Get the ship outta here. I'll find another way back.
Omega shook herself from Gregor's grip as he ushered her away from the cockpit, looking back at Tech and Echo with wide eyes. They wouldn't, would they?
"Negative, the odds of escape are not in your favour!" Tech's immediate response left Omega sighing in relief. They weren't going anywhere without Hunter just yet. The Marauder jolted, and Gregor put a guiding hand on her back once again.
"C'mon, kid. It's gonna get bumpy," he helped her up onto the seat and pulled down the restraints. Omega sat nervously, frustrated by her inability to observe the situation from her position.
Go, Tech! That's an order!
Panic struck through Omega, and she craned her neck to see Tech's hand hesitating over the controls for a moment. He wouldn't leave his own sergeant, would he? His own brother? Hunter said they never leave their own behind. They had to go back for him.
Except she felt the ship going up, speeding further away from their fallen leader, their fallen brother. Everyone on the ship was silent for a moment, the air was heavy. No sounds but the engines powering ahead, and the shots firing around them.
"Hunter!" Omega's desperate cry broke the silence, and she threw up the restraint to sprint back to the cockpit, "We can't leave him!"
"Omega!" Echo barked in warning, "Get back!"
"Turn back!" tears streamed from the girl's eyes as she made a grab for the controls, "Turn back!"
Tech was doing his best to keep his focus despite the commotion, his eyes locked on the sky as they ascended, getting closer and closer to making their escape, dodging Imperial fighters as they went. That was, however, until someone grabbed the steering controls, sending the ship slightly off-course. Omega was clearly in distress, terror, but in an uncommon fit of rage, Tech failed to register that particular detail.
"Get away!" Omega had never heard him so angry, and she stumbled and fell to the hard floor as he roughly shoved her away with one hand, "You'll get us all killed!"
Omega was frozen with shock for a moment, staring at the cockpit with wide, tear-filled eyes. They really were abandoning Hunter. For all she knew, they were leaving him for die, alone, at the hands of the enemy.
Two hands under her shoulders hauled her to her feet, and Gregor groaned at the pain it caused to his chest-wound. He forcefully led her back to the seats, but Omega's upset had turned into desperate anger, and she fought against him with everything she had.
"Let me go! Let me go!" she screamed, struggling, and kicking against the rescued clone. As her elbow made direct contact with Gregor's wound, she was released from his grip, leaving her charging for the gunner's nest. If she couldn't convince Tech or Echo, maybe Wrecker could be swayed.
But even Wrecker was ignoring her, the shots coming in so fast that he had to fight hard to not break his focus. Omega was pulling at his arm, begging him to turn the ship around, and he wanted nothing more than to pull that terrified little girl into the biggest hug he could manage, but the Marauder couldn't take any more hits. For Hunter to have a chance at re-joining his squad, his squad had to escape alive.
"We have to go back for him!" Omega pleaded, activating her comm with shaking hands, "Hunter, tell them to come back! Order them to come back!"
Tech and Echo winced at Omega's desperation but continued on. Multiple systems were failing now, they had no other choice if they wanted to get out alive.
I'm sorry, kid, I can't do that.
"No!" Omega cried as the Marauder darted into hyperspace, the swirling blue vortex surrounding the ship only a reminder of what they had left behind, as opposed to the source of wonder it usually was for the young girl. Wrecker finally let out a sigh, blinking away tears as he watched Omega press her hands against the window, breaking down into terrified sobs as they hurtled further and further away from Hunter.
"I'm sorry, kid," Wrecker got up from the seat, kneeling down behind his little sister and attempting to pull her into a close hug.
"Why would you leave him?!" Omega fought against him, hitting at his chest-plate, "He's your brother!"
"We'll get him back," Wrecker kept hold of her, "Omega-"
"Wrecker," Echo said quietly, stood by the ladder, "Come help us plot the next course of action."
"But I can't-" Wrecker began, attempting to pull Omega into a hug despite her fighting against him with everything she had.
"Give her some time to calm down," Echo sighed, "Let her go."
Reluctantly, Wrecker released her, watching sadly as Omega pulled away and slumped onto the gunner seat, her cries inconsolable. He picked up Lula, tossed aside during the flight, and sat her next to the young clone. As Wrecker turned away, Omega grabbed the plush and squeezed it tight, hot tears soaking into the soft fabric.
Gregor hissed with pain as Tech applied a bacta spray onto his wound and prepared a bandage.
"I'll change the dressing when we arrive on Ord Mantell, but I expect you will make a full recovery," Tech murmured, half talking to himself.
