#tbb echo fan fic

[skellymom]

"SMASH AND GRAB"

"THE BAD BATCH FEM READER X HUNTER/ECHO ACTION/ANGST FAN FIC"

Angsty angst between the reader (mildly Force sensitive/empath-nothing super powerful), a lover and a friend regarding the fate of the squad. Someone needs to listen and realize there is more than one future for Clone FAMILY 99.

BE PUNK.  DO CRIME.  FIGHT FACISM. 

Background: Love is hard and I wanted to capture a relationship that is trying to survive in a time of chaos and oppression. Where nothing is a sure bet, and the thought of losing loved ones is terrifying and a real possibility. How long can CF99 stay hidden on Ord Mantell? The reader experiences a sense of dread that their sanctuary may not last long.

...with a little Punk shenanigans thrown in to show the Fascists just WHO they are kriffin' around with!

Y'all, this started as a fun romp in Punk Crime...then got REAL deep. Couldn't help the word count. The story just kind wrote itself.

Note: This story hints at a possible LOVE TRIANGLE. Not extremely apparent. But those of you who code Hunter as "The Boyfriend" and code Echo as "The Close Friend" might see it. Also, Passion and Practicality as dramatic opposites.

Those of you who wish to NOT SEE A LOVE TRIANGLE. Please just read this dynamic as a caring lover vs a caring friend. Hopefully it's ambiguous enough for EVERYONE.

People who aren't particularly fond of Hunter's character arc while on Ord Mantell during S2 of the actual series will LOVE that I pick on him a bit in this fic.

Word Count: 3.5K

WARNING: Star Wars Canon Violence, someone is stabbed in shoulder w/no mention of blood, blood smear on a bottle, fear, angst, maybe mild swearing, briefly implied sex in one sentence.

(Credit: Cool moving star dividers by @4ngelic-wh1spers )

“Aww...” Omega kicked the dirt and hung her head...twisting the pendant around her neck. 

“Sorry kiddo.  We just...don’t have the credits.”  I shrugged feeling defeated. 

She gave one last glance at the chocolate bar, nodded and shuffled off to the next vendor’s stand. 

“Hey.”  Getting the attention of the vendor who owned the stand.  “Would you take 2 credits instead of 3?  For the kid??”  Pointing in Omega’s direction.   

It was worth a try. 

“Come back when ya got the credits...or DON’T come back AT ALL!”  The vendor waved me away from their stand.’ 

“Geez, you don’t have to be so RUDE about it!”  I shot back as I left to catch up with Omega. 

The vendor yelled after me “YOU PEOPLE...always wanting a handout!  Glad the Empire is cleaning up the planets in this system.  SICK OF YOUR KIND!” 

I waved back to him with a very specific hand signal... 

Being poor sucks. 

We’ve been scraping by since working for Cid on Ord Mantell.  Hunter and I have been talking about taking the squad and bailing soon... 

...after the NEXT job. 

We’ve been talking about this for a while.  But it’s always about the NEXT job...even if that was the last job we just did. 

He’s scared to leave and face the unknown.   

It’s the devil he knows.  And, somehow, it’s a kind of unfavorable comfort. 

But I HATE that Cid holds shit over our heads constantly. 

It’s making me seethe.  Making me resent my scared lover a bit.  And it breaks my heart that Omega can’t be a child... 

If Crosshair was here, he’d have set shit straight right away... 

But The Empire took him away from us. 

Echo agrees with me and tries to reason with Hunter. 

Tech gets sidetracked with everything going on. 

Wrecker, ever the supportive sibling goes along for the ride. 

Omega falls in with them too.  It’s all an adventure for her... 

Until it’s not.  And, I’m worried that’s going to be very soon. 

I can feel it.   

Every day SOMETHING is getting closer. 

And, I itch to escape this planet.   

But I WON’T go without them.  Life is nothing without them ALL. 

My opinion: We ALL can do better somewhere else.  Somewhere that WON’T have us living hand to mouth. 

But we MUST leave Ord Mantell. Or we’ll never know what the future might hold for us. 

ANOTHER mission for Cid.  And this one requiring that I and Omega stay behind for “safety reasons.” 

Hunter’s words, not mine. 

And this time Echo spoke up “The fact that we are leaving them behind means it’s time for us to terminate Cid’s employ.” 

“Where would we go?  Cid was YOUR contact, remember.”  Hunter shot back. 

Echo nodded across the room to me “She can FEEL it.  I believe her that we don’t have much time left.  Can’t you feel it too???” 

Hunter sat down wearily and sighed.  “EVERYTHING has been a blur since losing Crosshair...”  Putting his hand to his brow “Been missing a LOT lately.” 

Omega is sitting next to me.  I can see the panic in her eyes.  “Why are they arguing?” 

“Because they love us.  And, making decisions for the ones you love is difficult.”  I didn’t want to tell Omega that these men who normally have such a close camaraderie are only openly arguing because they are AFRAID.  The dynamic in our squad is starting to break down.  She’s seen and been through enough.  I try to shield her from what I can when I can. 

Tech and Wrecker weighed in on the situation...which now REALLY doesn’t help. 

Their voices rose higher.  I don’t hear the words anymore.  Just FEEL the emotions behind them: accusations, defensiveness, declarations to fight the Empire, plans to score big one last time and retire for good... 

I can’t sit here anymore.  Gently took Omega’s hand, leading her out of Cid’s Parlor with the lure of a “window shopping” to blow off steam.  Basically poor-person's shopping. 

She stops at the doorway, looking up at me.  So many emotions on her face.  “Shouldn't we tell them where we’re going?”  Omega remembers the last time she stepped out without checking in. 

I survey the loud debate between four grown men...four grown men who are scared, unsure boys who never had to live this way before.  My heart went out to every one of them.  I tried to tell them, to contribute to this discussion...so many times.  But they defer to two polar opposites with nothing in-between: 

Stay and keep working for Cid, hoping to eventually get ahead...then go retire on some fictional planet with a slim hope the Empire will never find us. 

Or, leave Ord Mantell forever and fly away with false fantasies of a battle leading to victory while heading right into the belly of the BEAST. 

“They won’t notice.”  It wasn’t the best answer...but I was mentally and emotionally exhausted.  “We’ll be back before then...” 

Omega, not totally buying my reply, still relented... 

But not without an unsure glance behind her at her brother’s grousing. 

Apparently...they DID notice. 

“Just where did you both go???”  Hunters concerned and frustrated face met us as we descended the stairs. 

I could see Echo across the room sitting at the bar “pretending” not to pay attention to our conversation. 

“Omega and I wanted to skip the big multi-person argument.” I cooly clapped back. 

He relaxed after seeing Omega with a big smile on her face. 

Then tensed up after she told him why she’s smiling:   

“Hunter, I met a Wino tonight.  He smells funny, but he does fantastic magic tricks!” 

Then she skipped away to see what Tech had on his datapad.  Wrecker handed her a fizzy kiddy beverage dressed up with a slice of Meileroon on the rim. 

Hunter gave me a... face.  The kind he gives me when I have some explaining to do. 

“What?” 

He sighed. 

“Please use your words.” 

“Ok.  DON’T leave without telling us where you are going.  Double if Omega is with you.” 

“Sure thing, Sergeant.” Then I turned and walked away.  Settling in the furthest corner of the bar to be alone. 

Hunter shook his head and scoffed.  Strolled defeatedly back to the bar, then gave Tech a slight bump on the shoulder.  Tech immediately slid off the stool and followed Hunter into Cid’s empty office...and shut the door. 

I leaned back into the sofa and closed my eyes.  I felt so exhausted... 

A few minutes later a warm hand patted my shoulder.  I opened my eyes. 

Echo set down a drink on the table beside me.  “Glad you and Omega are back.  We get worried sometimes.  Things are getting...complicated and dangerous.  He’s...WE are ALL looking out for you both.” 

He walked away and entered Cid’s office, closing the door behind him. 

Kriff...they DEFINITELY are planning ANOTHER mission... 

Put it all out of my mind and settled in to watch Wrecker and Omega play several rounds of “KABOOM!”  It’s a chaotic card game Wrecker made up to keep Omega busy.  She loves Dejarik, but Wrecker tires of it easily.  KABOOM! is really an old card deck CF99 has carried with them forever, and Wrecker has scrawled writing all over them with his own “game script.” 

“KABOOM!” Omega yells after she picks a particular marked card.  Then throws her hand up into the air to symbolize an explosion... 

Kaboom indeed...hopefully not us and not anytime soon...but the cards will fall wherever they may...I have no control over them. 

“Hey...” Smoky whisper in my ear. 

I open my eyes and see Hunter hovering over me.  His eyes are soft and loving while he runs his fingers though my hair.  I’m covered with a blanket and there’s a pillow under my head.  The game room is empty, silent, and dark. 

“How long have I been out?” 

“Couple hours.”  Then he plants a kiss on my forehead.  “Apologies for earlier today.” 

“Accepted.  I could have handled that interaction better myself...” 

“No...I’ve...got to get my shit together.”   

“I won’t argue with that.” I snicker. 

He smiles.  It’s been SO long since I’ve seen him do that.  My heart aches for a time before this one...a simpler time for all of us. 

His expression switches to a forlorn one... 

“You’re leaving soon...” 

“Yes.  But I promise it’s the LAST mission for Cid.  EVER.” 

“I recall you’ve said that before.” I grumped, attempting to get up from the couch. 

“But this time I MEAN it.”  He grabs my hand and I stop. 

He drops something cold into my palm and the chain it’s attached to trails out of his hand.  Then he cups his hand affectionately under mine. 

It’s a necklace.  The pendant a shard of deep green meteorite Hunter and I had witnessed impacting a planet when we first kissed.  How’s that for symbolism?  When it finally cooled, he snuck back to the site, fishing it out and surprised me with this as a gift.  Carried in my pockets for forever...until recently I thought it had been lost.   

“You got sneaky there, Bandana.” 

“Tech set it so you can wear it.  It’s made of the metal that doesn’t irritate your skin...that doesn’t sound very romantic...does it?”  Hunter grimaced. 

I snort and it elicits a chuckle from him.  “For most people, probably not.  But I deeply appreciate the gesture.  Also, the practicality.  Thanks.”  His words may falter, but I can FEEL the intensity of his emotions in this moment.  The depth of his affection and devotion. 

He lovingly takes the necklace from my hand and clasps it around my neck.  I lift the blanket and Hunter crawls in next to me on the sofa. 

“I love you so much Y/N. Have a hard time showing it sometimes...please understand I just want the best for us...” 

I shush him with my finger to his lips.  “I love you too, Hunter...and I struggle in the same way.  Let’s call a truce...for tonight.” 

He nods and I kiss him...kiss him with all the fire and passion that I cannot say with words.  He answers my love language in kind.  We heat up that sofa like nothing it’s ever seen before. 

That fateful day I’ve been worried about finally came... 

An Imperial Class Venator loomed over the city. 

So large, it blocked out part of the sun. 

White armored stormtroopers, dispatched to the planet swarmed Ord Mantell.  They kicked in doors and terrorized the locals. 

Were they searching for us?  Or just taking over the planet, like so many others in the galaxy? 

“Havoc 1, do you copy?” Echo tries to comm Hunter... 

Nothing. 

“Empire is jamming all ground communications.” He sneered. 

Omega and I sat crouched across from Echo under a vendor table.  The tablecloth kept us hidden. 

Today was our day to shop for supplies.  Of course, Echo tagged along.  If Hunter wasn’t with us, it would always be Echo.     

I was already a bundle of nerves that my “bad feeling” came true.  Echo’s presence helped me keep it hidden around Omega. 

“Oh NO!”  Omega started to fret.  “Maybe they’ve been captured?  How will they find us?  We’ll be separated!” The fear rising in her voice made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. 

