#its called echoes and empires and its not bad so far

[mikoriin]

anyone got any book recommendations? 👀

[clownery-and-fuckery]

It's pride month so.... have my gay Bad Batch thoughts I suppose (based on vibes and vibes alone.)

Hunter:

Popular opinion that I agree with? Dude is FTM trans, and has the worst time with it bcus all his T-Shots were externally bought so the Empire cut his ass OFF. also. hes a little gay. A mini bisexual, if you would. prefers women by a long shot. (He/him all the way- he wont correct, but Wrecker will.)

Crosshair:

gay. gay. dude is a MAN kisser. hes scared of women. never seen a boob in his life and he intends to stay that way. he's The Homo of the group. yes, they do make fun of him for being a boy kisser. yes, they also make fun of him for pulling NO BITCHES EVER. (He/him too and he CARES. he will correct you meanly.)

Wrecker:

pansexual icon who will love anyone. He's also pulled more than Hunter, so, take THAT. He's a hopeless romantic who falls in love with at least ONE natborn per mission. He confesses this each and every time and has maybe kissed two people. He's always encouraged. (He/him mostly but he won't mind he/they, he'll just gently correct sometimes)

Tech:

oh. He's a true bisexual. A real man and woman kisser. Perchance at once if he's drunk enough. Phee and him look at hot people and go "Oh, wow, woa". He's the bi-wife. However, his acknowledgement of attraction only works for him. He'll acknowledge you're attractive, but good look with convincing him YOU find him attractive. As far as he knows, no one looks twice at him. (Also, his gender isn't real. Sometimes he's a man, sometimes she's a woman. Sometimes they're neither. It's easier to just say that Tech is Tech. Because how come Tech gets boobs AND a dick? Unfair. They/he/her)

Echo:

originally it was assumed that he was the token straight. Until they discovered actually there's no romantic attraction there at all so, Echo's our resident aro. He's dabbled in 18+ acts of course, but the attraction never went beyond that, so he vibes. He's down for platonic and brotherly affections, but don't you dare make a romantic gesture, gross. (He/him but... he did enjoy when people thought he a she when he was undercover once, so she?)

Bonus!!!!

Rex:

We found our token straight, lads. He's never seen a boob either, though. He'll get there, eventually. Very dense, very silly. He's too tired and busy for such things. (He/him only because he doesn't know of any other option)

Cody:

Now. I know what you're gonna think. Gay. But might I throw out a suggestion? Dude is just a mean bisexual. Heavy preference for men, but he CAN pick up a woman or two. (He/him, regs are borning/j)

Wolffe:

This guy. This guy gets uncomfortable when anyone who isn't his brothers holds his hand. THIS MAN is the true aroace of the GAR. he watches his brothers and he shudders. (though he Wonders. sometimes) he'll huff and puff his way through a romcom for the Wolfpack on movie night, I guess. (He/they only because he likes being an extension of the Wolfpack)

Gregor:

Pan-romantic asexual. Dude is down to date anyone, but the armour Stays On. He finds himself much more fulfilled with simple park dates and cooking at 2am, you know?? (ALSO they/he as per his identity crisis. He's a CLONE??? HUH???? wild)

Bly:

Another "token straight" but he'll never escape the bisexual allegations 😔 (because its true and him and his wife have so had a third party member before) but he's also rather curious. So. Bi-curious. (He/him)

Fox:

Oh lord. This man. Gay. He's gay but no one knows because he passes well. Also, ace. He's done his fair share of people, he doesn't understand the appeal. Down to make out messy in a closet though, he understands THAT. but nothing more. (He/him called "it" by the Senate and he doesn't care. But his brothers do.)

That's all you get. Happy gay month. If I missed someone you can ask and I'll give you their Vibes. ✨️

[badbatch-badfics]

Padawan (TBB x Male Reader) Part 2

Part 1

Characters: The Bad Batch - Cross hair + Cid.

Relationship: All platonic

POV: Only 2nd (you/yours)

Pronouns: he/him

Species: Unspecified

Content: Smidge of angst and worry, but mainly found family growing into fluff

Warnings: General TBB stuff, a little bit about Order 66. Cringe lol.

Word Count: 2,796

Notes: If anyone has any requests/ideas for this 'series,' please let me know! I'd love to learn more about what ya'll like and incorporate it. (and i'll obviously credit you in the notes for whichever part it goes in)

The Bad Batch was sound asleep, exempt from their designated pilot.  Tech was comfortably cruising through hyper-space, multitasking on a new upgrade for Echo’s arm-scomp and watching the scanners.  A light beep alerted him, signaling that they were approaching Ord Mantell.  He lightly pushed his goggles upwards, before pressing a series of buttons.  The Marauder shook as it dropped from hyperspace, the tremors waking Hunter up from his nap in the co-pilot's seat.  He would usually sleep in his bunk until Tech needed a break, but his bunk was… preoccupied, so to speak.

“We close to Ord Mantell, Tech?” Hunter asked groggily, cracking his neck.  “Approximately 11 minutes and 36 seconds until we enter the atmosphere, and then another 23 minutes until we reach the landing pad.  I would begin waking everyone else up.”  With a sign, Hunter stood up, arms reaching far above his head, ever-so-slightly leaning backwards.  He turned around and started heading towards the bunks, wondering how he should go about waking you up.  He didn’t know how much you would remember, and he certainly didn’t want to find out the hard way.

Of course, there was always the option of letting your body wake up on its own time, and just having someone stick with the ship until then, but there was the risk of general clatter and ruckus occurring and startling you awake anyway, which would be a harsh wake-up call, to say the least.  After a second more of contemplation, he finally settled on leaving you be, and simply shushing Wrecker the moment his eyes opened.  He walked up to his brother, shaking his arm.  Wrecker awoke with a large grunt, like an ancient monster waking from a coma in an echoing mountain, before Hunter aggressively shushed him.  He sharply pointed across the walking strip to your body, an absolute tangled mess of limbs and droll.

Wrecker got the hint, making an ‘oohhh’ sound before slowly sitting up, careful to minimize the amount of creaking.  Hunter walked on, heading towards Echo and Omega, shaking them both awake- Omega more gently.  She yawned and stretched, smiling and greeting Hunter, before quickly grabbing her day-clothes before heading off to the fresher to change.  Hunter went back to the cockpit, where his brothers were already making quiet discussions of what to do with you, the ‘teenager-that-had-essentially-magic-powers-and-was-being-hunted.’  Primarily how they would handle Cid.  She tolerated them because they did jobs for her, and they didn’t really matter to the Empire- except for Omega, it was appearing.  But a Padawan?  That would be a lot of credits, and it would put someone on the Empire’s good side- at least for a little bit.  Cid wasn’t above ratting them out for that kind of profit.  Or, at least, she wasn’t above ratting out the Padawan while keeping them away from the Empire’s eyes for the sake of missions.  “Perhaps we can convince Cid that his use in missions, among other things, would outweigh the reward from the Empire.  Even without using the Force in a physical push-and-pull manner, it can still be used for mind tricks, sensing danger, and much more, depending on his skill set.  We could increase our efficiency and time duration of missions greatly, which would hold a great profit for Cid,” Tech explained, preparing for the Marauder to enter Ord Mantell’s atmosphere.

“That's true, but there’s no way to know what Cid will say- if she agrees, great, but if she doesn’t…” Hunter responded, eyes glancing back at your sleeping form as he trailed off.  If they told her about you, and she decided to tell the Empire, then no one would be safe.

“There’s no way for Cid to be kept in the dark long enough to find a better solution, and we can’t exactly just hide a whole person in the Marauder,” Echo added on, waving his scomp-link around the cockpit for emphasis.

“Of course, this is all assuming that (Y/N) will want to remain with us.  He may know someone, or someplace, that is safe.  Additionally, he may even know Cid.  Echo said that she would occasionally report to the Jedi,” Tech countered, briefly glancing back towards his brothers, away from the planet and control panel.  Echo nodded in confirmation.  “Do we…” Hunter trailed off, sighing, and pinched the bridge of his nose, “do we have any place to go if Cid decides to tell the Empire?  Echo, do you know anyone else who would help?”

“Rex, obviously- but he’s more involved with defeating the Empire than we are, so it’d be an extra risk to the kid.  Maybe Cut and Suu, if we can get a hold of them.  But I don’t think either of us want to put that kind of risk on them- not with Jek and Shaeeah.”  Wrecker made a comment of agreement, briefly looking up from his game of Chopsticks with Omega.  A heavy silence fell over the group, uncertainty thick in the air.

“Entering the atmosphere,” Tech reported, breaking the awkward silence.  The Marauder shook as gravity’s presence took its toll.  It settled back down to a smooth ride within a minute, the greens and browns- mainly browns- of Ord Mantell’s natural landscape coming closer.  “I think Cid will understand, plus, like Tech said, (Y/N) can help us out!” Omega added, not looking up from her hands.

Hunter looked down, contemplating.  Would the reward of Cid accepting the kid outweigh the risk of her turning him in to the Empire?  Tech did have a point, your presence would make things go smoother- but if Cid didn’t care about that point?  What then?  Would they be able to escape the Empire, find a new place to settle down- there was bound to be some planet that was safe- but would they find it before the Empire found them?

They could keep you holed up in the ship for a while, but sooner or later, Cid would find out.  And once she found out, that could damage their… relationship, so to speak.  Assuming she wouldn’t tell the Empire immediately, anyway.  So that wouldn’t work either.  There was no good solution, and everyone knew it.  Finally, Hunter spoke up- “Wrecker, Omega, you two stay with (Y/N) and help him with anything- food, water, applying new bandages.  You get the idea.  Echo, you're with me- we’ll get anything we’d need for a long-term stay on the ship; med kits, food, supplies, whatever.  Tech, make sure the ship has enough fuel, and make any necessary fixes.  Don’t let anyone else know.  After you're done, I’ll tell Cid about… the kid.  We’ll see where it goes from there.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Marauder drifted down, landing neatly in the center of the dock.  Tech quickly pulled out his data-pad, scanning for any previously unnoticed internal damage.  Luckily, the report came back negative- as he had guessed, there was no new damage.  Satisfied, he checked the Marauder’s current fuel level, so he’d know when to stop filling.  Tech, Echo, and Hunter exited the Marauder, swiftly closing and securely locking the ramp behind them.

The innards of the Marauder were quiet, Omega and Wrecker not really knowing what to do.  They both sat on the bunk opposite you, staring, just in case you’d wake up and need something.  Wrecker had rations and a water canteen to his left, while Omega had fresh bandages and bacta-spray to her right.  “Uhhh…” Wrecker broke the silence, glancing down at Omega, “do we just… wait for him to wake up?  It feels weird, just staring.”

“I don’t know… on Kamino, we would usually wait, but this is nothing like injured clones on Kamino.”  She sighed, wringing her hands together.  “I just…feel so bad.  I mean, our home was destroyed, but at least we have each other.  (Y/N) doesn’t have anyone, and he’s been alone on that ship since the Empire took over.  I can’t imagine what it must have been like…” 

“Well, at least we found him before the Empire did, and any situation we’re in will probably be better than Bracca.  Plus, he’s probably dead to the Empire, so they won’t be after him!”  Wrecker responded, finding the silver lining.  He and Omega looked at eachother, smiling.  It felt good to help people.

On cue, the blankets opposite the pair began shuffling, a long groan sounding out through the metal walls of the Marauder.  You turned over, eyes droopy and your Padawan braid/beads hanging by the corner of your mouth, covered in drool.  Slowly, you put your weight onto a hand and pushed yourself up, leaning against the back wall of the bunk.  Your head lolled back, another sigh escaping.  Everything hurts.  “Good morning!  Er, afternoon!  You slept forever, little Jedi!” Wrecker enthusiastically shouted, causing you to immediately sit up straight, hand shooting down to your waist for the familiar feeling of your lightsaber, only to be met with nothing.  Kriff.

Wrecker immediately sensed your panic, and put his hands up in an attempt of looking unhostile.  “Don’t worry, you're safe!  We’ve had our heads cut into, so we won’t be doing any of that Order 66 stuff!”  All you could do was stare, a comically surprised expression etched across your face.  He had an interesting way of wording things.

Wrecker stood up and handed you the canteen and ration bad.  “Here, rations and water!  They’re not the best, and we can pick up some better food soon, but I bet you're starved!”  And you were.  True, the mantell mix Omega had gifted you was delicious, but after so long of never having a proper meal, you certainly wouldn’t refuse any more food or water.

“Thank you…”  You glanced down after taking the food, quietly chewing on the ration bar, occasionally taking sips from the canteen.  You were never good socially at the Temple, and you certainly weren't any better at the moment.  Omega asked you some more questions; if there was any pain, did you bleed through any bandages, and such.  You responded in short answers, so quiet she was struggling to pick up what was said.  Eventually, she deemed you healthy- or, at least, as healthy as you could be, given the circumstances.  She stayed with you, telling stories about Kamino and the few trips she’s had away from it.  Mainly, though, she talked about her brothers.

