#tbb hunter x oc fan fic

[skellymom]

"Sunset Over Pabu"

Hunter X OC/Reader One Shot

Word Count: 910

Background: An "Old Love" relationship. Nostalgia. Saying Goodbye. Using planet and star interchangeably. The celestial body in this fic is a Moon, similar to our planet Mars it reflects light so the appearance is a shining star.

The inspiration for this story came from @lightspringrain artwork. Including the link to her Etsy shop and image of "Hunter's Moon"

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1556715876/star-wars-the-bad-batch-omega-or-hunter?ref=yr_purchases

There are parallels to the first time Mad met Hunter in this fic. To read how they met, here is the link:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/738467105361494016/vagabonds?source=share

Warning: Sadness.

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

They snuggled close on that settee just as they did the first night meeting on Ord Mantell.  In between trips off world, children, weddings, funerals, holidays, and all manner of life Hunter and Mad carved out while on Pabu to watch the sunset together.  Approximately 10 standard cycles of building a bonfire on the beach and cuddling up together to watch the sky turn deep shades of crimson, purple, and eventually black.  Gazing at the stars as they cycled by with the seasons in the night sky. 

The broken settee was resurrected by Hunter’s own hands when they first settled.  He built it strong enough for two.  A solid foundation so it would never break again.  Mad helped weatherproof it to withstand the ocean salt.  Together, they performed maintenance when needed, so it would last for many years.  A continuing project and labor of love. 

In addition, a firepit was constructed to hold the burning heat kept within.  Hunter and Mad collected stones on their travels around the galaxy.  Bringing back chunks of memories to line into a continuing never-ending circle.  Occasionally family and friends would add their own additions when returning to Pabu. Wrecker kept his eye out for oddly shaped or colored rocks while fishing and would surprise them with a new addition already stacked against the ring. 

Tonight, Hunter had a bit of difficulty making his way down the stone steps to the beach.  Mad took his hand, providing support.  His long hair and beard had gotten greyer the last few months.  She joked that he was almost as silver as her.  The wrinkles and laugh-lines accumulated since being together, a happy long life for a clone prominent on his face. He smiled as she fussed about him being careful not to slip. 

“Taking good care of me.” 

“Of course, what else would I do.”  

She winked, and he chuckled. 

He told Mad tonight he’d forego their usual “Spotchka under the stars” and just do “The Stars” for tonight.  The alcohol was wearing heavily on his system, making for extremely tiring mornings after...even with him cutting back considerably. 

In the last few months, Hunter and Mad watched a vibrant moon make its transit across the heavens.  It stood out amongst the other stars.  Burning a brilliant red flicker that could be easily seen even though it was millions of light years away. The bright red star reached the zenith of its orbit and total brilliance tonight per Tech’s calculations.   

“There’s YOUR moon, Hunky!” Mad pointed up above.  

There was a number for this moon at one point. With millions of celestial bodies orbiting the galaxy, only numbers were given to keep track of them all. That wasn't good enough for Omega though. She named it “Hunter’s Moon” rotations ago before leaving on her own journey with Echo and Crosshair. 

“Shame it’s the last night we’ll see it on Pabu.” Hunter mused. 

Mad sighed. “Didn’t Tech say something about it being visible somewhere else?” 

“Think he mentioned another planet not far from this one...” Hunter trailed off. 

“Whattsamatter Hunky?” 

He looked a little guilty “Not sure I’m up to traveling much any time soon.” He also sounded tired. 

“Not in any hurry. We have a sky full of stars.” 

“Mhmm, that’s my Mad... always thinking ahead.” 

“It’s the wanderlust. Brain never shuts off.” 

“I LOVE you, Maadienne.” 

Mad smiled and squeezed his hand. “I LOVE you too, Hunky.” 

They both gazed up at Hunter’s Moon.  

“Make a wish, Mad!”  Hunter said quietly.  

They were both silent for a while.  Then Hunter gently rested his head against hers. 

She knew he wouldn’t come out and tell her his wish, that to tell it wouldn’t come true.  Mad still liked to chide Hunter and try to playfully tease it out of him.  It would end in tickling, laughter, hugs, kisses...and on less tiresome nights love making. On tiresome nights they fell asleep in each other's arms on the beach. 

“Okay Hunky, spill the beans.”  Mad hugged Hunter tighter.  He didn’t reply.   

“Hunky..?”   

Mad brushed Hunter’s long locks away from his face. She gazed down at him, marveling at how the bonfire illuminated his hair, tattoo, dark skin. The face of a sleeping angel.  A rhyme in time back on Ord Mantell all those years ago.  The younger man who decided to buy her a drink in Cyd’s Parlor.  A partner that travelled with her across the galaxy, helped care for her family, whose brothers adopted them all, and a partner that never left her side. 

She caressed his face lovingly, immersing herself in the scent of his skin, hair, and... 

...breath...? 

Hunter’s chest had stilled.  An expected, but heavy weight resting against her body, a bit heavier than his usual bodily presence. 

“Oh...Hunter...Hun...” Mad suddenly hitched and exhaled, tears running down her face. 

She knew this day would eventually come.  And as the full rotations went on, she kept wishing on a certain red star that she could have another standard day with him.  Every standard day she wished to have another. 

But wishes only carry you so far...and there are only so many wishes granted. 

And you must accept that the universe has other plans. 

To believe in having just a moment of happiness instead of none. 

Mad kissed Hunter’s forehead.  “Aw, Hunky...we were REAL good...  Weren’t we? 

The red star above Pabu twinkled in reply to Mad’s words as she hugged Hunter for the last time. 

PLEASE like, comment, and/or REBLOG!

IF YOU WISH TO BE ADDED OR DROPPED FROM MY TAG LIST, PLEASE MESSAGE ME! Don't just comment as I might miss it. Thanks!!! <3

[fandom-friday]

Hello friend Karrde!

I hope that all here have been well and prosperous, or at least not buried in snow like me. I have more offerings again for the rec list! I apologize because this is gonna be a whopper of a list too, totally understand if it doesn't make it in this week.

On the Art side of things:

@pinkiemme has been rocking our world with both Commanders Wolffe and Mayday... such scrumptiousness. But then I saw this panel of Captain Rex and... (crying).

@rexxdjarin again with the thick and healthy series latest Echo and Gregor... the study of muscular anatomy is so on point!

@sunshinesdaydream has given us the adorable duo of Hardcase and Sparks

@spicyclones79s has gifted us Omega & Hunter, Commander Wolffe, and a very sweet Foxio

@ladykagewaki always has my heart with the Bebe batch snuggles But also Ms. Fangirl has shared how to summon Echo (May contain spoilers!)

@cloned-eyes made me smile with Wrecker and his little friends but then sob when I saw Jenot.

Comic Recs!:

@paperback-rascal is back with mercy and co with an interesting neurologic finding on Major 40

Fic Recs!:

@pickleprickle 's Newest fic features an injured Mace Windu in the wake of the Empire's rise in Shattered Sunrise. When I say I binged the first two chapters... go read!

if anyone is in need of a Howzer Fic after @the-rain-on-kamino has just reposted their Exigency series. I didn't get a chance to read it the first time and am making my way through it now and let me tell ya... the love, the longing, the CAPTAIN! oh and the build up to the SMUT!

Hopefully I'll have the other comic pieces gathered together for next week and a few more recs. Till then happy reading!

This is one HECK of a list that's got a little something for every TCW/TBB fan out there! I love all of the artwork, and the fics are phenomenal!!!

(Quick correction: the art of Hardcase and Sparks was a commission done by @cloned-eyes)

As always, THANK YOU for taking the time to pull all these together!!

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

[freesia-writes]

Fanart Wish List

Gonna share this again since I've added some and taken some off the list as they've been completed by you FREAKING AMAZING artists!!

I'm in the final few chapters of the Hunter fic and SO EXCITED to showcase the insanely diverse, awe-inspiring, creative, talented artists in our fandom.

If any of you are inspired by any of the scenes on the list and would like to bring them to life, please feel free, knowing that I'll be eternally grateful and the readers will be so blessed by your contributions to the fic!

[wild-karrde]

Hi Karrde,

we all know and love @ladykagewaki’s comics but she is also an excellent fanfic writer!

I would like to recommend her story “Echo’s Companion” (18+).

https://archiveofourown.org/works/36550306/chapters/91153522

If anyone had ever told me about a story where Echo falls in love with a sex worker I would probably have said “Erm…no thanks that’s really not what I want to read about Seksy Eksy”. But it’s @ladykagewaki and I know she’s a brilliant writer so I just HAD to read it. And it was soooo good, so sweet and respectful of Echo and his injuries and the very lovable sex worker Reelie. I think everyone who reads this story will forever remember Chapter 3 where you can find a unique combination of spice and second-hand embarrassment written in such a superb way it will never ever leave your mind again. It is also a great example that spicy content doesn’t have to be too explicit to create vivid images in your head.

I really enjoyed this one and I think @ladykagewaki is way too modest for her writing skills so let me praise her with this post!

Echo deserves all of the softness and love in the world! Also, I am SIDE-EYEING THAT ONE TAG WITH CONCERN. But Echo would ABSOLUTELY be the type to not be an just a top-tier gentleman, and I am stoked about this OC, so loving all of this for him. And spice and second-hand embarrassment you say? Sounds very intriguing (and promisingly hilarious). Thanks for the rec!

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

[stars-n-spice]

✯ ☽ MAX'S MASTERLIST ☾ ✯

Max // 21 // They/Them // Aspec // Korean + Mexican 

Welcome to @disaster-by-chance's Star Wars side blog aka the place where I yell and cry about this space opera like it’s a full time job. If there’s absolutely one thing to know about me is that I’m an absolute slut for found family and a fucking whore for Wrecker. Oh, and canonically a space cowboy as well. 

🩵 DMs are always open if you wanna chat Star Wars, make requests, or just marvel at how incredibly bad I am at carrying conversations (I promise I’m approachable)! 🩵

Or just hop into my inbox to say hello! please I need more Star Wars mutuals/friends

⚠️ I will occasionally post nsfw things (will be tagged as #nsfw and #max-night posting) but will probably only do so super late at night, but just a word of warning for minors! ⚠️

DIVIDER REQUESTS: CLOSED

I make Star Wars themed dividers! Mostly I’ve done Bad Batch themed ones, but those aren’t the only ones I’m open to doing. 

So if you'd also like a specific kind of divider, let me know! Just tell me the theme/character/symbols you would like, the more specific the better! Even better if you have the images you want saved and ready to go. It doesn't have to be super specific. Like if you need a divider for a fic or other, you can give me a general summary of the fic and ask me to base a divider off of that. I may ask for further elaboration or other, just so I make sure I get it right and to your liking. 

🩵 If you would like to request a divider feel free to send an ask, DM me, or fill out this form! 📝

That all being said, here is all my stuff in one place! Thanks for visiting :D

✩ CAARD:

Link to my Caard! It’s got all the other links to my other social media platforms and whatnot. 

✩ KOFI:

Like my work? Feel free to buy me a coffee :D It is very much appreciated <3

✩ STORE: [CLOSED]

Have you ever wanted merch to show just how much you love the copy and paste men of Star Wars? Look no further than DISASTER’S SHOP STOP for all of your clone needs! 

✩ A03:

Occasionally I write! Not as much as I would like to, but when I can and have the motivation, you can find my fics here! 

✩ DISCORD:

Add me on discord! disasterbychance Join my LGBTQ + POC-friendly Star Wars server! You don’t necessarily have to identify as either of those two things, but considering what a toxic space the Star Wars fandom can be, I went ahead (as a queer POC fan myself) and created this server as a safe space for fans like me :) So feel free to join! Here’s the invite! 

✩ MASTERLISTS:

A collection of my different masterlists. 

Divider Masterlist The Baddies Batch Masterlist The Silly Squad Masterlist  Khea Nultez (OC) Masterlist

✩ MY TAGS: 

A collection of tags I have to help you find things better :) 

#max’s musings - me talking/rambling/venting about star wars related things #max’s masterpieces (or also #my art/#my fics) - for my art and/or fics  #max-box - for inbox answers/replies #max-night posting - for late night posts (most likely will be nsfw) #queue were the chosen one - for queue posts #tbb on the go/tbb trip pics - travel pics of my bad batch legos in places I’ve visited #clone shorts - updates/information on my clone shorts  #nsfw - pretty self-explanatory  #baddies batch - squad of TBB significant others #silly squad - The Bad Batch x The Baddies batch #guardians - ship between Hunter & Jung (OC) #scompscope - ship between Echo & Viram (OC) #starburst - ship between Wrecker & Khea (OC) #sharpshooters - ship between Crosshair & Tay (OC)

✩ TAG LISTS:

Join a tag list! Let me know what you would like to be tagged in or fill out this form here!