I put my arm around her, giving a firm squeeze.  “Don’t worry, Hunter and Tech probably got it under control.  And Wrecker will smash heads.” 

“Yeah, kiddo what Y/N said.”  Echo put a calm face on it.  

He knew something I didn’t...I could FEEL it. 

“We need to get to them!” Omega whispered 

“No Havoc 5.  We’re sitting tight.  They’ll find us.”  Echo winked. 

He DID know something... 

“Out with it, Echo.” 

“What?” His expression innocent. 

“What do YOU know that Omega and I don’t?” 

“Nothing...” Smiling with that shit eating grin if his.  Sassy, yet charming. 

Omega and I glance at one another.  Then glare at Echo. 

“Hey, I was sworn to secrecy.”  His expression turned from mild to hardened soldier as the sound of marching feet rounded the corner of the vendor’s square. 

Echo silently pulled his weapon...having it on the ready. 

They stopped next to our table. 

“FREEZE Civilian!  Come out with your hands up!!!” 

All three of us froze, staring at one another. 

Echo had a look...like he was ready to kill whoever was out there... 

Omega put both hands over her mouth.  Her eyes wide in abject fear. 

I squeezed her closer to me... 

The trooper violently kicked over the table... 

...next to us. 

A man’s scream rang out and continued to do so as they beat and kicked him. 

We recognized the voice.  It was the local street wino.  Nice man...just liked his Spotchka a bit TOO much. 

“Evading Emperial soldiers is a crime Civilian...so is stealing.” 

The wino’s bottle of unopened Spotchka rolled under the table, stopping to rest against my knee... 

...blood smeared across it. 

A trooper’s hand groped under the tablecloth for the bottle. 

Omega mewled in terror quietly behind her hands.  

Echo readjusted the grip on his weapon. 

I silently pulled the small vibro dagger from my belt... 

...hovering it over the groping hand. 

“LEAVE IT!”  Another trooper barked at the one reaching for the bottle. 

“I’VE ALMOST GOT IT!”  He crankily barked back. 

The hand hovered over the bottle... 

Then suddenly gripped my leg and yanked me out from under the table! 

The trooper seemed shocked at what he pulled out.  He crouched there staring dumbly at me.  I lay in the dust stunned... 

...for a split second... 

Then I viciously stabbed him in the shoulder. 

The trooper screamed.  Echo knocked the table over and opened fired on the rest of the Imps.  He laid them all to rest efficiently. 

But our cover was blown. 

I pulled my dagger from the dead trooper, sheathing it. 

The wino, bloody and battered, staggered to his feet. 

“THERE THEY ARE!!!” 

All of us turned to see the vendor from the other day pointing in our direction.  He was standing at his stall with a HUGE satisfied grin on his face. 

More imps passed him running toward us.  The wino found his feet and fled quickly from the scene. 

To add insult to injury, the vendor felt the need to keep speaking... 

“WARNED YOU THE EMPIRE IS CLEANING UP THE GALAXY!  YOU PEOPLE DON’T DESERVE TO LIVE...” 

The roar of an engine overhead thankfully drowned out the rest. 

Tech fired the Marauder’s cannons into the crowd of Imps, decimating them.  Then swooped in lower to pick us up. 

Echo grabbed Omega’s hand, and before she could be whisked away, she pushed something cold and hard into my hand... 

The bottle of Spotchka...opened...with a strip of the torn tablecloth stuffed into it... 

A makeshift wick. 

Did I mention how much I LOVE THAT LITTLE HOOLIGAN! 

The vendor locked eyes with me.  His hateful stare...all the horrible things he said to us while on Ord Mantell...his lack of empathy for our plight...his open contempt for the poor...outcasts...those that don’t fit into HIS version of society...his alliance with The Empire...the unyielding hand of power beating down EVERYONE in the galaxy... 

RIGHTOUS ANGER welled up within me... 

We kept eye contact as I calmly pulled the small torch from my belt. 

And lit the wick. 

Then smiled at that kriffing piece of Bantha waste. 

The haughty expression left his face damned quick...and he turned tail and ran. 

I chucked that Flaming Bottle of Rebellion as hard as I possibly could and ran towards the ship.  The explosion rang out as I reached the Marauder, pushing me backwards onto the gangplank. 

All manner of debris rained down from the sky. 

And... for some STRANGE reason, I reached out to catch one particular piece... 

...just a FEELING...a hunch...some random, strange reflex...no thinking involved whatsoever... 

My arms enclosed around it...as it slammed squarely into my midsection, knocking the wind out of me... 

I gasped for air... 

Barely registering Hunter reaching out and yanking me into the Marauder... 

The flight away from Ord Mantell was ROCKY with extremely heavy space traffic! 

Tech navigated through all manner of passenger and cargo ships around the planet trying to escape being captured by the Empire.  Echo at his side assisting with hyperspace jump codes. 

Just the thing we needed to get away undetected...for now. 

Hunter rubbed my back as I struggled to breathe.  Finally, I got my wind back, then looked down at what hit me in the gut. 

A FULL unopened box of exported Coruscant designer chocolate bars. 

“Huh...sometimes that Force stuff really does work out.”  I muttered.  “OMEGA!” 

She ran over. 

"Here ya go, kiddo.”  Handing her the whole box.  “Btw...thanks for the Spotchka Cocktail.” 

She smiled like a fox in an Endorian henhouse and ran away with the box.  I could hear Wrecker’s excited voice as he helped her open it. 

I gently fell back and relaxed against Hunter’s chest, exhaling away all the stress. 

He put his arms around me, inhaling the scent of my hair. 

“Hey?” 

“Hmmm?”  He hummed into my hair. 

“How did you know EXACTLY where we were?” 

His hand slowly snaked up and tapped the keepsake necklace around my neck. 

“You...have a TRACKER on...ME???”  I glanced over to the necklace around Omega’s neck. 

“Uh huh.” Tracing a heart shape slowly against the skin of my chest. 

He didn’t even have to look up from nuzzling my hair.  Hunter KNEW I understood Omega was also carrying one as well. 

I glanced across the Marauder to Echo. 

“YOU LITTLE MECHANICAL SHIT!” I teased. 

“Of course.  You wouldn’t expect anything less?”  He smirked, then swung his chair around to converse with Tech. 

“So...you put a bell and collar on us BOTH?” I addressed Hunter. 

“For safety reasons only.  Can’t have anything bad happening to our girls.”  He caressed my face.  “Originally it was only for Omega...you know...her wandering off problem.  Just couldn’t cope if we lost you both...” 

I sat up to turn around and face him.  Putting his face in my hands. 

“Hunter, we’re finally free from Cid and Ord Mantell.  But I’m upset it took something like THIS for us to leave.  I’ve been asking for MONTHS!” 

Behind me I could FEEL Echo turning his attention back to us.  FEEL him nodding in agreement with my statement.  Almost FEEL him thinking “We got lucky this time.” 

Hunter’s eyes flicked up to Echo, then back to me. 

“You’re BOTH right.  I’m sorry.  Bad at this civilian business.  I’ll do better in the future...we have one now.” 

“Except for the Empire...” Echo clapped back. 

Hunter’s eyes flicked back up to Echo.  He nodded, slight defeat on his face. 

“HUNTER.”  I implored.  His eyes focused back on me.  “PROMISE me we’ll stay off the radar for a while...and make our OWN way as much as possible.” 

“I promise.” 

“PROMISE that you will LISTEN to me when I give you my input about what I sense and think.  I’m an important part of this squad...oh let’s stop saying that...FAMILY! 

Hunter waited...I felt him SENSING that I wasn’t done speaking.  Was he finally getting his senses back??? 

“AND STOP STONEWALLING ME!  It’s disrespectful.  I’m a grown woman and your partner...hopefully for the long run...but it WON’T be if you don’t respect me and start having the harder conversations.” 

Ouch...I could see that cut deep.  What I said wasn’t hurtful.  Hunter was recognizing his mistake.   He was really listening to my brutal honesty.  

“And...STOP beating yourself up...that’s MY job!” 

He raised an eyebrow. 

I finished...and could FEEL the weight of several pairs of eyes on us.  Everyone else in the ship was watching my and Hunter’s interaction. 

Hunter and I met every pair of eyes in the place.  

“No arguing with her AT ALL!  She’s RIGHT.”  Echo smirked and turned back towards the Marauder's dash.   

"Agreed.”  Tech following suit. 

“Let’s let them work it out, eh?”  Wrecker put his hand on Omega’s shoulder.  

Ever astute, Omega nodded, then took her box of chocolates and went to the gunner’s loft with Wrecker. 

Hunter stared into my eyes with a clarity that I had only witnessed BEFORE our arrival to Ord Mantell “I’ve been neglecting you...and our relationship too.”  He sighed.  “If you would rather go off with Echo and run missions for the resistance, I wouldn't blame you.”  

“It’s true that I may not want to totally settle down on some back-alley planet.  But then, I’m certainly not ready to run off and wage war with a huge oppressive regime just yet, ok?  Maybe something in-between.  I’m not an all or nothing kind of gal.” 

Hunter nodded and glanced briefly at Echo again.  Then back to me. 

“It’s true...I DO love him.”  I revealed. 

Hunter’s face showed a very brief, very hurt micro expression. 

“But It’s true that I love YOU too.  And I love Omega, Wrecker, and Tech... I still love Crosshair...wherever he is.  I love you all so much sometimes it hurts.  Love you all so much, that I can’t leave you even though I could feel the Empire closing in on us...” 

“We don’t leave our own behind...” Hunter whispered. 

“Never.”  I answered.  “Let’s work on being a family that can come together and plan our future...ok?  If you and I DON’T plan our future, we won’t ever have one.  Does that answer your question?” 

“Completely.” Hunter’s voice cracked. 

I put my arms around Hunter and held him close.  

Then we quietly contemplated what the future would hold...and where we would go next. 

Not before catching Echo’s expression and FEELING the words behind it: 

You’re brave...and I’m very PROUD of you! 

PLEASE like, comment, and/or REBLOG!

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[beskarthief]

Chapter 12 of the Star Wars fic "Order 65". The rest can be found here.

19 BBY, Coruscant, Coruscant Underworld

 Rex was surprised to see the Senator back so soon. After hearing her talk about… him and all the watchful eyes up top, he’d expected her to stay away, at least for a little while. Lay low and offer the risky business of ferrying them supplies to one of her guards.

 Rex smiled a bit at the sight of her carrying crates onto the ship. Sometimes he forgot there were still good ones out there; willing to get their hands dirty and do their share of the work. 

 “Captain!” Chuchi called, catching sight of him as he stepped off his own ship. She set the crate she’d been carrying down with a small grunt of effort, wiping the back of one hand across her forehead. “Was your mission a-” 

 She broke off as Howzer and the others came into view behind him, following Rex down the ramp and into the landing bay. Her smile widened, and Rex let the elation of a successful mission buoy him for a moment.

 “Things are looking up, Senator.” he said. “Drixx’s intel was right. And we might have gotten another lead.” 

 Rex nodded to Echo, who was still clutching the data stick in his hand. 

 “We’ve got somebody who can crack this, no problem.” Rex told her. “At this rate we might actually be able to take the fight to the Empire.”

 “I knew you’d be able to.” Chuchi smiled, hefting the crate up again as she turned to Howzer and the others. “I’ll get this inside and then I’ll get out some food. You all must be famished.”

As she hurried off to finish loading the transport, Rex turned back to the others, offering to help them down the ramp and guiding them over to a clear spot on the floor of the bay where they could rest.

 “Some setup you’ve got here, Rex.” Howzer said, looking around.

 “Empire might think it's through with us, but they’ve got no idea what’s coming.”

