest."

"No," Echo spoke, "I- Im fine."

Hunter sighed, taking a seat in the co-piolts chair, "You know. I'll never understand what you're go through."

Echo was silent as he rubbed his eyes, "but I do understand wanting to get someone back, when Omega got taken by that bounty hunter... I. I didn't know what I'd do if I didn't get her back."

Echo leaned back in the chair, "I know you lost alot, and you shouldn't have to loose one more."

Echo pulled the small disk out his belt pouches.

"You looked at it?" Echo questioned looking down at the disk, "this?"

Hunter nodded softly, "Y/n's mentioned on it? Yeah?" Echo questioned.

Hunter responded with a second nod, "and...the kids? His brothers and sisters? They must be mentioned on it."

"Yeah,Echo they are." Hunter told.

Echo nodded, sitting back up and leaning over as he looked at the disk he ran between his fingers. Soon handing it to Hunter.

"Echo." He told, "You need to see whats on there."

"No. I just need Y/n." He told Hunted who took the disk softly, "and just a bit more time to think is all."

Hunter nodded, getting up, "Tech, will, uh, switch shifts with you."

Echo nodded as Hunter left him to his own devices.

Hoth was a desolate planet, despite the white which gave it's bright apperance.

The wind rushed passed the cloaked figure as he held onto the hood, the wind dying down as he let go of it.

In the distance as the snow settled stood two figures.

"Norman. Stay here."

The white haired boyed covered by a black thick poncho nodded as the cloaked figured moved forward, the figures meeting him half way.

"Thank you! For coming!" He shouted as the wind roared.

"It is an honor to be fighting with you! My wife, and my second hand! Eleni!" The twilek male spoke.

"It is an honor!" She chattered out, cold as the wind picked up once more.

"Apologizes for the meeting point!" Rosyln apologized, "as You may know! I am Project Rosyln! Follow me!"

They followed the male back to the ship, Norman the young boy had already taken shelter inside.

"Norman, these are the Syundullas, Eleni and Cham." He introduced, the boy in white nodded.

"I am Norman, it's nice to meet you."

The two nodded in response, everyone removing there extra article of chlothing.

"This must be important if one of you're parents sent there children." Eleni spoke, "and such with such a meeting point."

"This...is a different matter. Please. We have much to discuss."

"You may take rest." Tech spoke walking into the cockpit, bur got no response, walking towards the chair Echo was slumped over, sleeping in crossed arms at the edge of the control panel.

Tech let him rest, taking co-piolts chair as he leaned back, datapad in hand as he started looking through what he had copied from the disk. He had figured he would see more resources, more death tolls and ways to die by the new and improved empires hand, and he was right. More imperal codes, new weapons arrays and ways to pass on, most vulgar, violating, dishonorable and disrespectful.

They had already taken people prison, why disrespect them in death as well. The longer he looked- the more confused he became, most files corrupted and named weridly, letters of the basic alphabet. He kept himself up, going through file after file, werid code being written that he couldn't understand or translate, but there was one thing that stood out to him: one time mentioned one time saw: CT in bold the only thing in galatic basic and an attached file of a hand print.

Then it clicked.

Getting up quickly he walked out of the cockpit, rushing to Omega's bunk.

"Omega. Omega!" He tried waking her up.

"What?" She asked waking up, eyes still half closed, "Tech?"

"What is Echo's Friends CT number?"

"What?"

"You know all the CT- numbers by heart don't you?" He questioned.

"Uh. Yeah?" She questioned, "why?"

"Echo's Friends CT number! What is it?" He questioned, "You know the one friend he won't talk about?"

"You mean Fives? Nala Se talked about him once-"

"Fives? Fives what's his name? Why?"

"Well his CT number was CT-5555-" Omega told, "but he died, why?"

"Because it's not by number is by letter! The letters from the files! They spell out a name! Fives must be a key name if Rosyln is Y/n!"

"What?" Omega asked confused.

"But Fives isnt a possible solution- so what does Fives repersent..." Tech thought out loud.

"He made it to Arc Trooper I heard." Omega spoke yawned.

"Arc Trooper?" Tech questioned as Omega nodded, "Has anyone been created to be a higher ranking trooper?"

"Well you know the basic trainning?" Omega questioned sitting up fully.

Tech nodded, "The Kaminonins would add onto that but not genetically, besides clone force 99, not that I know of."

"Not that you know of?"

Omega nodded, "I had top clearance too due to Nala Se. So I seen everything on Kamino."

"Had they ever transported machinery off world? Anything?"

"Yeah a few broken tubes, a long time ago. I found it odd."

"How many?"

"Mhmm...20? Maybe 25?" Omega spoke, "they were odd looking, I assumed they were protoyoes that failed."

"But that doesn't make sense." Tech argued.

"What are you yelling about here in Tech?" Hunter spoke walking back to the two.

"Yeah Im tryin to sleep." Wrecker argued joining them.

"Hunter, these files that have been sent to us have a message incrypted the only possible thing being able to read is CT in basic."

"And?" Hunter argued, "what does that have to with you shouting my ears off?"

"Fives would be someone only Echo knew-"

"Rex would of known him too." Hunter told.

"Yes but Y/n's met us not rex." Tech spoke, "Y/n's met Echo's newest squad mates but not his old ones. As they are separated. They'd be no actual time to interact with them."

"Okay so that's why we went to Zut not Rex." Hunter spoke, "It still doesnt explain why you're shouting over something so simple."

"But listen!" Tech spoke, "Fives has to stand for something, right?"

"Okay but where does fives come in?" Hunter questioned.

"This hand print." Tech spoke, "the hand print is obvioisly gloved and is the size of a regs hand. Something Echo had gotten standing next to Fives, further explaining why Fives is an important person in finding Y/n. Not to mention Echo's the only one who knew Roslyn and Fives well."

"Okay so mentioning Fives does what now exactly. Echo can't understand this! Wrecker couldn't even scribble this!" Hunter argued, "its basically pictures and scribbles."

"Hey!" Wrecker argued as Hunter snatched the data pad showing it to Wrecker to prove his point.

"Hey I've seen this before!" Wrecker spoke.

"Excuse me?"

Wrecker nodded handing off the datapad to Omega, "Echo has markings like that on his blasters."

"Wait, so Echo know's what this is?" Hunter asked.

Wrecker shrugged, "I guess? Hey! Maybe it's like me and Omega's secret code!"

"Oh yeah!" Omega cheered.

"Secret code?" Tech questioned, "that's it! It makes sense! The reason Fives and Rosyln is important! The way it's written like this! Echo's been right this whole time!"

"But that still doesnt explain the Kaminonin tubes." Omega spoke, "Unless there are Kaminonin files."

"Just a few medical documents, nothing we don't know." Tech informed

"Wait. Why would Y/n have a hold of Kaminonin medical document's, he's never seen battle he doesnt need strong medical trainning." Hunter questioned.

"So what? Y/n was like an enchanted clone?" Wrecker laughed, "Good one Tech."

The group looked back at Wrecker.

"What?" He asked, "Oh come on. Y/n looks nothing like us! We don't even have the same eye color!"

"What happens if Y/n's not a clone of Jango Fett. Yet of someone else?" Tech questioned.

"Hey." Omega questioned looking down at the data pad, "I found one combination to those letters Tech. What's Project Star Killer?"

[masterjedilenawrites]

The Sniper and The Medic: Chapter 7

Starring: Crosshair, OC Joan Vo, Tech, Hunter, Wrecker

Chapter Warnings: Mention of injury, mentions of bullying

Taglist: @proadhog @skippyhopperwisdom

AO3 Link (In case you like it better over there, it’s okay, no judgement)

< Previous Chapter | Masterlist | Next Chapter >

Chapter 7: On the Mend

It was a full week before Crosshair saw Joan again. She canceled his check-ups, so he could use the time to rest instead, and Tech served as the messenger to report on his healing progress. And he was progressing, thankfully. The pain eventually subsided and by the end of the week, he didn't have to actively think about breathing anymore. As long as he was careful with his stretching and other movements, he was almost good as new.

In addition, their ship had finally arrived, and much to everyone's relief, Hunter stopped the simulation runs in favor of working on the craft instead. They outfitted it with all the tools and weapons they could get their hands on, and each took turns piloting through the storms of Kamino. They weren't allowed to break the atmosphere, but it would only be a couple short weeks before they were officially deployed anyway.

Crosshair found himself at a mental crossroad. They were getting ever closer to the moment he'd been waiting for his whole life, the day he finally got to leave this forsaken place. To say he'd hated his time here would be an understatement. The experimenting and the bullying and even the way it smelled.... He couldn't wait to finally be free of it. To be on real missions, not simulations. To see real trees and feel real dirt. To use his marksman skills, the only thing he was good for, to do something important.

But then there was Joan. There was hardly a moment he didn't think about her. He couldn't help it. She was unlike anyone he'd ever known and he couldn't get enough. Her voice, her smile, her gentleness, her confidence. Going a week without seeing her had been hard; he wasn't sure what he'd do the day he'd have to leave, and probably never see her again....

A sudden snapping noise came by his ear, forcing him to shake away his confused thoughts and turn with a scowl. Tech was scowling back.

"You didn't hear anything I just said, did you?"

Crosshair hadn't even noticed him approach. They were in the hangar, Hunter and Wrecker arguing nearby about what to name their ship. Hunter wanted The Marauder because it sounded "slick." Wrecker wanted The Havoc because it sounded "badass." Crosshair was staying out of it. And Tech had been gone for most of the day.

"Where've you been?" he asked.

Tech readjusted the pack he had slung over his shoulder with a huff. "If you'd been listening... I was doing some research on Felucian Gelagrubs in the library."

Crosshair almost started tuning him out again, until his brother looked up with a playful smirk.

"And then I ran into Doctor Joan. She was wondering if you were well enough to take her up on that deal yet?"

"What deal?" came Wrecker's voice, muffled by some food he was chewing on. Apparently he and Hunter had finished their argument and were more interested in this new conversation.

"Cross promised to teach Joan how to shoot once he felt better. I told her you were feeling much better, and she said she'll have a few free hours tonight if you're interested."

Crosshair wished he could smack the smug grin off Tech's face. And shove that turkey leg down Wrecker's throat to stop his howling laughter. Only Hunter wasn't making fun. If anything, he looked confused.

"But she knows how to shoot," he said with a frown. "She's told me...."

Tech shrugged, starting to walk toward the ship's ramp. "Maybe she wants a refresher?"

"Or she wants to cozy up to Crosshaaaair," teased Wrecker.

Crosshair felt his face growing flushed. He was about to snap at them for being idiots, but Hunter intervened.

"Okay, that's enough. I'm sure Joan didn't mean anything by it..." Hunter paused with another frown. He didn't sound convinced; in fact, he sounded concerned. But then he shook himself and gave Crosshair a nod. "If you want to help her practice, fine by me. Just make sure you help us with the paint job before you go."

Hunter gave the ship a fond tap on its hull.

"What name are we going with?" asked Tech.

"The Havoc Marauder."

* * *

Crosshair made it to the simulation room before Joan. He programmed it to Felucia, inspired by Tech's mention of it earlier. It was another green planet, but with stranger-looking flora and a mist that hung low in the air.

"This your favorite?" came her low voice. It was a little raspier than usual; maybe she'd been talking a lot that day.

Crosshair swallowed down a wave of nerves that threatened to overcome him. It was so nice to see her again after so long apart.

"It's a good challenge," he shrugged. "Decreased visibility. Uneven terrain. Hostile flora and fauna."

Joan stood beside him, looking around. She was wearing the same outfit as last time and had her hair braided back. A standard-issue DC-15A blaster rifle was strapped across her back.

"Did you steal that from a reg?"

She didn't laugh like he'd hoped, but she did have a faint smile. She swung the rifle around and held it firmly, confidently. "It's mine. Most medics were only given pistols, but my troop let me have this one."

"So you do know how to shoot," he said.

Joan lifted the rifle to her shoulder and aimed up at one of the simulation targets on a tree. She fired and made the hit.

"A straight shot with no stress or pressure, I'm not bad..." She then grimaced. "But I was never good in an actual firefight. They only gave me a gun for self-protection. The rest of the time I just focused on tending wounds, let my brothers take care of the cover fire."

Her use of the term "brothers" did not go unnoticed to Crosshair, but he didn't comment on it. He nodded his head and brought out his own gun. It was a much superior model than hers, but he wouldn't show off. Not too much, anyway.

He led her to some higher ground and got to work, teaching her what he knew, just like she had taught him the week before. He went over posture and breathing. He threw in some facts about angles and trajectories. He had her find an "anchor" for herself, a way that she would always hold the gun and her body, so no matter the situation, she could fall into that comfortable position. And he took any opportunity he could find to place his hand or his arm around her.

This was his life, things he'd engaged with for years and years. And even though he only had mere hours with her, he wanted to share as much as he could.

Joan was a good student. She wasn't the best shooter, but by the end of the night, she had made some improvement. She was no longer hesitating with the trigger and managed to take down a simulated Acklay despite being scared of it. That was a win in Crosshair's eyes.

When she finally showed signs of fatigue, he turned off the sim and sat with her on one of the benches along the walls. They sat in silence for a brief time, and Crosshair was grateful she didn't seem uncomfortable by it. He let his head rest against the wall and closed his eyes.

"Is Tech okay?" she eventually asked.

His eyes reopened, only so he could furrow them in confusion. "Yeah, why?"

She shrugged and stifled a yawn. "There were some... uh, clones bothering him in the library earlier. Wasn't sure if it upset him."

"He didn't mention it," Crosshair said with a clenched jaw. He really hated when the regs messed with his brothers, especially Tech.

Joan shifted to better face him. "He's a hard one to read. Most of his visits, I'm answering his millions of questions about human anatomy. He only puts stats on his chart. Like that assignment I had, to write things about yourselves? He drew a diagram of his body with arrows pointing out his height, eye color, body fat percentage...."

She chuckled softly and Crosshair found himself joining in. That sounded like Tech, alright.

"I don't know. I just want to make sure he's not really hurting inside. You were the one I thought I had to worry about. Wrecker wears his emotions on his sleeve. Hunter's guided by duty, so it's easy to predict what he feels."

"And me?"

"You put up walls. Which I get. It's hard to be... you." She cocked her head with a knowing look. "But when you respect someone, you let them in. And from there you're an open book."

He frowned. "I am not."

"You kinda are though," she laughed. "I can always tell by your tone when you like certain things or not. Scowling is your default, but when you're really upset your jaw clenches. And..." she looked down in her lap with a small smile, "you blush sometimes when I talk."

Crosshair's eyes widened in horror, which only made her laugh more.

"It's okay. It's... flattering."

He gulped. Her cheeks were pinker than usual as well, but that must have been from the training they just did. Surely....

"I'll, uh... I'll keep an eye on Tech," he stuttered. "He'll be fine."

"Good." She clapped her legs and stood up. "Well anyway, I won't keep you up much later. Thank you for the lesson. It was fun."

He stood, too, and decided to say, with a shake in his breath, "I hope it won't be another week before I see you again?"

"Well, I guess I should take another look at that little wound of yours soon."

"Tomorrow?"

Her smile faltered, ever so briefly, and Crosshair panicked. Was he sounding too eager? 

"Sure. I should have some time... three o'clock?"

He nodded with an internal sigh of relief. She let her gaze linger on his for just a moment more, and he started to think maybe, just maybe, she had been blushing after all. Maybe there was a chance she liked him back.

He hoped she did. But at the same time, he knew it would only make it that much harder to leave....

[thicctails]

Summer of Whump Days 17 + 24 [Shackled and Stitches]

NEW CHARACTER APPROACHING

Ω

 Omega was awake, but everything was fuzzy. She was lying on a padded surface, blurry brightness surrounding her. She can hear people talking, something about her burns. She thinks she hears them say that they’re healing nicely, but she can’t be sure. Their voices are muffled, muted by some drug they’ve probably put in her system. She knows that she should be concerned, afraid even. But the numbness is so nice, so she doesn’t fight it. She feels no pain, something that has been so rare in her life.