[techs-goggles9902]

Sha’s Masterlist ✨

Hi, you can call me Sha or Ge’tal. I’m a fan girl, writer, and artist (sometimes). I’m a book nerd! I’m on Instagram ( knee_s0cks1409 ) TikTok ( techs_goggles99 ) , and I make shuffles on Pinterest ( techs_goggles99 ) ! My general tag is Sha Speaks and my art tag is Sha’s art

Fandoms include: The Band Ghost, Star Wars Prequels (TCW and TBB included) & Republic Commando, DC, Arctic Monkeys, (anime account is @kacchans-gauntlet ), The Hunger Games, the Outsiders, and Wild Kratts.

REQUESTS FOR FAN FICTION ARE OPEN!

Rules for requests: no clone/clone, rexwalker, rexsoka, spicy stuff, or obikin, or Krattcest, or minor/adult. I will write my oc stories, and if you request it I’ll write your oc into canon typical situations or requested setting.

Send in an ask or dm me if you want to join/leave the tag list!

✉️ = request

⚠️ = possible trigger warning (blood or something)

My longer fics:

Two Souls Entwined

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 (ongoing, unknown number of chapters)

Summary: Niva Veen (oc) x Captain Rex

Clone Heaven ✉️

Clone Heaven (Fives and Fox meet in clone Heaven)

Clone Heaven (Kix and 501st reunion) UPCOMING

TBB Modern AU

Masterlist

Summary: TBB in a modern setting.

One Time Things: (maybe)

Fi’s on leave (RC 8015 x gender neutral reader) ✉️

Tech, I don’t fit in (Tech x f!reader plantonic, Raven Skirata cameo) ✉️

I Like You (Rex x medic female reader) ✉️

Why Did You Wait For Me? (Crosshair x female reader) ✉️

Mr. Echolocation (Echo x gender neutral reader) ✉️

CX-2 is all that remains (Tech lives) ✉️

TBB Reacts to Ghost (My interpretation of how Clone Force 99 would react to their s/o listening to Ghost) ✉️

More than sniffles (Hunter x gn reader - who’s sick) ✉️

My art:

Death Troopers Helmet ⚠️

TBB Echo

Cody kicking a clanker

Obi-Wan fell asleep (Codywan)

Brainrot Hunter

@/dangracoon’s oc Jaine Vale x Crosshair

[lightwise]

Masterlist

Hey there, friend 🌻 You can call me Light or Lightwise ✨ This is my little corner of Tumblr mostly dedicated to Star Wars (especially the Bad Batch, clone boys, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan). I am a photographer and writer in my early thirties who spent her childhood telling stories to herself while riding her bike in circles around her driveway. Little did I know at the time that would be considered fan fiction and that however many years later I would find myself nerding out in the Star Wars fandom and loving every second of it ✨

I write a lot of in-depth analyses and musings, which are tagged with #somelightramblings | #some light ramblings (for a touch of irony, because they are usually anything but light or short :D).

My image edits are tagged with #somelightedits | #some light edits

My fics/writings are tagged with #lightwisewrites | #lightwise writes

My fic recommendations are tagged with #somelightreading

I currently do not take fic requests but you can find my writing (a mix of one-shots and long-form WIPs) on here as well as on AO3.

Reblogs and comments are always appreciated 🤗 and feel free to use my edits for headers or PFPs with credit!

This blog contains both SFW and NSFW content, so minors DNI, 18+ only please and thank you 👀

moon dividers by @djarrex 🩷

Btw, I talk mainly about Star Wars with an emphasis on my favorite Bad Batch Boys, but I love many other fandoms/shows/books as well and welcome any conversations/sliding into my DMs to discuss them or other random (SFW) topics!

Narnia (my first fantasy love) | Mystery of Aaravos (The Dragon Prince) | Gilmore Girls | Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | A Series of Unfortunate Events | Shadow and Bone | LoTR | TrollHunters | Gravity Falls | Studio Ghibli  | Anything Jane Austen or 18th and 19th century literature | Sound of Music | And whatever you want to talk about! My Asks are always open!

Key:  🤔 = long analysis  📷 = image edits (alone or within analysis posts) 🫣 = Potentially disturbing or triggering content (mental health, implied violence or dying, etc.) 🔥 = NSFW/spicy content

My Fics

Plan 99 - Short one-shot fic from Tech's perspective. I wanted to show the thoughts that must have been running through his mind as he fell. The love he has for his family. The peace he has in his decision. (from the season finale of TBB season 2)

Tumblr link | AO3 link

Coming soon: Compass and the North Star (long-form fill in the gaps of TBB season 2, focused on Rex and Echo's efforts to free their clone brothers).

Be There - I had to fill in a couple of moments that we didn’t get in S3 E4 - A Different Approach. Hunter and Crosshair's perspectives on trying to find/escaping with Omega and their impending reunion.

Collaborations:

🔥 Sharp Edges - (with @spicy-clones) (ALL of the spiciness, minors do NOT read!)

Tumblr link | AO3 link

Coming soon: Pabu Wedding (with @drafthorsemath)

Inspired by other fics:

The Adventures of Gonky the Cat - Slight spoiler, Gonky is a cat in the modern AU fic Roasted, Brewed, & Served with Attitude (see description below), and I decided to write his backstory/fill in some of his adventures. This is a WIP, currently there are no spoilers in it, but eventually there will be some chapters that give spoilers for later in the story (and will be noted as such).

Gemini Eyes - This one shot fits in as a chapter in between chapters 85 and 87 of Roasted, Brewed, & Served with Attitude (see description below). DO NOT read it unless you have made it that far in Mel's work, otherwise you will have pretty significant spoilers. I had a lot of fun working with Mel's versions of each character, and it's always a joy to write Tech's thought processes and mannerisms. 

Fic Recs

Roasted, Brewed, & Served with Attitude - by MelMorganne99 over on AO3. It's a clever, emotional, modern AU with Crosshair x OC (and one of the best OC characters I've ever read). This fic helped me understand and appreciate the nuances of Crosshair's personality and emotional journey, and has given me endless writing inspiration. And the author is one of the kindest, most engaging people I've ever met online. Please, please, please do yourself a favor and read it. There are 99 chapters but they're on the short side and full of snarky humor and sometimes surprising cameos. This is a full blown fix it fic too, although not always in the ways you might expect!

The Vacation - by @staycalmandhugaclone is one of the best Crosshair fics (and smut fics in general) I've ever read. The writing style haunts me and both Crosshair and the OC are beautifully characterized.

More will be tagged soon!

Show/Character Analyses & Edits

The Bad Batch

S2

🤔 Know Your Showrunners

🤔 + 📷 Phee and the Bad Batch

🤔 + 📷 Why Mayday is a Mirror of Rex (How Crosshair Predicted His Own Redemption Arc) + an excellent comment addition.

🤔 + 📷 There is Something to be Said for Freedom (Crosshair in The Tipping Point)

🤔 + 📷 Fennec season 3 TBB Predictions

S3

🤔 They Don't Know

🤔 + 📷 Project Necromancer

🤔 + 📷 Tech and Crosshair Parallels

📷 Hunter and Wrecker

📷 Omega Smiling at Crosshair

📷 Separate / Together

🤔 Thoughts on Crosshair's Hand Tremor

🤔 + 📷 Crosshair's Choice

🤔 There is No "We"

🤔 Crosshair Sighs

📷 Recognition

🤔 + 📷 Omega Is Not Okay

📷 Get Up Here

📷 Return to The Outpost - Images Part 1 | Part 2

🤔 + 📷 Full Circle - The Return to The Outpost

📷 Crosshair Portraits

🤔 + 📷 I Am Many Things But I Am Not Your Enemy (Ventress)

🤔 I Never Gave Up On You (Parallels between Luke and Omega)

🤔 + 📷 Hidden Monsters (TBB and the monsters they face)

🤔 + 📷 They Call Themselves The Bad Batch

🤔 + 📷 Remain Calm. Cooperate. And You Might Survive. (Analysis of Emerie Karr) + excellent comment addition

Star Wars (general)

📷 Huyang and Tech

🤔 The Force - Part 1 and Part 2

🤔 + 📷 Project Necromancer

Ahsoka

📷 Life and Death (Ahsoka series ep 5 + Tales of the Jedi ep 1)

📷 They Reflect Each Other (Ahsoka and Anakin as master and padawan, Ahsoka series ep 5)

🫣 + 🤔 Ahsoka’s Choice (Ahsoka series ep 5)

🤔 The Face of War (Ahsoka series ep 5)

📷 Red and Blue (Ahsoka series ep 5)

📷 Anakin’s Clone Wars Robes (Ahsoka series ep 5)

Ahsoka’s Direction (Ahsoka series ep 5)

Mandalorian

The Protector (Satine, Bo, & Din as rulers of Mandalore) + excellent comment additions

Episode Reactions

Ahsoka Series: Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4

The Bad Batch (Season 3): Episodes 1-3 | Episode 4 | Episode 6 | Episode 7

Headcanons

Hardcase

Wolffe

Crosshair

Tech

Cody

Jesse and Hunter

Random Musings

Psychometry (Ahsoka)

Hunter and Obi-Wan: Similarities

About Me/Tag Games

15 Questions

TBB Asks Game 1

TBB Asks Game 2

TBB Asks Game 3

TBB Asks Game 4

[acryliccassetteart]

Requests are: Open!

✨Acrylic Cassette Art’s Masterlist✨

these will be sorted by fandom and the get more specific by character if i draw them frequently enough

Star Wars

Anakin and Ahsoka redraw

Kino Loy- One Way Out

Ahsoka trooper/332nd company helmet

Mouse droid with a lightsaber

Taking A Step Commander Fox fanart

Veil Tugged Loose gif (feat. commander fox’s asscheeks)

The bride and her ugly ass groom (Peedy)

i need ventress to be mean to me please god

syril’s baby shower (peedy)

inquisitor ahsoka (palette challenge)

Captain Rex (palette challenge)

femboy fives

Star Wars OC

an apple a day keeps the kix away

Vaderkin event submission

The Bad Batch

Echo and Omega (ss redraw day 4)

Get someone who looks at you the way Phee looks at Tech (ss redraw day 5)

Mayday and Crosshair (ss redraw day 8)

Omega Copying Tech (ss redraw day 9)

Omega copying Hunter (ss redraw day 10)

All Batch boys (ss redraw day 11)

draw the squad

Hunter and Omega exploring a waterfall (fic wishlist drawing for @freesia-writes)

TBB farewell

Phee Genoa palette challenge

Hunter

Serve king (ss redraw day 2)

Redneck Hunter

Angsty Hunter

hunter work doodle

femboy hunter

Tech

Someone give this man a proper hairline (ss redraw day 1)

Redneck Tech

Brain

Tech work doodle

tech is a fucking cunt

Wrecker

Underrated king (ss redraw day 6)

Redneck Wrecker

Cowboy Wrecker save me

Place Lips Here meme

Wrecker work doodle

goofy lil guy

femboy wrecker doodle

Crosshair

sadge :( (ss redraw day 7)

Redneck Crosshair

crosshair work doodle

crosshair x the onceler

old man crosshair (shitpost)

cunty cross

Echo

Pikachu face (ss redraw day 3)

Redneck Echo

work doodle echo

Omega

Redneck Omega

Love

Despite everything, it’s still you

Cryptids

mothman

the flatwoods monster

fresno nightcrawler

Marvel

Gwenpool

Black Widow

Spider-Gwen/Ghost Spider

Kate Bishop

Pavitr Prabhakar (Spider-man India)

Peggy Carter

Haters SMP

Edge’s character design

Misc

Wet Rat Wednesday

original PFP art

Mushroom and wizard frog

Supergirl

I bet people can’t tell i’m a star wars fan (shitpost)

Princess Peach

Blähaj

Worm off the string, what crimes will he commit?

Tv head (⚠️warning: eyestrain⚠️)

Barbie

BOTW Link

Gen 1 Ghoulia Yelps with mobility aids

Art class work: 1/2/3/4/5

Jesus yeeting Wheatley from Portal 2

Monster high revived Lagoona Blue

Helen Distortion ⚠️eyestrain warning⚠️

Epic!Athena design

Fuck the minecraft movie

[wild-karrde]

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY ON MY "TO-READ" LIST AND I NEED TO GET MY BUTT IN GEAR AND READ IT BECAUSE I AM TERRIBLY EXCITED TO READ IT. I think I've been subconsciously letting the chapters build up so that I'm not craving more when I inevitably eagerly chew through it and reach the end of what's been posted. I'm one of those impatient people that loves to binge fics/books/shows/etc.

Thank you for the rec! :)

"Call the Twi'lek Midwife" Series (WIP)

Synopsis: A young Twi'lek from Ord Mantell named Citali is just beginning her career as a midwife when she unexpectedly meets the Bad Batch after they help her save one of her patients. Friendship and romance ensue as the Bad Batch are introduced to a new life and new ways to find purpose off the battlefield. As Citali heals and saves others she journeys towards healing herself, reconnecting with her culture, and finding her place in the galaxy. Echo x female OC (main pairing, Wrecker x female oc, other romantic pairings possible in the future.