"You a medic as well as a tech whizz?" Gregor chuckled, wincing as his wound began to sting.
"I have studied basic medical aid in my own time, but no. Besides, it wasn't so long ago since I had to administer a similar treatment for Hunter..."
Tech's sentence trailed off, leaving a heavy silence in the ship. Gregor bowed his head, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I'm sorry about the sarge," he couldn't meet their eyes, "The kid gave me a good nudge in the blast wound to thank me for that."
"Hey! She didn't mean it!" Wrecker said fiercely, "Omega wouldn't hurt anyone!"
"Easy, Wrecker," Echo's voice was sharp, until he turned to Gregor, "He's right, though...I think out of all of us, she was closest to Hunter. His loss was always going to hit her the worst."
"Quit talking like he's dead," Wrecker growled, "We'll get him back."
"In the Empire's custody, Hunter's odds for survival aren't-"
"Can it, Tech!" Wrecker shoved his brother's shoulder aggressively.
"Wrecker!" Echo snapped.
"S'alright," Gregor winced as Tech began to tightly bandage the wound, "She's a kid. No offence taken. No harm done. Well..."
Gregor's attempt to lighten the mood fell flat, and his wound was dressed in silence. Only the sound of Omega's cries drifted through the ship.
"We can't just leave her," Wrecker looked back toward her room, "She needs us even more now."
"We're not leaving her, Wrecker, we're giving her space. Not everything can be solved with a bone-crushing hug," Echo shook his head, "She needs to calm down, and to think everything over."
"At the present moment, she is struggling to understand why we willingly left Hunter behind," Tech tied and secured the bandages, "Get some rest, Gregor. You'll feel better."
"Don't need telling twice," Gregor smirked, "Thanks, Tech."
"She'll be alright, Wrecker," Echo's voice softened as he put a hand on his brother's shoulder. Wrecker had yet to look away from the direction of the gunner's nest, "We'll make sure of that. Just give her time."
Echo and Tech approached the gunner's nest with a ration bar and canteen of water, hoping that the silence meant that the young girl had fallen asleep.
"Omega?" Echo said softly, handing Tech the supplies so he could climb up the ladder. He sat at the edge of the nest, carefully pulling back the curtain as Tech watched on in concern. Sure enough, Omega was curled up with Lula, her cheeks tearstained, with her trooper doll clutched in her hand. He didn't have the heart to wake her, she looked too peaceful. To wake her would only remind her of the reality of the situation they were in. Instead, he left the canteen and ration bar beside her and began to make his way back down.
"Hunter?"
Omega so desperately hoped it had all been a nightmare. Hunter falling from the Marauder had replayed in her head multiple times, but just maybe it was her mind playing a cruel trick on her. Maybe they were still on their way to Daro now.
"It's...Echo," Echo sighed, and he looked back to see Omega's hopeful expression disappear completely as she sat up and opened her eyes. It had all been very, very real, "Sorry, kid."
Omega sniffled, squeezing Lula closer to her, and remaining silent.
"You should eat," Echo pushed the ration bar closer, "You'll feel better."
"I'll feel better when we get Hunter back," Omega's voice cracked, and fresh tears spilled over. Echo watched helplessly as she drew her knees to her chest, letting out a sob, "I want to be alone. Please."
"Alright," he nodded, a little dejected, "We're here if you need us."
"You weren't there for Hunter," Omega sniffled, shying away as Echo went to touch her shoulder. Her words made Echo's chest clench, unprepared for such an emotional blow, but it only seemed to anger Tech once again.
"We were only following-"
"Leave it, Tech," Echo shot his brother a stern look, heading down the ladder.
"But she has to understand-"
"Leave it," Echo repeated, his voice hushed, "We can discuss it later."
Tech looked back at the gunner's nest, as Omega pulled the curtain across and clambered onto the gunner seat. From the sounds of it, she had started crying all over again.
"I told you, she's not a soldier, Tech. She's a child," Echo snapped.
"A child old enough and intelligent enough to know that her actions could have killed us all," Tech said fiercely.
"We are the closest thing to a family she's ever known," Echo shook his head, "You wouldn't begin to understand what this squad means to her, what losing Hunter means to her."
"And you do?" Tech raised an eyebrow, "Don't assume you understand the mind of a child anymore than I do, Echo."
"At least I'm not void of emotion like-"
"Fellas, let's calm it down," Gregor said sleepily from the bunk, "I don't know much about kids, but I know that this isn't something any kid should be going through. Go easy on her."
