writingforfun0714

[writingforfun0714]

Hello GoT fandom!!

I’d like to make a post regarding a new fanfic I’m working on called

The Book of Wolves

This fic is specifically a Game of Thrones crossover with The Jungle Book. I’ll give you the basics.

The Book of Wolves focuses on the Starks. I expand on their relationships, their stories, and most importantly their direwolves. I also include a female Stark OC named Maisy. I’ve noticed a lot of female Stark OCs are either the eldest Stark, Robb’s twin, Jon’s twin or the eldest female—older than Sansa but younger than Robb/Jon. I wanted to switch things up and have my female Stark OC be the youngest, even younger than Rickon, which allows me to write my OC’s story to be similar to Mowgli in Jungle Book, hence the crossover.

I’ve started working on the first chapter and want to share what I have so far.

This is my introduction (WIP—604 words)

3rd POV

The land of Westeros is an old one. Split into 7 Kingdoms, people all over have joined with great Houses across the land. It’s up to the King of the 7 Kingdoms to keep the peace, however the current one, King Robert of House Baratheon, is more intent on getting drunk and pleasuring himself until he blacks out, usually to be carried back by his brother-in-law Jaime Lannister. His twin sister, Cersei, is Robert’s current wife in name only. While Robert has too many whores to count, Cersei has only one lover, her twin brother, Jaime. And King Robert has no idea.

Robert Baratheon and the Lannister twins have been in the capital of Westeros for years now, but with Winter coming, Robert wants to head to the North, to it’s capital, Winterfell. His best friend, Eddard ‘Ned’ Stark is ruler of the Northern capital. The North is the largest of the 7 Kingdoms combined. House Stark built Winterfell thanks to the ancestral Brandon the Builder, and as such, there must always be a Stark in Winterfell.

Ned is married to Catelyn of House Tully of Riverrun. She was originally betrothed to Ned’s older brother, Brandon, but sadly, he was killed along with their father Rickard Stark by the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen. While their marriage has been anything but perfect, Ned and Catelyn managed to create a life of love and kindness and family. Together, Ned and Catelyn share 6 children ranging from 16 to just a few months old with the oldest, Robb, being the heir to Winterfell. However, Ned does also have a bastard son named Jon that Catelyn dislikes, making 7 siblings in total with the two 16 yr old boys being the oldest. Before Catelyn gave birth to Robb, Ned left with Robert Baratheon to fight in Robert’s Rebellion. A year later, Ned returned with a baby boy who looked like the spitting image of Ned himself. Even though she dislikes Jon, Catelyn isn’t outright mean or abusive to him. The Stark matriarch just doesn’t feel the maternal love she has for her own children to him. She ignores Jon and will avoid him at all costs. Despite Ned making sure Catelyn isn’t outright cruel to Jon, their children have all realized there’s something ‘different’ about Jon (except for the 2 youngest children who do not understand).

Sansa, the oldest girl and 2nd oldest of Ned and Catelyn’s children is the most outwardly dismissive of Jon due to his bastard status. But 13 year olds are normally difficult anyways. The next is Arya at 11, who is the exact opposite of Sansa in almost every way. Sansa is the spitting image of Catelyn with fair skin, blue eyes and red hair while Arya takes after Ned and Jon with dark eyes and dark brown hair. Not only does she look like Jon and Ned, but she also thinks of Jon as her brother. Not her bastard brother, but her brother. After Arya is Brandon aka ‘Bran’ at only a year younger than her at 10. He’s as agile as a monkey and as smart as a whip. He dreams of being a knight someday. Bran’s fiery red hair and blue eyes matches his mother’s, Robb’s and Sansa’s and his younger brother Rickon. Rickon is 4 years younger than Bran at only 6 years old and has thick, wild curly red hair and clear blue eyes. Last is the youngest at only 3 months, a baby girl named Maisy. She shares her looks with Ned, Jon, and Arya with the thick dark hair and bright, dark eyes.

[writingforfun0714]

Hello readers, thank you so much for being patient. Here’s Chapter 5 of my Bad Batch fic, Our Love. Enjoy🥰

Bad Batch Our Love (link for all chapters)

Warnings: descriptions of panic attacks, minor swearing, POV changes, OCs, lemme know if I need more

Words: 8,648

Bad Batch Our Love

Chapter 5–Sanctuary

Crosshair’s POV

As my ship travels through hyperspace, I think on the orders I had given to my squad while I was gone.

“Once I return, you are to destroy the power supply and wipe the data banks after transferring everything. Do you understand?” I had asked.

“Yes sir,” the squad all responded. I had a feeling I’d need some sort of insurance if I was going to actually go off planet for…personal reasons.

3rd POV

Crosshair’s shuttle drops out of hyperspace. The sniper returns just outside of Ankus’ atmosphere and his shuttle scans an approaching vessel. It’s the rest of his new squad. They attach vessels and the sniper opens the door to let them on. Crosshair let’s the attached ship go and plots the coordinates for Kamino as the rest of his squad mates walk into the cock pit with the sniper.

“Sir,” ES-03 walks up to Crosshair. He looks at the trooper.

“We wiped everything like you said and destroyed the power supply. No one can use the base now,” ES-03 and hands Crosshair a data rod.

“Everything?” Crosshair asks, just to make sure.

“Yes sir,” the trooper responds and Crosshair nods approvingly before motioning to sit. Wordlessly, the trooper sits down and the others follow while Crosshair powers up the hyperdrive. The stars look like streaks of light as the ship zips into hyperspace, heading back to Kamino.

As the ship travels through the hyperspace tunnel of swirling blue light, Crosshair listens to the chatter between the troopers. Mostly casual but none of them make an attempt to include him. Why would they? He killed ES-01 on Onderon before killing all those innocent people. The insurgents…the civilians. The others don’t understand. Crosshair notices that despite the visual similarities between their armor and clone armor, they are nothing like clones. There could be millions but none of them would ever understand what it’s like to be a clone. Crosshair’s time with Cody proved that. These new troopers didn’t understand the Kaminoans like the clones did. Not that Crosshair particularly cared about his new squad, but to be seen as useful to the Empire, Crosshair has to make this partnership work and he was certain that he wouldn’t get a another chance.

The sniper’s thoughts wander to Commander Cody. He said he was going to find his General. The last lead Cody had was the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Crosshair growls instinctively at the thought. There was no point in going to the Jedi Temple. But Cody wasn’t a ‘shiny’. And Crosshair has his personal comm channel just in case. Crosshair feels a pulse of pain and scrunches his nose as his hand instinctively comes up to his head.

Crosshair’s POV

Permanent damage, Cody had said. And none of this would’ve happened if only Hunter had listened. But…it doesn’t matter now. I know the truth. I tried to help Hunter and how did he repay me? By leaving me behind on Kamino. He didn’t even know what Nala Se had done to me that day in the hangar.

“You really think we’ll leave Kamino?” I remember asking Hunter years ago, when we were cadets.

“We’ll leave and never come back,” Hunter had told me, putting a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

“Promise?”

“I promise,”

I shake my head at the memory. Liar. I feel a hand on my shoulder and I immediately jerk away, glaring through my helmet. ES-03 pauses and looks at me before I see the hand that touched me drop.

“What?” I snarl. ES-03 points and that’s when I hear a warning beeping noise. I must’ve been so absorbed in my thoughts I didn’t hear it.

“Sir, we’re approaching an asteroid field,” ES-03 says. I shut off the warning and I feel the ship lurch out of hyperspace. I see a huge expanse of floating rocks blocking the way. I hadn’t been excellent, but with Tech’s instruction, I learned a decent amount of flying during our training. I swerve my way in, dodging and weaving through. I put up the front shields at max power as we fly through.

I manage to fly through the asteroids successfully. The shields are down to 72% but otherwise, alright. The coordinates for Kamino are still in the nav computer and I let the ship’s autopilot take over. In no time at all, the ship arrives back on the stormy water world of Kamino. I’m struggling to see through the gray clouds, the rain and lighting but luckily I get the ship back to a hangar at Tipoca City.

The ship lands and my squad walks out first. I watch as the squad goes back to the barracks and I think about Cody. Cody hadn’t known about the inhibitor chips when I told him about them but part of me wonders if the chips were only for Order 66 and any orders after would be easier to question. I could’ve fought it had Nala Se not kidnapped and tortured me. She took out the chip but I can feel its effects. And I wouldn’t have gone through that if only Hunter had listened.

3rd POV

Crosshair and his squad are not needed so they head back to their barracks.

Meanwhile, in Lama Su’s office…

Nala Se has been summoned by the Prime Minister. The chief scientist walks in and is surprised to also see Governor Tarkin.

“Have a seat Mistress Se,” Lama Su tells her. Nala Se and Tarkin make eye contact as she moves to sit in the chair opposite him.

“Thank you for arriving so quickly. As you know, I am here to assess the value of all clones for the Empire. However, Emperor Palpatine has expressed that even though the clones of the army are of little to no value to him, the cloning technology is priceless,” Tarkin says. Nala Se blinks. It’s true the Kaminoan cloning technology is well-known throughout the galaxy, but that’s because everyone knows there’s more than one way to make a clone. The quality of Kaminoan clones is unlike any other.

“We offer our standard fee that we offered the Republic-“ Lama Su says.

“You misunderstand. We do not wish to place an order,” Tarkin says.

“Emperor Palpatine wants to use Kamino as a base of operations for his personal project,” Tarkin says. At first, Lama Su doesn’t reply, instead, he looks to Nala Se.

Even though they had commissioned the clone army for Palpatine, the Kaminoans are a neutral planet. Much like the Banking Clan, the Kaminoans claim no allegiance to anyone but themselves and accept orders from all over. However, both Lama Su and Nala Se were well aware of the Emperor’s true intentions.

Nala Se gives Lama Su a small nod before turning to Tarkin.

“I would be honored to work for Emperor Palpatine on his personal project. To make sure I am the right candidate for the job, I would like to learn more,” Nala Se says and Tarkin smiles.

“I’m happy to hear that, though I’m afraid that all I’m able to tell you is that Project Necromancer is classified to most except those with special clearance, which I’m afraid your Prime Minister does not have,” Tarkin glances at Lama Su.

“I must object Governor Tarkin. I have to approve and oversee every project Mistress Se works on,” Lama Su argues gently.

“Oh do not fret, we will keep you updated, however, the finer, specific details remain classified,” Tarkin assures the Prime Minister.

“Since we do have other contracts, we would suggest using a separate facility, one equipped for this classified project,” Lama Su says.

“The Emperor agrees and is already constructing many of his own personal facilities equipped with state of the art technology. However, he has already started working on Project Necromancer. We can certainly give you time to prepare but Emperor Palpatine has scheduled a visit within the rotation,” Tarkin explains.

“Very well. We will expect his arrival then,” Lama Su responds.

“Good. I believe that concludes my business with you. I will be in touch with the Emperor shortly,” Tarkin says, standing up.

“Prime Minister…Mistress Se,” Tarkin addresses them before walking out, leaving the Kaminoans alone.

“Until we learn of Emperor Palpatine’s true intentions, say nothing. We should be cautious,” Lama Su tells Nala Se, who hums in agreement.

Crosshair’s POV

As my squad exits the hangar, I see Admiral Rampart approach them. They will tell him everything no doubt. But Rampart is just another small ‘cog in the machine’ as Tech would say. My loyalties should be with those in actual power like Governor Tarkin. I’m sure I will be speaking to him in no time. I sigh quietly before taking my helmet off. Luckily my headache has disappeared.

“Hey! Crosshair!” I hear a somewhat familiar voice call out to me. I turn and see Crys and Trapper, the 212th troopers that I met in the mess hall after meeting Saw. They were the ones that told me about Cody and where to find him.

They have their helmets on but casually remove them as they approach.

“Glad to see you,” Crys greets and it takes me a moment at first. I’ve never been greeted like that by someone outside CF99 before, except from Cody and 99 of course.

“Did you find the Commander?” Trapper asks me. I nod.

“I did. He was injured but on the mend when I met up with him,” I explain. Seeing the concern on their faces, I keep going, “fractured femur, hairline I think. I’m not a medic.”

“Did he say what he was going to do after he got better?” Crys asks. I don’t answer at first. I probably shouldn’t tell them he’s going to go find General Kenobi, so instead, I tell them that I wasn’t clear on his plans, only that he’d return when he could.

Talking with the 212th troopers makes me think on the differences between them and my squad. As the 3 of us walk through the sterile, bright white halls, I see a Kaminoan walk past us, not paying us any mind, but I can’t help the instinctive step away from him I make. I hear Trapper grumble something under his breath. The Kaminoan looks towards us but none of us make eye contact and keep walking. Once we’re out of range, Trapper snickers.

“Long-neck lab scrabber,” he says.

“You dislike the Kaminoans too?” I ask.

“Dislike? Karrabast, they’re all a bunch of sleemos if you ask me. They may not experiment on us like you CT-99s, but you should hear how they talk about us. We’re just objects to them, weapons to fight a war,” Crys tells me. I hadn’t realized how much I actually have in common with the clones in general. They were regs…but…now they’re just…clones. Like I am.

“Yeah some of the commanders were shuttled out a couple rotations ago-“ I hear Crys say and that gets my attention.

“Do you know where they were sent?” I ask.

“No…and no one’s heard from them since. Like Commander Bly? No one in the 327th has seen him since Felucia,” Crys explains. 327th..that’s General Secura’s battalion.

“The Empire could be using them,” Trapper says.

“Using them? For what?” I ask. Trapper shrugs.

“I dunno, but you know they’d get every bit of usefulness out of us before throwing us away like garbage,” Trapper answers. The two continue talking while I wonder if they’ve seen or even know about ES-02, 3 or 4. The only reason I’m squad leader is because I was with CF99. If I wasn’t-

“H-Hey,” I stop in my tracks. The two stop and turn to look back at me.

“Crosshair?” Crys asks.

“I…I’m a new squad leader, now that I’m not with CF99,” I explain.

“But…I don’t like my new squad,” I admit, “I’m only with them so the Empire thinks I will be useful.”

“Your new squad? Who is it? Hope it isn’t anyone we know-“ Crys jokes, not understanding my seriousness.

“They aren’t clones,” I say and their eyes widen.

“Not clones? But they’re soldiers? I don’t understand-“ Crys says.

“Yeah, wouldn’t the Kaminoans want to create more of us so they can get more money?” Trapper asks.

“Please, just listen to me. They’re not clones. The Empire thinks that those who willingly sign up have more loyalty than us,” I explain.

Before either trooper could respond, Crys gets a call over his commlink.

“Crys, report to the briefing room-“ I hear a trooper say.

“Just…watch yourself…and your men. The galaxy is changing and…I don’t want you to get left behind,” I say. He nods and offers a hand. We grab forearms and shake.

“Take care of yourself Crosshair,” Crys says and I nod. I shake hands with Trapper and he nods as I walk off.

I wonder about clones who aren’t deemed useful to the Empire. There are millions of troopers. There’s no way the Kaminoans would be ok with the killing of millions of clones and I’ve never seen them make bad deals. And I’m sure Nala Se wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to have as many test subjects as possible. I feel the anger well inside me at the thought of the Kaminoan scientist. But as the anger comes, so does the pain in my head. I wince a bit. I take a breath and sigh when I hear my comm beep.

“CT-9904, report to my office,” I hear Tarkin’s voice.

“Yes sir,” I respond and make my way there, but not making an effort to hurry. I’m not surprised really. I knew my squad would tell him that I left my post on Ankus.

I finally get to Tarkin’s office and press the button. The doors open and I walk inside. Tarkin is sitting at his desk.

“Have a seat CT-9904,” he says. I cautiously walk up and take the chair at his desk.

“Do you know why you are here Commander?” He asks.

“I..don’t know, sir,” I answer, feigning innocence.

“You are here because you left your post on Ankus for a non-mission-related objective, is that correct?” Tarkin asks.

“Yes sir,”

“Why did you leave Ankus? Tell the truth and I’ll give you your next mission,” Tarkin says, meshing his fingers together with his elbows on his desk.

“Each of your squad mates gave different answers which leads me to believe you did not tell anyone of your ‘off-the-record’ objective,” Tarkin says. Lying isn’t really my style. It’s not that I can’t, I just prefer not to.

“I didn’t tell the others because I didn’t think they would understand, sir,” I explain.

“Well, regardless of what your squad would think, it is highly irregular to go off on your own,” Tarkin says.

“I’m sorry sir, I…I operated how I would with my old squad. Being the sniper-I usually am alone-“ I tell him. Not a lie…but not exactly the truth either. An…exaggeration if anything.

“Well if you cannot take the lead on this next mission, I’m afraid I’ll have to report your incompetence to Nala Se,” Tarkin says and my eyes widen.

“I will take the lead, sir,” I say, steeling myself before looking right at him. We lock eyes for a moment and when I can tell he won’t back down, I decide to take out the datarod ES-03 gave me. All the information about the abandoned base on Ankus. Tarkin takes the datarod and looks at it with a raised brow.

“Very well. We are still going through possible candidates to replace ES-01 but for now, you and the rest of your squad will report to Admiral Rampart,” he says. Easy replacement, that’s all they care about. I nod.

“Understood sir,” I say.

“Dismissed,” Tarkin tells me and I immediately stand up and hurry out.

“CT-9904,” Tarkin gets my attention right as I get to the door. I glance back over my shoulder.

“You are very valuable CT-9904. If you fail, Nala Se won’t just decommission you, she’ll use you until she’s finished with you. Do you understand?” He threatens. I nod.

“Yes sir,” I nearly growl out. The door opens and I walk out. I can’t go back to Nala Se again.

I walk out and feel my heart beating and a cold sweat makes me clammy. Nala Se. She tortured me. This pain in my head…it’s permanent, according to Cody at least. I’ve always hated the bloodwork, the diets, the injections. Nala Se would assure us as cadets that it was necessary for our development, to make sure our mutations were developing without hurting us. But it seemed like the other clones were being tested on half as much as us, maybe even less. None of us liked it. Plus, when we met Echo, he already had that fear thanks to the Techno Union so it was easy for him to relate.

My chest tightens and the pain in my head spikes with pain. The sudden intense pain sends a wave of nausea through me. I brace myself against the wall. Passing troopers either pay me no mind or give me a look, but everyone keeps walking. While it’s nothing new to be ignored by most troopers, I also have to assume that no one but me knows about the inhibitor chip and that they are probably being influenced by it still. The only way to stop the chip is to surgically remove it, something Nala Se did to me after she burned the chip into my brain permanently, causing the damage Cody told me about.

Meanwhile…

3rd POV

After saying goodbye to the Lawquane family, CF99 regroup in the Havoc Marauder to take inventory. While the boys busy themselves, the kids gather on the gunners mount. Maisy sits in Omega’s lap while the two older kids sit with their backs against the cool metal wall.

“What do we do now?” Maisy asks glumly. Omega looks at Wyyntrr.

“I…I’m not sure. But at least we have each other, right?” Omega asks.

“Yeah…I guess-“ Maisy answers. Wyyntrr sighs sadly.

A silence falls over the kids.

“You know I’ve never really had someone my age to…to help with the bad stuff,” Omega says. The two Jedi kids look at Omega. Wyyntrr whimpers at Omega. She looks at him, then down at Maisy in her lap.

“He asked if you were alone,” she explains and Omega nods.

“I’ve been alone my whole life, even before the war,” Omega explains.

“Before the war?” Maisy asks and Omega nods.

“I was 7 when it started, but even when the first generation clones were cadets, they didn’t really care for me. Not to mention Nala Se hardly ever let me out of her personal lab, ever since Alpha disappeared at the start of the war,” Omega says.

“Alpha? Who’s that?” Maisy asks.

“Jango, the donor, had an unaltered clone like me to raise like how Nala Se raised me,” Omega explains then turns sad. Maisy cocks her head slightly.

“I..I heard from Nala Se that the donor was killed right before the start of the war,” Omega explains before letting a bit of anger turn her face into a frown.

“A Jedi named Mace Windu killed him,” Omega says. Wyyntrr and Maisy’s eyes widen. The two were familiar with the dark skinned master. He was stern when he needed to be but he was strong and wise. While the two young Jedi never met him personally, they’d heard stories of his strength and calm.

“We know of him,” Maisy tells Omega.

Omega’s POV

My hand tightens into a fist. It’s not like I hate the Jedi as a group or anything like that. It’s just that particular Jedi that killed him. I didn’t know the donor and I don’t think he even knew about my existence, but I would’ve preferred the Kaminoans do their testing on him than me and before the war, they did.

“If it weren’t for that Jedi, I wouldn’t have been tested on by Nala Se. If it weren’t for him, Nala Se could’ve used the donor instead of me. That Jedi is why I had to be hooked up to all those machines and-and-the tubes-“ I start to go off, my anxiety and anger rising. The Jedi can feel it. Maisy scrambles off my lap and backs into Wyyntrr.

“Omega?” Maisy asks carefully. I feel my breathing speed up. My chest tightens and a cold sweat comes over me at the thought. No. No I can’t go back to Kamino-I can’t. Nala Se-

“Omega?” Maisy asks again but her voice sounds muffled and far away. I hear Wyyntrr roar with concern and he puts a hand on my shoulder, suddenly grounding me in the moment.

A warm almost calming feeling washes over me. Relief unclenches my chest and it’s easier to breathe. I look and see Wyyntrr and Maisy with their eyes shut. Wyyntrr has a hand on my shoulder and the other holding Maisy’s hand. The two seem…focused. Their eyes open and we make eye contact as I take a breath.

“I-…I’m sorry. That..that hasn’t happened to me in…a long time,” I say. The last time I remember feeling that way was when the Separatists attacked Kamino. I was 9. I’m 11 now and because it’s been a while, I’d almost forgotten what that fear and anxiety felt like.

“Rrr-rrrgh-urrrgh. Rrgh rrhh-rrrgh,” Wyyntrr says, looking right at me. I know he’s blind but..I’m sure he can see.

“A panic attack. He..he knows someone that had them,” Maisy translates. I look at him then down at the little girl.

“Are you ok?” She asks, clearly concerned. I nod.

“Nala Se spent my whole life pricking me with needles, locking me away in cold, sterile labs. She would put me in a tube to make it easier for her. I didn’t see my whole family get killed but…but it was still really, really bad. Do you understand?” I explain. I watch as Maisy seems to mull over my words, as if its a puzzle before nodding slowly.

Maisy’s POV

“Do you understand?” Omega asks me. I think on her words. She..she was hurt. For a long time. It’s not like what happened to the Jedi. It’s still a really bad pain but…a different kind of pain. I nod slowly.

“I..I think so,” I tell her, “was it a different kind of hurt?” I ask and Omega nods.

“It was. I still think about it sometimes…but…I just want you to know that you can talk to me about anything..ok? Both of you. I…I understand the hurt and pain,” Omega tells us. Wyyntrr puts a hand on my shoulder and we nod.

“You too. To talk with us. If you want,” I offer and she smiles and nods before ruffling my hair.

“Deal,” she agrees and I can’t help the smile that forms on my face.

“I am merely stating that we should form a plan instead of drift through the galaxy aimlessly,” I hear Tech’s voice say. I turn and the 2 older kids notice and pay attention as well.

“We have to be careful now Tech, we can’t assume anything anymore,” Hunter argues.

“Without the Republic, we’ll have to get our own credits,” Wrecker says.

“We’re soldiers Hunter. There’s not much else we are capable of. Child rearing is already pushing it,” Tech says. Mine and Omega’s eyes widen while Wyyntrr just looks sad.

“We’re bad for them,” I whisper, crawling back into Omega’s lap. She wraps her arms around me as Wyyntrr moves closer to us and drapes an arm over Omega’s shoulders. Omega doesn’t argue with me and I can’t help the tears. Without the soldiers, it’s just the 3 of us. How would we live? I feel Wyyntrr put a large hand on my back as Omega cups the back of my head, her fingers getting tangled in my thick, shaggy, wild dark brown hair.

I’ve never felt this way with the Jedi. The Masters wanted to take care of us, to teach us, to nurture us. They weren’t forced into it like the Batch.

“They got stuck with us,” I whimper sadly.

“Hunter and the others wanted to help us. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t have agreed to getting their inhibitor chips out,” Omega explains. My eyes widen. I…I didn’t know it was Omega’s idea.

“You…did doctor stuff…for me? Even though you hate doctor stuff?” I ask. Omega nods.

“Of course, you were in danger,” Omega says as if it’s obvious. I blink before launching myself at her.

“I love you, ‘mega,” I tell her, wrapping my arms tightly around the older girl. She chuckles and hugs me back, shifting me a bit to get a better hold on me.

“I love you too..both of you,” Omega says, pulling Wyyntrr closer and he chuckles, ruffling her hair. An alerting beep gets everyone’s attention.

3rd POV

The Havoc Marauder’s console starts beeping, getting everyone’s attention.

“There’s an incoming transmission..from Echo,” Tech announces.

“C’mon!” Omega tells Wyyntrr and Maisy. The young female clone hops down off the gunner’s mount and holds her hands up to Maisy. She drops down and Omega catches the Youngling and sets the little girl down while Wyyntrr slides off the edge, landing quietly next to them before hurrying to the cockpit.

Back on Kamino…

Crosshair manages to breathe through the pain and make it to Rampart’s office. He’s sitting across from the Imperial officer.

“So CT-9904, I’ve heard about your insubordination from Admiral Tarkin,” Rampart says. Crosshair remains neutral.

“You cannot say we didn’t give you ample opportunities to prove yourself. You’ve had the insurgents on Onderon, and the base on Ankus to prove yourself to the Empire,” Admiral Rampart says, “so despite how ‘valuable’ you may be to the Kaminoans, I can assure you that your worth to the Empire is based entirely on the success of your mission. You may consider yourself special among your kind, but you clones have yet to prove your worth to the Empire.”

“Yes sir, I understand,” the sniper responds with a growl.

“I’ve already informed your squad mates of your new mission,” Rampart says, handing the sniper a datapad.

Crosshair looks at it and when he gets to ‘location’, he reads ‘Ryloth’.

“Ryloth? Doesn’t the Empire already occupy that planet?” Crosshair asks.

“We have many patrols stationed in that sector, but our focus has been on Raxus, since that was the heart of the Separatists like former senator Mina Bonteri,” Rampart explains.

“You and your squad will eliminate the so called ‘freedom fighters’ including their leader, Cham Syndulla and any who follow him. After you’ve taken care of the threat, you will secure the city of Lessu, the capital without fail. Do you understand?” Rampart asks.

“Yes sir,” Crosshair says. Rampart gives the sniper a long, hard analyzing look before nodding in dismissal.

“Very well, you must leave immediately,” Rampart says and Crosshair stands and walks out, thinking on what Rampart told him.

“We have many patrols stationed in that sector, but our focus has been on Raxus, since that was the heart of the Separatists,” Rampart’s voice echoes in Crosshair’s mind. He hadn’t thought about it but if the Jedi didn’t win the war, then what happened to the Separatist leaders? Obviously when they rescued Echo they took out the Techno Union, but what about the others like Viceroy Gunray? Crosshair pushes that question into the back of his mind, choosing not to dwell on it. Instead he heads back to the barracks.

Omega’s POV

Tech plays the transmission and a hologram of Echo appears! He’s with two others, Captain Rex and another clone trooper I’m not familiar with. They look like they’re in a ship. I can hear ammunition firing and the hologram fuzzes slightly but Tech secures the connection.

“Am I glad to see you boys. We could really use some back up,” Echo greets. I can’t help but notice his black eye, split lip and how he’s holding his ribs.

“What’s going on Echo?” Hunter asks.

“You’re hurt!” I exclaim.

“I’m ok Omega, just a little banged up-“ Echo says.

“I’LL SAY!” A voice snaps off camera and Echo rolls his eyes.

“Don’t mind Kix, he can be…dramatic-“ Echo says.

“Echo!” Rex snaps to get the ARC trooper’s attention.

“Right-we’re in our ship—Rex is trying to take off now, but our deflectors were damaged and-“ Echo explains but another hit causes the ship to rock and Echo gasps.

“Rex! Get us in the air!” The other clone, Kix, yells.

“I’m trying! The steering’s jammed!” Rex answers.

“I’m on it!” Kix answers and I watch him race by. I hear the hum of an engine power up and by the relief on Echo’s face, I can tell they’ve taken off.

“I’ve put in the hyperspace coordinates, hang on!” Rex exclaims.

“We’re jumping to Alderaan—we need h-“ Echo says but the transmission suddenly cuts off from them going into hyperspace.

“Help-he was gonna say help-“ Maisy alerts, tugging on my sleeve. I nod in agreement.

“She’s right Hunter, Echo and Rex need us,” I tell Hunter. Wrecker and Tech nod at him, indicating they want to help too. Hunter nods.

“Alright, set coordinates for Alderaan Tech. We don’t even know what kind of trouble they’re in so be ready,” Hunter says and Tech nods.

Once Tech powers up the hyperdrive, the ship lurches forward and zips through the stars. Despite getting such urgent news, I’m a little…caught off guard when my brothers just…sit there.

“Shouldn’t we prepare?” I ask worriedly.

“It’s going to take a while to get to Alderaan. There’s not much else we can do besides wait,” Wrecker explains.

“But we can’t just sit here while Echo needs us!” I argue but my siblings don’t agree, instead Wyyntrr and Maisy just share a glance, then look at me, watching.

“We can’t do much while we’re in hyperspace. We just have to be patient Omega,” Hunter tells me. He walks up and puts a hand on my shoulder.

“I..I know but—but he was hurt-“

“Echo’s tough. Maybe even tougher than all of us. He’ll be alright,” Hunter reassures me. His voice is strong but calm. I sigh and look at him, then at Tech. Tech blinks but nods all the same before turning to Wrecker.

“Why don’t you take the controls Wrecker?” Tech asks. Sensing that Tech has something planned, the demolitions expert nods.

“Sure thing Tech,” Wrecker says and switches places with the goggled soldier. Luckily the ship’s nav computer and autopilot does most of the work. Wrecker just has to keep an eye on the ship’s scanner.

“When I get anxious about something, I try and get my mind to focus on something else,” Tech says, pulling out his datapad as he walks up to us.

“And what better way to distract yourself than by learning,” Tech says.

“Of course,” Hunter mumbles to himself but I hear him and can’t help the smile that forms on my lips.

Tech’s POV

“And what better way to distract yourself than by learning,” I say.

“Of course,” Hunter mumbles to himself and I see Omega smile a bit. I turn on the language vocabulary of my datapad and scroll through until I find Shyriiwook.

“Here, just start with the basics first. I will quiz you when you are ready,” I tell Omega, handing her my datapad. She takes it and looks at the screen.

“Shyrii-wook,” Omega reads.

“Cool!” Wyyntrr exclaims. I motion to come sit at one of the chairs in front of the main computer on the ship. Omega sits next to me while Maisy climbs up into the older girl’s lap. Wyyntrr stands behind their chair.

“Shyriiwook is an old language but one that isn’t too hard to understand-“ I explain and start teaching the girls, as I’m sure Wyyntrr is well aware of his own culture and language. I pull up more information about basic sentence structure and differences between formal words and slang I’ve picked up, with Wyyntrr correcting my slang every once in a while.

3rd POV

The transmission cuts out as Captain Rex manages to get the stolen transport ship into hyperspace, heading towards Alderaan. Rex groans in pain and grabs his side. There’s a piece of shrapnel piercing his lower left side! Echo’s eyes widen in shock when he sees his captain struggling.

“Rex!” Echo exclaims, “Kix! Rex is injured!”

“Let me see-“ Kix says and immediately gets Rex to turn in his chair.

“I-I’m fine-“ Rex says, gripping the piece of shrapnel sticking out of him.

“Damn right you are, now hold still or I’ll sedate you,” Kix threatens and Rex knows better than to test the medic.

“Why are we going to Alderaan?” Echo asks, having only heard of the planet, not understanding why they are going. Kix helps Rex take off his armor.

“I know someone that-GAAAH!” Rex suddenly cries out when Kix takes out the bloody piece of shrapnel. Kix immediately takes what’s left of the bacta spray and the last spool of bandages.

“Goddamnit Kix!” Rex snaps, though the medic just ignores Rex’s tone as he wraps the injury.

“I know someone that can help us,” Rex finishes and Echo nods when a beeping sound gets his attention.

“The hyperdrive’s overheating. I’ll be back-“ Echo says and hurries out of the cockpit to go fix it.

On Kamino, Crosshair gets back to the barracks and sees the rest of his squad. ES-02, 3 and 4. They’re already getting ready for the mission, so Crosshair just looks at them.

“Our next mission is on Ryloth,” Crosshair announces and is met with silence. ES-03 looks between the other two troopers, but does nothing because deep down, they all think the clone sniper is incompetent. Of course they would have no idea it’s because of the ‘procedure’ Nala Se put Crosshair through.

The only sound in the barracks is the sound of rifling and moving things around as the soldiers gear up and head to the hangar where their ship is.

Echo manages to fix the coolant leak that was causing the hyperdrive to overheat.

“Got it!” Echo calls just as the alarm shuts off. The ARC trooper heads back to the cockpit and sees Kix in the pilot seat instead. Rex is slumped in the copilot chair.

“How you doin’?” Echo asks worriedly as he gently places his hand on Rex’s pauldron. Echo notices that Rex is a bit pale. No surprise. The 501st captain sighs.

“Been better,” Rex groans and Echo smirks. Since his black eye has swollen up, Echo can only see out of one eye. Luckily Kix slathered the purple-ish blue bruise with bacta. The medic would’ve bandaged Echo’s eye but he needed it for Rex.

“You could say that again,” Echo says.

“We’re coming up on Alderaan,” Kix announces.

Their transport ship drops out of hyperspace and is heading towards a blue and white planet. As they get closer, everything becomes more and more distinct. The landforms come first along with the bodies of water as they fly through the clouds. The engines are still damaged from their escape and sputter slightly, starting to smoke. Alarms sound inside.

“Echo, turn on the secure emergency channel—3.149-45,” Rex instructs and the ARC trooper nods, doing as Rex says.

“Senator, this is CT-7567, Captain Rex,” Rex announces but at first there’s no response so Rex tries again.