Series rated M- Notes and warnings are at the beginning of each chapter but general trigger warnings for pregnancy, childbirth, medical procedures, past DV and abuse, PTSD, death mentions, pregnancy loss, mentions and depictions of slavery, and others. (There is a lot of fluff too, I swear.)

I'm a student midwife and started writing this series as a way to process my own feelings and trauma. I am a huge fan of the show Call the Midwife and loved the idea of a story like that taking place in the Star Wars universe.

Chapter 1: Afterbirth (x) Chapter 2: Oxytocin (x) Chapter 3: Erythema & Tachycardia (x) Chapter 4: Seeking Warmth (x) Chapter 5: Tea & Sweaters (x) Chapter 6: The Festival (x) Chapter 7: Tears, Dancing, & Baby Clothes (x) Chapter 8: Goodbye kiss/Goodbye Kicks (x) Chapter 9: Caregivers (x) Chapter 10: Blessings (x)

Chapter 11: Fireworks (x) Chapter 12: Labor of Love (x) Chapter 13: Safe and Sound (x) Chapter 14: A New Day (x) Chapter 15: Looking to the future (x) Chapter 16: Raising Little Ones (x) Chapter 17: First Day (x) Chapter 18: Something New (x) Chapter 19: Someday Soon (x) Chapter 20: Complications & Solutions (x)

Chapter 21: Hope Along the Path (x) Chapter 22: Dreams & Choices (x) Chapter 23: The Midwife's Apprentice (x) Chapter 24: Adoration (x) Chapter 25: Birth & Rebirth (x) Chapter 26: Ghosts From A Past Life (x) Chapter 27: Lives in the Balance (x) Chapter 28: War Rituals (x) Chapter 29: The Climb (x) Chapter 30: Light and Darkness (x)

Chapter 31: Death's Door (x) Chapter 32: The Precipice (x) Chapter 33: Returning Home (x) Chapter 34: Recovery (x) Chaper 35: Observations (x) Chapter 36: Empathy (x) Chapter 37: Trust (x) Chapter 38: Flames (x) Chapter 39: Reaquantaince & an Introduction (x) Chapter 40: Storytelling (x)

Chapter 41: A Special Day (x) Chapter 42: Birthday Gifts and a Confession (x) Chapter 43: Celebrations (x) Chapter 44: Healing & Connection (x) Chapter 45: Farewells (x) Chapter 46: Comfort & Honesty (x) Chapter 47: Friends, Family, and Allies (x) Chapter 48: Coming to "Freedom" (x) Chapter 49: Kissed by the Light (x) Chapter 50: Protecting Gifts (x)

Chapter 51: Lessons & Reality Checks (x) Chapter 52: Longing (x) Chapter 53: One and the Same (x) Chapter 54: Momentous Occasions (x)

"Consummation" NSFW 🔞

"A Day in the Life of a Loth-Cat"

x | x | x | x | x

Fic headcanon/facts | More Facts

Star Wars Culture Week: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 6

OC art by @/iamrowanartist

Masterlist header and dividers I use in fics created by @/saradika, @/djarrex, @/moonstrider9904, and @/firefly-graphics

[skellymom]

"Vagabonds" Chapter 26

"LOVE AND HOPE"

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

Hunter meets a smuggler Nomaadi Star Woman with a powerful force sensitive teen who changes the trajectory of CF-99's lives...as they ALL try to escape from The Empire together.

To read Chapter 24 & 25 - "SEPARATION & THE NIGHTMARE"

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/764929745333927936/vagabonds-chapter-24-25?source=share

Word Count: 2.3K

Background: The return of a friend. Echo comforts Sil. And, the Batchers are given Thoomie's back story from Uncle Taavi. It's a very unorthodox origin story...and one that I am familiar with when another woman I worked with left her baby behind in a locker room, and the police came to my home for questioning. TO BE CLEAR: This story is NOT an attempt to punch down at any one person in particular. This part of the story, much like a lot of other parts sprinkled into this series is a commentary on SOCIETY overall.

The Batch and Taavi ask an open ended question. One that could be seen as scornful, but instead are blunt questions. They don't judge, only contemplate their own luck. And, the scale of value society sets for life in the galaxy.

For anyone new to this series: "LOVE" is the nonbinary/genderfluid neurodivergent/nonverbal Force sensitive kid of the main OC of this series named Mad. Mad is an older single mother, close to almost 50 years of age (not many older female protagonists in stories, so I decided to make one.)

Warning: swearing, angst and brief mention of a LIVE baby in a dumpster (no worries reader, baby is rescued-NO blood or gore, but brief mention of a "blue baby").

(Credit: Cool dividers by @4ngelic-Wh1spers, @plum98 @strangergraphics-archive Pinterest: Blackstar)

Tech tinkered under the Beldame.  It helped keep his mind off of Hunter’s depression and sadness.  This was the first time Tech and the rest of The Batch had seen Hunter openly cry since...well, probably since that Reg broke Hunter’s nose when they were children. 

Thoomie administered a light sedative to Hunter so he could rest and heal for an hour or two.  Taavi announced he would whip up a meal for them all in the Bar’ge ‘N Go’s cafeteria after he was finished with his duties. 

Now that there was access to more tools, equipment, and parts, Tech would have the ‘Dame up to speed in no time.  And, with Echo researching intel, The Batch could help Mad and Sil locate and retrieve LOVE and Tiggy. 

Tinkering away deep in thought, Tech reflected on how so much had transpired since leaving Kamino, then Ord Mantell. 

It had been a DIZZYING turn of events... 

“Well...look WHO popped up” 

Tech was pulled from his rumination, glanced down recognizing a familiar pair of metal heeled boots... 

His eyes widened. 

Immediately he wheeled out from under the ship and sprang up.  Tech slicked back his hair and dusted of his clothing. 

Pushing up his goggles, Phee Genoa came into focus. 

“Hello Brown Eyes.” She slyly smiled. 

Tech stood there speechless... Say SOMETHING!  But...WHAT??? 

Your hair has a buoyant quality that attracts my attention... 

NO... 

The scent wafting up from your skin excites my senses... 

NO NO.... 

The timber of your voice causes prolierection of the hairs on my arms... 

NO! 

The thought of you quickens my heartbeat, resulting in tachycardia... 

NO!!! 

Phee watched amused at Tech’s internal struggle. 

His face began to flush slightly. 

Phee mused ADORABLE when he’s flabbergasted. 

“Uh...hello.” Tech exhaled, trying to keep his cool. 

“Glad you made it off Ord Mantell.  Didn’t expect to see you here.” 

“I am currently repairing this ship...for a close friend.” 

“Oh?  Looks like Madienne Dax’s ship.” 

“Why...yes...it is...” 

“Close friend, you say?” Phee smirked. 

“Why yes.  She’s been very hospitable with sharing it as a living space.  And preparing meals for consumption...” Tech trailed off. 

Maker, I am rambling He cringed. 

“Sounds cozy.” Phee teased. 

Tech silently analyzed Phee’s words.  Cozy?  Peculiar thing to remark.  I am NOT cozy with Mad... 

Phee stood patiently and watched his brain work it out 

Tech’s eyes widened as he made a realization. 

...OH! 

“I should be clear.” Tech raised an index finger to accentuate his point. “HUNTER is Mad’s boyfriend.” 

Phee giggled.  “Just the person to keep Bandana on his toes!” 

“That she certainly does.” Tech smirked. 

Phee leaned in and her voice softened. “Hey...Brown Eyes?”  

“Yes?” Tech answered 

“I missed you.” She smiled. 

“I missed you as well.” Tech beamed. 

Sil sat in the darkened clinic room alone.  The only light filtered out from the bacta tank where Mad floated silently, sleeping with help of a sedative. 

He refused to leave when Thoomie offered to show him to a room on the barge.  Taavi reassured her Sil would be alright.  Just needed time to spend with his auntie and to sift through his feelings alone.  Uncle Taavi moved a hover stretcher next to the tank for his nephew. 

Sil, now lying upon the stretcher, whispered to his auntie. 

“I feel SO lucky you found me Coruscant.  And thank you for taking me with you and LOVE....glad to have you both as family.  We’ll find them, Mad.  Tiggy too.  These guys are gonna help us.  I can feel it.  Please don’t be so sad.  It will work out...” 

He took a deep breath and exhaled. 

“Then we get away from all this trouble that’s been following everyone.  We find a place to hide out.  LOVE will help you have them babies.  And...maybe...you marry Hunter, huh?  We send out a coded signal.  And, when the rest of our family shows up we have a great big Reunion with a Nomaadi wedding...yeah?  We will all be so happy...” 

Sil wiped a stray tear from his eye and sniffled. 

“We get that ole’ Nomaaddi tattooist to mark Wrecker, Tech, Echo, and Hunter...they can officially be part of the Star People Family.  Auntie I want to LIVE...instead of just trying to SURVIVE.” 

Sil gathered his hearts wish hoping it would come true with The Force. 

“Hey...you awake?” 

Sil turned over to see Echo faintly standing in the darkness by the clinic doorway. 

“Yeah...just talking to her.  She can hear me...us, you know.” Sil spoke wistfully. 

“She’s probably very grateful to hear your voice.  Can get pretty lonely in there.” Echo strode over to Sil.  “Hey...Taavi is cooking up his all day, all you can eat breakfast.  Don’t know much about it but sounds promising.  Wanna come eat with us?” 

Sil exhaled wearily “Not very hungry...sorry.  Just want to be alone...with my auntie.” 

Echo’s heart went out to Sil  “No worries.  I’ll bring you something later...ok?” 

Sil nodded. 

Echo headed for the door, then turned with conviction. 

“We’ll find LOVE and Tiggy.  Somehow.  Some way.  Promise.” 

Wrecker emerged from the refresher clean and wearing a fresh change of clothes. 

“Ahhh...good to be in a decent sized shower for once.”  He flopped down on the king-sized comfy bed and eyed Omega sitting on the other one across from him.  “You’re turn.” 

She sighed and snuggled deeper into the pillows. 

“Go get cleaned up, ya smell like musty Bantha Butt!” 

“No I don’t.” 

“Yeah...you do.  If I can smell it, you definitely stink.” Wrecker rolled over and propped himself up with a pillow.  “Besides, you don’t want to gross out Hunter when he’s tryin’ to eat, do ya?” 

Omega perked up slightly “He’ll be eating with us?” 

“Yep.  We’re gonna wheel that hover stretcher right up to the table.�� No reason for him to be eatin’ alone.” 

“Is Mad going to be alright?  How are we going to find LOVE and Tiggy.” Omega looked so sad.  It broke Wrecker’s heart. 

“Yes to the first question.  Uncle Taavi told me so.  I believe ‘em.”  Wrecker winked.  The second question...”  Wrecker struggled to answer in a way that would give Omega some hope.  “I...don’t know.  But Echo is trying to figure it out.  If anyone can find ‘em, Echo can...” 

“I miss them...and I’m scared they aren’t safe.” Omega whispered. 

“Me too, Omega.”  Wrecker agreed.  “But we can’t do anything about it right now...on an empty stomach.”  He tried to put on a silly face to hide is concern. 

Omega looked skeptical. 

“C’mon...get in the refresher.”  Wrecker negotiated.  “Sooner you clean up, sooner we go eat with Echo and find out if he has any leads.” 

Omega dragged herself off the bed and slowly made her way to the refresher.

“What is Thoomie’s  story” Tech inquired 

The Batchers and Uncle Taavi sat comfortably at a large booth.  Echo had wheeled Hunter into the cafeteria on a hoverchair.  He was healing quickly with a bacta wrap over the sutured area, but still advised to stay off his feet for another standard day.  Echo parked the chair at the table so Hunter could eat with the group. 

A HUGE spread of breakfast food, served all hours during one rotation, sat in front of them.  Omega, Hunter, Echo, Tech, and Wrecker heartily filled their bellies while conversing with Mad’s Nomaadi Uncle. 

At the opposite end of the cafeteria in the game room section a menagerie of droids loudly and happily cavorted with several Tooka kitties. 

“Little Thoo?”  Uncle Taavi flamboyantly waved his hand smiling.  “Well... found her!” 

“A street urchin on some Outer Rim planet, huh?”  Hunter probed, sipping his Meilroon juice. 

Taavi calmly shook his head “Nah, on the bottoms of Coruscant...in a DUMPSTER.” 

Hunter dramatically spit his drink out onto the table.  “Eh...apologies.” He sputtered. 

Omega, ever ready to help her brother, stepped in “It’s ok, Hunter.  I’ve got it.” 

