The Bad Batch - Against the Odds

by GunRoswall

A routine mission for the Bad Batch. To get in, to grab the intel, and get out. Nothing to it. Simple as that. But, this time it was anything but a simple mission. Crosshair is back with the squad. Echo, is put in charge after an incident disables Hunter. The tension between the Batch members rises as the mission goes totally awry. The story is set some time after season one of the

Preface

A routine mission for the Bad Batch. To get in, to grab the intel, and get out. Nothing to it. Simple as that. But, this time it was anything but a simple mission. Crosshair is back with the squad. Echo, is put in charge after an incident disables Hunter. The tension between the Batch members rises as the mission goes totally awry. The story is set some time after season one of the Bad Batch.

Chapter one

It was supposed to be, a routine mission. Get inside the abandoned facility, get the intel and then get out. Nothing more, nothing less. But, there had been, complications. Something the Bad Batch had gotten used to by now. Such as the plan being too solid, usually meant there was some flaw and things would go awry. Most of the time. And on this day, it was the most of the times.

The blast had happened without warning. It was just as the squad had reached the supposedly abandoned facility. Despite the scans and all the other safety measures taken, making sure it would be safe enough to enter and extract whatever intel there was to retrieve. The entrance had been booby trapped. There had been no time to step back, no warning whatsoever. Only the deafening sound of the powerful explosives going off around them.

Hunter had been in the lead, with Tech and Wrecker a tad behind. While Echo and Crosshair had taken the rear. The dust of the blast had engulfed the whole area with the Batch trapped inside of it. With the visibility had been low there was no way to see what the real damage caused by the explosion was.

Omega, who had remained on the Marauder had felt and heard the blast and immediately opened the comms channel to the team. Calling out to them.

"Hunter? Echo? Tech?" Her voice teary and panicked. "Wrecker, Crosshair?" But there was no response from any of them.

It took a few moments before the dust settled. The team recovering from the blast and looking for their batch mates and how everyone had fared from it.

And it was then, when Omega heard the voices crackling over the comms.

Listening to the chaos on the other end of her brothers reacting to whatever had happened. But she could do nothing but wait on the ship. It was as Hunter had ordered her to do and she tried so hard to follow those orders. Usually.

"See anything?" It was Wreckers voice.

"No, it's the damn residue of the blast." Crosshair's voice responded.

"Tech, Echo, Hunter?" Wrecker shouted out to his team mates.

"We are here!" Echo's voice sounded out. "Tech is here with me, but…" There was a seemingly long pause and Omega waited patiently to hear the rest with her heart beating out of her tiny chest for the last name to be called out.

"Hunter is hurt! We need to abort!" Echo's voice sounded again, urgent, not panicked though, he usually did not panic during these situations.

"Oh my…" Omega said out loud, feeling her own panic inside of herself though. "Hunter." She repeated in a whisper and before she could react, wanting to burst out there to help Hunter the voice came over again.

"Omega! Start the Marauder! We are coming in!" Tech's voice sounded hurried and out of breath, as they were all clearly running.

"Sir, yes sir." Her voice was coarse from the teary lump forming in her throat. But she was a good solider, just like her brothers had taught her to be.

The Marauder was already running when the team rushed into the ship. Wrecker was carrying Hunter while the other three rushed inside preparing a makeshift med bay to treat Hunter's injuries. He was the only one hit badly while the others had minor scratches from the flying debris. But Hunter had been right in the front and taken the brunt of it. He was bleeding and needed immediate treatment. Azi was already preparing the work ahead when Wrecker placed the unconscious, listless body of their Sergeant onto the stretcher.

"What is his status?" Crosshair half demanded in a hoarse voice with a worried look on his face, but then again, they were all worried.

"Internal bleeding, cracked ribs." Tech started as he was running the scans over his Sarge's body. "It's not looking good. We need to operate immediately." He informed the others after his findings. He sounded calm and collected, but internally, he was anything but.

"Operate?" Azi sounded confused. "This is hardly a sterile medical area." But after the glares the droid received from the rest of the Batch, Azi simply raised their hands in a defensive surrender. "Fine. I will do what I can under these conditions." He then started moving about in the cramped cabin, preparing for the surgery.

"We need to leave. There is no telling what is really hidden inside that facility as clearly they are protecting something with that booby trap of theirs." Crosshair voiced his concerns to the rest of them.

"I agree with Cross." Wrecker piled on. "There could be something worse going on in there they were hiding." His eyes darted from one to the other, looking for some agreement there.

"I agree. We should leave, right now." Echo stated adamantly as well. "Hunter needs proper care and who knows what kind of defences there are still left behind in there." He was just about to go to the cockpit and replace Omega as the pilot as she was still manning it, ready to take off at the order given.