 “Well, I know I for one am ready to take the fight to those bastards.” Howzer shook his head. “Half my men gone to who knows where because we didn’t turn on our own and the people we fought beside.”

 He sighed “I thought this war was over, Rex.”

 “Starting to think wars don’t end.” Rex said with a sigh of his own, sitting beside him and leaning back against one of the crates. “They just change faces.”

 “Maybe.” Howzer said, watching as Chuchi offered food to what remained of his men. “But at least we’re not alone in the fight. Maybe it could end. If we do it right.”

 “We were never alone.”

 “I’m not talking about our brothers.”

 “Neither am I.” Rex replied. “The Jedi-”

 “The Jedi betrayed us.”

 Images of General Skywalker and Commander Tano flashed through Rex’s mind. “They didn’t. They would never. You don’t know them like I do.”

 “Then where are they, Rex?” Howzer asked, and Rex couldn’t argue with that. “Even if they didn’t betray us, they abandoned us.”

 “We didn’t give them much of a choice.”

 They lapsed into silence, Rex’s thoughts wandering to where his general might be. He knew he was alive out there, somehow. It didn’t matter that he’d been on Coruscant when the temple was destroyed; General Skywalker was fine. For them to stand a chance, he had to be.

 In the end, they all settled in fine. It wasn’t long before Howzer and the others were helping to load the transport with supplies; getting everything ready for the transfer to the new base. Rex couldn’t help but think about what Howzer had said, though. Where were the Jedi? He refused to think they’d have abandoned them. That they really thought the clones who had fought loyally beside them for so long could turn on them in an instant. They must have known, he thought. The way Ahsoka had known. Known that something was wrong. That this wasn’t them.

 But if they knew, then where were they?

 Rex didn’t want to think about the alternative. That maybe there really were no Jedi left.

 “Captain?” a tap on his arm pulled Rex back into the present, and he turned to look at Chuchi. She offered him a tired smile.

 “I believe that's the last of it. I should be getting back.”

 “Thank you, Senator.” he said, and he meant it. “For everything.” 

 “It’s the least I can do.” she said, just like she always did. But then her expression turned businesslike again. “I’ll keep in touch with Drixx, pass along any intel we can gather.”

 Rex nodded his thanks, clambering up onto the shuttle. He couldn’t say he would miss Coruscant, but he felt something as the ramp began to climb up behind him. It hadn’t been home in a while. Rex hadn’t had a home in a while. None of them had.

 “And Captain!” Chuchi’s voice echoed from below and Rex glanced back down at her. She smiled. “Stay safe.”

 It was the last time he’d see her until the war was ending.

[bbgoffic]

Please don't shoot me for this...

But Echo's "Hey kid, and... Other kids."

Has almost the same cadence as Freddy Prince Jr's

"Hey dawg, and uh... Dog,"

From the live action Scooby Doo movie and now I can't help but imagine Echo saying all th-

*nifty little gunshot wound*

[sashketter]

The Captain and the Senator

Summary: Captain Rex and Senator Riyo Chuchi undertake the difficult task of building and running the Clone Underground and, in the process, begin a close relationship.

Warnings: Chapters labeled 🌶️ contain explicit sexual content.

Notes: This takes place during the events of The Bad Batch, in and around the episodes featuring Riyo Chuchi. As of now, it’s a work in progress, and I will update this list as each chapter is posted. The titles and amount of chapters are subject to change.

Truth and Consequences Revisited

Coruscant Covers 🌶️

Tipping Point to Pantora

Project Spycraft

Infiltration on Orto Plutonia 🌶️

Offerings to the Moon Goddess 🌶️

The Cavalry Deferred

Epilogue

[fandom-friday]

Hi Hi! I am so sorry if I'm too late for 5/24. I keep silencing the dang reminder on my phone each week but then I don't remember to submit T_T

If I'm too late for 5/24, please let me know and I'll resubmit for the next one :)

Long story short, people put me in a Wrecker mood this week, so here are the Wrecker fics that are feeding my need for a fix :)

As always, @wings-and-beskar's A Gentle Touch series remains stunning and delightful with a deliciously spicy Epilogue. (Wrecker x f!reader, Parts 1-3, SFW, Epilogue, NSFW).

@dystopicjumpsuit graced us with a lovely new Wrecker hc (SFW)

@tinywitchgoblin also graced us with a very sweet Wrecker asking for cuddles scenario (Wrecker x gn! reader, SFW)

This STUNNING artwork of a shirtless Wrecker (technically SFW but I go rabid over Wrecker so your milage may vary) by @zaana

And my own recent contribution to the Wrecker love, The Slow Stretch (Wrecker x f!Reader, very NSFW).

Thank you once again (and always) for taking on the task of creating this space for us to celebrate our favorite bits of fan creations :)

NO WORRIES AT ALL, FRIENDO! I just roll late submissions into the following week, and boy howdy am I glad you sent this one in! You are SO RIGHT that Wrecker deserves ALL THE LOVE, and this list is just PERFECTION, from the fluff to the SPICE, I adore all of it. Thank YOU for taking the time to put it together and send it in!

Participate in Fandom Friday to show your favorite creators from this week some love! :)

[techs-goggles9902]

TBB Modern AU

Part I

Learning about the batch. Gonky is discovered 🙏🏻 Fives is visited.

Part II

Part III

(Ongoing so idk how many parts there will be)

@ithillia

My AU backstory I made in August of 2023

[kashasenpai]

Need help finding a story!

I am looking for a series where the reader works on Vaders ship, and when her mother dies, he has a tombstone arranged for the readers mother. And if I'm remembering correctly, she's being somewhat harassed and looked down on by the others on the ship.

(Had to start posting this in other tags since I haven't been any feedback at all. Sorry

[spacemagicandlaserswords]

Open and Waiting (Chapter 3)

Summary: Tech is an Intelligent Dom in more ways than one, Hunter decides he’s had enough casual voyeurism for one day, and you continue to be a good little cockwarmer while remembering that time Crosshair spanked you.  

Relationship: Tech x f!reader, a little bit of Hunter x f!reader, mentions of Crosshair x f!reader, Echo x f!reader and Wrecker x f!reader

Warnings: NSFW, cock warming, voyeurism, domination, submission, Dominant Tech, submissive reader, restraints, collar, wrist cuffs, sexual inexperience, inexperienced reader, naked reader, voyeurism, poor self-worth, spiralling thoughts, feelings, smut with feelings, polyamory, little bit of verbal degradation, praise kink, pretend sci-fi technology/science, pretend Star Wars planets and locations, not beta read, no use of y/n. Mentions of: Oral training, dildos, soft domination, finger sucking, fingers in mouth, spanking, impact play, humiliation, degradation, boot licking, penetration, after care, bruises, vaginal fingering, bacta as lube, video recording of sexual acts.   

Word Count: 1714 (Chapter 3)

Author’s Notes: Please read the warnings! And please let me know if you enjoyed it. Behold, more filth. 

I also wanted to make it clear that everything depicted in this fic is consensual and has been enthusiastically consented to by everyone involved. A lot of what is in this fic could be seen as quite intense, depending on your levels or limits *looks at the giant wall of warnings*. Please know that everyone involved is actively participating in safe kink practices and many open, honest and clear conversations are had between everyone, even if it is not explicitly described in the fic. If it helps, I have a background context detail for this AU that Tech maintains an up to date list of everyone's hard limits, interests and requests, and makes sure everyone's kink contracts are revisited every month and updated if required. None of the Batch tease him for it because they all take safe kink practices very seriously. I hope this comes across in the writing, both in previous and future chapters, but I also wanted to be clear about it here as well.  

Chapters: One, Two, Four, Five, Six | Ao3  

Open and Waiting (Chapter 3)

A hand immediately descends on my head, preventing any hint of movement and halting any further thoughts of trying to take more of Tech’s cock deeper into my mouth. There’s a weight to his hand, a solid presence and a warning. He knew exactly what I’d been trying to do. Sir had been unequivocally clear that I was not allowed to move and I’d just skirted very close to breaking that rule. 

Oh kark, I’ve displeased him. I can’t bear disappointing him and the punishment that follows is always Tech’s own special combination of humiliation, control and mental domination. He knows exactly how to slowly and painstakingly unravel me, all while ensuring that I’m the one begging for my descent into delirium. It always leaves me ruinously shattered and I really just wanted to be a good girl and warm his cock for him. I was doing so well. Why do I always try to bite off more than I can chew? Both metaphorically and literally, in this case. Though I am absolutely not moving anything now, especially not my jaw or mouth. Why did I have to try and push it further and do more? Tech explicitly told me not to move. I’m already pleasing him, why did I have to try and go further? It’s not like I—

Tech’s precise voice cuts through my spiralling thoughts. 

“Our submissive has been doing exceptionally well with their oral training and has been diligent and dedicated in their practice. She has shown consistent and admirable improvement in the length and depth that she is able to be orally penetrated. I am quite pleased with her progress and have no doubt she will turn into an excellent cock slut in time and with continued guidance."

The praise hits me deep in the chest, flaring out to run down my arms and I can’t stop myself from preening at his words. Tech knew. Of course he knew. He’s far too intelligent not to notice when my brain starts running away from me. 

“Hmmm, she’s pretty good already.” Hunter adds. “And watching her suck away at those training dildos that can be mounted to the walls is always a good watch.”

“Yes. Those were an excellent invention of mine.” Tech confidently replies.

“Do you think you’d be able to install a hidden or quick release one on the side of a chair in the cockpit?” asks Hunter. “I prefer to keep her at my knee and it’s easier to control her movement when she’s close by.”

Another shiver runs over my naked skin at the thought. I do enjoy serving at Hunter’s knee. It’s a remarkably peaceful and calming experience. One that has nearly caused me to fall asleep on more than a few occasions. We usually do it when he takes watch. Sitting at his feet, my body leaning against his leg and my head resting against the side of his knee, the blue lights of hyperspace dancing behind my eyelids. Hunter usually keeps me in place with a single hand on my head or wrapped around the nape of my neck. Sometimes I’ll end up sucking on his fingers. Other times he’ll gently run the pad of his thumb or fingers up and down my tongue and I end up drooling on his armour or the floor. I often worry about making a mess but he always reassures me that it doesn’t bother him at all. If anything, it’s actually a good thing. Apparently, all the sensations help to ground him. Having one particular impression to focus on helps to reduce the rest of his senses to background noise. If that’s what it takes to lessen the constant barrage of feedback on his enhanced senses and afford him a moment of relative peace then I will happily have my tongue used as a resting pad for his thumb or fingers. 

Just like it’s currently being used as a resting place for Tech’s cock.

The owner of said cock provides a clipped response to Hunter’s question. 

“Of course I can. I already have plans for such a modification. Would you prefer the pilot’s or co-pilot's chair?”

“Pilot’s.” answers Hunter. “It’s your invention. Besides, Echo might be a bit peeved if he walks into the cockpit one day to find a dildo attached to the armrest of his chair.”

“An amusing discovery, I’m sure.” Tech replies, his dry wit in full force. 

The conversation continues on above me, both of them completely ignoring my bound and open position on the floor. It’s like I’m not even here. They could be having the same conversation over caf or while Tech is torso deep in the guts of the Marauder fixing the latest thing to go wrong with the ship. His legs always end up splayed wide apart when he’s working like that. If I wasn’t so desperate to please and had just a little bit of brat in me, I’d probably eventually snap and go down on him then and there. 

“Nah it’s a fair way off. The towns here are fairly isolated and spread out.”

Hunter’s smokey voice interrupts my rapidly degenerating fantasies about blowing Tech in all sorts of compromising positions. I guess they’ve moved on from talking about me like I’m not even there, despite the fact that I’m right here on my knees under the workbench.

“The others are going to be on their supply run for a while.” Hunter adds.