Taavi didn’t miss a beat and tossed a handful of napkins onto the mess and kept speaking.  He gesticulated animatedly no matter whatever the topic of conversation. 

“Yeah...so I got tip about a buncha slightly used but primo ship parts being tossed out for garbage pickup.  Just picked up and hoofed it down there right away.  I ain’t one to let somethin’ valuable go to waste!” 

Echo and Tech were transfixed, caf cups raised, watching this man so casually speak about something so...personal.  Hunter refilled his glass with juice.  Wrecker listened intently while shoveling food in his mouth like it might get away.  Omega absent mindedly wiped the table slowly with the napkins while watching Taavi tell his story. 

“Landed, hiked into the bottoms, found the right location, then hopped right into that dumpster and went to diggin’ through all the stuff people don’t want no more of.  Shit...” Taavi threw his head back and laughed “ALL the stuff the rich up at the top of Coruscant just casually throw out ‘cause they got that money to burn.”   

Taavi other hand shot out and rubbed his fingers together.  “LOTS of ‘garbage’ they would call it...the good stuff.  The people at The Bottoms don’t have nothin’ much ta part with.  They keep as much as they got...which is pretty little.” 

Omega kept slowly, absentmindedly wiping the table.  Hunter sipped his juice.  Wrecker shoveling in food.  Tech and Echo sitting motionless...still haven’t sipped their caf YET! 

Taavi still gesticulating, as if conjuring the story with his hands.  “THEN I hear a noise.  Well...my nosy self thinks it some Tooka diggin’ in that dumpster for some food.  ‘Dem poor little kitteh’s start explorin’ around in there, and then the garbage just caves in on ‘em...and they can’t get out.”  Taavi was intense during this part.  REALLY committed to giving every Batcher at that table a glimpse of how terrified Taavi felt about it. 

“So’s, I dig down and find this backpack...in more than middlin’ condition I might add.  Open it up...like YOU do...” 

The amazement of what must have been on Taavi’s face at the time of the story shone brightly. 

“...and... there SHE was!  This sweet little baby, struggling to breathe, BARELY alive...NO LARGER THAN MY HANDS...” 

Taavi holds out both of his calloused hands.  A poor workman’s hands with starship grease in the worn creases and under his fingernails. 

His face then turned pensive.  “And I think to myself...WHO DOES THAT???” 

The Batchers sat transfixed...stunned. 

“So’s, I took that backpack with that perfect little girlie home with me.  Told myself ‘Taavi, you done found a little gift right in that there dumpster.” 

Omega wiping, wiping.  Hunter sipping.  Wrecker eating.  Echo and Tech motionless. 

Taavi leaned across the table at them, raising his voice “AND SHE WAS BLUE!  BLUE I TELL YA!!!”  Strugglin’ for breath but holdin’ on like a real trooper.  That ship parts tip...that right there was a SIGN!”  Taavi’s index finger stabbed down RIGHT on top of the moist napkins Omega was using to wipe the table.  

Omega stops wiping.  Then Taavi stabs his finger down repeatedly with every other word to DRIVE HOME HIS POINT. 

“The FORCE wanted me to find that little dumplin’ and take care of her!"

Taavi finally takes his hand away from the table, gesturing randomly towards the doorway, where in the heart of the ship Thoomie was treating another client who had arrived needing rudimentary medical attention. 

“You all have seen her now. Happy and healthy as a lee Romay clam!” Taavi smiles tenderly, a glimmer of tears glaze his eyes.  Eyes of love and gratitude for his girl. 

Hunter sees Taavi’s eyes and suddenly struggles to hold back his own glimmer of tears.  Omega gave up on the napkins and picks up her Star Cake.  Echo sits still like a Dugardugar in the Marauder’s headlights.  Wrecker chews... 

Tech... lump in his very composed, logical throat slides his plate of Bantha Bacon and Star Cakes slowly over to Wrecker...who silently takes the plate.  “Apologies...I am NO longer famished...” 

Taavi realizes the impact his story has on the group.  He empathizes with them.  Shared quite a bit just the first day of meeting.  But he felt a closeness with them.  And... Mad doesn’t just make friends with ANYONE...well a particular one was a mistake, but that’s just ONE.  She’s discerning...or she wouldn’t be alive.  The Force whispered to him that The Batchers are discerningly loyal and trustworthy.  Two things worth mineral backing credits to the Nomaadi. 

“Oh, PAL, it’s all A-okay!  My Little Thoo is doin’ GREAT!!!  Don’t let ole’ Uncle Taavi’s story get to ya.”  Taav’s head snaps down to the empty caf carafe on the table.  “Oh GEEZ, what kinda host am I?  Let me get ya a refill!” 

He pops up from the booth and scurries over to the Bar’ge ‘N Go counter for a fresh pot.  The Tooka kittens mob him and he cheerfully ladles eggs and meat from a pan into several bowls.  They mill around happily as he sets the bowls onto the floor. Then belly laughs in pure joy while they fall over one another to get to the food. 

The Batchers sit with everything Taavi said for a while.   

Hunter finally breaks the silence “SOMEONE PUT THEIR CHILD IN A DUMPSTER???” His face is grief stricken. 

Echo mused quietly.  “Makes our childhood look almost like an amusement park ride.” 

Wrecker had NOTHING to say.  He silently enjoyed the contents of Tech’s plate...spacing out...clinging onto the flavors and textures in his mouth, along with the present-day image of a very small, yet healthy and happy teen.  The food helped to push the image of a tiny baby barely clinging to life...barely old enough to cling to any HOPE of salvation from their situation out of his mind... 

Omega takes a bite of her Star Cake, sadly remembering all the very young clones the Kaminoan’s euthanized when they didn’t meet up with their exacting expectations...names and numbers the 99’s had never knew briefly existed... 

Tech could only make a VERY true, yet sad statement.  “WE were CONSIDERED valuable...” He stared into the bottom of his caf cup.  “Apparently...there are many MORE in the galaxy who fail to reach even close to that arbitrary standard...” 

CHAPTER 27 TO ARRIVE SOON!

Please let me know if you wanted to be added to my taglist or removed! Thanks so much for your support!!!

[fandom-friday]

SO I've been hosting a fic fair since July 10th while you were away and man do I have some recs for the fandom. Here's six that I got sent in that were so good. ( copied right off one of my posts listing them) I've made sure to mark which ones are NSFW The Revenant - Sev x ofc - by @mikaiyawa (Ao3 link)

He's Not Heavy, He's my Brother - Bad Batch Fic - by @therisingdarkness (Ao3 Link)

The Hardest Word - Bad Batch Fic - by @therisingdarkness (Ao3 link)

Unbreakable Bonds - Obiwan x OC (eventually NSFW) - by @thegreatwicked

Memories of Chocolate Laced Kisses - Obiwan x OC Nsfw - by @thegreatwicked

Lover, Fighter - Obiwan x reader - by @thegreatwicked

That is such a neat idea, and this is such a great list! Thanks so much for taking the time to put the fic fair together, and thanks for sending all of these in!

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

[freesia-writes]

Master List

All my writing will be PG-13 at most; I love the angsty yearning, the will-they-won't-they, the sweetness and softness of new love. However… smutty smut can be found over at @spicy-clones. 😎

Sign up for my tag list (or opt out) here, or even better, message me for a link to my tag list discord server, used only for posting works, no chatting or other stuff. 🙂

Quantum Entanglement: Howzer and Aurelia - Even as a cocky young shiny, there were a few people who saw the integrity and depth beneath Howzer's facade. Aurelia was one of them, but life tore them apart. However, when they found themselves reunited on Ryloth, with drastically different circumstances, they have to learn anew how to navigate a changing world and their undeniable feelings for one another. 67k words, 42 chapters, Finished/Paused til TBB Season 3 Click here for Master List

Tech and Vel - During the Clone Wars, the Bad Batch is tasked with a variety of missions across the galaxy. An unexpected addition to their team throws a wrench in the mix, particularly for Tech, who finds a particular connection with this disillusioned Padawan-turned-mechanic named Vel throughout the events in this action-adventure romance. 35 chapters, about 55k words total. Click here for Master List

Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt: Hunter x OC - Enjoy a riveting tale of romance, suspense, adventure, and self-discovery as Hunter finds his path after the events of TBB. With engaging imagery, emotional depth, comic relief, and some fun twists and turns, the story will take you on a delightful ride with our beloved Sergeant, leaving you satisfied as he finds his happily ever after… eventually. 😉 Click here for Master list

Waking Up with The Bad Batch (click for master list)

Waking Up with Rex

A Series of Dates: Gregor x Reader (click for master list)

500-Follower Prompt Requests (click for master list)

Clone Poetry (click for master list)

Wrecker x GN!Reader - medical care for you

Tech x GN!Reader - nostalgic Christmas in the kitchen

First Kiss Requests (click for master list)

CuddleFluff Clone Drabbles (click for master list)

TBB Prompt Event #1 - "You're the Worst" "Yeah, well you still like me!" - Hunter x F!Reader

Pets4Vets: Jesse Miniseries

The Master List of Tagged Fun Posts

Master List of TCW/TBB Fan Artists

Drabbles in response to fun anonymous asks

Howzer Headcanons in an Earth AU .

Clone Helmet Dividers - Help Yourself!

Spicy Clone Dividers - Help Yourself!

Bad Batch Dividers - Help Yourself!

More Bad Batch Dividers - Help Yourself!

Full-Body and Head Bad Batch Dividers - Help Yourself!

Cozy Comfy Clone Dividers - Help Yourself! .

Life Update During Hiatus

Master list of Star Wars terminology I have to save forever

Master List of Echo Fics by Other Authors

Master List of TCW/TBB Longfics by Other Authors

[wild-karrde]

"The Price You Pay" by @dragonrider9905 is INCREDIBLE. Its only one part thus far, but it's thrilling and suspenseful and ALSO Hunter finding out the mc's secret while they're unconcious and instantly feel uber protective of them has me absolutely WEAK. AH.

Oooooooh a Fantasy AU!! I completely agree with you about the suspense and then Hunter IMMEDIATELY feeling and protective is just LOVELY! I adore how he’s so accepting of the fact that he didn’t know. A very cool concept! Thanks so much for sending it in!

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

[skellymom]

"Vagabonds" Chapter 24 & 25

"SEPARATION" & "THE NIGHTMARE"

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

Hunter meets a smuggler Nomaadi Star Woman with a powerful force sensitive teen who changes the trajectory of CF-99's lives...as they ALL try to escape from The Empire together.

To read Chapter 23 - "RETREAT"

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/763930279133970432/vagabonds-chapter-23?source=share

Word Count: 3.9K (Sorry so long. Wasn't sure WHERE to end this chapter, so I posted TWO CHAPTERS! I am hoping to wrap this series up by the end of this year!!!)

Background: What plans do The Empire have with LOVE? We meet several more NEW supporting characters. And Hunter has a helluva nightmare!

For anyone new to this series: "LOVE" is the nonbinary/genderfluid neurodivergent/nonverbal Force sensitive kid of the main OC of this series named Mad. Mad is an older single mother, close to almost 50 years of age (not many older female protaganists in stories, so I decided to make one.)

Warning: SW Canon violence, some blood, swearing, angst.

(Credit: Cool dividers by @4ngelic-Wh1spers, @plum98 @strangergraphics-archive Pinterest: Bad l3atch, f/StarWarsJediSurvivor)

He stunned the little shit, but REALLY wanted to kill her outright.  He HATED this dog with every fiber of his being. 

CX swore as he carefully pulled off his ruined faceplate.  Blood poured from the toothmarks and sharp edges of the destroyed plastoid.  Then dropped it to the floor. 

An animal of that size SHOULD’NT be able to bite through his armor.  And she SOMEHOW managed to hide or cloak herself within the confines of his ship easily.  Her mastery of stealth, ferocity of attack, along with her bite strength might be beneficial to breed into a new class of working dogs for the Empire.  Dr Hemlock might be pleased to have such a specimen to experiment with. 

And, if the doctor didn’t feel the need to use her, he could destroy her himself. 

CX applied pressure to the facial wounds with his bacta bandaged left hand that had been mauled.  He hailed his contact with his still intact right hand. 

Governor Tarkin’s likeness popped up on holocomm. 

“Did you capture the Force sensitive?” Tarkin sniffed. 

“Yes.  Aboard my ship and restrained successfully.  We are enroute.”  

“Good.  With this asset our timetable for PROJECT STARDUST is AHEAD of schedule.” Tarkin seemed pleased.  “We will expect your arrival within one standard rotation.” 

The Governer's image immediately disappeared. 

CX would contact Dr Hemlock about the dog later.   

LOVE awoke both hands tethered together and a collar around their neck.  They cautiously glanced up where they lay on the floor. 

Tiggy lay prone and unconscious nearby.  One of her back legs dangled at an odd angle.  Clearly, she was injured.  LOVE reached out to her with the Force. 

