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Part 17 of The Bad Batch S2 Add-ons , Part 9 of Echo/Hunter , Part 3 of Thar be Clone Cadets here
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2023-03-04
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2023-03-07
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Cats (Tookas), Cadets, Cloning and Conspiracies (TBBS2E11 Post Episode Scenes) Alternate Heading

Summary:

Set somewhere in the Star Wars the Bad Batch and the Clone Wars galaxy of things
(A Multiverse of Star Wars Fan Fiction by Yours Truly)
Spoilers for TBB S2 episode 11

Post TBB season two episode eleven.
Echo is working with Rex even if he is back with the Batch… confusing I know, but this is the story happening in the multiverse of yours truly so bare with me here.
A tie in/sort of a continuation to my story “Thar be Clone Cadets here!”

Rex and Gregor have their hands full with all them clone cadets.
There is a tooka loose on the Marauder.
More and more clones are contacting Rex for a rescue, even a few Commandos?
All and all, business as usual for the team!

The Batch has sent the intel of the Zillo Beast and cloning downloaded from the crashed ship they were on a retrieval mission for Cid to Rex.

Part of the Bad Batch Add-ons // Echo/Hunter series

Chapter 1: What’s our heading, Hunter?

Chapter Text

Know when to hold them, know when to fold them, but best of all, know when to walk away and know when to run.’ Kenny Rogers

“Send everything to Rex and Echo. They will know what to do with it.”


“What’s our new heading Hunter?” 



Tech’s question had been on the mind of both Wrecker and Omega too. The duo having finally managed to calm down their most recent addition to the family having run amok the Marauder just hours ago. But bribing always being the best policies the food offering having gotten the feline to stop her cattish antics enough to gulp down the chow. And so now, the tooka was asleep happily having draped herself around Wrecker’s neck. Surely not very comfortable for the man but Wrecked did not seem to mind at all.

Hunter seemed to be deep in thought though. With their final mission for Cid behind them as Hunter had so adamantly stated it to be during their pre mission discussion with the barkeep. But also after their most recent SNAFU having gotten stranded without a ship and inside a depleted Ipsium mine… well, luckily, things had turned out fine for the team. But their options were starting to become pretty clear. Their issues with Cid having piled up to the point they were about to cut her lose.

Even if Tech having pointed out Cid knew a lot about them and it might not be as easy as that to cut all ties. The looming threat of Cid turning tail on them and betraying the Batch to the Empire? Well, Hunter had weighed in all of that too. And even if there was always that very fear present as none of the really trusted Cid as they really should not, even Cid’s own words of the same served Hunter as a reminder. Hunter was sure(?) now the squad could handle it should it happen. After all, they had managed to evade the Empire so far.

Echo was back with the team now too, not that he had really been gone right? At least not in Hunter’s mind. The Arc simply having been “on another mission” with Rex. At least that was Hunter’s go-to line whenever the others had brought it up. 



Missing Echo had been on all their minds and the family dynamics quickly falling apart. Luckily, Echo and Hunter had chatted about it all. Having had several long distance calls during Echo’s “away mission” and then finally seeing the missing Batch member a short while ago during the rescue mission on the Ipsium mine planet with the kids and the cadets. Echo assuring them all he had not left the Batch rather simply doing the work they all needed to do. It was all good, for now.

And so, there was a decision to be made for the rest of the Batch as well.

“Ord Mantell.”

“I thought we were done with Cid.” Wrecker had a slightly angry tone being really irked with the Trandoshan at this point in time with the memory of her abandoning them still fresh in his mind.

“Yeah, I thought you promised Echo we would go back to Rex’s base after this last mission if ours.” Omega pressed on her standing as tall as she possibly could with hands on her hips taking the best defiant stance she could.

Hunter sighed. Shaking his head. “We will. But, Cid still owes us. Big time. We are going to go and collect the debt and then grab Azi with us. Then we will go to Rex’s base. And that, is a promise.” Hunter assured this team.