“I’ll boost the signal as much as I can,” Echo says, flipping two switches and routing more power to the satellite dish.

“Senator Organa, this is Captain Rex, CT-7567, come in!” Rex pleads, the urgency clear in his voice.

“Captain Rex?! Am I glad to hear from you. What is going on?” Senator Organa asks when he hears the blaring alarms as Kix tries to pilot the crashing ship.

“Senator Organa, our ship has been damaged and we’re not doing so good. We could use some help,” Rex says.

“Understood. Head to these coordinates. Landing platform 3. I’ll be waiting for you,” the senator replies.

“Heading to the coordinates now,” Kix says.

“Thanks-“ Rex says before ending the communication.

They get to the landing platform and Kix opens the door. Kix and Echo each take a side and help Rex up. The soldiers walk off and see someone approaching the ship. An r-series astromech follows him, pushing a floating stretcher. Rex smiles.

“Senator Organa-“ Rex says as Echo and Kix help Rex onto the stretcher the droid is pushing.

“You’re in worse shape than I thought. We’d better get you inside, quickly. R2-C4, go prep the medical room and contact Fulcrum,” Senator Organa says. His droid beeps and rolls ahead of them.

While Echo and Kix seem confused about who the senator is and what exactly Fulcrum is, they continue to follow the politician.

“I was surprised to receive your transmission captain. I thought you had split off-“ Senator Organa begins to tell the captain.

“I got a little…sidetracked,” Rex admits as they get inside.

“Sidetracked?” The senator asks and the captain nods.

“I’ll explain later-“ he says and Senator Organa nods back.

Echo’s POV

We get Rex inside and the Senator has his personal doctor look Rex over. Luckily the shrapnel didn’t pierce anything vital, but he’ll need 10 stitches. Senator Organa even had the doc look me over, and despite my protests, Rex insisted. But I must admit I’m not sore anymore, my eye does feel better and my lip doesn’t sting.

“Thank you for helping us Senator Organa,” I say and he smiles.

“Of course. I’ve always been a big supporter of clones and clone rights, thanks to Senator Amidala,” he says, a small sad smile barely visible on his face but concern creeps in.

“But where are you coming from?” He asks.

“The Jedi Temple. We went back for our medic, Kix-“ Rex says, getting his attention. Kix puts a hand on the captain’s shoulder and Senator Organa turns sad.

“So…you know? You know that the 501st-?” The senator asks tentatively and Rex nods.

“Yeah…yeah we know,” Rex answers glumly. Kix doesn’t say a word. Being the only one that was at the Temple when it happened, no one can blame him.

“They’re all…gone…except for us,” Rex says. I…I guess I had thought that after my torture on Anaxes, I wasn’t the same. That I wouldn’t have belonged like I used to. Especially since Rex told me what happened to Fives when he and the others rescued me.

3rd POV

As they talk, Senator Organa’s droid, R2-C4 suddenly beeps alerting the others.

“What is it R2-C4?” Bail asks. His droid beeps and spins his top once.

“A single vessel is approaching?” He asks and the droid beeps again.

“It’s ok. They’re friends of ours,” Echo says.

“We contacted them earlier. They’re coming to help us,” Rex says and Bail nods.

“Then they shall be welcomed. R2-C4, once they’re in range, direct them to landing pad 1,” Bail instructs and his droid beeps.

The Havoc Marauder drops out of hyperspace. Surprisingly, Omega managed to pick up the basics of Shyriiwook and can understand Wyyntrr…a bit. Tech flies the ship towards Alderaan and gets a transmission from R2-C4 saying to land at landing pad 1, so the pilot follows the instructions.

Bail, Rex, Echo and Kix all watch the Marauder land and the door opens. Hunter walks out first followed by Tech, the kids and Wrecker bringing up the rear.

“Echo!” The kids exclaim. They all run and Echo kneels down and open his arms to return the gesture. Hunter turns to Bail.

“Thank you so much for keeping an eye on them. They…mean a lot to me,” Hunter says. Bail smiles and nods at the sergeant.

“Anything I can do to help. Come inside, I would like to speak with you,” Bail says and Hunter nods before motioning to the others to follow the senator.

Hunter watches as Omega reaches out and grabs both of the Jedi’s hands and he smiles to himself. The group heads inside and while Hunter does have a bit of a sensory problem here, it’s not nearly as bad as it is on Coruscant and he’s able to easily move past it. Having all the running water and nature around really helps.

“This way,” Senator Organa tells us. Hunter sees pieces of art lining the hall and wonders where they are.

“This is my home,” the senator answers Hunter’s unasked question. A woman walks by holding a baby. She smiles at the group when she spots the kids and nods.

“There’s food in the kitchen Bail,” she tells the senator.

“Thank you Breha,” he tells her as she winks and walks to a room, presumably a nursery.

“That is my wife, Breha Organa and our daughter, Leia,” Bail says and glances at the kids.

“You’re a father,” Hunter says and Bail smiles at him, nodding once.

“Just like you,” he says.

“Woah-I’m not a-“ Hunter tries to argue, but Bail just chuckles, cutting the sergeant off.

“Whether you are or aren’t, you take care of these kids,” Bail says, looking at the children.

“Mr. Bail sir-what is this?” Maisy asks, interrupting. She’s pointing on the counter since the little girl cannot reach.

“That is a meiloorun. A type of fruit. Wanna try some?” Bail asks. Maisy looks to Hunter.

“Can I?” She asks and Hunter nods.

“I’ll get you kids set up before we talk business,” Bail says, glancing at the soldiers.

“Business?” Wrecker asks.

“The senator explained to us that he’s been having trouble gathering support in the senate since Palpatine took over,” Rex explains.

“Support? For what?” Hunter asks as Bail loads up plates of food ranging from meat and bread to fruit and even desserts. Bail has the group sit at their family table. The kids eat but Maisy can’t cut her food. Omega notices, but is in the middle of eating. On the Youngling’s other side, the medic, Kix, also notices the trouble and offers to help.

“Here, do you need help ad’ika?” Kix asks Maisy. She nods and lets the medic help her.

Hunter’s POV

Kix helps Maisy with her food, and I give him a grateful nod and he smiles at me as we talk with Bail.

“I’ve been in contact with someone who’s been fighting the Empire, but during their latest transmission, I’ve learned that he’s been captured,” Bail explains.

“Who is it?” Tech asks.

“The Ryloth freedom fighter, Cham Syndulla,” the senator reveals.

“Ryloth? Isn’t that a planet occupied by the Empire?” I ask.

“No, but it might as well be. The Empire’s presence has grown in the last few rotations and I’ve lost contact with Cham himself. I’ve just been getting by with information from one of his supporters,” Bail says.

“So what do you want from us?” I ask.

“I know you only came here to retrieve your brothers—and of course you do not have to agree, but I’m told that your squad takes on the impossible. If Ryloth is going to survive, if the people of Ryloth are going to survive, they need Cham. And so does his family,” Bail explains.

“His family?” I ask and Bail nods.

“From what I’m told, he has a wife and a young daughter, probably around their age,” Bail says, motioning to Omega and Wyyntrr.

“We’ve done plenty of stealth and retrieve missions before. We can easily rescue Cham Syndulla,” Tech says.

“Yeah, but our fuel and supplies-“ Wrecker tries to be reasonable.

“Will be supplied for you, whatever you need,” Bail interrupts.

“W-Wait wait-anything?” Wrecker asks and Bail chuckles.

“We have a fully stocked armory. Feel free to take what you need,” Bail says.

“Alright!” Wrecker exclaims.

“You can even leave the kids here with me,” Bail says and all 3 kids’ eyes widen.

“No-no that’s too much of an imposition Senator. But we could use the resupply,” I say and Wrecker smiles. Once we agree, Senator Organa gives us all the information he has.

“Cham and his wife are being held in an Imperial prison inside the Capital. They rotate guards every 6 hours and don’t bother going to their home, it’s already under Imperial watch,” Bail tells us.

“How do you know this?” Tech asks.

“His informant is Captain Howzer.” Bail says and I see Rex’s dark brown eyes widen.

“You know him?” I ask.

“Not personally, but I know of him,” Rex explains, “he’s a good man, we can trust him.”

“I know it’s a lot to ask. But know that if you succeed, you may be giving not only Ryloth, but all those who oppose the Empire a fighting chance,” Bail tells me. I wonder what he means by ‘all those who oppose the Empire’. Are there others besides us clones? The Jedi are all gone except for Wyyntrr and Maisy so…who else would stand up to the Empire?

“Don’t worry Senator, suicide missions are our specialty,” Wrecker assures Senator Organa.

Senator Organa takes us to the armory and while Wrecker gathers what he thinks we’ll need, I look around until I spot a set of vibroknives.

“Good eye. Go ‘head, they’re of no use to me,” Bail says, putting a hand on my pauldron.

“Are you sure?” I ask and he nods.

“Why do you have all this stuff? I thought Alderaan was a peaceful planet?” Wrecker asks. Bail nods.

“Yes we are but during my time in the Senate during the War, I became close to not only other senators that shared my views, but also with the soldiers, the Coruscant Guard,” Bail explains.

“The boys in red,” Rex says and the senator nods.

“After helping him out when Coruscant was attacked, Commander Fox gave me the only thing he had an abundance of—“ Bail says, motioning around.

“Weapons,” Wrecker says and Senator Organa nods.

“The Coruscant Guard always had to be well equipped. Chancellor Palpatine insisted on it from what Commander Fox told me once,” Rex explains and Bail nods.

“Well I have no use for anything here aside from a simple blaster,” the senator says.

“We’ll make good use of it,” Wrecker assures him and Bail chuckles. I help Wrecker gather supplies while Senator Organa takes Tech to a supply closet back in the kitchen with the kids.

“Hunter,” Rex says, getting my attention.

“I know you’re…well, apprehensive, about doing this, but we have to,” Rex says and I guess my face must’ve been showing more than I intended. I sigh.

“I just don’t want anything to happen to the kids,” I say and Rex nods.

“I understand,” Rex replies sincerely.

Tech’s POV

Senator Organa takes me to the supply closet to stock up on rations and basic supplies.

“This should get you all through a few rotations,” the senator tells me. I nod. Even though it’s been an adjustment having the kids with us, I’ve managed to learn how to stretch what little resources we have.

“Thank you Senator Organa,” I thank the kind man.

“Thank you all for doing this. I…I didn’t want to tell your sergeant that Cham’s daughter was the one to call for help,” Bail tells me. I blink in surprise.

“I..thought you said there was a clone captain-“

“Yes, Howzer is with her. But he wanted to lay low and hide. He thinks…he thinks the Empire will leave once they get what they want from Cham, but I know the Empire won’t leave Ryloth,” Bail says. I nod.

“It was his daughter that convinced me to get help. So when Captain Rex told me about you all, I couldn’t pass up the chance to ask,” he explains.

“I see. Well as I’m sure you know, we are known for our success with difficult missions,” I tell him and the man nods.

“I am aware. Are you sure you won’t reconsider leaving the children here with me? I can assure you they would be safe and looked after-“ He asks. I nod.

“They are safer with us. They could put you and your whole family in danger,” I assure him.

“Because they’re Jedi?” He asks and I blink.

“I did not say that-“

“You didn’t have to. They’re wearing Jedi robes and they have the braids. But the older girl with short curly blond hair…she looks like you,” Bail says, referring to Omega and I nod.

“Omega is a clone, like us,” I confirm.

“We can keep the children safe,” I assure him and he nods.

“A father knows best,” he replies understandingly and I blink. I…I must admit I am unfamiliar with parental roles. I manage a nod. I’ve always thought we were more like brothers.

After we finish up, we gather back in the main room and I see Rex and the trooper called Kix talking with the children.

“The last I heard from Howzer, he was hiding out at Cham’s old abandoned outpost 10 miles southeast of the city,” Senator Organa says and I pull up a map of Ryloth on my datapad. I search a 10 mile radius around the capital and find the abandoned outpost.

“Found it,” I announce and Hunter nods.

“Here, one last thing before you all leave,” Senator Organa gets our attention. He pulls out a comm device.

“This will reach me, and only me,” he says, handing it to me. I take it and put the device safely in a utility pouch on my hip. We head back out to our ship on the landing pad just outside the luxurious-looking house.

“Thank you for everything Senator Organa,” Hunter says and the older man nods. The kids wave at him and he smiles and waves back.

“As the Jedi say, may the Force be with you,” Senator Organa says. Maisy and Wyyntrr smile.

“May the Force be with you,” the two kids repeat. Wyyntrr roars and picks up Maisy before walking up the steps to the Marauder.

We say our goodbyes and Hunter assures the senator that we will succeed. Bail Organa waves at us as I power the ship up and start flying towards Ryloth.

“I’ve put in the coordinates, prepare to jump,” I announce as the ship lurches into hyperspace.

3rd POV

Bail Organa watches the Havoc Marauder fly up into the sky, disappearing into the clouds. He’s relieved since he knows those soldiers did not have to accept his request. The senator walks inside and passes his wife.

“I’ll only be a moment,” he assures her with a kiss to her forehead. She smiles and caresses his cheek lovingly before nodding and walking off.

Bail gets to his office and shuts the door. He gets to his desk and turns on the hologram. An image of a symmetrical design appears. Two angular lines jutting out at the bottom with two diamonds.

“Senator Organa,” the voice greets.

“Ahso…Fulcrum, you should know I met with 2 surviving Jedi, both young children,” Bail explains.

“Surviving Jedi?”

“In the care of a squad of rogue clone troopers,” Bail explains and at first, Fulcrum doesn’t answer.

“Were they safe?” Fulcrum asks eventually.

“I believe so. These clones…they care about those kids,”

“Tell me everything you know about them,” Fulcrum instructs.

End.

[writingforfun0714]

Here's a list of all the lovely writers who are part of the 501st Archives ♡

Admin:

@welcometo79s [ Vi ]

Moderators:

Members:

@wizardofrozz [ Roz ]

@eclec-tech [ AmberOwl24 ]

@dangraccoon [ River ]

@techwrecker [Ads ] minors dni

@ghostofskywalker [ Ghost ]

@lonewolflupe [ Lupe ]

@dragonrider9905 [ Dragon ]

@writingforfun0714 [ Maisy ]

@clone-anon @clone-anon-after-dark [ Clone Anon ] minors dni

@anxiouspineapple99 [ Pinã ] minors dni

@ladysongmaster [ Jae ]

@blackseafoam [ Kaili ]

@mori-does-sw [ Mori ]

[writingforfun0714]

Just filled out the member form 🥰 thank you so much for including me💙

Introducing a Writer's Network for Clone Fics!

Welcome to the 501st Archives! This is a new project for SFW writing about the Star Wars clones, aiming to create a space for writers in the fandom to connect and support one another as well as increase reader engagement! Coming to Tumblr with monthly events and highlight masterlists to promote and inspire creators!

admin: @welcometo79s

Our FAQ's!

Below you can find a short overview of what this network is, what this space will provide and how to support us!

What is a writer network?

Writer networks exist on Tumblr across a whole bunch of different fandoms and now the Clone Community has one too! Think of them as a mixture of online community, promo page and group project! Ultimately, if a network works well, it will create a space where writers in a fandom can find new mutuals and friends, support each other's works and gain more readers. They also have an assortment of works from different writers on the network blog, so that readers can browse works in one space more easily! Of course every network works a little differently but that's the general aim of them.

So how will this one work?

Basically, as all writer networks, it will have a set list of members. If you've been accepted as a member and you post a work that fits our Post Guidelines, tag it with #the501starchives. Our moderators will regularly reblog the works in the network tag to this blog. We will also post bimonthly Highlight Masterlists to give our writer's works more exposure; as well as run monthly events centered around different themes! Writers and Readers alike who follow this blog or browse it will therefore find a broad selection of works from different blogs!

What inspired this project?

Honestly, compared to other fandoms I've been in, the engagement with written works across the board could be significantly better; but especially SFW works tend to get even less notes on here. I did however do an interest check for clone fluff as well as a SFW writing project and there were plenty of responses, so the audience and creators are there! Maybe we just need to connect them with one another! ^°^

What kinds of works will be part of this network?

Almost anything SFW about any of the Star Wars clones; be it reader-inserts, headcanons, genfic, multi-chapter works, character x character (f.e. Codywan), OC fics, AU's, angst, fluff etc. The only exceptions are cloneshipping, romanticized abuse or minor x adult ships (f.e. Rexsoka). We also accept works that are a little suggestive, as long as they're labeled as such! Works have to be posted on Tumblr though, we will not reblog / feature links to Ao3 or other sites.

I also write NSFW, can I still join this?

If you have at least one SFW work on your blog and are willing to make more, of course! Your NSFW works will not be featured on our blog and you shouldn't tag them with the network tag though!

How will the Events work?

Every month, we will post an Event Theme; usually something broad like "79s" or "On the Beach" that can encompass a broad variety of genres and stories. You can either submit an older work that fits the theme or write something for it. You can submit multiple fics for one theme. At the end of the month, we'll post an Event Masterlist with all the works submitted for the theme :)

What are the Highlight Masterlists?

They're bimonthly masterlists with links to written works that we basically throw in the tags to give our writers some extra exposure. One of them will always be themed around a character and the other one is just a general one where you can submit a work that you wish had gotten some more exposure or one you've especially liked! There'll also be the Featured Works section, which is basically a permanent collection of Highlights from our writers. Upon joining the network, every writer can submit up to 3 of their works for this one. The Featured Works section is essentially our poster example for what can be found on this blog.

Is there a quota I have to meet as a member?

Absolutely not. Write however much you feel comfortable, participate in whatever you want to and take breaks whenever you need!

When does this place launch?

2nd of September if all goes well. Otherwise, expect about a week's delay.

How can I support this as a Reader?

Reblog this post!

Follow our blog!

Interact with our member's works!

How can I support this as a Writer?

Join us!

Reblog this post!

Follow our blog!

Support the other members by reblogging and interacting with their works and hopefully they will do the same for you!

How do I join?

Read our Member and Post Guidelines

Reblog this post and indicate that you want to join somewhere in the tags or replies.

Fill out this little form.

Wait for us to get back to you!

Anything else?

Currently accepting Mod applications for people willing to take turns reblogging stuff onto this blog and making masterlists with me! Preferably someone who already has written quite a few things, has experience running fandom projects or is pretty active as a writer.

We're looking forward to growing as a community with you!

[writingforfun0714]

Sorry this took a while but here’s the next chapter of my Arcane female reader-insert Sisters of Mine. Thanks for being patient.

Warnings: POV changes, long (sorry I couldn’t trim it more than I already have), follows ep5 of Arcane

Recommended reading beforehand:

Sisters of Mine *all chapters*

Arcane Sisters of Mine

Chapter 6

Word count: 10, 101

3rd POV

“Who the hell are you?” Vi asks the rookie Enforcer, Caitlyn Kiramman. Cait looks at the young reddish pink-haired woman pacing her cell.

“I took a look at your file. There’s no record of you or your crimes. What are you here for?” Cait asks in response.

“My sunny personality,” Vi replies sarcastically.

“You attacked an inmate. Why?” Cait asks.

“Why not?” Vi asks back, walking in the shadows of her cell.

“He was a witness in an ongoing investigation,” Cait responds.

“Hmm, bummer,” Vi replies nonchalantly, not caring in the slightest.

“This was a waste of time,” Cait sighs and turns to walk away.

“Couldn’t have put it better,” Vi says as Cait starts walking away.

“Hey, give Silco a kiss on that winning eye of his, will you?” Vi taunts. Cait glances back at the cell at the name and sighs quietly before walking back over.

“Silco? The industrialist?” Cait confirms.

“Ok, this is getting old. Can you just send in whoever’s gonna kick the shit out of me, so I can get on with my night?” Vi asks. Cait looks at the shadowy figure. She cannot pretend she doesn’t know the brutality of Stillwater, but to hear someone subject themselves to such pain…

Cait glances down at the red warning line a couple feet away from the cell. Most enforcers know the rule and new guards learn fast. Cait. Cait weighs her options. Despite Vi’s demeanor, she mentioned a name, a person of interest. Someone only Cait had suspicions for because Sheriff Marcus wouldn’t listen to her.

Cait remembers a time when she was younger. After Jayce’s apartment explosion, she had begged her parents to explore any option she could for personal defense. Her mother disliked the idea of her daughter fighting in a boxing ring or doing martial arts, but Cait managed to convinced her father to try archery. She liked it but Cait preferred shooting ranges. Her mother was skeptical but once Cait showed a talent for it, her mother allowed her to continue.

Cait steps over the line, holding the file in her hands.

“Does this mean anything to you?” Cait asks, showing Vi the picture the rookie enforcer took earlier.

Vi stops pacing and glances towards the cell grates. She looks through the bars and her ice blue eyes widen when she sees a painted symbol of a monkey head. Just like-

Vi slams the cell bars and Cait flinches slightly.

“Where did you get this?” Vi asks.

“My question first. He worked for Silco?” Cait asks.

“Uh, they all do. How can anyone not know that? Where did you find this?” Vi insists, gripping the bars tightly.

“There was an attack. This is evidence,” Cait explains. I need proof if I’m to believe what you’re saying about Silco,” Cait says and Vi scoffs.

“I could get it for you. Just not from in here,” Vi offers. Cait snickers.

“In what mad world would I trust someone like you?” Cait asks.

“Someone like me? You Enforcers are all the same. Just asshole criminals in fancy uniforms,” Vi says, “You know what? Find Silco yourself.”

“I will, thank you,” Cait decides and walks off again.

“Hmm..Undercity’s gonna eat you alive.” Vi warns with a hint of smugness. Cait stops in her tracks and breathes deeply, knowing Vi is right. She’d never even stepped foot into the poorer areas of Piltover until she became an Enforcer, much less the Undercity. She keeps walking and once she’s alone, she pulls out a prisoner release form. She puts it on the wall and signs her name under ‘parole officer’. Under ‘Authorization’, she freezes and bites her lip. She lets the pen hover for a moment before pushing the pen down on the paper. She quickly signs Jayce’s name identically to how the Councilor would do it before folding the paper up and hurrying back to the warden’s desk.

Cait puts the release form on the desk.

“I’ve got orders from Councilor Talis, concerning Inmate 516,” Cait says.

“Not cooperative, huh? You, uh, you want us to have a chat with her?” The warden asks, slamming his metal staff onto the ground. Cait’s eyes widen.

“No-“ She gasps quietly.

“Oh.”

“It’s for her release,” Cait explains since the warden clearly hadn’t even looked at the form she put down on his desk.

“Huh. Since when’s he a Councilor?” The warden asks curiously.

“Since..today,” Cait says, knowing how that sounds out loud. The warden scoffs at her and reads the release form.

“How many ‘chats’ have you had with her?” Cait asks.

“You know, I never even thought to count,” he answers nonchalantly. Cait’s eyes widen at the unabashed way he talks about treating an inmate. It must’ve been a lot, Cait thinks.

Once the warden reluctantly accepts the release, Caitlyn walks back to Vi’s cell and unlocks it. Vi feels a twinge of pain in her right shoulder and rolls the joint, trying to alleviate the pain. She’s had that pain since that awful night at the cannery. When the explosion toppled the giant metal door on her. The sound of gears clicking gets Vi’s attention and the gate makes a slight banging sound before clanking open, a metallic sound echoing in the silence.

Vi looks over and see’s her cell is open. Cait’s giving her an unreadable, almost analyzing look before she sighs and walks back to return the key. Vi doesn’t take her eyes off the rookie Enforcer.

While Caitlyn is getting Vi released from Stillwater, Marcus is leading the funeral service for the Enforcers Jinx killed while stealing the hexgem.

“These brave Enforcers sacrificed their lives to defend the values of our great city. To some, they are mothers, fathers, sons…daughters,” he says, looking at his own daughter, Ren, who is holding a bouquet of white flowers.

“But to all, they are heroes,” Marcus finishes and the other Enforcers gathered hold their rifles and aim up, firing off a shot, scaring off the crows around the graveyard. Everyone puts a handful of dirt into the coffin holes, including the new Sheriff. Another shot rings out.

When the service is over, Ren tugs on her father’s sleeve.

“Are we leaving too?” She asks.

“In a moment,” he assures her before reaching his hand out. The redheaded girl grabs her father’s hand and he walks through the graveyard until he gets to a large marble statue covered in plant growth on the sides. He stops short of the statue, still holding Ren’s hand. She looks at the stone figure. A woman with short hair and despite the formal look, her eyes are kind. Ren notices that she’s wearing the same badge her father now wears.

“Who was this, Daddy?” Ren asks curiously. Marcus, who hadn’t been able to look at the statue yet, squeezes his eyes a bit before taking a breath and looking at the statue of Grayson, his former boss and someone he is directly responsible for killing by going against her orders all those years ago.

“A good woman,” Marcus tells his daughter. And he meant it too, wishing the older woman was still here to help with the situation in the Undercity…with Silco. Marcus has regrets and one big one is aligning with the ‘industrialist’. The thought of Silco makes Marcus’s blood boil.

After taking his daughter home, Marcus heads down to the Undercity to meet with Silco. Storming into the Last Drop, ignoring Sevika’s glare from across the room, Marcus heads upstairs and opens Silco’s office door.

“Ah, Sheriff Marcus, what can I do for you?” Silco asks calmly, still filling out paperwork, not even looking up to meet the Sheriff.

“We need to talk,” Marcus insists.

Silco’s POV

“We need to talk,” Marcus insists. I motion for him to sit before I slide back in my chair, grab a cigar, and get up to sit on the couch opposite him.

“You said you could control her. I lost six officers! Six!” Marcus snaps, standing up but my guards force him back down.

“She pushed it too far this time. The Council’s up in arms. I can’t make this go away for you unless you give me something to work with,” Marcus says as I grab the cigar cutter.

“Arresting her would be doing you a favor,” Marcus says. I use the cigar cutter to cut the tip off my cigar, cutting off Marcus.

“I don’t need favors. I need you to do your job,” I say, lighting my cigar and taking a puff.

“The Firelights have been a thorn in both our sides. They ambushed my shipment at the Hexgates on the same day as the attack. It seems to me the Council has its culprit,” I explain.

“Oh that’s tidy for you. What if I’m not interested in playing along?” Marcus threatens.

“We’ve accomplished a lot together, Marcus. Sheriff,” I emphasize, pointing at the badge before taking another puff.

“And there is more yet to achieve,” I say and lean forward, “I hope you can remain a part of it.” Smirking I look to the guard on the left. He grabs a sack of gold coins off my desk and shoves it into Marcus’ chest, just like how I gave him his payment in the alley all those years ago.

“For their families. From an anonymous, concerned citizen,” I explain. Marcus stands up and storms out, his hand clutching the money tightly, slamming the door behind him. I lean back and take another puff. Despite scolding Jinx myself, I knew I would’ve had to deal with the new Sheriff sooner or later.

3rd POV

While Marcus heads back after his dealings with Silco, newly appointed Councilor Jayce Talis and his partner Viktor argue over Jayce’s newfound responsibilities. Viktor believing they should stick to their original plan of helping improve lives in the Undercity while Jayce argues he has new responsibilities to the Council now. The corrupted Sheriff interrupts the two scientists to try and dissuade Jayce as discretely as possible, though Jayce is steadfast in his resolve to root out the corruption, worrying Marcus. While the two talk of the stolen gemstone, Viktor feels his lungs spasm and he turns to cough away from the two. He feels a warm liquid spray out his nose and onto the railing he supports himself on. His hand comes to rub under his nose and he sees blood. His head hurts and his vision tunnels, spiraling until Jayce puts a hand on the smaller man’s bony shoulder.

“Viktor-You ok?” Jayce had asked but Viktor brushed him off with a simple response of a headache, which is technically true. Viktor quickly dismisses himself back to his lab.

Down in the Undercity, Ekko keeps a sharp eye on Y/N the whole time. Having to lay low thanks to Jinx and her stealing the gemstone topside, Ekko has made sure to follow through on his grounding. He remembered when the older boys, specifically Mylo, would still disobey if Vander disciplined them.

Ekko’s POV

I watch Y/N from up in the tree. She’s working on the mural while Kiyi, a young disabled woman with a missing leg is sitting near by, talking with the girl. I sigh.

“Little Man?” Scar asks, getting my attention.

“6 Enforcers were killed during Jinx’s attack,” he tells me.

“The Sheriff?” I ask and Scar shakes his head.

“Fine. One survived the bombing as well,” he says.

“Where is he? What’s he doing?” I ask.

“I’m not too sure. Last sighting was towards the docks…to Stillwater prison,” Scar shakes his head with a shrug but my eyes widen at the mention of the brutal prison. Vi.

“Find him and report back to me. I’ll check him out for myself,” I tell him and he nods.

“Sure thing boss,” he says and glances down at Y/N. It looks like Kiyi is comforting the kid. I sigh.

“Hey, you did the right thing,” Scar says, getting my attention. I blink and look at him. Being a father of a young infant himself, I know he understands the responsibility of raising someone.

“Grounding Y/N I mean,” he says when I don’t answer.

“Oh-y-yeah…I hope so,” I sigh, leaning on the railing on the wooden platform perched on a thick tree limb.

“Kids…they don’t understand that what we do..we do to protect them,” Scar explains. I nod and glance back down at the ground near the mural and see Kiyi managed to calm Y/N down and I release a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

3rd POV

Elsewhere in the Undercity, Jinx is in her workshop, looking over Jayce’s notes. She’s managed to make a generator that uses the gemstone to create power. Or…at least, that’s the plan. The manic teenager just finished it and is about to test it. She’s checking the notebook of research she stole to make sure.

“Boring…wow suuuper boring,” she says, laying down on one of the metal fan blades that lay above the mines. She flips the notebook pages and finds something interesting. She sits up and leans forward, focusing on the book.

“Here we go!” She says and looks at the metallic chamber.

“It’s all about these runes. They form this sort of math-y, magic-y gateway,” Jinx explains, showing the book page to the dolls of Mylo and Claggor, “To the realm of heebie-jeebies. And this…Turns it on,” she says, holding the perfectly spherical, glowing blue gemstone between her thumb and forefinger. She places the gemstone in and the device powers on. The wires glow blue.

“So..here goes,” Jinx says taking a breath and slowly turns the dial to the right, turning the power up. The homemade device whirrs and hums as the gemstone sparks. Jinx’s eyes widen when the spark turns to an explosion of blue in the blink of an eye, blasting the girl back. She yelps and groans tumbling a bit. The explosion rattles the dolls of Mylo and Claggor and the various items Jinx had nearby. Jinx’s eyes widen as she’s assaulted of memories from 6yrs ago. Claggor gets hit with one of the unstable blue hexcrystals in the head, instantly killing the boy. Blood splatters a bit just as Mylo gets pierced by a piece of pipe in the chest! The wild-haired boy slams into the wall, breathing hard, numb as he doesn’t even cry out in pain. He glances over at Claggor and his eyes widen when he sees his brother is dead. Mylo looks down in shock and sees a rusty metal pipe sticking out of his upper left chest. The boy reaches towards the pipe and when his fingers graze the pipe, searing pain explodes from the injury. A loud cracking sounds gets Mylo’s attention and he looks up just as the ceiling caves in on top of both of them, killing Mylo.

Jinx winces, shutting her eyes tightly as her generator sputters out, smoking. The blue light disappears and all that’s left are little blue flecks of light. Jinx sobs.

“No! No! It was a mistake! It was a mistake!” She cries as she scrambles to her feet and races to Silco’s office as fast as she can, leaving behind her stuffed rabbit toy Vi gave her that she calls “Mr. Bunny” and the flare as well. Electricity crackles in the air as the energy burst finally dies out.

Vi’s POV

I’m standing free for the first time in years. Well, not completely free. But the air is sweet and the sunshine feels almost hot to me. I look down and see the buildings near us and even the one I’m standing on descends so far down I can’t see the end. This is it. This is one of the passages to the Undercity from Topside. It’s close to how I took Powder and the boys during that botched robbery. I take a breath, hearing a train chugging in the distance. The train car pulls to a stop.

“I heard the bathysphere has a nice view,” that rookie Enforcer who freed me says, looking at the train car. An elderly person with a cane shuffles up the stairs to board.

“That could be a good way to get a lay of the land,” she tells me. I can’t help the instant ‘you idiot’ thought that races by but I have to remember that topsiders don’t know much aside from their privileged lives.

“Too risky,” I tell her, putting the hood of my shirt up. I jump over the ledge and move on the metal beam I landed on to get closer to a copper green roof. I jump and quickly stabilize myself on the slanted roof to jump over to another, then another! The movements, the action, the speed, it’s all coming back to me from my younger, teenage years. I catch the Rookie looking down at me from where I initially jumped from and see her shake her head slightly before deciding to follow me. There’s no way she can catch up.

Cait’s POV

“Too risky,” Vi, the former inmate responds to my rational suggestion of the bathysphere. I watch as she puts her hood up before jumping over the ledge! I gasp.

“What?!” I exclaim and hurry over. I watch and see the pink haired, muscular woman run down a metal beam, balancing perfectly despite the great height before jumping down onto an extremely slanted roof but doesn’t slip! I watch in awe as she leaps to another rooftop, then to another and another! Each jump she gets further and further away.

“Shit,” I shake my head and look down. I scoff slightly before sitting and sliding myself off the edge and look at the metal beam. It’s really narrow. I carefully slide my feet across, not daring to take actual steps because even doing this causes me to wobble slightly but I keep my arms out and look ahead.

3rd POV

Vi races down and despite the years confined in a cement and metal box, she remembers the movements needed parkour her way down into the Undercity. The pink-haired young woman leaps, pulling her knees in and her arms back as she flies by a painted mural of a woman with long wavy brown hair. She’s beautiful. Her flowing gown disappears right at her chest, making a ‘v’ shape. Vi feels the drop of gravity and flails a bit. She lands on the rooftop of another building and rolls to lessen the impact. Vi gets in between two close buildings and slides down, using a hand and foot on each wall.

Cait slides down the ladder and looks down. She barely sees Vi before the parolee disappears. Cait wobbles and clings to the ladder. Vi leaps over a short metal wall and slides down. Vi slows when she gets to a metal pipe that looks down on buildings crammed together, all bathed in a familiar green light. The Undercity. Vi pants as she looks around and finds a way down. She slides down a metal gutter and hits the ground. Once on stable ground, the young woman takes in the familiar but thick air of the Undercity before lowering her hood.