 She felt pain on Kamino, when the scientists would take samples of her skin and muscle and spinal fluid. She felt pain when she was recovering from her near drowning experience, when her shredded ankle had been stitched back together at the medical centre. She felt pain when the landslide had left her and Tech bruised and battered and bleeding. She felt pain when Wrecker’s chip activated, chasing her through the rust-covered hallways and down into that metal hell.

 But right now? Now there was only fuzzy lights and muted voices. There was the cool, padded material beneath her, not quite the floor, not quite a bed. She is cold, but she can’t say anything. So she waits, feeling herself breathe. She waits, because she can do nothing else.

 She waits…

   Omega blinks, groaning as she comes to. The world is no longer muddled, and the clarity hits her like a slap to the face. Something is nudging her face, soft at first, until she feels the cold shock of metal against her cheek. She starts a bit, rubbing the grit out of her eyes. Smooth white fills her vision, and she shifts her and, reaching out to pet the amphibian she now knows is in front of her. Her hand brushes that cold metal again, and Omega opens her eyes fully.

 Pillow is there, staring at her with his soft, violet eyes. A band of metal is snapped around his snout, keeping him from opening his mouth. Omega gasped, and she tries to reach up and try and remove the restraint. However, she finds that her wrists are bound, the sturdy metal keeping her hands together. She moved them, testing to see how much wiggle room she has. The cuffs aren’t made for children, so they’re looser than they should be, but not loose enough for her to slip out of.

 “Where are we, boy?” She asked, sitting up.

 The room was one that she had seen before, but had never actually been to.

 “I… I dreamed of this place.” She breathed, confusion rippling through her. Was that normal? Was it the Force?

 Pillow crooned, lifting his mouth open as much as he can as he curls around her. She leaned against him, sinking into his soft belly. Her torso is bandaged well, and although her back is definitely still hurting, it’s less than what it has been.

 “Oh Pillow,” She sighed, “we’re really in it this time.”

 He snorts in agreement.

 She sits forward when a door whooshes open. Two troopers step into the room, and she’s only a bit surprised to see Crosshair coming in after them.

 “Finally awake, are you?” Crosshair says, no emotion in his voice. “I’m not surprised you took so long to awaken. Wrecker doesn’t know his own strength, I’m afraid.”

 Omega glowers at him. He’s trying to get under her skin, and she hates that it’s working.

 “That wasn’t his fault. Just like it isn’t your fault that you’re acting like this.” She says, and she means it, even if he is being a jerk right now.

 “Keep believing that. See how far it gets you.” Is his reply.

 “What should we do with her, sir?” One of the trooper asks. Omega jolts back in shock. That is not the voice of a clone. Anything these men do, they’re doing of their own free will.

 “Take her to the examination room. She has enhancements that the Empire is interested in.” Crosshair says. “Careful, though. We don’t know the extent of her abilities.”

 “She doesn’t look that threatening.” The other trooper remarks. Crosshair looks like he wants to shoot the man, but he simply nods towards Omega.

 “Fine. You retrieve her then.” He says, stepping back.

 The trooper does as he’s told, approaching Omega without fear. “Alright kid, up!”

 Omega does not move. Instead, she focuses on the man in front of her. She feels that power form in her palms, feels it ignite in her blood. She opens her hands as much as she can, feeling that invisible grip. She flicks her hand up, sending the trooper up into the air.

 He yelps, a high pitch noise that has her smirking a bit. The power feels easier to control, and for that she is grateful. The trooper still on the ground steps back, either in fear or surprise, while Crosshair just arches his brows.

 “I did warn you, trooper.” He said, looking up at the flailing man.

 “Grrah! Let me GO!” The trooper yells, gripping his blaster. Before Omega can react, he throws it at her, the weapon striking the right side of her face.

 She yips in pain, dropping the man and moving her bound hands up to cover her eye. The trooper radiates anger, but before he can do anything else, Crosshair has struck him on the back of the neck. The blow sends him to the floor, kneeling in pain.

 “We have orders to make sure she recovers, not to harm her more!” He snarls. “She is very important to the future of the Empire, and that means that she is far less expendable than you.”  

 The trooper coughs as he stands, backing away from the intimidating clone. He spins and corners the trooper that was wise enough to stay back.

 “You. Go fetch a first aid kit and an ice pack. I’ll try and fix this mess before the Emperor has our heads.” He hisses, before rounding on his victim once again. “And you. Get out of my sight before I decide your life isn’t worth sparing.”

 The two scramble out of the room, terrified for their lives. Crosshair sneers, before turning to look back at Omega. Tears are coming out of the eye that she isn’t squeezing shut, and she looks unsure as Crosshair approaches.

 “Remove your hands.” He commands, and she listens, too hurt and tired to try anything.

 Her eye is already swelling shut, the skin above her eye split and bleeding. The whole area is becoming red, and he frowns.

 “You’ll need a bit more than ice, maybe stitches…” He mutters, reaching out to examine the wound. Omega looks at him in surprise. Crosshair seems… almost soft in the way he gently brushes aside her hair. For a moment, she thinks she might see a glimmer of light return to his eyes. Is his chip…?

 Without warning, a blur of white smashed against the side of Crosshair’s head. The clone went sprawling, grunting in pain. Omega gasps, just now feeling the rumbling growl that is coming from Pillow.

 “Pillow!” She scolds, looking at the amphibian in shock. “He was trying to help!”

 Pillow merely growled louder, smacking his tail against the floor. He curls tighter around Omega, shielding her with his body. Crosshair had been entirely too close for his liking, especially when he was touching his hurt friend.

 Crosshair got back up, wincing as he rubbed at the side of his head.

 “Can you control that thing?” He hissed, clearly in pain.

 “Not really.” Omega admits sheepishly. “He does what he wants. But if you ask nicely, he might listen.”

 Crosshair glared at her and Pillow, before sighing in resignation.

 “May I please patch her up so her cut doesn’t get infected?” He growls.

 Pillow stares at him in resentment, but slowly releases Omega from his protective hold. Crosshair kneels down, turning his head to look over his shoulder as the trooper he sent away returns with the first aid kit. He takes it, and the trooper backs away when Pillow’s tail raises off the ground again.

   Crosshair, to his credit, makes for a fairly good impromptu medic. He makes sure the cut is cleaned and numbed before he starts to stitch the gash closed. Omega’s tears have dried by the time he’s done plastering a bandage on the wound, and she touches it tentatively when he steps back.

 “There. That should stop any infection from starting.” He said, producing a toothpick from a pocket. Omega smiled at him.

  “Thanks, Crosshair!” She chirps.

 “Whatever.” He said, leaving the room.

 Omega smile dropped. While Crosshair wasn’t lively or very friendly, he had been company. Now, she was alone with Pillow again, and she found herself leaning against him.

 “I know you don’t like him, Pillow, but try not to attack him when he’s trying to help, okay?” She said, rubbing Pillow’s head with her cheek. Pillow honked softly, rubbing against her.

 “Good boy.” She chuckled, closing her eyes.

  The next time the door opens, Crosshair isn’t there. Four troopers are here now, and one of them is holding something. Something that is actually someone.

 It’s a boy, wild eyed and kicking. He looks like he’s only a bit older than her, and his emotions hit her like a solid wall. He is terrified, and she can feel that he has been wounded by a deep loss. The troopers threw him into the room, and he ended up landing near Omega. The room door slammed shut, the troopers leaving without an explanation.

 Omega stared at the boy, unsure of what to do. He panted heavily, his eyes closed as tears streamed down his cheeks. His auburn hair was matted to his skin with sweat. He radiated pain and sadness, and she felt her own heart break as she felt his sorrow. On instinct, she reached out to him, using the Force to connect with him. He startled upon feeling her presence, his sobs hitching in his throat when he turned to look at her.

 His eyes were a bright, vibrant green. They reminded her of a thriving forest. He sniffed, tears spilling down his pale, spotted cheeks. She’d never seen a human with spots before! They reminded her a little of faraway stars.

 “Wh- wha?” He choked, blinking back his tears.

 “Are you okay?” Omega asked, scooting closer to him.

 The boy retreated back into himself. “N-no. No I-I-I’m not.” He sniffed again, looking at her in confusion. “I don- I don’t recognize you. Were you not raised at the temple?”

 “Temple?” She questioned.

 “The Jedi Temple? That’s where most- most padawans are- were raised.” He corrects himself, looking down at the floor.

 “Oh,” She shakes her head, “I’m not a padawan. I’ve never been to any temple either.”

 “You’re not?” The boy raises his head at that. “B-but, you have a really strong Force signature. Everyone I knew who had a Force signature like that was either training to be a Jedi, or already were a Jedi.”

 “I was made to be like this.” Omega explained. “I’m a clone.”

 “Clone?!” He shrieks, scurrying back. “S-s-stay away from me!”

 “Wait! I’m not like the others! I don’t have a chip!” She raises her hands as best she can, trying to show that she wasn’t a threat.

 “Liar!” He snarled, backing up to the other end of the room. “You’ll try to kill me as soon as I take my eyes off you!”

 Omega stared at him, annoyed. She was not a liar! She held up her hands again, pulling at the restraints.

 “I’m not going to do anything, stupid!” She snapped. “I’m a prisoner here, same as you.”

 The boy stared at her, distrust clear in his red-rimmed eyes. She dropped her anger, remembering that he had clearly just been through something traumatizing.

 “I’m sorry.” She sighed. “You’re not stupid. If I was a padawan, I wouldn’t trust a clone either.”

 She gives him her best smile, trying to clear the air. “My name’s Omega. What’s yours?”

 She shivers a bit when she feels him searching her emotions with the Force. She’s done it to others, but it feels strange to have it done to herself. After a minute of quiet, he seems to find whatever he was looking for, and his green eyes soften.

 “Cal.” He croaks, “Cal Kestis.”

 “Cal.” She tried out the name. It rolls off her tongue naturally, and she finds that she likes the way it sounds. “I like it. Cal Kestis, the boy with the starry cheeks.”

 He laughs a bit at that. It’s a watery, broken sound, but it’s a laugh.

 “T-they’re called freckles.” He says, moving back over towards her.

 “I think they look like stars. They’re cute.” She says, turning to look at Pillow. She misses the slight blush that tints Cal’s cheeks. “Right, Pillow?”

 Pillow honks, and Omega nods. “See? Pillow agrees.”

 “Pillow?” Cal questions, looking at the pale animal.

 “He used to be a lot smaller and squishier.” She explains.

 “Hi Pillow.” Cal waves as best he can, and Pillow seems to consider the new arrival for a moment, before rubbing his head against the boy’s face.

 “He likes you!” Omega laughed as Pillow shoved his head under Cal’s arms, demanding skritches. The padawan obliged as best he could, scratching the space between Pillow’s eyes.

 “He’s heavy, but nice.” Cal said softly.

 “Yeah, Pillow is the best.” Omega agreed. She moved to brush a strand of hair out of her face, and winced when she accidentally touched her swollen eye.

 “Hey, is your eye okay? It looks pretty sore.” Cal asked, frowning.

 “It’ll-” She flashed back to her dream. The vision in her right eye was very poor, and there was someone next to her. Another true prediction. “It’ll be fine. I’ve had worse.”

  Suddenly, a low growl sounded out. Omega shot a look at Pillow, but the cuddly creature merely blinked at her. Cal flushed pink again, and this time, Omega did see.

 “Sorry, I think that’s me. I’m pretty hungry.” He admitted.

 At the word “hungry”, Omega’s own stomach made itself known. She frowned and looked at the door.

 “Me too. They haven’t fed us yet.” She sighed. “I hope they don’t refuse to feed us because I used the Force on that trooper.”

 “You did that?” Cal said, a look of awe on his face. “I was too scared to even think about attacking them.”

 “That was probably a smart move. Crosshair might have hurt you if you did.” Omega said.

 “Crosshair?” Cal questioned.

 “He’s an enhanced clone. There was a group of them, and when the order went out, most of theirs didn’t activate. He was the exception, up until a few days ago.” She said.

 “The order?”

 “Nala Se didn’t want me to know, but I overheard her talking about it one day. They sent out an order that activated inhibitor chips that were put inside the heads of every clone. That’s what made them go all… murdery.”

 Cal looked stricken at that, and he touched a wound on the side of his head that Omega hadn’t previously seen. It looked like a blaster burn.

 “They- they didn’t want to betray us?” He asked, his voice broken.

 “No. They’re stuck inside their own heads, they know what they’re doing but they can’t make it stop.” She said sadly, remembering how broken Wrecker had been.

 “We thought… I didn’t know- oh Maker we killed them!” He sobbed, pressing his wrists into his eyes as he started to cry again. His emotions, wild and unfiltered, struck Omega like a spear to the chest, and she shared his guilt and agony.

 She leaned against him, unable to open her arms and offer a hug. He curled into her, sobbing into her shoulder. Even Pillow seemed to be struck by the sudden surge of emotion, and a few tears slipped down his cheek as he curled around the two kids, holding them as they cried for every poor soul that had been lost to that accursed order.

[whatudottu]

Because I've held this off for too long, once again it seems that @nukeli has beaten me to the punch with colour schemes. Damn my procrastination or whatever, but I only just realised that I didn't put any mention of the 'fodder' classes (Vehicons, Insecticons and I suppose Autotroopers since I'm including them) and wanted to put down my thoughts before writing this up.

An added bonus here is that certain character have different alts (based on character changes and even the heavier focus of 'robots in disguise' that these Decepticons are after) so it's not just me ranting about colour schemes.

Yes, this was why I was complaining about the wiki altmodes, so deal with the vehicles I found instead. May or may not be due to me using images as references haha.

The Autobots (you are here)

The Decepticons Part 1

The Decepticons Part 2

Going in order of my notes, we begin with Cliffjumper. He’s obviously a 1970 Dodge Challenger and what colours I’ve given him are on the image below. Nothing much to say about a definitely dead character other than I didn’t just wanna make him blue.

Next on the list is good old Doctor Ratchet. I’ve had it in my mind ever since Nuke’s one post that SG!Ratchet was like Medic from TF2, so I guess I took it and ran.

To play an opposite to regular Ratchet, he comes across as affable and friendly but is really just doing the things he loves to people he hates. Autobots, Decepticons, hates everyone. He despises Optimus Prime too, but he can’t do anything unless he wants to be cooped up in his berthroom reattaching his limbs for it. Believe him, he tried.

As for altmode and colours, I spent way too long finding that he resembles a Mercedes Benz G-Class ambulance that I was ticked to find out he wasn’t at all. I special looked for the green coloured ambulance because Synth-En, duh!

Breaking in after the Doctor comes our local wrecker Bulkhead. I don’t have much of a read on this guy, other than the fact that I thought it’d be a cool idea for him to lose a lot of his memories after ‘TMI’, ya know, from the Synth-En recipe? Certainly not set in stone, but it could very well contribute to my accidental theme of memory (which only has some small links in the posts I actually created).

With the help of my car enthused cousin I have given our not so loveable mech a Terradyne Gurkha, a little more military than the wiki’s off-roader Lamborghini that I’m too annoyed to bother to look at. I thought that the military origins and the black colour scheme sorta allude to something something mindless military man. yada yada.

Following him is our ever wonderful Optimus Prime, or maybe Lord Prime? Haven’t thought too much about that. What I have thought of is this master manipulator who mayhaps also be a little bit delusional idk we’ll decide in the car.