“Yes. I estimate that they will be away for another 3 hours and 16 minutes.” Tech responds.

“Do you need anything from me before I go back to arguing with this schematic of that Seppie base?” asks Hunter.

“Some peace and quiet would be appreciated. Unless you wish to watch?” Tech’s suggestion hanging in the air.

“Nah, she’s all yours. I’ve got my own ideas for when I get her next. Besides, her arousal’s so strong I can basically taste it.” Hunter comments.

The verbal debasement makes my pussy drip and my mouth somehow even wetter.

“Do not let me keep you from your work.” Tech replies, a clear dismissal and indication that this conversation is over.  

Hunter just snorts in response and turns on his heel before heading back to the bow of the ship. The cockpit door closes and then it’s just Tech and I again in the still silence. The only interruption is the movement and scraping of tools above me as Tech dedicates his full focus to the project in front of him.

Well, maybe not his full, complete focus. 

Tech’s other leg has started bouncing. I can feel the small movements through his thigh where my cheek is currently resting. He always does this when there’s something competing for the attention of his prodigious intellect. The warm, wet presence of my mouth wrapping around his cock must be doing a fairly decent job of distracting him. I wonder how much longer this is going to last? Probably not 3 hours and 16 minutes, unless Tech feels like adding more voyeurism to today's antics. Crosshair always enjoys getting a good eyeful when he can. An amusing attribute for someone who can be a tad possessive when he gets me to himself. I would rib him about it but teasing Crosshair is like playing with fire while doused in petrol and carrying lit matches. That man knows exactly how to cause and wield pain. His sadistic streak is as glaringly obvious as his facial tattoo. Our sessions together are often fairly intense and are a clear reminder of his predilection towards inflicting pain and the satisfaction he gains from watching me disintegrate under his hands. I’d rather not give him even more ammunition, especially after overhearing a brief snippet of a conversation he had with Tech about an idea for an implement that involved spikes.

A shudder runs through me at the thought and I can almost feel the phantom stings across my hide from when our sniper flayed my ass last time. It had been a phenomenal experience, pain and pleasure intertwining into a heady mix of sensation that was impossible to discern where one finished and the other began. Hunter and Echo had watched as Crosshair completely broke me apart, fierce slaps followed by biting strokes of his cane striking again and again over my ass. There is nothing quite so exquisitely humiliating as being reduced to a sobbing and quaking puddle on the floor and then being forced to lick the boot of your current dominant. Of course, he had to take it up a notch by pulling my head up by my hair so I was forced to look straight at the leadership team of my own squad as they observed my pathetic attempts at following Crosshair’s commands. 

It’s a little hard to clean leather with your tongue when you keep crying on it. 

By the time Crosshair was fucking me into the floor, I don’t think I was cogent or present enough to do anything other than lie there and just take it. I hadn’t been quite so physically, mentally and emotionally broken by a scene like that for a while. Thank the Maker they all know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to after care. It had taken me a long time to come back to the world after that, those long limbs wrapped around me like a shield, quiet affirmations murmured in my ear. For someone so outwardly caustic, Crosshair can be remarkably soft when he is so inclined. The bruises he left were an astounding array of blues, purples and blacks. I could barely move properly afterwards and sitting was an exceptionally slow and ginger process. A later application of bacta gel helped but that had quickly devolved into being fingered with bacta gel while bent over the medbay bed. Tech had made some comment about this not being it’s intended use when he walked in halfway through but by that stage Crosshair had two long fingers deep inside me and was running rings around my clit and I did not care. At least it gave Tech another recording of me climaxing to add to his collection. Apparently, I am a “most cooperative subject”. 

Crosshair had actually laughed at that. 

–––  

Author’s Note: Please let me know if you enjoyed it! 

I’ve realised that I appear to be writing this mainly in first person from the perspective of the reader, and in present tense, apart from the memories sections (not sure they really count as proper flashbacks). I know the summaries make use of ‘you’ and so appears to be in second person but I think the majority of this is in first person, or at least I’m trying to keep it as consistent as possible. It’s probably all over the shop though so the ‘not beta read’ warning definitely applies here. 

Reader is not named and is referred to as she/they, you/you’re (when spoken to), submissive or their (the Batch’s) submissive, various derogatory terms (slut, whore etc.), and other more general affectionate terms (darling, dear etc.) and Mando’a endearments (mesh’la, cyar'ika etc.). The latter of these mainly appear in the aftercare scene, which is still so far away at this point. Why have I done this to myself? Write fanfic, they said. It’ll be fun, they said. *sobs* The reader is referred to in a generally objectifying manner, like something that the Batch owns without being explicitly possessive about it, and there is absolutely no use of y/n (guess which fanfic writing trope I can’t stand).   

Tech finally starts to play with you in Chapter 4 and the filthiness factor ratchets up again (somehow). 

Taglist: @queenariesofnarnia @skywlker-sluvtt @techs-assistant @dangraccoon @iamburdened @pheesupremacy @blondie-bluue @motte-the-goblin

[thesmollestnerd]

OKAY WHAT IF:

The Bad Batch just having a family jam-session to “Under Pressure” by Queen (Ft. Bowie)? Like casually listening to the radio during some downtime, The Marauder, its piping through the comms and the song switches to that iconic base section, Tech clocks it right away, pauses whatever he’s fiddling with on his work bench to turn the volume up. Across the room, Crosshair’s head is already nodding along as he cleans his rifle. 

Wrecker’s already humming when he appears, clapping and snapping per the music. Tech’s fingers are curling around a set of quarkdrivers when Echo cuts in with the ad-libbing. By the time the first “PRESSURE!” hits the whole family is there, Omega’s grin is the widest, singing along with her brothers as she dances with them. 

They can carry a tune surprisingly well as they pass verses back and forth, harmonizing over the chorus, practically shouting during “Let me out!”. Wrecker’s got the deep support of the low notes, Echo and Hunter, steady crooning baritones, it’s Crosshair who always catches folks by surprise with his range by vaulting the high note through a crescendo with the precision control of a single breath, toothpick serving as a microphone. Tech accompanies them with a flurry of limbs, drumming a driving rhythm in the air. I just, really really love the idea of a family bonding moment that’s just spontaneous but its theirs every time this one song comes on and for four minutes and five seconds, they’re not serious, they’re silly, they’re dancing, and singing, and laughing, and just having fun.

[clonemedickix]

Rating: M

Word count: 800

Pairing: TBB Echo x OC General Lara Lin

Warnings: angst, grief, coping with loss

***Entire body of work has NSFW entries in many chapters. See my pinned master list for labeling, or heed the warnings on AO3***

Excerpt Summary - Blurb out of context, don’t ask too many questions if you don’t want to know the answers… Lara and Echo have a chat trying to sort out personal grief.

Echo found Lara on Fives’ hill, sitting leaned back against the great live oak tree in the shade. It wasn’t overly warm; by regional standards it was a pleasant day, though Echo found it somewhat muggy. The grass was a brilliant emerald green, and below in the pasture grazed her prized horses, led by her old war mount, Barbaro. It was a peaceful scene, though he wondered why she still came here even after Fives had fallen silent in her life, barred from contacting her from Valinor anymore.

He was curious what she would do when she returned to Nidhogg, now that her mission of vengeance was over. Would she simply fade into the background, to raise her children? He couldn’t imagine that she would be happy, so domesticated. The children would need training and education on using their gifts, so it wouldn’t be completely sedate, but he still got the impression that she would feel out of place, useless and extraneous.

“Now that Primer is gone, who is going to lead Nidhogg?,” he asked her lightly.

Lara looked over at him, a little startled at the question. It had seemingly come out of left field. She shrugged a shoulder and drawled, “I dunno. There’s multiple people there that can take up that mantle. Boost is over the Dragons, but there’s Howzer, Volte, Wolffe, not to mention Cody. Maybe they should have an election.”

“Why not you?,” Echo asked pointedly.

“Because that’s not my role, and never has been,” she immediately returned.

“You were a queen!,” Echo protested. “And a general, if that doesn’t matter.”

“I was a really pretty broodmare wearing a crown, Echo.” Lara looked at him wryly. “I’m not sure that automatically qualifies me for leadership of a people.” She paused while Echo laughed at the analogy.

“A beautiful broodmare in a crown,” Echo corrected her.

“Sure. Regardless, General, former queen… it doesn’t matter. I was created to fight, to be a warrior, not a ruler. I have no desire to delve into politics further than making snide comments about it.” Lara shook her head as she said it, and hoped the matter would drop.

“I think you should give it some consideration; the community as a whole more or less assume you will take over the leadership,” Echo said carefully.

“No. I won’t be there forever, Echo. I’m not someone that can be counted on to remain, nor even always act appropriately. For kriff’s sake - I just finished leveling a planet out of petty revenge. That’s not who you want for a leader. If you want my opinion, you should make Cody the leader, while Boost commands the Dragons.” Lara looked hard at her friend. “I’m not available for that sort of thing, nor will I be.”

“Okay, I get it. I’ll… spread the word around, though I know there will be a lot of disappointed people.”

“Maybe they should be grateful and relieved. A pretty face does not a ruler make, though ironically in your case, you all have very handsome faces…,” Lara said, her words trailing off in thought. “On second thought, a pretty face sometimes does a ruler make, but only under certain circumstances.”

Echo laughed. “It’s good to see you able to joke a bit, after so long.”

Lara didn’t have a reply for that, but gave Echo a small smile. “It still hurts. I feel so raw inside, knowing when I get back to Nidhogg, he won’t be there. That I have to wait the whole rest of my lifetime to see him again.” She looked off, over the tree-filled horizon, closing her eyes as a breeze whispered past. “I wasted so much time, trying to be some person that I’m not,” she said bitterly.

“It wasn’t a waste. He was honored to follow you, to serve you, regardless of whether he ever was allowed to touch you as a lover. He would have accepted a life without ever knowing what it was like to make love to you, so long as you kept him as your commander and trusted friend.” Echo reached over a touched her hand, which was fiddling with grass hectically, as Lara struggled to manage her emotions. “Hey. Look at me,” he commanded gently. When she met his eyes, he said, “I’m positive, having known him as long as you, that he counted his life completely fulfilled, for being given the time with you that he was, and being allowed to lay down his life for you in the end. Primer could not have asked for more.” Echo squeezed her hand lightly, his eyes communicating he felt the same, as Lara gazed back at him, his words visibly stinging her already wounded heart. Echo knew there was little he could really say that would make the pain go away for her, but she needed to hear these things. In the meantime, he pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly against his shoulder.

If you’d like to be tagged for WIP or fanfic blurbs, click here

If you’d like to read more of Lara’s story, click here.

@523rdrebel @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @villanousace @mythical-illustrator @theogfulcrum22 @king-chaos-world @sunshinesdaydream @starrylothcat @anxiouspineapple99 @sev-on-kamino @mire-draws-things @the-bad-batch-baroness @cloneloverrrrr @mandos-mind-trick @padawancat97 @dukeoftheblackstar @wolffegirlsunite @isthereanechoinhere96 @jediknightjana @wackylurker @moonlightwarriorqueen @wizardofrozz @multi-fan-dom-madness

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[chopper-base]

Dead Among the Living

Summary: Fives knew he had a target on his back. The Chancellor himself wanted the ARC dead. With the help of his brothers, he faked his death and went into hiding. Though the news of a resurrected Domino may have him coming into the light-

Warnings: mentions of death, past trauma, Canon typical violence/Canon violence, cursing

This was originally for day 2 of @tbb-appreciation-week but I procrastinate and apparently can't get my shit together-

Prompts: Echo, No order 66 AU, Touching foreheads, "This wasn't supposed to happen"

Chapter 1

19BBY

Officially, I'm dead. Any document you find on my death will tell you I "lost it" and Commander Fox took me out to save lives.