Nearby, an unsuspecting man with a red jacket whistles at Vi, getting her attention. He saunters up to her, his friend with him also approaching. Once he gets close to Vi, he crawls his fingers on her bare, toned shoulder. He flicks a piece of her dark pink hair. Vi smirks.

“Nice jacket,” she comments. The unfamiliar nobody makes a noise of confusion before Vi manages to knock him out with one punch. Blood splatters from his nose and mouth when he hits the ground. His friend looks at Vi and she quickly knocks out the friend as well before taking their clothes. Vi shrugs on the red jacket and quickly fold up the clothes for the Rookie so she won’t stand out more than she already does.

After taking a much longer time than anticipated, Cait slides down the side of a slanted wall and lands on the awning of the building beside it before nearly sliding and falling to the ground. She stumbles a bit, leaning against a building and pants hard when she hears a set of light footsteps near her. The Enforcer turns and sees it’s the old man from topside! It had taken her so long that he’d gotten here! Suddenly something soft hits Cait’s upper body, startling her a bit as she catches a pair of clothes.

“Welcome to the Lanes,” Vi greets, walking up to her.

“You almost got me killed,” Cait argues.

“One of my little sisters could do that when she was 7. All us fisherfolk can. Don’t you wanna blend in?” Vi asks, walking off. Cait hears a man groan and she turns to see an open garbage bin.

Cait’s POV

“Don’t you wanna blend in?” Vi asks me. I’m reminded of a shooting competition I was in when I just turned 16. I was running through a frosty wood, shooting targets, racing someone. Not just anyone though…it was Sheriff Grayson. It wasn’t just any competition either. It was the Enforcer’s test. A ‘competition’ to make sure all Enforcers are able to handle a firearm. I’d gotten to the last target. Grayson was matching me. We aimed. I had shut my eyes and took a breath and in that time, I heard a shift in the snow. I opened my eyes and fired. The bullet it the bullseye, flying through but I knew it wasn’t a true win. I looked over and saw Grayson aiming but putting her rifle down. She nods at me and I give return the gesture as good will. But I was upset.

I was so upset I accused her of bribery because I was so sure my parents had paid her to let me win. But she just gave me a small half-smile and explained to me that being an Enforcer means having the power to protect people.

“Which begs the question young Kiramman, what are you shooting for?” Sheriff Grayson’s voice echoes in my mind.

3rd POV

Back in Piltover, Viktor is able to control the Hexcore to an extent of turning it up, down, left and right. The runes on it glow blue. Jayce is standing in front of a board.

“You had a vision?” Jayce asks.

“What if we’ve been looking at it backwards? We’ve been trying to discover runes that invoke specific effects and then molding them to a useful function,” Viktor says as Sky, his assistant, walks over and hands Jayce a blueprint of the Hexcore.

“Tools, as you like to put it. But, but..if the legends are true, mages aren’t bound to single functions. It’s said the Arcane speaks through them,” Viktor explains as the Hexcore moves and rotates different pieces with Viktor keeping a watchful eye on it through lenses.

“I’m still not following,” Jayce tells his partner.

“They think. They adapt,” Viktor says.

“You think Hextech can…learn?” Jayce asks Viktor, approaching the Zaunite. Viktor turns his right handle and pushes in, locking the mechanism and the Hexcore suddenly emits a beam of light! The scent of electricity is in the air and zaps around Viktor. Jayce flinches away but turns back when it dies out quickly.

“Are you sure this is safe?” Jayce asks.

“Of course not,” Viktor answers as if it’s obvious, though he’s so absorbed in his work, he misses Jayce’s look of concern but he leaves for an opera he knows Mel will be at.

Speaking of concern, it’s the same look Cait gives Vi as she munches down slop that is considered food. Cait’s concern is mixed with disgust as Vi picks up a chunk of what appears to be fish covered in a vague, smelly orange sauce. Cait feels her stomach churn.

“Oh, Jericho, have I missed these,” Vi says, holding a fish chunk to the stall owner. He chuckles heartily as he chops up a fish. Vi notices the pair of clear blue eyes on her and offers the Enforcer some of her food. Cait looks at the colorful food and even if it hadn’t looked inedible, Vi’s hand wraps are covered in blood, dirt and sweat from new to finely aged from prison.

“No. Thank you,” Cait says.

“You’re missing out,” Vi says, eating the offered food herself.

“Are you going to question him?” Cait whispers semi-discretely by pulling on the hood of her stolen clothes. Vi glances at Jericho and the chef is unceremoniously scratching his rear.

“Definitely not above board,” Vi tells Cait.

“Silco. His connections? Isn’t that why we’re here?” Cait asks quietly but clearly frustrated.

“We’re here because I’m hungry. Do you know what prison food is like? No, of course you don’t,” Vi answers back cooly before finishing off the last fish chunk and licking her fingers.

“Unbelievable. I didn’t break you out of jail to eat…slop!” Cait hisses angrily, starting to pace anxiously, “I knew this was a terrible idea. You don’t actually know anything, do you?”

Vi finishes the bowl and wipes her mouth with her hand.

“Mmm, better than I remember,” Vi tells Jericho. The one-eyed chef chuckles and exchanges her empty bowl for a paper napkin. Vi lifts up the corner and sees the symbol for Margot’s. The two exchange a look before Vi walks off with Caitlyn following.

Ekko’s POV

I’ve heard the Enforcers are starting to get more aggressive. While making sure everyone’s been ok, I haven’t checked on Y/N for a while, so when Scar offers to take watch, I start walking around, looking for the little girl. I check our room first and don’t see her. Ok. Maybe the mural? I hurry to the adjacent platform and get a view of the beautiful painting. But no Y/N. Where is she? Who was with her earlier? Senna? No..no, it was Kiyi. I have to find Kiyi.

I find the young woman sitting with friends chatting when she catches my eye.

“Oh, hey Ekko,” she greets.

“Hey Kiyi, you seen Y/N?” He asks.

“I…thought she went home? She told me she was going home hours ago,” she says.

“She’s not in the storage house?” She asks me and I shake my head. Oh no. I race around and ask Scar if he’s seen her.

“You don’t think she left do you?” Scar asks.

“I think she’s as stubborn as Vi and can be as unpredictable as Jinx. Anything’s possible with her,” I say.

“Good point,” he admits, knowing how the young girl is. After searching the whole Sanctuary and even the areas surrounding us, I find no sign of the kid I consider to be my younger sister. I sigh.

“Dammit,” I say under my breath before starting a search party with Scar.

Reader’s POV

I know Ekko will be mad at me, but if I want to see my sisters again, I have to do it myself. Ekko just wants to protect me and I love him, I also still love Vi and..and Jinx. I want it to be how it was. I want Vi and Jinx to come back. They can live with us at the Sanctuary. I’m not sure how Ekko would feel about that but he’d do it if I convinced him. I left no trace of my leaving and make my way through the Undercity, being careful and alert like Ekko taught me.

3rd POV

Elsewhere in the Undercity, Jinx approaches the ruined arcade that hasn’t been touched since that day the Enforcers barged in on the kids. She carefully steps through the shattered glass window and the broken pieces crack under her boots. She rubs the dust between her fingers as she looks around. Everything is the same, covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs. Jinx walks until she steps on something metallic. She looks down and see’s the metal plate with Mylo’s face drawn on from the boxing machine.

“Hmph,” Jinx bends down to pick it up, brushing off the dust. It’s a weird feeling for the girl. Mylo’s been gone for 6yrs, but to Jinx, he’s never really been gone. He’s always with her, just like Claggor and Vi.

“Oh what’s the matter Mylo? You worried Powder’s gonna beat you again?” Claggor’s voice echo’s in Jinx’s head as she stands. She glances at the scoreboard when the sudden chirping of a crow snaps the girl’s attention in an instant. She grabs her pistol and aims right at the bird. It caws once and cocks its head. Jinx mimics the movement before shooting the bird dead. She blows the smoke off her pistol before twirling it and sheathing it back at her side as she walks up to the boxing machine.

Memories of a teenage Vi assault Jinx. She remembers how her sister would move with quick precision. Jinx examines the metal frame where the plate goes and puts it in, dusting her hands off. She looks around and finds a metal piece that’s supposed to go into the boxing machine. After eyeing it to make sure it’s ok, she blows the dust off before inserting it. Jinx flips a switch and metal starts powering up. She pushes a lever up which causes a yellow liquid, presumably gasoline to power up the machine. The lights turn on to illuminate the area as Jinx stands before the game.

“Vander,” Jinx hear’s Vi’s voice.

“Because you’re a jinx!” Vi’s voice snaps angrily. Jinx remembers her screaming, her sobbing and pleading for Vi.

“What makes you different makes you strong,” Vi’s voice tells her as Jinx remembers when Vi would love her, stroking her cheek and brushing the hair off her face. But it didn’t matter now. The pain of what happened tainted everything. Vi had slapped her. That night still fresh in her mind. A tender touch turned violent. Jinx’s eyes snap open and she starts swinging, hitting the metal plate with her unprotected fist.

Jinx remembers sitting with her sisters on the roof of the Last Drop that’s contrasted with Vi grabbing her face and yelling at her. Jinx dodges and hits again and again, dodging out of the way. She grunts a bit, remembering how a teenage Vi would move, though instead of Vi’s precise punches, Jinx was wild with her swings and kicks, something Vi didn’t do. The scoreboard changes, launching ‘Pow’ up the leaderboard.

Jinx attacks wildly, almost uncontrolled as she lets the trauma of what happened consume her. Yelling with each hit, grunting until she remembers being told to stay behind. She was alone in the basement.

“RAAAHHHH!!!” The memory of Powder screams.

“AAAGGHHH!!!” Jinx screams, unaware of the tears streaming down her face as she hits the old padding as hard as she can. The teen pants heavily, sweating as she hears the scoreboard change. She looks up and sees her name just below Vi’s #1 spot. She groans angrily before grabbing her pistol and shooting the metal plate.

Vi heads towards the Last Drop, a place she considered home for a good portion of her life. She stops on a metal bridge to look down at the glowing green sign. Different owner different color. Caitlyn approaches and looks down to see a brawl in front of the bar.

“Well, that place does look like it has bodies buried in the basement,” Caitlyn comments off-handedly, angering Vi. Vi’s grip on the metal rail tightens. That was the specific room where she and her siblings lived.

“You don’t know anything,” Vi growls angrily, shoving Caitlyn’s shoulder as she walks past the rookie Enforcer, who just gives her a look, not understanding Vi’s anger. Vi heads to Margot’s Pleasure House, the place on the napkin Jericho gave her.

Back in Piltover, Councilor Medarda has warned Jayce that by shutting down the Hexgate, he’s made an enemy of everyone else in the Council, so he must regain their favor by schmoozing. Viktor had opposed when Jayce talked to him but Jayce insisted he had to attend an opera musical performance, so Viktor merely sighed and told him to go. At the opera, Mel had pointed out who did what, and when Jayce questioned the legality, Mel had a…twist to it. She advised Jayce to offer something the other Councilors would want: to be Hextech partners (despite already having one in Viktor).

Having to make a split second decision, Mel had gotten the attention of an older Councilor who was particularly upset with Enforcers searching her home, due to Jayce’s new order of security. The musician plays solo on stage as they talk. After Jayce takes Mel’s advice and offers the Councilwoman a deal with all new hextech creations, the two shake hands.

“How can I reject such an auspicious offer?” She replies as they shake. He smiles and nods.

As the music swells, it’s all a blur for Jayce. He has to keep track of everything he has to say to these council members. Drinks clink together. Jayce shakes so many hands. Heimerdinger, having bought seat tickets to the event, is sitting near the front enjoying the show, completely unaware of Jayce and his dealings with the council members.

The music comes to an end and the musician bows and everyone, including the council members, clap. Mel looks at Jayce with slight pride. He’s learning his role as a council member, despite not wanting it.

Vi’s POV

We get to Margot’s and I knock on the door. The window slides open and through the metal bars I see the guard look at us. I look back at him and he sighs before unlocking the door and opening it.

I look down the dark hall to hear laughing. The only light are the few candles lining the hall.

“The one place all the secrets are spilled,” I tell her and walk in. She sighs and follows me. I hear a chuckle along with some others chatting elsewhere. I glance through a beaded doorway and see someone taking a puff off a pipe. The smoke is purple like Shimmer. We pass an open bathroom with someone actively bathing, enjoying someone else and the Enforcer peeks in before catching up to me.

“How exactly do you propose we go about this?” She asks me, stopping. Someone in a full body leather suit with a gag walks by.

“Let ‘em think you work here,” I answer obviously.

“Excuse me? I will not,” She says, clearly caught off guard.

“You know what your problem is?” I ask, walking up to the Rookie.

“Please. Tell me,” she replies sarcastically with an eye roll.

“You expect everyone to give you what you want. If you really want people to talk to you, you have to let them think you have what they want,” I explain, pacing around her.

“And what do I have?” She asks. I look her up and down before stepping into her space.

“You’re hot, cupcake,” I tell her and she backs into the wall, I put a hand on the wall next to her.

“So what’ll it be, man or woman?” I ask.

“Uhm-..” She stutters just as someone in a blue suit and white mask walks by. I grab his arm and pull him towards us.

“Hi, I-I’m Pim. What’s your name?” The man, Pim, stutters.

“Matilda. But you can call her whatever you want,” I say, glancing at the Enforcer. She her eyes widen and she gasps slightly before smiling.

“Ah, y-yes. M-Matilda. My parents named me Matilda. After my great-grandmother Matilda, the, uh..-“ she lies horribly. But that doesn’t matter. I’ll ditch her here after I go talk to Margot.

I slip down the hall quietly before getting to her office. I walk in and she looks up at me from some sort of paperwork on her desk.

“Would you believe it?” She asks, clearly not expecting me.

Ekko’s POV

I’m pacing around, waiting to hear from someone, anyone, when I see a streak of green light in the sky. It flies down and I see it’s Scar on his hoverboard.

“Little man-we don’t have confirmation, but we think there’s activity going on near the Lanes. Two guys who got beat up and robbed says it was a woman with pink hair,” he says.

“What? A-Are you sure?!” I demand and he nods. I look away, trying to think. It might not be Vi, but if it is…If Y/N finds out about her, she might want to tell Jinx—

“There’s something else,” Scar says, getting my attention.

“What is it?” I ask.

“There was someone else with her. A female Enforcer, ‘bout the same age,” he says. My eyes widen. All Enforcers work for Silco. None of them can be trusted. If one is with Vi, then that means she must work for him as well.

“Where’d they go?” I ask.

“Margot’s, not sure why,” Scar answers.

“Keep an eye on them. It might be Vi, it might not, but we have to know where the Enforcer is,” I explain and Scar nods.

“Sure thing boss,” he says.

“Any sign of Y/N?” I ask and he shakes his head sadly.

“She’s small and she’s quick. None of us could track her, she practically disappeared. I’m not sure where she went,” he says. I sigh and rub my temple.

“Alright, thanks for looking,” I say.

“We’ll keep up the search until she’s back,” he assures me. I nod and do my best to reassure everyone that overheard our conversation that the Enforcer is no threat to us. That we are well hidden and fortified in the Undercity so well that not even Silco has threatened us.

3rd POV

The industrialist walks into his office as Marcus, the Sheriff, twirls the same blood soaked coin from all those years ago in the alley where Sheriff Grayson and Benzo were killed.

“Sheriff, what a lovely surprise,” Silco says, walking over to sit down at his desk.

“The Hextech wonder boy is on the Council now, and he’s asking questions. It’s only a matter of time before he finds the truth,” Marcus says with a biting tone.

“What is truth, but a survivor’s story?” Silco asks as he opens one of his desk drawers.

“If I’m discovered, we’re both finished,” Marcus threatens. Silco pulls out a metal homemade grenade that’s covered in the symbol of the Firelight leader, but in Jinx’s classic pink and blue colors.

“Good thing you’ve located proof of the Firelights’ involvement” Silco says. Marcus approaches and picks up the grenade.

“This has gone too far,” he says, looking at the explosive device. It has a green light on it and metal things that look like teeth.

Marcus’s POV

For some reason, the chomping teeth of the grenade feels familiar to me, but I can’t place it. My eyes spot the pin and I thumb it. Silco notices.

“Hmm? Imagining yourself a hero? One final act to make you the martyr you’ve always seen yourself as?” Silco asks with a chuckle. I want to do it. I want to kill him. I could do it. I can do it. I pant slightly before screaming, pulling the pin. The grenade flashes pink and Silco’s eyes widen as we are enveloped in a fiery explosion.

“Then what’re you waiting for?” Silco asks, getting my attention. Just a fantasy.

I look at the grenade before sighing. I wanted to pull the pin. I wanted to so bad. But I couldn’t. We lock eyes for a moment before I walk out with the grenade, hoping this will stall Councilor Talis.

Jinx’s POV

Unbeknownst to Sheriff Marcus, I was up in the rafters the whole time.

“Ah, he’s faltering. You need to weaponize the Hextech soon,” Silco tells me. I shut my eyes.

“I can’t do it. Just…give it to the doctor,” I reply, trying not to succumb to the intense emotions.

“You’re the only one I can trust with this, Jinx,” Silco argues rationally. I have to tell him.

“I keep seeing them…that day,” I admit. I watch as he stands and glances up at me.

“Fear haunts us all, child,” he says. He’s told me before that we are the same. Both of us betrayed by a sibling.

“Come with me. I want to show you something,” he says and I obediently follow him out.

3rd POV

Silco leaves the bar with Jinx. Unbeknownst to them, they are being watched by Y/N, who is hiding in Benzo’s boarded up shop. She managed to sneak in through Little Man’s secret hideout. As much as Y/N wants to go after Jinx, she knows she can’t, not while Silco’s around.

Back at Margot’s, Vi is sitting in the brothel owner’s office. Vi’s fists are clenched lightly.

“Sweetheart, I was real sad to hear about Vander. And the kids. Just terrible,” Margot tells Vi. Her fists loosen a bit.

“By the looks of it, no one down here lifted a finger to stop Silco,” Vi argues.

“A few tried but Silco’s got the muscle…and the money,” Margot explains, “he took over the Last Drop.”

“I saw,” Vi says, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees.

“Things have changed without Vander looking out for us,” Margot says, taking a drag off her cigarette.

“Have you heard anything about Powder? I think Silco has her,” Vi asks. Margot gives her a sad look and shakes her head.

“What about Y/N?” Vi asks.

“The Firelights. She’d hang around with them,” Margot says.

“I have to find them,” Vi says, standing up.

“Silco’s number two’s a regular. I can have Miguel tell you where to find her,” Margot explains, talking of the ‘regular’.

“I owe you,” Vi tells Margot and walks out.

“It’s nothing,” Margot says after Vi leaves.

Vi walks back down the hall and passes a room where the Enforcer is. She giggles, getting Vi’s attention. Vi stops and glances over to see the Enforcer charming another woman and Vi smiles. Well I’ll be damn, Vi thinks to herself, scoffing lightly.

Reader POV

Since I can’t go after Jinx, I have to try Vi. I can’t be certain since I’ve only overheard mere words, but I think Vi might be in the Undercity. If I can find Vi, then together, the two of us can get Jinx ourselves and take her back to the Sanctuary. Then we can finally be a whole family again. I glance around and look for anything that might help. I search Uncle Benzo’s desk. I walk behind and-

“Agh!” I yelp in surprise when I see Uncle Benzo’s skeleton! Reddish brown hair clings to the skull and the clothes are dusty and ragged. Bits of muscle and skin are still visible around his stomach, chest and upper arms and legs. Not quite all the way rotted. Maybe in another 6yrs. So that’s what Huck did with the pawn shop owner’s body. I look around and spot a black book. The first page says ‘contacts’. First is Jericho but the second…the second one is Margot. Maybe she’d know something about Vi, since Ekko is so…stubborn about telling me.

Making my way out through the ventilation shaft to Ekko’s secret hideout, I hop from the rooftop onto the ladder and climb down.

Vi’s POV

I find Miguel and he tells me it’s Sevika that’s the regular.

“Sevika? She’s alive?!” I ask incredulously and he nods.

“She’s Silco’s number 2,” Miguel explains.

“Where is she?” I ask.

“She normally plays cards with the scum that hang around, just past Jericho’s stand I think,” Miguel says. I nod.

“Thanks Miguel,” I say and he nods. He was in his mid 20s when I was 16, so he must be in his early 30s now?

“Your old man…he really was the glue that held this community together,” Miguel says and I nod.

“I know,” I say and we part ways. I walk out, leaving the Enforcer behind. It’s not that I want to escape, it’s that I don’t want to involve her in the fight I’m going to have with Sevika.

Reader POV

I make sure to keep to myself, my head down, though I make sure to look up occasionally to make sure I’m still going the right way. I gasp when I see a couple people that I know work for Silco, walk around. I turn and head the opposite way, making sure to stay clear of them. I don’t really know much about Margot other than what my older siblings told me 6 years ago.

“She’s a nice lady but she’s in a dirty business,” Claggor had told me. I didn’t understand at the time, being only 4, but now that I’m older, I understand it’s prostitution. A whorehouse. A place people go for drugs and sex.

I spot the building down the street. That’s when I spot someone. I see someone who looks from the Undercity…the clothes are non-descript and the jacket obscures the person’s upper body but the bright, spiky, shaggy pink hair sticks out above everything else and my eyes widen.

“Vi,” I gasp. I watch as the woman I think is Vi walk down the street and turn the corner. I can’t let her get away! I climb up a ladder and onto a roof. I hop along the close-together rooftops, the buildings practically crammed together, careful to keep out of sight, moving in the shadows. I feel my lungs constrict and vibrate slightly from the asthma I have. I slow down a bit, letting Vi get further away but I think I know where she’s going.

3rd POV

Back in Piltover, Viktor works hard in the lab while Mel and Jayce fall into their emotions. Sky tries to ask Viktor if he has plans after work, but he shuts her down, saying he will probably just sleep there. Sky tries hard not to take it personally, after all, Viktor is dying and has only a certain amount of time left. But she wished she could show him how to enjoy the time he does have.

Sky leaves the workaholic Viktor to his evolving Hexcore that now has multiple glowing blue runes on it. It moves up and down, left to right, turning, clicking…adapting. Viktor is desperate for anything but no matter the combination of runes, nothing works. He slams his desk angrily, shoving his chair back, making papers fly off the desk. He gasps a bit and looks at the Hexcore. His vision is starting to tunnel. Viktor stumbles forward, coughing into his hand, blood splattering on his fingers and onto the desk. All while Jayce his having sex with Mel, unaware that someone he’s close it is literally dying. Viktor slips off the desk and slumps to the floor, passed out, knocking his cane over.

While Viktor is out, the Hexcore starts crackling with electricity. Viktor’s blood on the desk is so close that the Hexcore starts to attract it. The red liquid slowly moves towards the Hexcore before a drop of blood rises up and fuses with the Hexcore!

In the Undercity, Silco has taken Jinx to the water where Vander nearly killed him.

“I almost drowned in these waters,” Silco tells Jinx.

“You told me a million times,” Jinx complains, rolling her eyes.

“Vander wasn’t the man you thought he was,” Silco continues.

“Right, he was like a brother to you, and he turned his back and blah, blah, blah. Did I miss anything?” Jinx asks bored. Silco snickers.

“I’ve got a new one for you,” Silco tells her, running his fingers in the cool, contaminated water. It drips off his hand and Jinx watches intently.

“That day, I let a weak man die,” Silco says before crouching down, dunking himself in, sloshing the water. He returns after a second and wipes his face and hair back.

“And another was reborn. Betrayal, that pain that feels like it’ll eat you from the inside out, can either break you or forge you into something greater,” Silco says as Jinx looks at him before looking away.

“You need to let Powder die,” Silco says, the old name making her look at him, “So the fear of pain will no longer control you.” He explains, offering a hand.

Jinx moves to take it and walks towards him, grabbing his first two fingers, much like she did as a little girl, when they first met.

“You’re strong now. Just like you were always meant to be. Jinx is perfect,” Silco tells his daughter. She steps to him and he gently cups the back of her head, still holding her hand with the other. He gives her a small reassuring smile before letting her lay down in the water. The teenager exhales and Silco gives her a look as if to say ‘ready, now,’ before letting her dip below the surface of the water.

Vi’s POV

I pull up my hood and walk down the street, unaware that I’m being followed. All I care about is finding Sevika. I thought she died. I swear I thought she died. I saw her…then Vander—the building—she was in there-but…if Margot says she’s alive…I have to get to her.

I walk past a few people, bumping into one who grumbles, calling me a bitch and flipping me off, but I keep moving. I stop behind a corner as it opens to a small courtyard between buildings. Sevika is sitting at a card table, playing with two guys. One of them, I recognize. She’s smoking a cigarette. I glare at her, fiery rage is all I feel when I see her for betraying Vander.

3rd POV

Luckily Heimerdinger was staying late and managed to find Viktor and get him to the hospital. The head of the academy also called Jayce to inform him of what’s happened. While Mel sleeps, Jayce slips out and joins Viktor in his hospital room. Mel wakes up and finds her bed empty as Jayce asks about Viktor when the man wakes.

“Jayce?” Viktor asks.

“Viktor—the doctors uhm..—they-“ Jayce tries telling him but Viktor sighs defeatedly.

“How much time do I have?” He asks as Sevika plays the Death and Magician cards in the game, winning.

“Rotten luck boys,” she says, putting her lit cigarette back in her mouth.

Vi’s POV

I race towards Sevika as she reaches to grab the pot winnings of the game and slam my knee into her cheek! Cards, money and Sevika’s cigarette goes flying. She drops to the ground and the two men playing her look at me with a gasp. The one with a prosthetic nose is the same guy from that street fight after the robbery gone wrong 6 years ago. I had to help Mylo with him by slamming a 2x4 of wood into his face, bashing his nose in. If he recognized me, he made no motion of it as the two run away cowardly.

“Vi?” Sevika asks as she gets to her knees. I storm up to her. She tries to backhand me as she stands but I dodge easily and grab the dark skinned woman by her ponytail. I turn and slam the older woman into the concrete wall, pinning her arm behind her and her head against the wall.

“You filthy traitor,” I growl.

“Vander had his chance,” she snarls back. That’s when I see a glowing purple light under the cloak she’s wearing. The arm I’m holding suddenly moves and when it does I hear a mechanical whirring noise. The arm moves unnaturally, breaking free of my grip. She kicks me back and I fall to the ground. As Sevika stalks up to me, she takes off the cloak and I see a mechanical arm! I gasp. I watch as a vial of Shimmer pops up at her shoulder and turns, clicking in place. The Shimmer travels down the whole arm, powering it up. She uses it to motion at me and I stand up. I shrug off my red jacket and take a couple of test punches as she blocks them easily. I swing forward and her metal arm catches and locks in place, trapping me!

“I see you never learned patience,” she says before head butting me and punching my stomach. I hit the wall behind me and gasp at the hard hit. I see her swing at me with that metal arm and I duck. I hit her ribcage but she tanks it so I swing at her face and she merely grunts. I dodge one of her punches from her normal arm so when she tries with her mechanical one, I’m able to grab hold of the upper area and and uppercut her face. She yanks back and tries again, but I dodge, moving to her side. I get in a quick hit to her side before punching her face again. She staggers back and I leap up into the air and swing as hard as I can, feeling my fist connect with her cheek. She goes down, panting a bit and sweating. The Shimmer canister raises and injects itself again. Sevika glares at me, her dark eyes now a sickly purple as she growls at me. She grabs a metal drum and tosses it up before punching it at me! I run to dodge but the Shimmer gives her incredible strength and speed as she bodies me into the wall! I yelp as her hand comes up to wrap around my neck. I’m reminded of the fight with Shimmer Deckard 6 years ago. I tried charging him and he caught me by my neck. Now it’s Sevika. She picks me up and slams me into a wooden crate, hitting the hard ground. I groan as she drags me by my neck and I try prying her metal hand off, but it’s no use! She picks me up and pins me against the wall, luckily she let go of my neck, but her forearm is pressed against my cheek. The Shimmer is hot.

Because she’s so close, I manage to knee her crotch. She grunts in pain and bends forward. I wind back with both fists and hit her back as hard as I can before grabbing hold of her torso and tossing the woman into the wall. She grunts, panting and I stagger a bit from the effort. I make the same ‘come get me’ hand motion at her that she did to me earlier as I breathe hard. Sevika grunts and gets up, trying to swing at me, but I back up, dodging and hit her. I lead her into a narrow area between two buildings. I uppercut her jaw before slamming her head into the wall. I punch her and slam her head into the adjacent wall before speed punching her stomach and grabbing her head and collide my knee with her face. I pant heavily, covered in bruises, blood, and sweat. We both breathe heavily as Sevika gets to her feet. I growl and see a wooden gate behind her. I race towards Sevika, jump, and kick as hard as I can, hitting the ground myself but I hear her body crash through the wood and hit the street behind the gate.

She coughs and spits some blood out but I manage to step on her metal arm as she rolls onto her back, unaware we are being watched by someone. Sevika groans.

“Where’s my sister? Where is he keeping her?” I demand, winding back for another hit as I hold Sevika by her neck.

“Keeping her? You mean Jinx?” She asks me. My eyes widen at the name and I glare at her.

“She works for him,” Sevika says and I gasp. Clearly caught off guard, Sevika takes the opportunity to shank my side, piercing my flesh. I grunt. Sevika comes to my ear.

“She’s like his daughter,” Sevika says of Powder before shoving me to the ground. I fall easily as I feel something warm and liquid run down to my hip. I groan as I try to crawl away, but Sevika walks up to me, grabbing my cheeks in her normal hand.

“I’ll give her your regards,” Sevika says, her metal arm winding back for a hit. Her shoulder Shimmer canister raises and when it does, a single gunshot rings out and shatters the mechanism, making Sevika recoil, letting me go. Sevika looks to where the shot came from to see the Enforcer I left behind at Margot’s, standing on a bridge, aiming her rifle right at her. The Enforcer gets another shot off, but hits Sevika’s metal shoulder as she runs off, getting away.

“Why did you let her get a way?” I ask on my knees on the ground as the Enforcer approaches cautiously.

“Do you ever say ‘thank you’?” she asks back, putting her rifle away.

“He’s gonna know we’re here now,” I warn.

“Whose fault is that?” She asks. I smirk half heartedly as I feel blood drip out of me.

“You’re an alright shot,” I admit.

“I’m an excellent shot,” she corrects. I want to tell her that I would know but I keep my mouth shut. I sigh.

“You gonna help me out, cupcake?” I ask, holding a hand up to her.

“Stop calling me that. My name is Caitlyn,” she says as she hauls me to my feet.

“But you’re so sweet, like a cupcake,” I tell her as I lean heavily on her, my arm draped over her shoulders, unaware we are being watched. Caitlyn chuckles.

“Shut up,” she replies as we walk.

Cait’s POV

As I let Vi lean on me, I can’t help but think of that shooting test and what Sheriff Grayson asked me.

“What are you shooting for?” She asked. At the time, I didn’t have an answer. But now…now I think I do. I’m shooting for Vi…for people like Vi. People that need help whether they be in the lowest parts of the Undercity or the highest seat of the Council in Piltover. I’m an Enforcer because I can help this city. I know I can.

Reader POV

I watch Vi’s fight with Sevika and resist the urge to call out to her. I wince with every hit Vi takes and when Sevika stabs Vi, I find a way down to the ground off the roofs but by the time I could get down, Sevika was gone. I saw no sign of her and after watching the Enforcer pick up Vi, I ran back to a side alley and that’s when my eyes immediately meet Sevika’s! I gasp and immediately run to hide. I can’t tell if she’s chasing me—I don’t think she is, but either way, I think I might have to tell Ekko since I’m pretty sure Sevika will tell Silco about me at the very least.

3rd POV

As Sevika rounds the corner, panting, covered in blood, she is shocked to see a young girl looking at her. Their eyes meet and the girl gasps and quickly disappears. At first, she appeared to be a random street urchin. But…the eyes. Sevika will always remember the eyes of those 3 sisters Vander adopted. Vi with her ice cold, tough eyes, Jinx with her thousand-yard stare and unhinged look and Y/N…Y/N’s eyes always had a brightness that never dulled, no matter how rough the Undercity was. She had the courage and bravery of Vi but the wild, unpredictability of Jinx and a unique light that was all her own. Despite all 3 not having the same eye color, you can tell they are related. And that’s what Sevika knew. She knew this girl…this girl was the youngest of the sisters. Jinx’s little sister!

As Jinx perfects the energy capacitor, Sevika manages to limp back to Silco’s office.

“You’re making a mess,” Silco tells Sevika as he applies makeup to his scarred eye. Jinx spins in her chair, watching her successful test as Sevika approaches Silco’s desk.

“The sisters…they’re back,” Sevika says and Silco’s eyes widen as he whips around in his chair.

“From the dead?!” He demands.

End.

[writingforfun0714]

I’d love to be part of this💙

🚧 Do you write SFW fanfiction for the Star Wars Clones? 🚧

Could be either:

reader-inserts

oneshots

general fics

ship fics (no clonecest)

Well I'm thinking of setting up and running a little SFW project for fic writers here on Tumblr that will help us support each other more, unite TBB and TCW writers and maybe increase reader engagement! Reach out to me if you're interested! 👀

The project's still a surprise so I can tell you in DM's if you're a writer and interested but I could use some fellow writers to kick it off with and maybe some people to help moderating it! 🩵

Reblog to spread the word!

[writingforfun0714]

I’ve already started btw

Anyone interested in a Jungle Book/Game of Thrones female-OC crossover?? I use elements of both the show Game of Thrones (like everyone’s ages/timespan and R+L=J) but also story things from ASoIaF like Lady Stoneheart and that all the Stark kids are wargs not just Bran.

I know there are lots of OCs or female Reader-Inserts where reader is twins with either Robb or Jon, but in my fic, my OC is actually the youngest Stark and her story follows the basics of The Jungle Book (adopted by direwolf pack, Bagheera and Baloo are included, mammoths instead of elephants, etc).