Tech who had been scanning the area right after the blast, but had not had a chance yet to retrieve the findings due to Hunter's injury. And the rush to get him back and checked out, did so just then. "I think we should reconsider that." He simply stated.

"What do you mean reconsider." Crosshair scowled as their priority was Hunter and not some data after all. Always Hunter. "Damn the data!" The venom in his voice was more distinct now than usually. "We are leaving." He was adamant about it too and seemingly ready to pounce to the cockpit himself to get the ship off the ground.

"Well, after the blast, the facility which was supposed to have been abandoned and housing only some data." He went on trying to explain his reasoning for staying. "And as clearly something had blocked our scans before, some heavy shielding or similar most likely over the whole building." Tech glanced up from his device.

"What are you talking about?" Echo's voice sounded more angry than intended as he sometimes lost the patience with Tech's too rounded way of getting to the point.

"There are six life signs the scanner detected inside the facility." Tech stated glaring at the three sets of eyes pinned on his.

"Life signs?" Echo's voice had changed to concern.

"Yes." Tech continued typing on his hand held device. "I cannot get a more accurate reading, but they are definitely humanoid lives in there."

"But this was supposed to be an empty facility." Crosshair sounded a tad frustrated and still wanted to leave, because Hunter was the one he cared about right now.

"Do we even know who these, humanoids are?" Wrecker scratched his head confused.

"Most likely prisoners." Tech deduced, he could not be sure of course.

"So not hostiles?" Echo asked.

"I cannot be sure. But they are unmoving. The scanner detected them only after the blast and all in once place." Tech revealed. "But there are no other life signs us included around the area."

"I still say we should leave. Send someone else to come and have a look-see as to whom or what is inside there." Crosshair stated flatly. But he was only hiding the fact that he was worried about Hunter. And those lives, well as far as he saw they were already forfeited anyway. "Besides, I don't exactly trust the scanner readings as those life signs were not detected earlier. They could easily be others hiding out there, only waiting to attack you are seeing on the scanner." He rambled his usual paranoia taking over his thought process.

"So, we take the ship off this rock and hide out there in space." Wrecker suggested. "And when Hunter is better, we simply come back and have a new look on what is going on." He sounded good about his suggestion.

"What if we triggered some alarms? What is someone is already on the way to check what and whom was trying enter the facility?" Crosshair was on the same thought still. "We should leave and get as far away as possible."

"And what of the people in there?" Echo asked, still thinking it was odd for anyone to be there, in a discarded place such as this seemed to be. And according to Cid's intel, this was supposed to be abandoned long ago. "We cannot just leave them?" He wasn't sure either, being torn between one of their own and perfect strangers lives.

Before the others could object or comment in any way, Tech raised his hand in protest while looking up from his latest scans.

"We cannot leave yet, not until Hunter is stabilised. There is no way to operate on him if we are on the move. Too risky." Tech stated flatly. He tapped on the scanner once more. "So far, there is no sign of pursuit or un-friendlies approaching our position. For now, we are safe here." As it was, they had landed the ship a few clicks away from the facility in a secure location in a forest area.

"Then we wait." Echo's tone was stern now. "We hold the fort here on the Marauder. We will take rounds around the immediate area." He added, not sure if they were really orders or not coming out from his mouth.

Just then, Azi popped up from behind them. "I am ready for the surgery." He informed the others. "I could use your assistance." Azi told Tech.

"Alright." Tech then moved past the others and joined Azi as they started with Hunter still unconscious body in attempts of repairing the injuries with what little they had onboard.

The other three remained right there at first, but Tech looked at them and said simply. "There is nothing you can do here now. I will inform you once we are done here." And with that Tech had already submerged with aiding the droid.

Echo, Crosshair and Wrecker exchanged glances and realising something at the same time.

"Omega!"

The kid had been left on standby and was most likely sick with worry too because of Hunter. As even if the ships engines had been humming around them, none of the Batchers had paid any attention to it as they had been consumed with worry of Hunter.

"I will go." Wrecker then said. "We'll cut the engines off for now. You two stick around and see how they are faring in there." He nodded towards the now functioning medical area. "I will take the first guard round after I've checked with Omega." He gave one last glance towards the makeshift med bay before he left for the cockpit.

"Will do." Echo simply said turning back to look at Azi and Tech who were both busy doing their very best to make sure they would not lose Hunter. "Will do." He repeated in a voice filled with worry and sadness as there was no way of telling how badly hurt Hunter was until the surgery was over.