Unofficially, we planned for this. When I found out about the Chancellor, I confronted Fox. I didn't think he'd believe me, but he did. We both knew the only way I was getting out of this fiasco alive was if everyone else in the galaxy believed me to be dead. So that's what we did. As of this moment, a total of 6 people know I'm still alive. Unfortunately, that number probably isn't going to change-

"Fives! Stop talking to yourself and get up here!"

Fives sighed, turned off the holo recorder and stuffed it in one of his belt pouches.

"Fives!"

"I'm coming! I'm not deaf!" Fives stood up from the consol he had been seated at, moving up towards the cockpit. The moment he stepped in, a ration was pelted at him, hitting him square in the face. "Gah-! Cross!"

The sniper sent him an amused smirk, his arms crossed innocuously over his chest. He didn't say a word as Fives bent down to pick up the ration bar, unwrapping it and taking a bite. Fives kept their eyes stubbornly locked the whole time, glaring blunt daggers that they both knew meant nothing more than annoyance.

Across the cockpit, Hunter cleared his throat loudly, calling everyone's attention. "Fives, Crosshair, enough. We've got another mission and it's gonna be complicated."

Fives took another bite of the ration bar as Crosshair shrugged. "When is it not?"

Hunter cut him a look of slight annoyance. "It's complicated because we are going to be working beside the 501st." The Sergeant turned his gaze back to the ARC. "Specifically under General Skywalker and Captain Rex."

Fives ran his hand down his face. "Yeah, that makes things complicated…" he looked back up at Hunter, "Rex will recognize me in an instant. As will half the 501st."

Hunter nodded in agreement. "Which is why I'm a bit confused as to why Commander Cody specifically asked for us on this mission."

The ARC gawked at Hunter, bewildered. "Cody?! Why the hell would he put us with the 501st when he knows I'm with you lot?!" Fives pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut. "He's specifically been keeping us away from anyone that would recognize me for months!"

Hunter crossed his arms, his shoulders falling in a light shrug. "You might have to stay in your bucket the whole mission. The Commander said he'd explain more when we land on Anaxes."

Fives looked past Hunter to watch the swirling lights of hyperspace. "Cody's gotta have a reason, right?" He met Hunter's gaze. "A really good reason. He knows how important it is to keep me hidden. He wouldn't jeopardize the entire war just for some mission."

Tech spun the pilot's chair around to look Fives in the eye. "You are correct. You remaining 'dead' is imperative to us finding a way to shut down the behavioral modification chips in the rest of the GAR."

Fives motioned to Tech but kept his gaze on Hunter. "Which is why I shouldn't be going anywhere near the 501st. What could possibly be important enough to risk this?!"

Hunter grabbed a datapad off the copilot's seat, handing it to the ARC. "All we know is it's a data retrieval mission in the middle of Separatist controlled space."

Skimming the information on the datapad, Fives glanced back up at Hunter. "We've run this kind of mission several times solo. Why do we suddenly need jedi backup?"

Hunter shrugged, unable to find an answer for the ARC. Fives handed the datapad back before turning to leave, finding himself unceremoniously crashing into the seat of the tail gun moments later. Fives let his head rest against the back of the chair, his eyes falling closed as he sucked in a lungful of the recycled air in the small ship. The soothing hum of the engine had the ARC slipping in and out of consciousness, letting the time fly by as the swirling blue of hyperspace lulled him further into a dreamless sleep.

---

Something grabbed Fives' shoulder. Jarring awake with a start, Fives whipped his head around in search of a threat, only to be met with a pair of mismatched eyes and a familiarly warm smile. The tension melted from Fives' shoulders like ice.

"Sarge told me to wake ya and letchu know we are about to land," he explained before promptly turning and walking back towards the front of the ship. Fives let his head fall back against the headrest, taking a shaky breath before getting down from the gunner's nest to follow Wrecker. Through the cockpit view port, Fives watched as Tech piloted the Marauder down towards the planet, landing strip gradually coming into view. He could tell by their speed that Tech was about to do one of his 'fancy' landings as Fives had taken to calling it.

Hunter patted Fives' shoulder to get his attention. "Crosshair's agreed to leave his bucket on for the duration of the mission to keep some of the heat off you, but it's probably best you don't talk too much."

Fives glanced over at the sniper where he was leaning against the wall. Crosshair nodded to him, a small smile crooking his lips. He smiled back as Crosshair spat out the toothpick between his teeth, pulling his bucket over his head. He turned back to Hunter, giving him a nod before walking back to his bunk to grab his own helmet. He felt the ship lurch and turn quickly, causing him to crash into his bunk with a string of curses. Fives would be shocked if there wasn’t at least one decapitated trooper when they touched down. The landing gear touched down with a rumble Fives could feel in his chest, and only when he felt the ship’s weight settle did he know it was safe to stand up without risk of getting knocked back on his shebs. Fives promptly snatched up his blasters and shoved them into their holsters before rushing to the cockpit. The rest of the batch had donned their helmets, doing a final double-check of their gear to make sure everything was as it should be. Hunter strode up to throw open the ramp and the rest of the batch filed out after him.

"The cavalry has arrived!" Wrecker boomed.

Fives had to fight to keep his breathing steady when he noticed the three other troopers standing with Cody. The last time he’d seen Rex was when he’d watched the light leave his eyes and felt his body run cold in his arms. Now, he was standing before his Captain, alive and well and unable to say a word to ease the grief he knew he had caused. Beside Rex stood Jesse and Kix, both wearing looks of confusion as they surveyed the batch. Jesse now probably wore ARC armor, but he still had the republic cog painted brightly on the front of his helmet. Fives recalled the day he had returned with that same cog tattooed on his head. Fives had given him shit for it for weeks and Kix had been no different. Kix had grown his hair out to a regulation cut which surprised Fives. He always had those designs shaved into his head and Fives had helped him re-shave it on several occasions. His tattoo peeked out from under his hairline , hiding the rest of the phrase behind his tight curls.

As they approached the group, Hunter removed his helmet, holding it firmly against his side and extending his other arm out to Cody. Meeting him halfway, Cody grasped Hunter’s hand in a firm, professional shake.Tech followed suit, easing his helmet off and surveying the three 501st troopers before them.

"Sergeant. Good to see you again," Cody said, letting his hand fall back to his side.

Hunter offered a smile, nodding. "You too, sir."

Cody turned to the other three troopers, motioning to the Sergeant. "This is Hunter."

Rex nodded, looking Hunter over. Jesse and Kix were still visibly confused. Fives tamped down on the snicker that threatened to spill past his lips. He knew the batch didn't look like any clones they had seen before. Wrecker was an absolute mountain of a man and even though both Tech and Crosshair looked more like the average clone than Wrecker, still stood four inches taller than average.

"Sorry we’re late, Commander," Hunter apologized "We had just finished putting down an insurrection on Yalbec Prime when your comm came in. Had a few unforeseen… complications."

Wrecker’s booming laughter echoed across the landing platform, causing other troopers walking past to stare at the group. "Ever fought a male Yalbec?" he challenged, looking between the three regs.

Jesse shrugged uncomfortably. "Um… No. Can’t say that I have."

Wrecker cackled , swiftly pulling out his large vibroknife. "You’re lucky! Only way to kill ‘em is with one of these!"

Hunter chuckled, shaking his head. "That’s right. Wrecker here cut off the queen’s stinger while she was still alive."

Wrecker slid the knife back in its sheath, the confident, borderline cocky smile never leaving his face.

Hunter looked back at Wrecker with a challenging glint in his eyes . "That's why all those Yalbec males tried to eat us."

"Ah, technically,” Tech cut in swiftly, “they were trying to mate with us. And, for your information, the stinger of a Yalbec Queen is a delicacy on some planets."

Cody smiled and motioned to Tech. "They call him Tech." he explained shortly.

Hunter nodded, turning to the regs. "Yeah, he can fill your head with useless info for hours." He motioned to the sniper behind him. "Crosshair, on the other hand, is not much of a conversationalist, but when you have to hit a precise target from ten klicks, Crosshair’s your man." He turned his gaze back to Cody, his helmet shifting in his hands. "So, Commander, what kind of suicide mission do you have for us this time?"

Cody motioned to the parked gunship on the other side of the platform. "Let’s get going. We’ll brief you on the way."

The group followed Cody across the landing strip, loading into the LAAT. The batch stayed on one side as the 501st piled into the other. The ship took off quickly, the doors sliding closed once they were already in the air.

Jesse was watching the batch closely, his eyes falling on Crosshair who's helmet hid any expression from view. "What are you looking at?" he accused, glaring at the sniper.

Sniper shrugged with an amused huff that was barely heard over the engines. "We don't usually work with regs." Fives could hear the smirk that had wormed its way onto the sniper's face.

Jesse only glared harder. "Regs?!" he hissed , taking a menacing step towards the sniper.

Hunter quickly stepped between Crosshair and Jesse. "He’s talking about regular clones,” he clarified, calm and placating “But don’t take it personal."

Cody set his hand on Jesse's pauldron, the ARC looking back at the commander. "We’re all on the same team, so cut the attitude and listen up,” he instructed, stern and no-nonsense “Here’s the mission: Our target is this Cyber Center." Cody pulled out a holo projector, a map of the Cyber Center illuminating the ship in cool blue light. "It’s the brains of the entire Separatist campaign here on Anaxes."

"I could demolish that with one hand. Yeah!" Wrecker bragged, grinning wildly as he, pumped his fists in the air.

Though it was clear that Cody found Wrecker's excitement amusing, he cut him off. "This isn’t a demo job, Wrecker. It’s strictly a retrieval operation."

Fives watched as Wrecker deflated a bit with that news but the big guy was still clearly smiling. It was then Fives noticed Rex was staring at him. Specifically, his eyes seemed to be glued to his shoulder armor which Fives realized had the same Rishi eel painted that his old helmet did. Fives mentally facepalmed at his own stupidity. He had kept the design as a reminder of who he used to be, not thinking about the fact that it was his identifying mark within the 501st. Though it was evident Rex was staring at it, he never said a word.

Fives reached for one of the handles above his head as the LAAT shook, causing almost every clone to lose their footing.

"We're going down!" Wrecker yelled, his laughter barely heard.

Fives grabbed the handle with a death grip as the ship hit what he assumed was the canyon wall. The bone chilling scrape of durasteel against rock filled the small ship as it slid down the canyon wall. Fives was thrown as they finally hit the ground, landing on top Crosshair who was quick to start manhandling him off. A large hand grabbed his arm, pulling him from the wreckage, dropping him on his shebs on the side of the ship next to Jesse. Wrecker continued to help the rest out of the ship while Fives jumped down onto the sand, offering Jesse a hand which he ignored.

"We always get shot down when we travel with regs." He complained.

"Cody!" Kix yelled turning towards the others. "Help!" He turned back, looking down into the ship. "He's trapped! We have to do something!"

Rex stepped forward towards the ship. "I'll get him."

Hunter moved in front of the Captain, pushing him back. "Woahwoahwoah!" He said quickly. "Easy Captain." He looked over Rex's shoulder. "Wrecker! Get him out." He continued to push Rex back away from the ship, the Captain putting up a small fight but let himself be moved.

"Get back!" Wrecker ordered, rolling his shoulders with a grin.

Kix stared at Wrecker in disbelief. "This is ridiculous! He's going to need help to get Cody out of there!"

Beside him, Crosshair chuckled, motioning to Wrecker with his head. "He's gonna get the gunship out of there, not Cody."

Wrecker slid his helmet on, grabbing the side of the gunship. Kix watched in awe as Wrecker lifted the ship, pushing over and away from the Commander underneath. He grabbed Cody, slinging him over his shoulder and walking back towards the group. "Boom." As if on cue, the gunship exploded in a rain of fire and metal causing Kix to flinch next to him.