After Maker knows how long, the Marauder’s ramp opened, Tech, Echo, and Hunter coming in, one by one.  Tech was lugging fuel, and the other two held general equipment, food, med-kits, and more.  While Tech didn’t pay as much mind to your waking, Echo and Hunter sure did- Echo more so.

After setting down the cargo, he practically spritened to the bunk you were on, crouching down on one knee and using his scomp-link to lift up your jaw, and do other inspections.  “You need a shower- desperately.  And new clothes, these are completely ruined!  Our old room is nothing compared to this!  Even Fives smelled better!  And you need some proper nourishment- I know how I felt after being in that stasis chamber for so long.  And mantell mix is not nourishment, no matter what Wrecker and Omega tell you, got that?”  He finished his spiel, pointing his scomp-link at you.  “Iba’ oskik’la…”

* (“what a mess” in mando’a)

“Yeah, I think he’s got it, Echo,” Hunter chimed in, smiling.  “C’mon, kid.  I need you to meet someone.  She used to work with the Jedi, so I don’t think she’d do anything.  But, just in case, we have everything ready to go.  And if all goes well, ”  You swallowed, a large lump forming in your throat.  You really hoped she wouldn’t do anything bad- you were already enough of a burden.  You and Hunter walked down the ramp, Omega gleefully waving goodbye.

He could hear your heartbeat, your anxiety- but he didn’t know much on how to help, given the circumstances.  Kriff, you didn't know about the chips until they found you, and he couldn’t imagine what that must have felt like.  When Wrecker had been affected and tried to kill everyone, at least they all knew it wasn’t his fault, that he hadn’t betrayed them, and that he would never try to do that when he was in control.  But you had no clue about any of that.  You thought all the clones who were your friends, or even just ones you were polite with for the sake of being a good person, had all wanted to kill you, and all the other Jedi.  You had thought that for months.  Cursing yourself, wondering why, and if there was anything you could have done differently to prevent it.  And now, irony at its best, you had been rescued by clones, coming to remove their chips.

“We’re on Ord Mantell, by the way… don’t know if anyone told you.  Ever been?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.  You shook your head, eyes darting from sign to sign, stall to stall.  “Most planets I’ve been on, except for Coruscant, were just… military occupations, occasionally the natural landscape of Separatists planets.  Never got to travel outside of that,” you said, still taking in all the colorful decor and people of the city.  “I mean, you know what that’s like, obviously- being a clone and all, you went to the same type of planets I did.  I think, at least.”

Hunter nodded his head in confirmation, not really sure where to go from there.  What you said was pretty accurate, but he felt like he shouldn’t talk about the war much.  And in any case, they were approaching Cid’s.

You and Hunter trotted down the steps, the automatic door sliding open.  Cid’s bar was empty, spare for an Ithorian and Weequay who were bickering over who knows what, and obviously, Cid herself.  You placed yourself behind Hunter, something you would do with your Master during the war to avoid any interaction with… anyone.  Slicing droids was easy, making conversation with soldiers was not.

You slowly glanced around the parlor, taking in anything that could be a trap, or could help you escape if this ‘Cid’ decided she didn’t want a padawan on her doorstop.  Hunter called out for Cid, and the distant sound of claws tapping against the cold, hard floor echoed out.  Emerging from the back rooms was a rather short female trandoshan, a cane gripped in her three claws.

Her eyes went back and forth between your semi-hidden figure and Hunter.  “Where’s the rest of ya?  And who’s that kid in the terrible robes?  They stink.”  There was an obvious scowl on her face, her left brown rose in an annoyed and questioning manner.

Hunter took a deep breath, and then- “He’s… a Padawan.”  Cid’s brows rose, and then lowered into a vicious scowl.  “Before you say anything- hear me out.  He was trapped at Bracca, and the scavengers didn’t know- Tech checked the Empire’s wanted, and he’s dead to them.  The Empire won’t come here, and it’s not like anyone on the street will know- he’s just a padawan.  Not a full-on Jedi, not a general.  But, he can still help.  Even without using the Force to push and pull, he can still sense danger and… stuff.”  Hunter wasn’t really sure how the Force worked.  But he knew it was useful.  Before Cid could rebuttal, he continued.  “And imagine how helpful a padawan would be in making sure your deals go right!  Being able to sense a bad deal, or if someone unwelcome is coming.  And some of them can do mind tricks.  He’ll be very useful to you- just let him stay with us.”

Cid looking down, in thought, a scowl etched on her face.  Finally, she sighed.  “Fine!  But if the Empire comes knocking, I’m not keeping his hide a secret.  Too much heat.”  She walked away, already planning what to do with you.

Hunter looked back, smiling.  You tried your best to smile, but you knew full well it looked incredibly awkward and forced.  Not that you weren’t happy, by any means.  You just weren’t prepared, and he knew that.  Hunter placed a hand on your shoulder, attempting to provide comfort.  And it worked.  For the first time in months, despite the constant dread of what was to come, everything seemed to be going right.  You could stay with them, and they could stay with Cid.

“Let’s go get you some proper fitting, and smelling clothes, yeah?  Echo wasn’t wrong when he said it was worse than our old barracks.”  Your smile shifted to a natural one, not forced or awkward.  You certainly didn’t think you’d ever see a clone again; and it certainly wouldn’t be a happy experience, but it seemed like this batch was going to be the best thing to happen in a while.

[kimbureh]

Rescue = Family

The new episode of TBB (S03E04) further develops the theme of "rescue means family". Since season 1, Hunter is occupied with rescuing Omega cuz she's family to him. Echo rescues regs cuz they are family to him. Rescuing someone means accepting them into your family; not rescuing someone means rejecting them from your family. The latter thing is what happened to Crosshair (kinda like in a messy breakup, where Hunter takes the kid cuz Crosshair is a neglectful parent, lol).

Crosshair is the lone wolf, lonely sniper type. He doesn't have a family because he hasn't mastered the art of rescuing someone. The series has established the connection of "rescuing someone means they're family" numerous times, and Crosshair has never managed to rescue anybody. He arguably tried in the season 1 finale by offering the squad a place with the Empire, but while this might have been a good offer in Crosshair's mind, it was ultimately toxic and bound to fail. Crosshair tries again to save someone on Barton-4 where Mayday dies in his arms after a long struggle; Crosshair was ready to form a bond, but external circumstances (aka the Empire) prevented that. The Empire, of course, has a vested interest in isolating its soldiers from each other; the brotherly bonds between the clones are a liability and are therefore replaced by conscripted recruits who don't share a familial connection. There can't be a family under the regime of the Empire, that's why Crosshair's attempts of rescue have to fail as long as he's with them.

In season 3, Crosshair no longer is with the Empire, and *finally* his rescue attempts aren't toxic anymore, he just complains about them all the time, haha. Healing kinda feels uncomfortable and Crosshair is very vocal about that discomfort, but he *is* on a path of learning how to bond. Omega and Crosshair rescue each other during their escape. And then Crosshair saves the dog in episode 4, the very same episode in which Crosshair is called a Dad. He is finally crossing the threshold of being toxic and isolated and steps towards becoming an actual parent/family member.

That's the analysis part, speculation ahead.

I think The Harbinger (title of episode 8) refers to Tech who is now with the Empire. If that was the case, Crosshair gets a chance to rescue him. If Tech is with the Empire, he represents Crosshair's former self. Crosshair would not only be able to rescue his teammate and affirm his family bonds with him, but he also metaphorically gets to save himself. Imperial Tech needs saving, just as Crosshair did when he was with the Empire and suffering from this decision. It would be a chance for Hunter to make things right with Crosshair via Tech and not again leave behind a family member with the Empire, even if they act toxic (or incomprehensible).

I expect the family/squad only to grow from here on out. I think Echo isn't in season 3 so far for a very good reason; he'll show up to rescue Tech (cuz that'll be a group effort), and once Tech is back, Echo's role is to expand the family even further by connecting the Bad Batch family with the Reg family. Since Echo is both, a Bad Batcher *and* a reg, he is in the unique position to unify the two branches of the family. I think that would be a rewarding high note with which to end the series; the Batch and the regs overcoming their differences and reuniting as the family they have always been.

[all of my TBB meta here]

[skellymom]

"WORDLESS"

THE BAD BATCH ECHO x NON GENDERED READER FAN FIC

A brilliant revolutionary is rendered handicapped and loses hope. Echo steps in to help them restore their life...and finds love.

Word Count: 2.6K

Warnings: Angst, pain, crying, injury, handicapped characters dealing with their condition, kissing and sweetness. I researched Aphasia some, but PLEASE do not come for me. I am not claiming to be an expert. And, I did my very best to be respectful of portraying this medical disorder. My aim was to portray a healthy and devoted relationship with two people who have a physical and mental disability.

No smut (However, all you Echo Lovers who would like a SEPARATE smutty story with these two, PLEASE MESSAGE ME!)

(Divider credit: @hereindreamlandpng @sister-lucifer, Pinterest pic credit: will)

Listen as you read: "Don't Forsake Me" by Ofra Haza

Lyrics:

Don't cast me away When I start to fade When my mind's unmade Don't forsake me When my strength has ebbed Don't forsake me

I know the day will come I know the day will come And all my life will be haze and spark Don't ever leave me in the dark

Don't cast me away When I start to fade When my mind's unmade Don't forsake me When my strength has ebbed Don't forsake me Oh, Oh, Oh Don't cast me away

Tech adjusted his goggles while reading the holopad.  “Your name is becoming very visible throughout the galaxy. I believe the Outer Rim is NOW referring to you as ‘The Bearer of Emancipation’” 

“Kinda cool...but kinda dangerous, eh?”  Wrecker mused. 

“PROMISED Omega we’d ALL come home safe” Hunter added “And NOT bring the Empire hot on our heels to Pabu.” 

I smiled widely feeling EXTRA confident in my abilities promoting clone rights and an overall galaxy wide rebellion post Order 66. "No worries, boys. We're making wonderful headway!" 

It all started out for me as a destitute desert rat the Batch picked up while on their travels. They occasionally helped Rex with his Clone Rebellion.  The “Sassy Jokester” or the “Brilliant Orator” the boys called me.  I really had no skills that would cause them to keep me around.  Not as a medic, mechanic, cook, or anything else for that matter.  Just someone with a quick wit and courageous mouth.  They said my words gave them hope and a reason to feel like actual human beings.  And the laughs...all the laughs too. 

Then, on a mission for Rex, I met ECHO.   

In one afternoon, he wooed me with his rebellious passion for freedom and a safer galaxy.  He commed Senator Chuchi, who I had NEVER heard of.  We spoke and I was hooked. 

From that point on I became a REVOLUTIONARY! 

I traveled to so many worlds with so many different squads.  Deviating which clones would protect me while meeting the galaxy’s citizens.  Changing hearts and minds for The Rebellion. 

We had managed to largely avoid any snags with the Empire...or its cult of followers. 

So far. 

ENVOY____, ENVOY _____!!!  A young girl no older than 6 years old appeared, jumping up and down excitedly. 

She was genuinely thrilled to meet me.  Holding a festively colored box in her hands. 

I broke ranks with the boys and approached her. 

“Envoy...I... wouldn’t do that.”  Hunter warned. 

Scoffing at Hunter’s alarm, I continued to approach.  This planet was safe, and we experienced no issues with the people here... 

Her face lit up as I approached.  She held out the box to me “One of your fans told me to give this to you.” 

Crosshair’s agitated voice squawked over Hunter’s comm behind me.  He did NOT sound like his usual calm self while keeping the sniper’s view of our group... 

Her innocent face.  The face of Hope...of a peaceful future. 

Before I could take the box from her hands, it was shot to the ground from above.   

A second later Hunter grabbed the little girl, flipping and jumping away... 

The last thing I saw was Wrecker’s armor around me with the blinding light of an explosion behind him... 

Then...fade to black... 

I awoke in a rudimentary med ward, on an elevated hover stretcher with a rickety stainless-steel table next to it.  On it lay a water canteen and an empty bedpan.   

There’s a quiet yawn, turning to see Hunter seated next to me.  He had just awakened too. 

He said something.  I could hear him...but his words made no sense.  Hunter babbled in a language I barely understood.  I could read his facial expressions though: relief, love...then changing to doubt and concern the more he spoke. 

He spoke into his comm. 

My tensions began to rise... 

Minutes later Wrecker, Tech, and Crosshair warily, but relieved filed into the room as Hunter commed someone else. 

Tech approached and began talking to me.  He spoke what seemed volumes before I could discern the occasional word.   