Omega clamped her hands over her ears to block out the arguing, curled up in a ball on the gunner seat and trying her hardest to get back to sleep. She had hoped having the stars in view would be calming, but she could hear every word being spoken by the others, and it only kept her in the harsh reality. Despite her anger at the whole situation, the hurt expression on Echo's face had shaken her out of it to a degree. Tech sounded so angry. She wasn't even sure if she meant what she said, she was already beginning to regret it. She wasn't sure about much in that moment.
"Will ya keep it down?" Wrecker groaned from the bunk.
"Go back to sleep, Wrecker," Tech muttered and headed toward the cockpit. Omega had never heard him so agitated, he was usually so calm even under pressure. The absence of Hunter was affecting him more than she ever could have expected. As Echo followed Tech to the other end of the ship, the Marauder fell quiet once again, and Gregor and Wrecker appeared to doze off again reasonably swiftly.
Omega put her hands down from her ears and returned to hugging Lula. She looked through the gunner window, allowing the view of the stars to take over everything in her mind as she did every journey. It was the easiest way to get herself to sleep. She studied them intently, noticed every flicker, every sparkle, she looked for patterns and lines in the sky. In that moment, it could be any other trip. Hunter could be discussing plans with Tech or at the computer with Echo, for all she knew. Soon enough, she began to drift off, her eyes slowly closing as she buried her face in Lula's soft fabric.
Tech remained the only one left awake on the Marauder, after intense discussion and planning – and bickering – left Echo struggling to keep his eyes open. As Echo retreated out of the cockpit to sleep, the squad pilot leaned back in his pilot seat and let out a sigh. Tech didn't mind the solitude so much, sometimes he preferred it that way. He desperately needed a break from other beings, he felt so rattled from both losing their leader and clashing with the others. Usually he would engage himself in one of his many projects he had on the go if he needed some time away from everyone else, if he needed a chance to recharge, but now wasn't the time. He wasn't even sure if he would be able to focus on any task anyway.
Hunter. He'd left Hunter behind. He could already be dead for all they knew. Their sergeant had initially survived the fall, which was a miracle in itself, but it was impossible to predict what they would do to him now he was captured. There was no way he could have managed to hide himself from the TK troopers, could he? What would they do to him? Would Crosshair be informed?
Sending the Marauder upwards and away from Hunter was against everything Tech believed in, but for once, that was an order he had to follow. The odds were clear, and Hunter's voice was firm. They had to survive, even if he didn't. In this case, they had no choice but to leave their own behind.
He didn't blame Omega for what she did, not really. He regretted pushing her away the moment he did it, but the situation was too dire to stop and apologise. The anger was merely a result of his own internal conflict, and how much Omega was reflecting his own, true, emotions about the situation. The very emotions he was struggling to fight against. In a way, he was glad he didn't have a chance to see her reaction. Her cries were enough, but in that moment, they only agitated him further.
Tech heard Gregor mutter something in his sleep, and he couldn't help but bristle for a moment. All this for a reg? God, he was starting to sound like Crosshair. And yet, had his squad had just listened to him, had they listened to Hunter, they wouldn't be in this situation as it is. Hunter would still be here, they would have been paid for their abandoned job, they could have continued laying low, running jobs for Cid. It wasn't necessarily what he wanted to spend the rest of his life doing, but it was a routine of sorts, in a similar vein to being sent off on various missions for the Republic. He guessed it was comforting in the wake of losing everything they had once known. But Echo understandably trusted Rex, and Hunter was so easily – and frustratingly – swayed by Omega at times. She was so innocent and painfully naïve, and however fond Tech had become of her, she didn't always have the best judgement. She was a child, though, with no experience or training besides the lessons here or there they had given her. Good judgement in this ever-changing galaxy was not something she should be expected to have, and why her views were being listened to over his own at essential times like these was something Tech had yet to get his head around.
Cries from the other end of the ship snapped Tech out of his thoughts, and he looked up to realise it was Omega. No one else had woken from the noise, it was up to him to attempt to calm her. Unusually apprehensive, he got to his feet and approached the gunner's nest, where Omega was appearing to struggle against something he couldn't see, crying desperately, her knuckles white as she clung to her Tooka plush. He remembered his nightmares from his cadet days all too well. He watched helplessly for a moment, before finally stepping in to help.
"Omega. Omega, wake up," Tech reached and touched the girl's shoulder, "You're having a nightmare. It isn't real."