I always loved the idea of a smiling SG!Prime, as if there’s still hints of this benevolent leader that the original has, but it’s warped and meant to add fodder to the war, encouraging mechs to fight to their deaths all in the name of not only the Autobots, but their Prime. Also as a warped version of the original, I wanted Shattered Glass Optimus to be deluded in the fact that Megatron will change, change at least, to submit to the real leader. Ain’t happening. That’s sorta there with Ratchet too, but well, you read Ratchet’s piece didn’t you?

SG!Prime is consistently purple and black, and whilst I have found a Peterbilt Semi Truck with that wonderful colour, it comes with white instead. Think about it, this typically evil colour paired with often innocent white, that’s like perfect for what I’m going for.

Fitting that he’s next, it’s time for Prime’s Second In Command Ultra Magnus. I’ve... really got nothing for him. Maybe he’s still by-the-books but like he finds loopholes just to commit atrocities? I don’t know.

I’ve given this boy a Mack Trident alt instead of Prime’s Peterbilt, just for differences sake.

After Magnus, we got our little bug Bumblebee... or is it. Because I wanted to change his colours a bit without going into Beast Hunter territory, I wondered if bees come in different colours and, low and behold, they do!

As for the boy himself, I think he was one of the bots manipulated by Prime himself to join the cause and, given his almost rewritten personality, has only lived through to this point in the war by sheer luck. This mech is an absolute menace, feral and powered by the need for Prime’s approval, tearing others with denta and servo more often than with stingers and blasters.

Now you’ve noticed I haven’t been using his name? That’s because he’s now Blue Band (I just realised he’s still bb haha)! He gets his name from the Blue Banded bee, and I found a Chevrolet Camaro to match.

In line with BB’s younger status, feast your eyes on Shattered Glass Smokescreen! Oh boy isn’t he a delight. His hero worship has essentially turned him to a prime (pardon the pun) candidate for Optimus to form into his perfect super soldier, who already would die for this deranged mech even before laying optics on this grand Prime.

So, he’s an absolute suck up, a straight up spoiled brat that has it harder than Blue Band for Prime’s acknowledgement, and is actively showing off and bragging that he’s Optimus’ favourite (he’s not, he just encourages it because that’s the easiest way to get Smokey to do what he wants).

Almost to reflect that (perhaps another pun) I found this gaudy Chameleon Chevy Corvette that absolutely SCREAMS show off.

Regrettably partnered up with him after the passing of Cliffjumper, Arcee has run out of patience. Not everything she does is motivated by Airachnid (what kind of character would that be? not a fun one) but she does often enjoy killing those connected with her. After Tailgate, she’s gotten a little mad, but her effectiveness otherwise increased so others never bothered to ‘fix’ her.

Having lost both of her partners, when she absolutely hates another (read; Airachnid and Starscream because he still kills Cliff) the best kind of revenge is putting her opponents in her own pedes. Oh, that mech’s growing attached to one of his comrades? Slice and dice them before their optics. Oh, that femme is finally coming out of her shell and making friends? Gore out their spark and hope that humans don’t decide this would be the perfect time to practice what they preach and save the life of that same mech with a hard to perform surgery that may or may not have been lost to time.

Okay so she’s obviously a Kawasaki Ninja (haha that’s kind of fitting) and I was tempted to make her pink like other Arcee iterations, but look at this fancy stuff right here. He hoo glowy look pretty!

Almost in leu of an Airachnid archetype, Wheeljack comes in. Though still quite the wrecker and ever the bomb enthusiast, instead of actively celebrating his impacts and going solo to stop the rust settling in, he’d rather be offed whilst mechs are distracted by his pretty explosion and lay forgotten in the dirt.

I may have accidentally rooted the unintentional memory theme deeply with the wreckers (Breakdown included) and maybe just took it and ran, giving everyone else a little connection, but Wheeljack is probably the most explicit in this idea. He hates nicknames (which i super Ratchet uses to mock him here in Shattered Glass) because that’s like... naming something you’re going to keep to quote that specific fic which, honestly, I can’t remember. Wheeljack split from others to stop them from remembering him and put himself closer to a situation where he can die alone, as morbid as that sounds. No grand death, no stupid death and no straight up suicide (generally that’s a VERY impactful kind of death) so just a mediocre end is what he’s been looking for for a little bit too long.

As for his colours, I apparently have no taste and should not have a car because I really like what this image has going for it. This C3 Corvette is probably one of the few cars that fits the straight up box of a sports car that Jackie’s got, so I’m sticking to it, so no, don’t show me the wiki I’m ignoring it this was too painful to give up dang it!

Okay, finishing off the bots, I have the Autotroopers. Sure, I’m not using a reference of a car to show off the colours, mainly because there’s also going to be flier troopers too, maybe... surely... definitely. Most depictions of them are white, you know, goodie goodie, and I’m tempted to just laze around and do just that. Instead, I think a goldish colour would be fun.

Aside from sharing a key colour with Ultra Magnus, essentially a war lawyer, which is perfect for subjects made to obey, a nice glimmering finish almost feels like they’re all manipulated by Prime to believe in the Autobot cause. I suppose the special devision, if there is one, would be a nice Prime purple, sorta like if it’s Optimus’ personal guard if he actually had any belief they would do their jobs.

Oh boy this is so long...

[ythankucaptainmccoy]

Tech x Reader (The Smallest Surprise)

Alright @loridrabbles​ had sent me a message about how cute this would be and I just had to write it sorry that I didn’t put smut in it, but it would have been hella long. Hope you all enjoy this beautiful fluff and protective Bad Batch. Let's be honest, these boys would protect anyone that they let enter their fold. Warning: Angst, Pregnancy, Birth and Tons of Fluff.

-------------------

Tech sat reclined in the Havoc Marauder as he rambled about something or other. You sat watching him with a smile, and just took in his appearance able to be relaxed. He had asked you to be his girl...ok not really Crosshair made a joke about Tech having a major crush on you. That in turn triggered you to ask him out. You’ll never forget the red in his cheeks, and how speechless he was as he opened and closed his mouth trying to find his words.

Wrecker had made a comment about how you had broken him, and Crosshair let out an actual laugh as you kissed him on the cheek. Hunter had smiled and they truly welcomed you after they realized you truly loved Tech. Crosshair had muttered how if you hurt Tech he would make you pay. His brothers were very protective of each other, and right now you weren’t truly one of them yet, but you were sure you were getting close.

Hunter had sensed a smell that was unfamiliar to him, and it bothered him when he realized it was coming from you. He knew it wasn’t that time for you or that you were aroused, but the smell was something he had never smelled before. You noticed that every once in a while Hunter would scrunch up his nose. “Hunter are you alright?”, you quizzed. “Yeah I’m fine just a different smell today. Are you wearing a new perfume or deodorizer?”, he questions. “No, maybe it's Wrecker”, you joked.

“Hey it’s not me I didn’t do nothin”, Wrecker defended. Tech was still rambling as he scrolled through a datapad lazily. Crosshair had been watching you intently for the past month. “What Crosshair you have been looking at me over the past month”, you sounded off. “Nothin”, he replied as he rolled his eyes. When lunch rolled around you were eating more than normal, Wrecker took notice. “You seem really hungry today”, he observed. “No I’m not”, you told them.

“(Y/N) you have eaten three quarters of what Wrecker usually eats”, Tech stated as he squinted at you. “Look my metabolism is just running on high today”, you shrugged. They shrugged and you went to take a nap after letting the food digest. The next set of orders came in, and Hunter took Wrecker and Tech with him. Crosshair stayed with you at the ship on a cliff overlooking an outpost that held Sepratist intel. Your stomach felt so unsettled as you paced near Crosshair. 

He would keep glancing between you and his scope, and he grimaced as you vomited into some brush. You got extremely dizzy, and Crosshair noticed just in time to jump up from his spot and catch you. He called your name a couple of times, and noticed you were out cold. He carried you inside, and put you in Techs bunk pulling the covers over you. You looked extremely pale, but he had a job to do. 

Not even a minute passed when Hunter called on him, and he came running to his rifle and slid into position to take out several clankers. He did his job well and they made a clean getaway. Crosshair brought attention to what happened to you, and Tech was frantic as he watched over you. When you woke up Tech was watching you intently. “What happened?”, you asked. “Crosshair said you vomited and then passed out. Do you feel okay?”, he worried. “Yeah I feel fine now”, you told him. To be honest it wasn’t the first time you had gotten sick like this. Last week you vomited almost every day. 

You were panicking as you thought about what that could mean. You and Tech had been having sex, but you were on something there was no way that you could be…well there was no way. The nagging feeling stayed with you, and you decided to get a test when you made port next time around. When you all landed Tech and Crosshair went with you as Wrecker and Hunter went to get some other items you all would need.

You were fidgeting the whole way to the nearby store, and Crosshair noticed. Tech was completely oblivious as he rambled about maybe you were anemic and needed supplements. You nervously nodded along, and how the hell were you supposed to get away from the two long enough to get the test you needed. Once in the store you quickly made your way to an aisle with what you needed. 

You about threw the box back onto the shelf as Tech called your name. You joked that you were looking for the supplements he had been talking about. “(Y/N) they wouldn’t be in this aisle. This is all baby things”, he told you taking your hand to drag you towards the supplement aisle. You looked back at the pregnancy test you had thrown back on the shelf. You didn’t get the chance to go back for one. When you all made it back to the Marauder Tech went to the back of the ship.

“Here I think this is what you needed”, Crosshair told you, tossing a couple of tests to you. You looked at him in awe as he rolled his eyes as he went outside to wait for Hunter and Wrecker. You quickly went into the refresher and pulled out two tests to make sure. You read the directions, and then waited for the time needed. The time was up and you read them seeing that they were both positive. You felt your heart sink into the pit of your stomach. How were you going to tell Tech? How would he react? Would he or the others send you away? 

So many questions ran through your head as you heard Hunter and Wrecker outside. You quickly tossed the tests and came out of the refresher. Crosshair made eye contact with you and nodded his head in the direction to go to the back of the ship. They were taking off and Tech passed you to get to the front giving you a peck on the lips as he passed. You got to the back and sat on your bunk as Crosshair crossed his arms and leaned against the end bunk waiting for you to speak.

You broke down crying, and Crosshair looked severely uncomfortable, but he knelt down in front of you. Crosshair let you cry it out and kept trying to comfort you. When you calmed down you wiped your salty tears away. “I’m pregnant and I don’t know what to do”, you confessed. “Your what?!”, Tech’s voice rang out. Tech looked angry, and he surged forward at his brother throwing a punch. “Tech stop! What are you doing!”, you yelled. At your yelling Hunter came in to break up the fight, but couldn’t get them to stop. He called Wrecker in to pull them apart tossing Crosshair to one corner, and holding Tech. 

“What has gotten into you two!”, Hunter demanded. “Crosshair got my girl pregnant, and I’m gonna kill him. How could you cheat on me like that!”, Tech explained then yelled at you. At that point you started to laugh and cry at the same time, and that’s when Hunter looked at you worriedly. “(Y/N) you're starting to scare us”, Hunter told her. “Tech you oblivious idiot. The baby is your’s”, you announced. 

Tech was once again rendered speechless for only the second time since you met the Bad Batch. “I understand if you don’t want the baby, but I’m going to have him or her with or without you”, you explained to him. “Oh (Y/N) I would never tell you to get rid of our baby”, Tech told you, smiling as tears welled up in his eyes. Tech apologized and Hunter looked like he was about to stroke out as he realized that’s why you had the odd smell. Why you were so hungry. Why you passed out after getting sick.

All of them told Tech they would protect you, and that they would be there every step of the way. As the months went by your middle grew, and Tech would sit with you to rub your swollen belly. The first time the baby kicked he lit up and was all smiles. He asked the others if they wanted to feel, and Crosshair being weirded out, feeling the baby inside you move. When you needed a check up they would take you to your personal doctor.

Tech would lay in his bunk with you rubbing your pregnant belly, and talking about how he made the guys read up on how to deliver a baby just in case you couldn’t make it to a medical facility. It wouldn’t be long now as you were ready to go at any moment. Unfortunately you're grounded on a planet from a storm raging outside when the baby decides it’s time as you had been having contractions that day. Hunter hears you cry out before the others, and comes in to find you trying to make your way to a mattress they had set up in case of this emergency.

The pain was starting to amp up, and you knew it was getting close. Hunter yelled for Tech and he made his way to the back of the Marauder to help you lay down. Tech stacked the pillows behind you, and you grasped his hand. “I need a med facility”, you panicked. “We can’t cya’re the storm has grounded us”, Tech tries to sooth you as you cry out again putting your other hand on your stomach. Hunter is trying to be strong to help Tech, but the smells and cries from you were too much, and Crosshair took his place. 

“I can do this. I can do this”, Crosshair chanted. You cried out as you asked how dilated you were, and Crosshair looked at you with fear. “Oh kriff it all Crosshair I’ll do it. Hold her hand”, Tech told him. You cried out again as another contraction went through you. Crosshair cursed as you squeezed his hand. “Ow easy on my hand”, Crosshair grunted. “I have a baby coming out of my vagina I don’t give a damn about your hand!”, you told him pissed. 

That seemed to shut him up and Tech checked you. “You're almost ready to start pushing”, Tech told you. “I can’t”, you wailed. “Yes you can. I know you can. I’ve seen you take a blaster bolt to your shoulder, and refuse pain meds. You can do this your body will tell you what to do”, Tech encouraged. “Maybe I should go”, Crosshair spoke up. “NO! You WIll StAY here and HELP ME”, you breathed. “I feel like I need to push”, you told him. Tech checked and agreed as you screamed bearing down and crushing poor Crosshair’s hand again.

“Hunter are you. Oh no no no”, you heard Wrecker say behind the door to the front of the craft. “Guys, can I come in? Hunter is getting sick. “NOOOO!”, you three screamed in unison as you pushed again. “I can see the head (Y/N)! You’re doing so good, keep going. You’re almost done. I love you so much”, Tech encouraged. You screamed as you pushed again sweat now matting your hair to your head. “Only two more pushes and you're done”, Tech told you. You pushed and screamed once as Tech told you one more big push. 

Crosshair didn’t know what possessed him to look, but the moment he did he went extremely pale. He passed out falling backwards as you pushed as Tech helped pull the baby free as it started to wail. He quickly clamped the cord and cut it. “What is it?”, you weakly questioned. “It’s a girl (Y/N). It’s a girl”, he started to cry. He put your’s and his daughter on your now bare chest. “You know skin on skin contact is important, and we need to start…”, Tech started. “Tech you’re a father and just delivered your daughter slow down and just enjoy the moment”, you told him.

He calmed down and you both shared a moment to watch your daughter as she calmed down. Crosshair came not long after, and smiled to see Tech kissing your head and watching his baby wriggle in her blanket. “What is it”, Crosshair says. “It’s a girl”, Tech beams proudly. Crosshair leaves so Tech can help you clean up, and when Tech calls for the others the sheets have been changed, and you recline on a bunch of pillows covered up.

“Meet our daughter”, Tech tells them. “Do you want to hold her?”, you ask. “I’m first in line since I had to help”, Crosshair says. You hand her over to Crosshair and he smiles as she coo’s at him. “She is cute. You did good vod, and congrats”, he tells you both. Hunter takes her next and he goes stiff, almost shaking. “Relax or she’ll start crying”, you tell him. He relaxes and she lets out a big yawn. Wrecker stands beside you tapping his pointer fingers together.

“Wrecker, do you want to hold her?”, you question. “Seriously. I can hold her. How?”, he asks nervously. “Here sit down”, you tell him. You show him how to hold her, and Wrecker automatically tears up. “I thought blowing up ships was the greatest day of my life, but this… this is the best day of my life”, he cries. You tear up as well as Tech, and Hunter smiles warmly. Crosshair takes her from Wrecker as you start to nod off.