When Theon takes Winterfell, the chaos separates the younger siblings into 2 (Bran/Rickon and my OC baby). Luckily they have their direwolves. My OC’s direwolf protects her as Bran separates with the Reeds and Osha takes Rickon. My OC’s direwolf knows there’s other direwolves beyond the Wall so she takes OC with her, protecting her from animals, humans, the elements, everything.

After making it Beyond the Wall, OC’s direwolf collapses w/ exhaustion/hunger. OC’s cries are heard by Bagheera the shadowcat. He finds the two and takes them to the Seeonee direwolf pack. Shere Khan is still a tiger (more of a Siberian tiger than an Indian tiger) who hates humans. Jon warging as Ghost finds OC when he’s w/ the Wildlings and saves OC from Shere Khan, scarring him.

I don’t wanna spoil the rest but I will add that the fic includes POV changes and OC’s character starts slow due to age (infant). When I do run out of ASoIaF material, I will go AU especially around S8 of GoT.

💙

[writingforfun0714]

I think the problems of TBB started in the Bad Batch episodes of TCW if I’m being honest, because of their treatment of Echo. While CF99 might’ve been planned characters (I remember reading somewhere that GL wanted a ‘unique’ clone squad in TCW), the fact is that Echo is a fan favorite and to treat him with such disrespect definitely rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way.

In TCW, CF99 learn that Echo is alive and not actually a traitor and eventually accepts him into their squad as they learn that ‘not all regs are bad’. That’s all well and good but wouldn’t it have been nice if, I don’t know, CF99 actually fucking apologized? Like yeah, adopting him into the squad is a nice gesture, but by not apologizing, it’s like they avoid taking responsibility for thinking ‘all regs are bad’. CF99 see Echo as different like them, they don’t see themselves as one of the ‘regs’, which is a problem in a clone-centric show like what many fans claim TBB to be. This problem of not taking responsibility and actually apologizing for wrongdoings continues in TBB show and is especially noticeable in S3 with Hunter and Crosshair and even with Crosshair and Howzer. I noticed it in S2 as well with that Omega/Tech episode (2x9). Like yeah it confirmed he’s autistic but in that situation Tech is the adult and should’ve apologized to Omega for how he talked to her. Having autism doesn’t excuse being rude, especially when the dynamic is one of an adult/child.

Then all through TBB S1 Echo continues to get sidelined (along with Tech) up until S1 ep10, when the problems of the show compound. Echo should have been the focus for 1x10 Common Ground. The basic plot is that CF99 are hired to rescue a Seperatist senator from Raxus while Omega has to stay at Cid’s bar for her ‘protection’. Hunter leaves Omega behind but expects her to be a member of the squad and is surprised when the others have to remind him that he left her behind. I can understand what the writers were going for but the execution of that small line of dialogue was wrong (the wording and placement in the scene). Personally I’d prefer a sort of lamenting inner monologue with each member instead, reflecting on how they each miss Omega in different ways or something. They did a POV change in 1x9 so I think an inner monologue moment would’ve been a cool choice. That whole time on the mission the Batch question Echo when it really should’ve been Echo grappling with his trauma regarding Seperatists and his torture. This whole episode really doesn’t make sense due to the ‘S1 reset’ TBB go through. You’d think after their TCW arc that there would be no need to question Echo, that they would understand why he has such grievances. But no, TBB ‘resets’ the whole squad (aside from Echo) and makes them almost completely different from their Clone Wars counterparts (hence the memes of frat boy Hunter vs dad Hunter).

Another issue is the marketing and how the creators/people that worked on the show interacted with the fans. From what I can remember, TBB was never a ‘spin-off’ of TCW but more of a ‘successor’ mostly due to the use of the same animation. TBB was always marketed as a ‘dark’ kids show despite showing things we’ve already seen before in SW animation. We’ve seen Force sensitive babies being taken, we’ve seen clones realize they are little more than property, we’ve seen kids having to grow up faster due to their situation, we’ve seen child slaves, and even death on screen (Echo, Fives, Gregor, Savage Oppress, Satine, etc). All within TCW and Rebels (Disney’s first SW show). TBB is extremely tame compared to what we’ve seen previously. To make it worse, those that worked on the show would post ‘teasers’ online, trying to engage with the fans. I always had a strange sense of disappointment after every single episode due to how people like Jennifer Corbett or the Kiners ‘tease’ fans by posting ‘relevant’ memes or hints about an upcoming episode and after each episode, I remembered thinking ‘so they lied’. Teasing a winter soldier arc for CX-2 is definitely my top grievance with this particular problem. A red herring is supposed to make sense. CX-2 could’ve been anyone else besides Tech if they wanted to keep him dead (Dogma, Cody, Kix, Slick, etc).

The last main issue TBB has (that isn’t the blatant racism) is how ableist the show is. I don’t care if it was not intentional because honestly 3 whole seasons consisting of about 15-16eps is more than enough time to fix this problem. Now this show was already on thin ice for me, but to gloss over Echo so hard in S1 definitely put me off of this show. The way Echo is written in S2, as if he’s wrong for wanting to help Rex (how many times does Hunter ask him ‘when will it be enough?’ ‘You know it’s not worth the risk right?’ Seriously fuck Hunter for that especially). Then sidelining him again in S3 to focus on Crosshair (which is a whole other post). In S3, we get to learn Crosshair has to deal with his trauma, isn’t that an interesting concept—ooh-wait no let’s just cut off his shaky hand after spending an episode of ‘meditating’. It was like Hunter/Wrecker/Fennec go off on side mission while the b-plot is Crosshair/Omega meditating. This episode was frustrating but this whole show is made up of frustrating writing decisions that quite frankly, I had gotten used to by S3.

[writingforfun0714]

Anyone interested in a Jungle Book/Game of Thrones female-OC crossover?? I use elements of both the show Game of Thrones (like everyone’s ages/timespan and R+L=J) but also story things from ASoIaF like Lady Stoneheart and that all the Stark kids are wargs not just Bran.

I know there are lots of OCs or female Reader-Inserts where reader is twins with either Robb or Jon, but in my fic, my OC is actually the youngest Stark and her story follows the basics of The Jungle Book (adopted by direwolf pack, Bagheera and Baloo are included, mammoths instead of elephants, etc).

When Theon takes Winterfell, the chaos separates the younger siblings into 2 (Bran/Rickon and my OC baby). Luckily they have their direwolves. My OC’s direwolf protects her as Bran separates with the Reeds and Osha takes Rickon. My OC’s direwolf knows there’s other direwolves beyond the Wall so she takes OC with her, protecting her from animals, humans, the elements, everything.

After making it Beyond the Wall, OC’s direwolf collapses w/ exhaustion/hunger. OC’s cries are heard by Bagheera the shadowcat. He finds the two and takes them to the Seeonee direwolf pack. Shere Khan is still a tiger (more of a Siberian tiger than an Indian tiger) who hates humans. Jon warging as Ghost finds OC when he’s w/ the Wildlings and saves OC from Shere Khan, scarring him.

I don’t wanna spoil the rest but I will add that the fic includes POV changes and OC’s character starts slow due to age (infant). When I do run out of ASoIaF material, I will go AU especially around S8 of GoT.

💙

[writingforfun0714]

Trying to get a consensus of what people think of Viren’s arc in The Dragon Prince

[writingforfun0714]

Hey everyone,

So sorry for being gone so long. I’m pretty busy at work now. I wanna say thank you to everyone who voted in the poll. Part of the reason this chapter took so long was because I was working on 2 fics at once.

Here is Chapter 4 of my Bad Batch fic Our Love

Warnings: TW childhood O66 trauma (some O66 trauma in general), LONG (sorry I really couldn’t cut it down more than I already have), OC jedi characters, POV changes

Bad Batch Our Love

Chapter 4–Guns For Hire

Words: 11,556

3rd POV

The Havoc Marauder drops out of Hyperspace, facing a large beige planet.

“We are on approach to Saleukami,” Tech announces. Hunter’s holding Maisy while the two older kids walk into the cockpit. Omega stares out the window to watch the planet slowly grow in size as they approach. Hunter shifts Maisy to his left arm and walks into the cockpit with Wrecker following. The Youngling turns her head from tucked into Hunter’s neck to looking out the window curiously at the approaching planet.

“So Rex knew this guy from the war?” Wrecker asks.

“He did not say,” Tech answers, “just that it’s someone he trusts.”

“If Rex trusts him, so do I,” Hunter says.

Tech flies the ship through the planet’s atmosphere and eventually drops below the cloud line. A sudden beeping get’s Tech’s attention.

“We’re running low on fuel,” the pilot alerts. Wrecker turns and finds the case the squad keeps their credits in and opens it to find a few credits.

“Uuhhh…you think we’d have enough to refuel with this?” Wrecker asks, showing Hunter the scarce amount of money they have. The sergeant sighs.

“Let’s worry about that after we meet Rex’s contact,” Hunter says.

Tech flies over fields and jagged mountains before spotting farmland in the distance. He lands the ship out of the way.

“Why did we land so far away? The home is way over there-“ Omega asks.

“No need to draw attention to Rex’s contact. He’s obviously out here to hide,” Tech explains as he powers the ship down.

“C’mon, let’s get going,” Hunter says. The others nod. Wrecker reaches out to Wyyntrr and the albino Wookiee padawan takes the demolitions expert’s hand.

Tech opens the bay door and walks out first. Hunter follows and sets Maisy down. The girl blinks at the dry dirt that moves with each of her steps. Being from Coruscant, Maisy’s never seen nature. Even Kamino amazed her with the endless amount of water. Omega walks out and squints as her eyes adjust. She sees Maisy messing with the dirt and pushes her own foot into it, making small dust clouds and a light trail in the ground. The older girl giggles before picking some dirt up with her hand.

“What is this?” Omega asks curiously, letting the dirt sift through her fingers.

“That would be dirt,” Tech answers factually.

“It’s amazing!” Omega exclaims. Because he’s blind, Wyyntrr allows himself to really feel how loose the dry dirt is, how it feels almost powdery. He smells it. He does try to taste it and ends up roaring a bit and rubbing his tongue with his hands.

“Wai-“ Wrecker tries to tell the Wookiee but it’s too late so he grabs his canteen and offers it to the Padawan, who takes a drink to get the taste out of his mouth.

“C’mon, let’s get going. We’re about 2 klicks away,” Hunter says, getting the kids’ attention.

Omega’s POV

Hunter leads the way as Tech follows close behind and us behind him with Wrecker bringing up the rear. I’m holding Maisy’s hand and since she’s walking between me and the Wookiee, she’s also holding his hand. I let a small smile appear on my lips as I look fondly at the 2 Jedi. Despite having a Jedi be in charge of the clone army, I never got to know the Jedi, not really. I was kept in Nala Se’s private research lab. Over the years I got to know who the clones were and I learned that they all knew the Jedi because the clones served with them. The only ones that didn’t know the Jedi’s were the clones stationed on Kamino either as security or maintenance clones, but even then, they would occasionally see Master Shaak Ti. That was the only Jedi I knew of until…well until that fateful moment on Kamino when I met Master Jaeruho and Maisy.

The two are quiet and I don’t blame them, after what’s happened. Being Nala Se’s medical assistant I saw my fair share of blood and bone due to various injuries but I’ve also seen how the War has affected the clones’ minds. How the horrors of war have tormented them during the nights. I tried to help them. Nala Se would tell me they weren’t worth it and would be placed on maintenance duty. When I asked why, she would say they were ‘mentally deficient for war’. I can only imagine how Wyyntrr and Maisy are handling seeing such horrors and devastation.

As we walk, I take note of everything, asking an occasional ‘what’s that?’. Wyyntrr sniffs the air and turns his head at the various sounds of wildlife while Maisy trudges along, her head bowed so she’s looking at the ground. She’s sad but…but also…something else. Distant perhaps? No…that’s not the word. Empty. That’s it. An empty sadness. I notice as we walk that I practically pull the Youngling along and I realize she’s only moving because of me…because of us. If we weren’t here-

I suddenly bump into Tech, interrupting my thoughts and I blink.

“Omega-are you ok?” He asks. Wyyntrr looks in my direction, but not Maisy. I nod at the pilot.

“Y-yeah I’m ok, sorry I wasn’t looking where I was going-” I assure him and he nods.

“It’s alright,” Tech says before motioning to keep up and follow.

After almost an hour, we come to a field. The grasses are taller than us, taller than Wrecker even.

“Hunter, if Rex’s contact turns us away-“ Tech tries.

“Tech not now-“ Hunter growls slightly at the pilot. I keep my eyes on the Youngling, but don’t say anything. At least, not yet.

That’s when Hunter suddenly stops and kneels down. Wyyntrr tugs on my arm to get my attention.

“Rrr-rggh-rrgh?” Wyyntrr asks and I frown. I don’t know what he’s saying and when I turn to look at Maisy for an answer like I normally do, I notice she doesn’t seem to even be paying attention. She’s still got that sad, empty look on her face.

“Hunter is tracking,” Tech explains, seemingly catching onto our conversation.

“Each of us have a special enhanced skill. Hunter can sense electromagnetic frequencies, Wrecker is adaptive and strong. I have my exceptional mind and Crosshair has his sharpshooting skills,” Tech explains and I smile. I was there with Nala Se when she created the 4 of them, known then as Experimental Unit 99. I was young, 4 or 5 years old or so and they stayed in the decanting tubes longer than most clones do. I was fascinated by them because they weren’t like the other clones…like me. Unfortunately Nala Se often kept me secluded and isolated away from everyone but herself.

“We’re almost there,” Hunter assures us.

We hear the place before we see it. As we come over a hill, we see a house with animals, kids like us, and two people with them. Before we can do anything, I see the pink one aim a rifle right at us!

“Hunter!-“ I warn but he seems to have caught on when I did because he reaches up and takes off his helmet. The others follow suit and I see the one holding the rifle, put the weapon down.

3rd POV

As Clone Force 99 reaches the hill, the family outside in their front yard spots the group of soldiers. The matriarch of the family, a pink female Twi’lek grabs her rifle and aims to look through the scope, never turning the safety off. She spots armored soldiers but despite the modifications, she recognizes it as clone armor.

“There’s a group of clone soldiers approaching,” she warns.

“Children, inside,” she orders. Without arguing, the two young children, one about Omega and Wyyntrr’s age, and the sibling a few years younger, race inside. The mother watches the approaching soldiers take off their helmets through the scope on her rifle. As the group approaches, she spots children with them! Her eyes widen and she gasps quietly.

“There are children with them,” she alerts and the man raises an eyebrow. Unsual for clones.

“How many?” Her husband asks.

“2…no…3,” she answers before setting her rifle down and her husband nods. Being a clone as well, he knows to stay on guard until he can be sure of his brothers’ intentions.

“Suu-go inside with the children-“ he tells his wife, Suu. The Twi’lek shakes her head, her lekku swishing back and forth lightly.

“No-I’m staying with you Cut. I’m the better shot,” she argues and the man named Cut smirks, nodding.

Clone Force 99 gets close enough that they can make eye contact with Suu and her clone husband, Cut. Hunter motions for the group to stop a good 100 feet away.

“Greetings,” Hunter announces. Cut stands at the ready.

“We’ve come a long way to find you-“ Hunter explains.

“Do you know CT—7567 Captain Rex?” Hunter asks and both husband and wife blink in surprise. The couple exchange a look before Suu nods. Cut returns the gesture and turns back to CF99.

“Approach,” Cut says and the group makes their way up to the home and where the couple who own it stand.

Once they’re close enough, they can get a proper look at each other. Cut sees that despite the differences between Hunter, Wrecker and Tech, they are clones, brothers. Hunter realizes that even though he’s in civilian clothes, the man standing with the pink Twi’lek is a clone.

“Who are you?” Tech asks.

“I could ask you boys the same thing, being on my land,” Cut answers, motioning around.

“What’s a reg doin’ all the way out here?” Wrecker asks. Cut eyes Wrecker at the insulting nickname.

“Who’re you callin’ a ‘reg’? The name’s Cut Lawquane. This is my wife, Suu,” he introduces and CF99 nods at her.

“You know Rex?” Cut asks and Hunter nods.

“He told us to find you because he said you could help us,” Hunter says and puts his right hand on Omega’s shoulder and his left hand on Wyynntrr’s shoulder. Cut looks at the kids. Omega smiles and waves with her free hand, since she’s still holding onto Maisy’s hand. He looks at all of them.

“If you mention Rex, you must have a good reason for being here. C’mon, we can talk inside,” Cut says as Suu opens the door and walks in.

The group follows the couple inside and Cut shuts the door behind them. The couple’s own children are hiding in the kitchen area unseen by the others.

“Who are you?” Cut asks.

“Clone Force 99. Sergeant Hunter and..half my team. Tech, our pilot and Wrecker, the weapons expert,” Hunter introduces. Cut nods and turns to the kids.

“And who are they?” Cut asks, looking at the 3 children with the soldiers.

“This is Omega…she’s a clone like us,” Hunter says, patting the blonde girl’s shoulder. Cut blinks in shock but doesn’t question it. After all the Kaminoans often did what they wanted regarding cloning. Cut looks over at the blind albino Wookiee and the Youngling and sees their beige colored robes. Cut’s eyes widen.

“A-Are they-?” Cut begins to ask.

“Jedi,” Hunter confirms.

“H-How-..How are they alive? Why do you have Jedi kids?” Cut asks all at once.

“Why are you here?” Suu asks, interrupting Cut. Hunter, Tech and Wrecker exchange a look.

“Rex said you could help us. Help us hide from the Empire..and…help us with them,” Hunter answers, glancing at the 3 children he managed to find. Suu sighs and nods once, knowing the clone soldiers are just trying to do what’s right.

“Are you hungry? We were just about to start dinner-“ Suu offers. Wrecker smiles and stands, ready to start helping.

“We don’t wanna impose-“ Hunter says, giving Wrecker a look.

“We don’t turn guests away, do we kids?” Cut announces and that’s when his 2 children walk in, revealing themselves. Omega’s eyes widen and Wyyntrr turns his head towards the sounds of soft footsteps.

“Who are you?” The boy asks as his older sister puts a hand on his shoulder.

“Jekk—Shaeeah, these are our guests. Clone Force 99,” Cut explains before turning to the Batch.

“These are our kids, Shaeeah and Jekk,” Cut introduces. Wrecker smiles at the kids. The two half-Twi’lek siblings spot the 3 kids with the group.

“Woah-who’re you? We never see kids around here,” Shaeeah says.

“Omega,” the girl introduces herself.

“This is our brother Wyyntrr and our younger sister Maisy,” Omega continues.

“Come with us,” Shaeeah says, hurrying over to the kids and grabbing Omega’s hand. The female clone looks over at Hunter, who nods in approval.

“C’mon,” Omega says and Wyyntrr nods. When Maisy makes no attempt to move, Omega gently puts a hand on her shoulder and guides the Youngling along. Shaeeah and Jekk lead the way up the stairs leaving the adults to talk.

Tech’s POV

I watch our kids follow the two siblings upstairs before turning back to see Cut looking at us seriously.

“So, you boys know Rex, but he’s not with you?” Cut asks.

“He’s with one of our squad mates back on Coruscant,” Hunter explains.

“Coruscant? Why in stars name is he there?” Cut asks, more caught off guard than anything.

“He’s looking for one of the regs that served with him,” I explain. Cut gives me a look of disdain.

“The hell is a ‘reg’?” He asks.

“A regular clone, not like us,” I explain. Cut chuckles humorlessly.

“I got news for ya buddy. It doesn’t matter how special you think you are. You’re just like me to the Jedi, to those Kaminoan long-necked bastards, to this new ‘Galactic Empire’, to everyone else,” Cut says.

“We didn’t exactly fit in on Kamino,” I argue back.

“That’s good,” Cut says.

“It is?” Wrecker asks and he nods.

“You wanna put being soldiers behind you if you wanna have those kids with you,” Cut explains.

“That’s the thing,” Hunter says, interrupting.

“We think that they deserve to have a normal childhood but if we’re all they’ve got, then we have to be what they need,” Hunter explains.

“We tried going to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, that’s when our squad member and Rex split from us. We saw no sign of any Jedi besides Padawan Wyyntrr,” I add.

“We couldn’t just leave a kid there in all that destruction and death. Plus we’d already had Maisy and Omega with us,” Hunter says.

“What’s one more if they need help,” Wrecker agrees. Cut nods.

“You’re good men, but raising kids is different than fighting clankers. What exactly is your plan?” Cut asks and I look to Hunter, unsure of that answer myself.

“We have to go back for our sniper. He…he was separated from us because of his inhibitor chip,” Hunter explains and I nod in agreement. We don’t leave our own behind. It’s rule 1.

“But we need a safe place to hold up for the kids before we head back to Kamino,” I add and Cut nods.

“Hmph, well I would recommend settling here but…things are different now that the Empire has formed. Clone troopers show up in town almost every day now,” Cut warns.

“It’s getting late, we should get the kids settled for bed,” Suu says and her husband nods. I hadn’t paid close attention but I look at my datapad and see it’s nearly midnight. I’m not used to accommodating children so when Cut and Suu look to us, silently asking who will come help with the kids, I look instantly to Hunter and Wrecker.

It’s not that I do not like children, I am just…unused to them. I do not like interacting with most outside of my squad anyways. But I would never have done what Crosshair did on Kaller. No…no it wasn’t Crosshair. It couldn’t have been. I must believe he has been manipulated by the inhibitor chip…by the Kaminoans. Out of all of them, Nala Se had the most interaction with us as cadets. I hated her. I hated her calm tone that lied every time she said ‘it will be alright’. I hated how she watched us with her cold, unfeeling eyes. We weren’t children or even people to her. We were objects, military property. But she always instilled in us that we were not like the regs. The other clones were disposable. We were special. But she still treated us the same way as she did the other clones. Cut’s words from earlier ring in my mind. It doesn’t matter how special you think you are, you’re a clone like me…to everyone else.

Meanwhile…

3rd POV

Crosshair feels like he’s been waiting an eternity for Cody to return. The sniper’s pain is matched by the fear of whatever this is being permanent. Crosshair’s eyes snap open when he hears the door open. He turns his head to look and he sighs with relief when he sees Cody.

“I got the scanner,” Cody confirms, limping inside since his leg is still injured. Crosshair tries sitting up, but he winces in pain and Cody notices.

“Hey-hey easy-easy, don’t strain yourself-“ Cody says as he pushes Crosshair back down gently.

The sniper opens his eyes and sees the commander looking at him with concern.

“You…you came back for me,” Crosshair says weakly. Cody smirks.

“O’course I did. I said I’d come back for…you,” Cody’s words trail off when he sees tears form in the corners of Crosshair’s eyes and spill out down his cheeks.

“Crosshair? Is it the pain?” Cody asks, clearly concerned.

“He left me,” Crosshair rasps out, barely above a whisper.

“Who?” Cody asks.

“Hunter…the others…they left me on Kamino,” Crosshair says, his hand coming up to rub his temple.

Cody frowns. That’s not like Hunter. Not like any of CF99. There had to be more to it than that but Cody knows not to question or push the topic right now.

“Ok, I need you to stay still,” Cody instructs and Crosshair makes a noise of understanding before laying motionless on the worn mattress. Cody turns the scanner on and points it at the sniper. A blue light coats Crosshair’s head and the scanner makes a whirring noise. After a moment passes, the device beeps twice and the light shuts off.

“Hmm, I’m not detecting any sort of mechanical chip of any kind…wait…there appears to be severe scarring on your cerebellum and basal ganglia. It looks like nerve damage caused by electrical pulses so harsh it altered your brain chemistry,” Cody explains. Crosshair’s eyes widen.

“I…I remember Nala Se taking me…She…tested on me. She said she took out the inhibitor chip to test a new procedure,” the sniper remembers. Cody frowns angrily. He hated the Kaminoans as much as any other clone, but the commander formed a bond with Clone Force 99 and thought of them the same way he thought of the 212th and even General Kenobi. He knew CF99 didn’t feel the same way about the other clones, stars knows why, but Cody knew they would eventually see the truth and return for Crosshair.

“Uh oh,” Cody says.

“What?” Crosshair can’t help but growl frustratedly.

“I..I think the damage is permanent,” Cody admits and at first, Crosshair doesn’t say anything. After a pause, Crosshair sighs.

“There are transcranial magnetic stimulation therapies that might help and there are some numbing bacta patches you can try,” Cody reads off the scanner, but Crosshair’s not even paying attention to the 212th commander. Ever since Kaller, Crosshair was angry with Hunter, with the sergeant’s choices. But leaving the sniper behind on Kamino was the last straw.

“Commander?” Crosshair asks and Cody looks at him.

“If I don’t return with Clone Force 99, would I be reassigned?” The sniper asks.

“What? I…I suppose if you wanted, unless you want to be stuck with me,” Cody smirks but turns serious rather quickly.

“Why do you ask?” Cody asks. Cody knew all the members of the Bad Batch pretty well and out of everyone Crosshair was the most severe and unyielding, until you got to know him, that is. Then Crosshair is a playful joker full of sarcasm with a slight competitive streak, but he hardly ever really opened up to reveal his true thoughts and feelings.

“I think our paths have changed. I felt it on Kaller when Order 66 went out,” Crosshair explains and Cody’s expression darkens slightly. Being on Utapau with General Kenobi, Cody felt a loss of control he’d never experienced before. The marshal commander wasn’t himself. Ever since Utapau, Cody’s felt a sort of guilt that eats away at him.

“Do you…do you regret what happened?” Cody asks carefully. Crosshair turns his head gently to look at Cody in the eye.

“I followed orders and it feels like I’ve been punished for it ever since. Hunter and the others betrayed me. Nala Se tortured me and my new ‘boss’ hates clones. But not following orders was worse,” Crosshair explains, motioning to his head, indicating the pain.

“So…what’s your plan now? You still angry with Hunter?” Cody asks.

“I was, back on Kamino,” Crosshair admits

“You’re not now?”

“I’m upset with him…disappointed in him…but I’m not angry anymore. After I get this pain under control, I have to find Hunter,” Crosshair explains.

“Try and get some rest. I’ll reach out and see if I can find out anything about Clone Force 99,” Cody says.

“Thanks Commander,” the sniper replies quietly and Cody smiles slightly at Crosshair, glad that Crosshair knows he can trust someone outside of his squad.

Back on Kamino…

3rd POV

Nala Se walks through the sterile white halls, passing clone troopers and cadets, not really paying attention to any of them. Her mind is only on Omega and the Jedi Youngling. She couldn’t confirm it yet but the Kaminoan chief scientist was almost certain that Omega met the Jedi during Order 66.

The Kaminoan Prime Minister, Lama Su, gave Nala Se ownership of Master Jaeruho’s lightsaber since he was killed, however it does not power on and she cannot figure out how to open it, figuring the weapon to be useless (which it is since Youngling Maisy has the kyber crystal that was inside).

Nala Se makes her way to Lama Su’s office and presses the entry button on the console pad. The door beeps before opening with a quiet whooshing sound.

“Prime Minister,” Nala Se addresses.

“Yes Mistress Se?”

“I would like to request permission to retrieve Omega,” Nala Se says. At first Lama Su doesn’t say anything, pondering the scientists’ request.

“You have an unnecessary attachment to the young clone,” Lama Su says.

“Omega…is important for my cloning research,” Nala Se explains but Lama Su gives her a knowing look. He didn’t miss how Nala Se dressed Omega to look like her, how he kept her secluded from the other clones.

“She is an unaltered genetic copy of the donor, Jango Fett. Since Alpha’s disappearance, Omega is our last chance to acquire pure DNA since all other specimens have degraded,” Nala Se finishes.

“Hmm…make sure the girl is unharmed when you have her returned. Once you have extracted what you need, kill her…and the Jedi with her,” Lama Su adds. Nala Se’s bulbous eyes widen slightly, unaware that the Prime Minister knew of the Youngling’s existence.

“Do you understand?” He asks and Nala Se nods. As the chief scientist turns to walk out, she spots a datapad on the Prime Minister’s desk and sees it’s security camera footage of Clone Force 99 with Omega and the Jedi Youngling escaping CT-9904 in a hangar.

Nala Se heads back to her private laboratory before turning on her datapad. She turns on the holo-recording and finds the contact information she had in mind when first making the request to Lama Su. It powers on, bathing the female Kaminoan in a blue light. The hologram beeps to life to reveal the helmeted figure of a female.

“I have an assignment for you,” Nala Se says.

“Send the information and half the payment up front,” the figure’s distorted voice replies. Nala Se nods and searches for a private tracking beacon on her datapad. Only one channel comes up and she clicks on it. Sector J-19. The Kaminoan scientist sends the information and half the payment to her mysterious contact.

“You must retrieve and deliver the target alive and unharmed,” Nala Se instructs.

“Do whatever you must to bring her back,” Nala Se says of Omega.

“Understood,” the bounty hunter replies and the transmission ends. The sound of a floating medical droid approaches.

“Mistress Se, I have completed all routine tasks-“ the droid, AZI says. Unbeknownst to Nala Se, Lama Su also reaches out to a contact of his own, offering a substantial reward. Knowing about Nala Se’s relationship with Omega, the Prime Minister bugged the medical droid and told him to befriend the young female clone so he could get close to Nala Se.

“Go to your power station and recharge. I will power you on when I need you,” the Kaminoan head scientist instructs and the medic droid floats out obediently.

Meanwhile, on Saleukami…

3rd POV

The sun crests over the horizon signaling daybreak. Almost all of the kids are all asleep in the upstairs loft with bedding laid all about the floor. The only one awake is Youngling Maisy. The slight dark half circles under her eyes seem prominent now. She can still feel the intense sadness of everything from Master Jaeruho’s death to finding Padawan Wyyntrr in the destroyed Jedi Temple. Every time she closes her eyes she’s back on Kamino with Master Jaeruho. She doesn’t know what’s going on and before she knows it she’s with Omega because her master was killed. Her eyes fill with tears at the thought of Master Jaeruho. The only thing Maisy has of him is his kyber crystal.

Maisy hears her laughter along with Jaeruho’s light chuckle in her head, but it’s so loud, it could be real.

“Why do we have to go to Kamino Master? I wanna stay at the Temple,” Maisy hears her own voice.

“It’s important to get to know the clones. They are our greatest allies, even more so than the Senate. They are brave, strong and above all, loyal,” Jaeruho’s voice echoes in the Youngling’s mind. She didn’t realize how much she missed hearing Jaeruho’s voice. Maisy was so focused on Jaeruho’s voice that she misses the warm tears spilling down her cheeks. The fear of being alone starts to return.

Because fear is such a powerful emotion, Wyyntrr can actually feel Maisy in his sleep. He wakes up and hears quiet sniffling that turns into whimpering.

“Maisy?” He asks as quiet as he can. The Youngling gasps and turns to see Wyyntrr, sitting up, looking in her direction, worry all over his face.

“Are you ok?” Wyyntrr asks and at first the Youngling doesn’t reply. Sensing the conflict and fear in the little girl, Wyyntrr moves and hurries over to her. Once he places a pale pink hand on the Youngling’s shoulders, she starts to cry.

“I hear him…I hear him so clearly. It’s him, I promise-“ the Youngling insists, clinging to the blind albino Wookiee. He picks the little girl up a bit so he can hold her properly.

“I…I know. I believe you,” Wyyntrr says, running his fingers through the little girl’s wild, thick, shaggy hair.

“You…you do?” Maisy sniffs, looking up at Wyyntrr as she wipes the tears out of her eye. The albino Wookiee nods hesitantly.

“My master…I hear her too, in my dreams,” Wyytrr explains. The two Jedi children sit together. Maisy cries into his chest, gripping his white fur tightly but not pulling or hurting the blind Wookiee.

Omega’s POV

I stir from a dreamless sleep, hearing soft whimpering and sniffling. I yawn and blink my eyes open. Beams of light shine through the cloth covering the window, lighting up the room. I look around and spot Wyyntrr and Maisy sitting on the floor. The Wookiee is holding the little girl as she cries and I’m suddenly awake and alert. I crawl along the floor almost silently since the Twi’lek siblings are still sleeping. As I get within arms length, I see Wyyntrr turn his head towards me.

“Should I get Hunter?” I ask quietly. Wyyntrr looks down at Maisy and I see the little girl’s grip tighten slightly. The white Wookiee turns back to me and shakes his head silently.

“Are you sure?” I ask and he nods confidently. I’m unsure of what to do when I see Wyyntrr shift and move over slightly, but enough to make room for me. I move and sit with them. Wyyntrr and I lean against each other so I can wrap my arm around his side and use the other to rub soothing circles on Maisy’s back.

After Maisy manages to calm down, Shaeeah and Jekk also wake up and I suggest going downstairs. I follow Shaeeah and Jekk down the stairs with Maisy next to me and Wyyntrr behind us. He holds onto the rail for support but otherwise has no trouble.

Once we’re downstairs, I see the adults are already awake and conversing.

“Good morning you guys. Did you sleep ok?” Cut greets happily. Before me or Wyyntrr can answer, Maisy suddenly takes a step towards them.

“Yes, thank you,” she insists, giving the nice couple a respectful bow of thankfulness. I see that Cut and Suu seem to take Maisy at her word but I do see Hunter inspect the little girl’s face.

“We have breakfast ready,” Suu says and motions for us to sit at the table. I take a seat between Hunter and Maisy while Wyyntrr takes the Youngling’s other side, next to Wrecker and the Lawquane siblings.

3rd POV

As Suu and Cut serve the table, Hunter gets the group’s attention.

“I’ve decided to go into town so we can refuel and resupply but then we have to leave,” the sergeant says.

“Leave? And go where?” Omega asks as Suu places a bowl of sliced fruit in front of her. The young female clone nods her thanks before happily digging in.

“We’ll…figure it out. We need to hide…but also earn credits,” Hunter answers slowly. Wyyntrr roars with concern and Tech puts his goggles down to translate.

“Echo and Rex have our comm channel. They’ll reach out once they find the…trooper they’re looking for,” Tech explains and earns a small nod from Cut at the omission of the derogatory nickname ‘reg’. Suu gently touches Wyyntrr’s shoulder to get his attention and he glances in her direction.