Omega's eyes flew open with a gasp, her breathing shallow and tears streaming. Her eyes peeked from behind Lula, who concealed the rest of her face.
"Its alright, Omega," Tech knelt beside the seat, his voice uncharacteristically soft, "It was just a nightmare, it's not real. You're safe."
Omega sniffed, remaining silent and hugging Lula closer.
"You should eat," Tech reached for the ration bar and water canteen left untouched, "and it's important you stay hydrated."
He watched in confusion as Omega pushed the supplies away with a quiet whimper. He'd hoped she'd be hungry enough to take it by now, it had been hours since they left Daro, even longer since her last meal. Normally, she was eager to eat, she was like Wrecker in that sense. Not only did they enjoy food far more than Tech could understand, but they were always looking for something new to try. Tech, however, could survive on ration bars and water, if he had to, without complaint, and he was almost certain Echo would agree. Remembering to eat was just another necessity that took time away from other, more engaging tasks. For Omega to refuse to eat, though, was concerning, and it left Tech at a loss. He could tend to her most basic needs, he knew that. He could keep her out of danger, and he could happily teach her a slicing technique or two. He appreciated her company and assistance on various tasks, she was the only one who would tolerate and even show interest in whatever he was talking about. But looking at the girl in front of him, a visible combination of terror and utter devastation, he was lost. The others were better with emotions. Hunter always knew what to do, Echo did too. One of Wrecker's incredibly uncomfortable, bone-crushing hugs often seemed to do the trick also, although Tech couldn't even begin to understand how. He wasn't one to enjoy much physical contact, though.
"I...I guess you would still like to be left alone," Tech stumbled over his words, but Omega could see just how hard he was trying. It was more than she felt she deserved, after how she had acted in her fit of panic and rage.
"Stay," Omega reached and took his hand, "Please."
"I can stay," Tech closed his hand around hers after a moment's hesitation, "If you eat something."
A small smile played on the young girl's lips, wiping at her eyes before taking the ration bar. She broke off a piece at a time to eat, managing only a small amount before putting it back down. Tech didn't press further, it was better than nothing.
"Tech?" Omega hugged Lula close again, "I'm...I'm sorry I tried to take control of the ship. It was stupid, and dangerous. I just...I guess I just..."
"You could have cost us all our lives," Tech said seriously, but faltered as her eyes widened a little, "But...you were scared. Understandably. Sometimes I forget you're merely a child, not a soldier. Children can struggle to regulate their emotions at times. Especially in a situation such as losing someone close to them."
Omega curled in on herself, looking down in shame. Tech let out a disappointed sigh. He had a tendency to forget that brutal honesty wasn't always very reassuring. Why couldn't he just reassure her like Hunter and Echo did so well? They made it look so easy. He moved to sit with his back against the wall, realising a little too late he was slightly too tall to do so comfortably. Omega hopped down from the seat to join him, drawing her knees up to her chest.
"I'm...sorry I pushed you," Tech flinched as Omega slipped her hand in his once again, "Are you hurt?"
Omega shook her head, "I deserved it."
"No, you didn't," Omega flinched at the sharp tone of Tech's voice, "There is not one situation where you ever deserve to be harmed."
"But if you hadn't, I could have...you could have lost control of the ship," Omega struggled to meet his eyes.
"I could have pushed a little less hard," Tech smirked, and for a moment, Omega did too. A wave of relief washed over him. Maybe he was improving at this. Maybe it wasn't so difficult.
"I wanted to go back for him too," Tech said after a moment's silence, "His chances of survival were not high enough-"
He caught himself as he saw the anxiety returning to Omega's face. Kriff, Tech. She's just a kid!
"They'll kill him, won't they?" Omega mumbled, shifting closer until she could rest her head on Tech's arm. It couldn't be comfortable, Tech thought as she settled on the hard, angled plastoid of his arm guard. Then again, Tech didn't find much comfort in any kind of physical contact, even without it.
"You underestimate Hunter. And us," Tech looked down at her, "But it is frustratingly difficult to predict what the outcome could be here. There is a small chance Hunter has evaded capture and remains in hiding. But the likelihood is that he is in the Empire's custody now. Perhaps off-world, even."
"Then how will we find him?" Omega mumbled sadly, hugging his arm as if it were a Tooka doll. Lula was right there, and she was certainly a much softer thing to hug.
"We will," Tech pulled his arm out of her grip to instead cautiously put it around her shoulders, having concluded it was human contact she was seeking as opposed to a plush toy. He may be an expert in technology, he may be able to process information at an enhanced rate, but affection was far from his strong point.