Tech simply nodded and engaged the nav computer’s autopilot to the already familiar coordinates letting the computer do the driving for a while.

Omega’s face changed though having totally forgotten about the poor droid friend of hers with all the ruckus going on, the missions lately, Echo being gone…well currently not with them… and so, feeling like a really bad, totally bad friend her frown got even worse and her eyes started watering suddenly.

“What’s the matter?” Tech blurted out seeing the Kid once again at the verge of tears.

“I… am I really that bad of a person?” Omega sniffed.

“Waddaya mean?” Now Wrecker to had gotten all confused as the Kid seemed to be all over the place with her emotions again. Didn’t they just get Echo back? Get a new pet too? Save a bunch of kids even if their latest mission had been a totally scary bust with the man-eating-gozilla-size-growing Zillo Beast and the imps nearly catching them too?!

“I forgot all about Azi.” Omega finally admitted before she burst into tears.

Tech, Hunter and Wrecker were all staring at the girl wide eyed for a moment. But it was Tech who finally ended up taking the lead and offering his hand to Omega which the Kid gladly took. Holding onto the girl’s hand for a moment and after a heavy sigh, Tech reeled Omega in and onto his lap.

Halleloo!!!

Omega climbed into the offered safety. Something of a first for sure. But guess no matter how odd it was, Tech was trying to console the girl to the best of his ability even while feeling completely awkward about it. Omega did not seem to mind though. At all. Holding onto Tech while sobbing away her discomfort.

“It will all be alright Omega.” Tech told the girl keeping his tone as sooting as he possibly could. “You had a lot on your mind for sure.” Tech tried to explain Omega her own feelings. Something out of Tech’s specialty.

Wrecker and Hunter simply looked on after having exchanged glances with each other. The whole scenario totally new, bizarre even. But it was also showing a lot of personal growth for the otherwise aloof man. Hunter could not help the soft smile emerging knowing well how hard this was for Tech.

The cockpit of the Marauder soon fell silent as the exhausted team falling into a light slumber with only the soft snores and the low purrs filling the area with the hyperspace lights flashing dimly in the viewport as the ship rushed inside the faster than light speed corridor.

Chapter 2: Cid! Admit it! You do owe us! Big time!

Summary:

Times change, people change as do the Batch...

Ya know, I really liked Cid and the humour she brought the first few episodes... then it just got, well a tad old?

Chapter Text

‘Debt collectors? That is such an ugly word don’t you agree. Call it a simple exchange of credits for rendered services!’

 

“You owe us Cid. Big time! From the last two missions we pulled for you before this… this total disaster of a thing you sent us on a wild goose chase when there was nothing there!” Hunter was fuming but holding his own against the barkeep trying to rip them off. Once again.

“How did you figure that one out Bandana? The way I see it, I don’t owe you diddly squat as you bungled up the latest op for sure!”

They were both standing there glaring at each other intently. With their hands crossed, their eyes a flare, neither of them backing up. A Tatooine stand-off for sure.

Omega, Tech and Wrecker had remained in the sidelines as per orders from Hunter after having gotten a hold of Azi first and foremost. The poor droid having worked so hard as the server, the barkeeper and whatever else Cid had in mind while the team had been out on missions.

“I am so sorry Azi, I will never leave you again.” Omega had hugged the droid making him confused as to the why this outburst was happening. But Azi did not really mind only being too glad to leave the Parlour far, far behind after hearing the words they were leaving. For good.

“You sent us on a mission without any intel. There was nothing there but a downed ship. Or what was left of it.” Hunter had to lie having agreed with Rex they would keep the intel secure from anyone and everyone. That of there being a real beast inside of the wreck. Alas, the Empire had gotten to it so there was really nothing else to salvage either. Part from the data. But that was secure with Rex too.

“Yeah, well, you owe me from the previous ones! The upkeep, the fuel, docking fees, all of it.” Cid tried his normal dance.

“Nah-ah!” Omega stepped in then even if she was not supposed to do that. “We brought you a full haul of Ipsium. Remember?!”