“Here, if you don’t like it we have meat and bread-“ Suu says. Wyyntrr shakes his head and happily digs into the food, earning a smile from the matriarch.

Hunter watches the kids eat. Wyyntrr eats everything with gusto and licks his bowl clean, ignoring his utensils altogether. Omega uses her fork to take out the pieces she does not like but otherwise eats happily. That’s when he looks at Maisy. She’s taking multiple bites off the same chunk of fruit and eating slowly. Hunter frowns and Cut notices. Hunter gives him a ‘help me’ look and Cut nods his head at the Youngling.

“Uhm, y-you kids wouldn’t be interested in coming with me into town would you?” Hunter suggests. Omega gasps excitedly.

“Can we?!” She asks and he nods.

“Yes!” Omega exclaims and Wyyntrr roars happily before the two older kids high-five.

“Sure. Since you’re our kids now we need things you need,” Hunter adds reasonably when Tech looks at him.

“What do you think Maisy? Do you wanna come with us? You can pick something for yourself,” Hunter bargains when he sees the Youngling has little interest in eating much less in going somewhere. Wrecker frowns worriedly when the Youngling sighs.

“Ok,” she mumbles, picking at the uneaten fruit. Wrecker and Tech share a concerned look.

The kids finish up and while they get ready, Hunter nudges Cut’s bicep.

“Hey, you got a minute?” Hunter whispers. The farmer blinks but nods and follows the sergeant outside out of earshot.

“It’s clear Maisy stayed up all night. She’s been having trouble sleeping ever since the Jedi were killed,” Hunter explains.

“I don’t know what to do to help her-“ Hunter says.

“Well the market trip will do her some good, get her focused on something else. Here. Get the kids something they want, on me,” Cut says, handing Hunter a small pouch heavy with credits.

“No-I can’t-you and your family have already done so much for us-“ Hunter argues.

“Take it. So you don’t have to worry about money,” Cut insists and Hunter nods.

“Thanks,” Hunter replies.

The others meet Hunter and Cut outside.

“Wanna come with us?” Omega asks Shaeeah and Jekk.

“Sorry, they’ll have to start packing up,” Cut tells the girl. Maisy’s holding onto her necklace pendant that used to be Omega’s head circlet until the female clone gifted it to the Youngling when she was scared as they entered the Lower Levels of Coruscant.

“Ready?” Hunter asks.

“Ready! Rrrggh!“ Omega and Wyyntrr respond. Maisy nods firmly.

“Mm-hmm,” she agrees. Hunter smiles and nods.

“When we come back we’ll get you and your family to a nearby spaceport,” Hunter tells Cut.

“Sounds good,” the farmer replies and the group heads into the village.

As they walk along the path, Hunter makes sure to instill the rules into each of the kids.

“Rule 1: Stay in our sights at all times. Rule 2: Don’t steal, if you want something, ask us,” Hunter says and Tech nods.

“Within reason,” the pilot adds.

“Rule 3: Uhh…Actually—I guess that’s it for all 3 of you. But Rule 1 is very important,”Hunter says before turning to Tech and nodding.

“Right. Omega, here is an extra comm device. It used to be Crosshair’s but we can still use it,” Tech says, strapping the device to the young clone’s right forearm.

“Wow! I get my own comm device?! I’ll keep good track of it” Omega says excitedly.

“We’ll look for one for you too Wyyntrr,” Tech says and Wyyntrr nods. Hunter glances at them and steps towards Maisy. He frowns when he feels a familiar pulse in his head. The pulsing isn’t painful and it’s so faint, the sergeant wonders if it’s real at first. Hunter knows the stronger the pulsing gets, the stronger the electromagnetism is. He glances around but that’s when he feels it strongest coming from Maisy! Hunter sees the Youngling holding something.

“Whatchya got there?” He asks as they approach the outskirts of the village.

“Omega gave it to me,” Maisy says and shows him the head circlet the Youngling now wears as a necklace.

“She said it’ll protect me,” the Youngling adds.

“It’s true,” Omega says. At first Hunter is unfamiliar with the symbol but…there’s something about it. Something connected to the pulsing!

“Can I see that for a second?” He asks, getting the others’ attention. Maisy blinks and looks at Omega, clearly not wanting to but Omega nods encouragingly. Maisy takes a breath before nodding at Hunter and removes the necklace. The Youngling hands it over to the sergeant and he feels the pulsing get stronger slightly. He inspects it and at first it appears to be made of stone but Hunter realizes it’s just the way the metal is. He feels all around it until he spots and almost invisible seam on the back of it. Hunter’s dark eyes widen.

“Tech, can you open this?” Hunter asks. Tech blinks, looking up from his datapad and adjusts his goggles.

“Let me see,” Tech replies and takes the object. After a few seconds, Tech manages to open the back of the necklace pendant and his eyes widen.

“Hunter-“ Tech warns and tosses it back to the leader of the squad. Hunter gasps quietly when he sees a small red beeping light on a tracker! He takes it out and stomps on the small electrical device, crushing it.

“Let’s not take too long here. We have to get back to Cut and Suu’s as soon as possible,” Hunter orders and the others nod. Unbeknownst to Clone Force 99, two different ships have arrived, both also unaware of each other.

Meanwhile on Dantooine…

3rd POV

Cody manages to use one of his contacts he got during the War to find out that Clone Force 99 was last seen on Coruscant.

“Coruscant? Why? Hunter can hardly stand it-“ Crosshair says, reliving a memory involving Hunter’s constant complaining their first trip to the giant city-planet as he sits up, no longer in such pain.

“I’m not sure. From what I understand, they’ve left already,” Cody explains.

“I have to return to Kamino with my new squad. We completed our mission and they’re waiting for me,” the sniper explains. Cody nods.

“Here, I’ve already got my personal comm channel programmed in. It’ll reach me and only me,” Cody says, handing Crosshair the small device.

“How do you feel now?” Cody asks and Crosshair nods.

“Not too bad. I’m not too sure what brings the pain. I completed my mission on Ankus and I still felt it,” Crosshair says.

“Maybe it’s more of a symptom of your trauma rather than a trigger response,” Cody says and the sniper looks at him.

“Thanks to my datapad I’m as smart as Tech,” Cody chuckles, reading word for word. While the commander does know first aid, it’s really just the basics.

“I have to get back to my shuttle and go back to Ankus,” Crosshair says and Cody nods.

“I’m going to find Rex. I know he’s out there somewhere. I have to tell him about these inhibitor chips,” Cody says and Crosshair nods.

“Thank you for helping me Commander…You didn’t have to,” Crosshair says.

“‘Course I did. You’re my brother. Also no offense but I don’t think you’d be good at getting this chip outta me. I don’t trust whatever Nala Se did to you. But once I do get the chip out, I’ll come back for you-“ Cody says.

“No. I’m going to confront Hunter after my new squad and I report back to Kamino. Whatever happens after, it’s on him,” Crosshair interrupts.

“You have my comm channel,” Cody says and the sniper nods, an action that no longer hurts to do. He pats the pouch he shoved it in to affirm to the commander before vigorously shaking forearms in a brotherly way.

“Don’t die,” Cody tells him with a smirk

“You too,” Crosshair replies, returning the smirk.

Crosshair leaves the small hut at the end of the path and heads back to the shuttle he took. Once he’s inside, he plots the coordinates to Ankus in the hyperdrive before turning on his helmet transceiver.

“ES-03 respond,” Crosshair announces and at first there’s no response.

“Squad leader ES-03 respond now,” the sniper says.

“This is ES-03, sir, where are you?” The response answers.

“I’m on my way back now. Be sure to set up a perimeter around the area before loading the return ship. I will send rendezvous coordinates shortly,” Cross says.

“Yes sir,” ES-03 responds before the sniper shuts off the comms. Crosshair inputs the coordinates just outside of Ankus and transmits them to his squad. The sniper powers the shuttle on and flies off Dantooine and switches the hyperdrive on. The ship zips into hyperspace with a whoosh. The sniper watches the stars turn streaky before it looks like a swirling blue, purple and black tunnel. Crosshair sighs and shuts his eyes, letting the ship fly itself.

Back on Saleukami…

Tech’s POV

As we wander through the small village market, I tap away on my datapad. I do have to keep track of the conversation between Omega and Padawan Wyyntrr so the girl can understand him and I make a note to start teaching Omega Shyriiwook. There are other dialects called Thykarann and Xaczik as well but Wyyntrr speaks Shyriiwook.

“He’s been to a planet like this with his Jedi Master once. He says it’s easy to get distracted,” I explain to Omega when he keeps a good pace but still holds Omega’s hand.

I try and find out who knows about the tracking device inside Omega’s head circlet. It could be Nala Se. After all it matches the one she wears. It could be Lama Su, the Prime Minister…hell, it could’ve been his idea and her handiwork. That’s when Hunter stops and looks around.

“What is it?” I ask. After looking for a moment, he shakes his head.

“I thought something was following us,” Hunter explains but when I use my visor to scan the area, I see nothing out of the ordinary.

“I don’t see anything,” I say and he nods.

“Neither do I. But stay vigilant,” Hunter tells me quietly and I nod at him.

As we walk past a stall, I see Maisy stop walking.

“Guys-“ I say and the others stop now as well. I watch as the little girl approaches and steps inside. The warm yellow light illuminates the stall and I see it’s more of a curios shop. Bits and bobs for everything from droids to weapons and even prosthetics and ships too line the shop. There’s also information stored on different things from data rods to holodiscs on the front counter that the shopkeeper is sitting behind. I also see things like paint, glue and even some toys.

“Hello, what can I help you all with today?” The shopkeeper asks as everyone looks around. Omega sees a sharp drill tool and reaches for it but Echo stops her, catching her hand by her wrist and shakes his head.

“Do you sell comm devices?” Hunter asks.

“‘Course I do. Built up a collection of ‘em over the years,” the shopkeeper says and pulls out a box full of different comms.

“C’mere kid, let’s see if one fits ya,” Hunter says as he pats the blind Wookiee’s shoulder gently. I help out and glance at Wrecker and then look at the girls. He notices my face and nods.

Wrecker’s POV

I watch Wyyntrr approach as Hunter starts sifting through the box. I see Tech look at me then at the girls and I see he wants to help so I nod at him, letting him know I’ll keep watch over the girls. I turn and see Omega and Maisy going through the 2 shelves of toys.

“Did you have toys on Kamino?” Maisy asks. Omega thinks.

“Not really but I’d seen soldiers that come back from the war front with personal items that meant something to them,” Omega explains and I can’t help the frown that forms on my face. Even I had Lula. While it was…unusual to have Lula, I was free to keep her with me. Not even Omega had a toy.

“You said earlier the Jedi Masters have all the toys for you?” Omega asks and Maisy nods.

“They keep them for us. The Masters say that getting attached leads to bad things,” Maisy explains. I frown. What a weird concept to teach to kids, especially ones as young as Maisy. Though I suppose from an outsider’s perspective our own rituals and morals might seem weird.

“Look! This one’s so cool!” Omega says, reaching over and picking something out on the lowest shelf. Once she brings it out I can see it’s a metal wind-up clapping monkey toy. Omega hands it over to Maisy and the little girl takes it curiously. She looks at it before tapping the head, making it bobble. The Youngling twists the key on the back before letting it go on the ground. The toy’s eyes light up red and it claps as it walks forward in a relatively straight line. I hear Maisy gasp quietly and awe at it.

“Wizard,” the Youngling gasps in amazement. I smile and kneel down to the girls but still tower over them.

“Do you like it? We can get it,” I tell Maisy. She blinks.

“A-Are you sure?” She asks me and I nod.

“Sure! What about you Omega? See anything you like?” I ask.

“We have Lula, I’m ok,” Omega answers and I smile and nod.

3rd POV

Tech manages to find a comm device at the bottom of the box that fits the blind albino Wookiee’s wrist. He feels the device on him.

“Is it too tight?” Tech asks in Shyriiwook and Wyyntrr shakes his head. As the others talk, Wyyntrr manages to hear a slight ticking sound buried under the talking and rummaging. He turns his head and and uses his hearing to locate the object. Wyyntrr reaches over to a shelf just a bit taller than him and feel around before his eyes widen. He feels a round metallic device vibrate with each ticking sound. Wyyntrr grabs the object and feels it with both pale pink hands.

“It’s a stopwatch,” Tech tells him.

“Rrrghh-Raaggh-rrggh?” the Wookiee asks happily.

“Of course you can have it,” Wrecker answers immediately. The Padawan smiles and looks in Maisy’s direction, who smiles back at him.

“Look at mine—it’s a monkey toy-“ Maisy tells him. Tech taps Hunter to get his attention and motions to the kids.

“We’ll take the comm device and the toys,” Hunter says to the shopkeeper.

“Ok that’ll be 75 credits,” he says and Hunter looks to Tech, silently asking if it’s a fair price. Tech nods slightly.

“Thanks,” the shopkeeper says as Hunter hands him the credits.

“C’mon let’s keep going,” the sergeant says, herding the others out.

Hunter is busy leading the group down the busy street. Tech is busy setting up Wyyntrr’s new comm device so Wrecker is making sure the kids stay together and keep up. As they walk, Hunter feels that familiar sense again so he has the group turn down a side street. They cross the street and keep walking when Tech suddenly points out a shop nearby that sells a more varied selection of ship parts.

“Wait outside while we get what we need,” Hunter tells Wrecker and the kids. The demolitions expert nods.

“You got it boss,” Wrecker says and Hunter follows Tech inside. Wrecker watches Omega and Wyyntrr run around while Maisy looks around curiously. Wrecker smiles at the Youngling. At least the Youngling’s not so sad looking like she was before, Wrecker thinks to himself.

As he makes sure Maisy doesn’t wander too far, Wrecker is unaware of a pair of eyes watching him. Wyyntrr suddenly pauses and turns his head to where he thinks he’s being watched. Omega looks where the Padawan is facing.

“Wrecker?” Omega asks, getting his attention. She points when she spots the pair of amber eyes looking at them. The figure is wearing a wide brimmed metal domed hat. At first he’s alone until a second pair of eyes appear. Out of the shadows walks a large canine creature called an anooba. It growls menacingly and Wrecker grabs his blaster.

“Who is that?” Omega asks, pointing at the figure. The figure makes an order in his native alien language that no one understands, so when they stand still, he orders his canine to attack. Omega gasps.

“Move!” Wyyntrr exclaims and tackles Omega out of the way. The two scramble to their feet as Hunter races out armed and ready. The sergeant examines the situation and sees Wrecker firing on an animal as Omega keeps pulling Wyyntrr back. Hunter glances over and sees Maisy hiding in a different area. Wrecker fires off 3 stun bolts, all missing the animal. It races closer and closer to Wrecker before leaping right at him! The anooba latches on to Wrecker’s forearm so thank goodness he wears armor.

Hunter aims at the animal and is about to fire when Wrecker’s moving makes it hard. Tech races out and starts trying to distract the animal. While trying to free Wrecker, Hunter is too busy to notice the helmeted figure approaching Maisy, who’s hiding behind a stack of trashed crates. The Youngling watches the chaos when she spots the Kyuzo approach Omega and Wyyntrr. Maisy tries to call out to the older kids when a hand suddenly comes up to cover her mouth, silencing her! Maisy’s eyes widen and she starts fighting when another arm comes to wrap under her arms and pick her up. The Youngling wriggles and writhes, dropping her clapping monkey toy, but the hands have a grip of steel. The mysterious helmeted figure pulls out a tranquilizer and jabs the Youngling’s neck. In no time at all, Maisy goes limp and passes out.

Wrecker manages to toss the animal off him and Tech fires, stunning the beast twice when the first shot didn’t fully stop it but that’s when it’s owner grabs his hat and throws it at Wrecker, knocking him out due to the strong metal material it’s made out of. It ricochets off the demolitions expert and heads towards Hunter, but he blocks it. When the sergeant tosses the hat/shield down, the Kyuzo suddenly fires at Hunter hitting his shoulder!

“Gah!” The sergeant growls in pain, falling to the ground.

“Hunter!” Tech exclaims. Tech tries to get to Hunter, but the immediate fire forces Tech to take cover behind a street light. Omega gasps and when she tries to go to the sergeant herself, Wyyntrr yanks her back just in time for a blaster bolt to whizz by the young clone’s face! He roars and shakes his head.

“Stay down! Don’t come out!” Tech orders to the kids. Hunter struggles but manages to get up. He rotates his shoulder in a circle to try an get rid of the pain since his pauldron blocked most of the bolt from doing too much damage. The Kyuzo pins Hunter down and talks to him. Due to his strange alien language, Tech uses his visor to translate and his eyes widen in realization.

“He’s after the children!” Tech warns, panic seeping into his tone.

“Bounty hunter!” The sergeant exclaims and kicks him in the stomach, sending the bounty hunter stumbling back. Hunter fights unarmed, exchanging blows with the bounty hunter.

While the two fight Tech manages to get to Wrecker and examine him. Once the pilot determines there are no crucial or fatal injuries, he starts shaking Wrecker.

“Wrecker wake up!” Tech snaps when he sees Hunter strike a blow only for it to be returned just as harshly.

Omega takes a breath when she suddenly realizes Maisy was hiding across the street! She gasps when she sees the little girl is nowhere in sight!

“Wyyntrr-where’d Maisy go?!” Omega asks urgently. The blind albino Wookiee shuts his eyes and reaches his hand out, feeling for the Youngling using the Force. He makes the connection and feels the Youngling isn’t anywhere close by. In fact, she’s somewhere on the other side of the village! He shakes his head and Omega’s concern and worry grows. She looks back at the situation and sees Tech managed to wake Wrecker enough to get him to stand. He stumbles a bit and rubs his head where he got hit, still clearly dazed. Meanwhile the bounty hunter’s hound wakes up from it’s stun and targets the two while the bounty hunter and the sergeant of Clone Force 99 brawl openly in the street, earning attention from onlookers.

“We have to find her,” Omega says and the padawan nods in agreement. He grabs Omega’s hand and leads her further into the village.

Wyyntrr senses Maisy and when he does, she can feel the connection through the Force being made, despite being passed out.

“Wyyntrr?! Wyyntrr help!! Help me! Pleeeeease!” The padawan hears Maisy cry out as she sobs.

“Rrraaaghhh!” Wyyntrr roars before starting to run, pulling Omega behind him.

Back near the market, Hunter manages to subdue the Kyuzo bounty hunter before shooting at his anooba hound with live rounds instead of stun bolts. He misses a fatal shot and grazes the creature’s side, making it yelp in pain before tumbling to the ground. The bounty hunter cries out and reaches to the creature, thinking the worse until he hears it whimper in pain. The bounty hunter glares at the sergeant before he swings as hard as he can, punching Hunter in the jaw, knocking the soldier off him. The bounty hunter grabs hold of a smoke grenade before tossing it near Hunter, Tech and Wrecker. It explodes and the bounty hunter grabs his faithful hound and disappears once the smoke dissolves. Hunter looks around and frowns with worry.

“Where are the kids?” He asks Tech urgently, who shakes his head.

“I..I lost them during the fighting after Wrecker was injured-“ Tech admits.

“What?! C’mon!” Hunter exclaims and they start running. Hunter looks around until he spots something on the ground. He runs over and once he gets close, he sees it’s the monkey toy Maisy picked out earlier!

“Let’s go!” Hunter says and follows what little clues there are. Due to the farming nature and limited technology of the small village, there are no computers or cameras to plug into so the group has to rely solely on Hunter’s enhanced skills.

Fennec Shand’s POV

I get to the abandoned hut at the edge of the village and set the kid down against one of the crumbling walls. I use binders and cuff the girl’s wrists together while she stirs. I can tell the sedative is wearing off and soon she’ll be awake. I use a tether to tie the girl to the last support beam holding up the run down hut. I sigh and look at her. Normally I don’t work jobs involving kids but the pay is good. My client, Nala Se the head Kaminoan scientist, said that the little girl with my target, Omega, was to be considered as a Jedi and to take her as well. I look and see how young the girl is. No more than 3 or 4. I’ve never seen a Jedi this young before. She stirs and gasps, her eyes snapping open, clear and alert. She struggles and sees she’s bound with a tether and cuffed at her wrists.

“Take it easy kid-“ I tell her and her dark bright eyes look at me with fear.

“W-Who are you?! Where am I?!“ The little girl demands.

“My name’s not important. All you need to know is that you’ll see the other kids soon enough,” I say.

“W-What? How do you know?”

“I’m using you as bait,” I reply bluntly and her eyes widen.

“Lemme go!!” The little girl snaps, still struggling against her bindings. She attempts to cry out for help so I gag her as well. I knew the older kids would come find this toddler during the fighting. I peek out and that’s when I see my other target, Omega, with an all white Wookiee who appears to be about Omega’s age. He looks in my direction. As he comes this way, pulling Omega with him, I hide up in the rafters.

3rd POV

Across the street Omega looks around as she holds onto Wyyntrr’s hand. He looks over towards a ruined hut on the end of a street that marks the edge of the village. He feels Maisy and points to the hut. Omega nods understandingly and the two hurry over to the dilapidated building. Omega reaches the door panel and presses the entrance button. The door whooshes up and the kids look around. Omega’s eyes widen when she sees Maisy tied up and bound. The Youngling spots them and tears well in her eyes.

“Mmmphf!!! Mmmm-Mmmfph!!” Maisy tries to warn the older kids, but instead they run right to her.

“Maisy! Hold on, we’ll get you out-“ Omega says taking off the gag over Maisy’s mouth.

“Run! It’s a trap!” Maisy insists, but that’s when the door suddenly shuts and Wyyntrr draws his saber instinctively, sensing another presence. The teal color of the blade illuminates the room, allowing Omega to see the tether around the Youngling. That’s when Fennec Shand, the bounty hunter that kidnapped Maisy, leaps down from overhead, forcing Wyyntrr to dive out of the way. He rolls and stands at the ready.

“Rraaaghhh!!! RAAAUUGHHH!” Wyyntrr roars protectively, making sure to stand right in front of Maisy and Omega.

“Jedi…she was right,” the bounty hunter whispers to herself.

“Wyyntrr! Be careful!” Omega calls to him.

“Easy kid, I don’t wanna hurt you. My orders are to take you alive and unharmed if possible,” Fennec tells the Wookiee. Omega manages to get the tether off Maisy but when the young female clone sees the binders she frowns. Metallic locking mechanism. Omega looks around.

“Come with me, we gotta get those things off you,” Omega tells Maisy, who nods and obediently follows the older girl while Wyyntrr keeps the attention of the bounty hunter, having the most combat experience out of the 3 ‘siblings’.

Omega and Maisy slip out of the hut while Wyyntrr fights Fennec, keeping a good distance from her and only being defensive and avoidant. She tries stunning Wyyntrr, but he blocks 2 stun bolts and dodges the 3rd. Wyyntrr uses the Force to pick up Fennec and toss her back into the wall, making the bounty hunter crumple to the floor. She grunts and winces at the daze, shaking her head a bit. Once she blinks and gets to her feet, the blind albino Wookiee is gone.

Wyyntrr managed to catch up with the girls, who found a rusty old speeder across the street. There’s a bag strapped to it so Omega starts sifting through it. Wyyntrr asks a question when he turns in Omega’s direction.

“I’m not sure. Omega, what are you doing?” Maisy asks.

“There’s a first aid kit, credits, a canteen, a scope-Ah! Found it! Tool kit!” Omega says and that’s when the kids hear Fennec break through the broken door across the street.

“Hurry!” Maisy gasps as Omega gets to work on the Youngling’s binders. Omega twists the spanner in her hand before prying open the binders around the little girl’s wrists. They click open and fall to the ground.

“Get on!” Wyyntrr orders, motioning to the speeder. He gets up front with Maisy behind him and Omega behind her so the Youngling is in the middle. Wyyntrr powers it up and while it sputters a couple times, it does hum to life and hover above the ground. Maisy looks and spots the scope in the bag Omega was rummaging through and picks it up. Fennec races towards them and Wyyntrr floors it. He turns and the bounty hunter spots Wyyntrr’s escape route. She grabs an explosive and tosses it forcing the kids to skid, turning harshly. Wyyntrr smirks and raises his middle finger to the bounty hunter, roaring.

“You missed!” Maisy giggles, sticking her tongue out as she looks through the scope at Fennec as they race by. Omega sees what the Wookiee is doing before smirking herself and flashing the same gesture.

Fennec spots the kids on the speeder skidding by as the two older kids flip her off. She grabs a tracking device and attaches it to her rifle before aiming at the speeder and firing. The tracker lands near the base of the speeder, unnoticed by the kids as they speed away laughing.

Hunter’s POV

I race through the village, unable to spot any signs of the kids. Tech’s datapad beeps and I see him adjust his goggles.

“Hunter—there’s been alerts of a fight on the north side,” Tech says.

“The kids,” Wrecker says worriedly but I’ve already taken off at a sprint. We come to a street when the kids suddenly speed right past me, nearly colliding with me!

“GAH!” Omega and Maisy exclaim seeing Hunter run right out in front of them. Wyyntrr swerves out of the way hard enough that Omega and Maisy have to hold onto each other to keep from falling. The Wookiee brakes hard and the bike skids to a stop.

“Hunter! Wrecker! Tech!” Omega exclaims, helping Maisy off the bike by picking the little girl up and setting her down.

“Rrrgh!!!” Wyyntrr roars excitedly, fist-pumping the air. They all run up to me as I spread my arms and kneel down. They collide with my armor and wrap their arms around me and each other.

“Are you kids alright? Are you hurt?” I ask, inspecting each child.

“Wyyntrr and I are ok but Maisy was taken-“ Omega explains and I turn to the Youngling.

“Maisy?” I ask.

“I…I don’t know who it was…but Wyyntrr and Omega…they saved me,” the little girl tells me as her hug tightens. I pick her up and she tucks her head under my jaw. I know we’re being watched, I can feel it. But I ignore the feeling and focus on the kids.

“Let’s get back to the farm,” I tell them and they nod.

3rd POV

As the group of soldiers and children make their way back to the Lawquane farm, Fennec Shand watches them from a nondescript alley, having followed the tracker. Fennec sighs before turning back to where she landed her ship. Once inside the cockpit, Fennec powers the ship on and contacts Nala Se, her client.

“Did you apprehend Omega and the child with her?” Nala Se asks.

“No. The children escaped when another hunter intervened. I tracked them back to Clone Force 99. I could still capture them for you-“ Fennec Shand offers, “but that’ll cost you extra.”

“No. As long as Omega is not captured by Lama Su, she is as safe as she can be,” Nala Se says.

“Then our business is complete. If you have another job, you know how to reach me,” Fennec Shand says, ending the communications.

The group heads back to the farm. Hunter hands Maisy her clapping monkey toy that he found when trying to look for them. When they get back, Hunter quietly explains what happens and helps the Lawquanes pack the last of their essentials.

“We need to get going now,” Cut says and his kids share a worried look.

“Don’t worry. We’ll find a new place, just as nice as this, maybe even nicer,” Suu says.

“But this is our house,” Shaeeah argues sadly.

“Sweetie, a place is not home. Home is your family, the ones that love you. Wherever we go, we’ll be home because we have each other,” Cut says. Omega glances up at Hunter and smiles. The sergeant puts Maisy down and she grabs hold of Wyyntrr’s hand.

“Wrecker, do you mind?” Hunter asks, motioning to the heavy kitchen items. Wrecker nods and the soldiers help carry the family’s belongings, with the demolitions expert grabbing the heaviest things like the box of pots, pans, cups, plates, utensils, etc.

“Get everything outside and I’ll bring the ship by and pick everyone up,” Tech says and Hunter nods.

Tech makes the trek back to the Marauder in no time as Wrecker manages to carry out some of the farm tools from the barn. The sun sets as Tech returns in the ship and helps everyone load up.

As the ship starts moving up, Tech announces to everyone to take a seat as he increases the incline a bit.

“Where are we going?” Jekk asks.

“Somewhere safe,” his mother assures him.

“We know of an Outer Rim world where the Empire would never find you,” Hunter explains from the copilot seat.

“Kowak. It’s near wild space, far out of the Empire’s reach,” Wrecker adds, “we had a mission there during the War.”

The Lawquane family nod.

“We don’t have enough fuel to get you there, but we got you passes on the next shuttle out of Sandori, the nearest spaceport,” Tech says.

“If you think it’s safe for us, then let’s go,” Cut agrees as Tech flies the ship, keeping within the atmosphere.

The ship slows down and Tech opens the doors to drop off the Lawquane family. The kids say their goodbyes and Cut wishes the soldiers luck as they depart onto their shuttle with their things.

Meanwhile, back on Coruscant….

3rd POV

Rex and Echo search the Jedi Temple, being careful of the Coruscant Guard that showed up upon the pair’s return. The 501st Captain watches the boys in red check all the bodies they pass. At first Rex and Echo wonder what’s going on until the Coruscant Guard get to one of the 501st soldiers still barely alive, weakly clinging to life. Echo’s eyes widen when the guard pulls out his blaster and fires, killing the 501st trooper.

“We gotta hurry-“ Echo whispers.

“We’ve checked every area I can think of, I don’t know where else he’d be-“ Rex says quietly. Echo thinks on every room they’ve checked so far (including from earlier when they found Padawan Wyyntrr). Rex and Echo cleared the library, the mess hall, the training rooms, the quarters, and even the council room.

“There is a place we didn’t check yet-“ Rex realizes.

“Where?” Echo asks.

“There’s this place General Skywalker talked about called the Vaults. It’s where the Jedi keep their most valuable information,” Rex explains. Echo nods and uses his scomp to plug in to the map of the Temple.

“Past the east wing near the comms tower. Let’s go,” Echo says and Rex nods.

The pair arrive and see the doors look forced open. They keep on guard and silently, cautiously make their way into the room. It’s destroyed, like the rest of the Temple. At first, there are no bodies, not until they get to the back, where the holochrons are kept. That’s when they hear something. The two 501st soldiers follow the sound and the closer they get, the more it sounds like grunting or someone working or just…someone…someone alive. They approach and see a fellow 501st soldier on his knees. There’s a body of an elderly female he appears to be focused on and even though Echo and Rex do not know this Jedi personally, they’ve heard from Ahsoka that Master Jocasta Nu is in charge of the place in such catastrophic times. The 501st soldier pants a bit with effort as he keeps pumping her chest rhythmically. Rex spots the red marking on the soldier’s pauldron and his heart clenches.

“Kix?” Echo asks for Rex. Echo’s voice rings out and causes the soldier doing chest compressions to stop, frozen in place. He slowly glances back with a horrified look on his face.

“Echo?” He asks looking at the ARC trooper but then he notices Rex just standing, staring at him in shock.

“Rex?” Kix, the 501st medic asks, his hand hovers over his blaster pistol, unsure if he can trust either of them. Rex looks at Kix and that’s when he spots the small scar on the side of the medic’s head.

“Your inhibitor chip is out-“ Rex breathes a sigh of relief. Now Kix looks at them in shock.

“You…you know about the chip?” Kix asks. Rex nods.

“How’d you find out about it?” Rex asks.

“Fives-he-…he came to me when Tup first showed signs,” Kix explains.

“Yours is out too?” The medic asks and the two nod.

“So far it’s only us and the rest of Clone Force 99,” Rex explains and Kix nods before glancing down at the dead Jedi Master. There are Younglings but Kix moved them out of sight, into the vaults.

“What happened on Mandalore?” Kix asks. I shake my head.

“We lost some from Maul. But…Order 66 happened on the way back from Mandalore…after that…we lost everyone from my half of the 501st. What happened to General Skywalker and why are his men here when Skywalker himself is nowhere to be found in the carnage?” Rex asks.

“You…don’t know…do you?” Kix asks with a dark look in his eye. Rex feels a primal, instinctual fear when Kix looks at him.

“Know what?” Echo asks.

“He did it…he was the one that killed them,” Kix says and neither Rex nor Echo need explanation.

“N-No…No-th-that…that can’t be-“ Echo stutters while Rex feels his body go into shock, feeling numb all over.

“R-Rex?” Echo asks.

“You know it as well as I do. You’ve seen it in him…the darkness. You want proof? Here-“ Kix says handing Rex a recording. Echo looks at Rex worriedly before the Captain powers it on. The blue hologram shines and they see General Skywalker slicing, cutting through Jedi as if they were nothing but obstacles in his path. Blaster bolts fill the background as the Jedi that remained at the Temple fell one by one.

“General Skywalker killed the Jedi,” Kix says roughly, his voice haggard and almost raspy.

End.

Have some art I managed to work into this fic💙 (2nd pic is referenced from the Enemy mv)

[writingforfun0714]

Hey everyone,

So sorry for being gone so long. I’m pretty busy at work now. I wanna say thank you to everyone who voted in the poll. Part of the reason this chapter took so long was because I was working on 2 fics at once.

Here is Chapter 4 of my Bad Batch fic Our Love

Warnings: TW childhood O66 trauma (some O66 trauma in general), LONG (sorry I really couldn’t cut it down more than I already have), OC jedi characters, POV changes

Bad Batch Our Love

Chapter 4–Guns For Hire

Words: 11,556

3rd POV

The Havoc Marauder drops out of Hyperspace, facing a large beige planet.

“We are on approach to Saleukami,” Tech announces. Hunter’s holding Maisy while the two older kids walk into the cockpit. Omega stares out the window to watch the planet slowly grow in size as they approach. Hunter shifts Maisy to his left arm and walks into the cockpit with Wrecker following. The Youngling turns her head from tucked into Hunter’s neck to looking out the window curiously at the approaching planet.

“So Rex knew this guy from the war?” Wrecker asks.

“He did not say,” Tech answers, “just that it’s someone he trusts.”

“If Rex trusts him, so do I,” Hunter says.

Tech flies the ship through the planet’s atmosphere and eventually drops below the cloud line. A sudden beeping get’s Tech’s attention.

“We’re running low on fuel,” the pilot alerts. Wrecker turns and finds the case the squad keeps their credits in and opens it to find a few credits.

“Uuhhh…you think we’d have enough to refuel with this?” Wrecker asks, showing Hunter the scarce amount of money they have. The sergeant sighs.

“Let’s worry about that after we meet Rex’s contact,” Hunter says.