Why was this so difficult?  Why did I feel like they were speaking an alien language? 

I opened my mouth to Tech, thinking he would be able to understand... 

...and a guttural sound fell from my mouth.  I tried again and again.  Same thing. 

I felt the tears on my cheeks.  Hunter gently wiped them away, rubbing circles on my shoulder with his other hand. 

Becoming more hysterical with every attempt to speak... 

Crosshair motioned from across the room with the air he reserved for making snide, but hilarious comments to lighten the mood.  He was not a cuddler like Hunter. 

His sinuous voice pulled the curtain back from my lack of understanding.  Where I would normally laugh, I could only mumble unintelligibly. 

Then he doubled down, clearly now NOT paying attention to Tech’s facts, nor Hunter growling at��him “Crosshair, this is NOT the time or place!” 

Wrecker, standing next to Cross, trying to silence his brother to no avail...highly aware of my stress and anxiety... 

Then...Crosshair’s voice cuts through my mental haze like a knife through flesh...wounding... 

“Are you DEAF and DUMB???” 

I SNAPPED! 

He ducks just fast enough to not be struck by the stainless-steel bedpan as it hits the wall.  There’s fear in HIS eyes and immense guilt as I SCREAM at him...in an unhinged way.  I sound like an angry animal. 

Wrecker slides over and presses himself into a corner.  Trying to make himself smaller.  He DOESN’T know what to do. 

My screams of rage ramp down to a mournful howl because I AM SCARING HIM. 

“HE DIDN’T MEAN IT!”  Hunter grabs both of my arms.  His expression compassionate and... perhaps too forgiving... 

My anger FLARES as he attempts to lessen the blow of his brother's horrible choice of words.   

ALWAYS defending him!  

WHY can’t Crosshair be more empathetic?   

WHY must Hunter step in for this GROWN man? 

He suddenly realizes his mistake the second I slam my hands into his chest, pushing him away... 

...too strong for me to hurt him... 

But his FEELINGS are torn to shreds...and it shows. 

Tech is attempting to talk AT ME thinking perhaps his LOGIC would prevail in an otherwise VERY EMOTIONALLY charged situation. 

“...a TRAUMATIC brain injury...Aphasia...you can vocalize, however are currently unable to form words.”   

Then he sets his datapad onto my lap. 

“Perhaps...TYPE the message you wish us to comprehend?” 

I inhale SHARPLY.  The keys on the touchscreen resembled an angular string of symbols...and were totally unrecognizable to me. 

These SYMBOLS should MEAN SOMETHING! 

Tech was so sure of my abilities... 

A panic attack grips me.  I let out a crestfallen moan, shaking my head.  No longer even paying attention to the men in the room.   

I want to escape.  To outrun the situation. I MUST GET OUT OF HERE!!! 

Sliding from the stretcher and totally mistakin that my legs would support me post medical coma... 

And falling HEAVILY to the med unit floor, taking the stainless-steel table with it.  The water in the canteen spills all over me and the floor as I fall stomach down with a SLAP! 

IMMEDIATELY, hands on me...trying to lift... 

But my RAGE flares AGAIN! 

Punching and slapping at the well-meaning men...I FORCE them to retreat... 

So that I may lay upon the floor and keep screaming until I'm hoarse. 

Finally, silence, I inhale sharply...and exhale raggedly.  The room is silent enough to hear a pin drop. 

And the familiar thudding of boots entering the room... 

Metal boots. 

They appear in my line of vision. 

A soft but gruff voice speaks “Now...what’s this?” as he kneels. 

Then pulls me wet and bruised off the floor and into his arms.  I hug his neck.  Then try to speak.  Nothing but noise comes out. 

He strokes my hair “I won’t lie.  It’s going to be a HUGE adjustment.” 

I look up into those amber eyes as I feel his cold metal scomp on my back.   

“Up you go.” As Echo lifts and places me back onto the hover stretcher.  Hunter carefully sets a clean gown next to me as Tech hurriedly rights the table and wipes up the water. 

Crosshair stands slumped with a defeated expression.  Wrecker pokes him in the back HARD. 

He straightens up.  “I... shouldn’t have said that.”  Crosshair’s eyes meet yours.  “I’m sorry.” 

I nod.  Forgiving him while wiping my face. 

Hunter squeezes my shoulder “We’ll let you have some space.” Then ushers his brothers out of the room. 

Echo stays behind and helps me change into the dry hospital gown.  He can tell from my expression I am extremely grateful for his support. 

“I ALMOST just missed seeing you awake.” 

My eyes shot up to him in surprise. 

“Heh...been visiting you the past few weeks since the accident.  Of course, you’ve been out and didn’t know it.  You know...in-between missions...” 

He’s rubbing the back of his neck in the awkward way he does when slightly embarrassed. 

My eyes soften. 

He smiles.   

“My ship had JUST left...then Hunter commed me...” 

He steps closer tentatively and takes my hand. 

“From the tone of his voice...thought I...uh...WE had LOST you...” He looks so PAINED by the thought. 

I couldn’t hold back...he’s been such an ally.  But he’s more than that to me.  Someone very precious.  I LOVE ALL the clones... 

But Echo has a VERY special place in my heart. 

Pulling him close and embracing him, I sigh. 

“I don’t know WHAT I’d do if I lost you.” He whispers in my ear. 

I caress his cheek, then pull back from our embrace to gently kiss his lips. 

He inhales sharply. 

I know this is the FIRST kiss he has EVER experienced in his life.  Then I place his hand against my heart, trying to communicate my feelings for him.  

He understands completely. 

“Will you come with me?  I... mean AFTER you’re taken care of medically.  Just...can’t leave you again.” 

I’m elated...but uncertain about the future.  How can I continue my work?  It would be IMPOSSIBLE to advocate if I cannot speak... 

“You’ll find your voice.  We’ll figure SOMETHING out.  You’re not done.” 

I moan quietly and shake my head. 

Then I think of what he’s been through.  Now standing here, having picked me up off the floor with one arm, traveling through the galaxy fighting for peace, then coming back time and again to my bedside...a man missing most of his body, whose mind had been tormented for so long... 

In his eyes I see HOPE. 

If Echo can do it, so can I. 

Pabu is a beautiful place to recover.  The sunlight, perfect weather...and the people are so attentive and caring.  I sit on the beach and watch the waves roll in. My clone family has been nothing but wonderful and supportive.

But I can’t stay here forever.  There’s work to do.  Especially if I want EVERYONE in the universe to be able to have a safe home and their freedom. 

I still cannot speak.  According to Tech I may NEVER regain my verbalization.  But he was delighted that I was lucky enough to understand the spoken word.  Not everyone with this injury can. 

“See you made it down here by yourself today.” Echo’s pride shows as he approaches.  He’d usually lead me down the rocky steps to the sand.   

He’s dressed only in his deep red bodysuit bottoms.  Confidently showing off his prosthetics and mechanics.  Something he would have NEVER done before we met.  His skin is beginning to lose that ghostly pallor. 

I give him an “of course” expression and he smiles.  He knows I’ve been pushing myself hard.  We won’t leave Pabu until I’m cleared medically by Tech. Physical therapy works wonders with mobility.  Then there’s the lessons... 

“Here’s your teacher now.” 

Omega sprints across the beach towards us.  She’s wearing a rainbow tie dye swimsuit.  Something her and Lyana made one happy Pabu summer day. 

“Are you ready?” She’s excited and hopeful.   

They both join me on the blanket. 

“Ok, recap.  Show me what we worked on yesterday.” Omega slips into tutor mode. 

I roll my eyes and sign in Standard Basic The quick silver Vulptice jumps over the lazy Lurca. 

“PERFECT!” Omega claps her hands ecstatically. 

I want something FUN!  When will I learn swear words? 

Omega laughs into her hands and blushes. 

“That’s MY department.” Echo embraces me, pulling my back to his chest.  Then leans into my ear whispering something and gestures with his scomp and hand...a very interesting swear word indeed! 

Omega explodes into even wilder laughter and falls backward onto the sand. 

“What’s SO FUNNY” Hunter asks as he approaches. 

Nothing I sign, but giggle. 

He glances at Echo and I, then winks with a mischievous grin. 

Wrecker sets down a huge cooler of food and drinks, then takes Shep’s hand as they make a beeline for the water in their matching swim trunks.   

Batcher tears past and Omega runs after her. 

Tech and Phee approach.  She holds aloft a beautiful bottle of deep amber alcohol “Hondo sends his FINEST rum.  It’s been sold out since the Empire put an alcohol prohibition on their stormtroopers.  He held this baby back just for US!” 

Tech spreads another big blanket onto the sand as Phee hands the rum to Hunter.  Then she removes her gauzy sarong to reveal a beautifully beaded and woven earth toned bikini.  Tech is captivated by this.  Standing there smiling in his plain beige and heavily pocketed cargo shorts. 

Then he scoops her up lovingly over his shoulder and walks calmly into the ocean.  She squeals playfully. 

Crosshair opens a HUGE beach umbrella and sinks it into the sand, parking himself under it on the blanket next to Hunter. He’s dressed in a black full body wetsuit covering his tall sleek frame, black sunglasses, with his signature toothpick.  Cross had since grown out his hair only on the top.  His frosty silver locks falling lushly to a side part and long bangs mysteriously covering one eye.  Contrasted with Hunter only dressed in a pair of skimpy distressed jean cutoff shorts.  The light acid washed denim emphasizing his dark skin and toned body, deep crimson bandana, and jet-black curls resting past his broad shoulders. 

Hunter cracks open the rum, pours two glasses and hands one to Crosshair. 

The Bachelor Thirst Traps of Pabu. I sign to Echo.  The women...and men should be showing up ANY minute now... 

Hunter nods, offering us some rum. 

“We’ll pass for now.”  Echo nods back, eyeing more beachgoers descending the stairs at the top of the cliff.  “Looks like your fans are here.” he chuckles. 

Hunter stops and sighs “Can’t get a moment of PEACE.” 

Crosshair snorts. “When you prance down the streets wearing THAT, what do you expect?   

“They’re lucky I even wear ANYTHING to the beach.” Hunter grouses. 

They’d feel pretty LUCKY if you DIDN’T!  I sign.  

Echo snorts.  Crosshair throws his head back and cackles. 

Hunter smirks “You’re Basic Sign is getting much better.” 

Thanks, Sergeant 

“Keep an eye on this for me.”  Echo pulls off his scomp and tosses it to Cross. 

Cross catches and salutes Echo with it, drink in hand. 

Echo and I get up from the blanket and head over to our secluded spot at the lagoon.  He holds my hand keeping vigilant should I trip on the sand.  My legs are still a bit weak. 

We sit on a smooth flat boulder next to a shallow pool of sparkling turquoise ocean water.  No waves or currents, just a calm oasis with rocks surrounding it allowing for privacy. 

I slide in first, floating and buoyant waiting for Echo. 

He carefully pulls off both leg prosthetics, leaving them on the boulder, then inches over the edge.  I hold out my hands, carefully grasp his hips to help guide him into the water as he lowers himself down with one arm. 

There is no embarrassment, nor judgement.  We accept help from one another, welcome physical touch, and our loving devotion to one another. 

He slides into my arms and encircles me with his, then sighs... 

“I could ALMOST see us staying here...indefinitely.” 

Almost I sign.  But...that ITCH...an urgency to be a part of something... I trail off 

“Bigger” he finishes my sentence.  “Maybe even something we’ll both NEVER see.” Brief melancholy spreads across his face. 

I feel it too.  The pull from both worlds. 

We have THIS...at least for right NOW.  I sign. 

“You’re right.”  He agrees, hope returning to his face.  “Let’s make the most of it.”   

He pulls me closer to him and we make the VERY MOST of this day...and each one after that... 

[warsamongthestars]

Back on my bullshit.

I've got a lot of questions, on how the TBBshow works exactly?

Cos yeah, its been clear for a long time, it doesn't want you asking questions because it will just, fall apart at the seams and go from Frankestein's monster to Frankenstein's ground floor beef.

Like, basic shit. Here's the Plot breaking questions:

HOW DID THEY RECRUIT STORMTROOPERS SO FAST? If they could just, recruit people out of the blue like that, like, Immediately Post-War side, not even 24 hours after the destruction of the Jedi Temple. Where the did they come from? And if they could just, come in like that, why weren't there any natborn armies during the Clone Wars itself? Recruitment takes a long time. Boot camps, at minimum, take 3 months real world. So, Plot Hole 1: Spawning Stormtroopers with Cheat Codes.