Nothing. 

LOVE was unable to feel...anything.  They couldn’t levitate, either.  And, unable to Force Manipulate physical objects. 

The fisticuffs binding their hands, looked different from anything LOVE had seen before.   

The CX Trooper in the pilot’s seat faced away from love, busily dabbing bacta on his facial wounds. 

“You can TRY.  The restraints were specifically designed for a Force Sensitive such as yourself.” 

He didn’t glance up from his wound care. 

LOVE reached out again. 

NOTHING.  No Force powers at all. 

However, LOVE could still physically move their body. 

CX swung around in his chair.  He raised his left hand and motioned to his face. 

“Your...pet is responsible for this!” 

LOVE’s eyes widened with the realization Tiggy was the culprit...smiling deviously at the Trooper. 

He snarled back at LOVE and swung his chair back around to face the pilot’s console. 

“You think this is a JOKE?  If you resist in ANY way or refuse to do what I say, I will shoot your pet dead and blow her body out the airlock.” 

He calmly fitted a new glove carefully over his bandaged hand. 

LOVE laid their head down on the metal floor and whimpered pathetically. 

It was quite the vision: Taavi’s Bar’ge Fix ‘N Go was an immense, rough looking, refurbished old barge freighter, including a multitude of modifications lit with neon.  Blocking out the stars as it slowly sailed past.  According to Sil, it served as a docking station, mechanical repair, hotel, cafeteria, bar... 

...and an illegal and VERY secretive “treat and street it” clinic. 

Uncle Taavi always came up with several streams of income.  His major one being a repair service for ships, droids, devices, and prosthetics.  He also rescued feral Tooka cats, spayed, neutered, providing them medical treatment and care.  

Taavi NEVER stopped fixing things.  Fixing things was HIS LIFE. 

The Marauder was able to pull the still barely operational Beldame from the hyperspace lane, then detach from its top.  Echo and Wrecker piloted the Havoc Marauder while Hunter and Sil slowly followed behind piloting the Dread Beldame.  Tech and Omega sat with Mad on the ‘Dame making sure she stayed medically stable.  Omega also kept her eyes glued on Hunter.  He INSISTED on helping pilot the Beldame...knife STILL buried in his thigh.  She twirled her fingers in Mad’s long mohawk tail with one hand and held Mad’s hand with the other. 

Omega ALSO worried about LOVE and Tiggy while listening to Mad’s ragged breaths. 

Mad didn’t know LOVE and Tig wasn’t with them.  She anticipated the fear and heartbreak a mother would experience when she found out... 

Tech did his best to TRY and distract her by infodumping...to no avail. 

With help of the Bar’ge ‘N Go’s tractor beam, it pulled in the hulking mass of the Dread Beldame into the landing bay of the barge.  The Batch marveled at the repair bay.  Taavi seemed to have EVERYTHING to fix ANY kind of ship, arranged neatly and cleanly.  True the equipment was much older but well-made and maintained expertly.  Odd looking, refurbished droids zoomed and whizzed back and forth inside it’s mechanical bay. 

After both ships landed.  Their respective crews emerged...to greet the man who owned this establishment: Mad’s Uncle Taavi. 

He was as tall as Echo with shaggy black hair, dark skinned, his face heavily tattooed with symbols and designs.  His eyes, pitch-black silver speckled irises, indicative of the OLD Nomaadi.  A subset of their people older than time...before the Long Purge of their numbers....and one of the reasons the Nomaadi were referred to as “The Star People.”  His patchworked but well-fitting clothing indicative of a Nomaadi with deep family ties...the pieces of snipped fabric from family and friends sewn as embellishment on his clothing.  A tapestry of memories and strength of family ties to accompany him on his Long Road: The Journey of Life.  Heavy and well-worn work boots completed the outfit. 

A small statured...child?  Walked next to Taavi with the confidence of an adult.  Her unmelanted hair braided into many long, tiny braids that trailed past her shoulders.  Her eyes: Either blue or ultraviolet, depending on the light.  Blue veins occasionally showing through her pale albino skin.   

Finally, a standard Astromech adorned in rose gold detailing, a yellow light on her dome.  She was a spiffy droid to behold.  Of course...she knew it...  Behind the astromech followed several tiny droids, and two Tooka kittens chasing after them. 

Taavi stopped.  His eyes wide in surprise. 

“Sil?  As I breathe the stale recirculated shitty air of this ship...never thought I’d see ya AGAIN!!!” 

He grabbed Sil up and hugged the teen.  Sil hugged Taavi back. 

When Taavi let go, he wiped a tear from his eye.  

Sil leaned out, grabbing Thoomie and pulling her into the hug as well.  She embraced Sil.  

Then Taavi caught sight of Mad being carried in Hunter’s arms.  She was covered in dirt and crusted blood from multiple wounds.  Her breathing loud, harsh, and labored.  She was barely conscious. 

“Ohhh FORCE NOOO!  We gotta get her into the bacta tank!  COME WITH ME!!!”  Taavi didn’t ask for introductions.  He ushered them through the ship and into a secret wing that contained a large medical lab. 

Taavi motioned to Hunter “Put ‘er in there.  We’ll clean her in that tub first, then put ‘er in the tank.” 

Hunter carefully placed Mad into the stainless steel tub.  Then stood over her and stared silently.  He seemed mentally far away... 

“Uncle...” Thoomie tapped Taavi on the arm.  “I think he’s in a state of shock.” 

Taavi did a double take at Hunter, pointing “Son...ya got a knife stickin’ out of ya there...” 

Hunter calmly glanced down at the knife and back at Taavi “Yes...” 

“Thoo, take...whatshisname...” Taavi nodded to Hunter. 

“Hunter” Hunter answered. 

“Hunter and that smart lookin’ fella...” Taavi nodded at Tech. 

“I’m Tech.” Tech added smugly. 

“With Tech and that droid guy” Taavi referred to Echo. 

Echo didn’t answer, just shook his head grimacing. 

Tech answered for Echo “Uh, that is Echo.” 

“Sure.” Taavi waved them on. “Have ‘em help you prep Hunter for surgery.  Can’t be walkin’ around MY ship with a knife stickin’ outta ya like nothin’s happenin.” Taavi shook his head.  “Mad sure can pick ‘em...” 

“Come with me” Thoomie took Hunter’s hand and led him, Tech, and Echo away. 

“Sil, stay with me.  You can catch me up while we work on your Auntie.” Then Taavi addressed Wrecker.   “Eh, big guy...Help me clean up Mad so we can plop ‘er in that bacta tank.” 

“Uh...ok.” Wrecker seemed confused about what was happening. 

Taavi recognized Wrecker’s confusion.  “You wanna get free care, ya gotta pitch in and help.  Droids will finish after we start, ok?  Besides, Mad will pitch a fit if we let them droids touch her.” 

Wrecker hesitated.   

Sil nodded to him and patted his back.  “You got this Wrecker.  Uncle Taavi will walk ya through it.” 

Wrecker nodded and did as he was told. 

CHAPTER 25 - "THE NIGHTMARE"

Thoomie handed Echo a surgical gown and bag for Hunter’s clothes.  She then handed a tub of Bacta wipes to Tech.  She instructed Hunter to sit down. 

She pulled a syringe out of a drawer, then a drug bottle from a wall unit, and began drawing up a dose.  Thoomie approached Hunter. 

Echo and Tech glanced alarmingly at each other.  Tech stepped in her way “Is it standard protocol on this ship to have CHILDREN give injectable medication?” 

Thoomie laughed.  “Forgot you’re new here.  I’m NOT a child.” 

Echo and Tech glanced at each other again...now in confusion. 

“I have a rare genetic disorder that inhibits my normal growth and development.  Will FOREVER look like a preteen or teenager...for the rest of my life.” 

Both clones stared at Thoomie stunned. 

“You’re defective???” Tech blurted out. 

Thoomie winced “Er...you COULD say that.  I prefer the term different...or unique.  PLEASE step aside and let me treat your batchmates' pain.  His condition is worsening, and I need to remove that knife as soon as possible.” 

Tech stepped back. 

“How did you know we’re clones?” Echo asked as Thoomie swabbed Hunter’s arm with a bacta wipe and injected into his vein.  Hunter winced slightly and came out of his glazed state to attempt to rub the area.  Thoomie handed him a square of sterile gauze and gently placed his hand over the area like a parent would a child.  Hunter kept quiet and held pressure on the injection site. 

“The timbre of your voices.  Subtle similarities in your facial features.  Other...tells in your mannerisms.  Hard to explain.”  She tossed the syringe in a sharp's container. 

“What would you require of us to assist you in helping Hunter.” Tech spoke up. 

“I’ll let you both undress him completely, throw the clothes in the bag, then wipe him down all over.  Don’t worry about his hair.  Put the gown on with the opening in the front.  Please drape several FRESH bacta wipe over his private parts for cleanliness and discretion.  Knock on the partition when you’re done.  I can then prep him for surgical removal of that vibroknife.”   

Then she handed a pair of medical scissors to Tech.  “Imagine you will need these to get his blacks off without further injury.  We have extra clothing on board if this is his only pair of pants.  Please be quick.  Thank you.”  She promptly left the room. 

Tech pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose “The Nomaadi NEVER cease to amaze me.” 

Echo put his hand on Hunter’s shoulder to get his attention.  He could tell the pain meds were starting to to work.  “Let’s get you ready, ok?” 

Hunter nodded sleepily...as he closed his eyes...drifting into the dark... 

They had come for him and his brothers AGAIN. 

Hunter wedged himself under the small gap beneath his lower bunk, pressing his back against the wall of their barracks.  He managed to pull Crosshair halfway under.  Only little Hunter and his skinny younger brother could manage to fit. 

Crosshairs fear was palpable as he scrambled to squeeze in with Hunter.  Tech rigged the mechanics of their bunk room door so it could only open from the INSIDE.  He hid behind the already large Wrecker who stood tall and RAGEFULLY angry, fists clenched and ready for a good fight. 

They were ONLY children. 

The Kaminoan’s and their clinical assistants routinely carried out medical experiments on them.  They rebelled against the pain, shame, and inappropriately probing hands that explored their bodies. 

This was NOT the first time the Bad Batchers had resisted. 

The Kamino medical staff learned the hard way several times to bar access to ANY sharp objects or ANYTHING at all that could be used as a weapon.  This left the Batchers room barren of any toys or enrichment.  Only to be let out for training and mess hall meals.  When it was found the defective clones had smuggled in an occasional training weapon or a table utensil from the mess hall, they were routinely patted down, scanned, and accompanied by the staff themselves. 

As the Batchers anger and resentment peaked, along with their accelerated growth, strength, and strategy, fully trained teenage Reg clones were called in to perform this duty. 

Some of these Regs sustained severe injuries, thus creating MORE resentment already present among the “Defective” Clones and the Regs.  This rivalry came to a head when Hunter’s nose was broken during a particularly violent scuffle and Tech was knocked unconscious, almost compromising his advanced mental capacity.  Wrecker and Crosshair’s retaliation was immediate and SEVERE.  One of the Regs barely survived HIS injuries. 

From that time on the Kaminoan’s ONLY sent in the most hardened adult clone troopers in armor to retrieve them.  Lama Su considered “discontinuing” their squad due to the inconvenience.  But Nala Se convinced him this sharpened their skills and made them more “elite.” 

Clearly, the child Batchers were no match for these new adversaries. 

Wrecker didn’t give a damn.  As the door was finally breached and the clone troopers spilled in he rushed them.  His screams of rage sounded familiar to Hunter... 

...like an angry dog. 

Tech begged for leniency as he was dragged away, promising to be compliant from now on... 

Hunter held tight to Crosshair... 

...who was yanked from his grasp and pulled out from under the bunk. 

Hunter attempted to call out to his brother but could make NO sound. 

“OW!  LITTLE FUCKER BIT ME!!!” As Crosshair was dropped face down on the hard white glossy floor.  Blood splattered across the polished tiles from Cross’ split lip. 

Crosshair pulled his face from the floor, yelling Hunter’s name... 

...it wasn't Crosshair’s face, but Jebith Freed. 

A green armored CX trooper grabbed the boy’s leg, dragging him away while he trailed bloody purple rose petals in his wake...SCREAMING Hunter’s name over and over...as the bunk room melted into an alien forest... 

Lightning struck the ground.  Torrential rain fell in thick sheets. 

Hunter, terrified watched from under his bunk as the ground gave way swallowing both the boy and trooper up. 

The wall behind Hunter groaned, buckled...muddy water spilled through cracks.  He attempted to scrabble away, but the remaining wall of the bunk room collapsed around him.  A wave of muddy water and debris enveloped Hunter.... 

...dragging him down into the darkness... 

Hunter awoke with a START. 

"You’re safe, Hunter.  I’m here.” Omega’s voice. 