Tech flies over fields and jagged mountains before spotting farmland in the distance. He lands the ship out of the way.

“Why did we land so far away? The home is way over there-“ Omega asks.

“No need to draw attention to Rex’s contact. He’s obviously out here to hide,” Tech explains as he powers the ship down.

“C’mon, let’s get going,” Hunter says. The others nod. Wrecker reaches out to Wyyntrr and the albino Wookiee padawan takes the demolitions expert’s hand.

Tech opens the bay door and walks out first. Hunter follows and sets Maisy down. The girl blinks at the dry dirt that moves with each of her steps. Being from Coruscant, Maisy’s never seen nature. Even Kamino amazed her with the endless amount of water. Omega walks out and squints as her eyes adjust. She sees Maisy messing with the dirt and pushes her own foot into it, making small dust clouds and a light trail in the ground. The older girl giggles before picking some dirt up with her hand.

“What is this?” Omega asks curiously, letting the dirt sift through her fingers.

“That would be dirt,” Tech answers factually.

“It’s amazing!” Omega exclaims. Because he’s blind, Wyyntrr allows himself to really feel how loose the dry dirt is, how it feels almost powdery. He smells it. He does try to taste it and ends up roaring a bit and rubbing his tongue with his hands.

“Wai-“ Wrecker tries to tell the Wookiee but it’s too late so he grabs his canteen and offers it to the Padawan, who takes a drink to get the taste out of his mouth.

“C’mon, let’s get going. We’re about 2 klicks away,” Hunter says, getting the kids’ attention.

Omega’s POV

Hunter leads the way as Tech follows close behind and us behind him with Wrecker bringing up the rear. I’m holding Maisy’s hand and since she’s walking between me and the Wookiee, she’s also holding his hand. I let a small smile appear on my lips as I look fondly at the 2 Jedi. Despite having a Jedi be in charge of the clone army, I never got to know the Jedi, not really. I was kept in Nala Se’s private research lab. Over the years I got to know who the clones were and I learned that they all knew the Jedi because the clones served with them. The only ones that didn’t know the Jedi’s were the clones stationed on Kamino either as security or maintenance clones, but even then, they would occasionally see Master Shaak Ti. That was the only Jedi I knew of until…well until that fateful moment on Kamino when I met Master Jaeruho and Maisy.

The two are quiet and I don’t blame them, after what’s happened. Being Nala Se’s medical assistant I saw my fair share of blood and bone due to various injuries but I’ve also seen how the War has affected the clones’ minds. How the horrors of war have tormented them during the nights. I tried to help them. Nala Se would tell me they weren’t worth it and would be placed on maintenance duty. When I asked why, she would say they were ‘mentally deficient for war’. I can only imagine how Wyyntrr and Maisy are handling seeing such horrors and devastation.

As we walk, I take note of everything, asking an occasional ‘what’s that?’. Wyyntrr sniffs the air and turns his head at the various sounds of wildlife while Maisy trudges along, her head bowed so she’s looking at the ground. She’s sad but…but also…something else. Distant perhaps? No…that’s not the word. Empty. That’s it. An empty sadness. I notice as we walk that I practically pull the Youngling along and I realize she’s only moving because of me…because of us. If we weren’t here-

I suddenly bump into Tech, interrupting my thoughts and I blink.

“Omega-are you ok?” He asks. Wyyntrr looks in my direction, but not Maisy. I nod at the pilot.

“Y-yeah I’m ok, sorry I wasn’t looking where I was going-” I assure him and he nods.

“It’s alright,” Tech says before motioning to keep up and follow.

After almost an hour, we come to a field. The grasses are taller than us, taller than Wrecker even.

“Hunter, if Rex’s contact turns us away-“ Tech tries.

“Tech not now-“ Hunter growls slightly at the pilot. I keep my eyes on the Youngling, but don’t say anything. At least, not yet.

That’s when Hunter suddenly stops and kneels down. Wyyntrr tugs on my arm to get my attention.

“Rrr-rggh-rrgh?” Wyyntrr asks and I frown. I don’t know what he’s saying and when I turn to look at Maisy for an answer like I normally do, I notice she doesn’t seem to even be paying attention. She’s still got that sad, empty look on her face.

“Hunter is tracking,” Tech explains, seemingly catching onto our conversation.

“Each of us have a special enhanced skill. Hunter can sense electromagnetic frequencies, Wrecker is adaptive and strong. I have my exceptional mind and Crosshair has his sharpshooting skills,” Tech explains and I smile. I was there with Nala Se when she created the 4 of them, known then as Experimental Unit 99. I was young, 4 or 5 years old or so and they stayed in the decanting tubes longer than most clones do. I was fascinated by them because they weren’t like the other clones…like me. Unfortunately Nala Se often kept me secluded and isolated away from everyone but herself.

“We’re almost there,” Hunter assures us.

We hear the place before we see it. As we come over a hill, we see a house with animals, kids like us, and two people with them. Before we can do anything, I see the pink one aim a rifle right at us!

“Hunter!-“ I warn but he seems to have caught on when I did because he reaches up and takes off his helmet. The others follow suit and I see the one holding the rifle, put the weapon down.

3rd POV

As Clone Force 99 reaches the hill, the family outside in their front yard spots the group of soldiers. The matriarch of the family, a pink female Twi’lek grabs her rifle and aims to look through the scope, never turning the safety off. She spots armored soldiers but despite the modifications, she recognizes it as clone armor.

“There’s a group of clone soldiers approaching,” she warns.

“Children, inside,” she orders. Without arguing, the two young children, one about Omega and Wyyntrr’s age, and the sibling a few years younger, race inside. The mother watches the approaching soldiers take off their helmets through the scope on her rifle. As the group approaches, she spots children with them! Her eyes widen and she gasps quietly.

“There are children with them,” she alerts and the man raises an eyebrow. Unsual for clones.

“How many?” Her husband asks.

“2…no…3,” she answers before setting her rifle down and her husband nods. Being a clone as well, he knows to stay on guard until he can be sure of his brothers’ intentions.

“Suu-go inside with the children-“ he tells his wife, Suu. The Twi’lek shakes her head, her lekku swishing back and forth lightly.

“No-I’m staying with you Cut. I’m the better shot,” she argues and the man named Cut smirks, nodding.

Clone Force 99 gets close enough that they can make eye contact with Suu and her clone husband, Cut. Hunter motions for the group to stop a good 100 feet away.

“Greetings,” Hunter announces. Cut stands at the ready.

“We’ve come a long way to find you-“ Hunter explains.

“Do you know CT—7567 Captain Rex?” Hunter asks and both husband and wife blink in surprise. The couple exchange a look before Suu nods. Cut returns the gesture and turns back to CF99.

“Approach,” Cut says and the group makes their way up to the home and where the couple who own it stand.

Once they’re close enough, they can get a proper look at each other. Cut sees that despite the differences between Hunter, Wrecker and Tech, they are clones, brothers. Hunter realizes that even though he’s in civilian clothes, the man standing with the pink Twi’lek is a clone.

“Who are you?” Tech asks.

“I could ask you boys the same thing, being on my land,” Cut answers, motioning around.

“What’s a reg doin’ all the way out here?” Wrecker asks. Cut eyes Wrecker at the insulting nickname.

“Who’re you callin’ a ‘reg’? The name’s Cut Lawquane. This is my wife, Suu,” he introduces and CF99 nods at her.

“You know Rex?” Cut asks and Hunter nods.

“He told us to find you because he said you could help us,” Hunter says and puts his right hand on Omega’s shoulder and his left hand on Wyynntrr’s shoulder. Cut looks at the kids. Omega smiles and waves with her free hand, since she’s still holding onto Maisy’s hand. He looks at all of them.

“If you mention Rex, you must have a good reason for being here. C’mon, we can talk inside,” Cut says as Suu opens the door and walks in.

The group follows the couple inside and Cut shuts the door behind them. The couple’s own children are hiding in the kitchen area unseen by the others.

“Who are you?” Cut asks.

“Clone Force 99. Sergeant Hunter and..half my team. Tech, our pilot and Wrecker, the weapons expert,” Hunter introduces. Cut nods and turns to the kids.

“And who are they?” Cut asks, looking at the 3 children with the soldiers.

“This is Omega…she’s a clone like us,” Hunter says, patting the blonde girl’s shoulder. Cut blinks in shock but doesn’t question it. After all the Kaminoans often did what they wanted regarding cloning. Cut looks over at the blind albino Wookiee and the Youngling and sees their beige colored robes. Cut’s eyes widen.

“A-Are they-?” Cut begins to ask.

“Jedi,” Hunter confirms.

“H-How-..How are they alive? Why do you have Jedi kids?” Cut asks all at once.

“Why are you here?” Suu asks, interrupting Cut. Hunter, Tech and Wrecker exchange a look.

“Rex said you could help us. Help us hide from the Empire..and…help us with them,” Hunter answers, glancing at the 3 children he managed to find. Suu sighs and nods once, knowing the clone soldiers are just trying to do what’s right.

“Are you hungry? We were just about to start dinner-“ Suu offers. Wrecker smiles and stands, ready to start helping.

“We don’t wanna impose-“ Hunter says, giving Wrecker a look.

“We don’t turn guests away, do we kids?” Cut announces and that’s when his 2 children walk in, revealing themselves. Omega’s eyes widen and Wyyntrr turns his head towards the sounds of soft footsteps.

“Who are you?” The boy asks as his older sister puts a hand on his shoulder.

“Jekk—Shaeeah, these are our guests. Clone Force 99,” Cut explains before turning to the Batch.

“These are our kids, Shaeeah and Jekk,” Cut introduces. Wrecker smiles at the kids. The two half-Twi’lek siblings spot the 3 kids with the group.

“Woah-who’re you? We never see kids around here,” Shaeeah says.

“Omega,” the girl introduces herself.

“This is our brother Wyyntrr and our younger sister Maisy,” Omega continues.

“Come with us,” Shaeeah says, hurrying over to the kids and grabbing Omega’s hand. The female clone looks over at Hunter, who nods in approval.

“C’mon,” Omega says and Wyyntrr nods. When Maisy makes no attempt to move, Omega gently puts a hand on her shoulder and guides the Youngling along. Shaeeah and Jekk lead the way up the stairs leaving the adults to talk.

Tech’s POV

I watch our kids follow the two siblings upstairs before turning back to see Cut looking at us seriously.

“So, you boys know Rex, but he’s not with you?” Cut asks.

“He’s with one of our squad mates back on Coruscant,” Hunter explains.

“Coruscant? Why in stars name is he there?” Cut asks, more caught off guard than anything.

“He’s looking for one of the regs that served with him,” I explain. Cut gives me a look of disdain.

“The hell is a ‘reg’?” He asks.

“A regular clone, not like us,” I explain. Cut chuckles humorlessly.

“I got news for ya buddy. It doesn’t matter how special you think you are. You’re just like me to the Jedi, to those Kaminoan long-necked bastards, to this new ‘Galactic Empire’, to everyone else,” Cut says.

“We didn’t exactly fit in on Kamino,” I argue back.

“That’s good,” Cut says.

“It is?” Wrecker asks and he nods.

“You wanna put being soldiers behind you if you wanna have those kids with you,” Cut explains.

“That’s the thing,” Hunter says, interrupting.

“We think that they deserve to have a normal childhood but if we’re all they’ve got, then we have to be what they need,” Hunter explains.

“We tried going to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, that’s when our squad member and Rex split from us. We saw no sign of any Jedi besides Padawan Wyyntrr,” I add.

“We couldn’t just leave a kid there in all that destruction and death. Plus we’d already had Maisy and Omega with us,” Hunter says.

“What’s one more if they need help,” Wrecker agrees. Cut nods.

“You’re good men, but raising kids is different than fighting clankers. What exactly is your plan?” Cut asks and I look to Hunter, unsure of that answer myself.

“We have to go back for our sniper. He…he was separated from us because of his inhibitor chip,” Hunter explains and I nod in agreement. We don’t leave our own behind. It’s rule 1.

“But we need a safe place to hold up for the kids before we head back to Kamino,” I add and Cut nods.

“Hmph, well I would recommend settling here but…things are different now that the Empire has formed. Clone troopers show up in town almost every day now,” Cut warns.

“It’s getting late, we should get the kids settled for bed,” Suu says and her husband nods. I hadn’t paid close attention but I look at my datapad and see it’s nearly midnight. I’m not used to accommodating children so when Cut and Suu look to us, silently asking who will come help with the kids, I look instantly to Hunter and Wrecker.

It’s not that I do not like children, I am just…unused to them. I do not like interacting with most outside of my squad anyways. But I would never have done what Crosshair did on Kaller. No…no it wasn’t Crosshair. It couldn’t have been. I must believe he has been manipulated by the inhibitor chip…by the Kaminoans. Out of all of them, Nala Se had the most interaction with us as cadets. I hated her. I hated her calm tone that lied every time she said ‘it will be alright’. I hated how she watched us with her cold, unfeeling eyes. We weren’t children or even people to her. We were objects, military property. But she always instilled in us that we were not like the regs. The other clones were disposable. We were special. But she still treated us the same way as she did the other clones. Cut’s words from earlier ring in my mind. It doesn’t matter how special you think you are, you’re a clone like me…to everyone else.

Meanwhile…

3rd POV

Crosshair feels like he’s been waiting an eternity for Cody to return. The sniper’s pain is matched by the fear of whatever this is being permanent. Crosshair’s eyes snap open when he hears the door open. He turns his head to look and he sighs with relief when he sees Cody.

“I got the scanner,” Cody confirms, limping inside since his leg is still injured. Crosshair tries sitting up, but he winces in pain and Cody notices.

“Hey-hey easy-easy, don’t strain yourself-“ Cody says as he pushes Crosshair back down gently.

The sniper opens his eyes and sees the commander looking at him with concern.

“You…you came back for me,” Crosshair says weakly. Cody smirks.

“O’course I did. I said I’d come back for…you,” Cody’s words trail off when he sees tears form in the corners of Crosshair’s eyes and spill out down his cheeks.

“Crosshair? Is it the pain?” Cody asks, clearly concerned.

“He left me,” Crosshair rasps out, barely above a whisper.

“Who?” Cody asks.

“Hunter…the others…they left me on Kamino,” Crosshair says, his hand coming up to rub his temple.

Cody frowns. That’s not like Hunter. Not like any of CF99. There had to be more to it than that but Cody knows not to question or push the topic right now.

“Ok, I need you to stay still,” Cody instructs and Crosshair makes a noise of understanding before laying motionless on the worn mattress. Cody turns the scanner on and points it at the sniper. A blue light coats Crosshair’s head and the scanner makes a whirring noise. After a moment passes, the device beeps twice and the light shuts off.

“Hmm, I’m not detecting any sort of mechanical chip of any kind…wait…there appears to be severe scarring on your cerebellum and basal ganglia. It looks like nerve damage caused by electrical pulses so harsh it altered your brain chemistry,” Cody explains. Crosshair’s eyes widen.

“I…I remember Nala Se taking me…She…tested on me. She said she took out the inhibitor chip to test a new procedure,” the sniper remembers. Cody frowns angrily. He hated the Kaminoans as much as any other clone, but the commander formed a bond with Clone Force 99 and thought of them the same way he thought of the 212th and even General Kenobi. He knew CF99 didn’t feel the same way about the other clones, stars knows why, but Cody knew they would eventually see the truth and return for Crosshair.

“Uh oh,” Cody says.

“What?” Crosshair can’t help but growl frustratedly.

“I..I think the damage is permanent,” Cody admits and at first, Crosshair doesn’t say anything. After a pause, Crosshair sighs.

“There are transcranial magnetic stimulation therapies that might help and there are some numbing bacta patches you can try,” Cody reads off the scanner, but Crosshair’s not even paying attention to the 212th commander. Ever since Kaller, Crosshair was angry with Hunter, with the sergeant’s choices. But leaving the sniper behind on Kamino was the last straw.

“Commander?” Crosshair asks and Cody looks at him.

“If I don’t return with Clone Force 99, would I be reassigned?” The sniper asks.

“What? I…I suppose if you wanted, unless you want to be stuck with me,” Cody smirks but turns serious rather quickly.

“Why do you ask?” Cody asks. Cody knew all the members of the Bad Batch pretty well and out of everyone Crosshair was the most severe and unyielding, until you got to know him, that is. Then Crosshair is a playful joker full of sarcasm with a slight competitive streak, but he hardly ever really opened up to reveal his true thoughts and feelings.

“I think our paths have changed. I felt it on Kaller when Order 66 went out,” Crosshair explains and Cody’s expression darkens slightly. Being on Utapau with General Kenobi, Cody felt a loss of control he’d never experienced before. The marshal commander wasn’t himself. Ever since Utapau, Cody’s felt a sort of guilt that eats away at him.

“Do you…do you regret what happened?” Cody asks carefully. Crosshair turns his head gently to look at Cody in the eye.

“I followed orders and it feels like I’ve been punished for it ever since. Hunter and the others betrayed me. Nala Se tortured me and my new ‘boss’ hates clones. But not following orders was worse,” Crosshair explains, motioning to his head, indicating the pain.

“So…what’s your plan now? You still angry with Hunter?” Cody asks.

“I was, back on Kamino,” Crosshair admits

“You’re not now?”

“I’m upset with him…disappointed in him…but I’m not angry anymore. After I get this pain under control, I have to find Hunter,” Crosshair explains.

“Try and get some rest. I’ll reach out and see if I can find out anything about Clone Force 99,” Cody says.

“Thanks Commander,” the sniper replies quietly and Cody smiles slightly at Crosshair, glad that Crosshair knows he can trust someone outside of his squad.

Back on Kamino…

3rd POV

Nala Se walks through the sterile white halls, passing clone troopers and cadets, not really paying attention to any of them. Her mind is only on Omega and the Jedi Youngling. She couldn’t confirm it yet but the Kaminoan chief scientist was almost certain that Omega met the Jedi during Order 66.

The Kaminoan Prime Minister, Lama Su, gave Nala Se ownership of Master Jaeruho’s lightsaber since he was killed, however it does not power on and she cannot figure out how to open it, figuring the weapon to be useless (which it is since Youngling Maisy has the kyber crystal that was inside).

Nala Se makes her way to Lama Su’s office and presses the entry button on the console pad. The door beeps before opening with a quiet whooshing sound.

“Prime Minister,” Nala Se addresses.

“Yes Mistress Se?”

“I would like to request permission to retrieve Omega,” Nala Se says. At first Lama Su doesn’t say anything, pondering the scientists’ request.

“You have an unnecessary attachment to the young clone,” Lama Su says.

“Omega…is important for my cloning research,” Nala Se explains but Lama Su gives her a knowing look. He didn’t miss how Nala Se dressed Omega to look like her, how he kept her secluded from the other clones.

“She is an unaltered genetic copy of the donor, Jango Fett. Since Alpha’s disappearance, Omega is our last chance to acquire pure DNA since all other specimens have degraded,” Nala Se finishes.

“Hmm…make sure the girl is unharmed when you have her returned. Once you have extracted what you need, kill her…and the Jedi with her,” Lama Su adds. Nala Se’s bulbous eyes widen slightly, unaware that the Prime Minister knew of the Youngling’s existence.

“Do you understand?” He asks and Nala Se nods. As the chief scientist turns to walk out, she spots a datapad on the Prime Minister’s desk and sees it’s security camera footage of Clone Force 99 with Omega and the Jedi Youngling escaping CT-9904 in a hangar.

Nala Se heads back to her private laboratory before turning on her datapad. She turns on the holo-recording and finds the contact information she had in mind when first making the request to Lama Su. It powers on, bathing the female Kaminoan in a blue light. The hologram beeps to life to reveal the helmeted figure of a female.

“I have an assignment for you,” Nala Se says.

“Send the information and half the payment up front,” the figure’s distorted voice replies. Nala Se nods and searches for a private tracking beacon on her datapad. Only one channel comes up and she clicks on it. Sector J-19. The Kaminoan scientist sends the information and half the payment to her mysterious contact.

“You must retrieve and deliver the target alive and unharmed,” Nala Se instructs.

“Do whatever you must to bring her back,” Nala Se says of Omega.

“Understood,” the bounty hunter replies and the transmission ends. The sound of a floating medical droid approaches.

“Mistress Se, I have completed all routine tasks-“ the droid, AZI says. Unbeknownst to Nala Se, Lama Su also reaches out to a contact of his own, offering a substantial reward. Knowing about Nala Se’s relationship with Omega, the Prime Minister bugged the medical droid and told him to befriend the young female clone so he could get close to Nala Se.

“Go to your power station and recharge. I will power you on when I need you,” the Kaminoan head scientist instructs and the medic droid floats out obediently.

Meanwhile, on Saleukami…

3rd POV

The sun crests over the horizon signaling daybreak. Almost all of the kids are all asleep in the upstairs loft with bedding laid all about the floor. The only one awake is Youngling Maisy. The slight dark half circles under her eyes seem prominent now. She can still feel the intense sadness of everything from Master Jaeruho’s death to finding Padawan Wyyntrr in the destroyed Jedi Temple. Every time she closes her eyes she’s back on Kamino with Master Jaeruho. She doesn’t know what’s going on and before she knows it she’s with Omega because her master was killed. Her eyes fill with tears at the thought of Master Jaeruho. The only thing Maisy has of him is his kyber crystal.

Maisy hears her laughter along with Jaeruho’s light chuckle in her head, but it’s so loud, it could be real.

“Why do we have to go to Kamino Master? I wanna stay at the Temple,” Maisy hears her own voice.

“It’s important to get to know the clones. They are our greatest allies, even more so than the Senate. They are brave, strong and above all, loyal,” Jaeruho’s voice echoes in the Youngling’s mind. She didn’t realize how much she missed hearing Jaeruho’s voice. Maisy was so focused on Jaeruho’s voice that she misses the warm tears spilling down her cheeks. The fear of being alone starts to return.

Because fear is such a powerful emotion, Wyyntrr can actually feel Maisy in his sleep. He wakes up and hears quiet sniffling that turns into whimpering.

“Maisy?” He asks as quiet as he can. The Youngling gasps and turns to see Wyyntrr, sitting up, looking in her direction, worry all over his face.

“Are you ok?” Wyyntrr asks and at first the Youngling doesn’t reply. Sensing the conflict and fear in the little girl, Wyyntrr moves and hurries over to her. Once he places a pale pink hand on the Youngling’s shoulders, she starts to cry.

“I hear him…I hear him so clearly. It’s him, I promise-“ the Youngling insists, clinging to the blind albino Wookiee. He picks the little girl up a bit so he can hold her properly.

“I…I know. I believe you,” Wyyntrr says, running his fingers through the little girl’s wild, thick, shaggy hair.

“You…you do?” Maisy sniffs, looking up at Wyyntrr as she wipes the tears out of her eye. The albino Wookiee nods hesitantly.

“My master…I hear her too, in my dreams,” Wyytrr explains. The two Jedi children sit together. Maisy cries into his chest, gripping his white fur tightly but not pulling or hurting the blind Wookiee.

Omega’s POV

I stir from a dreamless sleep, hearing soft whimpering and sniffling. I yawn and blink my eyes open. Beams of light shine through the cloth covering the window, lighting up the room. I look around and spot Wyyntrr and Maisy sitting on the floor. The Wookiee is holding the little girl as she cries and I’m suddenly awake and alert. I crawl along the floor almost silently since the Twi’lek siblings are still sleeping. As I get within arms length, I see Wyyntrr turn his head towards me.

“Should I get Hunter?” I ask quietly. Wyyntrr looks down at Maisy and I see the little girl’s grip tighten slightly. The white Wookiee turns back to me and shakes his head silently.

“Are you sure?” I ask and he nods confidently. I’m unsure of what to do when I see Wyyntrr shift and move over slightly, but enough to make room for me. I move and sit with them. Wyyntrr and I lean against each other so I can wrap my arm around his side and use the other to rub soothing circles on Maisy’s back.

After Maisy manages to calm down, Shaeeah and Jekk also wake up and I suggest going downstairs. I follow Shaeeah and Jekk down the stairs with Maisy next to me and Wyyntrr behind us. He holds onto the rail for support but otherwise has no trouble.

Once we’re downstairs, I see the adults are already awake and conversing.

“Good morning you guys. Did you sleep ok?” Cut greets happily. Before me or Wyyntrr can answer, Maisy suddenly takes a step towards them.

“Yes, thank you,” she insists, giving the nice couple a respectful bow of thankfulness. I see that Cut and Suu seem to take Maisy at her word but I do see Hunter inspect the little girl’s face.

“We have breakfast ready,” Suu says and motions for us to sit at the table. I take a seat between Hunter and Maisy while Wyyntrr takes the Youngling’s other side, next to Wrecker and the Lawquane siblings.

3rd POV

As Suu and Cut serve the table, Hunter gets the group’s attention.

“I’ve decided to go into town so we can refuel and resupply but then we have to leave,” the sergeant says.

“Leave? And go where?” Omega asks as Suu places a bowl of sliced fruit in front of her. The young female clone nods her thanks before happily digging in.

“We’ll…figure it out. We need to hide…but also earn credits,” Hunter answers slowly. Wyyntrr roars with concern and Tech puts his goggles down to translate.

“Echo and Rex have our comm channel. They’ll reach out once they find the…trooper they’re looking for,” Tech explains and earns a small nod from Cut at the omission of the derogatory nickname ‘reg’. Suu gently touches Wyyntrr’s shoulder to get his attention and he glances in her direction.

“Here, if you don’t like it we have meat and bread-“ Suu says. Wyyntrr shakes his head and happily digs into the food, earning a smile from the matriarch.

Hunter watches the kids eat. Wyyntrr eats everything with gusto and licks his bowl clean, ignoring his utensils altogether. Omega uses her fork to take out the pieces she does not like but otherwise eats happily. That’s when he looks at Maisy. She’s taking multiple bites off the same chunk of fruit and eating slowly. Hunter frowns and Cut notices. Hunter gives him a ‘help me’ look and Cut nods his head at the Youngling.

“Uhm, y-you kids wouldn’t be interested in coming with me into town would you?” Hunter suggests. Omega gasps excitedly.

“Can we?!” She asks and he nods.

“Yes!” Omega exclaims and Wyyntrr roars happily before the two older kids high-five.

“Sure. Since you’re our kids now we need things you need,” Hunter adds reasonably when Tech looks at him.

“What do you think Maisy? Do you wanna come with us? You can pick something for yourself,” Hunter bargains when he sees the Youngling has little interest in eating much less in going somewhere. Wrecker frowns worriedly when the Youngling sighs.

“Ok,” she mumbles, picking at the uneaten fruit. Wrecker and Tech share a concerned look.

The kids finish up and while they get ready, Hunter nudges Cut’s bicep.

“Hey, you got a minute?” Hunter whispers. The farmer blinks but nods and follows the sergeant outside out of earshot.

“It’s clear Maisy stayed up all night. She’s been having trouble sleeping ever since the Jedi were killed,” Hunter explains.

“I don’t know what to do to help her-“ Hunter says.

“Well the market trip will do her some good, get her focused on something else. Here. Get the kids something they want, on me,” Cut says, handing Hunter a small pouch heavy with credits.

“No-I can’t-you and your family have already done so much for us-“ Hunter argues.

“Take it. So you don’t have to worry about money,” Cut insists and Hunter nods.

“Thanks,” Hunter replies.

The others meet Hunter and Cut outside.

“Wanna come with us?” Omega asks Shaeeah and Jekk.

“Sorry, they’ll have to start packing up,” Cut tells the girl. Maisy’s holding onto her necklace pendant that used to be Omega’s head circlet until the female clone gifted it to the Youngling when she was scared as they entered the Lower Levels of Coruscant.

“Ready?” Hunter asks.

“Ready! Rrrggh!“ Omega and Wyyntrr respond. Maisy nods firmly.

“Mm-hmm,” she agrees. Hunter smiles and nods.

“When we come back we’ll get you and your family to a nearby spaceport,” Hunter tells Cut.

“Sounds good,” the farmer replies and the group heads into the village.

As they walk along the path, Hunter makes sure to instill the rules into each of the kids.

“Rule 1: Stay in our sights at all times. Rule 2: Don’t steal, if you want something, ask us,” Hunter says and Tech nods.

“Within reason,” the pilot adds.

“Rule 3: Uhh…Actually—I guess that’s it for all 3 of you. But Rule 1 is very important,”Hunter says before turning to Tech and nodding.

“Right. Omega, here is an extra comm device. It used to be Crosshair’s but we can still use it,” Tech says, strapping the device to the young clone’s right forearm.

“Wow! I get my own comm device?! I’ll keep good track of it” Omega says excitedly.

“We’ll look for one for you too Wyyntrr,” Tech says and Wyyntrr nods. Hunter glances at them and steps towards Maisy. He frowns when he feels a familiar pulse in his head. The pulsing isn’t painful and it’s so faint, the sergeant wonders if it’s real at first. Hunter knows the stronger the pulsing gets, the stronger the electromagnetism is. He glances around but that’s when he feels it strongest coming from Maisy! Hunter sees the Youngling holding something.

“Whatchya got there?” He asks as they approach the outskirts of the village.

“Omega gave it to me,” Maisy says and shows him the head circlet the Youngling now wears as a necklace.

“She said it’ll protect me,” the Youngling adds.

“It’s true,” Omega says. At first Hunter is unfamiliar with the symbol but…there’s something about it. Something connected to the pulsing!

“Can I see that for a second?” He asks, getting the others’ attention. Maisy blinks and looks at Omega, clearly not wanting to but Omega nods encouragingly. Maisy takes a breath before nodding at Hunter and removes the necklace. The Youngling hands it over to the sergeant and he feels the pulsing get stronger slightly. He inspects it and at first it appears to be made of stone but Hunter realizes it’s just the way the metal is. He feels all around it until he spots and almost invisible seam on the back of it. Hunter’s dark eyes widen.

“Tech, can you open this?” Hunter asks. Tech blinks, looking up from his datapad and adjusts his goggles.

“Let me see,” Tech replies and takes the object. After a few seconds, Tech manages to open the back of the necklace pendant and his eyes widen.

“Hunter-“ Tech warns and tosses it back to the leader of the squad. Hunter gasps quietly when he sees a small red beeping light on a tracker! He takes it out and stomps on the small electrical device, crushing it.

“Let’s not take too long here. We have to get back to Cut and Suu’s as soon as possible,” Hunter orders and the others nod. Unbeknownst to Clone Force 99, two different ships have arrived, both also unaware of each other.

Meanwhile on Dantooine…

3rd POV

Cody manages to use one of his contacts he got during the War to find out that Clone Force 99 was last seen on Coruscant.

“Coruscant? Why? Hunter can hardly stand it-“ Crosshair says, reliving a memory involving Hunter’s constant complaining their first trip to the giant city-planet as he sits up, no longer in such pain.

“I’m not sure. From what I understand, they’ve left already,” Cody explains.

“I have to return to Kamino with my new squad. We completed our mission and they’re waiting for me,” the sniper explains. Cody nods.

“Here, I’ve already got my personal comm channel programmed in. It’ll reach me and only me,” Cody says, handing Crosshair the small device.

“How do you feel now?” Cody asks and Crosshair nods.

“Not too bad. I’m not too sure what brings the pain. I completed my mission on Ankus and I still felt it,” Crosshair says.

“Maybe it’s more of a symptom of your trauma rather than a trigger response,” Cody says and the sniper looks at him.

“Thanks to my datapad I’m as smart as Tech,” Cody chuckles, reading word for word. While the commander does know first aid, it’s really just the basics.

“I have to get back to my shuttle and go back to Ankus,” Crosshair says and Cody nods.

“I’m going to find Rex. I know he’s out there somewhere. I have to tell him about these inhibitor chips,” Cody says and Crosshair nods.

“Thank you for helping me Commander…You didn’t have to,” Crosshair says.

“‘Course I did. You’re my brother. Also no offense but I don’t think you’d be good at getting this chip outta me. I don’t trust whatever Nala Se did to you. But once I do get the chip out, I’ll come back for you-“ Cody says.

“No. I’m going to confront Hunter after my new squad and I report back to Kamino. Whatever happens after, it’s on him,” Crosshair interrupts.

“You have my comm channel,” Cody says and the sniper nods, an action that no longer hurts to do. He pats the pouch he shoved it in to affirm to the commander before vigorously shaking forearms in a brotherly way.

“Don’t die,” Cody tells him with a smirk

“You too,” Crosshair replies, returning the smirk.

Crosshair leaves the small hut at the end of the path and heads back to the shuttle he took. Once he’s inside, he plots the coordinates to Ankus in the hyperdrive before turning on his helmet transceiver.

“ES-03 respond,” Crosshair announces and at first there’s no response.

“Squad leader ES-03 respond now,” the sniper says.

“This is ES-03, sir, where are you?” The response answers.

“I’m on my way back now. Be sure to set up a perimeter around the area before loading the return ship. I will send rendezvous coordinates shortly,” Cross says.

“Yes sir,” ES-03 responds before the sniper shuts off the comms. Crosshair inputs the coordinates just outside of Ankus and transmits them to his squad. The sniper powers the shuttle on and flies off Dantooine and switches the hyperdrive on. The ship zips into hyperspace with a whoosh. The sniper watches the stars turn streaky before it looks like a swirling blue, purple and black tunnel. Crosshair sighs and shuts his eyes, letting the ship fly itself.

Back on Saleukami…

Tech’s POV

As we wander through the small village market, I tap away on my datapad. I do have to keep track of the conversation between Omega and Padawan Wyyntrr so the girl can understand him and I make a note to start teaching Omega Shyriiwook. There are other dialects called Thykarann and Xaczik as well but Wyyntrr speaks Shyriiwook.

“He’s been to a planet like this with his Jedi Master once. He says it’s easy to get distracted,” I explain to Omega when he keeps a good pace but still holds Omega’s hand.

I try and find out who knows about the tracking device inside Omega’s head circlet. It could be Nala Se. After all it matches the one she wears. It could be Lama Su, the Prime Minister…hell, it could’ve been his idea and her handiwork. That’s when Hunter stops and looks around.

“What is it?” I ask. After looking for a moment, he shakes his head.

“I thought something was following us,” Hunter explains but when I use my visor to scan the area, I see nothing out of the ordinary.