WHY DIDN'T THE CLONE ARMY REBEL? If the argument is, that the chip just Wears off, and we know that our troops can and will just rebel against bad officers (We've seen it happen), and that they all do have a pretty strong moral backbone in general... ... How come when this, so called "Wear off" occurred, we didn't see a rebellion enmass? Especially after Kamino's destruction? Still can't recruit and train people that fast, and there's still an entire clone army, and its pretty clear that the show claims there are lots of clones in the ranks and hiearchy... Clearly, it must not just "Wear Off". Plot Hole 2: Attempting to claim that established Sci-Fi Brain Tumors isn't Sci-Fi Cancerous.

WHY IS EVERYTHING EVERWHERE ELSE? Where is Cody? What's going on with Rex and his Rebellion? Why did Echo join that exactly, and how come the Batch couldn't be convinced? Why the fuck is Ventress even There. The story (and its writers) keep wanting to push that "Everything is going to occur at a later time". Well, mothers and fuckers of the audience, if Star Wars were to end tomorrow, like full on Vault Sealed Forever, or nobody has access to these "other stories" either by money or medium--then no, the Story didn't happen somewhere else--it simply Didn't Happen at all. Thus, teasing stories that simply Aren't, and refusing to fill in the story that Is. Plot Hole 3: The Excitement is Farther than the Galaxy Far Far Away

PABU The Empire knows about Pabu, it bombed it for the sake of the Force. You tellin' me that, after Tantis was done, Pabu just magically regerated with anti-Evil Empire shields? And that it wasn't immediately placed under Imperial control like EVERY PLANET TBB HAS ESTABLISHED SO FAR!? Plot Hole 4: You don't need to see their identification, this is not the planet you are looking for.

EMERIE KARR I like her concept, so I'm gonna be picking on her execution. So female clone that is effectively a narrative clone of Omega, except if Emerie existed at the same time as the Bad Batch (likely as its hinted 5th member) and the Clone Wars, as we're supposedly meant to believe that Omega did--how come Omega didn't know about her before. Where the fuck was she. Why would Hemlock be finding a random clone in nowhere space and decide that she was sexy enough to be the sexy lady evil scientist? Her concept is great, but current execution breaks the timeline. Plot Hole 5: Omega split into Omega 2 by Mitosis

HOW ARE THEY BROTHERS EXACTLY? How are our Main Characters brothers? I don't mean in the literal sense, I mean in the sense of "These guys are brothers in arms thick and thin, been through so much shit and came together in support in the face of adversity" And yet, the only thing we see is, bickering, no conversations, refusal to confront topics that directly affect them with each other, obsessing about anything else but actually talking to each other, abandoning each other at a moment's notice for one bullshit thing after another without discussion. Utterly ignoring each other when lives are on the line... Leaving one for Dead... Claiming that they're trying to protect their child sister in order to give her a place to grow up, but insist on bringing her on every dangerous mission ever, treating her as a child soldier... ... When they could've just robbed the stupid lizard bitch and been on that isolated planet they were talking about in Episode 2 before the end of Season 1. After a certain point, I think I should be calling The Galactic Child Protective Services Plot Hole 6: With Brothers like these, who needs enemies?

KILLING A MAIN CHARACTER (Aka "oh my gods they killed Kenny") In congruent to the above Plot Hole. They killed Tech, where's the fallout? Where's the effect? Are you telling me that Mayday, a random one episode clone, was more narratively important than Tech, who's been with us for years? And that's just the written death. The narrative deaths have occurred to all the Bad Batch. this bad ass squad who works together like instinct, is suddenly failing at everything, like its their first day off Kamino. Even though, by the show's own visual environmental storytelling, the Batch have been performing missions together since the first battle of Geonosis. They're more experienced than the Republic Commandos by those tally mark counts in their room wall. And yet, inspite of the visual story telling and the Clone Wars, and every piece of Clone Media prior to this Ever, they're suddenly the big bumbling buffkins who can't operate without running headfirst into the nearest beehive. Character deaths themselves occured... ... From Hunter being a generally snarky, one of the guys, who puts on a show of leadership for the Reg's sake--because a shallowed out parody of Optimus Prime and Captain Rex. ... To Crosshair, a snippy, keen if cruel sniper but with a heart of empathy, reduced to a hyper soldier even without the tumor. When this is the kind of man who would pick a fight with god on toothpick power alone. ... To Wrecker, whom for some reason, suddenly lacks skills he had in the Clone Wars. ... To Tech, who no longer gives out fun facts, or even has an emotional reaction to people getting hurt, like he used to in his first introductory episodes. (Remember the horror he had when he realized the Algorithm had a Human voice?) ... To Echo, once bold and audactious, guised beyind a clone who is a seeming rule stickler--now a bitchy side piece who eventually just leaves instead of having a conversation with the very team that took him in, who reduced his once partner-batchmte Fives to a foot note. One story written death, Five Narrative Deaths, Five Character Deaths, because what was had in the Clone Wars--of which the TBBshow explicitly says its a direct sequel to--clearly wasn't here when this started. Whoever these guys are, they aren't the Bad Batch. Plot Hole 7: Fell at Sunrise and Was replaced by Mirrors

PLOT HOLE: the Rush A special mention plot hole that occurs when you place too much action in too short of time with too little thought. Effectively attempting to turn a TV show, subscription serivce or not, into a 25 minute long tiktok-vine-ytshort. Its exhausting, its Patience killing, it has no Pace; and to believe that this is a good thing, means that you are Also affected by the Rush and should probably pick up a real book or maybe play Pokemon Generation 1 or pick up a text adventure, because you are going too fast for your brain to handle it and it is not good for you. Its commercialism techniques. Don't make them the new norm.

If I've missed any plot holes, lemme know, I'll take a look. Even with my SPECIAL EYES (MY BRAND!) I can't spot everything.

[cross-my-heartt]

Three Act Structure of TBB

(Part One: Season One aka Act One)

So since I’m so boldly convinced that season three will be the third act in the batch’s storyline I wanted to do a more detailed breakdown of this theory by looking back on the story so far.

It might get confusing as separate seasons can have their own internal three act structures (much like a movie from a trilogy can follow the formula on its own) which can sometimes overlap with the larger plot’s elements.

But messy is where the fun’s at and I look forward to hearing if anyone has a different interpretation of things.

Now! Here’s a simplified diagram of the three act structure:

We currently find ourselves at the end of Act Two, right after the crisis when things are looking bad for our protagonists and their plight is yet to be resolved (which happens in act three). Some diagrams point to the beginning of Act Three as being a time for rallying which makes sense in the context of the show:

The batch are scattered, our remaining trio will need to make a plan and get help before rushing in for a rescue, i.e. the climax of the third act.

But for now I want to go back to season one and look at how it fits into the larger picture. I’ll be using an article from braddailey (not putting a link to avoid being yeeted from tags) as reference here.

Act 1: The Beginning (Set-Up)

The Ordinary World (Stasis)

“In most narratives, we’ll spend some time in The Ordinary World of the protagonist. This is where we’ll learn about the rules and ways of the world, what the protagonist’s normal life is like, and who the characters of that world are.”

This is definitely something we have in our story. According to the article this stage can be very brief or even implied but what’s interesting here is that most of it is located in The Clone Wars where we get an introduction of the batch and most of the context for what their world and circumstances are like.

The beginning of Aftermath can also be part of this stage as we get some scenes with the batch on the battlefield (this time with Echo included, to show that he’s now firmly part of the team) and what their more casual dynamic looks like in the scenes in the mess hall.

Then we move on to The Inciting Incident (Call to Adventure) or rather jump back to it as it’s sort of sandwiched and spread in between:

“Inevitably, something has to change. The Inciting Incident either brings about that change, or sets into motion what will bring the change. It might define the protagonist’s goal for the story, but it certainly kicks off the journey or adventure.”

The inciting incident in this case is Order 66 and the Republic’s transition to the Empire. As we know this ushers in a ton of change for the clones by turning their world completely upside down. On a smaller scale the batch’s own normalcy is disrupted by Omega’s appearance and the activation of Crosshair’s chip, both of which are catalysts for major shifts. One regarding the batch’s goals and the other shaking up their established unity.

Refusal + Hesitation

“It’s normal for the protagonist to refuse, resist, or hesitate when the Inciting Incident comes knocking. [...]

But no matter the amount of resistance, the wheels of fate are turning, and the story is set in motion. The protagonist will make a leap of faith, and accept their quest, or they will be dragged into the story against their will.”

This stage is again interspersed throughout the season. As there’s a lot of events happening in season one, we can point to several of them being part of it: the batch refuse to complete their mission of killing the refugees which puts them at odds with the Empire. They commit to escaping and leaving their old lives behind. They take a leap of faith when they don’t leave Omega with Cut and Suu, thus accepting her as a major source of change for their group.

All in all the events that follow in the season all focus on adaption and the batch finding their way around this new world. They sometimes hesitate, sometimes argue but mainly they are now in the thick of it and forced to make important choices that determine the course of their story.

(Interestingly enough the article points to the source of this stage being fear of change. The first person to resist change, either by his own will or not, is Crosshair and his refusal and/or inability to change is what becomes his main theme in the show and is also what separates him from the rest of the batch.)

Act One ends with a climax of its own which for season one is the events on Kamino, i.e.:

The End of the Beginning

“By the end of Act 1, or the beginning of your story, the reader/viewer should usually know:

Who the protagonist is What their ordinary world is like What the nature of the quest is Who or what the sources of antagonism are Who some of the supporting characters are”

So our protagonists are now the batch with the new addition of Omega. We could argue that Crosshair is on a different path at this point which is proven by how little screen time he gets in comparison to the others in the next season.

We’ve had enough episodes to know what the batch’s new reality looks like at this point. We know what their dynamic with Cid is and that they constantly need to fend off the Empire when they come into contact with it. There’s also the reality of an overarching dilemma: to stand and fight or put survival first.

The main nature of their quest for now is to survive however and in particular: to survive with a new more vulnerable member in their group and adapt to life with them.

The sources of antagonism are the Empire and unfortunately, by extension, Crosshair. We may not see him come into direct conflict with the batch anymore but he has lost his status as protagonist for the time being. We’ve established that at this stage his goals and values differ from those of his brothers’.

And finally we’ve had good introductions to some of our secondary cast: Cid, Howzer, Rampart, Gregor and Rex have all been integrated into the story.

All that’s left is to move on to the next act, the one that has the least defined internal structure of the three but generally involves: “[the protagonist] learning new things, testing what they learn, making mistakes, and probably meeting new people.”

Sound familiar? Yeah, that’s season two if you ask me.

But if some of this sounds like things that have already happened that’s because season one has its own, albeit vague, internal three act structure, with its own climaxes, twists and obstacles.

There are all the elements of an act 1 in Aftermath with it introduction of several major changes, the point of no return or the climax of act 1 (the batch’s escape), the mini arcs of act 2 as well as its midpoint with its moment of clarity and revelation (learning about the chips).

Finally, we can point to either War-Mantle (Hunter’s capture) or Return to Kamino (the bombing of Tipoca) as the act two climax, with the characters’ situation looking dire and hopeless before the events (resolution) of Kamino Lost. And while a single episode might seem rushed to be an entire third act on its own, it’s not obligatory for the third act to be as long as its counterparts.

In fact act 2 takes up the majority of the season, with acts 1 and 3 being a very small portion of it. That's because tv series leave a lot more room for their protagonists to grow, evolve, go on side quests and experience minor setbacks that help build character, introduce subplots or facilitate world building.

But anyway these are my two cents on season one. Again, my point of reference is the article on Three Act Structure on braddailey dot com which I highly recommend. There will of course be a part two for season two so please look out for that one!

(Uhh if anyone wants to be tagged for it lmk? Please, I'll combust before I tag anyone without their explicit permission.)