They had not mentioned the other deposits on the planet nor the mine of the younglings either. Of course not. Trusting Cid at this point was not an option at all. Only telling Cid they had gotten whatever there was in her mine. The rest of it they had kept for themselves to sell at a later point. Having learnt not to share all their hard labour for cheap for this woman clearly ripping them off every chance she could. A lesson they had all finally learnt the hard way. Well, Echo being an exception to the rule of course.

“Omega is right. May I remind you of what our expenses are when we pull a job like this…” Tech started getting a look from Hunter not to pull up any statistics not just yet. But he too had not remained in the sidelines, standing with Omega and Hunter in a united line of defence.

“Look, you pay us what you owe us and we are square.” Hunter’s tone was bordering threatening. The errant thought of shooting the barkeep having crossed his mind during a very dark moment.

“You forget I have had your backs since the beginning of our arrangement.” Cid threw the same threat she had pulled the first time they had met. “I have kept your secret. The fact that you are even alive still.” Yeah, it was with no thanks to Cid that much was for sure.

Hunter narrowed his eyes. But this time he wasn’t going to yield. He had had it with Cid, officially!

“We have things on you too. So don’t think for a moment you have any leverage on us.” Hunter nodded to Tech who then pulled up the data he had dug up on Cid so far. Plugging in his datapad to Cid’s holotable for her to read.

It took mere moments only Cid glancing through the obvious facts presented there. All the possible dirt Tech had managed to find.

“Fine! Fine! Alright!” Cid shouted and raised her arms stomping to her desk pulling out the familiar credit box.

Hunter followed her and could see the piles and piles of credits in the box. Clearly, Cid wasn’t as pressed for money as they had originally thought. Yet another lie.

“Count it. It’s all there.” Cid assured him.

Hunter nodded for Tech as they both quickly made the tally of their earnings.

Picking up the box filled with their earnings the Batchers started out leaving the fuming Cid behind. But before they were completely out the door, Hunter turned back. Just because he felt like it.

“Pleasure doing business with you.” And with that they were all gone.

Chapter 3: Reunions, family and the lot!

Chapter Text

The most important thing in the galaxy is family, found or blood, it’s all the same.’

 

“Welcome home!”



Echo, Rex and Gregor were all present on the landing platform when the Marauder landed the team debarking from the ship and being greeted by their family members.

Echo immediately accosted by Wrecker and Omega. Both of them squeezing the man into a tight hug. When it was Tech’s turn having already had more than his fair share of touchy feely to last for a while with Omega ending up sleeping on his lap for the duration of their trip over, Tech made the effort of quickly hugging Echo. Something of a surprise for sure not just to Echo, his brow rising in the process looking questioningly at Hunter who only shrugged and mouthed the word “later” to him.

When it was finally Hunter’s turn Echo positively melted into Hunter’s arms. The two holding on tightly for a long while and whispering soft I have missed yous into each other’s ears.

Rex and Gregor were already chatting up the rest of the group talking about their latest mission and what Rex had managed to dig up meanwhile in regards to the data they had sent over from their mission.

“I have one of my contacts back on Coruscant digging in deeper into all this, cloning business.” Rex was telling the others when Hunter and Echo joined the group having their moment together. “As with all these mutated clones running amok,” Even if they had ran into just he one so far, Rex had expected there to be more. Plus there was the monster of a clone too. “And now the resurrected Zillo Beast… I would suggest the Empire has more of the various cloning projects going on than we even realised.”

“The Emperor is definitely up to something. And with some alarming news from some of the rescued clones we kinda figured out the assassin clones were manufactured post Kamino.” Gregor chimed in meaning the time of course when Rampart had destroyed their home world.

“So, the assassins as not the same as us?” Hunter asked curious of this piece of news.