“I don’t see anything,” I say and he nods.

“Neither do I. But stay vigilant,” Hunter tells me quietly and I nod at him.

As we walk past a stall, I see Maisy stop walking.

“Guys-“ I say and the others stop now as well. I watch as the little girl approaches and steps inside. The warm yellow light illuminates the stall and I see it’s more of a curios shop. Bits and bobs for everything from droids to weapons and even prosthetics and ships too line the shop. There’s also information stored on different things from data rods to holodiscs on the front counter that the shopkeeper is sitting behind. I also see things like paint, glue and even some toys.

“Hello, what can I help you all with today?” The shopkeeper asks as everyone looks around. Omega sees a sharp drill tool and reaches for it but Echo stops her, catching her hand by her wrist and shakes his head.

“Do you sell comm devices?” Hunter asks.

“‘Course I do. Built up a collection of ‘em over the years,” the shopkeeper says and pulls out a box full of different comms.

“C’mere kid, let’s see if one fits ya,” Hunter says as he pats the blind Wookiee’s shoulder gently. I help out and glance at Wrecker and then look at the girls. He notices my face and nods.

Wrecker’s POV

I watch Wyyntrr approach as Hunter starts sifting through the box. I see Tech look at me then at the girls and I see he wants to help so I nod at him, letting him know I’ll keep watch over the girls. I turn and see Omega and Maisy going through the 2 shelves of toys.

“Did you have toys on Kamino?” Maisy asks. Omega thinks.

“Not really but I’d seen soldiers that come back from the war front with personal items that meant something to them,” Omega explains and I can’t help the frown that forms on my face. Even I had Lula. While it was…unusual to have Lula, I was free to keep her with me. Not even Omega had a toy.

“You said earlier the Jedi Masters have all the toys for you?” Omega asks and Maisy nods.

“They keep them for us. The Masters say that getting attached leads to bad things,” Maisy explains. I frown. What a weird concept to teach to kids, especially ones as young as Maisy. Though I suppose from an outsider’s perspective our own rituals and morals might seem weird.

“Look! This one’s so cool!” Omega says, reaching over and picking something out on the lowest shelf. Once she brings it out I can see it’s a metal wind-up clapping monkey toy. Omega hands it over to Maisy and the little girl takes it curiously. She looks at it before tapping the head, making it bobble. The Youngling twists the key on the back before letting it go on the ground. The toy’s eyes light up red and it claps as it walks forward in a relatively straight line. I hear Maisy gasp quietly and awe at it.

“Wizard,” the Youngling gasps in amazement. I smile and kneel down to the girls but still tower over them.

“Do you like it? We can get it,” I tell Maisy. She blinks.

“A-Are you sure?” She asks me and I nod.

“Sure! What about you Omega? See anything you like?” I ask.

“We have Lula, I’m ok,” Omega answers and I smile and nod.

3rd POV

Tech manages to find a comm device at the bottom of the box that fits the blind albino Wookiee’s wrist. He feels the device on him.

“Is it too tight?” Tech asks in Shyriiwook and Wyyntrr shakes his head. As the others talk, Wyyntrr manages to hear a slight ticking sound buried under the talking and rummaging. He turns his head and and uses his hearing to locate the object. Wyyntrr reaches over to a shelf just a bit taller than him and feel around before his eyes widen. He feels a round metallic device vibrate with each ticking sound. Wyyntrr grabs the object and feels it with both pale pink hands.

“It’s a stopwatch,” Tech tells him.

“Rrrghh-Raaggh-rrggh?” the Wookiee asks happily.

“Of course you can have it,” Wrecker answers immediately. The Padawan smiles and looks in Maisy’s direction, who smiles back at him.

“Look at mine—it’s a monkey toy-“ Maisy tells him. Tech taps Hunter to get his attention and motions to the kids.

“We’ll take the comm device and the toys,” Hunter says to the shopkeeper.

“Ok that’ll be 75 credits,” he says and Hunter looks to Tech, silently asking if it’s a fair price. Tech nods slightly.

“Thanks,” the shopkeeper says as Hunter hands him the credits.

“C’mon let’s keep going,” the sergeant says, herding the others out.

Hunter is busy leading the group down the busy street. Tech is busy setting up Wyyntrr’s new comm device so Wrecker is making sure the kids stay together and keep up. As they walk, Hunter feels that familiar sense again so he has the group turn down a side street. They cross the street and keep walking when Tech suddenly points out a shop nearby that sells a more varied selection of ship parts.

“Wait outside while we get what we need,” Hunter tells Wrecker and the kids. The demolitions expert nods.

“You got it boss,” Wrecker says and Hunter follows Tech inside. Wrecker watches Omega and Wyyntrr run around while Maisy looks around curiously. Wrecker smiles at the Youngling. At least the Youngling’s not so sad looking like she was before, Wrecker thinks to himself.

As he makes sure Maisy doesn’t wander too far, Wrecker is unaware of a pair of eyes watching him. Wyyntrr suddenly pauses and turns his head to where he thinks he’s being watched. Omega looks where the Padawan is facing.

“Wrecker?” Omega asks, getting his attention. She points when she spots the pair of amber eyes looking at them. The figure is wearing a wide brimmed metal domed hat. At first he’s alone until a second pair of eyes appear. Out of the shadows walks a large canine creature called an anooba. It growls menacingly and Wrecker grabs his blaster.

“Who is that?” Omega asks, pointing at the figure. The figure makes an order in his native alien language that no one understands, so when they stand still, he orders his canine to attack. Omega gasps.

“Move!” Wyyntrr exclaims and tackles Omega out of the way. The two scramble to their feet as Hunter races out armed and ready. The sergeant examines the situation and sees Wrecker firing on an animal as Omega keeps pulling Wyyntrr back. Hunter glances over and sees Maisy hiding in a different area. Wrecker fires off 3 stun bolts, all missing the animal. It races closer and closer to Wrecker before leaping right at him! The anooba latches on to Wrecker’s forearm so thank goodness he wears armor.

Hunter aims at the animal and is about to fire when Wrecker’s moving makes it hard. Tech races out and starts trying to distract the animal. While trying to free Wrecker, Hunter is too busy to notice the helmeted figure approaching Maisy, who’s hiding behind a stack of trashed crates. The Youngling watches the chaos when she spots the Kyuzo approach Omega and Wyyntrr. Maisy tries to call out to the older kids when a hand suddenly comes up to cover her mouth, silencing her! Maisy’s eyes widen and she starts fighting when another arm comes to wrap under her arms and pick her up. The Youngling wriggles and writhes, dropping her clapping monkey toy, but the hands have a grip of steel. The mysterious helmeted figure pulls out a tranquilizer and jabs the Youngling’s neck. In no time at all, Maisy goes limp and passes out.

Wrecker manages to toss the animal off him and Tech fires, stunning the beast twice when the first shot didn’t fully stop it but that’s when it’s owner grabs his hat and throws it at Wrecker, knocking him out due to the strong metal material it’s made out of. It ricochets off the demolitions expert and heads towards Hunter, but he blocks it. When the sergeant tosses the hat/shield down, the Kyuzo suddenly fires at Hunter hitting his shoulder!

“Gah!” The sergeant growls in pain, falling to the ground.

“Hunter!” Tech exclaims. Tech tries to get to Hunter, but the immediate fire forces Tech to take cover behind a street light. Omega gasps and when she tries to go to the sergeant herself, Wyyntrr yanks her back just in time for a blaster bolt to whizz by the young clone’s face! He roars and shakes his head.

“Stay down! Don’t come out!” Tech orders to the kids. Hunter struggles but manages to get up. He rotates his shoulder in a circle to try an get rid of the pain since his pauldron blocked most of the bolt from doing too much damage. The Kyuzo pins Hunter down and talks to him. Due to his strange alien language, Tech uses his visor to translate and his eyes widen in realization.

“He’s after the children!” Tech warns, panic seeping into his tone.

“Bounty hunter!” The sergeant exclaims and kicks him in the stomach, sending the bounty hunter stumbling back. Hunter fights unarmed, exchanging blows with the bounty hunter.

While the two fight Tech manages to get to Wrecker and examine him. Once the pilot determines there are no crucial or fatal injuries, he starts shaking Wrecker.

“Wrecker wake up!” Tech snaps when he sees Hunter strike a blow only for it to be returned just as harshly.

Omega takes a breath when she suddenly realizes Maisy was hiding across the street! She gasps when she sees the little girl is nowhere in sight!

“Wyyntrr-where’d Maisy go?!” Omega asks urgently. The blind albino Wookiee shuts his eyes and reaches his hand out, feeling for the Youngling using the Force. He makes the connection and feels the Youngling isn’t anywhere close by. In fact, she’s somewhere on the other side of the village! He shakes his head and Omega’s concern and worry grows. She looks back at the situation and sees Tech managed to wake Wrecker enough to get him to stand. He stumbles a bit and rubs his head where he got hit, still clearly dazed. Meanwhile the bounty hunter’s hound wakes up from it’s stun and targets the two while the bounty hunter and the sergeant of Clone Force 99 brawl openly in the street, earning attention from onlookers.

“We have to find her,” Omega says and the padawan nods in agreement. He grabs Omega’s hand and leads her further into the village.

Wyyntrr senses Maisy and when he does, she can feel the connection through the Force being made, despite being passed out.

“Wyyntrr?! Wyyntrr help!! Help me! Pleeeeease!” The padawan hears Maisy cry out as she sobs.

“Rrraaaghhh!” Wyyntrr roars before starting to run, pulling Omega behind him.

Back near the market, Hunter manages to subdue the Kyuzo bounty hunter before shooting at his anooba hound with live rounds instead of stun bolts. He misses a fatal shot and grazes the creature’s side, making it yelp in pain before tumbling to the ground. The bounty hunter cries out and reaches to the creature, thinking the worse until he hears it whimper in pain. The bounty hunter glares at the sergeant before he swings as hard as he can, punching Hunter in the jaw, knocking the soldier off him. The bounty hunter grabs hold of a smoke grenade before tossing it near Hunter, Tech and Wrecker. It explodes and the bounty hunter grabs his faithful hound and disappears once the smoke dissolves. Hunter looks around and frowns with worry.

“Where are the kids?” He asks Tech urgently, who shakes his head.

“I..I lost them during the fighting after Wrecker was injured-“ Tech admits.

“What?! C’mon!” Hunter exclaims and they start running. Hunter looks around until he spots something on the ground. He runs over and once he gets close, he sees it’s the monkey toy Maisy picked out earlier!

“Let’s go!” Hunter says and follows what little clues there are. Due to the farming nature and limited technology of the small village, there are no computers or cameras to plug into so the group has to rely solely on Hunter’s enhanced skills.

Fennec Shand’s POV

I get to the abandoned hut at the edge of the village and set the kid down against one of the crumbling walls. I use binders and cuff the girl’s wrists together while she stirs. I can tell the sedative is wearing off and soon she’ll be awake. I use a tether to tie the girl to the last support beam holding up the run down hut. I sigh and look at her. Normally I don’t work jobs involving kids but the pay is good. My client, Nala Se the head Kaminoan scientist, said that the little girl with my target, Omega, was to be considered as a Jedi and to take her as well. I look and see how young the girl is. No more than 3 or 4. I’ve never seen a Jedi this young before. She stirs and gasps, her eyes snapping open, clear and alert. She struggles and sees she’s bound with a tether and cuffed at her wrists.

“Take it easy kid-“ I tell her and her dark bright eyes look at me with fear.

“W-Who are you?! Where am I?!“ The little girl demands.

“My name’s not important. All you need to know is that you’ll see the other kids soon enough,” I say.

“W-What? How do you know?”

“I’m using you as bait,” I reply bluntly and her eyes widen.

“Lemme go!!” The little girl snaps, still struggling against her bindings. She attempts to cry out for help so I gag her as well. I knew the older kids would come find this toddler during the fighting. I peek out and that’s when I see my other target, Omega, with an all white Wookiee who appears to be about Omega’s age. He looks in my direction. As he comes this way, pulling Omega with him, I hide up in the rafters.

3rd POV

Across the street Omega looks around as she holds onto Wyyntrr’s hand. He looks over towards a ruined hut on the end of a street that marks the edge of the village. He feels Maisy and points to the hut. Omega nods understandingly and the two hurry over to the dilapidated building. Omega reaches the door panel and presses the entrance button. The door whooshes up and the kids look around. Omega’s eyes widen when she sees Maisy tied up and bound. The Youngling spots them and tears well in her eyes.

“Mmmphf!!! Mmmm-Mmmfph!!” Maisy tries to warn the older kids, but instead they run right to her.

“Maisy! Hold on, we’ll get you out-“ Omega says taking off the gag over Maisy’s mouth.

“Run! It’s a trap!” Maisy insists, but that’s when the door suddenly shuts and Wyyntrr draws his saber instinctively, sensing another presence. The teal color of the blade illuminates the room, allowing Omega to see the tether around the Youngling. That’s when Fennec Shand, the bounty hunter that kidnapped Maisy, leaps down from overhead, forcing Wyyntrr to dive out of the way. He rolls and stands at the ready.

“Rraaaghhh!!! RAAAUUGHHH!” Wyyntrr roars protectively, making sure to stand right in front of Maisy and Omega.

“Jedi…she was right,” the bounty hunter whispers to herself.

“Wyyntrr! Be careful!” Omega calls to him.

“Easy kid, I don’t wanna hurt you. My orders are to take you alive and unharmed if possible,” Fennec tells the Wookiee. Omega manages to get the tether off Maisy but when the young female clone sees the binders she frowns. Metallic locking mechanism. Omega looks around.

“Come with me, we gotta get those things off you,” Omega tells Maisy, who nods and obediently follows the older girl while Wyyntrr keeps the attention of the bounty hunter, having the most combat experience out of the 3 ‘siblings’.

Omega and Maisy slip out of the hut while Wyyntrr fights Fennec, keeping a good distance from her and only being defensive and avoidant. She tries stunning Wyyntrr, but he blocks 2 stun bolts and dodges the 3rd. Wyyntrr uses the Force to pick up Fennec and toss her back into the wall, making the bounty hunter crumple to the floor. She grunts and winces at the daze, shaking her head a bit. Once she blinks and gets to her feet, the blind albino Wookiee is gone.

Wyyntrr managed to catch up with the girls, who found a rusty old speeder across the street. There’s a bag strapped to it so Omega starts sifting through it. Wyyntrr asks a question when he turns in Omega’s direction.

“I’m not sure. Omega, what are you doing?” Maisy asks.

“There’s a first aid kit, credits, a canteen, a scope-Ah! Found it! Tool kit!” Omega says and that’s when the kids hear Fennec break through the broken door across the street.

“Hurry!” Maisy gasps as Omega gets to work on the Youngling’s binders. Omega twists the spanner in her hand before prying open the binders around the little girl’s wrists. They click open and fall to the ground.

“Get on!” Wyyntrr orders, motioning to the speeder. He gets up front with Maisy behind him and Omega behind her so the Youngling is in the middle. Wyyntrr powers it up and while it sputters a couple times, it does hum to life and hover above the ground. Maisy looks and spots the scope in the bag Omega was rummaging through and picks it up. Fennec races towards them and Wyyntrr floors it. He turns and the bounty hunter spots Wyyntrr’s escape route. She grabs an explosive and tosses it forcing the kids to skid, turning harshly. Wyyntrr smirks and raises his middle finger to the bounty hunter, roaring.

“You missed!” Maisy giggles, sticking her tongue out as she looks through the scope at Fennec as they race by. Omega sees what the Wookiee is doing before smirking herself and flashing the same gesture.

Fennec spots the kids on the speeder skidding by as the two older kids flip her off. She grabs a tracking device and attaches it to her rifle before aiming at the speeder and firing. The tracker lands near the base of the speeder, unnoticed by the kids as they speed away laughing.

Hunter’s POV

I race through the village, unable to spot any signs of the kids. Tech’s datapad beeps and I see him adjust his goggles.

“Hunter—there’s been alerts of a fight on the north side,” Tech says.

“The kids,” Wrecker says worriedly but I’ve already taken off at a sprint. We come to a street when the kids suddenly speed right past me, nearly colliding with me!

“GAH!” Omega and Maisy exclaim seeing Hunter run right out in front of them. Wyyntrr swerves out of the way hard enough that Omega and Maisy have to hold onto each other to keep from falling. The Wookiee brakes hard and the bike skids to a stop.

“Hunter! Wrecker! Tech!” Omega exclaims, helping Maisy off the bike by picking the little girl up and setting her down.

“Rrrgh!!!” Wyyntrr roars excitedly, fist-pumping the air. They all run up to me as I spread my arms and kneel down. They collide with my armor and wrap their arms around me and each other.

“Are you kids alright? Are you hurt?” I ask, inspecting each child.

“Wyyntrr and I are ok but Maisy was taken-“ Omega explains and I turn to the Youngling.

“Maisy?” I ask.

“I…I don’t know who it was…but Wyyntrr and Omega…they saved me,” the little girl tells me as her hug tightens. I pick her up and she tucks her head under my jaw. I know we’re being watched, I can feel it. But I ignore the feeling and focus on the kids.

“Let’s get back to the farm,” I tell them and they nod.

3rd POV

As the group of soldiers and children make their way back to the Lawquane farm, Fennec Shand watches them from a nondescript alley, having followed the tracker. Fennec sighs before turning back to where she landed her ship. Once inside the cockpit, Fennec powers the ship on and contacts Nala Se, her client.

“Did you apprehend Omega and the child with her?” Nala Se asks.

“No. The children escaped when another hunter intervened. I tracked them back to Clone Force 99. I could still capture them for you-“ Fennec Shand offers, “but that’ll cost you extra.”

“No. As long as Omega is not captured by Lama Su, she is as safe as she can be,” Nala Se says.

“Then our business is complete. If you have another job, you know how to reach me,” Fennec Shand says, ending the communications.

The group heads back to the farm. Hunter hands Maisy her clapping monkey toy that he found when trying to look for them. When they get back, Hunter quietly explains what happens and helps the Lawquanes pack the last of their essentials.

“We need to get going now,” Cut says and his kids share a worried look.

“Don’t worry. We’ll find a new place, just as nice as this, maybe even nicer,” Suu says.

“But this is our house,” Shaeeah argues sadly.

“Sweetie, a place is not home. Home is your family, the ones that love you. Wherever we go, we’ll be home because we have each other,” Cut says. Omega glances up at Hunter and smiles. The sergeant puts Maisy down and she grabs hold of Wyyntrr’s hand.

“Wrecker, do you mind?” Hunter asks, motioning to the heavy kitchen items. Wrecker nods and the soldiers help carry the family’s belongings, with the demolitions expert grabbing the heaviest things like the box of pots, pans, cups, plates, utensils, etc.

“Get everything outside and I’ll bring the ship by and pick everyone up,” Tech says and Hunter nods.

Tech makes the trek back to the Marauder in no time as Wrecker manages to carry out some of the farm tools from the barn. The sun sets as Tech returns in the ship and helps everyone load up.

As the ship starts moving up, Tech announces to everyone to take a seat as he increases the incline a bit.

“Where are we going?” Jekk asks.

“Somewhere safe,” his mother assures him.

“We know of an Outer Rim world where the Empire would never find you,” Hunter explains from the copilot seat.

“Kowak. It’s near wild space, far out of the Empire’s reach,” Wrecker adds, “we had a mission there during the War.”

The Lawquane family nod.

“We don’t have enough fuel to get you there, but we got you passes on the next shuttle out of Sandori, the nearest spaceport,” Tech says.

“If you think it’s safe for us, then let’s go,” Cut agrees as Tech flies the ship, keeping within the atmosphere.

The ship slows down and Tech opens the doors to drop off the Lawquane family. The kids say their goodbyes and Cut wishes the soldiers luck as they depart onto their shuttle with their things.

Meanwhile, back on Coruscant….

3rd POV

Rex and Echo search the Jedi Temple, being careful of the Coruscant Guard that showed up upon the pair’s return. The 501st Captain watches the boys in red check all the bodies they pass. At first Rex and Echo wonder what’s going on until the Coruscant Guard get to one of the 501st soldiers still barely alive, weakly clinging to life. Echo’s eyes widen when the guard pulls out his blaster and fires, killing the 501st trooper.

“We gotta hurry-“ Echo whispers.

“We’ve checked every area I can think of, I don’t know where else he’d be-“ Rex says quietly. Echo thinks on every room they’ve checked so far (including from earlier when they found Padawan Wyyntrr). Rex and Echo cleared the library, the mess hall, the training rooms, the quarters, and even the council room.

“There is a place we didn’t check yet-“ Rex realizes.

“Where?” Echo asks.

“There’s this place General Skywalker talked about called the Vaults. It’s where the Jedi keep their most valuable information,” Rex explains. Echo nods and uses his scomp to plug in to the map of the Temple.

“Past the east wing near the comms tower. Let’s go,” Echo says and Rex nods.

The pair arrive and see the doors look forced open. They keep on guard and silently, cautiously make their way into the room. It’s destroyed, like the rest of the Temple. At first, there are no bodies, not until they get to the back, where the holochrons are kept. That’s when they hear something. The two 501st soldiers follow the sound and the closer they get, the more it sounds like grunting or someone working or just…someone…someone alive. They approach and see a fellow 501st soldier on his knees. There’s a body of an elderly female he appears to be focused on and even though Echo and Rex do not know this Jedi personally, they’ve heard from Ahsoka that Master Jocasta Nu is in charge of the place in such catastrophic times. The 501st soldier pants a bit with effort as he keeps pumping her chest rhythmically. Rex spots the red marking on the soldier’s pauldron and his heart clenches.

“Kix?” Echo asks for Rex. Echo’s voice rings out and causes the soldier doing chest compressions to stop, frozen in place. He slowly glances back with a horrified look on his face.

“Echo?” He asks looking at the ARC trooper but then he notices Rex just standing, staring at him in shock.

“Rex?” Kix, the 501st medic asks, his hand hovers over his blaster pistol, unsure if he can trust either of them. Rex looks at Kix and that’s when he spots the small scar on the side of the medic’s head.

“Your inhibitor chip is out-“ Rex breathes a sigh of relief. Now Kix looks at them in shock.

“You…you know about the chip?” Kix asks. Rex nods.

“How’d you find out about it?” Rex asks.

“Fives-he-…he came to me when Tup first showed signs,” Kix explains.

“Yours is out too?” The medic asks and the two nod.

“So far it’s only us and the rest of Clone Force 99,” Rex explains and Kix nods before glancing down at the dead Jedi Master. There are Younglings but Kix moved them out of sight, into the vaults.

“What happened on Mandalore?” Kix asks. I shake my head.

“We lost some from Maul. But…Order 66 happened on the way back from Mandalore…after that…we lost everyone from my half of the 501st. What happened to General Skywalker and why are his men here when Skywalker himself is nowhere to be found in the carnage?” Rex asks.

“You…don’t know…do you?” Kix asks with a dark look in his eye. Rex feels a primal, instinctual fear when Kix looks at him.

“Know what?” Echo asks.

“He did it…he was the one that killed them,” Kix says and neither Rex nor Echo need explanation.

“N-No…No-th-that…that can’t be-“ Echo stutters while Rex feels his body go into shock, feeling numb all over.

“R-Rex?” Echo asks.

“You know it as well as I do. You’ve seen it in him…the darkness. You want proof? Here-“ Kix says handing Rex a recording. Echo looks at Rex worriedly before the Captain powers it on. The blue hologram shines and they see General Skywalker slicing, cutting through Jedi as if they were nothing but obstacles in his path. Blaster bolts fill the background as the Jedi that remained at the Temple fell one by one.

“General Skywalker killed the Jedi,” Kix says roughly, his voice haggard and almost raspy.

End.

Have some art I managed to work into this fic💙 (2nd pic is referenced from the Enemy mv)

[writingforfun0714]

If you have nothing good to say about Star Wars The Acolyte I would like to tell you to keep scrolling and block me now because I enjoy the show.

I really don’t understand the hate for the Acolyte. Like yeah it’s about a witch coven and the MCs have 2 moms but it’s actually a part of the story and not just ‘wokeness’ shoved in there for the sake of it and was important to story.

Also Mae/Osha do not take away from Anakin’s story/conception because the twins are different. Anakin was created from the will of the Force while Osha and Mae were created by Mother Aniseya, who manipulated the Force to create the twins inside Mother Koril.

I don’t have an opinion on Vernestra Roh since I’m unfamiliar with her character in Legends/EU. As a show-only character, she was ok. Not really a standout character like Jecki or Yord but not bad by any means. From what I understand, fans of the High Republic think she’s a bit stiff in the show but idk for sure. I hope she has more screen time later this season.

Now, is there cringe dialogue? Yes. There are a few moments that SW has a sort of ‘cringe’ moment (think Anakin ‘I hate sand’ Skywalker). Is there an overuse of PowerPoint transitions? Yes, but the OG trilogy is known for those kinds of cuts and personally I’m not bothered by it. Are there moments where things don’t exactly make sense? Yes—the scene with the fire in space comes to mind. But it’s not like SW hasn’t done that before (the effects in OWK, ‘somehow Palpatine returned’, etc).

My point is that nothing the Acoylte has done has warranted the kind of hate it and the actors get. Which, btw, stop harassing the actors!!! For real! No one is forcing you to watch this show. Also didn’t think this needed to be said but hate is different than criticism. Criticisms are critiques with the goal of making something better. Hate is harassment and bullying.

However I believe the story is solid so far and I’ve loved the sound design/music, fight choreography, character designs, and I believe the actors have been doing a good job, especially the kid actresses (real-life sisters) for young Mae/Osha. As someone who has younger twin siblings, their interactions felt realistic to me.

Anyways, please block me if you disagree cuz I’m gonna obsess over this for a bit—thanks💙

[writingforfun0714]

Working on two different fanfic chapters and wondering which one I should prioritize.

Which would you like to see first?

[writingforfun0714]

Hello all,

I’m so sorry for the hiatus/break. To make a long story short I had 3 family members die really close together (within about 5-6 days) and my younger brother had pneumonia but he’s fine now.

Here is Chapter 3 for my Bad Batch rewrite Our Love—basically how I think TBB should’ve gone+self insert fic. I’m sorry this took so long, but I was writing this chapter as S3 was airing and I was unhappy with how S3 ended up being so that really discouraged me.

I definitely recommend reading Chapters 1 + 2 before this (link is chapter index)

Our Love

Chapter 3: You Can’t Escape the Past

Warnings: spoilers, AU/OC characters, POV changes, O66 trauma, lemme know if I need anything else

Words: 8,096

3rd POV

Maisy and Omega gasp when they round the pile of debris to see a white Wookiee sitting with his legs pulled up, face buried, sobbing. He’s unaware of the girls’ presence so Maisy steps forward.

“Help,” she says. Her voice gets the Wookiee’s attention and his head snaps up. The girls’ pause when they see his eyes are bright red with blood red pupils. He looks in Maisy’s direction.

“Help,” she repeats.

“You called for help. I heard you,” the little girl says. The Wookiee’s eyes widen.

“Are you a survivor? Do you know what happened here?” He asks and Maisy shakes her head.

“Uh-uh. I came cuz I felt your call for help,” Maisy explains.

“Do you know what he’s saying?” Omega asks Maisy, who nods. Her Master spoke Shyriiwook fluently and often taught the Youngling in his spare time and she picked it up quickly. The white Wookiee flinches and seems startled, which makes Omega confused. She’d been standing with Maisy the whole time, so how did he not notice her? She looks at his gaze and sees that he’s staring in Maisy’s direction, but isn’t actually looking at her. Omega’s eyes widen.

“You’re blind,” she says.

“Who are you!? You’re no Jedi!” The Wookiee exclaims. Omega flinches.

“It’s ok! She’s my sister!” Maisy spouts immediately. Omega blinks and looks down at the Youngling.

“Sh-she’s with me…they all are-“ Maisy says.

“They?” The Wookiee asks but that’s when the rest of the Batch and Rex hurry in and see the Wookiee.

Rex and Echo look around the room. Bodies of Younglings lay about. They cannot believe it. While Hunter and the others are dealing with the albino Wookiee Padawan, Rex drops to his knees.

“They’re all…gone…the Jedi…the 501st…all of them…they’re all gone,” Rex repeats lifelessly as Echo puts his normal hand on Rex’s pauldron.

“Not all of them…we’re still here,” Echo replies. Rex looks up at him before sighing and looking at the lifeless bodies littering the room.

“If Ahsoka was with you…what was General Skywalker doing?” Echo asks.

“He was supposed to go rescue the Chancellor,” Rex explains.

“But..all information regarding General Skywalker has been sealed,” Rex adds. Echo looks at the bodies and that’s when his eyes widen in realization. His stomach churns.

“R-Rex-“ Echo says. Rex looks up at him and sees the shock and horror.

“Look at them-“ Echo points to the children’s lifeless bodies. Rex looks at them and when he sees the chest of one, with a distinct, large singed cut going up the child’s body. A….Lightsaber.

“Is that-?” Echo begins to ask.

“A lightsaber cut,” Rex confirms.

“W-Who…Who would do this to children?” Echo asks and Rex shakes his head.

“I’m not sure…but…I think whatever General Skywalker was doing had something to do with this. He would never allow our brothers to do this to the Jedi if he were here,” Rex states.

“It could’ve been Ventress-“ Echo says.

“Or Maul,” Rex adds.

“Who’s Maul?” Echo asks.

“A Sith…he uses red laser swords like Ventress,” Rex explains.

“What if…what if whoever killed these kids…killed General Skywalker?” Echo asks.

“Echo, you know the General as well as I do. He wasn’t like the other Jedi,” Rex insists.

“He wasn’t…but you know we shouldn’t assume anything…not with everything that’s happened,” Echo argues gently before glancing over at the others. He walks over and motions to Rex, who glances back at the dead Jedi children, some who look as young as 3-4, the same age as Youngling Maisy. Rex briefly wonders about the infants, but he pushes that thought out of his mind quickly and follows Echo back to join the group.

Omega’s POV

I stay quiet and let Maisy talk to the Wookiee. I can really only get Maisy’s half and assume based on what she says.

“It’s ok..these clones won’t hurt you. They’re all with me,” Maisy reassures the albino Wookiee.

“It’s true..we’re friends,” I add gently.

“R-Rrrghh?” He whimpers.

“It’s the ‘inbitter’ chips,” Maisy says.

“In-hi-bi-tor chips,” I correct.

“Theirs don’t work,” Maisy insists.

“Rrrgghh-rraughh,” He mumbles sadly.

“Mine too…but you’re not alone…come with us,” Maisy says. I look and see Hunter about to stop Maisy, but I grab hold of his arm, getting his attention. He looks down at me and I shake my head and look up at him pleadingly. He sighs quietly but stays silent and I smile.

“Rrrr-Rrghh?” He asks and I see Maisy smile at him and nod.

“Uh-huh. Come with us,” she says, holding out a hand to him. He blinks before tentatively reaching out and taking the little girl’s hand in his large one. Maisy smiles and looks up at me. I give her an encouraging nod and smile at her before putting a hand on her shoulder.

“Good job,” I tell her and she beams at me. I take a step towards the Wookiee.

“I’m Omega,” I introduce and my brothers all take turns introducing themselves with their voices.

“What’s your name?” Maisy asks.

“Rraahh,” the Wookiee answers.

“Wyyntrr,” Maisy translates and I smile.

“Wyyntrr,” I repeat.

“Rrr-Rrragghh-Rrrr!” He says.

“Oh, you’re a Padawan! I’m a Youngling!” She says, pulling him towards the group.

“What’s the difference?” Wrecker asks.

“He’s older and got more training,” Maisy explains.

“We have to get out of here,” Hunter warns.

“Down that way-“ Maisy points to a ruined hallway.

“Let’s move-“ Rex says, putting a hand on Echo’s shoulder to get his attention.

We walk down the hall, avoiding the bodies of Jedi and 501st troopers. Maisy keeps holding Wyyntrr’s hand as they walk with Hunter and Tech leading the way. I look and see Maisy’s eyes are wide as she looks at the bodies and I realize that it’s starting to affect her.

“Rraagh—Rrrr,” Wyyntrr says and I see him shiver.

“I’m cold too,” Maisy says in agreement. I frown in confusion. I feel fine.

“Hunter?” I ask, looking up at the Sergeant. He looks around.

“Rex-did..did you see?” Echo asks the 501st captain.

“Not all of those kids were killed with blaster fire-“ Echo says, his voice breaking.

“What?!” Wrecker asks, clearly in shock.

“Echo-“ Rex warns, knowing now is not the time to have this conversation. I look between Captain Rex and Echo worriedly before I feel Maisy tug on my sleeve.

“Bad…the bad dark,” she tells me.

“What does that mean?” I ask her.

“The bad dark is coming for us,” Maisy warns and my eyes widen. I snap back into the moment and realize the others are arguing.

“Hunter!” I exclaim, getting everyone’s attention.

“The bad dark is coming,” Maisy repeats.

“Rex?” Hunter asks for clarification.

“Not good-MOVE!” Rex snaps. Wrecker picks up Wyyntrr before me with his other hand while Maisy reaches for Tech, being the closest, who picks the little girl up easily.

3rd POV

Wrecker picks up the older kids while Tech grabs Maisy and the group sprints as fast as they can as Maisy guides them through the ruined Temple. Hunter is right beside Tech, holding his blaster pistol at the ready since Wrecker is unarmed.

“Down that hall and turn left,” Maisy points and Hunter runs ahead, scouting while Rex and Echo bring up the rear.

Omega looks over Wrecker’s shoulder.

“I don’t see anything,” Omega says. Wyyntrr reaches over and gently touches Omega’s hand with his own pale pink one and Omega’s eyes widen when she feels his hand is cold—a lot colder than she expected. The young female clone looks over and sees Maisy point. Hunter races ahead.

The group manages to get back to where they came in from and follow the same path out, going through the basement closet, through the sewers and back to the alleys of the lower levels of Coruscant. The hidden path out of the Temple isn’t known to any outside the Jedi Council and the room isn’t on any maps of the Temple so over the centuries, that knowledge was lost. The only reason Maisy knew of it is because her Master told her. He found it accidentally as a Youngling himself.