Kix ran forward as Wrecker placed Cody on the ground, the Commander groaning in pain. "He has internal damage. I can cut the pain, but he needs help fast."

"We all need help."

Fives looked to Crosshair who was seemingly looking over his shoulder. He turned, spotting battalions of battle droids steadily marching towards them. "Oh fun." Fives said with a shrug.

"That blast gave away our position." Crosshair pointed out, turning towards his Sergeant.

Hunter chuckled, pointing to the obliterated gunship. "I thought getting shot down gave away our position."

"Everyone, find cover. We’ll hold this position and let them come to us." Rex ordered, pointing towards the gunship.

Hunter shook his head. "I don’t think so, Captain. That’s not our style. We prefer going to them." Turned back to the batch. "Bad Batch, Plan 82: Shockwave!" He yelled, pulling his helmet over his head. "Let’s get to work."

Tag list! (Let me know if you'd like to be added!)(I forgot I had a tag list😅)

@rain-on-kamino @idoubleswearimawriter @staycalmandhugaclone @nobody-expects-the-inquisitorius @kalykat

I may be missing people so just let me know pls!!!

[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... 

[beskarthief]

Chapter 2 of the Star Wars fic "Order 65". The rest can be found here.

19 BBY, Coruscant, Senate District

 Fox wondered what the senator had done to get herself into this mess.

 He knew that was probably above his pay grade to ask, fierfek, he didn't have a pay grade. And he knew well enough that asking questions was a one way ticket to an early retirement. But some part of him wanted to be curious.

 He didn't listen to it, though. Instead pushing the thought from his mind as he continued to sweep the perimeter of her apartments. It was a delicate balance, what he did. You had to be alert; absorb every detail and catalog it in the back of your mind. But you couldn't let those little details get to you. Couldn't remember the way she liked to arrange her rooms, or the kind of clothes she always wore, or the way she liked her caf. You had to know all those things, but you couldn’t know them. 

 Luckily, Fox had a lot of practice. The others though... he wasn't so sure.

 Fox knew that if he explained things to them, at least some would understand. Kosmo and Eight would, he decided. They understood the importance of order, and order came with rules. But Spike had always had a tendency to run his mouth, even when it wasn't in his own best interest. And the other one, Lucky, he was too new for Fox to be sure. It was hard to believe there were still shinies, even this far into the war. Even harder still to think that Lucky's batch would be the last ones. Ever.

 The war was really ending, wasn't it? Fox knew he was supposed to be relieved, but the thought just made him anxious.

 Pacing around the perimeter again, Fox returned his attention to the task at hand. This was no time to let his mind drift. The sounds of the bustling Coruscant night gradually faded into the almost indiscernibly different sounds of the bustling Coruscant day and Fox stifled a yawn. It had been a long night.

 He dismissed the others once the sun had risen, sending them back to the barracks to get some rest. It had been a long night, they deserved it. But the senator couldn't be left alone. He waited outside for her other bodyguards to arrive. The ones whose loyalty was to Pantora and not their Empire. If he could, he would stick around even after they’d come. He remained outside, not wanting to disturb the senator, who he could hear rustling about in her chambers despite the early morning.

 Still they did not arrive and Fox stretched restlessly. What kind of behavior was this for trained guards? It was then that he realized only five minutes had passed since he'd dismissed Kosmo and the others. Frustrated, he paced the perimeter again before circling back to the landing pad. Time seemed to drag.

 When he returned, the senator was standing at the edge, resting against the low fence that separated her from the open air and near endless drop below. It would be so easy, Fox thought. A single step forward, one push, plausible deniability, and it would be over. 

 He could say that he had gone back with the others, expecting the Pantoran guards to arrive soon after daybreak. Kosmo would back him up, once he explained. It would look bad, sure. But what did it matter? They were being weeded out anyway. And the only person who really mattered would know what he'd done. Would know that he could be relied upon.

 It wasn't so hard, really. He'd done it before.

 Fox's feet carried him unwittingly forward and he was suddenly standing beside the senator, looking out over the edge.

 She was wearing a thin nightgown, and it whipped around her legs in the brisk morning breeze. Her hair, for the first time since he'd seen her, was not held up in some sort of elaborate bun; instead it tangled freely around her face and billowed across her shoulders and down her back. Her nose and cheeks blushed lavender in the cool morning air as she turned to look at him, eyes sparkling despite the bags beneath them.

 "Isn't it beautiful, this time of morning?" she breathed. "It's as though the whole world is asleep."

 Fox looked out over the ever busy skyways of the city and it’s million lit towers that pierced the sky. "With all due respect, ma'am. I don't know if Coruscant ever sleeps."

 "On Pantora everything would be quiet now." she said wistfully. "You'd be able to look out and see the city wake up. I know it's not the same here on Coruscant. But somehow I still feel it. Even across the galaxy, I can feel Pantora waking up."

 "It sounds beautiful." Fox said, taking a step back from her and from the edge. It was too soon. It would be too obvious. He wasn't sure what he'd been thinking. If he'd been thinking at all.

 "Yes." the senator breathed again, voice still wistful. "Yes, it is."

 She stood there for a long moment, not saying anything, just taking in the city as somewhere on the other side of the galaxy, Pantora awoke. Then, after Fox supposed the final lights of her city must have come on, she took a deep breath and turned back to him.

 The other woman was gone - the one he would have called Riyo Chuchi - replaced by the senator standing before him once again. She smiled that same smile from the night before and looked around.

 “Just you?"

 Fox hesitated for a moment, wondering why it mattered. "With all due respect, ma'am, I'm more than capable of-"

 "Not what I meant." she cut him off, almost apologetically. As politely as someone could cut another off. "You must be exhausted after staying awake all last night."

 "Not the first time, ma'am."

 She sighed, starting towards her apartments. "And it won't be the last, I take it?"

 "Probably not,." he admitted, following her to the door. It would be better when she was inside, and he was out. The separation of a wall would do them some good.

 But she hesitated in the doorway, glancing back at him expectantly.

 "I'll keep an eye on the perimeter until your guards arrive." he assured her.

 "Not what I meant." she repeated, continuing to hold the door.

 Fox hesitated. "I'll sweep the room for you." he said at last, stepping into the apartments to do just that. They were immaculate as before, their white walls and counters shining in the early morning light. The seating area was plush and filled with intricately embroidered pillows. Most likely some sort of Pantoran design, as he had never seen it before. The long, flowing curtains had been drawn back from the windows to let the daylight stream in and gave the entire space a sort of dreamy, airy quality that was only accentuated by the high, lofty ceilings.

 The senator followed him inside, closing the door behind them, and proceeded to the kitchen with little regard for whether Fox had completed his sweep of the area or not.

 "Do you take your caf black, or with cream and sugar?" she asked, pulling two mugs from a nearby cabinet.

 "You don't have to, ma'am."

 She set the two mugs down on the counter. "Cream and sugar it is."

 Fox watched helplessly as she poured first one, then another mug of caf. Picking up her own, she walked towards her personal chambers.

 "It's the least I can do if you insist on staying up all night." the senator said, stopping once again in the doorway. "But if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to prepare for."

 "Of course, senator." He didn't know what else to say.

 She nodded to him, swept inside her chambers, and closed the door. After a moment, he heard a lock click.

 Fox continued his sweep of the room until it inevitably led him to the kitchen. He paused there, staring at the counter, where a single mug of caf had been left. The drink was a warm, milky brown color and smelled richly of early mornings spent on patrol with Thorn and Thire.

 It would be rude not to accept it, he decided. Afterall, how was he supposed to keep an eye on the senator if he could barely keep his eyes open?

 Lifting up the mug, he took it with him and returned to his post by the door.

[starwarstrashy88]

Poor little bug on the wall

Summary : Omega wants to play with her Buirs Tech and Hunter for the day

A/N: Yes I based this on that one episode from Bluey. I started writing this a year and a half ago and only just now finished. I hope you all enjoy my first ever bad batch fic!

Words amount: 3002

Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/60769225

Summer was always a good time for the Fett household. The five brothers who shared the house on the beautiful planet of Pabu would all agree that summer was their favorite season out of the four. It gave them the excuse to go outside and bask in the warmth of the sun and do all kinds of activities outside as well. And it seemed that their most recent addition to the family, their daughter, Omega, couldn’t agree more. The four year old absolutely loved to play outside. Ever since she was first brought outside on her first few days of summer, her five Buirs could easily tell how much she loved the outdoors and was always eager to explore and discover things in their big backyard

So today was no different as Omega watched eagerly as her Buir Wrecker was busy hanging up a handmade swing made out of old blankets in a tree in their backyard for her to play on. Tying off the two blankets together around the lowest hanging branch, making sure it was extra tight so that it wouldn’t come undone by any roughhousing in it, Wrecker took a step back and admired his handiwork. “Well what do you think, Kiddo? Can I make a blanket swing or what?” Wrecker chuckled in amusement as Omega immediately got up from where she was sitting on the ground and running over before launching herself into the swing, the cloth thankfully catching her and swinging back and forth as she let out excited giggles

“I’ll take that as a job well done. Now then, I’m gonna go take care of the laundry, don’t go too crazy on this thing.” Wrecker joked with a chuckle as he reached down to gently ruffle Omega’s blond curly hair before walking off to go take care of the laundry inside their home. The little girl was now left alone in the backyard, although two of her other Buir were close by. Hunter was busying himself by pulling some weeds in the nearby garden while Tech was up on the back porch typing away at his holopad as he was apparently doing some work from home that day

Omega was able to busy herself with the swing for maybe a good ten minutes, but like all young kids, she got bored fairly fast. That was until she thought of a game to play, a game in which she would need two people to play with. And who better to choose other than two of her fathers that were already present in the backyard? Omega was a wiz when it came to coming up with games, and her Buirs practically had most of them memorized at this point with how many times she’s pulled them into her games to play with her

Hopping out of the swing, Omega quickly made her way over to Hunter who seemed to be taking a small break from pulling weeds, chugging on a spare water bottle he had. But as he was drinking his water, Hunter nearly choked on it when he felt something jump onto his back. “Daddy! Can you play a game with me?” Omega asked with a grin as she looked up at her dad with big wide pleading eyes. Damn those eyes. Hunter could never bring himself to say no to her when she pulled out those pleading eyes

“Well I don’t see why not. I could use a break from pulling weeds for a bit.” He replied with a small grin of his own as he slowly pushed himself to his feet, dusting the dirt off his pants. “Can Buir Tech play with us too?” Omega then asked, tugging on Hunter’s hand in the direction of the back porch where Tech was still typing away at his holopad. “Well, why don’t we go and ask him?” Hunter mused as he began to follow Omega towards the back porch. She quickly ran up the few steps onto the back porch and over to the table where Tech was still typing away

But as Omega came running up to him, Tech pulled his attention from his holopad away for a moment to smile fondly at her in greeting. “Well hello, Adi’ka. What’s got you all excited?” He asked in a slightly amused tone as he watched her bounce on her heels. “Can you play a game with me and Buir Hunter?” She asked eagerly as she grabbed ahold of Tech’s hand and began pulling on it to get him out of his seat. Tech however was unsure. He was awfully busy with his work and preferred to get things done as quickly as possible, but then again, he didn’t want to disappoint his little girl. So he ultimately decided to take a break

“Very well. I can step aside and play for a few minutes.” Tech hummed with a nod before standing up from his seat. “Yes!” Omega celebrated before immediately grabbing Hunter’s hand and Tech’s and pulling them both in the direction of the blanket swing and making them sit down on the ground. “Ok, so this game is called Butterflies.” Omega started out explaining as soon as her two Buir were sat down on the grass. “First the caterpillar crawls into the cocoon and waits to hatch.” She explained while demonstrating by crawling on the ground before climbing into the blanket swing. “Then the butterfly hatches out.” Omega added as she pulled herself out of the swing and began to walk around, flapping her arms to indicate her flying