"You're a good brother, Tech," Omega leaned on him, her words causing Tech to look at her in surprise.
"I am not like the others," Tech said, a little dejected, "Perhaps my defective genetics altered my desire for human contact."
Omega immediately moved away, "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"You don't have to move," Tech appeared disappointed in himself, "Not if it provides comfort."
"But I don't want you to be uncomfortable," Omega frowned, "You've all sacrificed enough for me."
"I wasn't the one with my head rested against plastoid armour," Tech raised an eyebrow, "I suppose I find more comfort in my projects and research than I do in people."
"And that's okay," Omega smiled up at him, "That's just what makes you Tech."
Tech started to smile back, "I guess it does."
"Instead of a hug, you show affection in other ways," Omega shrugged, "Finding ways to help your brothers, teaching me how to do all kinds of things. I think how much knowledge you share with us counts too. You care about us, so you want to share what you find with us."
"I'm not sure the last part is very much appreciated," Tech looked away, a little sheepish, "I get the impression that it is more of an irritant, that they consider it useless information."
"Well I appreciate it, even if they don't," Omega said firmly, "I'd never left Tipoca city until you rescued me. I want to learn everything."
"To learn everything would be impossible," Tech paused, "But I can certainly relay as much knowledge as I can to you. Especially that which will keep you out of trouble."
"I'd like that," Omega's smile grew, and Tech held out his hand to her after a moment's thought. The young girl looked at it in confusion.
"You can take it," Tech kept his hand there, "I think the expression is "I don't bite.""
Omega giggled quietly and took hold of his hand, "Is this the Tech-equivalent of a hug?"
"I would say so," Tech nodded, frowning as he felt Omega give his hand a squeeze, "What are you-"
"When Wrecker hugs me, he squeezes for a moment," Omega looked towards the bunk, where the large clone was snoring quietly.
"That sounds dangerous," Tech looked at her in mild alarm.
"It feels...safe, I guess." Omega shrugged, "I thought this could be like that."
"It's preferable and less of a health risk than being crushed by Wrecker, although I cannot say whether this will compare to the release of endorphins and oxytocin as a traditional hug" Tech said casually.
"Oxy- what?" Omega frowned.
"Oxytocin. It's a hormone associated with positive emotion, released during human contact, such as hugs. Or shortly after childbirth," Tech paused, realising just how strange it was for a clone to even mention such a thing, "It is often referred to as the 'love hormone.' And then there are endorphins, those relieve stress or pain. It is why hugs, to most, are so desirable. They affect your brain chemistry, in a positive way."
He looked at his and Omega's hands, "As I said, I theorize that my genetic enhancements altered my neurochemical responses to such things. I have yet to test said theory, but I find it preferable to avoid too much contact with others."
"I understand," Omega smiled up at him, "You can't be the only one in the galaxy to not enjoy hugs."
"I agree," Tech nodded, cautiously squeezing her hand, "Is that right?"
"Perfect," Omega gave his hand one last squeeze, resting her head on her knees.
"You two alright?" Echo's voice startled the pair, finding him stood at the foot of the nest. Omega kept hold of Tech's hand and nodded.
"Omega had a nightmare. So we talked about it, I think the situation is rectified," Tech said matter-of-factly.
"Good," Echo began to smirk, "Do you want to get down, Tech? You look a bit cramped up there."
"I may have miscalculated how much space there was up here," Tech swung his legs over the edge of the nest and jumped down, leaving Omega curled up alone up there.
"You coming?" Echo looked up at her, offering her a small smile. Omega grabbed Lula and allowed Tech to help her down.
"Echo?" her voice was small again, and he knelt down to her level, resting his hand on her shoulder, "I'm...I'm sorry."
"It's alright, Omega," Echo patted her shoulder lightly, "We were trained to handle these situations. You aren't. We all wanted to go back for him as much as you did."
Omega threw herself at him in a hug, trying her best to fight back even more tears. She didn't want to cry anymore, she didn't want to be in constant fear or dread anymore. She'd been running on adrenaline ever since leaving Kamino, and the loss of Hunter had everything catching up with her. As much as she felt she was where she belonged, amongst her brothers, she had been overwhelmed with new experiences, and she was only just beginning to process how terrifying the galaxy truly was. The nightmares were only becoming more frequent as time went on.