You knew that Tech and his brothers would take good care of you and her. Tech was beaming again as Crosshair handed her back to him. He noticed how tired you looked, and told you to sleep that he would take care of her until she needed to eat. The guys left as you faded off to sleep as Tech cradled his daughter and sang a Mando'a lullaby. This was a life that you wanted and that you would never give up, and you had Tech and his brothers to stand by you.

[imagineyourworld]

Could you match me up with someone from the Star Wars universe ? Thank you <3

Name : Rayanne

Age : 22

Which gender you wanna be paired with :

Male, i’m heterosexual , pronouns: she/her

Occupation : i’m artistic so i’m studying to be a graphic designer/photographer. i also love to write so maybe someday i will write my own book or series. i really want to be involved in the film industry.

Hobbies : writing, drawing, taking photographs, reading, studying world, art and war history.

Personality (a few strengths and flaws) :

i’m on the quiet side but i’m not against talking to others. i’m an observer and i feel i work best behind the scenes and i’m happy to do so. i’ve been described as kind, funny, mysterious, and cozy. i love kids and i really want to be a mother. i’m patient and i’m a hard worker and any time i’ve ever been a part of a team they are always relieved that i’m there and express it verbally too. i always work my hardest even if im exhausted. i guess you could say i’m the backbone of the group. i always comfort others too and reassure them that things will be okay. i’ve been told i’m emotionally intelligent.

Flaws ? i would say my temper. It takes a lot for me to be bothered but if you bother anyone i love i lose my temper pretty quickly. i also tend to hide what’s bothering me and push through my struggles alone. i don’t like to talk about my feelings with others unless it will help them have an example on how to deal with their own struggles. i put others before me so i guess i fail at taking care of my own mental health too. Idk i feel as a leader i can’t show that i’m struggling myself.

Specific character I don't wanna be paired with :

Greef Karga. idk he feels too much like a grandpa to me haha. Also anyone who is married such as Anakin or Han. No aliens either so just a human or clone.

Anything else that might be helpful :

i struggle with anxiety and depression. i dress in dark colors but also femininely. i have long wavy brown hair and full front bangs. i have green eyes and light tan skin. i’m short. ( 5 ft exactly haha ) In the Star Wars world, i think i would be a medic or maybe even a scout of some sort since i’m quiet and can go unnoticed. i’d prefer knives and a blaster as my weapon. Also i get shy with intimacy in public so i’m more private about that. Hugs and hand holding in public are fine but making out in public makes me anxious.

Hi Rayanne,

Thanks for your request! Based on what you told me about yourself I would ship you with Hunter. You share a lot of similar characteristics, such as a similar work ethic and loving kids, as well as not really wanting to talk about your feelings. Hunter would be able to calm you down when your temper gets the better of you and he'd be there whenever things get rough. I hope you're happy with your ship.

Love, Charlie

-------

Your shift was almost over when the door to the medbay opened once again and Clone Force 99 entered. As soon as you recognized them you expected the worst, after all you knew how rough their missions could get, but a quick glance told you that none of them were hurt too bad, the worst seemed to be the black eye that stood out on Echo's pale skin. "Is this just gonna be a checkup or are there any injuries hidden underneath your armor?", you asked them. A proud grin appeared on Wrecker's face as they all settled down on various surfaces across the room. "None of us got hurt", he announced, to which Echo responded with a grumbled insult. You just nodded, put on your gloves and got to work. It turned out that Wrecker had been right, aside from a few minor scratches they had been lucky. One after the other you released them and told them to get some food and rest until only Hunter was left in the medbay. "Hey", he greeted, his voice much softer now that he no longer had to play the leader for his brothers. "Hey yourself", you repeated. You rolled the chair you were sitting on over to the bed Hunter was occupying. He leaned back until his weight rested on his hands, a small smile on his lips. Just before you reached him you looked around one last time, thanking the force that everyone else, even the droids, had vacated the medbay before the Bad Batch arrived. You stood up from your chair and let yourself fall down on the bed, right next to Hunter, who watched you with a small grin. "Long day?" "The longest", you confirmed. He chuckled as he pressed a kiss against your cheek. "That's too bad, I've been hoping to keep you up a while longer." Before he even finished his sentence a yawn left your lips. It really had been a rather long day and though you liked the idea of spending the evening with your boyfriend, glad he had returned to you safe and sound, you just couldn't keep your eyes open a second longer. "Just let me rest for five minutes, then we can do whatever you want." With another yawn you leaned your head against Hunter's shoulder, which resulted in him resting his own head on top of yours. "You should go to bed", he said after a few minutes of blissful silence. Slowly you turned your head to look at him. Maybe he was right, but you wanted to spend a few more minutes alone with him, and no matter how much you wanted to, you couldn't take him back to your room without risking anyone catching the two of you. "In a moment", you mumbled. "Tell me about your mission first." With a soft smile and an exaggerated eye roll Hunter obliged, he never could deny you anything.

"And that's basically it. All the way back Crosshair kept complaining about the cold, I don't think I'll ever get him to go back to Hoth", Hunter ended his story. Though he hadn't been talking long, it had been a short mission after all, you had fallen asleep over the course of his report. Slowly and carefully, as not to wake you, he lifted your head from his shoulder and moved your body until you were laying down on the bed. In the corner he spotted a couple of blankets stacked on a chair and brought one over to you. It was too thin and too rough, so unlike the soft blanket he had once brought you from a mission to Alderaan, but it would have to do. As he covered you with the blanket and tugged it around your shoulders he could hear you mumble in your sleep. Though most of it were sounds rather than actual words, he could make out his name, followed by a quiet "love you". A soft smile appeared on his face. He didn't know what he had done to deserve someone like you, to deserve your love, but he knew that he would to whatever it took to prove himself worthy of it. "I love you too, cyare", he whispered before he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead. "Sleep now, you need it." With one last glance at your sleeping body he turned out the lights before leaving the medbay. One day, he promised himself. I won't have to leave. I can fall asleep and wake up next to you. One day...

-------

I hope you enjoyed this small trip to the medbay with Hunter.

[primroseprime2019]

Scrapheap

In the Arctic, Bulkhead and Bumblebee scaled up an icy cliff. "Are we there yet?" Bumblebee asked his Wrecker friend.

"No! We're not there yet! But it should be just past this ridge, Bumblebee!" Bulkhead answered Bumblebee's question.

Once they reached the ledge of the ridge, they slid down the ice. Once there, Bulkhead checked his scanners again.

"I don't get it. These readings are off the meters!" Bulkhead remarked. "What is that!?" Bumblebee asked, pointing to a gap.

Curious, Bulkhead and Bumblebee approached the gap in the ice. And when they looked into the gap, well...they were amazed.

◊◊◊◊

"I told you, doc. We're fine!" Bulkhead objected as he removed the lines connected to his chasis and stood up...only to have Ratchet push him down onto the berth once again.

"The only way to be certain you're fine, Bulkhead, is to endure standard defrosting procedure! You know prolongued exposure to sub-zero conditions can cause permanent system damange!" Ratchet objected.

"Ratchet, have you learned anything more about the arctic find?" Optimus Prime asked his old friend as he and his girlfriend Arcee approached the two teammates.

"Not yet. The pod can't be opened while it's frozen solid," Ratchet objected.

◊◊◊◊

The pod is still sealed due to the thick walls of ice engulfing the golden pod in its icy embrace. The room the Autobots had used to conceal the pod is flooding from the gallons of water. The ice had melted enough to provide the occupants inside a means of escape. Little did the Autobots know...

That their house guests would be nothing but trouble.

◊◊◊◊

"Arcee, Primrose and I will search for any clue that will explain the origin of our arctic find," Optimus proclaimed as him and Arcee stood before the activated GroundBridge.

"Only until your sensors sound. Remember. Once your core temperature drops into the blue zone, system failures aren't likely. They're imminent," Ratchet warned.

"We'll be fine Ratchet," Primrose said with a reassuring smile and she wrapped her arms around Optimus and Arcee, "we have each other to keep warm."

"Don't make it weird, you weirdo," Arcee said, playfully flicking Primrose's forehelm.

They turned to the entrance hall and saw Bumblebee and Bulkhead approaching. Stepping out of Bulkhead were Miko and Paige and stepping out of Bumblebee were Jack and Raf.

"Miss us, Doc Bot?" Miko asked Ratchet as Bulkhead and Bumblebee transformed into their bipedal modes behind them.

"Shouldn't they be in school?" Ratchet moaned.

"On Saturday?" Miko said in disbelief.

"We have the whole weekend off to spend with you!" Paige piped in. "Well I'm fine with spending time with Paige and Rafael. It's you and Jack, I can't really stand," Ratchet huffed.

"Hey!" Miko said, glaring at the medic. "I wasn't expecting carpool," Jack said as he walked up to Arcee, Primrose and Optimus, "what gives, Arcee?"

"Tag team Jack. It's mine and Prim's turn for exploration duty," Arcee said. "Oh. Too bad. It's a beautiful day for a ride," Jack pointed out casually, "would hate for you to feel guilty for leaving me indoors."

"Arctic exploration duty," Arcee said, placing her servo on her hip. "Indoors where it's warm," Jack said immediately.

"The Arctic? I've always wanted to see snow!" Raf said happily. "Me too!" Paige said happily.

"I would invite you to join, Paige, Rafael. But the conditions are much too extreme. Even for we Autobots," Optimus said.

"We understand," Raf sighed. Optimus, Arcee and Primrose turned to leave.

"But," Optimus said and he looked back at Raf and Paige, "I will bring you back a snowball." "That would be awesome!" Paige and Raf said happily.

Optimus gave a soft smile and nodded before he, Primrose and Arcee went through the ground bridge.

"Transportation complete," Ratchet said and nearly jumped back when the ground bridge controls suddenly exploded and sparked, "by the Allspark."

"So what do you think we should do today?" Miko asked. "How about video games?" Bumblebee suggested, much to Raf's excitement.

"Video game tournament! Last one standing wins!" Raf said. "Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Firestorm, here now!" Ratchet called out.

"Prepare to be destroyed," Miko smirked as she took the controller from Raf and waved it in front of Jack's face. "Yeah, not really my thing, Miko," Jack said.

"What? Scared of losing to a girl?" Miko teased. Jack stared at her for a moment before he took the controller from her, "bring it."

"No mercy," Miko said and she and Jack started to play. Paige looked at Raf, "wanna play our own arctic exploration?" "Yeah," Raf said with a smile as he got up and the two ran down the stairs and into the hallway. Firestorm, Bulkhead and Bumblebee walked over to Ratchet.

"You can't boss us around just because the boss is out," Bulkhead said. "I need some heavy lifting," Ratchet said, "the ground bridge is down."

"But Optimus, Arcee and Primrose made it through right?" Bumblebee asked in concern. "Optimus, Arcee and Primrose made it through just fine; it's getting them back that concerns me," Ratchet said, "now remove those panels. Chop chop."

◊◊◊◊

Raf and Paige trudged through the hallways, pretending to be in a blizzard, albeit Paige was walking slower than Raf was as she imagined herself to be in an actual snowstorm.

"Temperatures sub-zero and dropping... gotta... get back... to base," Raf said. Paige giggled and she squeaked as she almost tripped herself and the two laughed only to stop when they heard a light, metallic clanging.

Raf turned to see a loose screw lying on the floor. He walked over to it and picked it up. "Where did that come from?" Paige asked.

"Don't know," Raf said. The two heard metal clanging again, this time above them. They looked up in surprise. There was nothing there. Paige felt a shiver run down her spine. 'This place can be scary sometimes,' she thought.

She jumped slightly when Raf yelled in surprise and he tripped over something. Paige looked at him in concern and she helped him up. A little metallic grey and black creature with deep violet-blue eyes stood in front of the two and Raf yelped in fear as he jumped back into Paige.

The creature tilted it's helm. "Where did you come from?" Raf asked. "The Autobots never said anything about pets," Paige said, "but it is pretty cute." The creature purred happily.

"You wanna play fetch?" Raf asked, showing the screw. In response, the creature jumped up and down and happily ran in a circle, making Paige laugh. Raf laughed and threw the screw, "good boy! Go get it!"

The creature ran after the screw and jumped up... only to start eating it. "Oh no! Don't eat it! You're gonna choke!" Paige said, startled. The creature only turned to them and walked over to them.

"Or... not?" Raf said, surprised. The creature nuzzled his leg, purring softly. "Now that is cute," Paige chuckled, "let's go show him to the others. I'm sure Ratchet won't mind." Raf smiled and nodded before he picked up the creature and he and Paige went back to the main hangar.

◊◊◊◊

"C'mon, come on. You want some?" Jack asked with a grin as he and Miko continued to play. When Jack won, well, he was quite proud of himself. "In your face!" He said to Miko before he started to do a small victory dance. Until the lights went out and came back on.

"What the-? Great. Power outage," Jack said. "Aw, it wiped out our game," Miko said, gesturing to the static on the tv. She got up and walked down the stairs.

"But I was winning!" Jack exclaimed. "Bummer," Miko said tauntingly.

"What could've caused this?" Ratchet said as he examined a piece of chewed machinery. The lights flicker. "Or that," Bulkhead said.

"Hey, everybody! Look what we found!" Raf said. "We're busy- ahh!" Ratchet shouted in fear when he saw the creature sleeping in Raf's arms.

Bulkhead and Bumblebee quickly jumped to their pedes, blasters out and their optics wide with fear. Firestorm took out his blaster but he didn't aim it at Raf and Paige.

"Hey, hey!" Miko exclaimed as she and Jack got in front of Raf and Paige, "what's with you guys?"

"Scraplet! Scraplet!" Bulkhead exclaimed with fear. "What's a scraplet?" Paige asked.

"The most dangerous thing ever to crawl upon the face of Cybertron," Ratchet said. Miko, Jack and Paige looked at the so-called scraplet in Raf's arms with disbelief.

"This?" Jack chuckled, "are you kidding?" "You're giant robots," Miko said, "scrappy, here, is... teeny."

"You have no idea the damage that teeny thing can do!" Bulkhead said.

"Aw, he wouldn't hurt anything," Raf said reassuringly as the scraplet started to wake up. It looked at the bots, examined them for a moment before it opened it's mouth, revealing sharp jagged teeth and it leapt out of Raf's arms and ran towards the bots. It leapt for the nearest bot and that was Bumblebee. It started to eat his leg, much to the kids' shock.

Bumblebee grabbed at the scraplet but it was in vain as it started eating at his arm. The scout whacked the scraplet away. It tumbled across the floor before it got back up and went to attack again only for Raf to start hitting it repeatedly with a crowbar.

Raf continued to hit it until Jack stopped him. "Easy there, killer," he said.

Dropping the crowbar, Raf hurried over to Bumblebee. "I did not see that coming," Miko said.

"I don't think anyone did," Paige said. "I'm sorry, Bumblebee," Raf apologized worriedly.

"It's okay, Raf. You didn't know. I'm okay," Bumblebee said. "Is he going to be okay?" Paige asked.

"Only a mesh wound. He'll live," Ratchet said reassuringly.

"Now do you believe me?! All Scraplets do is dismantle machinery and eat anything metal! Especially living metal!" Bulkhead explained.

"Well, bug squashed. Game over, right?" Jack asked.

"No. When it comes to Scraplets, there's never just one. And I fear I know how they got in here," Ratchet answered gravely before taking them to the storage room and checking a giant metal ball surrounded by water, "It's a trap. A Scraplet trap."

"Uh...an empty Scraplet trap," Bulkhead corrected nervously.

"Most likely ejected into the space eons ago only to wind up in the Arctic where the temperature kept them in stasis," Ratchet guessed as he transformed his light back into his hand.

"Until we brought the thaw," Jack and Paige said in realization.

"Now they're wide awake and ready to brunch," Miko piped in.

"So...how many are we talking about?" Raf asked nervously.

"Thousands. The power malfunctions and GroundBridge damage are sure signs their infestation is well underway," Ratchet proclaimed.