Her face came into view. 

He felt fuzzy around the edges of his consciousness.  Hunter had gotten enough injuries in the past to recognize recovery from sedated anesthesia.   

“You’re not on Kamino anymore.  We’re on a Nomaadi sanctuary barge.” 

Omega held Hunter’s hand tightly as the realization set in.   

“How...did you know?”  

“I remember EVERYTHING you ALL went through on Kamino.”  Omega’s voice trembled “Until Shaak Ti found out and intervened...instead of the Reg troopers, they began sending ME to help gain your trust.”  Her face conveyed deep sadness.  “When you all finally complied, I was not allowed around your squad...again.” 

“How come I don’t remember?” Hunter rubbed his forehead. 

“It was traumatic.  You shut it out.  The memories are still in there...they come out in your dreams.” 

“...nightmare...definitely NOT a dream.”  Hunter swallowed.  He was overcome with emotion from the effects of the anesthesia.  His eyes welled up. 

“SO glad to have you ‘Mega.  I LOVE YOU.”  He choked.  Hunter felt this MANY times but never vocalized it. 

Omega threw herself onto Hunter, hugging his neck tightly.  “I LOVE YOU TOO HUNTER!  I was so scared of losing you!!!” 

“Take the whole galaxy to hold me back from you, ‘Mega.  Sorry I had to leave you on this mission...” He hitched as he inhaled.  A tear ran down his cheek. And Hunter squeezed his eyes shut tightly.  “If I hadn’t left you behind this time, probably never see you again...” 

He opened his eyes to see Wrecker and Echo approaching his bedside.  He could see the relief in their eyes. 

But Hunter’s post anesthetic daze wasn’t done... 

“I failed...” He mumbled to them.  “Lost LOVE, and somehow Tiggy...Jebith...this kid on that planet we ran into...” 

“Hunter...” Echo squeezed Hunters shoulder reassuringly.  “You couldn’t...” 

“NO...should have had you and Wrecker along with us...” 

Wrecker looked concerned over his brother’s uncharacteristically strong emotional outburst. 

“It was HORRIBLE!  Like losing Caleb Dume all over again!!!” Hunter worked himself up.  “I FAILED CROSSHAIR TOO!  HE WAS RIGHT...I’M NOT FIT TO LEAD...”  More tears.  “...NOT FIT TO BE A BROTHER...OR A FATHER...” 

“Now, now” Echo patted Hunter’s shoulder.  His normally gruff voice softer.  “That’s SOME kind of anesthesia he comin’ out of!” 

“Perfectly normal range of surgical recovery behavior” The old Med Droid, who had been washing Hunter’s muddy hair prior to him awakening, handed a tissue to Hunter. “Deeply held thoughts and feelings do tend to surface when the patient awakens.  Wipe your eyes, friend.  We must get some sustenance into you soon.  It will help you heal” 

“Thank you, Rusty” Omega took the tissue from the droid and dabbed at Hunter’s face.  “PLEASE don’t cry Hunter.  You did what you could.” 

Hunter sniffed and steadied his breathing. 

Wrecker leaned over and carefully hugged Hunter, then kissed him on the temple.  “Hey...let the Droid finish ‘yer hair.” 

“Yeah, you look like a wet mess.” Echo joked. 

Hunter took the tissue from Omega and blew his nose. “Yeah...a total mess...”  He started to come out of the anesthesia a bit more.  “Apologies” 

“None needed.” Echo smiled. 

Omega held Hunters hand, patting it. 

Rusty conditioned and rinsed his hair again, then dried it fully.  Hunter reached up to run his fingers through his hair.  SO SOFT!   

He mildly panicked at the absence of his bandana. 

“No worries, friend.  All of your clothing has been taken to the laundry.  We will return it to you soon, clean and pressed!” 

The droid wizzed around to Hunter’s bedside.  “Don’t YOU look HANDSOME!  Now your family will take you to see your lady.” 

Hunter attempted to pull back the blankets and get off the hover stretcher.   

“NO Hunter!” Echo pushed Hunter back down on the stretcher.  “Gotta lie still, or you’ll pull out your sutures.” 

Wrecker chuckled “And you’re only wearing that blanket.  Nothin’ else.” 

“Oh!” Hunter blushed and chuckled, now in better spirits but still feeling the effects of the drugs. 

“Relax and your family will take care of the rest.” Rusty waved goodbye as Echo wheeled Hunter down the corridor.  Omega and Wrecker waved back following behind. 

They wheeled Hunter into an adjacent room containing several bacta tanks.  Sil leaned against the tank, waiting for Mad to awaken.  Omega ran to him, and they embraced each other.  Tech infodumped animatedly with a 2-1B med droid named “Bucket.”  But paused when he spotted Hunter. 

“You appear to be recovering quite well.” He smiled brightly.  “I am extremely pleased, Hunter.” 

“That’s...SO affectionate of you, Tech.” Hunter chuckled, then turned to Taavi and Thoomie. “How is Mad?  Are the babies...” 

Thoomie answered “She’s just recovering from anesthesia.  The babies are EXTREMELY healthy...and STILL growing!  Never seen anything like it!!!  I am concerned about Mad, though.  She’s been through A LOT physically.” 

“She’ll REQUIRE quite a lot of rest and nutrition.  The accelerated growth could take a negative toll on her health as the multiple fetuses she is carrying will literally leach the nutrients from her body.”  Tech added. 

“Eh, sounds like she’s got parasites.” Wrecker shivered. 

“Technically...unborn babies ARE commensal parasites” Tech adjusted his goggles. 

Echo grimaced “Pregnancy sounds...creepy...compared to clone Growth Jars.” 

“It’s beautiful.” Hunter mused, staring at the bacta tank Mad was currently floating in.  “Imagine giving up your body for another life.  Not just during pregnancy but devoting all your energy to raising that delicate being once it’s born, grows, becomes its own person.  Loving that little life so much it almost hurts...willing to sacrifice or even die for it...heck...some people do it for others who can’t experience that themselves...”  Hunter smiled and tears welled up in his eyes. 

Thoomie was impressed “That’s...pretty deep.” 

“Yep.  That’s Hunter.” Echo grinned.  “Usually, it’s all in his head.  We’re lucky to hear it out loud right now because of the surgery drugs.” 

“He does wax poetically when inebriated as well” Tech added “When sober Hunter tends to hold a HUGE amount of emotional weight in.” 

“That’s Tech’s way of sayin’ Hunters a BIG softie.” Wrecker whispered to Taavi. 

Taavi chuckled.  “Good thing to be.  The galaxy needs more empathy, no?” 

“My apologies for the interruption” Bucket interjected “Our patient is waking up.  Vitals are within normal ranges currently.” 

“Whoa, there!”  Uncle Taavi tapped the bacta tank to get Mad’s attention. 

Mad stirred and slowly started to realize where she was.  Inside of the bacta tank she was hooked up to an IV line, a feeding tube, respirator, bacta nebulizer, and endotracheal vacuum.  The lines swayed around her as she bobbed in the bacta solution.  Mad was only clad in a medical chest binder and med panties which helped secure the lines that carried her urination and defecation waste away.  The rest of her exposed body covered in a multitude of small lacerations from the shrapnel Uncle Taavi had surgically removed. 

He could see her anxiety ramping up. 

“She gonna RIP them out.  Bet ya.”  Taavi remarked to Thoomie and Tech. 

“While I understand your concerns restraints seemed too severe an option.” Tech remarked. 

Thoomie nodded “I agree with Tech.” 

“Ah, you never seen Mad lose her SHIT!  She’s got a phobia about all of this” Taavi motioned to the whole tank, then addressed the B1.  “Sorry Bucket, best to leave outta here for now 'fore she notices you.  Or gonna be hell to pay!” 

The B1 turned to Thoomie.  She nodded “It would be best for the patient.  You can return when she is sleeping.” 

Hunter commiserated “My apologies, Bucket.”.  

The droid silently turned to leave. 

Mad eyed the med droid suspiciously, then flashed an obscene hand gesture as it left the room. 

Hunter giggled. 

Mad attempted to laugh too but erupted into a violent coughing fit. 

She choked and gagged SOMETHING up.  One of the tubes attached to her life support face mask suctioned it out of her trachea. 

Her breathing sounded slightly better and less raspy. 

Hunter put his hand up to the glass, pressing his palm flat against it.   

Mad did the same on the interior of the tank.  Eventually, she glanced further out in the room, shocked to recognize Uncle Taavi and Thoomie.  She waved excitedly to them...and scanned the room again... 

Someone was missing...Mad signed in Basic with her other hand... 

LOVE?  Tiggy... 

Hunter TRIED his very best to keep a neutral face through his post-surgical haze.  He was at a loss for words.  

Mad glanced up at the faces of all the Batchers, Sil, Taavi, Thoomie... 

Varying expressions of sadness and guilt is all she saw.  Nobody spoke. 

She hitched and cried out loudly, then choked and gagged violently again.  In her grief, she reached for the tubes attached to her in what looked like an attempt to pull them out. 

Thoomie immediately punched the sedative button on her IV line. 

Mad went still within the tank, floating quietly while the endotracheal vacuum cleared her lungs. 

“Hate to say it...I told ya so...” Taavi whispered sadly. 

Hunter covered his face with both hands and quietly sobbed. 

To read Chapter 26 - "LOVE AND HOPE"

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/765645976136564736/vagabonds-chapter-26?source=share

Please let me know if you wanted to be added to my taglist or removed! Thanks so much for your support!!!

[skellymom]

"Vagabonds" Chapter 21

"AMARANTHINE"

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

Hunter meets a smuggler Nomaadi Star Woman with a powerful force sensitive teen who changes the trajectory of CF-99's lives...as they ALL try to escape from The Empire together.

To read Chapter 20 - "DIFFICULT CHOICES"

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/761407251706707968/vagabonds-chapter-20?source=share

Word Count: 2.8 K

Background: The crew splits up: One group to continue repairing the Beldame. The other to take Mad to the Rebel Base. What lies in store for them?

Amaranthine definition: Undying, immortal, eternally beautiful. A deep purple-red color.

THE ACTION RAMPS UP IN THIS CHAPTER!

For anyone new to this series: "LOVE" is the nonbinary/genderfluid neurodivergent/nonverbal Force sensitive kid of the main OC of this series named Mad. Mad is an older single mother, close to almost 50 years of age (not many older female protaganists in stories, so I decided to make one.)

Warning: SW Canon violence, blood, snapped neck, dog mauling human (defensive move for the doggo), some swearing, angst, tragedy.

(Credit: Cool dividers by @plum98 @strangergraphics-archive Pinterest: Hunter)

“The Beldame STILL needs further repairs” Tech voiced his ship wide diagnostic report of the the Beldame.  “It seems the maintenance on YOUR ship hasn’t been kept up for some time.” 

“Not subtle are ya Tech” Mad shot back.  “Before the Coruscant Job, we BARELY fed ourselves.  Jobs weren't paying much of a living wage for Nomaadi during The Republic Era.”   

“No need to be offended.  I was merely stating...” Tech remarked flatly 

Echo comically slapped his forehead with his hand.   

Wrecker, standing next to Tech grimaced and signaled his brother to STOP TALKING. 

Tech was oblivious. 

Hunter just sat there, chin in hand as he rested it on the armrest of his seat, slight grin as he watched Tech unassumingly poke the Dryax.  He wished Crosshair could be here.  Knew the sniper would absolutely RELISH Mad and Tech bickering. 

He’d be eating this shit UP! 

“What I'm saying is LOVE and I are POOR.  Does that spell it out for you?”  Mad sarcastically replied rubbing her belly.  “Was hoping to finish the repairs with the credits from THIS job.” 

Giggles from the kids. 

Tech softened.  He realized his sass was rude.  By comparison, the Marauder was in top condition currently because the Batch hadn’t been estranged from the Republic for very long. 

“Well...an electromagnetic interference such as what LOVE emitted would damage ANY ship.”  This was the best apology Mad would get from Tech.  “If we expect to exit this hyperspace lane, rudimentary power for locomotion to the Beldame must be restored.” 

“I agree.  Don’t know WHY you couldn’t have just kept to the bare FACTS in your status report.” Mad verbally jabbed back.  “Didn’t need that EXTRA remark thrown in.” 

Tech rolled his eyes.  Everyone on the ship snickered at him. 

“So, how much longer before the Dame has some thruster capability?” Mad demanded. 

“Another standard day or two of repairs.  It will be enough to get us out of hyperspace and somewhere we can procure replacement parts.  Otherwise, the Beldame won’t be able to enter hyperspace again.  The Marauder used a considerable amount of power to pull your ship in.  However, it’s wearing on our ship’s engines to continue to do so.” 

Hunter intervened “Can we leave a group of crew members behind to work on repairs while another accompanies Mad to the surface of Taphao Kaew’s Rebel Base?” 