[transmutationisms]

i feel like one thing i didn’t like this ep was the implicit belief of kendall/shiv that jimenez was better than mencken for the american republic or whatever. like yes on some superficial level sure. but the critique of democrats as equally involved in violence and empire was not there to me, unless i’m missing something. i know that’s probably just the politics of the writers room but it feels like any allusion to how democrats are bad in this show is like, oh, they’re bad bc they’re involved with the far right a la gil and logan or nate and kendall. but there doesn’t seem to be an acknowledgment that dems would be bad even in their own right, even if they weren’t sitting at the table with the fascists. i know that sort of critique is a lot to ask of mainstream tv but i’m not sure if there’s something i’m not picking up on in the writing that is making those claims about liberal democrats, bc i do think the show in general is interested in the perils of neoliberal capitalism. but like, is it really, or only when said neoliberal capitalism interacts directly with fascistic ideology?

the show isn't saying that liberalism is bad because it interacts with fascism. it's saying that liberalism, because it is capitalist, inherently leads to and becomes fascism. so, there is no 'pure' liberalism untainted by fascism; the fascistic thinking is always already present in the democratic party and in other expressions of liberal ideology. this is why, for example, the episode ended with mencken using the language of hygiene, directly echoing the siblings calling each other "a piece of dirt" and "filthy" this episode, but even moreso echoing shiv's ongoing hygiene fixation (the hand sanitiser incident, refusing to drink from the taps in 4x02, etc). like, i get where you're coming from, but the suggestion here is that there simply is no such thing as liberalism that doesn't already contain the seeds of fascist thinking and eventually become fascist. historically speaking this is because fascism and liberalism are both essentially capitalist, and because fascist ideology developed as a capitalist solution to the internal contradictions of liberal democracies.

we know pretty much nothing about jimenez save for his potential amenability to large tech mergers, which is its own kind of damning (like, shiv doesn't even pretend to make arguments about his actual politics this episode; her position is Establishment Dems Good). however, we can see hints of the liberalism -> fascism argument with gil, not just because he made a deal with logan but because the very first glimpse we get of him is in that campaign ad where he talks about a "war on poverty", framing his democratic socialism as echoing both lbj's "war on poverty" rhetoric but also the straightforwardly imperialist "war on terror" framing.

the argument also comes through in comparing shiv to matsson: both believe in hierarchy, specifically in meritocratic achievement that is really just a way of identifying those they see as biologically fittest on the grounds of athleticism, 'intelligence' defined with its inherent class and racial baggage, etc. these beliefs are tenets of shiv's progressivism as much as they are of matsson's fascistic thinking. fundamentally capitalism relies on this type of competition, social-economic hierarchy, and designation of certain people and groups as 'better' or more 'worthy.' shiv and matsson are in no way ideologically opposed, nor are liberalism and fascism; it is capitalism that forms the link and that causes the rhetorical shift from lofty liberal ideals to openly exclusionary fascist rhetoric, though this transition does not entail an actual change between modes of production & if anything fascism is simply more nakedly capitalist in certain ways.

the satire of democrats comes in most heavily with the pierces. kendall's not any kind of liberal (like, he has basically no political beliefs; he's just a capitalist) and although shiv is, she's always been able to operate in conservative contexts in a way the pierces mostly don't deign to. yet pgm produces élitist cultural products, the pierces also rely on housestaff they condescend to and see as lesser in a particularly patronising way, and pgn is operating the same way as atn ("the business synergies are there"), just like, more boringly. nan even has that line about believing the berlin wall fell because of pierce news cameras or whatever---clearly echoing logan's known use of foreign political meddling, only nan frames it as a moral good because it's exporting american democracy, yadda yadda. this goes to the way liberal and fascist rhetoric can appear to have a huge ideological gulf between them but are in fact operating off much of the same logic already, with fascism simply embracing certain inequities, including racial thinking and racism, that liberalism prefers to pretend it's going to 'overcome' despite those being necessary elements of capitalism.

fundamentally liberal or neoliberal capitalism already tends toward fascistic thinking and certainly toward the economic and material conditions that allow for outright fascism to take hold. logan himself is a good demonstration of this. his beliefs in hierarchy, rule of force, brute competition, &c are not just coeval with him being a capitalist; they are the ideology that directly results from, naturalises, and justifies capitalism. the entire spectrum of political ideology espoused by characters on this show is constrained within the in fact very narrow window of being capitalist; all defences of the american republic are capitalist; and it is capitalist economics that manifests as liberalism's ideology. this is true as much of neoliberalism like what kendall was born into as it is of 19th-century liberalism like the social darwinism logan espouses.

[999-roses]

unpacking 'sinophone' and its sinophobic roots

so. it never occurred to me to just type "sino diaspora" into google before.

and google is like "oi!! you meant sinophone yeah? here's wikipedia on sinophone" and here's like the other top results

I'm squinting. What the hell do you academics have against diaspora using the term diaspora?? I click.

inb4 this whole rant: I have no qualms with using sinophone as a language-family-use descriptor (like sinophone media), but coming from academia or as an academic field unto itself. but. the literature about wanting to use it as a demographics thing & separate it from "chineseness". just. looook if anyone knows that they're no longer like this let me know. with what im seeing, im having a bad faith moment

so... this is the academic that's hard pushed the term for sinophone.

"crit on orientalism might be complicit for allowing Chinese intellectuals to call themselves victim under an 'unreflective' nationalism" & "but the flipside may be a new imperialism" yeah?? any more unsubstantiated claims???

What a joke!! Clearly only takes authority about Chinese history from western sources, like literally has the uncritical echo of "X country doesn't deserve territorial integrity" that literally fueled western imperialism, and not just of China. Treaty of Nanjing 1842 ringing no bells? Sigh. National sovereignty is the barest basis against overt imperialism where someone just comes over and declares where you live their colony!!! ... is this a test in how far can you stretch the definition of imperialism or colonization? lmfao, China invests in poverty-relieving measures like building houses and improving infrastructure out in Tibet, Guizhou, Xinjiang, and you have the audacity to call that colonizing?!? 我真无言了。

different article by the same person:

laughable to think that the Chinese state even bothers to think I exist, let alone talk to me about my diaspora status. (I was born in the US)

also, people are really out there saying 'diaspora has an end date' huh

here it is. here is the 'scholar' conflating American or western imperialism with things Big Bad Scary Red China does.

Clearly mixing up concepts of tributary system with colonialism, and acting like historically (other than Yuan era under Genghis) that ancient China/Chinese culture was expansionist, going around trying to conquer peoples and set up colonies. Admiral Zheng He would spit on you.

Comparing the spread of culture and language in Ancient China to the colonization and subjugation that the French/Belgium did in Africa, or the British Empire, or the Spanish and Portuguese in Latin America, is so blatantly dishonest. The indigenous people of Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang still speak their own languages and use their own scripts, and yes, they learn them in schools alongside the national language... which is Chinese!!! Yes the Hanyu writing system was adopted and adapted by many neighboring cultures in ancient times, but you literally don't examine WHY? The fluidity in its system: frequently non-Han peoples invented characters to suit their language, like there's even some Canto-specific characters that are in use today. Another reason that Chinese writing system was so popular was because two Sinitic language speakers who do not speak the same language could communicate through the same script. Yeah, Ancient Chinese scholars and dignitaries often had an insufferable elite-ness and superiority complex, but describing their attitude as subjugating and forcing other people to adopt their system? What a wildly malicious mischaracterisation!

just... mask off, gringo butt-licker.

Please. where is the "Chinese containment" policy? The white papers reaffirming what the international community agrees, what Taiwan historically agrees (tho Taiwan held that it was the true capital/head of all of China), that Taiwan is part of China?? I know this article was written back in 2010s but are you seriously comparing American weapons deals and boots on the ground with Chinese military exercises in Chinese territory that haven't harmed a single civilian? "critical" my ass!

gotta love the title of this one. yeah, I know it, I've seen it before. the Chinese or feminist binary, pick a side /s

but hey in this piece she admits she's ignorant and unobjective and out of her league sometimes?

edit: found this:

yeah that about seals it for me. anti"diaspora" sinophobe

[madpencil]

Febuwhump 2023

Day 10: Difficultly Breathing

Title: Save Them

Words: 673

Characters: Tech, Omega, Hunter, Echo, Wrecker (Star Wars: The Bad Batch)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

It was getting harder to breathe on the Havoc Marauder. They had escaped the empire again but not without damages. The life support system was the most dangerous one. It wasn't inoperational, but it was getting there. The air was thin and it was growing colder by the minute.

Tech worked on the system with caution while Wrecker worked on a few other things. Omega and Echo did their best to assist where they could. Hunter was keeping the systems they needed on and diverting power where he could to help their case.

"How's it going Tech." Hunter questioned.

"I should be finished within the hour."

They both spoke with a breathlessness in their voice. They were all starting to feel lightheaded. Sure the adults had fought on planets where the air was thinner than they were used too but this was far more severe. The lights were dim and they used flashlights to see.

Omega found it hard to stay awake as she passed tech a wrench. The girl was dizzy. She tried to keep her breaths short so she didn't use too much oxygen. Her vision started to blur and she fell back a little. All eyes turned to her in concern.

"I'm alright." Omega smiled weakly. Her body language told them all a different story. After she sat up again she was slouched and slightly swaying. Wordlessly Hunter stood and walked to her. He picked her up and started to carry her to her room. His little sister tried to protest but gave in as Hunter lay her down. The mercenary turned to look back at the batch with slightly furrowed brows. Then he stepped to Tech and started to be his assistant.

Little time pasted before the others started to sway. One called to Omega with no reply. Echo stood and moved to check on her with heavy steps. She had passed out because of the lack of oxygen.

"We need... to hurry." Their question was answered for them. All they could do was hope they'd make it in time. Their little sister was breathing for now so they had a little time.

They ran out of time very quickly. An alarm started blaring throughout the ship. None of them could breathe as they realized what happened. The system had finally failed. They were lucky a different system kept the void of space from getting in and immediately killing them.

Tech wouldn't let it end this way. He was almost finished. All he had to do now was finish hooking up wires and reset the system. After a moment he heard a thud and found Wrecker on the floor. A moment later Hunter fell. After that was Echo. He knew he'd be next. Two more wires Tech. He could do it. He connected the blue wire to its other half. One more. The red wire just needed to be plugged back into the board. The man grabbed it haphazardly and brought it to the board. It slid in with ease. Reset it. For them.

The switch was above him. The brother summoned all his strength and pushed himself up to the button. He felt his finger hit something before crashing to the floor. Had he done it? Please let him have done it.

The last one to fall was the first to wake. He groaned and shifted on the floor. There was no alarm so that was a good sign. Slowly the man sat up criss cross on the floor. Then he crawled over to the others and checked on them. They'd be okay. Tech breathed a sigh of relief. They were okay. With caution he stood and went to check on Omega. She was okay too. He strode towards his chair, proud of his accomplishment.

The rest of the batch awoke within a few minutes and he checked them over to make sure they weren't hurt. They thanked him and Tech shook it off. It was no big deal. They were okay, so that was all he needed.

[tathrin]

🎲+🐚

Writer Truth Or Dare asks.

🎲 ⇢ what stops you from writing more in your free time? 

tumblr XD

That's a joke, but also not. Distractions is the biggest issue, for me. Which includes tumblr, video games, discord, chores, etc. Everything that can involve sitting down to write, and then not doing that. (Including re-reading fic, both other people's and my own shit.)

Also, tiredness. Fuck capitalism, and fuck this trashfire of a country. We should all have more free time, and thus more energy both physical and mental. But everything is so exhausting sometimes, that it's easier to just start scrolling through tumblr or meandering through Tamriel or Taris or Henford-on-Bagley than it is to do anything, even the things you really want to do.

Blah.

🐚 ⇢ do you like or dislike surprises?

I like them, in the sense of I'm someone who prefers not to be "spoiled" on a story ahead of time, so that I can have the experience of discovering its contents and emotions for myself; and I like them, in the sense of I don't tend to scour around for clues and hints, because I enjoy discovering the story as it happens to me more than I do the potential "smugness" of knowing it all ahead of time, and so I deliberately don't look for stuff that might give-away things ahead of time. I'd rather be surprised...but on the other hand:

I loathe them, in the sense of the "hide all spoilers at all costs! shock value, shock value! never let the audience guess what's coming! if the audience can guess something ahead of time, the story is ruined! if the audience guesses something ahead of time, you change it!" nonsense that has pervaded so much of the media landscape of late.

I'm pretty good at picking-up on little clues and I'm familiar enough with stories as a "thing" that I tend to be able to tell where a story is going faster than most people I know (especially movies, which are by nature more limited in scope than a novel) due to both experience with narrative as a concept and a good memory for details, so I'm quite used to not being shocked by the bulk of the things I read/watch; but I've never found this a bad thing, like so many of the big corporate media entities these days seem to have made it into.

That's just called noticing what's happening, and extrapolating. I mostly tend to figure out something shortly before it happens, which adds a delightful flavor of "omg will it...?" anticipation to the story, without detracting from the experience of having the story unfold, even when it unfolds as I thus expect it to. That doesn't mean the story is bad; it means that narrative often follows a cause-effect format, and stories echo, and foreshadowing is a thing, and you should have a plot that makes fucking sense, etc etc. And because a good story should be entertaining even after you know the twist, it's not a big deal either way!

How many times have I watched The Empire Strikes Back? Far more than I can keep count of! And it remains my favorite Star Wars movie to this day...even though I've known the "twist reveal" since I was six. (I do wish I could remember my reaction from the first time I watched it, though! Just for fun!) But the emotional weight of the reveal to Luke remains just as potent now, even when the audience's shock is gone. Because the story doesn't hinge upon the twist.

I think everybody should have the opportunity to experience things like that for themselves unspoiled, so they can have the emotional impact hit the to its full extent (hence I will never ever tell anyone what The Thing in Mastiff is ahead of time, no matter how many times my roommate begs me to; because as we suffered, so shall ye!) but I don't think that knowing those things ahead of time ruins a story, either.