"I just want everything to be how it was," she sniffled. She wasn't even sure what "was" referred to. Did she mean running jobs for Cid with her brothers, or perhaps even working on Kamino, where things were so much simpler? She didn't know anymore. She only just managed to keep herself composed, until Echo hugged her tighter.
"Let it all out, ad'ika," Echo wasn't sure he had ever found need to use such a word, but as Omega dissolved into tears, burying her face in his shoulder, the young clone seemed smaller than ever, "It's alright. We're all right here with you."
Tech watched on nearby, his eyes wide with a look of concern Echo hadn't seen on him before. He clearly wanted to help in some way, he just didn't know how. Echo got to his feet and lifted Omega into his arms, settling her on his knee as he sat at the computer terminal. Tech knelt beside them, resting a hand on Omega's back, looking up at Echo who gave him a thankful nod. Wrecker stirred on the bunk, waking quickly upon hearing Omega's crying once again.
"Kid?" he said sleepily, sliding off the bunk and looking up to see the rest of his squad gathered together, Omega curled up on Echo's lap.
"Over here, Wrecker," Echo sighed, and Tech turned to offer his brother a small nod.
"She alright?" Wrecker stepped closer.
"She will be," Echo ran a hand through Omega's hair. The girl finally looked up, her face flushed and eyes red and tearstained, head rested on Echo's chest plate. Wrecker had never seen her look so...broken.
"Hey, kid," Wrecker knelt beside Tech, holding a hand out to Omega, "How about that hug?"
Omega glanced up at Echo, who gave her a gentle nudge in Wrecker's direction.
"He's the better hugger," Echo smirked, watching as Omega got down from his lap and was scooped up into a big hug by Wrecker. Tech silently handed Lula, previously dropped on the floor, over to Wrecker for Omega to hold onto.
"Why is this happening?" she sniffled, letting out a sob, her face obscured by the Tooka plush, "Why is the Empire allowed to do bad things, punish good people?"
"Because we helped secure it," Gregor's voice had the squad looking to the bunk, "We were created to end the Republic, wipe out the Jedi, while appearing to be their allies. This was the plan all along."
"What will happen to the galaxy?" Omega looked to each of her brothers in turn, "What will happen to us?"
The ship fell silent for a moment, and Wrecker gave her a gentle squeeze, "We'll figure something out, kid. We always do."
"If I know one thing," Gregor winced as he made the mistake of jumping off the bunk, "It's that you got a good set of troopers around you. You'll be alright."
"I'm...sorry I hurt you," Omega looked down, rubbing at her eyes, "Are you okay?"
"Don't apologise, kid," Gregor shook his head, "I've survived worse."
Tech got to his feet, "We should be reaching Ord Mantell soon."
"Need any help?" Gregor followed him into the cockpit, leaving Omega, Echo and Wrecker watching them go. Omega nestled closer to Wrecker, her hand curling around the collar of his chest plate.
"How long until we can go back for him?" she mumbled, beginning to droop sleepily. She was too drained, too exhausted, and yet her own mind wouldn't let her sleep peacefully.
"As soon as the Marauder is in a fit state to fly," Echo patted her shoulder, "And we'll be as fast as we can."
"We will get him back," Wrecker said firmly, "Hunter isn't going anywhere."
"And then what?"
"That's for us to figure out later," Echo's voice was uncertain, concern written all over his face. How could any of them be sure there even was going to be a "later"? This rescue mission didn't guarantee anyone coming out alive.
Omega mumbled incoherently and yawned as she eventually drifted off to sleep on Wrecker, curling up into a ball.
"Looks like you're stuck where you are," Echo smirked, getting to his feet.
"At least she's sleeping," Wrecker, usually so fierce, so intimidating by appearance alone, changed entirely when Omega was concerned. The rest of the squad had never seen him so gentle, considering he was notoriously heavy-handed and accident prone. He looked at Echo sadly, "What...what if we can't get him back?"
"That doesn't sound much like Clone Force 99 to me," Echo raised an eyebrow, "We'll get him back, Wrecker."
"Yeah...guess this time feels different," Wrecker stood up, holding Omega close, "With the Empire."
"We'll figure it out. It's like you said, we always do," Echo sighed, "I'll go give Tech a hand. Take care of Omega."
Wrecker nodded, heading to Omega's bedroom, and climbing the ladder one-handed. He settled in the gunner seat with Omega and Lula nestled together on his knee, watching the masses of stars all around them. She mumbled something inaudible and shifted on his lap before going quiet again.
Just a few months ago, Wrecker's priorities, the squad's priorities, were so much different.
For the Republic.
And...maybe a little for the thrill, too.