“Well, not exactly.” Hunter’s inclusion had not gone unnoticed by Rex though. Finding it rather good that Hunter and the Batch were finally accepting the fact they were part of the clonehood of the rest of them. The regs as they had referenced the regular clones to be in the past. “They are more streamlined as far as we can tell. Our friend in the confinement not talking much but from the scans we have done and some of the intel we have obtained, their manufacture process is different to the trooper program which we are part of.”

“And they are totally without any preset behavioural models of those bred on Kamino. Without any remorse or other such hindering feelings making them perfect assassin…well, droids for the lack of a better term.” Echo added having managed to hack into the imperial database of their latest stint to gather further intel of their own.

“So, in essence the Clone Xs are cold hearted killers blindly following orders.” Tech summarised.

“Something like that.” Gregor having been the one doing most of the talking with Clone X as they called their captive for now. Or rather Gregor doing the bulk of the actual talking as their guest wasn’t taking at all. “If there are indeed more of these, Clone Xs out there we should really be worried.”

“And the Zillo Beast?” Omega still got chills being reminded of the arm she had witnessed the animal chow down right in front of her very eyes.

“As far as we know, there is only the one specimen having been cloned. So far. As to the purpose of it? Well, we can only speculate. The intel is locked down tight.” Echo again having done what he could. But now that Tech was there. “With your help Tech, I think between the two of us we can dig in deeper.”

“Well then we better get to work.” Tech was already heading towards the lab he and Echo had been working in for other projects ever since the Batch having joined with Rex. The perks of a base having actual places to work on something rather than the crowded Marauder where Tech usually got snide glares from the others whenever his projects were ‘left laying about’.

“I know you are all eager to get settled now that you are back home.” Rex chuckled glad the Batchers were already comfortable in their new environment even if they had joined with Rex’s Cause only a short while ago. “But there is a group of someones who are waiting for you.”
Gregor, Echo and Rex exchanged knowing glances with a hint of smiles present. So a good thing, right?

“Oh?” Hunter wasn’t following at first. Still reeling on their latest mission gone awry. But thankfully they were now finally out from running bad ops for Cid. Officially!

“Yes! Follow me!” Rex gave the group the order.

As they walked towards the mess hall following Rex and all, Hunter and Rex got to talking.

“Oh, by they by, the Ipsium you brought us.” Yes the team had decided to give it all to Rex. “I have an engineer on board who can put it to good use for us. So thank you.” Rex was truly grateful for the gesture.

“The least we could do after you taking us all in.” Hunter smiled getting a gentle nudge from Echo, the duo walking really close to each other now that they were reunited again. Something which the others had noticed to be happening every single time Echo and Hunter had been a part while on an op or another.

Rex placed his arm on Hunter’s shoulder. “I am only too glad you decided to join us. Room and board will always be included for those willing to serve the Cause.”

It was a touching moment for sure. Something further clicking into place inside of Hunter with the divide between them, the Batchers and the regs they had felt in the past all but gone now. There was no them and us. Only us. The clonehood as Rex has put it. They were all working together for their cause. The Clone Cause.

It took only a short walk to the mess hall. And as they reached the area they could see a nice spread of various sorts of food on the counter with several small size cooks(?) working there.

“Um, what’s going on?” Omega was letting her nose do the guiding as the scents were totally heavenly. Especially after eating all those ration bars lately during their missions.

“Well, the cadets wanted to get useful and they are totally so. But this was especially for you. Since you you know, rescued them.” Gregor was all smiles having become the proud mentor, the Papa of the group of young cadets. Even aided them all into finding their true names.

“Well, this is certainly special.” Tech adjusted his goggles seeing the plethora of food there. Even with his more subdued mannerisms Tech could not help but feel the saliva forming as the lure of good food was getting to him with rest of them.

“Can we?” Wrecker was already in starting position, ready to sprint and fill his tray with everything.

“Please.” Rex motioned for them having a huge grin plastered on his face.

Omega and Wrecker were first in line to be served. Chatting with the young cadets they had come to know briefly already during their rescue. Tech and Gregor joined them as well.