If a "spoiler" can ruin your story, your story isn't actually much of a story; it's just a gimmick. And I'm interested above all in stories. Whether they surprise me or not.

(Sorry, that one turned into more of a Rant About Modern Media than an actual answer, whoops!)

But to try and get a little more back on track for a summarizing conclusion here: I like being able to shock my audience, but I like even more than that having them catch-on to what's probably going to happen beforehand so that they can start to go oh no oh fuck is it...? before it does. That's my favorite kind of surprise to experience in fiction, and my favorite kind of one to write too: the anticipated one. Not known; but guessed.

And that works for both excited anticipation, and dreaded!

[photogirl894]

May the 4th be with you, Morgan. Now I don’t yet know how ‘Sun and Rain’ will portray the mission to rescue Gregor from the Daro Imperial base. I’ve only really sketched what I imagine Kimber saying/doing in that episode.

So here when Echo looks down at what he thinks are more those what I (personally) call ‘McQuarrie*’ troopers, Kimber is a little surprised at the mention of their ‘updated armour.’ Next as she and Hunter spy on an Imperial Commando leading these McQuarrie troopers in that strange new armour that has had the old Mandalorian inspiration completely removed, the lovers can’t help but feel a little uneasy. Surely these are just more clone troopers in newly-fashioned armour, right?

What surprises Kimber even more is when Echo mentions the fortress’ records listing its garrison as ‘TK troopers,’ which not even Tech is familiar with any more than Kimber is.

I just hope I have really brought Kimber to life again and that my predictions for this chapter are more-or-less accurate if not similar to how you plan to write it. Someday Kimber could be drawn kicking those non-clone bucketheads’ butts.

Once again May there 4th be with you.

*Ralph McQuarrie did the concept art for the Original Trilogy including the first Stormtrooper design, which the Bad Batch used to make the Empire’s first generation non-clone stormtrooper.

Wow, Ivan, this is pretty awesome!!

You know, I gotta be honest, you're not too far off in your interpretation of Kimber and how she would probably react in that situation! In all fairness, I haven't quite figured out everything for Daro yet, so this actually might help give me a little inspiration. Seeing that new armor would definitely be a little off-putting for her and would further drive home the fact that the Empire is changing the galaxy and not in a good way. It'll hit even worse when they find out that those troopers are no longer Clones and they're being phased out. And yeah, you better believe she'll kick some butt during the escape! 😎

Also, I love the term "McQuarrie troopers"! I do know Ralph McQuarrie and I love how some of his unused designs for different characters and creatures are still being put to use in new Star Wars media. He's got some great ideas!

This was a sweet surprise to get on Star Wars Day!! Thank you so, so much! May the 4th be with you, as well, my friend!!

[stardustandash]

Aftermath - The Bad Batch

Feel like I should be posting oneshots here too, so here it is under the cut! If you prefer ao3 reading, this is the link.

Summary: “They had survived so many impossible things. The fall of the Republic, the destruction of Kamino, dozens of suicide missions. Injuries popped up here and there, but they’d been lucky so far. Now he had one brother held captive by the Empire, one lost on a foreign planet, and a sister dying on their ship.”

Or, what happened between the railcar crash and Omega waking up in Cid's parlour.

Characters: Hunter, Omega, Echo, Wrecker,

Tags: hurt/comfort, angst

Word Count: 3, 699

“Tech?”

Hunter stirred at the sound of the faint cry. He’d know that voice anywhere, and the warble in it kicked his brain from unconsciousness to full alert. Omega. Hunter pressed his palms into the dirt and tried to push himself upright, only getting an inch or so off the ground before his ribs screamed in protest and he went crashing back down in a cloud of soot and dirt. He took a moment to breathe, tasting ash and pain in the air. A soft thump brought his attention back to what roused him in the first place.

“Omega?” called Hunter hoarsely. He coughed to dislodge the dustiness lining his throat and tried again louder. “Omega?”

There was no response.

Hunter’s heart seized in panic. This time he barely felt the pain in his ribs as he made his way fully upright and took in the surroundings. Wreckage was scattered around them, smoke rising through the twisted scraps of metal that had once been a rail car. Movement on the ground snapped his attention to two familiar armoured figures slowly coming to consciousness. He could hear the moment they both returned to reality, their heartbeats picking up to panic level. He glanced around again, this time finding the small form not too far from Wrecker. Omega wasn’t moving, and Hunter could hear how faint her heartbeat was.

Unfortunately, he could also hear the sound of armoured feet approaching through the forest. Hunter reached for his blaster with one and hand scrambled over to where Echo was working on getting his feet under him. He hauled Echo up to standing, giving him a once-over but not spotting any serious injuries. For once the mechanical limbs were a benefit with their durability compared to flesh and bone. Once he knew Echo was up to watch their backs he sprinted to Omega’s side.

As Hunter approached Omega started to move. Small hands fisted into the dirt as she tried to pull herself upright. Even from a distance he could see how much she was shaking, how her eyes struggled to focus.

“Omega?” Hunter tried to get her attention.

Her eyes wandered past him as her arms gave up their fight with gravity. Hunter slid in, catching her before she could fall back to the ground. Her head lolled and her eyes drifted shut. He could feel the panic trying to sink its teeth into him as he felt blood on his hands. Omega’s blood.

“We have to get her out of here.”

Hunter tried lifting her into his arms but had to stop as his ribs twinged squeezing the air out of his lungs. No, he had to do this. He’d already failed one brother today, he wasn’t going to fail his sister as well. Bracing himself, Hunter went to try again before a large hand on his shoulder stopped him. He glanced up at Wrecker, now upright but off in a way Hunter could sense but not see through the armour.

“Don’t,” was all Wrecker said.

There was so much conveyed in that single word. Hunter looked at Wrecker and nodded, stepping away just as the first shots of blaster fire echoed through the clearing. Hunter took aim at the silhouettes of the stormtroopers marching through the smoke.

“I got you, kid.”

Hunter could hear Wrecker murmuring to Omega as he hefted her into his arms. He tried not to look at the dark spot dampening the back of her jacket and focus on the battle at hand. Blood. He could smell the coppery tang of it in the air. He was so focused on Omega he almost missed the whistling sound of engines overhead.

“We have to get back to the Marauder,” said Echo sharply.

At least one of them was still with it enough to call the shots. Hunter followed mutely behind. Trading shots with stormtroopers on instinct alone, all senses focused on the small figure cradled in Wrecker’s large arms.

They ran, alternating between sprinting and ducking around trees and rocks for cover. Muscle memory took over Hunter as they made their way back to the ship. Run, crouch, check, fire. Run, hide, check, fire. The distant shouts of the stormtroopers and the ships hunting them overhead faded into the background against the quiet noise of Omega’s heartbeat. Hunter clung to the sound as they went.

By the time they reached the Marauder that pulse was fainter in his ears. He planted himself at the base of the ramp to cover Wrecker as he ran for the ship. Once he was on board Hunter and Echo followed, Echo running to the cockpit to get the ship off the ground in record time. Hunter glanced at Omega once as he made his way to the gunner’s mount. Any care he might offer now would be useless if they were blasted out of the sky.

“Get us out of here, Echo!” shouted Hunter towards the front of the ship.

“I’m working on it!”

Three V-wing fighters came into view as the ship lifted above the trees. Hunter grit his teeth and fired. The ships scattered. He could see them coming around to return fire and braced himself in the seat in anticipation. Sure enough, Echo put them through evasive maneuvers. The Marauder dipped and dived, spinning out of the path of incoming fire.

“Stop dancing and get out of here!”

“I just need another minute to calculate the jump,” said Echo voice tight.

The V-wings behind them danced around Hunter’s covering fire with ease. The Marauder was a transport, not a fighter, and without Tech at the helm it would only last so long in a full-on dogfight. They had to get out of there, fast.

“What about Tech, we can’t just leave him there,” came Wrecker’s voice.

Hunter swallowed. He didn’t want to leave Tech behind either. Their brother deserved better than to be left to rot. He deserved all the honours and respect a fallen brother could receive. But if they went back it was likely none of them would ever get off this Force-forsaken planet. He bit down on his lip, the sting of pain driving the emotions away so he could concentrate on the task at hand.

The targeting system blared loudly. One of the V-wings was getting too complacent. Hunter squeezed the trigger and watched it explode into a thousand pieces.

“I can make the jump,” called Echo.

“Get us out of here!” ordered Hunter.

The ship broke atmosphere, and a second later there was the familiar jerk behind the navel sensation of a hyperspace jump. Before the blue light could overtake the gunner mount Hunter was already leaping down and heading for the racks. Wrecker knelt on the floor next to the lowest bunk, one hand keeping Omega on her side. No, now that Hunter was closer he could see his hand was pressed to the dark patch on Omega’s back. Wrecker looked lost as he watched Hunter approach, eyes begging him for some kind of miracle. Hunter wished he could give him comforting words but all he could do was put a quick hand on Wrecker’s shoulder before taking in Omega.

Her face was covered in a light sheen of sweat even as she shivered. Soft brown eyes gazed at absolutely nothing beneath pinched brows. They didn’t need a med scanner to know she was dealing with a concussion. Gently, Hunter peeled Wrecker’s hand away from her back. Fresh blood bubbled up around a piece of shrapnel embedded near her shoulder. He took a deep breath. This was beyond the capabilities of their small medkit. They needed a med centre, or someone with medical skills.

Footsteps from the cockpit signaled Echo’s arrival. Helmet off, he gave Hunter a despondent look. Hunter knew his own expression wasn’t much better.

“Do you know of any medics we can take her to? Does Rex have anyone?” asked Hunter.

“Not anyone with enough equipment to handle this,” said Echo, shaking his head.

Hunter felt his heart drop. Losing Tech was hard enough, he didn’t know if he could handle losing Omega too. The galaxy seemed intent on forcing him to watch his loved ones die without being able to do anything to help.

“What about the droid?” said Wrecker.

“What droid?” asked Hunter.

“Omega’s friend, AZI-whatever. He’s a medical droid, right?”

A spark of hope. “Set a course for Ord Mantell, AZI can help her.”

Echo nodded, heading straight back for the cockpit. Hunter looked at Wrecker and guided his hand back to its place on Omega’s back.

“Keep an eye on her, I’m going to go get the medkit,” said Hunter.

He slowly levered himself upright, all the aches and pains from their mission making themselves known. As he walked into the ‘fresher he caught Wrecker running his free hand through Omega’s hair and heard the low rumble of his voice murmuring promises to her.

The medkit was in the cabinet below the sink. Hunter pulled it out and flipped it open, taking in all the items labelled in Tech’s neat arubesh. His heart pulsed with grief. Tech was always the best at keeping his head in these kinds of situations, always calm and collected with a steady hand for patching the rest of them up. The memories and sorrow snuck up on him, choking him with grief. Dozens of successful missions in the war and after, Hunter had stopped thinking that death could come for his family. Sure it was a threat, but they had survived so many impossible things. The fall of the Republic, the destruction of Kamino, dozens of suicide missions. Injuries popped up here and there, but they’d been lucky so far. Now he had one brother held captive by the Empire, one lost on a foreign planet, and a sister dying on their ship.

Hunter ran a hand down his face and flipped the medkit shut. Sitting on the ‘fresher floor wasn’t going to help anyone. He brought the medkit back out to the bunks and saw that Omega’s eyes were now shut, her breaths a little shallower.

“She’s getting worse, Hunter,” said Wrecker sadly.

“I can see that,” replied Hunter, putting the medkit on the bunk and pulling out bacta patches and sanitizing spray. “Help me get her jacket off?”

Wrecker nodded. The two of them quickly stripping Omega’s jacket and top away without jostling her too much, Wrecker quickly pulling up a blanket to preserve her dignity. Hunter grabbed the bottle of sanitizing spray, nodding at Wrecker to hold Omega’s arms. He knew how much the spray stung.

Worry pooled in Hunter’s stomach when Omega didn’t so much as flinch at the spray. He knew without looking he’d see that same worry mirrored on Wrecker’s face. Next he gently applied bacta patches around the shrapnel sticking out of her back. He wouldn’t dare remove it here on the ship. That would be a death sentence for her. Then with a gentle hand he probed her skull, finding a large bump beneath the blonde hair at the back of her head. Her helmet had probably saved her from having her brains splattered across Eriadu. The thought made Hunter nauseous. He never should have brought her along for the mission. He should have gotten her more armour than a simple helmet.

The what-ifs weren’t going to help them now. Right now they had to focus on keeping Omega alive, and then go to ground. Omega shivered under her blanket, no doubt shock trying to take hold. Warm. She needed to be warm. He glanced at Wrecker, ever the space heater.

“Strip your armour.”

“What?”