“Are we safe yet?” Omega asks and Padawan Wyyntrr makes a small noise before nodding. Omega looks over and sees Maisy still looks upset.

“Maisy? What’s wrong?” Omega asks.

“I’m not cold…the bad dark…it didn’t follow us out but…but…the others—“ Maisy whimpers before crying, wrapping her arms around Tech’s neck. The little girl is hurting and it’s almost instantly that Tech puts his blaster pistol away and gently strokes the back of the little girl’s head.

Elsewhere…

Back on Kamino, Crosshair informs his squad about their latest controversial mission to Ankus.

“What’s so controversial about this mission?” ES-03 asks.

“The Separatist holdout is located in a neutral system,” Crosshair explains. Based on what happened on Onderon, Crosshair’s squad doesn’t question orders.

“Is that a problem?” Crosshair asks when his squad shares a look with each other.

“No…sir,” ES-03 says before nodding at the others and walking out to the hangar, leaving Corsshair alone to get ready.

Since he’s alone, Crosshair takes a moment. The Ankus mission is identical to the one on Onderon. Civilians, innocent people just caught in a wrong place-wrong time situation. The sniper definitely takes issue with violence but he winces in pain and his hand comes up to rub his right temple before sighing. Fine. If the order was to go to Ankus, he’d go to Ankus. Crosshair would do it his way though.

He meets the rest of his new squad in the hangar and the group silently finishes loading the gunship with supplies before boarding and taking off. It’s awkwardly silent between the soldiers but Crosshair doesn’t care. He just thinks about Cody. The sniper wonders all sorts of questions about the commander but most of all, Crosshair just hopes Cody will help him as he feels the ship lurch forward into hyperspace.

Meanwhile…

Maisy’s POV

I feel sad…so sad that…it’s like I don’t feel anything. I’m not even crying. I managed to guide everyone back out but…but it didn’t feel like me. It felt like I wasn’t there. Like it wasn’t real. It couldn’t have been. But…but everyone’s still acting like the other Jedi were all killed and only me and Wyyntrr are left. Tech is carrying me as they walk through alleys and streets of the lower levels before getting to the lifts. I can hear Wyyntrr crying but I look over and see Omega comforting him as Wrecker carries them. The door opens and we hurry inside as the doors whoosh close.

“You’re safe now, Wyyntrr. We’ll protect you,” Omega tells him. I know Omega’s telling the truth but…I can’t get the bodies out of my mind. The bodies of the other Younglings and the Masters that were defending them along with the clones that they managed to kill. I feel the lift move up.

“Maisy?” Tech’s voice pulls me out of remembering the lifeless faces with eyes wide open.

“Are you alright?” Tech asks, “You’re shaking,” he explains, getting everyone’s attention.

“Kid?” Echo asks, concerned. I bury my face into Tech’s neck and whimper, squeezing tighter. I’m just trying to keep my eyes shut, to stop the bad thoughts. I don’t even hear Wyyntrr’s voice.

Tech’s POV

I feel Maisy bury her face into the crook of my neck and whimper quietly.

“Rrr-rrrghh..rraaahh-rrrgg” Commander Wyyntrr says. I flip my visor down and let the lens translate everything the white albino Wookiee says.

“The Force is..unpredictable,” I read and see the Padawan point at Maisy. My eyes widen. The Force. I’ve never been able to understand it. I know it’s what gives the Generals their power and make things float around, but that’s about it since we don’t normally work with the Jedi.

“He says the Force is unpredictable…for Maisy?” I ask and the Wookiee nods once.

“What does that mean?” I ask, but the lift doors open before he could answer and we run out.

“This way-“ Hunter motions and we follow him. I make sure to keep a strong grip on the little girl as she clings to me. I suddenly realize how uncomfortable my armor must feel.

We finally make it back to the garage and shut the door behind us.

“Woah, what’s going on? Did you get into the Temple?” Trace asks as Rafa puts the tool down and walks over. While not as skilled as Trace, Rafa can do basic things like rewire a speeder, bypass simple security systems and such. Wrecker steps forward with the two older kids in his arms and they blink in surprise.

“Who’s that?” Rafa asks.

“This is Wyyntrr..the girls found him when we went into the Temple,” Hunter introduces.

“He’s just a kid,” Trace says and Hunter nods sadly.

“Rex-“ Rafa says, getting his attention. He looks at her with tired, deep dark brown eyes

“Can we talk?” Rafa asks, glancing at the kids. Rex nods and glances at Echo.

“You comin’?” Rex asks, clearly still thinking of Echo as a 501st brother. Echo looks at Hunter, who nods before following the sisters and Rex into the office room.

“Go, we’ll stay with the kids,” Hunter says, glancing at me and I nod, looking over at the Wookiee Commander, thinking on what he said…about the Force…and Youngling Maisy.

“Maisy?” Omega asks, reaching up to put a hand gently on the younger girl’s knee. Maisy’s grip tightens around my neck and she whimpers quietly. I see Omega frown worriedly.

“It…It’s ok,” I tell the Youngling, “we won’t let anything happen to any of you.”

“Tech’s right,” Omega adds enthusiastically.

Rex’s POV

I shut the door behind Echo and look at the Martez sisters.

“Rex, you have to contact Ahsoka,” Rafa insists.

“You know where the Commander is?” Echo asks incredulously.

“No-no-Rafa, you know as well as I do that Ahsoka’s situation…is tricky,” I argue.

“This is an emergency-those kids, they’re Jedi and Ahsoka could help them,” Rafa argues back.

“Rex if you know where Commander Tano is then you have to tell her about the kids,” Echo insists.

“Echo-Commander Tano was banished from the Jedi. She was asked back but…but she didn’t trust them, so she left. She only recently came back and I was helping her when..” I trail off, remembering the horrors of Order 66. Memories of how I nearly killed the Commander—of how we had to bury the bodies of our half of the 501st.

“Order 66?” Echo asks and I nod.

“Rex..we’re soldiers. What are we supposed to do with children? I know Hunter means well, but he’s not thinking realistically. We’re not prepared to raise these kids,” Echo says. I sigh. He has a point.

“That would mean separating them,” I say.

“Yeah..I don’t think that’s going to happen-“ Trace says, looking out the window. I follow her gaze and see Tech holding Maisy on the floor of the garage with the two older kids hugging either side of Tech, wrapping their arms around the pilot and Jedi youngling. Wrecker walks over and sits behind Tech, wrapping his arms around the group and I see Hunter smile. In a different universe, they’d be able to raise those kids without fear of the Empire.

“We still have to go back for Crosshair,” Echo points out, getting my attention.

“Where is he?” I ask.

“Back on Kamino. His inhibitor chip was the only one active on Kaller but we hadn’t seen him since escaping Kamino after removing our chips. We’re not sure what they did to him,” Echo explains. I sigh.

“I can’t locate Commander Tano because I don’t know where she is, truly. She went into hiding after our ship crashed and we buried those that didn’t make it,” I explain.

“That’s where they come in,” I explain, glancing at the Martez sisters, who nod.

“Any clones we come across, we direct to Rex,” Trace explains and I nod.

“And any Jedi, we tell Ahsoka,” Rafa adds.

“In these times, they won’t be safe anywhere,” Echo comments darkly.

“I can send out a distress signal. It’s an old clone captain code of mine. Ahsoka would know it…if she’s listening,” I say.

“Thanks Rex,” Echo nods at me. I feel my lips tug upward in a small smile. I’ve watched lots of my brothers fall. I was there on the Rishi Moon outpost when Cutup, Droidbait and Hevy were killed. I was with Fives…he had tried to warn me-and General Skywalker but I…I didn’t understand. I’d do anything to keep Echo and the rest of them safe, including the kids because none of this is their fault. They shouldn’t have had to go through Order 66 at their age. And now…they are genocide survivors.

3rd POV

Back on the now former Republic gunship, Crosshair waits patiently for the ship to drop out of hyperspace.

“Approaching Ankus, sir,” the sniper hears through the comms in his helmet.

“Good. Here. I’m assigning each of you a sector. East wing, south entrance, roof. We meet inside. Eliminate anyone in your way,” Crosshair orders to a silent squad and from what happened on Onderon, it’s out of fear, not respect.

The ship touches down in the swampy marsh. The doors open and Crosshair steps out first to see a settlement in the distance.

“This way,” he says and leads the squad as quick as he can.

“Commander-what’s the hurry?” A trooper asks but Crosshair doesn’t answer and merely speeds up. Crosshair knows that the faster the mission here is completed, the faster he can get to the nearby planet Dantooine, Commander Cody’s last known whereabouts.

Crosshair’s POV

I let my visor on my helmet guide me until I get to a rocky, vine-covered cliff. I already manage to fire off my ascension cable just as the others catch up. The hook catches up at the top and I pull the trigger of my rifle so the cable pulls me up the face of the cliff. I hear the other cables launch near me, but I try not to think about them. Just finish the mission so I can leave. Just finish.

I get to the top of the cliff and see the wall of the outpost through the vegetation. I use the heat signature function and see at least 20 people inside and patrolling around the wall.

“Split up,” I order the others once they make it to the top as well.

“You two take the north side. We’ll meet at the control center inside,” I point to the left and the TK troopers nod.

“Yes sir,” they reply obediently. They must’ve learned from Onderon not to disobey me. The two disappear into the distance and I look to the remaining TK trooper.

“You, scout ahead,” I order and she nods.

“Yes sir,” she says and hurries off.

Being the sniper, I’m unused to being the leader and on Clone Force 99, I would always bring up the rear, watching our backs. But I focus on completing the mission. It’s the only way I can get help. Faster…I have to go faster. I nearly keep pace with the female TK trooper and she looks at me.

“What’s the rush sir?” She asks.

“Our timing is important,” I snap and at first she’s quiet.

“Understood sir,” she says and speeds up much faster than I anticipated. I blink in surprise and speed up a bit. A small part of me, very deep down and VERY BRIEFLY thinks that she respects me. No. No that can’t be. I shot and killed ES-01 on Onderon. They just fear me. As they should but…but if my plan is going to work…I hope-

“Sir!” I hear a voice through the comms on my helmet snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Yes-“

“I’ve found a weak point in the security system. The ventilation shaft doesn’t have any weight or motion censors. That’s our way in,” the TK trooper partnered with me explains and I’m suddenly reminded of Tech, but I shake that thought away. She opens the vent and climbs in and I take a small breath before following after her.

It’s quiet, the only sound is the slight sound of our armor touching metal. I can hear the other troopers update me on their position and every so often, I can hear blaster fire through the comms but it eventually stops.

“Sir, I believe we’re just a corridor away from the central control panel,” the trooper whispers. After a bit more crawling, we arrive at a grate in the vent and open it. I drop through the opening and we look around.

“Report ES-03,” I order through my helmet comms. I hear two shots fire off before a quiet moment passes.

“ES-03?” I ask again but that’s when the door whooshes open and I see the other troopers walk in.

“We have infiltrated the base successfully,” ES-03 says.

“We must sweep the base for any remaining insurgents-“ ES-04 suggests.

“It’s faster to send out a fake emergency call. Sound the evacuation alarms,” I order and no one questions me this time. An alert alarm rings throughout the building.

“ES-03-“ I say, getting the TK trooper’s attention.

“Take the north corridor-I’m taking the south-“ I order and make my way through the southern wing to the landing pads.

I make it outside when the commlink in my helmet comes on.

“Sir, there’s no one else here-“ I hear.

“The base is secured. Hold it until further orders,” I instruct.

“Understood sir-but-..where are you?”

“I’ve got a new mission-alone,” I add hastily.

“ES-03 is in charge while I’m away,” I announce.

“Yes sir,” I hear the obedient replies through the comms and hurry over to a nearby transport shuttle and power it up. I put in the coordinates for Dantooine, Commander Cody’s last known whereabouts before flying the ship up and off planet. I feel a twinge of pain flare up through my temples. I completed my earlier mission, so why does it still hurt?

Back at the Lower Levels of Coruscant…

3rd POV

CF99 and the kids say their goodbyes to the Martez sisters and the group makes their way back to the Marauder from the lower levels of Coruscant. Padawan Wyyntrr mumbles sadly and sighs as Omega looks at him, then at Tech.

“He’s asking what’s going to happen to them now that the Jedi Temple is destroyed-“ Tech explains cautiously looking at Hunter.

“We’re…not going to decide anything right now,” Hunter answers when he notices Echo and Rex talking in hushed tones.

“We’ll look after you kids for now…until we do decide what would be best,” Hunter assures the kids and Tech nods.

“I could really use your help Echo,” Rex whispers quietly to the ARC trooper, who nods.

“I know. If there’s a chance he’s still alive…then we have to go back into the Temple ourselves. We’ll leave the kids with Hunter and the others,” Echo says and Rex nods in agreement.

Speaking of the children, Omega gently puts a hand on Wyyntrr’s shoulder as he picks up Maisy, who clings to him and buries her head into his thick, curly snow-white fur. The albino Wookiee uses one arm to hold the Youngling and the other to cup the back of her head gently with his pale pink hand.

Omega’s POV

As we make our way back to the Marauder, I look over at the Jedi and see Maisy keeps her head buried into Wyyntrr’s thick, white curly fur and she’s clinging to him so tight her knuckles are white. I don’t say anything. How could I? After what we saw at the Temple…all the destruction and death….the bodies we passed. We saw it all. And Wyyntrr…he could’ve been here…all this time. Maybe he was here when it happened. Now…all the Jedi are gone…it’s just Maisy and Wyyntrr left.

I’m not sure why but I feel the overwhelming sense to protect them. Perhaps it was all those years on Kamino. The others…the soldiers, they were taught that the Jedi were our superiors. That their job is to protect others so we must protect them. At least, that’s what I’ve thought. I don’t have a lot of memories of the Jedi personally because Nala Se often kept me confined in her secret laboratory. I would get to go to the mess hall to eat or make very occasional trips to the library. It was during those times when I was out that I would see a Jedi. I believe her name is Jedi Master Shaak Ti. I got to see her once briefly in passing. We never spoke to each other. I never really got to see the Jedi’s powers. I’d heard they could do amazing things…things no ordinary human can do. But I never saw…not until-

My mind flashes to Crosshair choking, gasping for air before flashing to Maisy, her hand outstretched towards him. I managed to get her to stop by grabbing hold of her and picking her up but I’ll always remember it. It was like Crosshair couldn’t do anything despite nothing being around him. I shake my head slightly to clear the memory when I hear Maisy whimper. I put a hand gently on her shoulder.

“We’ve got you. It’s ok. We’re here,” I say and Wyyntrr grunts and nods in agreement as his grip tightens slightly in a reassuring..big brother..type of way. I look between them and I realize why I felt the need to protect them. It’s not because of Kamino or what the Kaminoans told the other clones about the Jedi…it’s because we’re family.

We finally get back to the Marauder.

“Hunter, can we talk?” Echo asks. I look between Echo and Rex and then finally Hunter. He nods and turns to Tech and Wrecker.

“Take the kids inside,” Hunter says and Tech nods, escorting Wyyntrr up the stairs. I watch as he cautiously walks up the steps.

“C’mon kid,” Wrecker tells me when I look back at Rex, Echo and Hunter. I look back up at Wrecker and nod before following the others inside. Wrecker follows behind me and I watch as Tech escorts Wyyntrr over to an empty seat. I walk over and sit next to Wyyntrr, who’s still keeping a firm grip on Maisy.

“I’m going to reset the fuel log and nav computer,” Tech announces before walking into the cockpit. I notice Wrecker looking a bit nervous so I motion to come sit with us. He nods and immediately walks over. I move over and once he sits down, I climb into his lap. Wyyntrr seems to notice and shifts Maisy so he can also climb into Wrecker’s lap. The demolitions and weapons expert wraps his arms around me and Wyyntrr.

3rd POV

Hunter watches Wrecker and Tech escort the kids onto the Marauder, leaving the sergeant with Echo and Rex.

“What’s going on?” Hunter asks.

“Hunter. The troopers at the Temple…they were 501st. Rex and I think that one of us might still be at the Temple. But we had to get the kids out of there and now that they’re safe, Rex and I want to go back before it gets swarmed by Imps,” Echo explains.

“And before you start to argue, we have to do this, no matter what you say,” Rex adds.

“Actually, I was going to apologize for not being able to go with you…but I can’t leave those kids. They need us,” Hunter explains and the 2 others nod understandingly.

“We know,” Echo says and looks to his captain.

“Here. These are coordinates to someone who can help you,” Rex explains, handing Hunter a data chip. The sergeant looks at the chip then at Rex.

“Who?” Hunter asks.

“A deserter. We met during the War,” Rex explains then glances at the Marauder.

“And he’s got kids,” Rex adds.

“So?” Hunter asks and all Rex does is smirk and let a small chuckle escape his lips.

“I always forget that you boys haven’t worked with the Jedi Commanders before. Trust me. He’ll be helpful in more ways than one,” Rex says.

“We’ll rendezvous with you at those coordinates once we’ve searched the whole Temple,” Echo says.

“Who…who is it?” Hunter asks.

“Kix..my medic,” Rex says and Hunter nods, remembering the soldier well from the Anaxes mission to rescue Echo.

“I hope you find him. In the meantime, we’ll be waiting for you,” Hunter says, flashing the data chip with the coordinates on it and Echo nods, offering a hand. They grip forearms and shake brotherly.

“Thanks Hunter, I’ll be back,” Echo assures the sergeant who nods with a small knowing smile before parting ways.

Hunter’s POV

I watch Rex and Echo head back towards the seemingly endless maze of streets before turning back to the Havoc Marauder. We’ll need to disappear. Hopefully Rex’s contact can help us with that. I walk back into the Marauder and see Wrecker with the kids while Tech is up in the cockpit messing with the nav computer. Deciding not to disturb Wrecker or the kids, I decide to join Tech in the cockpit.

“I’m almost done with the fuel log and nav computer,” Tech says and I nod once before handing him the data chip.

“What’s this?” the pilot asks.

“Coordinates for a contact of Rex’s. It’s a place where we can lay low and wait to regroup with the two once they find Kix,” I explain and Tech adjusts his goggles.

“Kix, CT-6116 from Anaxes?” Tech asks and I nod.

“Rex believes he’s back at the Temple, but it’s too dangerous for the kids so we’re going to wait with Rex’s contact until they return,” I explain.

“Who is the contact and how do you know we can trust them?” Tech asks.

“Rex trusts him. Besides, he said that the contact is a deserter,” I tell my brother.

“A deserter?” I don’t miss the concern laced in his tone.

“Yeah, why? It’s not like we’re not deserters either,” I argue back rationally.

“True enough,” Tech admits and nods.

“I’ll input the coordinates-“ Tech says, tossing the chip and catching it with one hand. I nod and walk over to the kids.

I wasn’t prepared for the Temple and if I could go back, I never would’ve taken the kids there. I know we found Wyyntrr there and Omega’s a medical assistant, but they’re both only 11 and shouldn’t have had to experience that, especially Wyyntrr and Maisy since they probably know the slain Jedi. And Maisy…she’s only 4. As I silently approach, Wrecker opens his eyes and he immediately makes eye contact with me.

“The baby Jedi’s are asleep,” Wrecker whispers. I look and see Omega looking at them.

“Will they be alright?” Omega asks me quietly.

“They will with time…and if we help them,” I assure Omega, who smiles.

“Because we’re a family?” She asks and I nod. The young female clone looks at the two Jedi kids and a look of fondness washes over her.

“It might not always be easy,” I warn but Omega nods.

“I know,” she replies easily but with a knowing look in her deep, shining, dark brown eyes. The same eyes we all share.

3rd POV

In hyperspace, Crosshair stares out the window. Crosshair winces in pain and he rubs his temple. He can’t stop thinking about what the Kaminoans, specifically Nala Se, did to him back on Kamino. The others stayed with that kid. He sighs irritatedly so he keeps his thoughts on Commander Cody. While they weren’t exactly close, the sniper knows that the former Marshal Commander of the GAR would help him. The commander took an interest in the ‘defective’ squad when he first learned of them from 99, before his passing.

The ship Crosshair took from Ankus drops out of hyperspace as it arrives at Dantooine and heads to the coordinates the 212th troopers gave him. Commander Cody’s last known whereabouts. While the sniper flies the ship in through the atmosphere of the planet, his mind doesn’t fail to remind him how grateful he should be to Cody because he doesn’t have any friends or contacts, even within the army. Echo’s voice of reason rings in Crosshair’s head.

“If your squad pushes away our brothers, you won’t have anyone to rely on,” the ARC trooper had told Crosshair when they first met, on the Anaxes mission. Out of everyone, Crosshair’s severe and unyielding personality make it hard for him to admit when he has a shortcoming. But in this case, when he can’t even rely on his own squad…it would be beneficial to have contacts other than squad mates. The sniper made a mental note to talk with Echo the next time he saw him.

Crosshair watches the scenery through the windshield before deciding to take over and shut off the autopilot. He’d seen Tech fly the Marauder enough and even picked up a few of Tech’s tricks. His dark brown eyes shine as he scans the area before glancing at the nav computer console. Crosshair sees the dot of the location he’s heading towards as well as the blinking dot of the ship.

It starts to rain as Crosshair touches the ship down in a grassy plain next to a river connecting to a small lake. Crosshair initiates the landing sequence and feels the ship lurch to a stop on the ground before hearing the bay door open. Rain blows in, hitting the loading ramp. He grabs his helmet and rifle and hurries out into the rain.

He heads to the exact coordinates and spots a clearing in the tall golden grass, about 50ft away from the ship. The sniper sees signs that someone was there. Footsteps, a small burn spot of ash from what used to be a fire that’s gone out. Crosshair sees another footstep before a trail of bent blades of grass and follows the trail. Tracking, something he’d seen Hunter do since they were cadets in training on Kamino. While he’s grateful for any help at this point, Crosshair had hoped that Hunter and the rest of the squad would’ve tried harder to understand the sniper’s point of view.

Crosshair keeps his rifle out and ready just in case. The tracks stop at a small flowing river and Crosshair sighs but he spots a smoke trail rising towards the sky in the distance. That’s as good a place as any to start looking. Crosshair didn’t actually think Cody would be at the coordinates, but the sniper had hoped the commander didn’t leave the planet. But Crosshair trusted the coordinate information because Cody often talked fondly of the 212th, as well as the 501st and anyone Cody trusts must be worthy of it.

As the sniper keeps a brisk pace through the grassy plains, Crosshair speeds up with every pulse of pain through his right temple. This cannot be normal, he thinks to himself. Something is wrong.

By the time Crosshair can see the silhouette of the village in the distance, the pain is so intense, taking a step hurts. He groans and rubs his head. Crosshair’s rifle is now barely in his grip and his helmet is under his arm. The breeze provides a nice coolness that in reality does very little, but it allows Crosshair to take a focusing breath when he becomes lightheaded and dizzy. Whatever Nala Se had done to the inhibitor chip was now clearly aversely affecting Crosshair and he needed to get help now. Crosshair ignores the pain long enough to focus on the distance to the village.

The sun starts to set and Crosshair sighs with relief when the sun finally sets. The sunlight was aggravating his headache but wearing his helmet made his lightheadedness nauseating. Crosshair nearly stumbles into the village before collapsing onto his knees. He groans as everything feels like it’s spinning.

Shut your eyes and take slow breaths.

That was what Crosshair told Hunter when his senses got overstimulated. Following that advice, Crosshair shuts his eyes and braces himself before taking a slow breath. The pulsing pain remains for a moment before slowing and lessening in severity.

Crosshair’s POV

I have to shut my eyes and take a slow breath. The ringing in my ears is deafening. I feel a bit nauseous. I’m so focused on the pain that I don’t even register someone approaching me.

“Oss-air…Cross-….Crosshair-“ I hear a familiar voice. I lift my head but keep my eyes shut. I open my eyes with a wince. I’ve got a bit of double vision going on and everything is a bit fuzzy, but I don’t miss the unmistakable deep, bright dark eyes of a clone staring at me with concern. As my vision focuses, I’m able to see the large scar running down the man’s forehead and to his cheekbone.

“C-Cody? Commander Cody?” I ask weakly.

“It’s ok, I’ve got ya,” he tells me before moving next to me. I feel his hands wrap underneath my arms and haul me to my feet. Cody groans slightly and that’s when I see his left leg is wrapped in a bandage. It goes from his ankle all the way up to his mid thigh and I realize he’s hurt.

“You’re injured-“ I comment and he nods.

“Yeah nothing that won’t heal in time but you look like you got hit by a freighter ship. Come with me,” he tells me.

As we walk through the small village, I look around and take in the surroundings. Mostly small shops mixed in with housing either next to or on top of the shops. It’s not really crowded either and I spot some rusty droids every other alleyway.

“What are you doing here Cross? What happened? Where’s the rest of Clone Force 99?” Cody asks as we hobble down the stone street.

“Everything fell apart during Order 66,” I explain and I see Cody’s face harden.

“Were you on Utapau with General Kenobi when it happened?” I ask and he merely nods, avoiding my eyes.

“I…don’t have a lot of regrets in my life but…that was one of them,” Cody says and I look at him with a quizzical look.

“Look, good soldiers follow orders. But what separated us from the battle droids we fought is that we can make our own choices and that’s important now more than ever,” Cody tells me.

“Why’s that?” I ask.

“Because the Jedi that protected us are gone now. The government that ordered our creation has disintegrated. We have to protect each other now that the galaxy has changed,” Cody explains and I think on his words. He…does have a point.

“Tell me something Crosshair,” the commander says, getting my attention.

“Why are you here?” He asks.

“To find you…sir,” I answer and he cocks his head at me, raising an eyebrow.

“I…I knew without the rest of the squad, I had to find someone I could trust,” I explain.

“But..why?”

“Because…the Kaminoans did something to me…and…and it’s only getting worse-“ I say as my free hand instinctively comes up to rub my aching temple. The pulsing pain makes it hard to concentrate.

“I need your help,” I beg and Cody nods.

“Don’t worry. I’ll do what I can-“ he says looking around. I see his eyes widen.

“Ah! We’re almost there-“ he comments.

“Mmhmm,“ I acknowledge since nodding my head would’ve been too painful.

With my left arm draped over Cody’s shoulders so he can take my weight, he has us turn down a small alley and walk down all the way until it gets to a dead end. I look and see a rusty door that looks abandoned.

“We’re here,” Cody says and presses the door pad. The door whooshes up with a slight squeak that grates against my ears, but I don’t say anything because at this point, I’m just so happy to have found Cody…or that he found me.

The place is a small one room building with a sink, a couple chairs, and a rickety looking wooden table that’s scratched up like war-ravaged armor.

“It’s not much but it’s a good place to rest that none of the locals really cares about,” Cody says and I nod.

“How long have you been here?” I ask as he gently sets me down in one of the chairs.

“I left Utapau just after Order 66. I tried to convince the men with me to come with but after that we were to report to Kamino. I went with them and…and when we got back…everything…everyone was different,” Cody explains.

“I was demoted because there’s no need for a marshal commander when there’s no GAR but Governor Tarkin assured me I still had a place within the Empire by assigning me and ghost squadron a mission on Dantooine. But, the more I thought about what happened on Utapau, the more upset I got,” Cody explains.

“I got injured after falling from a cliff and told everyone else to complete the mission. I gave Crys my last known coordinates and told them to return to Kamino without me,” Cody says.

“Why? Why didn’t you go back with the others once they finished the mission?” I ask.

“Because I’m going back to Utapau. At least, once my leg heals up,” he adds, gently rubbing his leg.

“You’re going back to Utapau?! Why in all the galaxy would you go back? You could easily rise through the ranks of the Empire,” I ask, surprised he’d even suggest such a thing.

“I…I have to go back and look for General Kenobi. I ordered to shoot him down. I took a couple shots myself as he fell. I looked into the water he fell in and saw no sign of him,” Cody answers seriously. I’m reminded of what happened on Kaller. I didn’t see, but Hunter told me he shot the padawan and he fell off the rocky cliffs. I don’t believe him. A wave of pain makes me wince and I groan slightly. Cody frowns.

“You said the Kaminoans did something to you…do you remember what?” Cody asks.

“I…I saw Nala Se…in the halls. She took me and enhanced the inhibitor chip—I…I knew what was happening but…but I couldn’t move. I couldn’t do anything-“ I explain, rubbing my temple. Cody nods and pulls up one of the wooden floorboards to reveal a small container. I watch as he pulls up the other chair and sits directly across from me. He opens the rusty container and I see some medical supplies. He pulls out a stimpack and gives me an apologetic look.

“Sorry-“ Cody says.

“For what-AGH!” I ask but he suddenly injects the needle into the side of my neck. I feel the cold pinch before the cold liquid numbs the pain enough that I sigh with relief.

“What…what is that?” I ask.

“A local concoction. After what happened with my leg, a few locals from this village found me and brought me back here. Their healers have been looking after me, making sure I don’t overdo it. It’s a mix of medicinal grasses and oils from seed pods from the plains surrounding the village,” Cody explains.

“What’s this ‘inhibitor chip’?” The Marshal Commander asks curiously.

“I…I’m not really sure but…but it’s..it’s here-“ I say, pointing to my right temple.

“Nala Se did something to it before taking it out-“ I tell him.

“But whatever she did…it’s permanent,” I add.

“Don’t worry, I’m gonna do everything I can. But I don’t have the right tools. There’s a machine chop shop in the village square. I can get a scanner and start working in about an hour. You think you can hang on ‘til then?” Cody asks me.

“I’ll be ok. But your leg-“

“I’ll be alright—just try and relax. I’ve got a canteen of water by the bed-“ Cody points and without waiting, I hurry as fast as I can over and grab the metal can. I unscrew it and take a swig before putting the cap back and holding the canister to my temple. The cool metal feels good against the hot pulsing pain.

“Here’s the medical supplies in case you need anything. Sorry I don’t really have anything to eat-“ Cody says, limping over as he sets the supply box next to me on the old mattress in the corner. The thought of food makes my stomach churn and I guess my face must’ve shown it because Cody nods.

“Or not—sorry. I’ll be right back,” Cody says, grabbing a sturdy stick and walking out with a slight limp.

Once I’m sure I’m alone and Cody isn’t coming back for a while, I let the first of many tears form and fall from my eyes. I didn’t want to say anything but…what Nala Se did…it was the first time in a long time that I felt afraid. And I don’t have my brothers with me. They probably hated me for what I did on Kamino. But they don’t know what happened to me. How could they have known? I lay on the lumpy old mattress, waiting, hoping Cody comes back soon because even though the stim helped, I can still feel the pulsing pain as I think about the inhibitor chip. Good soldiers follow orders…don’t they?

3rd POV

CF99 gets the Havoc Marauder out of Coruscant’s atmosphere before going into hyperspace, following the coordinates Rex gave Hunter. The kids are sleeping on the floor of the gunners mount, huddled together in a snuggle pile.

“I hope Echo comes back with Rex soon,” Wrecker comments as he glances at the kids.

“He’s had the most experience with children out of all of us,” Tech adds and Hunter sighs.

“Don’t worry. Once we get to the coordinates Rex gave us, we’ll figure out what to do…now that we know the Jedi Temple isn’t safe,” Hunter says.

Maisy whimpers sadly and clings to Wyyntrr’s shaggy, curly fur on his arm and Omega’s tunic sleeve as she sleeps between the two. She gasps awake, bolting upright, clawing at the air. Hunter notices first.

“Hey-easy-easy-it’s ok-you’re ok,” Hunter assures the younger girl before she starts crying quietly. He approaches and that’s when the Youngling stretches her arms out, wanting to be held. Hunter easily grabs hold of the little girl and holds her close against his chest plate.

“It’s just a bad dream,” Hunter tries to assure the girl, who clings even tighter to the sergeant.

“Don’t leave me…please…don’t leave please-please-please-please-“ the Youngling begs.

“Shh-sshh little one, we’re not going to let anything happen to you or Wyyntrr or Omega. You’re our kids now,” Hunter says, wrapping his free arm around the little girl with his hand holding the back of her head.

“We’re on approach to sector J19,” Tech announces as the two older kids wake up as well.

“Maisy?”

“Rrrgh?” They ask as Omega looks around. Wyyntrr points, not looking in that direction so Omega does. She sees Hunter holding Maisy and a worried look crosses the female clone’s face.

“It’s ok, she just had a bad dream,” Wrecker tells Omega as she swings her legs over the side before hopping down. Wyyntrr follows and the older kids approach Hunter and Maisy as the ship drops out of Hyperspace.

“Approaching a planet called Saleukami,” Tech says.

“Saleukami? Never heard of it,” Wrecker says.

“Don’t worry. We’ll be safe here,” Omega says, patting Maisy’s leg.

“First we need to find this contact of Rex’s,” Hunter reminds the girl.

“That shouldn’t be too hard. The coordinates have us touching down just east of 25 acres of farmland,” Tech explains, causing Hunter and Wrecker to exchange a wary look.

End.

Chapter 4

Chapter Index

[writingforfun0714]

Question for y'all: Omega is the singular female character on the Bad Batch, and really the only prominent female character of the series. She easily fulfills The Girl trope of the Five Man band. She's the moral compass, the emotional center, and emotional initiator for the Batch. The Bad Batch...really does not start their own reflections or journeys without Omega being present. And they don't really properly resolve them, either. Omega helped Crosshair work through his trauma via guided meditation on a sunsetty beach. He does not take it upon himself to heal from his trauma. Omega has to prompt him. His tremors went away? But Now that Omega's gone, his tremors have come back.

Does this feel like misogynistic writing to anyone else. The female character in an all-male group often tends to be the only one with a moral compass, compassion, and a sense of kindness/generosity. They're the one who goes "We have to help the poor! We have to save everyone!" Added to that the fact that we don't get emotional conversations without omega starting them or being present, and that these characters can't seem to finish them very well (return to Ice planet comes to mind) I just feel like there's sexism in the writing. It's not as bad as it could have been back in Ye Olden Days, but it's...surprisingly strong?

[writingforfun0714]

Just got fuckin decked by the new Tales of the Empire trailer

What the actual fuck?! I hope this is as good as the trailer makes it seem cuz I feel like my spirit left my body for a moment. Holy shit. Yeah…I’m gonna watch the trailer a few more hundred times