But now what? No Republic, and the other place they could call home, it may as well be gone now too. They had no one to report to, not that they ever really did. For once, they had to fight for themselves. More importantly, Wrecker was fairly certain that all four of them were fighting for her.
Fighting to keep her fed and provided for.
Fighting to ensure he had a roof over her head.
Fighting for what scrap of childhood she could still cling onto.
Fighting to keep her safe.
Their own lives were past changing, they were soldiers through and through, but in this ever-changing galaxy, they had to keep Omega safe, and give her the best chance at life as they could. Wrecker wondered if Hunter ever regretted not sending Omega away with the Lawquanes. Then again, he wasn't sure if any of them could picture life without her anymore. She had given them some form of purpose in such an uncertain time, and she had taught them as much as they had taught her. Seeing the galaxy through the eyes of a child – and a child not raised to be a soldier, at that, had changed their perception of, well, everything.
Was this love? Wrecker couldn't be certain. He'd never even really considered it before. His squad were his brothers, as were the regs, even if Crosshair didn't agree. He was fiercely protective of his squad, would take a blaster for them – and he had done, several times. But it wasn't something he had ever considered as love, merely just how soldiers treated their squad. Omega had changed everything, though. She had activated some kind of protective instinct in all of them, that had manifested differently in each of them. With that, they had all become more affectionate in their own ways. Wrecker was sure he'd seen Tech holding her hand. He'd yet to see Hunter hug her, but he was sure it was only a matter of time. If he made it out alive.
Maybe it was love. She was his little sister, and he would willingly sacrifice himself for her, and do anything just to make her smile and feel safe. Is that what love is? If it was, he must love his squad too. Best not to say that out loud, though. They'd tease him mercilessly for being so soft.
"Coming up on Ord Mantell," Tech's voice sounded from both Wrecker and Omega's comm devices, startling Wrecker awake. He must have dozed off in the gunner seat. Omega stirred but quietened, her face buried in Lula's soft fabric, her breathing slow and quiet. Wrecker was just glad she hadn't seemed to have any more nightmares. The sky was beginning to lighten as they came into land, the sun rising behind the buildings. The Marauder came into a steady land in it's usual spot, and Tech and Echo powered down the engines.
"Are we there?" Omega mumbled, "Daro?"
"Not yet, kid," Wrecker sighed, "Gotta fix up the ship first."
The young girl looked out of the gunner window, the sight of Ord Mantell not quite as comforting a view as it previously had been. They were far away from Hunter, now. Too far. The sooner they left, the better.
The pair got down from the gunner's mount and found Tech already beneath the control panels to work on repairs. Echo was loading a box of tools onto Gonky and starting to lead him down the entry ramp. Wrecker placed Omega on her feet.
"Need a hand?" Wrecker said as Omega laid Lula on the bunk for safekeeping.
"Well-"
"How long until we can go get Hunter?" Omega cut in, more demanding than intended.
"It'll take as long as it takes, Omega," Echo said curtly, "But we're going as fast as we can."
"We cannot cut corners. If we want any hope of finding Hunter the ship must be in perfect working order," Tech said from beneath the console.
"Introduce Gregor to Cid. She won't be happy about it, but she should be able to get him in contact with Rex," Echo said.
"Since when has Cid been happy about anything?" Tech muttered as he continued his work. Echo made a point of ignoring him.
"Omega, you can help me with the hull," he beckoned for the girl to follow.
"Cid sounds like a bundle of laughs," Gregor smirked.
"She really isn't," Tech's voice was drowned out by the sparks that flew from the console.
"Well, lads, it's been an honour flying with ya. I owe ya one. I hope ya get the sarge back," Gregor stood up straight and saluted his fellow clones. Echo saluted back immediately, and Tech slid out from under the console to get to his feet. Wrecker instead opted to grab the rescued clone into a hug. Gregor fought to mask the pain, laughing a little nervously.
"Wrecker," Echo shook his head in amusement.
"As far as regs go, you're a good one!" Wrecker boomed a laugh, "See ya around, brother."
"A salute would have sufficed. He's injured," Tech sighed in exasperation.
"You're not so bad yourself, bud," Gregor chuckled, "Now, let's go find this Cid."
"C'mon, Gonky," Omega patted the defective droid affectionately, guiding him off the ship behind Echo. Gregor hesitated as he followed Wrecker and turned back, kneeling down to the young girl.
"Take care of your brothers, kid," he said with a smile, "You're gonna be just fine."