“Seems the only option.” Echo stepped into the conversation. 

Tech continued “Technically the Dame SHOULD be safe for now, but we cannot continue to lurk in this hyperspace lane long term.  Hopefully the Rebel Base will allow us to land and continue repairs on the planet’s surface.” 

“Sounds good to me.” Mad replied “Of course, I want Hunter with me.  Sil, I want you to stay and help fix the Dame.” 

Sil nodded to Mad who continued “LOVE, stay here and protect the ship for the time being.  We still need that shield generator up and working.” 

LOVE immediately shook their head in heated disagreement. 

Omega bounced up and down, hand up...clearly she wanted to be involved.

"Omega?" Mad turned to Hunter. Not wanting to speak for him regarding his younger sister.

Hunter added “Echo and Wrecker can come with us while Tech, Sil, and...” 

Tech interjected “We...will need MORE people to work on the Beldame if we are expected to leave within the expected timeframe.  Perhaps Echo and Wrecker should stay with Sil.  I will navigate the Marauder and LOVE can accompany Hunter and Mad for protection purposes.  That is MY suggestion.” 

“AWW!” Wrecker groused.  “I wanna go.  Been working on the Dame all this time!!!” 

“So have I.” Echo grumped at Wrecker “Don’t hear ME complainin!” 

Omega burst forth "CAN I GO TOO???"

ALL the Batchers simultaneously turned and shouted "NO!"

"Aaaargh!" She stomped her little feet.

Sil threw his arm around Omega's shoulder "You can stay and work alongside me!"

Omega pretended to be grateful...Sil scoffed at her halfhearted try.

Hunter glanced at Mad for her opinion.  She nodded. 

“Everyone in agreement?” He addressed the crew. 

Everyone nodded. 

Wrecker crossed his arms and pouted. Omega eyed Hunter disappointedly.

"Sorry kid...next time." Hunter promised.

“We move out early tomorrow morning.” Hunter announced.  “Everyone hit the sack.  Got a big day ahead of us.” 

Mad didn’t need an alarm.  She awoke to Hunter stroking her hair.  Mad opened her eyes as he traced the side of her jaw sweetly.  She took his hand and kissed it. 

“How are you feeling?” 

“Anxious.” Mad rubbed the sleep from her eyes.  “I don’t want to think about what we might or might not be walking into.” 

“Hey...” Hunter kissed Mad’s forehead “I’ll be there.  So will Tech and LOVE.  You got nothing to worry about.” 

Mad smiled. 

He’s worried too.  Trying to put on a brave face. 

She loved him for it. 

“Oof, the BABY pressure on my bladder!”  Mad threw the blankets back... 

Her belly was even LARGER this morning! 

Mad attempted to get off the bed and failed.  She flopped back on the bed and sighed. 

“Help please...” 

Hunter grinned.  He put his arm around Mad’s shoulders to help lift her off the bed. 

“Need me in there too?” 

“No, smartass.  I can pee all by myself thank you.”  Mad sassed.  “But if you’re offering you can scrub my back in the shower.”  

“Mmm...” Hunter pinched Mad’s butt cheek playfully. 

“Don’t get any ideas, Sergeant.  You ordered an EARLY start to this mission.” 

Tech covertly landed the Marauder along the heavily wooded surface of Taphao Kaew.  The plan was to have Tech stay with the ship.  Hunter and LOVE would take Mad to the Rebel Base and radio Tech with any decision the extraction point contact had for the babies.  From there on in, the plan was open to “improvisation”. 

He watched Hunter, Mad and LOVE leave the Marauder and disappear into the strange alien forest.  Tech stood watch at the Marauder’s side hatch for quite a while... 

Eventually his attention-span waned.  It was taking longer than expected.  Tech wished he had advised Wrecker to come along after all.  He could carry Mad all the way there and back easily.  Not that Tech didn’t expect Mad to be able to make the journey, as she was capable albeit slower.  It was more due to Hunter hovering like a father hen, therefore slowing her down considerably. 

Sil pulled out the treat box from the Beldame’s Galley and shook it loudly. 

Nothing. 

“TIGGY!” Sil shouted through the Beldame. 

Quiet. 

Wrecker came around the corner “I’m worried.  Still can’t find ‘er.” 

“Little Menace is probably tucked away somewhere in the Beldame.  Let sleeping dogs lie.”  Echo gestured.  “Got LOTS of work to do.” 

Hunter held Mad’s hand and slung his other arm around her shoulders.  He could catch her lest she slip, protect her from blaster bolts, or an approaching enemy. 

Love hovered behind them, grinning and watching the interaction between Hunter and Mad.  Eventually Mad glanced over her shoulder, leading Hunter to do the same. 

“Wut?” She scowled comically. 

Oh...YOU TWO. 

Hunter picked up the subtle facial micro expressions between LOVE and Mad.  It seemed LOVE was able to control what and when Hunter could communicate with them.  He nodded to Mad, who instinctively understood his inquiry. 

“We’re being...lovey-dovey.”  Mad whispered to Hunter. 

“Not used to it yet, huh?” Hunter pulled up his helmet to expose his face, leaned in and kissed Mad on the cheek.  Just a gentle brush of his lips while walking the forest path. 

Mad roped an arm around his tucked waist, squeezed firmly and affectionately. 

Disss-gustin' LOVE snorted out loud. 

Mad giggled. 

“Stay here.” Hunter abruptly blurted, then nodded to a stunned LOVE.  He let go of Mad and dashed off the trail...quietly.  As if he was a weightless wraith, ghost of a man, vanishing into the deep shadows of the forest. 

Mad and LOVE glanced at each other with wide puzzled eyes. 

Hunter IMMEDIATELY popped back onto the trail startling them BOTH. 

He presented a Wild Rambling Amaranthine Rose.  Its passionate purple and velvety petals emitted a sweet yet exotically musky odor.  The abundantly green leaves nestled against the flower’s petals.  The large, lush blooms while striking were protected by razor sharp 4-inch spikes all over the plant. 

A fitting flower for Hunter’s lady. 

He had SOMEHOW so quickly avoided the thorns to obtain an amazing specimen without injury. 

Hunter got down on one knee... 

“Whaddya doin???” Mad stared down at him suspiciously. 

“Proclaiming my love and devotion to my...lover...lady...special person.  We never settled on a title.”  Hunter preened. 

Mad stifled a laugh.  She was that cynical to think Hunter’s proclamation was a silly joke. He was coming out of his shell, exhibiting a dry humor, but THIS was pure tooth rotting sweetness.  A grown man with the occasional heart of an innocent boy.   

He’s not cynical like ME. He has SO MUCH HOPE Mad thought.  Thank FORCE.  I’ve LOST mine long ago.  I NEED this.  Mad thought guiltily.  She’s been ALONE for so long. Independence was ALWAYS Mad’s go to.  She could STILL have that, but with the luxury of passionate, empathetic companionship. 

Hunter cleared this throat embarrassingly “I’m hoping that WHATEVER is required on this planet...we’ll STILL be together afterwards.  I’ll even settle for whatever time we have left...a day or a lifetime.”  He had a fleeting expression of FEAR in his eyes. 

“Hunter...” Mad was speechless and a bit concerned.   

“I should’ve done this earlier with EVERYONE present.  Didn’t really HIT ME until now.”  

LOVE floated soundlessly watching and picking up on the vibes of the situation. 

Mad took the flower from Hunter, tucked it into the hair of her Mohawk, pulled Hunter from his knees, and embraced him.  He embraced her back with an emotionally hitched breath.  They kissed sweetly and deeply.   

LOVE didn’t feel embarrassed or offended by the open display of affection.  Their mother was long overdue the companionship of another.  LOVE wanted Mad to be HAPPY.  It seemed to FINALLY have arrived. 

Annnnd I pronounce you bonded life partners for many years, boop, beep, boop.  LOVE Force Spoke to them both while waving arms like a total goof. 

Hunter and Mad blushed.   

The group continued their journey. 

Tech leaned over the game on top of Gonky’s head.  Rubbing his chin, while contemplating his next move.  His mind a million miles away... 

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!”  

Gonky jumped up and knocked over game pieces as Tech whirled around. 

A green armored Trooper stood inside the Marauder; blaster trained on him. 

“Shit!” Tech swore under his breath, hands hovering over both of his holstered blasters. 

Well, I’ve DONE it NOW!  Tech mused.  Our goose is cooked!!! 

“Where are you from?  Any more crew members?  State your planet of origin!” 

Tech couldn’t help blurting out “Are you a mercenary???” 

The Trooper closed in on him menacingly. 

Tech improvised cooly “My companion and I” he motioned to Gonky “are traveling botanists who sample and study the flora from differing planets of the galaxy.  Today was the day to study YOUR fair planet.” Tech attempted to avoid grimacing embarrassingly.   

He failed. 

Clones are HORRIBLE liars. 

“Botanist with ARMOR and BLASTERS???” The Trooper wasn’t sold on Tech’s lie. 

Tech launched into what he knew “We MUST protect ourselves from many natural dangers.  For instance, the flesh-eating flower of...”  

“I’m NOT INTERESTED in your LIES!” The Trooper slammed his blaster into Tech’s chest... 

Tech put both hands up and steeled himself. 

Then a loud THUD caught the trooper’s attention.  He eyed Tech for a second, blaster still digging into his sternum.  When he felt sure Tech would not resist, the Trooper turned to glance behind him into the half-lit shadows of the Marauder. 

Tech, unable to do anything at that moment, glanced in the same direction as the Trooper...  At nothing but shadows. 

The trooper turned back to Tech “WHO ELSE is with you?” He viciously hissed. 

Tech attempted to come up with something on the fly, but his brain locked up while his eyes widened with concern due to the high probability of having his guts blasted across the Marauders cockpit. 

He didn’t need too much time though... 

A black blur SLAMMED into the Trooper!  He screamed for a brief second before it bit deeply into the gap in his armor.   

Tiggy snapped the Trooper’s neck with brutal precision.  The noise was loud as it silenced the scream immediately.  His body collapsed into a heap on the ship's decking. 

She did it all WITHOUT breaking ANY skin! 

Tech watched as Tiggy released the dead soldier, then guiltily backed up into the shadows.  She was comically visible... 

...until her dark coat seemed to melt and become one with them.   

Only her yellow eyes shone in the darkness.   

Tiggy found the ability to CLOAK herself like some of the undersea creatures of Kamino!  Tech quickly surmised it was due to her enhanced breeding...even if she was only meant for food stock originally. 

Tech’s jaw dropped.  “Fascinating!”  He could see from her eyes Tiggy was NOW cowering in doggy fear.  She closed them and disappeared entirely. 

“Tiggy...” Tech coaxed.  “GOOD GIRL!” 

She LAUNCHED out of the shadows and slammed into Tech’s chest.  Tiggy slobbered his face, the areas where she leaned up against him blending in with his armor, clothing, and pockets...half of her cloaked, half a fully visible dog. 

She knocked the wind out of Tech, and he was absolutely THRILLED for it.  He wrestled her off him, then gave a command. 

“Daab!” 

Tiggy healed at Tech’s side as he stood up. 

She waited patiently for whatever else he required of her. 

Tech then attempted to comm Hunter that the Marauder had been discovered.  

Hunter, Mad, and LOVE reached a small clearing and could see the Rebel Facility... 

PEOPLE WERE RUNNING OUT OF IT. Terrified people!  Frantically trying to escape a figure dressed in green armor, leveling a blaster rifle at them.   

He picked people off with a terrifying precision. 

Hunter drew his weapon.  Mad pulled a blaster out from under her robes, surprising him that she was even packing at all. 

“Didn’t think I'd walk into this without at least a blaster, Hunky?” Mad shot a glance at Hunter. 

“At least?  You’re carrying more???” Hunter quirked an eyebrow. 

“Of course.”  

They both took aim. 

A Rodian dressed in medical attire and an Empire Storm Trooper, dressed in plain white armor, ran towards Hunter and Mad screaming “LEAVE!  WE’VE BEEN INFILTRATED!!!” 

The Rodian grabbed Mad, trying to drag her away with them. 

Hunter and the Storm Trooper’s eyes met.  Hunter IMMEDIATELY sensed he was not a threat. 

“A few soldiers and I DEFECTED from the Empire.  CX-Troopers TRACKED us!” The Stormtrooper yelled as he ran past. 

“CX WHO???” Hunter yelled back. 

Then the hair on the back of Hunter’s neck stood up straight.  He yanked Mad out of the way of a blast bolt.  Unfortunately, it hit the Rodian doctor and she fell to the ground.  Hunter berated himself for not anticipating. 

Mad squeezed off a shot.  It impacted the CX’s pauldron, throwing him off balance, but still alive. 

LOVE threw out a Force shield around them all. 

Hunter and Mad provided cover fire while watching the stormtrooper drop to the ground over his comrade.   