Getting a glance from Crosshair, who seemed even more affected of the incident. As if looking for some kind of reassurance from Echo, his eyes searching Echo's.

"He'll pull thought Cross, he's Hunter after all!"

Echo placed a soothing hand on Crosshair's shoulder for comfort even if Echo wasn't sure himself that was the truth. But, for Crosshair's sake, he had tried to sound confident just the same.

Crosshair nodded and continued chewing on his toothpick. Echo knew there would be several picks to be chewed through before the surgery was over. But at least Crosshair had something to concentrate on. To hold himself together as the other option was to pace around the already cramped ship. Something which Echo wanted to do.

But Echo held it together the best he could. For the others sake. After all, he was the oldest of them and keeping the rest of them comfortable fell onto Echo now. Unfortunately, there was a danger involved for them to stay. But also a risk for Hunter if they took off.

A rock and a hard place it was once again. Really nothing new for any of them. Still, Echo was none too glad of their options, or lack there of. Wishing there was a middle road to follow.

Chapter two

The surgery was finally completed. Between Azi and Tech, they had managed to patch up Hunter and stabilise his condition. For now. But he was still under the anaesthesia's affect and was not out of the woods just yet. As he needed to be checked by a proper physician. And most of all, heal in a proper facility. Tech emerged from the med bay coming face to face with the rest of the Batch. All of whom had been waiting for any and all news of their Sarge. They were all present after hearing the surgery having completed. Echo who had been on the rounds, it being his turn, had been called back as well.

"Well? So?" Crosshair sounded frustrated wanting to hear the status immediately. "How is he?"

"He is stable. But, there is still danger present." Tech told them as much as he was not the one to mince words nor the truth.

"So, we leave." Crosshair's words were out and unfiltered. "As we should have done in the first place."

"What of Hunter? Is he conscious?" Echo asked then.

"No, not yet. And, I would advise to leave him waking up on his own accord. He is still pretty much sedated." Tech warned the others. "The injuries were extensive after all." Tech half warned the other two, standing way too close for comfort at the moment.

"Can we see him?" Omega's voice had a pleading undertone to it.

Tech seemed to be contemplating the request for a moment but then made the decision he thought would be most beneficial for all. "Sure."

As he led the way to the med bay, the rest of them followed him to the small medical area. And much to all their surprises, Hunter was awake. And the stubborn man was trying to get up from the cot with Azi fussing over him.

"I am sorry. But CT-9901 was quite adamant and was demanding letting him getting up and leave the medical area." Azi explained to Tech in an apologetic tone.

"Hunter, you need to stay lying down." Tech was immediately at his side pushing the other man gently back down. With the others soon gathering around. "We just performed major surgery on you. You should not be moving, at all." Tech told Hunter, who was still adamant in his efforts.

"But the mission…" Hunter sounded confused and disoriented.

"Hunter." Echo was quickly by Hunter's side. In a soft soothing voice and a gentle touch told him. "You need to rest and get better. The mission is over." Even if it really wasn't the truth.

"Well…" Tech started and immediacy shut up getting several warning glares from the rest of the Batch.

As they all gathered around the bedside of their fearless and stubborn leader, the calming voices of them soon lulled Hunter into a state he could relax in and then lay back down on the bed again.

"How are you feeling?" Echo asked after a moment had passed and Hunter had calmed down.

Hunter closed his eyes. Feeling the fatigue of the combination of the injuries and surgery together with the painkillers still having a grip on him. "Tired." He admitted as much. "But, not much pain."

"It's the medicine." Tech whispered to the others. "We gave him quite the dose."

Hunter was sluggish but he was clearly trying to struggle against the effects of the meds. "What of the mission?" He tried, even if he could hardly keep his eyes open.

"Don't worry. It's all taken care of." Echo told him. A little white lie, for sure. But right now, the mission was not the priority for any of them. Hunter was.

"You rest now." Wrecker softly told Hunter too. "We'll keep watch for you." He tried to assure Hunter he did not have to worry about anything except getting well.

Crosshair and Omega only stood silently and looked at Hunter with worried eyes. It was never great to see one of their own and especially someone like Hunter, a strong leader in such a condition. But this was the situation now. And they all needed to accept that fact. Hunter was hurt, badly and so. The only thing they could do was to wait as they watched Hunter fall into a slumber.

A few hours had passed and the crew of the Havoc Marauder had remained in hiding. Having rotating guard shifts around the immediate area to make sure there would be no surprises. Tech after having done the surgery with Azi on Hunter, had finally had the time to download the data from the scanners into the ships computers. All of them minus Hunter were present and checking out what Tech had alerted them of earlier. Namely, the life signs the scanners had detected.