◊◊◊◊

"Arcee, Primrose, what are your statuses?" Optimus asked as he scaled down a cliff face and his sensors began to beep.

"My sensor's going off. Guess we should call for pickup before things get chilly," Arcee remarked.

"Mine's going off too," Primrose said.

"Optimus to base. Core temperature readings have reached the blue zone. Prepare to activate GroundBridge," Optimus requested...only to have static greet him in response. This surprised and worried him.

◊◊◊◊

"Ratchet to Optimus. Do you read me? We have a situation!" Ratchet tried to report, "The Scraplets have gotten into the commlink system! If we don't eradicate these creatures immediately, they'll reduce the entire base into a scrapheap!"

"Well, I say we bug out of here and let them keep it!" Bulkhead suggested, earning bleeps of agreement from Bumblebee.

"Evacuation is not an option. If we don't get the GroundBridge back online stat, Optimus, Primrose and Arcee will perish!" Firestorm said sternly.

"They will?!" Jack asked nervously and Paige widened her eyes in fear.

"Bulkhead! You never run!" Miko said.

"Miko, you haven't seen a swarm of these things devour a bot! I have! They pick you apart from the inside out! Going for the small juicy bits first! Fuse by fuse! Circuit by circuit! 'Til there's nothing left! And I mean nothing! Not even your optics!" Bulkhead cringed. "Nyah!" Paige said with a shudder.

"You have to let us help," Jack said as he bravely stepped forward.

"We're not made of metal," Raf pointed out.

"Yeah! Scraplets can't hurt us!" Miko added.

"Typically, I find your fleshiness to be your least engaging quality," Ratchet began, "no offense."

"None taken?” Paige said, confused, furrowing her eyebrows.

"But it would appear to be an advantage under these extremes," Ratchet finished.

"OK. So we pair off. One bot, one human. I will watch you back while you repair the GroundBridge," Jack decided.

"And we all go on a bug hunt," Miko said, referring to her, Raf, Paige, Firestorm, Bulkhead and Bumblebee. Bumblebee and Bulkhead shuddered.

◊◊◊◊

Optimus, Primrose and Arcee were struggling to walk through the Arctic. The crisp winds were attacking their joints and armor as they stumbled through the snow, trying to make contact with base.

"Optimus to base, do you read?" Optimus asked.

He heard a familiar grunt from behind him and he turned to see Arcee laying on the ground. Optimus helped her up to her pedes.

"You sure a nice long drive wouldn't help? I hear Miami's beautiful this time of year," Primrose said jokingly. Arcee chuckled.

"The nearest temperate climate is too dangerous. Attempting to reach it would expend too much energy and hasten the freezing process. Until Ratchet sends for us, and he will, our best option would be to seek shelter and insulate ourselves," Optimus said. Primrose spread her metallic wings and she wrapped them around Optimus and Arcee in a desperate attempt to keep them warm and close.

She couldn't exactly activate her fire powers at the moment as she was shivering. And she was cold easily.

◊◊◊◊

"I get to be your bodyguard for once. How cool is that?" Miko gushed excitedly as Bulkhead looked around nervously.

"Raf found the first one here...right?" Bulkhead asked before the lights suddenly went out and a loud high-pitched scream was heard.

The lights turned back on and Miko turned to Bulkhead. "Did you just scream like a little girl?" She asked.

"No. Maybe," Bulkhead said, "can we talk about this later?" His charge only shrugged and only walked ahead. They heard clanging which made Bulkhead even more paranoid.

"Take it easy, Bulk. Just take it easy. Everything is going to be-,"

Miko was cut off by Bulkhead shooting at the walls and ceiling as he heard even more metalic clanging. When he shot at the right spot on the ceiling, cables fell down on him.

Miko turned and her eyes widened in shock and confusion as her guardian waved his arms around at the cables frantically. "Okay," Miko said, "wish I hadn't seen that. Bulkhead! You're fine! It's just a bunch of cables!"

Upon hearing that, Bulkhead stopped his panic. "Oh. Right... cables," he said sheepishly as he tugged one down and a bunch of scraplets fell down on him.

◊◊◊◊

In another part of the base, Raf and Bumblebee scanned the hallways, looking for any signs of scraplet infestation. Like Miko, Raf was armed with a crowbar. "M-maybe there aren't any around this section?" Bumblebee asked nervously.

"Don't these things ever stop eating?" Raf demanded in annoyance as they ran to a chewed up air vent. Bumblebee ripped open the remainder and Raf let out a yell as he posed to attack but there weren't any scraplets inside. But they did hear clanging and that made them nervous. Their fears were confirmed when dozens of scraplets jumped out of a floor drain, snapping their jaws and flashing their razor sharp teeth.

Bumblebee began to frantically shoot at them even though he knew it would hardly do damage.

◊◊◊◊

Paige and Firestorm walked down another hallway. Firestorm looked around. "I'm getting a strange sense of deja vu right now," he sighed. Paige looked at him confused, "why?"

"My brother used to scare the scrap out of me with a fake scraplet," Firestorm sighed in annoyance, "as funny as it was, it still gave me a near spark attack." Paige stared at him before she started to giggle.

"Hush, you adorable kitty-faced child!" Firestorm exclaimed, his faceplates turning bright blue. Paige giggled more only to yelp when scraplets suddenly dropped down on Firestorm who screamed in fear and surprise.

Paige quickly transformed into a gryphon and she quickly leapt up onto Firestorm and whacked the scraplets away.

Transforming back, she grabbed the metal bar and destroyed the scraplets with it. Firestorm slumped back against the wall, panting heavily.

"You okay?" Paige asked worriedly. "I will be," Firestorm sighed.

◊◊◊◊

"How's it going over there?" Jack asked casually.

"I've repaired the damage conductors and re-routed the central conduits. But the GroundBridge still won't receive power!" Ratchet reported in anger as he punched the floor nearby.

Jack looked around as he heard clanging. He turned and widened his eyes in alarm.

"Whoa!" Jack yelled as he saw the scraplets fly towards Ratchet ready to devour the medic, "They fly? YOU NEVER SAID THEY COULD FLY!"

Ratchet began backing away from the oncoming scraplets, hoping to protect himself from their endless anger. However, all of his attempts were made in vein. The scraplets still got him. Their combined force knocked him to the ground. Together, they began to bite the medic.

"RATCHET!" Jack cried as he rushed to help.

Jack began swinging his metal bar at the scraplets. "The fire extinguisher!" Ratchet exclaimed.

Nodding, Jack ditched his metal bar for the fire estinguisher. He ran over and attacked Ratchet with the carbon dioxide foam that was trapped inside the fire estinguisher. With the estinguisher, the scraplets stopped eating Ratchet alive. They all fell off of him dead.

"Ratchet, get the patch kit. We're leaking Energon like-WHOA!"

Bulkhead's request was cut off by the sight of even more scraplets attacking them.

Paige widened her eyes in shock. "EAT THIS!" Bulkhead yelled as he pounded some scraplets...only to scream when he found one eating his hand.

Raf and Miko immediately ran over and began trying to keep the scraplets off of Bulkhead, Firestorm, Ratchet and Bumblebee. Jack and Paige pitched in with their weapons as well. But it still wasn't enough. Scraplets continued to attack them.

◊◊◊◊

In the Arctic, Optimus, Arcee and Primrose had taken shelter somewhere near a mound of snow.

"Arcee, wake up," Optimus said. "Just resting my eyes," Arcee murmured as she rubbed her blue and lavender optics.

"The longer we remain alert, the longer we remain alive," Primrose told her.

"What do you suggest? Wait. How about a game?" Arcee suggested, "Let's play Who Screwed Things Up Back at Base?"

"Our predicament could be the result of a simple malfunction," Optimus reminded her.

"Caused by Bulkhead. Let's see. No commlink. Maybe even no power. The big lug probably tripped over a cord. He's never been too graceful. I remember when we first arrived on Earth and Bulkhead walked into those power lines. Who knew he could dance like that?" Arcee laughed.

"Bulkhead may be...too large for this world. But his inner strength is without bounds. One should not be measured by size alone," Optimus sighed.

Primrose chuckled softly and she leaned against Optimus. "Th-there's this game... that Paige told me about," she said, "us being here reminds me of it."

"How so?" Optimus asked as he pulled Arcee close. "The Wayfarer... they walked through a snowstorm," Primrose said and she looked up at the snow-covered sky, "this is the same snowstorm we're in."

"We'll survive this Prim," Arcee said sincerely. Primrose leaned into her and Optimus and gave a small nod.

◊◊◊◊

Jack, Paige, Miko and Raf had taken care of the swarm of Scraplets that were attacking Firestorm, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Ratchet in the command center.

"We get them all?" Jack asked, only to have the sounds of metal whirring greet their ears.

"Hardly. These were just scouts," Ratchet shook his helm.

"So the rest of them know we're in here?" Bulkhead whimpered nervously.

"And if we allow ourselves to become their next meal, Optimus, Arcee and Primrose will never make it home. We must get the GroundBridge operational," Ratchet declared.

"Then we can use it to send the Scraplets anywhere on Earth," Raf piped in.

"Why not back to the Arctic? We already know they don't do cold," Jack pointed out.

"Sweet! One-stop shopping!" Miko cheered.

"Given the body mass of the Scraplets, the sub-zero temperature should freeze them on contact. So think, Ratchet, think. If the GroundBridge is still down..," Ratchet trailed off.

"There could be a number of reasons the GroundBridge is still down, Doc Bot. Hell. For all we know, there could be a leak in the fuel line," Paige shrugged.

"That's it! A leak in the Energon fuel line! Paige Mariah, you are a genius!" Ratchet exclaimed before he did something that surprised everyone...and it was more than because of his current injured state.

Ratchet cradled the girl and gently kissed her cheek, making her squeak and blush furiously. When he let her go, Paige stumbled backwards in surprise and embarrassment. Miko smirked at the sight she just saw while Raf tried to calm Jack down.

"If we weren't breaching, one of us could go back over there and fix it," Bulkhead said, breaking the moment between Ratchet and Paige.

"Where do we find it?" Jack immediately asked.

"And how do we fix it?" Raf wanted to know.

After getting the instructions from Ratchet on how to find and fix the fuel line, the children set off with a tool box to fix the breach.

"Remember. We're okay. We're not metal," Jack reminded them.

"I cannot believe Ratchet kissed you on the cheek!" Miko exclaimed.

"I'm having a hard time believing it either," Paige confessed with a smile.

"Dude, you're like, in love with the Doc Bot! How come you're so surprised?" Miko asked.

"Because I never thought it would happen. I never thought he'd feel the same. The list goes on," Paige answered.

"Can you two talk about this later?" Raf asked, reminding them of the mission and the fact that Jack looked like he was ready to murder someone.

"There's the breach!" Jack cheered as they approached the breaching fuel line, "Come on! We've gotta work fast!"

It didn't take them long to fix the breach since they worked together. Jack and Paige operated the blowtorches to seal the piece of metal while Miko and Raf held it on place. As soon as they had finished, the Scraplets flew past them.

"They're getting ready to feed!" Raf cried.

◊◊◊◊

Optimus, Arcee and Primrose laid on the snow, side-by-side. Primrose had passed out, doing her best to keep her family warm with her metallic wings even though she knew it wouldn't do much.

"You know the worst part? After battling 'Cons all these years, getting smacked down, shot at, blown up, this is how our sparks go out?" Arcee said in disbelief.

"Arcee, this may not be the finish we had planned. But if we are to become one with the AllSpark," Optimus was cut off by a gentle gesture.

In her weakening state, Arcee reached up and rested her servo on his. He turned his servo over and held hers tightly. "It's been an honor serving with you, Optimus Prime," Arcee murmured.

◊◊◊◊

"RATCHET! ALL SYSTEMS GO!" Jack reported as they all sprinted into the room.

"FIRE IT UP!" Miko exclaimed.

"GroundBridge...activated," Ratchet panted as he activated the GroundBridge before falling to the ground.

Above them, the Scraplets swarmed. When Firestorm looked up at them and the activated GroundBridge, he remembered something Ratchet had said about them needing bait to attract them.

"Bait, huh?" Firestorm muttered with a smirk as he limped towards the GroundBridge and let out a loud whistle, gaining the attention of the Scraplets, "Ready for the main course? Come and get it!"

He ran through the GroundBridge with the Scraplets following, eager to eat him. When he ran through, he saw Optimus and Arcee trying to make their way there with Optimus carrying Primrose on his back. But their strength was waning. They could barely keep themselves upright.

"Down! Down!" Firestorm cried before falling into the snow face first.

As soon as they saw the Scraplets follow him through the portal, Optimus stood between the approaching Scraplets and Arcee. Luckily the scraplets were frozen before they could reach them. Harmlessly, they bounced off of Optimus' plating.

Optimus and Arcee looked to Firestorm who shook the frozen scraplets off of his plating. "I'd invite you in. But the place is a mess," the Autobot warrior remarked.

◊◊◊◊

Moments later, they were all recovering from their respective traumas all around the Scraplet-littered command center. Jack, Paige, Miko and Raf stuck around to help them. Raf monitored Bumblebee's vitals, Miko monitored Bulkhead's vitals, Jack monitored Ratchet's vitals and Paige monitored Arcee's vitals since she was in a worse state than Optimus.

"Report bio-circuitry status," Ratchet requested.

"Levels are rising," Jack responded with a thumbs-up.

"Excellent. Rafael, keep a close watch on Bumblebee's electro pulse monitor. Miko, check Bulkhead's interface patch," Ratchet instructed.

"Levels are steady," Raf reported.

"Looking good!" Miko piped in.

"Paige, monitor Arcee's temperature and system operations," Ratchet said to Paige.

"Temperature's rising steadily and systems are operating normally," Paige informed with a relieved smile.

"Perhaps you should get some rest yourself, old friend. You saved quite a few lives today," Optimus pointed out.

"It wasn't all my doing," Ratchet confessed as he glanced at Jack, Paige, Miko and Raf with a proud smile, "We're just fortunate the infestation happened on a Saturday."

"Our human friends may be small. But they are strong," Optimus complimented, his optics looking directly at the kids.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of a high-pitched scream of terror. It was Miko. Immediately, Jack, Paige and Raf surrounded her with metal bars in their hands.

"Scraplet?" Jack guessed.

"SPIDER! Is it on me?!" Miko screamed as she ran out of the room with the rest of the Autobots looking on in confusion.

"Did she just scream like a little girl?" Bulkhead asked.

"She is a girl, Bulkhead. What's your excuse?" Paige smirked, earning a playful glare from the former Wrecker.

"Behave, kids," Arcee joked with a smirk as she sat up. Primrose chuckled wearily as she leaned against the wall. Taking in a sharp inhale, she let out an exhale, sending frost and mist up into the air.

Snowflakes began to fall and snow slowly started to build up. Raf laughed happily and Paige smiled.

"Snowball fight!" Raf exclaimed and he threw a snowball at Paige who quickly dodged it with a squeal. She glared at him and smirked before she threw her own snowball at the boy. Miko and Jack soon joined in.

Optimus smiled softly and shook his helm with amusement as Ratchet grumbled about the mess the kids were making.

[noddytheornithopod]

Okay, now that I’ve gotten all the Bad Batch controversies out of the way... I can finally talk about the actual damn episode properly.

Like I said on my whitewashing post, overall I liked it, but I am kinda hesitant for reasons I explained there. I now want to focus on the actual story itself on its terms, and see how I feel about that. Apologies if I jump all over the place.