The Stormtrooper yanked up his helmet and a Mirialan TEENAGE BOY of no more than 15 or 16 peered out from under the armor. “Reeda!  Let’s get you up.” 

The older Rodian sadly replied.  “No... RUN Jebith.  Take them with you.  Be safe.”  She yanked a detonation device off Jeb’s belt and activated it. 

Jebith embraced Reeda, wiping a tear from his eye, then glanced up at Hunter.   

Hunter, shocked, threw his hand out to the teen.  “Come with us!  We’ll get you off world!!!” 

Jebith grasped Hunter’s arm, and he hauled Jeb to his feet. 

Hunter grabbed Mad and RAN!  Jebith on his heels.  LOVE levitating quickly behind him, keeping the Force shield.  The CX-2 regained his footing, openly stalking and attempting to blast them dead. 

Unfortunately, NOBODY got very far before the device went off.  A blinding flash of light sent EVERYONE flying backwards.  Hunter and Jeb had their armor, LOVE had The Force... 

...Mad was RIPPED from Hunter’s grasp...she had NOTHING. 

LOVE was pushed violently away like a leaf in the wind.   

Hunter and Jebith found themselves thrown like toys.  Jeb cleared a tree by millimeters as he flew.  Hunter anticipated his trajectory and was able to tuck and bounce off a large branch, his clone physique MUCH hardier than a human.  He landed on the ground yards back, continued to roll as he contacted the ground, then flipped up in a crouched standing position. 

Hunter scanned the area around him.  He attempted to see past the smoke and debris raining down.  “MAD?  LOVE?  JEB???” 

Jeb landed HARD, then managed to lift his head in time to see Hunter run off. 

Hunter and Jeb heard a blood curdling wail. 

Hunter went into autopilot and ran blindly towards the sound.  He could almost taste singed flesh, fresh blood, and smell LOVE’S fear as it joined with his.  He ignored the small raining debris and instinctively dodged the larger ones.  Hunter tracked low to the ground, almost on all fours as he wove, dodged trees, and uneven ground. 

The smoke cleared as he approached LOVE howling in emotional agony.  They were holding Mad... both covered in blood... 

I TRIED...I... COULDN’T CATCH HER IN TIME!!!  LOVE screamed inside Hunter’s head. 

...bloody flower petals strewn across the forest floor.  Purple contrasting with crimson red.

A beautiful thing destroyed in an instant... 

To read Chapter 22 "THE TEMPEST":

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/762939005812801536/vagabonds-chapter-22?source=share

Please let me know if you wanted to be added to my taglist or removed! Thanks so much for your support!!!

[skellymom]

"Vagabonds" Chapter 23

"RETREAT"

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

Hunter meets a smuggler Nomaadi Star Woman with a powerful force sensitive teen who changes the trajectory of CF-99's lives...as they ALL try to escape from The Empire together.

To read Chapter 22 - "THE TEMPEST"

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/762939005812801536/vagabonds-chapter-22?source=share

Word Count: 1.4 K

Background: Tiggy goes full Belgian Malinois meets doggy Xenomorph. The Batcher's struggle to decided what to do with an injured Hunter and Mad.

For anyone new to this series: "LOVE" is the nonbinary/genderfluid neurodivergent/nonverbal Force sensitive kid of the main OC of this series named Mad. Mad is an older single mother, close to almost 50 years of age (not many older female protaganists in stories, so I decided to make one.)

Warning: SW Canon violence, swearing, vomiting, blood, angst, dog mauls human (protective dog move), and disclaimer: I wrote this chapter WELL BEFORE the mudslides and flooding in the south occurred. Hopefully this plot device is not offensive.

(Credit: Cool dividers by @4ngelic-Wh1spers, @plum98 @strangergraphics-archive Pinterest: Bad l3atch, Pinterest)

CX repelled into his ship, immediately releasing LOVE.  Tiggy, attached to his back, held on and alligator rolled him across the decking. 

He couldn’t reach her, even if he tried.  She went for the back of his neck; he blocked her snout with his hand.  Tiggy’s teeth sunk in deeply. 

CX screamed out in pain and frustration as she shook her head, mangling his hand.  Blood poured from his gloves. 

He dived forward onto the decking and let her alligator roll him towards the cockpit.  From there, CX grabbed the back of his pilot’s chair.  He couldn’t spare an extra hand to engage his ship to leave.  He pulled himself upright with one free hand.  Tiggy held onto him with her front paws wrapped around his neck, jaws still holding onto his other hand.  Her back paws left the decking as he regained his footing, and she hung off his back growling angrily... 

Just as Tech shot his ship. 

The jolt from the Marauder’s cannon blast knocked CX backwards off his feet. 

He landed HEAVILY on Tiggy.   

CX heard a loud SNAP and the dog cried out shrilly. 

She released him immediately.  CX grabbed his blaster and swung around to shoot... 

All he could see were shadows and his own blood splattered around the cabin. 

CX would have engaged his helmet’s thermal vision had Tech not shot his ship a SECOND time. 

 

The Marauder was considerably smaller than CX’s Dagger Vessel.  But Tech was determined to make a dent in it. 

Behind him, on the floor, Hunter continued to perform resuscitation on Mad... while bleeding profusely from his knife wound. 

The Dagger ship took off quickly and Tech gave chase.  He expertly shot at specific targets to disable the ship.  His plan: to board it if possible and get LOVE and Tiggy back. 

The Marauder gave chase behind the Dagger Vessel as it gained altitude. 

Tech noticed the surface of the planet before climbing higher into Taphao Kaew’s atmosphere... 

...people being swept away by the deluge of muddy water.  A few ships hovered close to save the few lucky souls... 

A deluge he and his shipmates helped bring forth to the surface of this planet... 

Tech grit his teeth and followed CX’s ship out into dark starry space. 

CX entered the jump code into his ship’s computer. 

Several more cannon bolts hit his ship, knocking out the shield and partially disabling an engine. 

Luckily, he had JUST enough power to make the jump. 

He heard a low, angry rumble next to him... 

Swinging his weapon up, the LAST thing CX saw before jumping into hyperspace... 

...was a set of sharp bloody teeth cave in the faceplate of his helmet... 

Tech helplessly watched the ship disappear into hyperspace...with NO idea where it went. 

He punched in his own coordinates and jumped. 

When the ship settled into a hyperspace lane, Tech sprang up from the pilot’s chair and joined Hunter. 

Hunter continued to give breaths as Tech simultaneously performed compressions. 

They continued together for some time... 

Resuscitation seemed to last forever... 

Until Mad gained consciousness, vomiting dirty water and debris into Hunter’s mouth. 

He IMMEDIATELY turned and vomited onto the Marauder’s floor. 

Tech ignored the horrible mess and stench, yanking Mad up off the floor.  He hugged her back up against him, placing his hands together with clenched fists on her abdomen above her pregnant belly... 

Then pushed inward and up. 

Mad vomited out more water and debris with each push.  Tech repeated this again and again... 

Until Mad was empty and gasping for breath. 

Tech stepped away from the vomitus, pulling Mad with him, then set her down on a bunk.  She slumped down into a resting position.  Tech rolled Mad to her side and placed her head on the edge of the bunk in case she vomited again.  Her eyes fluttered closed, but she kept conscious.  He noted her lungs sounded loud and wet. 

“Aspiration pneumonia.” Tech remarked out loud randomly.  

Hunter couldn’t stand the smell in the ship...and vomited again.  He gave up trying to get up from the soaked decking and make for the refresher...as he slipped and fell on his ass...jarring his knife wound, causing him to retch again from the pain. 

Tech slid through the mess, hooking his arms under Hunter’s.  He pulled his brother off the floor, settling him onto the copilot’s seat gently. 

“Mad?” Hunter weakly inquired. 

“Alive, but worse for the wear.”  Tech elevated Hunter’s legs by gently placing them on the Marauder's dashboard.   

Hunter whined in pain, attempting to resist and go to Mad. 

“Hunter, you’re seriously injured.  STAY SEATED!” Tech scolded.  Then engaged the Marauder to find the hyperspace lane where the Beldame was parked. 

The Marauder arrived and docked atop the Beldame.  Echo was the first to arrive at the open hatch. 

“WHAT THE EVER-LOVING KRIFF???” He grimaced at the SMELL. 

“No time, Echo!  Help Hunter into the Beldame!!!”  Tech gathered up Mad and headed for the ladder to the other ship. 

Echo moved out of the way for Tech, making a beeline for Hunter. 

“What happened?  Where’s LOVE???  Oh...” Echo noticed the vibroknife sticking out of Hunter. 

“It’s...complicated....”  Hunter whispered hoarsely. 

“You can explain it all later.” Echo got Hunter up and helped him onto the other ship. 

“AUNTIE!” Sil ran up terrified.  Omega wasn’t far behind. 

“Help me, Sil.  Mad must convalesce in her stateroom.” Tech ordered.  

Sil helped Tech get Mad across the ship and into her bed, as Omega watched them anxiously. 

“WHERE’S HUNTER???” Omega demanded. 

“HUNTER!” Wrecker stuck his head into the bottom of the ladder between ships looking for his brother.  Echo yelled down to him “He’s injured.  Need your help...can’t get him down the ladder alone.” 

“Will do!” Wrecker answered. 

“Be careful of his left hip, ok?” 

“OK...” 

Echo dangled Hunter down the hatch feet first.  Wrecker reached up, carefully grasping Hunter around this ribcage with both hands.  Hunter groaned weakly. 

“HUNTER...ARE YOU ALRIGHT!” Omega panicked when she spotted the knife. 

“OOF...you stink!” Wrecker couldn’t help himself. 

“Puke...mine...Mad’s...” Hunter managed to reply “Sorry...” He looked pale. 

Wrecker held Hunter out away from him like a stinky Tooka cat.  Omega followed behind wringing her hands. Wrecker carefully placed him on a bunk in the main ship area. 

Sil ran out of Mad’s stateroom.  “WHERE’S LOVE???”  He begged Hunter.  “Tech won’t tell me!” 

Echo joined Omega and Wrecker, glancing at Sil...awaiting Hunter’s answer. 

“Sorry kid...” Hunter’s face fell in sadly “LOVE was captured...don’t know by WHO...” Omega attempted to comfort Hunter. 

Sil commenced into a HUGE panic attack, hyperventilating. 

Echo put his arm around Sil, trying to calm the teen. 

“...and...” Hunter hung his head weakly “...they got Tiggy too.” 

“We’re over our heads in trouble.” Echo remarked.  “Beldame STILL needs work...and parts.” 

Tech added “Mad’s condition requires a bacta tank w/a medical nebulizer.”  He nodded to Hunter’s injury.  “YOU require surgery to remove that vibroknife.  Without either, you and Mad will suffer in your present conditions.  Prognosis is guarded to poor.” 

Omega, hearing this ran to the ‘Dame’s first aid station and came back with bacta patches. 

“WHERE are we gonna find a clinic AND a ship repair station?” Wrecker lamented. 

Sil exhaled stressfully “Taavi...” 

“What?” Echo blurted. 

“Uncle Taavi...his ship MIGHT be in range...” 

“Can... oof...” Hunter grimaced in pain weakly as Omega carefully applied several patches around his wound. 

“Sorry.” She winced.   

“S’ok, kid...” Hunter patted her head gently.  “Sil...can we TRUST him?” 

“With our LIVES.” Sil had calmed considerably with the revelation they had a possible safe option.  “His sanctuary barge is one of the best kept secrets of the galaxy for people needing safe haven.  Keeps moving constantly though, so he can be hard to find.” 

“We have NO other options...call ‘em.  ” Hunter trailed off weakly laying back upon the bunk. 

“Eeeeh, kiddo!”  Taavi’s voice could be heard on the comm. “YOU’RE ALIVE!  THANK THE FORCE!!!”  Beside himself with joy. 

“UNCLE!  We need HELP!!!  I’m on the Beldame and Mad is badly injured!!!” 

“Injured?  How badly???” 

“REALLY BAD UNCLE!  Scary BAD!!!” 

“Where’s LOVE?” Taavi squinted. 

“A bounty hunter captured them, Uncle.  I don’t know if we’ll ever find them!” 

Tavvi didn’t hesitate “I’m send coordinates Nephew.  COME QUICKLY!!!” 

“Thank you, Uncle! We’re coming with a group of political prisoners, their child and a modified Omicron Class Shuttle!” 

Taavi’s voice hesitated... then he mumbled something archaic in Pigeon Nomaadi. 

“No duress, Uncle.  They are FRIENDLIES.” 

“Then NO messin’ around, GET HERE QUICK!!!” 

The comm ended...

To read Chapter 24 and 25:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/764929745333927936/vagabonds-chapter-24-25?source=share

Please let me know if you wanted to be added to my taglist or removed! Thanks so much for your support!!!