“Very interesting so far.” Tech hummed in amusement as he watched his daughter explain the game to him and Hunter. “But, the butterfly catchers have been hiding.” Omega then suddenly chimed in as she ran over to the nearby shed in the corner of the back yard, hiding behind it before poking her head out. “They wait for the butterfly to come out and they catch it.” She finally finished up as she came running back over to her Buirs. The game was simple really, but so were most of her games. And her Buirs honestly wouldn’t have it any other way

“Alright, seems easy enough. So who’s gonna be the butterfly first?” Hunter then asked as he looked down at their daughter in front of them. Omega paused for a moment, the gears in her head turning as she decided who should go first before eventually she looked over at Tech. “You can go first, Daddy.” She told him with a grin, to which Hunter chuckled in amusement. “You heard the little lady, Tech. You gotta be the butterfly.” He mused as he playfully elbowed his brother in the arm before pushing himself up onto his feet. Tech merely let out a sigh. “Very well. I’ll go first.” He relented before getting down on his hands and knees and began crawling towards the blanket swing

Omega merely squealed in excitement before running off behind the shed with Hunter so that they could be the butterfly catchers. Once behind the shed, the two of them poked their heads out to watch as Tech climbed into the blanket swing. Of course he was much too big for it and his limbs hung out the sides of it, but it nevertheless held his weight. “You ready to catch the butterfly, Mega?” Hunter asked as he knelt down by his daughter’s side who excitedly nodded in reply. But before she could say anything, something caught her attention on the wall of the shed

Slowly crawling up the wall of the shed, was a little ladybug. Omega was always fascinated by bugs ever since she had first laid eyes on one. She just thought they were the coolest things ever. So to see a ladybug up so close, immediately caught her attention. “Ooo.” She said softly as she got closer to the bug, looking at it up close and getting Hunter’s attention in the process. Then as she watched ladybug climb up the wall, she began to sing a little song that her Buirs taught her

“Poor little bug on the wall. Inching. No one to love him at all. Inching. No one to tickle his toes. Inching. No one to blow his nose.” On the last line of the song, Omega blew a raspberry to punctuate her words before giggling quietly to herself, causing Hunter to chuckle along with her as well. But soon enough their attention was brought back to Tech as he finally pulled himself out of the blanket swing. “My metamorphosis is complete and I am now a butterfly.” He announced before gracefully flapping his arms up and down just as Omega had done earlier

“Ready Megs?” Hunter asked in a quick whisper to which Omega immediately nodded before the two of them immediately ran out after Tech, letting out loud war cries as they did so. Tech couldn’t get far before Hunter practically tackled him to the ground and soon enough Omega landed on top of him, effectively pinning him to the grass. “Gotcha!” She giggled loudly as she looked down at Tech beneath her. “You sure did, Omega.” Tech mused with a chuckle as he reached up to playfully boop her little nose

Soon Omega crawled off her Bui and started to crawl around on the ground instead. “My turn!” She announced with a grin. “Alright go on, Kiddo. We’ll be waiting for you.” Hunter hummed with a grin of his own as he helped Tech up onto his feet before the pair of them made their way behind the nearby shed

Omega wasted no time making a show of herself crawling along the ground, knowing fully well her Buirs were watching her from nearby. All the while she made little “eep”ing noises that she figured a caterpillar would make. Once she was close enough to the cloth swing, she grabbed the edge of it and hoisted herself up onto her feet. She attempted to climb inside but stumbled at first, but that didn’t bring her down. With another “eep eep eep” she pulled herself up and inside the swing with a quiet giggle

Once successfully inside the cocoon, Omega began to sing her bug song, a wide grin on her lips as she did so. Meanwhile at the shed, Tech and Hunter were both waiting patiently for Omega to “hatch” out of her cocoon. But their attention was suddenly brought back to their home when they heard a voice coming from the back porch. Upon looking over, they saw their brother, Echo, waving them over. “Tech! Hunter! I need your help with something!”

The pair looked at each other on what to do. They didn’t want to leave Omega in the middle of her game but upon looking back, she still seemed to be busy away singing her song inside her cocoon. Maybe whatever Echo needed help with wouldn’t take so long and they would be back before she even noticed they were gone. It was agreed. Getting up from where they were hiding behind the shed, Tech and Hunter quickly made their way back to the house and heading inside with Echo

Meanwhile back outside, Omega had finally stopped singing. “Okay! I think I’m ready to be a butterfly now!” She called loudly, giggling in excitement as she climbed out of the swing, flapping her arms up and down as she waited for her Buirs to spring out and catch her. But when nobody came after a few seconds, she figured she’d go to where they were hiding. “I’m flapping around. I sure hope there aren’t any butterfly catchers nearby!” She called as she peeked around the corner to where she thought Hunter and Tech were hiding only to find the place empty

Omega frowned slightly in confusion. Where could they be? Maybe they were hiding somewhere else to catch her by surprise. With a new found sense of excitement, she began to wander around the backyard to look for where her two silly Buirs were hiding. But after a few minutes of searching, there was no luck and Omega only got more and more saddened and confused. Where did they go? Did they not want to play? Upon checking up on the back porch, Omega heard their voices coming from inside the kitchen, so she immediately headed inside to see what they were doing

Upon stepping inside, Omega saw that Tech and Hunter were working away with her Buir Echo at cutting up fruits and vegetables for what seemed to be for lunch, the three of them talking amongst themselves about Force knew what. But that didn’t matter to Omega, all that mattered was that Tech and Hunter left when they were playing with her, without telling her. “Buir…you were both supposed to catch me.” She called to them with a deep frown on her little face

Tech and Hunter both shared a look of guilt and surprise when they heard Omega’s voice coming from behind them. Tech was the first to turn and move over to Omega. “Your Buir Echo needed our help with making lunch, little Star. It took us a bit longer to finish than expected but I promise that we will keep playing once we’re finished.” He explained to her to the best of his ability but even with his reassuring words, she still seemed deeply upset. “Oh…okay…” She said before turning and leaving out the back door and into the backyard

Hunter watched her leave with a deep frown of his own on his lips. He hated seeing his little Ad’ika so upset. He knew they should have told her that they needed to leave the game for a bit so she would be less disappointed but he thought they would finish up sooner than expected. As he gazed out a nearby window, Hunter watched as Omega walked over to the blanket swing and hauled herself inside. Letting out a sigh, he quickly finished up chopping the veggies he was working on and handed the cutting board to Echo. “I’m gonna go make sure, Mega is okay.” He explained before walking out to the backyard

Walking up to the blanket swing, Hunter could just barely see a tuft of Omega’s curly blonde hair sticking out of the edge. “Mega?” He called quietly as he sat down just a foot or so away from the swing. Of course he got no response. Omega was often always quiet when she was upset. “Omega we’re both sorry we left the game without telling you. Echo needed our help with making lunch and we thought we would be back in time for you to come out. We can keep playing if you’d like. Tech shouldn’t be much longer.” He explained as he watched the blanket swing patiently

No response and no movement from Omega. She really was upset. Letting out a defeated sigh, Hunter turned away and looked down at the grass beneath him. On a nearby blade of grass, he saw a little ladybug climbing along the grass. “Poor little bug on the wall…inching. No one to love him at all…” Hunter found himself singing quietly to himself. It was such a silly thing for him to do but he didn’t know what else to do in that moment

But from behind him in the blanket swing, he could just barely hear the smallest voice reply back. “Inching…” Came Omega’s muffled voice. Upon hearing her little voice, Hunter’s lips quirked up into a slight smile and he quickly turned back around to face his daughter. “No one to tickle his toes.” He continued as Omega popped her head out of one of the openings to the swing. “Inching.” She replied. “No one to blow his nose.” Hunter finished off and as soon as he saw a small smile grace Omega’s lips, he immediately reached out and pulled her into a tight hug, nuzzling his nose against hers

The father and daughter soon pulled away from their embrace just as Tech finally made his way out to the backyard. “There you are, Omega.” He called before making his way over to the pair. “I truly apologize, my little star. We should have told you we needed to help with making lunch rather than just leave you in the dark. Can you ever forgive us?” Tech asked with a deep sincerity in his voice. Omega only smiled and moved over to hug him, her little arms wrapping tightly around his neck. “It’s okay, Daddy. I forgive you.” She replied, smiling when Tech hugged her back, his arms squeezing around her torso

“Alright, Mega. You can be the butterfly again if you’d like.” Hunter then chimed in an offer. The little girl thought about it for a moment before shaking her head. “Actually I wanna be the catcher.” She announced. “Me too.” Hunter added. “I would like to be the catcher as well.” Tech proceeded. “Oh. Well who will we catch then?” Hunter then asked in confusion once he realized that no one wanted to be the butterfly

At his question, there was the sound of humming coming from the back porch as Wrecker stepped outside with a basket of wet clothes. “I’m gonna put these clean clothes away, gonna put these clean clothes away.” He hummed to himself as he made his way over to the clothes line. Omega, Tech and Hunter all looked at each other and smirked mischievously when they all got the same idea

Wrecker was none the wiser to the three people creeping up behind him as he hung up the clothes on the line. But he was soon alerted to the sound of his daughter’s voice when she yelled “Catch him!” And not even three seconds later, Wrecker was tackled into the grass by two of his brothers and their sweet little Ad’ika. The fours laughter all rung out into the open air. Summer was a good time for the Fett house indeed

[sashketter]

Dancing The Blues Away

Summary: Padmé Amidala convinces Riyo Chuchi to go out dancing. They bump into a few men from the 501st, including Captain Rex and ARC trooper Echo. Padmé leaves Riyo with the clones. Years later, Rex, Echo, and Riyo reminisce about that night.

Word count: 2.3K

Warnings: Mentions of Anidala. Hints of Echiyo and Rexiyo.

Notes: This starts during the Clone Wars and jumps ahead immediately after season 3 episode 15 of The Bad Batch, “The Calvary Has Arrived.” I can’t get over Echo’s throwaway line about Riyo sheltering clones on Pantora (THE QUEEN THE ABSOLUTE LEGEND THAT SHE IS). I figured that can’t be the only time she’s surrounded by our boys.

Growl, growl, growl, growl.

Riyo Chuchi looks up from the packet on her desk. She stares in disbelief at the clock on the wall. She had missed dinner, and her stomach was protesting. She starts to remember her guards offering to fetch her food hours ago, but she had dismissed and ordered them to fetch their own meals instead. She reaches for her comlink when soft knocks land on her door.

“Come in.” Riyo’s voice cracks from disuse, so long had she been poring over papers in silence. She stands to greet her visitor. “Senator Amidala!”

“Good evening, Senator Chuchi.” Padmé opens and stands next to the door, her hand still on the knob. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Not at all. Please come in.” Riyo gestures towards the two seats in front of her desk. As Padmé crosses the floor, a gloved hand from the hall reaches for the doorknob and closes the door quietly. “I’ve almost finished reading the revised refugee bill. Did you have something to add?”

“No, I think we’ve covered everything.” Padmé sits and takes in Riyo’s desk, bare of trimmings except a simple, gold lamp on the corner. “It’s a shame it’s taken so long for the Republic to provide aid to those displaced on the Outer Rim. I’m glad you decided to co-sponsor it.”

“Of course.” Riyo sits back down. “Naboo has been an inspiration to those like myself and a few in our moon’s Assembly who wish to take Pantora in a more active and humanitarian direction.”

Padmé nods and smiles at the compliment, but immediately changes direction. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t come to discuss legislation or diplomacy. Are you busy tonight?”