Probably my biggest issue narrative wise was that I felt some of the stuff around Crosshair was a bit contrived. Like, I was fine with him going full GOOD SOLDIERS FOLLOW ORDERS and all that, my issue is that I feel like the others took a while to realise he was following Order 66. Like, Tech even says he can’t be certain their mutations entirely screwed up their programming, with the camera even cutting to Crosshair. And like, before that Crosshair is berating Hunter for letting Caleb escape. When Tech said what he did, I feel like Hunter should’ve probably said something like “that must be why Crosshair tried to kill the Jedi”. Granted, it probably would’ve then led to questions like why Crosshair’s genetics let his chip work and not the others (something that isn’t answered, but it’s not something I felt that needed to, different genetics affect things in different ways we can’t always predict), but like, when they’re on Onderon and Crosshair’s like “yeah let’s shoot literal child refugees”, I feel like they shouldn’t have just conflicted with him, they should’ve outright wondered if he was falling for his programming. It doesn’t break the episode for me and I guess they probably just assumed Crosshair was being his usual dickish self, but I guess that also is a reminder that this is the second time we’ve seen him, so we don’t know if he’d normally be up for killing innocents if a mission requires it (since TBB are still given missions, their thing is they just do them the wrong way). It’s just like, you’d think at least Tech would make some comment about it. As Saw said, he’s supposed to be the smart one lol.

On the topic of inhibitor chips, I was surprised that Crosshair’s was only partly working. I guess it’s because he still had a level of personality to him? The more you know, I guess.

I do think the Bad Batch work better here as many have said, I guess probably because they’re the focus of the story so they have more room to show who they are and nuances to that. My favourite is probably Tech, I tend to gravitate to the nerd characters in things. Shame he has to look so fucking white for being a clone of a brown man though. :/ Kinda like Wrecker too, even with the issues HE has too. Great, even in my main comments my issues with them are popping up. :v

On that note... I do appreciate the idea behind the Bad Batch, being clones who turned out different and it’s about accepting and embracing your differences. It’s just in execution, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Like, it could be a commentary on things like ableism, but thing is, these characters are basically superpowered (if people weren’t fixated on bashing women they don’t like and were equal in their vitriol, you could EASILY call the Bad Batch a bunch of Gary Stus). It’s one of those things where a sci-fi/fantasy allegory is well intentioned but because of things that don’t apply to our reality, the allegory kinda falls apart. Like yes, “be nice to people different to you” is one thing, but it does lowkey feel a bit like “they’re judged because they’re better than everyone else, those stinkin regs are just jealous”. Well no jealousy is shown in the episode, in fact a normal clone calls them defects... which is weird because even if yes TECHNICALLY they are, they’re basically presented as turning out different, but those differences are things that are beneficial to them, and not impairments. I guess I feel like the message would be stronger if they actually had major weaknesses, aka why they’re “defective”, but their strengths are something they excel at so much they’re allowed to serve (which I GUESS was the idea, but we don’t know what made them defective originally and what got their mutations enhanced). And yes, you can infer things like Wrecker being “dumb” (which has its own issues, and even then he’s still competent enough on a battlefield, honestly he might even be more just impatient and impulsive and thus can’t sit still to learn more complex things), but yeah. It’s kind of a mixed message here, I appreciate what they’re going for, but like many fictional allegories, it kinda falls apart and it’s also presented in a very individualistic way.

Okay let me say something positive: AZI-3 IS BACK! I assume he got memory wiped so he wouldn’t have any memory of Fives, but I really liked him in the Order 66 arc of The Clone Wars so I was happy to see him again. Well, until he was hit with that stun blast. I hope he’s okay and able to be repaired!

Echo’s attack with his probe arm thing is pretty cool. It was also cool seeing how he was integrating into the Bad Batch. I also theorised he was most likely to be immune to the inhibitor chip out of the group, because while I felt the Kaminoans wouldn’t overlook inhibitor chips in even mutated clones (they do explain that they kept them around because they were always successful at what they do despite their unorthodox tactics), I had a feeling that the Techno Union putting all those cybernetics in his head maybe screwed with or even removed the chips. Get the poor guy some skin colour though.

I have also seen some people bring up the potential issue of ableism with Echo given he’s an amputee with prosthetics, but I don’t have much to comment on in that regard. But yeah, using disabled bodies for shock value and it being seen as a measure of humanity like in The Bad Batch arc of TCW is a trope I could really do without.

I’m liking Omega so far. She’s definitely got a different vibe to other kid characters we’ve gotten in these shows, probably because she was raised on Kamino. Also appreciate that her voice actor is New Zealander too (she’s not Maori which would’ve been the ideal, but was born to Indonesian Chinese parents). Her curiosity makes a lot of sense, she’s not just mischievous because kid. Was nice to see Hunter open up to her too.

I’m intrigued to see where they take Crosshair. IDK why his genetics allowed his chip to still work, but it’s nice to see at least one of the Bad Batch follow Order 66. I guess they decided against it for more (as much as I’d liked to have seen it) because Order 66 doesn’t just make clones decide to kill Jedi, it basically removes any level of humanity and personality they may have developed and makes them basically stormtroopers. That, and well they want our heroes of the show to be the Bad Batch, and that can’t work if they’re now the goody two shoes batch.

On the topic of Crosshair, my favourite scene in the episode was actually when Omega talks to him. She tries to empathise with him, and whether she’s just naturally intuitive or is Force sensitive in some way, she can tell that Crosshair despite everything seems to be struggling, and it’s ultimately beyond his control that he’s like this now. And then he’s off to get his chip working at full capacity and is now a full on Imperial, RIP.

Also yeah, I’m on team “Omega is Force sensitive”. It’s possible she just has some heightened abilities because she’s an enhanced clone, but the way they framed her firing the blaster especially just screamed Force sensitivity to me.

On the topic of inhibitor chips, Crosshair proves that it’s possible to make them stronger, so it does potentially mean that if members of the Bad Batch are captured, their chips could be dialed up to make them loyal Imperials. I guess one could also wonder if they could be slow for the effects to come into play for some of them, so some maybe slowly turn later on? I doubt they will go that route because they probably want to keep all our heroes around, but it’s something, especially if they eventually conclude they have to remove their chips to be safe.

Seeing Saw in the first episode was surprising but also pretty cool, especially with how the model is transitioning from his Clone Wars appearance into Forrest Whittaker. Love how he sees right through Palpatine’s bullshit, especially when he makes that jab at Tech that seems to be a bit of a blow to his ego, lol. Some have wondered why he’s so chill here, but you have to remember this is early days Saw. He’s still cautious, but he’s not paranoid and overly violent. The way some of those refugees reacted to the clones does make it seem like there’s already Imperial forces occupying Onderon (well, they’re literally out in the forest at a camp). Mainly bring that up because I have to wonder how much time has passed, and how quickly Imperial forces showed up to Onderon.

Seeing Tarkin be a dick is always glorious. He just goes everywhere and KNOWS he’s in charge, lol. It was also interesting how even if he’s feeling like he’s ready to abandon clone forces, he sees potential with Clone Force 99 if they can follow Imperial doctrine.

The Kaminoans also seem distrustful of the Empire, not because they’re against it but because they want to keep their current deal. Maybe if Tarkin heard them out the Empire would have a better army, lol. Taun We from AOTC even cameoes. I do wonder what’s eventually going to happen though, given the clones are obviously abandoned in the end, I wonder how the Kaminoans are going to take it.

Also, Nala Se is back. Yeah, THAT Nala Se. Wonder what she’s doing with Omega as her medical assistant, lol. Oh yeah, she also stopped the doors and let the Bad Batch escape. I have no idea what she’s planning, but I feel like she’s being shady, given not only the Fives stuff but also because despite having a fondness for Omega she does seem like she’s very controlling of her (after all, she’s just property to her), hence why Omega wants to get out and be with the Bad Batch.

Okay, I think that’s everything I wanted to say? But yeah, have a lot of reservations, but still curious to see where this goes despite that.

[nimsajlove]

As a Team (IV)

Brothers-AU  Ao3

Part III , Part V

Mentioning of battle injuries

*~*

Taking a deep breath, Ahsoka peered out of another elevator, now at least they seemed to be on the right floor! "Sure we're at the right place here?", Tech asked doubtfully, reminding Ahsoka so much of her brothers that she gave him a punch to the shoulder without thinking. "Unlike your datapad, the force is working perfectly right now.", she growled and walked ahead with great strides. She held her lightsabers tightly, everything in her screamed to not lower them under any circumstances! An uncomfortable pain crept up her leg from her ankle. Damn it, maybe she should have taken it to a medic after all. Well, too late. Now they were already here and the slight tingling definitely wouldn't stop her! Busy with her thoughts, she shot around another corner and almost ran into a group of battle droids. Before she could react, the clones behind her had already knocked out four opponents, she hastily eliminated the rest of the unit. She looked at the piles of junk at her feet and growled, they were heavily armed... Without the element of surprise on her side, it could have been different. And this was just a small unit on the way to... "Kriff!", she cursed so loudly that Wrecker flinched next to her. "Faster!", Ahsoka commanded and increased her pace, Hunter caught up with her. "What is the matter?", he asked, sounding a little out of breath. Could be because he wasn't used to the pace of a Jedi. Or it was the thin air that poured ice cold into Ahsoka's lungs. Damn it, she really should have worn something different. It was freezing up here! "They were on their way in our direction!", she replied grimly and pushed all other thoughts aside. She was even impressed that her head could process so much at once! "How big is this thing?", Wrecker cursed softly behind her as they rounded another corner and Ahsoka breathed a sigh of relief, they were here before the droids. The violent pulling in her stomach area, which had driven her here, subsided a little. Instead, the flickering presence in the force gained substance, it now seemed more stable and real than a few minutes ago. "I could cut open that door...", Ahsoka mused and Tech let out a derogatory sound before pulling out his datapad. "I beg you pardon General, I'll be a lot-" Tech was interrupted again, Ahsoka was almost sorry that the clone with the sharp sense of humor somehow couldn't get around to speaking. The thought slipped away as a bunch of droids rounded the corner and one of them stepped forward, holding a holoprojector. Tambor appeared glowing blue. "Jedi, you are violating the neutrality of the Techno-Union.", he informed her and Ahsoka growled softly, she had no time for this! “I'm sorry, but I think you broke it first. Hand me over my soldier and I will be on my way.", she submitted her offer to him and waited in silence for a slander that never came. Instead, the Skakoan seemed to smile and folded his hands behind his back. “There will be no point in lying to you. Not important, you will not be able to report on your find."

The first shot was fired before the connection broke. Ahsoka threw herself between the shooters and Tech with a little dive, he was her quickest way to get to Echo and she would be damned if she lost one of the clones here! "Tech, open the door!", she yelled over the heavy fire that suddenly fell on her. Tech nodded hastily and headed for the door. Hunter followed protectively. Ahsoka intercepted a shot against Crosshair and heard more than she felt a shot graze her calf. "Hey, leave them alone!", Wrecker roared and Ahsoka watched in amazement as some droids crumbled under his hands. That was an impressive amount of power... She quickly shifted the focus back to the other clones and busied herself with protecting the men. Like a shadow, she shot from one to the other, repelling critical shots. If she was hit in the process, the only way she could tell was through the smell of burned skin. "Tech hurry!", Hunter shouted and Ahsoka took a deep breath, fending off another shot. The crowd of droids didn't seem to clear, and even Hunter had sounded worried. "Give me a moment.", Tech growled and in just that second the door slid open. "Wrecker, retreat!", Ahsoka shouted loudly over the noise and Wrecker cursed indignantly. He did not obey the order. That couldn't be true! "Wrecker. Back, now! “, Hunter growled and finally the last one joined their retreat. As soon as they were behind the door Tech locked it and when Hunter and Crosshair started to seal it, Ahsoka turned away.

(I recommend reading "Freezing Cold" here, as I won’t rewrite it here. Link leads to ao3.)

Camp

"So you want to tell me she was limping and took off anyway?", Kix growled and even Rex, who was standing in front of the improvised medbay, grimaced pityingly. He was pissed, very pissed. But the young clone in there couldn't help it, if his General was absolutely stupid again! Sighing, he pushed himself into the narrow space and interrupted the curses of the Medic and saved Thud, the poor fellow wore his striped helmet as if it were his only protection from the end of the world. "It's okay, did you at least equip it correctly?", he asked soothingly and Thud lowered his shoulders. He nodded cautiously and took off his helmet, his nose slightly crooked. The boy had refused to break it again so that it could be corrected. "Yes sir, I gave her a backpack from Kix and Burnes-" "I should have known!", Kix cursed, interrupting the other clone again and earning a hard look from Rex. “I suggest you warn the others. We'll move out soon so that Ahsoka doesn't have to worry about the enemy lines when she returns.”, he instructed Kix and the Medic disappeared further back, still mumbling softly. Thud rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. "I'm really sorry Sir, maybe we really should have stopped her.", he admitted softly and Rex sighed deeply, very deeply. Damn it, he wasn't used to this stress anymore. If Ahsoka tried hard enough, he would be gray within the next mission. “We can't change that now. Go and find your unit, I'm sure Mad is already looking for you.", he tried to say calmly and quickly the younger clone was gone. Rex tilted his head back and took a deep breath, he could still hear Kix further back. Burnes was busy with his supplies nearby and just as Jesse came in, he opened his eyes again and looked at Burnes. "Neither of us saw her limping?", he asked bitterly and the Medic shook his head, his mouth drawn to his sour line. “No, just a few of the younger ones. Gut said she looked fine when she got in.", he grumbled and Jesse cursed softly behind Rex, then stepped closer to the Captain. "I know it’s a terrible timing, but Fives is going crazy. The others are a bit overwelmed.", he mumbled in a low voice and Burnes, who had apparently overheard, pressed a single hypno into the Captain's hand without a word.

Outside the quarters, Rex saw a strange picture. He had never seen so many angry 332nd soldiers in one heap. "If she doesn't come back unharmed, I swear I'll turn her neck personally.", one grumbled and Rex grinned bitterly, it was sad that he couldn't contradict. He didn't want to hit his little sister often, but now she would have deserved it. They were a damn team! Nobody asked her to do everything alone. But at least they still had a job to do. "Come on guys, get ready so that we can clear the path for her return!", he called through the crowd and it dissolved at a surprising speed. Neither of the men seemed seriously interested in killing their young General.

Rex hurried into one of the quarters. The Dominos were gathered around a trembling figure on the floor and Cutup and Hevy tried almost panicked to keep Fives on the floor. “Captain, finally!“, Droidbait cursed when he saw him and within a second Rex was with Fives and attached the hypno to his neck. Immediately Five's muscles relaxed and the ARC snorted, angry and tired. That was just too much all at once today! "I'll kill them, both of them.", he muttered and closed his eyes grumbling, Rex smirked and patted Five's shoulder. "There we are already two."

Ahsoka

"Damn it!" Ahsoka cursed, watching the droids step on the pipe. "Get back, now!", she growled, but a glance over her shoulder was enough to know that that was pointless too. "Oh god...", Wrecker mumbled and Hunter next to Echo glanced over at him. “Steady Wrecker. Just keep breathing.", he instructed and even if Ahsoka was not meant, she still felt as a wave of calm suddenly flowed through her. She had Echo back again, there wasn't much that could go wrong!

Well, she spoke too soon. As soon as she had thought through, she saw out of the corner of her eye how Wrecker slipped, lost his footing and in his panic reached for Crosshair. It was more luck than anything that the two got caught on something Ahsoka couldn't see. The droids opened fire, and they got closer damn fast. “That's not what I had planned.", she cursed and Echo next to her actually had the nerve to laugh. "Me neither, but this is so much better than anything before." Ahsoka's heart swelled and she grinned as she deflected another shot. "Any ideas?", Hunter asked and Tech made an enthusiastic sound, Ahsoka rolled her eyes. "If you want to give lectures again Tech, then I swear I will push you down here by hand!", she threatened and saw out of the corner of her eye how Tech looked at her in amusement and then hastily started looking for something. “I'll get us a ride. I recorded the call of these winged reptiles earlier.", he explained and immediately there was such a loud and deep sound that Ahsoka's montrals resonated almost painfully. It must be worse for human ears, Hunter held the sides of his helmet, cursing. Beside her, Echo grimaced, but kept his blaster aimed at the droids.