“Well, better get moving before those four eat it all up.” Hunter motioned for Echo and Rex to get into the line himself joining suit.

Their homecoming after all the adversity endured could have not been more perfect in Hunter’s mind at that very moment. He had his Batch, his loving partner Echo and all of his extended family there. Yup, it was good to be back… home.

Chapter 4: Repairs, Comms and possible Res

Chapter Text

‘Handing out your calling card for everyone in the galaxy might not be the best option?’

 

Echo and Hunter were off and out on the planet spending some alone time together. A date as Wrecker had so aptly put it while the rest of the team were hanging out in the base helping out wherever they could as staying put wasn’t really something any of them were any good at. Unless there was good food or some kind of game involved.

There was a bunch for Tech to do as the base having been run down for so long before Rex had taken over and so being plenty of broken things around to repair. Omega and Wrecker were both helping about with the aid of several of the young cadets as well. Fixing whatever they could here and there. Trying to be helpful.

All and all it had been a quiet day in the base with no comms for ops having come through and the few missions going on at the moment were handled by other clones. So it was a hassle free day leaving room for a breather for once and to do those neglected jobs usually ending up postponed due to the hectic schedule they all seemed to have these days.


“We’ve managed to fix several items on the list.” Tech handed the datapad over to Rex taking a break from their tinkering having sent the rest of his repair team to the mess hall before hand. Tech being the supervisor of the group, something he totally had enjoyed.

Rex glanced over the screen scrolling down the log list wide eyed and positively surprised. “This is excellent work Tech! These tasks have been pending a long time before you arrived.” Rex admired Tech’s abilities. Even if he had not been alone in completing the tasks. Still he was the supervisor. So. “Some of these things on here, well I had thought could not even be repaired.” Rex was completely in awe for sure.

“Well, it was just a matter of adjusting some of the coils…” Tech had yet to find a device, gadget, a ship, droid or a computer system he could not fix. People less so.

“Still, this is quite impressive Tech. I may never let you go!” Rex grinned making Tech flush a tad, the positive feedback not really something he was as used to as Hunter took his abilities mostly for granted. Still, Tech felt great.

Nodding only as what else was there to say? Tech left to join the others in the mess leaving Rex to admire the list of completed tasks.

“Those are some impressive clones.” Gregor commented having been slouching around in Rex’s office after his training sessions had completed. Running those for the benefit of the new cadets but also anyone else who wanted to join in.

“They are indeed. I am only too glad they finally decided to join our cause.” Rex leaned back, thinking of the time there Hunter had been on the defensive whenever Rex had suggested they could be of great use to the Cause. In the end, it was Echo who had made them or rather Hunter see the light. “They are a great asset for us all. But then again, all the clones are. Even the younglings are doing their fair share.” Rex reminded Gregor, not that he needed to be reminded of that Gregor having been quite taken by the younglings. Having taken them under his wing making sure they were all adapting and completing their training in the process while also making sure they got to enjoy their lives as well, having never really been able to just be kids. To have some downtime, to play and mess about. And it went both ways too. The kids were loving Papa Gregor as Rex had heard some of the younger ones calling the Commando.

“I hear you Rexy.” Gregor knew well what this all meant for Rex, the whole operation. Then again, he doubted there was a clone on the base who did not feel this mission, this cause to be what they all needed to be a part of. As it was rare for any of the rescued clones going out on their own. Only two had done so so far of the so many saved. “And what you have started here… well, know that we are all grateful.” Gregor was positively sappy all of a sudden. With a tear in his eye and all.

Rex could sense the emotions of Gregor’s, deep and so easily catching for sure. Rising from his seat Rex went over to Gregor giving the man a tight hug. Whispering close to Gregor’s ear. “We started. You were here from the get go Gregsy, so don’t underestimate your own importance in all of this.” Rex gave Gregor a quick peck on the top of his head.

“Now, we better get to the mess before the others eat all of the food!” Rex offered his hand to Gregor pulling the other man up from his seat. The two ready to leave when the comms channel suddenly crackled to life and a loud ping notifying of an incoming message.