“Down to your blacks, come on. We need to keep her warm,” explained Hunter.

A look of understanding dawned on Wrecker’s face and his hands scrabbled to remove his armour. As they settled him into the bunk and a blanket-wrapped Omega into his arms Hunter caught the quiet hiss of pain.

“What hurts?”

“It’s nothing, save the supplies for Omega.”

“There’s not much else we can do for her at the moment. We don’t have a med scanner aboard to check for anything else, but we have the most serious wound dealt with.”

“Where’s the med scanner?” asked Wrecker. His face fell when he realized the answer.

“Where’s it hurt, big guy?” Hunter tried again.

“My neck is killing me,” said Wrecker quietly.

Hunter pressed two painkillers into Wreckers hand and toasted him with one of his own for his aching ribs. They swallowed them down dry. Within moments Hunter was breathing easier and he relaxed against the wall of the bunk. His eyes drifted shut, though he kept himself awake, focusing on Omega’s heartbeat. It was steadier now, but still weaker than he was used to hearing.

He lost time as he sat there.  Hours or minutes later there was the sound of someone moving about the space trying their best to be quiet. He cracked an eye open and spotted Echo picking up Omega’s bloodied jacket and shirt from the floor of the ship. Echo stopped when he noticed Hunter watching him.

“I thought you passed out.”

“Can’t, I gotta keep an eye on her.”

“I have eyes.”

Hunter felt the ghost of amusement pass through him.

“How long until we reach Ord Mantell?”

“Few standard hours, enough time for me to throw these through a cycle and for you to stitch them up. Can’t parade her through the city without a shirt,” said Echo, gesturing with the soiled clothes.

Hunter nodded at him, watching as Echo went into the ‘fresher to throw the clothes into the washer. To his surprise Echo came back and parked himself on the floor near Hunter’s feet and leaned back against the wall. He let out a sigh heavy with emotion and Hunter nudged his leg against his side. Echo leaned into it.

For a while they sat like that, simply taking comfort in each other’s presence. It was soothing, to have the warm body of his brother pressed against him while listening to the continued even breaths of Wrecker and Omega. It pushed back against the dark gaping hole that Tech had left in his heart but it was not enough to lessen the hurt. He knew then, that he wouldn’t be able to lead his family into battle again. It would break him to lose another sibling. Kriff, they might still lose Omega even if she was safe and somewhat stable for now, cradled in Wrecker’s arms. It stung to know that Crosshair was out there alone in a prison cell, but Hunter couldn’t risk throwing more people at a mission where the rescuee might not even want the rescue.

The thoughts whirled around in Hunter’s mind until Echo rose with the anticipation of arrival. As he went to pilot them down to Ord Mantell, Hunter took the job of waking up Wrecker. He let Omega sleep. Force knew the kid needed the rest.

“Come on, big guy. We’re just about planetside,” said Hunter.

“Omega okay?” said Wrecker as he blinked awake.

“She’s still holding on, but I need you to take care of her until we get to Cid’s, alright?”

Wrecker nodded. “Don’t worry, Sarge. I’ve got her.”

Hunter retrieved Omega’s clothes, now thankfully clean if still torn, and together the two of them managed to carefully get her back into her shirt. She remained frighteningly limp between the two of them. He kept his hearing focused on her heartbeat as they worked to reassure himself that she was still alive. That there was still hope.

As soon as the Marauder touched down all three of them shot off the ship towards Cid’s. The streets they passed blurred together at the edge of Hunter’s senses. Nothing mattered but Omega’s heartbeat. Nothing mattered but her shallow breaths. He led the charge into the dingy bar, uncaring about how it must look to see three soldiers thundering down the steps. Not that it mattered, the only people in the place were Bolo, Ketch, and Cid herself.

“Kriffing hell, Bandanna. You refuse my comms, my jobs, for months and now you come barrelling back in here? I should hand you over right now for all the trouble you’ve caused me!” barked Cid from behind the bar. “Whatever you want, I ain’t got it. Now you best get out of my bar before I call in the troopers.”

Anger flared in Hunter’s gut before his worry banked its fire. He could be angry with Cid later, right now they only needed one thing.

“AZI?” called Hunter into the depths of the bar, ignoring Cid.

“Oh, it is you, CT-9901! You have returned to Ord Mantell at last,” said the odd little medical droid as he emerged from a back room with a case of drinks.

“AZI, we need you,” said Wrecker, stepping fully into the bar. The little body in his arms was unmistakable, and Hunter heard Cid’s heart stutter with shock.

AZI floated closer and peered down at Omega. His whole countenance screamed worry. The round lights of his visual receptors lit up as he did a med-scan.

“Oh no, Omega! She needs immediate medical attention,” said AZI in his oddly harried voice.

“Not in the middle of my bar you aren’t,” growled Cid.

Hunter stared her down, folding his arms and glaring. He knew that behind him Wrecker and Echo were fixing her with the same angry look. To her credit Cid stood her ground, not one to be pushed around by intimidation. Instead she rolled her eyes at them and jerked a thumb to the back room.

“Don’t get your panties in a knot, I got a spare cot in a room back there. I can keep yelling at you after you get Tiny sorted out.”

There was no time to take in the relief. AZI led the way through the cramped back of the parlour and into a small room with a cot. It looked rarely used. There was a coating of dust over the shelves and countless piles of old junk, but little of that mattered to Hunter right now. He gestured for Wrecker to put Omega on the bed and tried not to hover.

AZI wasted no time in peeling away her shirt to look at the wound and the bacta patches around it. The droid began to pick at the edges of one before stopping to look at the three clones.

“I believe this will go faster if I do not have an audience. While your concern for Omega is valid, none of you have had medical training, and your presence will only be a hinderance for the procedure.”

“We can help,” insisted Hunter.

“Hunter, there’s nothing we can do for her that can’t be handled by AZI. If he needs one of us, he’ll call,” said Echo with a hand on his shoulder.

Hunter let himself be steered out of the room back towards the bar and deposited on one of the barstools. Echo and Wrecker took up the seats on either side of him, whether in camaraderie or to make sure he stayed out of AZI’s way it was hard to tell.

Time passed oddly while they waited. Echo gave Cid the story and she gave them a round ‘on the house’. At some point Hunter realized Bolo and Ketch had cleared out and the door to the parlour shut. Through it all Hunter could hear the faint rhythm of Omega’s heart beating in the other room. As they waited Echo kept mentioning that he needed to tell Rex what happened but never quite managed to make it out of his chair, held in place by concern. When AZI returned all three of them were on their feet before he could even make it through the door.

“How is she?” asked Hunter.

“I am here to inform you that Omega is now sleeping peacefully and I anticipate her recover fully in a few days’ time. She has suffered a severe concussion, which will require rest and no screens to heal. She also suffered a puncture wound to her back, which has bled quite a bit but was not very deep. As well, she has a broken femur. I have reset the bone and applied bacta, as long as she stays off her feet while it heals she will be fine,” explained AZI as he trailed after Hunter towards Omega.

Hunter didn’t know what he was expecting. Omega still lay asleep on the cot, a hint of bandages peeking out over the collar of her shirt. There was a little chair, dusty and covered in the random detritus of the parlour in the room. Hunter pushed the stuff off and settled himself in at Omega’s side.

“I uh, should go tell Rex what happened,” said Echo quietly. This time he actually followed through on his words, as if the sight of Omega scared him away.

Hunter let him go with a nod. Rex did need to know, and Echo needed some time to sort himself out. They all did, but Hunter wasn’t going to leave Omega’s side until she woke up again. He took one of her hands in his own, feeling just how painfully small it was. Wrecker sat on the edge of her cot and looked at her like she would vanish if he glanced away.

“What do we do now,” asked Wrecker quietly.

There was a defeated look in Wrecker’s eyes. One that Hunter felt reflected in his own.

“We wait for Omega to get better, then head back to Pabu. We can stay there, try and make a life for us, for her,” said Hunter.

Saying the words aloud to Wrecker felt like a promise. They would heal, go back to Pabu, and try and carve out a life away from the Empire. They could have a funeral for Tech there. Omega could grow up without any more fear and truly be a kid for once. He saw the agreement on Wrecker’s face and knew they were on the same page. They just had to let Omega recover, and then they could be free of the Empire, forever.

[theswiftiearchive]

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) - Castles Crumbling (Taylor’s Version) [From The Vault] [feat. Hayley Williams]

"Castles Crumbling" is an emo ballad driven by haunting piano melodies that delve into the life of someone caught in the unforgiving spotlight. Swift enlisted Hayley Williams, the lead singer of rock band Paramore, to duet with her on the track. What helped this song come as far as it did?

Swift and Williams have fostered a deep-rooted friendship that traces its roots back to their formative teenage years. As Swift's star ascended in the realm of country music during the late 2000s, Paramore carved their own path in the pop-punk and emo landscapes.

Throughout their journeys, the two artists consistently championed each other. Their bond was showcased when they took the stage together during the Nashville stop of the Speak Now World Tour in 2011, delivering a performance of Paramore's "That's What You Get." Their support continued over the years, with Williams cameoing in Swift's star-studded "Bad Blood" music video.

Williams is also rumored to have been the inspiration behind Swift's song "Speak Now." Taylor told E! News in 2010 that "Speak Now" was inspired by a close friend who was in love with someone who was getting married to someone else. She didn't name the friend, but many fans believe it was Hayley Williams.

Both Swift and Williams have weathered the storm of superstardom since the late 2000s, battling the inevitable onslaught of criticism that accompanies fame. With "Castles Crumbling," Swift takes a gripping leap back to the turbulent year of 2010, when Speak Now burst onto the scene. Despite it being just her third album cycle, Swift had already witnessed the betrayal of the fickle public, who had a knack for abandoning young artists, especially young women.

I was held up so high, I used to be great

They used to cheer when they saw my face

Now, I fear I have fallen from grace

As Swift sculpted Speak Now, she faced an incessant barrage of scrutiny, with the media eagerly prying into her love life. Moreover, her daring transition from country darling to pop powerhouse was met with skeptics' raised eyebrows. The echoes of these trials and the raw emotions that fueled her lyrics reverberate fiercely in the opening verse, capturing the essence of that defiant era.

A castle, a symbol of royalty and grandeur, is a fitting metaphor for Taylor Swift's musical empire and her reputation, which is fortified by her unwavering army of Swifties and devoted supporters.

And I feel like my castle's crumbling down

And I watch all my bridges burn to the ground

Within this metaphorical stronghold, cracks begin to form. Swift's castle crumbles, mirroring the fractures in her relationships with those who once held her dear. This motif of the castle echoes throughout Swift's discography, finding its foothold even in the opening line of the Reputation track "Call It What You Want."

My castle crumbled overnight

I brought a knife to a gunfight

On the 1989 song "New Romantics," the lyric is reversed:

'Cause, baby, I could build a castle

Out of all the bricks they threw at me

In her verse, Hayley Williams indulges in nostalgic reflections of her past moments in the spotlight, echoing the song's overarching theme of losing the very fame one has painstakingly cultivated. We witness two women who have matured and thrived amid the relentless scrutiny of the public eye transport themselves back to the headspace of their early years in the spotlight. Swift and Williams, resilient and steadfast, have braved an unfair deluge of criticism, confronting the persistent shadows of misogyny that persist in certain corners of the industry.

Image Credit: Taylor Swift

I do not own the image, used with fair use in mind.

[beeloovedd]

Omg I love this

Reblogging instead of commenting so more people can see this if needed!

I tried to choose songs that capture almost a lot of what ghost is and their sounds!

I also chose a few from each album/EP

Songs I'd recommend for someone who's getting into ghost!