"Tech, what are you doing?", Wrecker called from among them, accompanied by Crosshair's curses. Before Tech could answer, Ahsoka saw theire rescue emerge from the clouds. "Over there! Jump off!”, she shouted. "Are you kidding?", Wrecker called and she heard Crosshair cursing even louder, he seemed to want to free himself and suddenly he and Wrecker fell down on the back of a reptile. "Hurry!", Ahsoka urged the men and hastily fended off another droid, they had now reached them and the severed components fell down into the clouds. Hunter and Tech were next, Echo hesitated. "Jump, now!", she hissed at him and her brother gave her a sharp look. "You first.", he replied and Ahsoka bit back another comment and gave him a push in the back, with a small gasp he fell and landed safely on a reptile, it stayed under her and seemed to wait. "Ahsoka?", Echo called and she hastily put her lightsabers away to follow him when an ice-cold hand closed around two of her fingers. Damn it, she forgot to keep an eye on the droids on the other side! No time! With narrowed eyes she threw herself down, the droid next to her seemed anchored on the pipe and with a jerk she was free. Hot, incandescent pain shot up her entire arm and with a loud gasp she landed behind Echo. The animal immediately started to turn away, the others were already gone. "Ahsoka?", Echo asked and Ahsoka tried to answer, but all her mouth could do was a pained whimper. She had sagged strangely against Echo, who could barely hold her weight. Still, she felt how he tried to turn around to look at her. "Hey? Are you okay? Vod'ika?" At the word, tears came involuntarily to her eyes, the pain did not decrease. But neither did it got more intense. Her head throbbed. "Fuck.", Echo suddenly cursed softly in front of her and she felt how he, completely relying on the reptile below them, turned to her and grabbed her hand with his hand. Or what had to be left of it.

When her brother touched the blazing fire, pain shot up her arm again, she drew in a hissing breath and wanted to pull her hand away, but to her surprise Echo's grip was firm. With all his might he squeezed her hand and Ahsoka blinked, everything swam a little back and forth in front of her eyes but it was bearable. She decided just not to look at her hand. Instead, she did something else that was just as important. "I love you vod.", she sniffed and leaned her forehead heavily against his. He smiled humorlessly. "I love you too vod‘ika. Don‘t do this again."

When they landed, Ahsoka believed she was master of all her senses again. Still, she was happy when Wrecker came to them without asking and helped her and Echo down. The others gathered around her and Hunter carefully pulled the backpack off her back before he began to search without asking. As he pulled out a hypno, Echo interrupted him and, without letting go of Ahsoka's hand, glanced into the backpack. “Not that. Take one of those.", he instructed and nodded at the bundle at the bottom of the backpack. Ahsoka rolled her eyes. "First take care of Echo and yourselves, I can see that Wrecker has been hit.", she mumbled and Crosshair next to her suddenly snorted. Tech clicked his tongue and Hunter shook his head. "It's not bleeding anymore.", he soothed her and emptied one of the hypnos in her arm. Ahsoka recognized the label with narrowed eyes. Painkillers and something against a shock. Okay... she wouldn't complain. Then Hunter pulled out one of the bandages and Echo released her hand, immediately she started bleeding again. She felt the blood leave her body! She didn't look when Hunter wrapped her hand, instead looking at Echo's. It was smeared with blood and it didn't seem to be his. That was good. The painkillers worked quickly, her vision was clearing again and she could feel her pulse calming down. "We have company.", Crosshair growled and fired a shot upwards without hesitation. Aaaaand her pulse was up again, great! "Wrecker, lend me a hand yeah?“, she grumbled and got up, ignoring the protests of Echo and Hunter. She scanned the sky, a handful of droids approaching. She counted twenty-no nineteen. "Sure.", Wrecker grinned and held out a hand at about knee height. When the droids were finally close enough, Ashoka put one foot on his palm and instantly she was high in the air, with deadly precision she severed a battle droid right in the middle and as she began to fall again two more smoking droids followed her.

She landed on her feet, hard and unyielding as the ground was she almost lost her balance, bent over and again pain shot up her already battered ankle. Cheers for pain killers, the feeling was quickly replaced by a general numbness in her leg. Echo was with her immediately, when had he gained so much strength in the last hour to be able to move so quickly? Cursing, he grabbed her arm and helped her balance the last of her weight, then she turned around searching. Two remaining droids made their way back smoking. Damn it! "They'll be back.", Ahsoka muttered softly and Hunter nodded grimly. Well, there was nothing they could do about that now. They had to prepare themselves and the villagers. The latter had kept their distance from her and the clones, whether out of respect or fear Ahsoka did not care. Puffing, she shook off Echo's hand again, he had protected her for a long time. Now it was her turn! "Hunter, get Echo a better blaster.", she instructed sharply and Hunter motioned Echo to follow him, her brother stared at her for a few seconds before he followed. It was okay, he could take out his anger on her as soon as they got home. By now she was pretty sure that at least he would get out of here alive. Anything else was not an option! And with clone force 99 with them, their chances of winning weren't that bad. Now only the natives were missing... When she turned around, Tech was waiting for her, his eyes giving her a small smile. "I'm ready.", he announced and Ahsoka stepped in front of the natives. The leader of the settlement stepped forward and although they were so different, Ahsoka caught his anger and restlessness in the force. "We brought the war to him.", Tech explained completely emotionless, she returned his tired look. This was nothing new, wherever they all went, war and death followed. She hadn't known anything else since she first left the temple as a Padawan. "He had a family, right?", she asked and Tech nodded. All right, let’s do this. She had to make someone feel guilty and she wasn't going to fail.

*~*

Ha! She should have become a politician! Wrecker still seemed to be puzzling how Ahsoka had managed to get the natives to their side so quickly and quietly. Tech on the other hand looked completely satisfied and Crosshair had actually taken off his helmet and smirked slightly. “Okay, now we have a real chance. Tech, I need every attack strategy you've ever used.“, Ahsoka grinned and the clone quickly handed her his datapad, the list was long. Some names caught her eye and she examined the notes more closely. She also scrutinized strategies that were simply numbered consecutively. She had skimmed about a third quickly when Echo and Hunter returned. "I gave him what we had lying around.", Hunter said and Ahsoka looked up.

Her brother was wearing a top from the blacks that must have been Hunters, it fitted quite well. If Echo weren't so emaciated, he'd fill it out on his arms and upper body too. Above it was a repaired breastplate that appeared to be Hunters too. She looked gratefully at him, he smiled. Still with her body turned towards Echo, she pressed the datapad into his hand. "I'm a fan of the stone maneuver.", she muttered and walked over to her brother. "Black suits you.", she grinned and Echo raised an eyebrow skeptically before he had to grin. "Oh, I can't wait to get my blue equipment back!" Oh man... Ahsoka shook her head with a light laugh and patted his shoulder with her bandaged hand. She avoided thinking about why her blood was showing bright red through the fabric again. "You know what? You can have anything you want when we're home.", she smiled and took one playful thrust against her shoulder, the one without scorch marks. "Commander Cody's candy stash?" "Just for you brother!", she laughed. Together they turned to the preparations, Ahsoka growled in frustration and tried to flex her bandaged hand. Pointless, she would not be able to hold her shoto like that. Okay, back to the basics.

*~*

That damn ankle! Ahsoka dodged a shot, hissing and cursing. She felt something warm and sticky on her face. It was definitely blood. Her‘s? She didn‘t know, at the moment she couldn't even clearly identify where up and down was. But she saw the giant walkers, tri-droids. With her useless ankle she would never get up there! She quickly glanced up at the ledge where Echo and Crosshair were sniping. Ahsoka had also told Crosshair to protect her brother, by all means. His answer had been a serious nod. Echo was as secure as he could be. „Need some help?“, Wrecker asked diagonally behind her and watched as Ahsoka eyed the nearest walker again. "You just want a reason to throw me again.", she grinned and ran a few steps ahead before she stopped and put her good foot on Wrecker's hand. The air rushed past her, this was much more exciting than jumping! She elegantly caught her fall back with one hand and dangled from the droid's barrel for a second before pulling herself up.

*~*

They were still alive! They were alive! Sighing, Ahsoka let go of Hunter's hand and sat down on one of the seats on the left and right of the ship. "See, much better than the ground.", Hunter smiled and Ahsoka tried half-heartedly to kick him. Did not work. Instead, Echo was by her side again, sliding closer so that their shoulders touched. "Okay, General. Fill me in.", he muttered quietly and when Hunter looked at her curiously, she let out a deep breath, it wasn't really a sigh. "What? I would be interested in where we can get more Jedi like you.", he smiled and Ahoska shrugged her shoulders. Bad idea, her rigid neck muscles protested violently. "Where should I start? There is so much... Umbara, the trial, Five's discovery-" "Slow down. Start at the beginning, okay? The next important event, very simple.", Echo slowed her down and Ahsoka nodded heavily, of all topics this was probably the most difficult. "Okay, you missed Umbara.", she muttered and Hunter rubbed his hands together thoughtfully, he took a seat across from her. The planet seemed to mean something to him too. "The executed Jedi?", he asked and Echo sucked in an irritated breath next to her. She ignored him and shook her head. “No, the fallen Jedi. I still believe that the 501st would have been wiped out there without Hardcase.", she corrected tiredly, it wasn't the first time she was explaining this. Some of the younger clones under her command had understood no more than Hunter. "So he didn't...?", Echo mumbled half aloud next to her and Ahsoka shook her head, her headache increasing a little at the thought of her fallen brother. Echo's entire arm crept up behind her back and gave her a gentle squeeze. His hand trembled and she carefully took it in hers. "I should have been there.", he mumbled tonelessly and Ahsoka laughed barking, it was a joyless laugh. She gently leaned her head against his. "We both should have."

They were silent for a while, then Hunter stirred. More reserved than before, he put his helmet on the ground between his feet. "And after that?" Ahsoka tried to find the thread of the events again and just decided to jump on. "After that I was kicked out of the Order.", she grumbled and Echo shot up next to her. “Why?!", he asked shoked and Ahsoka smiled, Rex would love him if he would appear before the council with that expression on his face and ask them for a reason. "A misunderstanding, they thought I blew up the temple.", she said and Echo's eyes got bigger, his arm wrapped around her a little tighter. "You wouldn‘t!", he exclaimed and Hunter uttered a low, approving sound. Wrecker grumbled and joined them. "That sounds stupid.", he growled and Ahsoka shrugged. “Doesn't matter, I got back in. However, I made an immediate end of my training as a condition. And the rank of General. And clones that I can choose.", she listed and Echo shook his head with a grin, Wrecker laughed enthusiastically. "Good! They should bleed for that.", he grinned and Crosshair emerged from the edge of her field of vision, he nodded in agreement. The general approval also brightened Ahsoka's mood, although she felt very tired. It was a bit like she had cotton wool in her head. And she didn't have one drop of alcohol since her promotion. “And then I stole Torrent from Anakin. And Fives found out about the inhibitor chips. Those things took Tup.", she growled and sighed. "You would have liked him.", she muttered to Echo and only now saw how everyone was staring at her. "What chips?!"

"Ah Kriff, you don’t know yet.", Ahsoka cursed and put her head heavily in her hands, limply supporting her elbows on her knees. Under her uninjured hand she felt half-dried blood and for a moment she wondered if the crust on her face was more dirt or blood. She wouldn't ask. "Ahsoka, what chips?", Echo asked urgently next to her and tugged at her tunic with his hand. Damn it, he was stiff as a board next to her! “The Kaminoans implanted chips in the clones. Each of them.", she muttered into her hands and she heard Tech coming from the front. His steps were quieter than the others. "That's only logical, how else would you guarantee obedience?", he popped in and Echo snorted next to her when Ahsoka looked up to see all staring at Tech as if he had just lost his mind. But he was really close! "Something like that. I don't know all the functions, but it made Tup shoot a Jedi.", she managed and her throat tightened uncomfortably, when she thought about it, it wasn't long ago. It seemed like a long time ago. There was silence, even Tech seemed surprised. When after another minute no one said anything, Ahsoka cleared his throat softly and tried to pick up the story again. “Well, Fives figured it out somehow. I don't really know how many laws he broke.” Echo next to her came back to life and gently rubbed her back, his mouth pressed together in a thin line. "That sounds like my brother," he muttered and she nodded weakly. She would like to never tell Echo the rest, leave him clueless. But she knew the others, he would find out within a few hours. And then she could be sure of his anger, so she'd better get it over with now. "They almost shot him because o fit.", she threw into the room and briefly Echo’s short fingernails were in her clothes, digging into her skin. Then he relaxed his grip and the calming circles returned. "Yes, sounds like him...", he mumbled, sounding so choked that Ahsoka instinctively moved closer and decided to hide her face on his arm. Worked just fine, Echo smelled of sweat and smoke. Like all her brothers. Again everyone was silent until one of the others moved minimally. Towards her. She suspected Hunter. "Blanket?", he asked softly and Ahsoka was tired, a blanket sounded wonderful! "No. Do not sleep vod’ika! Stay awake until Kix can put you in a bed.", Echo instructed next to her montral and she knew he was right, but that didn't suppress the growl when she forced herself to sit up. "What did you do with the chips?", Tech asked from the side, his voice full of suppressed curiosity. Very badly suppressed curiosity. Okay, talking would help! Would keep her awake. “A few of the 501st had theirs removed. The 332nd is free. Cody doesn't have one either.", she mumbled and looked around once, Echo's face was thoughtful, Hunter seemed worried. A look at Wrecker showed her that he could not yet grasp the full extent. Crosshair watched her with a cool, calculating look. 24 hours ago that would have given her goose bumps, now she knew that he was just watching her carefully. Was he afraid she would pass out? Fall from the chair? "The others definitely didn't believe Fives.", Echo mumbled and Ahsoka nodded slightly, her head feeling heavy again but when she sagged towards Echo's shoulder he caught her and forced her back into an upright position. "Okay, what's the likelihood that these chips will actually be used?", Tech asked doubtfully from the edge and Ahsoka jumped and got to her feet all by herself. "How high is the probability? My little brother is dead because of a 'malfunction'! I don't even want to think about what would have happened if more chips had activated. The probability doesn't matter, somebody could use all clones as a weapon.", she growled and talked herself a little in a rage, she couldn't breathe and two hands pushed her back into place, Wrecker patted her shoulder and she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Okay, then we have to convince the other Jedi.", Hunter mumbled, Ahsoka's eyes tingling suspiciously. So long she had fought for approval and approval and these men were ready to believe her. After just a single mission. Echo's hand closed on her wrist and squeezed gently as she looked at him, he grinned broadly. Oh, this was what Fives always looked like when he came up with a very stupid idea. “I know something. Tech, can you fake separatist protocols?"

[sgtransformersdork]

Autobots

So there I am, wondering what to make a post about next, and I realized I haven't mentioned much about the Autobots. I made a couple posts about certain Autobots what feels like forever ago, but they feel outdated and a little clunky. So I'm writing some blurbs for the entire Autobot roster (except Ultra Magnus, I talked about him not too long ago, also he's not part of the Ark Crew). I'm still working on the characterizations, but I'm just getting my thoughts out. This is going to be a long one, so hang on to your afterburners.

Optimus Prime- Sadistic, narcissistic, tyrannical, and menacing. He began the war and intends to end it slowly killing every last Decepticon. He's not an idiot, but he tends to fixate on only one aspect: making a devastating impact. This likely harkens back to his days of activism against classism, making an impact big enough to make his opponents notice, and feel dread. Of course, he's long since become a dictator and a terrorist, causing almost the same disparities he fought against.