“Hold that thought!” Rex was already at the console checking the incoming message. Reading it his facial expressions changed to something of a surprise and then worry.

“What is it?” Gregor was already by Rex’s side when Rex motioned for him to read it. Gregor did and he could easily see where the worry was coming from. “This can’t be right.” Gregor glanced at Rex.

“Well, if it is then we have finally managed to reach someone I would gladly want to join our little cause here. But…” Rex paused his eyes on Gregor’s. “There is more there than a simple defection.” Rex really was worried now as this sudden communication was out of the blue and at a little bit on the nose as well, the timing too perfect.

“It could be an imperial trap.” Gregor finished the thought for Rex.

“Yeah.” Rex glanced back at the message. “Any of the clones out there having our contacted info could easily have been captured, then tortured and given away this frequency.”

“That was the risk we always knew could happen.” Gregor was half hoping this would be an actual request though as having other clone commandos joining their cause… well needless to say, it would make somewhat of a difference.

“Last we heard none of them were interested in leaving the Empire.” Rex reminded Gregor of his former colleagues being adamant in Gregor being a traitor and the Empire the best thing ever happening to them. But that was some time ago. Things, having changed and drastically so.

“Yeah. I remember. But things have changed for all of us. And I doubt the commandos are outside the Empire’s clone decommissioning project either.”

“But that is not all that worries me though.” Rex was reminded of the content of the message.

“Yeah. I hear ya. If it’s true, then we could all be in trouble.” Gregor shook his head slightly.

“Well, at least they did warn us if nothing else.” Rex still wasn’t sure as to what to believe of the sudden surprise contact.

Rex and Gregor stood there for a long moment in silence, deep in thought.

“Any suggestions?” Rex finally asked being still baffled about the whole thing.

Gregor could only stare back at Rex shaking his head in response. Not really sure as to what the option here was for them. Good or bad.

Chapter 5: Something fishy going on in the Empire - surprised

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

‘The imps have their secrets with the rest of them, with conspiracies all around to be found.’


“We have us a situation here.” Rex had gathered the personnel on the base for an urgent meeting.

“When is there never not one.” Wrecker huffed not that he or anyone else was surprised to hear this. After all, there had been a few days of calm and so this was inevitable to happen. A situation, an incident, call it what you will. Something happening for sure.

“Well, this one, is a little more out there.” Even Gregor looked serious.

“Gregor is right. We have some shall we say disturbing news from one of Gregor’s former colleagues. This particular clone contacted us recently after apparently having second thoughts of his in involvement with the Empire.” Rex wasn’t clarifying much but they all waited patiently for the other shoe to drop. It usually did. 



Rex let his eyes roam around the room letting the seriousness of the situation sink in before continuing. “Here is the thing.” Rex turned directly to Hunter. “In addition to asking for us to help them, this contact of ours also warned about two things. The other we kind of already knew about. Which is the Empire hastening their clone decommissioning program.” 



Rex paused and waited for a moment but there were no further comments on that subject matter. “The second one hit a bit too close to home.” He paused again but the room was patiently waiting for the multiple footwear to start tumbling down. “The Empire detected the Marauder on the planet where you found the cloned Zillo Beast and are looking for the ship and its occupants as we speak.”

Hunter’s and the rest of the Batcher’s eyes flew wide on said note. Not that there had been much option for them to remain undetected either. But, that the Empire was actively looking for them? That was a worry for sure.

“We knew the Empire detected us but at that moment there was nothing for us to do to prevent it either. Unfortunately.” Hunter tried to explain.

But they all knew what had happened and despite the way things had gone, Hunter was right. The only thing they could do back then was to try to prevent the Beast of running amok among the villagers. Even if failing in their efforts after the Empire had arrived. Still, the Batch had tried to correct their mistake. Hindsights and all, yeah, they should have been more careful.

What had happened next? Well the Empire had taken the Zillo Beast and most likely doing whatever horrid experiments they could and use it for their own sinister purposes.