1. Ritual

An amazing song from the first album. Captures the more doom yet fun sound of ghost yet also having a few moments of scary growly voice. Has been performed at almost (if not all) concerts so far (No Music Video)

2. Con Clavi Con Dio

Another Song from the first album. A more harsher sounding song yet still absolutely amazing with more Growly parts. One of the songs with more audible backing/echoing vocals (No Music Video)

3. If You Have Ghosts

An absolutely amazing Cover from their first EP. Even Though it's not their original song I put it in because a lot of people reference it and their right. If you have Ghost you have everything (No Music Video)

4. Year Zero

A classic and an Icon from their second album. Worshipping lyrics and just a well known song from Ghost (performed at every Concert) (Music but not equivalent to the Lore, but be warned, You will get flashed its not as bad if you watch the censored version on youtube but You can still tell)

5. Monstrance Clock

A song from their second album that has a lot of what Ghost is. Whispers, Solos, Chanting, Worshipping, Beautiful Choir. Not performed in concerts often (it's been YEARS since last time unfortunately but still an amazing song even if I have to watch recordings of past concerts ✊) (No Music Video)

6. From the Pinnacle To The Pit

An Amazing song from their Third Album. Captures the "Scooby Doo" sound of ghost, the harsher sound and the lighter sound of ghost. Sometimes Performed Live At Certain Shows (Music Video)

7. Cirice

A classic Grammy Winning song from their Third Album. Amazing guitar, Heavier and Beautiful lyrics. I thought the name of this song was Circle for the longest time lol. Performed Every Concert. Music Video but not equivalent to the Lore

8. Square Hammer

Another Classic. From their Third Album, One of Ghosts most iconic and well known songs. Amazing guitar, amazing chorus, amazing everything. The lyrics from this song is the name of the movie (Right here right now / Rite Here Rite Now). Fun Fact: This song was originally made just because Tobais needed an opener song for the album and something that'd sound good live. Performed Every Concert. Music Video Lore Related

9. Mummy Dust

An amazing Song That captures a more Heavier sound of ghost with the growly vocals, Heavy Guitar and General Beat. Another Amazing Keyboard / Keytar Solo. Performed Every Concert usually with Golden Confetti and Sometimes Mummy Bucks (No Music Video)

9. Rats

An amazing song from their Fourth album. An introduction to Cardinal Copia. A fun and iconic song with an amazing music video of Cardinal Copia dancing and getting a horse

10. Faith

Not really a song where it's like OMG YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO GET THE LORE but it's my favorite so I'm adding it. An amazing and more heavier (they're heaviest song I think) song that's like a diss track to ex band members (that's a whole other story). No official Music Video but a Visual Lyric video (I think it's funny how the visualizer video is about lobotomys since it's basically a disstrack lmao)

11. Life Eternal

I love this song. A beautiful and definitely more sad and lighter song from their fourth album. No words or comments, I love it and have (and will again) cry to it. Not performed in concerts anymore. Music video has a bit of lore in it

12. Call Me Little Sunshine

A heavier (kinda) song from their Fifth album. Beautiful guitar and lyrics. Always performed in concert. Music video yes

13. Twenties

A different sounding song (my friend said it sounds like pirate music lmao) from their Fifth album. A song about empires and the rise of empires. Not performed in concerts (was performed at the LA shows/The movie shows)

14. Darkness at the heart of my love

No lore details I just love this song and the ending is my favorite. A beautiful song from their Fifth album

15. Respite on the Spitalfields

A beautiful song from their Fifth album. A song with a beautiful solo and choir. Again, I have cried and will continue to cry to this song. The song captures what impera is about and this final song is about the fall of empires (and Jack the ripper lol)

And that's it!

Here's a Spotify link of all the songs and a few more lol

Any lore or music questions just ask! I've been hyper fixating on Ghost lol

so i just started getting into ghost and could anyone recommend me some songs to start with because i am so confused

[holyfruitsnax]

Hidden In Plain Sight

Warnings: Cursing, Violence, Guns, Angst-ish?, Fluff, Smut (Later Chapters), Possible bad writing? Def not proofread.

Pairing: Mob!Tom Holland x Detective!Reader 

Summary: The Hollands have built their empire for years and now a young detective wants to take them down. In a world where Tom figured it would be kill or be killed, He’ll soon find that maybe, just maybe...She can be convinced.

Y/N: Your Name  Y/L/N: Your Last Name

  The sound of your gun clinking in its holster echoed throughout the room as your eyes scanned for any clues they could find. “Man, are we sure this is the right place? I mean... I trust your judgement y/l/n but...this place looks like it’s been abandoned for a while.” Hugh furrowed his brows shining his flashlight while gesturing to the ragged furniture and family photos seeming to be left behind. “That’s what they want us to think Greene.” You sighed giving your partner a glance before shining your light in another direction. “Called the landlord. This place was owned by a Mrs. Gertrude Lightwood.” you couldn’t help the concerned look on your face. “Sure, most of this is hers...but she’s been in a nursing home for years. Do you honestly think this is her mess?” you kicked a few old beer bottles around for emphasis. Hugh’s head dropped shaking a little, “No...No I suppose not...” His British accent thick with the same concern shown on your own face.

“You think it’s them?” Hugh leaned against the kitchen countertop, asking a question he knew the answer to.

“I know it is.”

  You’d only been a detective for a short amount of time, but you’d surely proven yourself with a knack for research. At the ripe age of 20, you’d solved your first case just about all on your own. The department paired you up with Hugh since the beginning of your career, now the slightly portly old man seemed like the only family you had since moving to London. The current case? Thought to be a band of misfit teens, turned out to be a link to one of the largest mafia’s London has to offer. The Hollands, their power is deep seeded in SouthWest London. No one dared to touch a part of their case, that is until now. Hugh figured you’d gone mad when you offered to take them head on, but he’d help none the less.

  “Well...Let’s get going before the sun comes up. No telling if or when they’ll come back.” The white haired man clapped a large hand upon your shoulder. “I could go for Greggs right about now.” He smiled wide making you smile in return. The two of you walked out of the old townhouse and heading into the car. “I think they know we’re onto them.” you stated while bucking up. Hugh nodded “Probably. You don’t keep up with something like this for so long if you aren’t good at hiding it. No one even knows what these people look like, only guesses.” He pointed out and took off towards their favorite breakfast place. “Hey..That’s not bad..” you smirked jotting down something on your little notepad using a cute pen with a duck at the top Hugh had gotten you a year ago. “What?” Hugh’s eyes darted over confused “Oh don’t start with this shi-”

“I’m just saying!” you laughed, pleased with his reaction. “What if they’re not hidden...or better yet.” you winked. “Hidden in plain sight?”

  “You’re due for the looney bin any day now y/n!” Hugh laughed parking in front of Greggs, you only chuckled and shrugged back. The little breakfast shop was full, but it is eight am on a Wednesday morning. your detective side was still in high gear, making sure to memorize every face you could since the stake out house hadn’t been very far away. Over at a table buried away in a corner sat a group of young men. A tall blonde with striking blue eyes, a shorter curly red head and a grumpy looking brunette. What a group. Hugh Ordered for you both, opting to chat with the cook rather than join your speculation. you took a seat at a table not too far but not too close to the group of men, scrolling through your phone to seem as though you were minding her business. That is until you locked eyes with a chestnut brown pair.

  “Psst!” a sharp kick to the shin pulled Tom from fiddling with the many golden rings adorning his fingers. “Ow! That hurt asshole.” Tom hissed reaching down to rub where Harry had abused him. “Cops.” Haz stated quietly as to not draw attention their way, which was always a difficult feat seeing that Tom ultimately looked like a mob boss. “We’re fine, just keep your cool. Try not to be an idiot and they’ll move along.” Tom hummed clasping his hands together so he could rest his chin atop his bruised knuckles. His eyes found you sat at a table playing on your phone, He couldn’t quite tell your age but, he knew you were young, around his age maybe? He didn’t recognize you though. Tom couldn’t help but swoon at the way your hair framed your tired face perfectly, eyes holding a bit of dark color beneath them. He must’ve been staring too long, seeing that your eyes flicked up just in time to meet his own. Boy was Tom enthralled, but the interaction was short lived as his brother and best friend tugged him out of the shop.

  “What was that about?” Hugh muffled out through a bite of his breakfast sandwich. “I....I don’t know..” you for once felt stuck so, you opted to eat your breakfast instead of talking. “Those boys sure did look flashy.” Hugh pointed over towards the table the group had previously been sat. You nodded giving a content hum “Maybe, but we can’t just jump to conclusions. Maybe they’re just rich.” Hugh snorted a little at your sudden halt on the whole ‘It could be anyone’ idea. “Why don’t we rest up, you give me a call if you catch anything new and I’ll do the same? Sound good?” He slapped his cap back atop his head crumpling up a food wrapper. “Good to me.” you confirmed standing up from your seat to say goodbye to Hugh before walking the short distance back to your apartment.

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

  The day had gone by and shifted London into darkness, but lights and music still boomed on for the drinkers, dancers, and all of the above to enjoy. Tom would be one of them if he wasn’t getting his ass chewed out. “You mean to tell me after being told police were on their way to your hideout, you chose to go eat breakfast in the middle of fucking town?!” Dom yelled down at the three boys. “Yeah well we were hungr- I’m sorry.” Harry’s head hung in shame, Haz stood tall and calm whilst Tom’s face begin to turn red. “You’re the one who can’t handle his own fucking dirty work! It’s your guy we’re after, why didn’t you go and sit in an old run down house that smelled like mothballs for hours to watch some guy’s house? Oh RIGHT because you’re the boss of course!” He laughed deep in his chest. The rest of the family backed away but kept watching, Dom and Tom are like dynamite together it just takes one to be the match that strikes the others fuse.

  “Correct! I am the boss, so you will listen to me or you’ll suffer just the same as that man will when I get my hands on him.” Dom growled, gripping Tom by his white button up. “I can’t believe you’re the one I’m passing this shit down to..” He puffed letting Tom go due to Nikki’s pleas. Tom’s courage faltered at his father’s insult, it felt like a low blow. “Yeah...Whatever..” He huffed back fixing his jacket. Dom lit a cigar sitting next to his wife waiting for the explosion. “Now Tom, why don’t you take off your shoes and have a seat. You know your father didn’t mean that- He just gets that way.” She smiled patting the couch. Tom felt a heavy, sickly, almost guilty heat rise to his chest. He’d have to deal with that feeling the only way he knew how, to cover it up with something else. “You know what. I’m sick of being treated second hand by him, I’m sure everyone else does too!“ He seethed beginning to push insults towards Dom. Rage was like an illness to Tom, so easy to fall back to. Before Dom could shout anything back Tom grabbed the nearest lamp and tossed it against the wall with a loud crash. “I’m- I’M FUCKING GETTING OUT OF HERE, FUCK THIS HOUSE, AND FUCK YOU DOM” Tom shouted. He didn’t hear footsteps following him, so he didn’t look back.

  The thumping of his heart in his ears had been replaced by music with thick bass. Making his way into his family’s bar Tom found a table with ease. “Woahhhh...Rough night?” Skips, the main bar tender around the places laughed only to shut down the second he met Tom’s killer gaze. “I’ll just...Leave this here.” Skips practically yelped setting down a bottle of whiskey while he ran off to get a glass and ice. Tom popped the top off the bottle of expensive whiskey downing a few chugs before slamming it down on the table again. His outburst was starting to become hard not to notice but if you wanted to keep your eyes, you’d act like you didn’t even if you did.

  That is unless that someone is you. You’d found your way into the bar confident there would be evidence of anything from the Holland in there, it is their side of town after all. Deciding to blend in a bit and to purely have some fun you joined in on the dance floor scooting through the crowd trying to get to the bar. Suddenly a large man in a suit stood before you. “Uh..excuse me if I could just slip-” “My friend asked for you at his table.” The large man oddly enough was the sweetest person you’d met all night. “Uhm..” You turned your head in the direction the man pointed in and froze. The guy from Greggs this morning. “Thank you!” you smiled calmly, making your way over to the brunette. Your eyes couldn’t help but drop as he leaned forward and unbuttoned his shirt enough to expose his toned chest while sending you a smirk.

  “Hello Darling! I thought I recognized you~” Tom teased, obviously a bit buzzed from chugging whiskey. “Yeah, breakfast this morning..um. I didn’t catch your name however-” “Tom.” He spoke immediately taking two glasses pouring whiskey for them both and slid a coke your way. “Nice to meet you Tom, I’m not much of a drinker.” You cleared your throat a little. “Well for tonight, maybe you should?” He nodded pushing your glass closer towards you. Why the hell not? “Okay, Tom. What exactly..” “Your name Darling.” He smiled sipping at his own drink. “Y/n.” You swirled your cup around a little before drinking half of it to ease your nerves. Why was this guy messing with your nerves? “Pretty~” Tom’s voice deepened and his eyes darked while raking over your figure. You’d chosen a tight red dress that showed just enough cleavage for most, but not enough for Tom

  Tom watched as you finished your first drink and drank a little coke while he poured you both another. Thirty minutes became an hour, an hour became two and before you knew it you and Tom were on the dancefloor together. His firm hands gripped tightly at your hips keeping you close in the dancing crowd as the two of you grinded together. “You’re fun!” You drunkenly laughed wrapping your arms around Tom’s neck. “That’s what I like to hear Darling!” He grinned dipping his head down so his nose brushed yours. Your mouth fell open slightly and everything seemed to slow down. What were you doing. “There is of course...” Tom slid a hand up your body grabbing your chin with his thumb and index finger, the cooling effect of his rings against your warm skin made you shiver. “Something else I’d love to hear you say as well.” He tisked leading you towards the back of the bar. “And what’s that?” You raise a brow, tilting your head making Tom pull his bottom lip between his teeth. The next thing you knew you were in a private area and Tom pulled two red curtains shut before turning back to face you. “Daddy.”