Riyo blushes. “Oh! Um, well, I had hoped to study the bill further in case the opposing—”

“We have the votes, Riyo,” Padmé soothes. “There’s not much the opposition can do.”

Riyo looks down at the packet and searches for another strategy. She doesn’t want to turn down the senator, but her body is screaming for sleep and sustenance.

Padmé senses Riyo’s hesitation and tries again. “It’s just we’ve been stuck in the Senate district for days, ironing out this bill, and I think we both deserve a break.”

“I agree,” Riyo concurs a little too quickly. “But I’m afraid I skipped dinner, and I don’t think I’ll make good company before—”

“Then it’s settled! Dinner it is.” Padmé is up and at the door in the blink of an eye. “I’ll meet you at your quarters in an hour.” She turns the door knob before whirling back around to clarify, “Oh, and don’t wear anything too fancy.”

Riyo blinks in confusion. “Why?”

~~~

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Padmé.” Riyo tugs at the hem of her dress as they cross the busy street. They land on an even busier sidewalk.

“Nonsense. A little music and some dancing won’t hurt.” Padmé manages to outpace Riyo’s guards who are losing their breaths trying to keep the two senators in sight. “Think of it as a treat after all our hard work.”

Riyo lost count of the number of levels they’d descended searching for whatever destination Padmé had in mind. She had simply said, “Trust me,” after dinner before grabbing Riyo by the wrist and venturing into Coruscant’s perpetual darkness. Each turn around a blind corner seems to reveal a new shade of neon lights, a deeper depth of dampness clinging to the walls, a more pungent smell of different species packed tight.

After what feels like a full rotation to Riyo, Padmé stops in front of a nondescript building. No signs, no crowds. Blue neon light bathes the alley from above the sole door. If not for the low thrum of the music within, Riyo would’ve thought these durasteel walls were empty.

“Are you sure this is the right place?” Riyo looks at her guards who start to station themselves.

Padmé looks around until she spies some graffiti. “Yes. Senator Mothma said to look for that.” She points to an imperceptible rendering of a lotus blossom to the right of the door frame. It glows a faint blue. Riyo admires the simplicity of the blacklight above. “She used to come here as a junior senator, said it was safe and out of the way.”

Inside is only marginally brighter than outside, though with significantly more people per square meter. Padmé spots the bar at a distance and starts towards it. Riyo follows close behind, looking around the crowded floor before colliding into the senator’s back. She peers around her at the unmistakable armor of a trooper.

“Captain Rex?” The clone turns at the sound of his name and faces Padmé. His eyebrows shoot up in shock. “What are you doing here?”

“Senator!” He starts to stand at attention until he spies Riyo. “Uh, senators.” He plants his feet and points his thumb behind him. “Uh, some of the boys thought 79s was getting old and stuffy.”

“No, I mean what are you doing here on Coruscant?” Nearby patrons start to recognize Padmé’s voice. Elbows jab and eyes turn for quick glances; Rex’s peripheral vision serves him well. “I thought the 501st was on a mission to Saleucami.”

“Yes, we were. But you know General Skywalker, he—” Rex stops abruptly, eyes bulging, and blushes impossibly red. Padmé smirks and steps in to save the captain’s decorum.

“Let me guess: he saved the day and cut your stay short.” She shakes her head in amusement.

Rex clears his throat but finds himself coughing. “Y-yes, ma’am.”

“How long will you be on Coruscant?” Padmé somehow stretches the question several syllables longer.

“Just for tonight. We received orders as soon as we landed to support General Gallia in the Mid Rim. We leave at 0900.” Rex doesn’t miss the senator’s surprise.

“I see. Excuse me,” Padmé plans her escape, “have you met Senator Chuchi?”

Rex and Riyo exchange nods. “We’ve met. Senator.”

“Captain. Padmé, what—” A small hand and a passing group shove Riyo into Rex’s chest. His hands fly up to her arms to reestablish a respectable distance between them.

“I’m so sorry, Riyo,” Padmé starts to back away towards the exit, “but I need to— um—”

“Prepare for a briefing?” Rex raises an eyebrow and employs her and the general’s code word.

“Y-yes. My apologies, Riyo, really. I-I promise I’ll make it up to you.” Padmé disappears into the anonymous crowd. “I’ll see you tomorrow!”

Riyo stares in shock at being abandoned in the lower levels. She turns around and finds Rex pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Are you alright, captain?”

“Uh, yes, ma’a—uh, senator.”

“You don’t have to entertain me if—” She stops and squints at Rex. “How long have they roped you into their dates?”

Once again, Rex is caught off-guard to the amusement of the senator in front of him. “I, uh, I-I’m not sure what you—”

“Never mind.” Riyo doesn’t want to torture the man. “It’s none of my business.”

“Hey, Rex!” The captain looks over his shoulder as it’s enveloped by the hand of another trooper. The clone takes in Riyo with interest. “Hello there, sweetheart. Listen, if the captain here’s not showing you a good time, I—”

“Stow it, Hardcase,” Rex sneers. “The senator doesn’t want to hear your sithspit.”

Before Riyo can ease the tension, a voice from behind her chirps, “Senator Chuchi?”

Riyo turns around to a wall of white and blue armor. She recognizes the ARC trooper designation of the clone’s double pauldrons. “Yes?”

A second ARC trooper elbows the first. “Aiming a little high there, Echo.”

“What? No, I just—” Echo starts to double back. “I mean, not that I wouldn’t, but—” He lurches forward when the second ARC trooper slaps his back with a dull thud.

“Gentlemen, please.” Riyo is surrounded. She spies Rex start to laugh at her own befuddlement.

“Stand down, men.” The captain steps in. “Let the senator gain her bearings.” He puts a gentle hand on her back and leads her towards the bar. As they gain some distance, Riyo catches the sound of plastoid meeting plastoid before Echo growls, “You’re a karking sack of bantha fodder, Fives!”

Rex deposits Riyo on a stool before taking the seat to her left. “Sorry about that, senator. We don’t get a lot of opportunities to,” he searches for a less provocative word, “decompress.”

“No need to apologize, captain.”

The bartender ambles up to them. “The usual, Rex?”

“Yeah, thanks, Slice.”

Riyo recognizes the bottle as Slice pours a generous amount. “I’ll have the same.”

“Really?” Rex takes his glass and watches the bartender fill another. “I wouldn’t have thought you liked brandy.”

Twin glasses in hand, the captain and the senator toast and take big swigs. “Pantoran distilleries aren’t as famous as Corellia’s,” Riyo raises her glass to the light, “but we still make a good bottle.” She blinks at Rex above the rim of her glass and takes another mouthful. She suddenly remembers that she had had two glasses of wine at dinner with Padmé. She regrets the show of bravado and hopes her stomach won’t betray her.

They turn to face the crowd in time to see the second ARC trooper from before march up to the bar. A playful smirk wrinkles his eyes as he makes a beeline for the senator. He bows before her ceremoniously, his head nearly level with her lap, and raises his right hand to her. She puts her hand in his and turns to send a confused look at Rex who’s already shaking his head. The ARC trooper’s fingers curl around hers, and he looks up. “Care for a dance, senator?”

Riyo smiles wide. “What’s your name, trooper?”

“CT-5555, but they call me—”

“A real pain in my ass,” Rex bellows. The bar erupts in laughter.

Riyo’s sympathy starts to flare until Fives aims a finger gun with his free hand at Rex and winks. “Only to the best ass in the GAR, brother.”

The bar roars even louder. Rex rolls his eyes and turns to the bartender for another drink, blocking fists to his back and shoulders.

The force of Riyo’s laugh almost knocks her off her stool, her outstretched hand already disrupting her balance, but Fives straightens up and takes her other hand in his, steadying her.

“Don’t fall for me yet, senator.” Fives steps closer to balance her forearm on his.

Riyo laughs. “I suppose I can stand to—”

“Not sure you can stand at all, ma’am.” A new clone flanks her from the right. Riyo recognizes the medic by the insignia on his spaulder.

“I-I’ll be fine, trooper, thank you.” She looks up at Fives. “Unless you’ve gotten cold feet.”

Fives smiles broadly and swings her around to the dance floor. Riyo’s head spins, but the ARC trooper gives her all the support she needs. The rest of the night is a blur of flashing lights and reassuring baritones and white armor. She dances with Echo who keeps his kit to himself. She dances with Rex who keeps a hand on hers and twirls her around. She even dances with Hardcase whom Rex and Fives have to peel off her shoulders when his fifth shot of tihaar hits him hard. Between the warm treatment of the troopers and the lingering effects of the wine and brandy, Riyo floats. Her skin fizzes, and her mind empties of the galaxy, replaced by the simple desire to remain in the company of the clones.

~~~

Riyo sits on a crate and waits for the caf to finish brewing on the busy table next to her. From a distance, she watches her guards distribute food and water to the prisoners scattered in groups of twos and threes across the small airfield. Rex and Echo make their way to each group. At the edge of the Remora’s platform, the female clone speaks to Howzer whose face flickers between horror and curiosity.

Sunset drapes over Pantora. Pink and purple meet in the sky while the city past the airfield is cloaked in silhouette. The air starts to chill, but the atmosphere is filled with warm relief. Tantiss is destroyed, its prisoners freed, and a glimmer of hope spreads with Emerie’s arrival and intel. Riyo looks on with pride.

Rex and Echo start towards the caf table. Riyo stands as they reach her. “Good work, you two.” She’s always eager to comfort them.

“It’s a start.” The clones nod at each other, a shared thought voiced by Echo.

Without warning, music warbles out of the airfield’s PA system. The three turn towards the communications tower where they see Gregor wave and give a thumbs up. He bends to speak into a microphone. “It’s a party tonight, boys! You’re free men! Woohoo!”

Cheers and laughter drift through the airfield. In the distance, Riyo spies the city’s lights come on, a blessing on their festivities.

“Not exactly Lotus, is it?” Rex smirks down at Riyo. On her other side, Echo is simply stunned.

Riyo looks up at Rex. A hazy memory from a lifetime ago starts to sharpen. She remembers him escorting her to a waiting taxi away from the club, her guards securing the sidewalk. She thought they were alone and had left the other clones back inside until a chorus of jeers and laughter erupted behind them. Hardcase and the ARC troopers had run to catch up. “That was a fun night,” she recalls, surprised at the details coming back to her.

“The boys never let me live it down.” Rex crosses his arms. “For awhile, my kit was covered in blue lipstick every time I got out of the fresher.”

Riyo smiles fondly at the image of Fives and Hardcase pressing blue-painted lips to Rex’s armor. She looks between Rex and Echo and at the clones celebrating and marvels at how far they’ve all come since that night.

“It should’ve been purple,” Echo interjects, “but I could only find blue.”

Rex chokes on a curse, and Riyo bursts into laughter. She doubles over, clutching her sides and gasping for breath, while Echo blocks Rex’s punches over her head. For awhile, Rex finds a single stain of purple lips on his helmet every time he debriefs the senator.

[fandom-friday]

So I literally just found Two Faces by @stellarbit and it made me feel ALL the emotions. Their writing is so eloquent and had me feeling all the emotions with the reader, so the climax and the relief that they had when (spoilers) Tech revealed he knew the secret the whole time was that much more palpable. Stellarbit had me so distracted at work until I could finish it 😂

WE LOVE FICS THAT ELICIT EMOTIONAL RESPONSES LIKE THAT. Those are the best (and also the highest of compliments to the chef/author/person who did the thing). Also, I really love the premise and setup for this fic and can very much see why it would TOTALLY DEFINITELY NOT HAVE YOU DISTRACTED AT WORK hehe. Thanks so much for sending this one in!

Participate in Fandom Friday to show your favorite creators from this week some love! :)