"I will," Omega reached to hug him, "Good luck."
"You're a huggy bunch, aren't ya?" Gregor laughed, patting her back, "Now, go get Hunter."
Omega started to smile, "We will."
"Take care, Captain, and give our regards to Rex," Echo nodded to Gregor respectfully, "C'mon, Omega. The hull won't fix itself."
Omega grew increasingly agitated as Echo worked on the Marauder, handing him tools as required. She didn't feel like she was helping much, but she figured Echo wanted to try and keep her busy and distracted. Instead, every second that passed was a second too long, every second reduced the likelihood of ever seeing Hunter again. When Echo asked for the wrench, she realised she was pacing back and forth, struggling to focus on much else. Echo was patient, although he was questioning why he even asked her for help. She wasn't in the mindset to focus. He could have sent her to assist Tech, but his patience would like wear thin reasonably quickly in comparison. He took her back-talk too literally.
"This is taking too long!" Omega said suddenly, and Echo failed to conceal his eyeroll. You think I don't know that, kid?
"Omega, focus," he knew his words were futile at this point. She wouldn't calm down until they were back in hyperspace, or until they have Hunter back, even. Wrecker strode back to the Marauder, holding a box, interrupting the young girl's protests.
"Cid wasn't happy about it," he grinned, "She said she isn't starting a clone sanctuary."
"Figures," Echo muttered, "Take Omega inside. The ship will be ready soon.'
"C'mon, kid," Wrecker scooped her up around the middle and carried her under his arm onto the ship. It was an attempt to make her laugh, take that frown off her face. She didn't protest, but she also didn't play along, "Cid got something for ya."
"For me?" Omega frowned as she was placed back on her feet.
"I know the mission, well, it wasn't really a win and we got a new one to do...but Cid said this one was on her," he opened up the box to reveal some fresh Mantell Mix, "Whadd'ya say?"
"You have some. I'm waiting til we get Hunter back," Omega pushed the box away sadly, "If we ever leave this planet."
"Most systems are back online. It shouldn't be much longer," Tech said from the cockpit.
"We'll get there, Omega," Wrecker held out his arms, and Omega almost immediately threw her arms around his shoulders, "Just let 'em try and stop us!"
Wrecker gave her a gentle squeeze, just as Gonky followed Echo on board. The droid's honks appeared to cheer up upon sight of Omega.
"All fixed up. Ready when you are, Tech," Echo called to the cockpit, looking to Wrecker and Omega, "Ready?"
"Ready," Omega said firmly, giggling and pushing Wrecker's hand away as he ruffled her hair.
"Born ready!" he grinned, "Let's go get the sarge!"
"Almost got it!" Tech said, "Just the shield...there!"
He got to his feet, brushing himself off and getting in the pilot seat to fire up the engines, "All systems functional and ready to go."
Echo sat down beside him, while Omega ran up to watch behind them. Wrecker scooped up his Tooka plush from the bunk and slumped down in a seat in the cockpit, holding Lula as if helping her watch the flight. Omega held onto Tech's seat for balance, taking the time to watch closely as he sent the Marauder upwards and out of the planet's atmosphere. She was determined to do him proud in her future flying lessons.
The swirl of hyperspace was a comfort once again, knowing this time they were on their way to Hunter instead of the opposite. Omega moved past the seat, standing between the two pilots, allowing herself to be utterly entranced by the sight in front of her. It was a sight that would never get old, that was for sure.
A hand reaching for her own startled her, and she looked down to see it was Tech's, although he had yet to take his eyes away from the view outside the ship. Omega took hold of his hand, offering him a grateful smile as he finally glanced at her. After a moment's hesitation, he gave her hand a small squeeze.
Tech was wrong. A Tech-equivalent hug was just as powerful as a regular one.
A/N: Thank you for reading! This was an interesting one to write and I enjoyed figuring out how I think Tech's mind works. I think Tech is quickly becoming my favourite clone and I loved writing him. It was also interesting having a google adventure to be able to write a Tech infodump!
I also found the thought of a clone like Wrecker considering the concept of love. Considering I'm autistic, ace and potentially aromantic...I've had many moments like the moment Wrecker has in this fic!
As always, Echo is such a mom and I love him. I want to hug him. I want to hug them all.
The ending strays a little from how Episode 15 actually begins, I just ended up writing what made sense to me to finish the story.
I'd love to know what you think, as always! I'm playing with three ideas for this nightmare series, centering around Crosshair, Hunter, and Echo, respectively. Let me know which you'd like to see first!