“There is more.” Gregor chimed in. “As we all know the Empire has their own agenda as far as cloning goes and we already knew as much with what we have seen and heard and managed to cypher from the intel we received from your mission. But this contact of ours, one of my former colleagues is working for the direct source. A Kaminoan scientist we all know.”

“Nala Se.” Omega already knew the answer for whatever reason she herself could not even fathom.

“Yeah, Nala Se.” Gregor nor the others were too happy that the Empire had recruited or forced their old acquaintance to work for them. The Kaminoans were the best after all as far as cloning went.

“So, this contact of yours…” Echo asked cautiously. “He wants to join us or just get out?”

“Well, the messages did not say exactly which. But judging from the content of it… he has reached his limit as far as what the Empire is doing. And if this particular clone or others from his squad were to join us… well, that would be a great win for us. The intel alone not to mention their abilities…” Rex paused glancing over to Gregor who nodded having served with them back in the war.

“So, what would you have us do then?” Hunter asked, not sure what the plan was. As so far they had gone after every single clone having contacted them wanting to jump ship.

Rex was silent for a long moment. Staring into the thin air in front of him. Contemplating their options.

“As we all know, each of these calls could be a trap. And yet we go out there in hopes of saving our own.” Rex spoke in a low register emphasising his words as he spoke.

“Still, if there is even a chance…” Echo tried getting nods from those around. “Then we should try to go help them out.”

“Yeah. We should.” Gregor told as much to Rex as he did the others.

“This one could be the riskiest one so far as far as rescue ops go.” Rex reminded his team gathered in the conference area of the base.

“Isn’t that what this whole thing is about. Taking the risk for a better future?” Omega voiced her opinion suddenly.

Rex could not help but smile as here he was calculating the odds and here was this kid, this young person telling him, reminding him it was all worth the while.

“Yeah kid, guess it is.”

“We should take some precautions though. Securing the base and the rest of the clones. Only go in with a minimal crew.” Tech reminded the others.

“I agree.” Rex was already having thought of an different approach for this op. “There is a small outpost in a system not far from here. We can take the clone or whomever else joins him there first and make sure that there is no alternate motive behind their defection. The place is secure still even if there is no one there at the moment.”

“Yeah, that could work.” Gregor was well aware of the run down small base of a thing. But it would still work for their purposes that much he was sure of. “And if we are caught then the Empire will be none the wiser of this base and all the people in here.”

“We’ll take the Marauder as they are already aware of it.” Hunter piled on. “Gregor, myself and Wrecker will go to the meet-up with the clone in question.”

“No, absolutely not Hunter.” Echo immediately objected.

“Echo, it’s the best thing to do. The clone knows Gregor and well, you and Tech are needed here more than the two of us are.” Hunter exchanging glances with Wrecker nodding back to him only. “And Omega needs you two.”



Hunter knew where Echo was coming from. Of course he did. The distance between them from before having been quite the strain for them both. Not to mention the rest of the team. But, Hunter wasn’t prepared to sacrifice Echo or Omega nor Tech either seeing them all too valuable in so many ways.

“Hunter…” Echo tried again having Omega by his side glaring right back at the scout with their eyes wide and teary.

“This, is the beast option Echo.” Hunter’s tone was low and soft, barely able to hold back his own tears now.

“I will join you.” Rex started but was immediately cut off by Gregor raising his hand in objection.

“No, you will not. You too are way too valuable of an asset. And if this is indeed an imperial ploy… we cannot afford to lose you either.” Gregor was staring at Rex for a moment longer before Rex finally yielded and nodded to Gregor.

“So, then we have a go?” Wrecker asked not even having once considered he would not follow Hunter to the ends of the galaxy.

“Yes, you have a go.” Rex sighed heavily, but it was the best way to handle this whole situation. Not that he wanted to send anyone out there in harms way. But it was what they did right?

Notes:

Thanks for reading!

There will be more to this story...