Rodimus- Living proof that 'conniving' does not mean 'intelligent'. He once agreed with Orion Pax's views, when he was known as Hot Rod. He moved through the Autobot ranks to become second in command (how is unknown), and altered his frame, becoming Rodimus. He became frustrated with Prime's leadership, thinking he could become a much better leader, thus starting his long history of coups. No one knows why he is still second in command, but it frustrates loyal Autobots to no end.

Elita One- Ever since the movement began, she has been there. She will always stand beside Prime, always combat their enemies, and never relinquish the oath she swore. She loves power, but prefers conquest, constantly lusting for battle. Despite being the reason for the fall of Tarn, Caminus, and numerous other territories, she's never satisfied unless she actively has something to conquer. She even has her own legion, known as Elita's Warriors. Some would suggest that she never wants the war to end, but they would be unwise to express this verbally.

Ratchet- In another life, he could've been a great medic, as he is highly skilled. However, he'd rather try to 'improve' his patients with unnecessary surgeries, and often doesn't take proper precautions. It's not entirely clear whether or not he realizes the suffering his patients go through, but it's very likely he doesn't care.

Wheeljack- Wheeljack is actually a good engineer, and he's far more level headed than other Autobots. Unfortunately, he works under Ratchet, and the poor mech has clearly had his mind broken after all those years of being forced to partake in gruesome experiments. And he has become more and more willing by the day.

Perceptor- A truly mad scientist, he has a twisted, sadistic mind, responsible for creating some of the Autobot's worst devices. Some part of him seems to realize how much suffering his creations cause, and yet, he doesn't care. As long as the Autobots need a mind like his, he will continue on this route. As of late, he's been trying to perfect what he calls 'living weapons'.

Bumblebee- It's said that if any Autobot makes a traitorous remark, Prime will know. Bumblebee is always listening and watching, only speaking when he needs to. Many Autobots loathe him, due to his nature as a snitch and a sycophant, but Bumblebee doesn't care. The only thing that matters is staying in a comfortable position that's not easy to lose.

Ironhide- As far as an Autobot goes, he's fairly mild tempered and level headed. Well, as much as you can be as a weapons expert. Of course, it'd be best to stay on his good side, as he does have a lot of weapons and a good aim.

Arcee- A deadly Autobot assassin, who doesn't care what it takes to eliminate a target. She's sacrificed multiple partners to get where she needs to be. She's liked by Optimus Prime, as she's deadly and efficient, but she doesn't seem to care much about having Prime's approval, she'd rather just have the freedom to kill whoever she wants.

Windblade- Originally from Caminus, she joined the Autobots after Elita One claimed the planet. She doesn't trust anyone, nor does she put anyone before herself. She despises the Autobots, likely due to the destruction of her home planet, but would rather be on the side with the upper servo. Despite her fighting skills, most Autobots often overlook her, due to the fact that she is a flight frame. (Optimus Prime despises flight frames, and by extension, many Autobots do as well).

Strongarm- Any Autobot that's known her for more than five minutes has heard the phrase 'frag the rules'. She may be a part of law enforcement, but she's worse than your average criminal, a great testament to Cybertron's twisted law enforcement. She hardly gives a damn about anything but enjoying herself and turning Decepticons to slag. Well, okay, she also deeply loves and defends her partner Windblade no matter the risk.

Skyfire- Despite his degree and scientific genius he's used for nothing more than a soldier and a carrier shuttle, and he resents this deeply. He's tried to be noticed for nine million years, but to no avail. He's quite manipulative, and a ruthless narcissist, with a dangerous silver tongue (metaphorical), intent to push himself to the top through any means necessary, with no regard for who he hurts. He also has a past with Starscream, something he's not willing to let go of.

Prowl- No Autobot really likes dealing with Prowl under most circumstances. He's wild, unpredictable and frequently follows his own ideas...regardless of whether or not it matches what he was ordered. His plans, despite seeming insane seem to work. Outside of battle, it's nearly impossible to deal with him. No Autobot wants anything to do with him, but they're completely fine with setting him on the Decepticons.

Sunstreaker- He knows his place in the Autobot ranks: he's nothing more than cannon fodder. He keeps out of the way, he follows orders, and doesn't let his morality (or whatever's left of it) get in the way. Truth be told, he only joined because his spark twin did.

Sideswipe- As a lowly Labor Class mech, he was willing to do anything to improve his life. Upon hearing about the Autobot movement, he jumped at the opportunity to sign up. But after all these years, it's broken him, causing him to become emotionless and drone-like. He just wants to shoot at Decepticons until this nightmare of a war ends, and get back to...well, not normal, but anything except for this.

Blurr- He's highly calculating, intelligent, and collected. He also has the ability to travel at high speeds, often confusing and distracting his enemies on the battlefield. Prime once regarded him as a great commander, but has since discarded him for 'better warriors'. Regardless, Blurr remains loyal, albeit slightly resentful.

Hound- Hound loves to cause fear in others, nothing gives him a thrill quite like seeing a terrified Decepticon, or hear their screams. Thanks to his ability of projection, he can create confusion and panic in his enemies. There's nothing worse to him than an enemy that can steel themselves against his projections.

Blaster- A communications officer, with similar abilities to Soundwave, such as picking up on frequencies, sonic powers, commanding a team of minicons, but there's a key difference: Blaster considers himself 'sophisticated'. He's a lover of Cybertronian music, (especially ballads), and absolutely despises Earth music. He has a rivalry with Soundwave, or at least he claims to.

Bulkhead- Once a member of the wreckers (that have long since disbanded), Bulkhead is an expert with causing destruction. Beyond that, he's dangerously calculating and intelligent. Despite his size, he's graceful, but also destructive when he needs to be.

Mirage- Mirage has always been a punching bag for his fellow Autobots, and he's well aware of this. He's always had the interesting ability to turn invisible, and often does so when he needs to flee. Due to constantly living in fear, he's always partially transparent. He's considered defecting, but he's too frightened to run to the 'losing side'.

[verdigrisprowl]

Springer’s spark

Hook calls Tarantulas to advise him on how best to prepare his patient for his coming surgery.

Hook

For all that Hook cared, Tarantulas could rot. Him and his stupid, pretentious, self-obsessed, "ooh look at me I actually got to go to medical school, and I wasted everything I learned there on fusing myself with vermin" slag. Which was why, even after he'd looked over the specs for Tarantulas's proposed spark augmentation procedure, he'd let it sit there instead of comming Tarantulas back. If it were up to him, he would've KEPT making Tarantulas wait. Make the bug call HIM and beg for HIS opinion. Tarantulas should be so lucky as to be graced with his expert opinion.

But—Prowl had come up to Hook. And he'd asked if Hook had looked over the files, and if he'd talked to Tarantulas about them yet.

Long Haul had knocked a fist-shaped dent into Prowl's head a month ago, and Prowl hadn't peeped a word to Hook about getting it repaired. He didn't care about his own damage. But he'd cared enough about fixing Springer to drag himself out of his room and ask Hook about it.

If it mattered that much to Prowl...

Well. Hook guessed he was calling Tarantulas now, wasn't he?

Ping.

Tarantulas

Give it another day or two – or even a matter of hours, really – and Tarantulas would have commed Hook himself, just like the sulky widget wanted. Sure, Tarantulas did have plenty of other things to occupy his time, but this was Ostaros they were talking about here. (No, Springer. It was Springer now. Rgh.) Tarantulas wasn’t about to wait a couple hundred years for a reply, not when Springer’s health was on the line.

Thankfully he didn’t have to wait any longer though; neither did Hook, who got a prompt ping mirrored back at him, then a comm.

«Ah, Hook – do tell me this is about the spark augmentation files?»

Hook

«Yeah. S'about them.»

And then silence. He might have commed Tarantulas first, but he was still going to give Tarantulas the chance to ASK him about them first, before he just had to OFFER his opinion. Little victories.

Tarantulas

A beat. «What about them? I presume you found everything satisfactory and agree we’re ready to proceed?»

Hook

Ah, there it was. The moment he'd been waiting for. Tarantulas asking for his opinion. He basked in it.

And then he said, «Naw. It sucks.»

Tarantulas

Tarantulas had only asked Hook’s opinion because Prowl had made it mandatory, mind you. Whatever Hook was basking in was pretty artificially produced.

Tarantulas’s scoff, however, was not artificial in the least. « Hyah, funny, very funny. How droll. Go on, what is it?»

Hook

«He ain't gonna be able to handle the process. You know why we only made Phase Sixers outta point one percenters? Anything less woulda died. Can't take the strain. And you ain't done slag to protect the Wrecker from that strain.»

Tarantulas

«Wh – that’s the whole point of the augmentation process – to protect Springer! You’re talking nonsense – and if you’re not, I – well, go on, but be prepared to supply sufficiently-hard evidence and receipts to back up your claims.»

Hook

«Yeah? Well it ain't gonna protect nothing if you're doin' it like that. Listen, half the files on the whole Phase Sixer project are top secret classified—and all the mechs that coulda DEclassified them are either dead or switched sides—so you're gonna have to trust what I remember hearin' people say about it, and what I heard was them sayin' Megatron couldn't take the process. MEGATRON couldn't take it. And his spark output has been augmented as far as we could take it. Just augmentin' Springer's spark ain't gonna do the job.»

Tarantulas

Trust Hook? Hhmph.

«If you’re quite sufficiently knowledgeable about Megatron’s spark augmentations and their apparent shortcomings, I’d love to hear about what they might be and how my proposed plans for augmenting Springer’s spark - tried and true ones, mind you - are apparently going to fall sorely short as well.»

Hook

«Uh-uh. Doctor-patient confidentiality. I ain’t tellin’ you about Megatron’s spark.

«Yeah, your augmentations might be tried and true on somethin’, but it ain’t ununtrium. I ain’t sayin’ they won’t give your Wrecker’s spark some extra punch, but punch ain’t what you need. You need shielding.

«I’ll tell ya something that will work—dark matter fission cell in his power core. Sixshot was on the border of bein’ compatible so we stuck one in him, and he had no problems takin’ the ununtrium. Considerin’ the likely stats Springer’s spark’s got—Prowl’s explained all that to me—he’s probably already livin’ past the peak of his potential, size-wise; combine that with the fact that he’ll be comin’ straight outta life support with a zero point, and to get him through the ununtrium process he might need two, maaaybe three fission cells. His chest’s big, as long as he don’t plan on takin’ the Matrix he’s got plenty of room.»

Tarantulas

«Doctor-patient confidentiality,» Tarantulas repeated incredulously. Those were definitely words he hadn’t expected to hear out of Hook’s mouth.

…Words which were followed by even more words he hadn’t expected. Tarantulas spluttered for a moment as he found his mental footing.

«That’s absolutely preposterous! There’s no way I’m putting a fission cell in Springer’s chest, let alone three of them! Besides, there’s absolutely no reason why my proposal would be anything less than highly effective, since it would in essence raise his internal defenses and extend his spark’s peak potential on a fundamental level, instead of throwing external patches on a core that’s not damaged in the first place.»

Hook

«Yeah. Doctor-patient confidentiality. Maybe you skipped that lesson, ya dropout.» Which Hook still resents him for.

«There sure as frag is a reason, or I wouldn’t’ve brought it up! Boostin’ his spark’s output is worthless on this procedure. The fact that you used it successfully to let a bot perform mass-displacement sequences don’t mean nothin’, that procedure’s easy enough that if I wanted I could talk Astrotrain through doin’ the surgery on his own spark over the phone. All mass-displacement needs to work is a lotta spare energy. This is ununtrium. Ununtrium attacks the system.

«You’re basically givin’ his spark a blaster and sayin’ “if he ever needs to defend himself, he can just shoot it so fast the blasts form an energy shield. That’s slag. A strong offense ain’t a substitute for a solid defense, civilian—and that’s all you’re givin’ him.»

Tarantulas

«Did you even read any of the text I sent with the schematics? It’s - it’s hardly just spare energy - the effects on the spark once it’s incorporated -»

Tarantulas cut himself off with a loud, indignant hiss. «You know nothing about the process in actuality. And to the pits with you and your battle metaphors, this isn’t war, it’s an immensely delicate and tenuous dance if anything, both with the surgery and with the ununtrium binding! If you knew scrap about the binding anyhow you’d have provided the information upfront - and if you actually do and didn’t say - you’re veritably -»

No, no threats, not toward people Prowl would get defensive over. Tarantulas had been there and suffered the darkly disapproving consequences already. A shaking silence followed as he struggled to rein himself in.

«I’m not putting a fission cell in Springer’s chest. End of story. »

Hook

«Yeah, yeah, yeah, I read the damn thing, I get how it works. It’s not gonna be enough. You’re STILL gonna be puttin’ the burden on his spark instead of shielding his spark from the burden.»

Hook bristled defensively. «Like FRAG do I know nothing! Maybe I can’t build the damn machine that makes it happen but I sure as hell know what it does to a body! To the pits with you and your dance metaphors, you’re about to drown his spark in radiation and you can’t waltz out of that.»

Stupid, arrogant know-it-all. He knew how to build a fancy machine that could spray star sludge on someone's protoform and suddenly he knew Hook's job better than Hook himself. «Fine. Your patient, your funeral. Ain't my problem if you think you know more than the expert.»

Tarantulas

«That’s not the way it works. » Another hiss, but Tarantulas was done with details. Just – done.

«Well, it’s not my problem if you’re deluding yourself into believing you’re – that you’re the only expert.» He’d been about to say “that you’re an expert in anything,” but he could restrain himself just enough not to ruin the situation entirely.

«Yes, thank you, he is my patient, my – the fragging opposite of a funeral. He’s - he's Ostaros. » From Eostre, new life, after all. Springer was going to awaken anew, and Tarantulas was going to see to it that he did so without a damn fission cell in his chest.

Hook

«He ain't Ostaros no more. That's your problem, bug. You think the fact you made him means you know everything about him—from his name to how it's best to upgrade him. Ya don't. And you're gonna get him killed thinkin' ya do.

«But that's gonna be on your head. All Prowl wanted me to do is give ya my opinion. I'm done here.»

Tarantulas

«He is Ostaros underneath all that plating, just like he was and always will be, whether anyone likes it or not! Which is why he's not only going to survive this, he's going to flourish, and I'm not letting you interfere with that. Primus, over my dead body.»

A growl. «You know, now that I think about it, it really must sting that Prowl only trusts you as a second opinion after a so-called 'bug' from a different universe.»

Hook

«So ya think that because ya named him, he'll definitely survive. Yeah. Uh-huh. That's definitely how medicine works.

«You're the scraphead that built him, ain't ya? You're the one that wants to fix him. Of course boss asked you first. It really must sting that boss don't trust you enough to be the ONLY opinion.»

Tarantulas

«See – I did build him, and that’s why I know he’ll survive. The name was merely subsequent.

«As for the matter of trust – the only reason Prowl is being this careful is because he cares so much about Ostaros that he’s the only reason Prowl agreed to work with me again in the first place! Which – yes, I’m aware that takes me down a couple notches in repute, but at least I have notches to be taken, unlike someone who’s wormed their way into Prowl’s life – Prowl’s head – using disgustingly base circumstances that’ll – that –»

Tarantulas left off with something between a growl and a hiss. «I’m not – I'm not dignifying you with the privilege of this conversation. We’re obviously done here.»

Click.

Hook

«Wh— You think—? Hey! You think any of US asked for this? We didn't want it no more than—»

Too late. Tarantulas was off the line. Hook shouted at nothing, kicked his tool cabinet, and stomped out of his little medibay to shout up at Prowl's level. "Your stupid bug is a piece of slag!"

"You gave him your advice?"

"Yeah. Not that he deserves any of it."

"Thank you."

Hook grumbled something about how Prowl oughta thank him if he wanted to make it worth all that, and trudged over to flop down in front of the TV.

There. Duty done. Now he didn't have that weighing on his conscience. If Springer died and Prowl was upset, it was on Tarantulas's head.