"So, as you can see from the initial scans, we now have a better blueprint of the facility." Tech pointed out. "This was our point of entry. Beyond which we were supposed to find the databanks according to Cid's intel." Tech went on pulling up the various parts of the scan to view which ever part he was talking about for the others to understand better.

"And now, as we have a more accurate view of it all. Here, is where the life signs emanated from."

Tech pulled up the level up front again, the six dots blinking there in red. "It seems that these six particular life signs are quite stationery."

The others were leaning in to see better, a truly captive audience as they were.

"Even if the scans were not as complete due to us leaving in a hurry." Tech glanced at the others glaring intently at the holo data still. "It is still correct." He reminded them all.

"They are in some kind of stasis?" Echo asked.

"It would seem so." Tech replied simply.

"What of others? Guards, troopers, anyone else?" Crosshair had his guards up. Him, being the always positive one, with the pun intended. "Any other defensive measures except the one we already triggered?"

"Well, like I said before, the scans were not complete as we had to leave." Tech told him again. "But I would assume as we have managed to stay safe so far, that there are no guards there. After all, this was supposed to be an abandoned facility." Tech reminded them again.

"So, we go back and check them out?" Wrecker asked.

"No. We need to take Hunter to a proper facility." Crosshair immediately objected. "You said it yourself, he was injured badly." Crosshair reminded Tech. "We should leave. Now." He was adamant if nothing else.

"What of those lives being trapped down there?" Echo pointed at the holo image as he was torn between wanting to save everyone in the galaxy and making sure Hunter would recover.

"I would recommend we can leave once Hunter has recovered enough." Tech told the squad. "Like I said, there was internal damage and I want to make sure he won't be uncomfortable or start bleeding internally if the ship starts shaking around him." Tech had considered all the details as per usual, even the minor inconveniences, however small.

"Seriously? Ships shake, always." Crosshair snarled. "And what does it mean, enough?"

"Yes, well, like I said. All the options were considered." Tech stated flatly sounding more and more annoyed of Crosshair. "It is Hunter's benefit and wellbeing that I am considering here." Tech glared right back at Crosshair. Not backing up, not even one inch.

"So, then we have some time to get back in there and do more research?" Echo was still wanting to know more about the ones trapped inside the facility.

Crosshair gave him a narrow snide glare. But the others seemed to think it was a good idea.

"I would want to know more." Omega piped in and just then being the target of the next phase of Crosshair's annoyed and blaming glare.

"Tech and I will go." Echo decided then. As clearly, he had taken the role of the leader in Hunter's absence. "The rest of you will hold the fort and look after Hunter."

It was decided without any one countering as the rest of them, part from Crosshair nodded in acceptance. Then again, nobody excepted him to yield anyway to the majority's ruling.

Tech and Echo had quickly made their way back to the facility. They could clearly see the extent of the damage the booby trap had caused. A moment of silence passed between the two, thinking back on what had happened. How badly it could have even gotten if Hunter had not managed to warn the others mere seconds before the explosion had occurred. And so the others had managed to get away. Just in time. Even if he himself had been on the receiving end of the bulk of the explosion.

Tech was running scans constantly as they stepped over the broken pieces of structure. The blast had ripped off half the wall and the doors. They carefully made their way inside, being much more vigilant than before. They managed to get a tad further inside of the building this time. Finding their original target a few corridors further inside. The computer room with the data archives seemingly still intact. They found the access consoles and immediately went to work. Trying to see what could be salvaged.

"Echo, comp in and see what you can find on that one." Tech pointed at the console to the left. "I will try to see if I can download from this one." The two of them immediately going to work.

As the two worked a while in comfortable silence, Tech managing to hack in and get access to several files, he immediately pulled the data stick to download whatever was there.

Echo had also managed to hack into the system. He could detect the life signs which they had already seen on the earlier scans. He was also able to see more of the data regarding those life signs. As he dug in deeper into the files, the shock of reveal soon written on his face.

He downloaded all of it to his memory, which he could later upload to the ships databanks thanks to his cybernetic augments. As he turned to Tech, who was still busy with his own console, Echo decided to alert the other man of his findings.

"Tech, I think there is something here you should see." Echo pulled up the data on the screen. "Right now."

"Just a sec, Echo. I've almost done here." Tech said and true to his word, it took mere seconds as he pulled the data rod off of the console and joined Echo by his. "What am I looking at?" Tech asked before focusing on the screen ahead.

"This is what I found regarding those life signs we detected." Echo had pulled up the full list of them on the screen. As Tech kept on reading, he could see the familiar designations appearing on the screen alongside the profile pictures. The faces quite reminiscent of their very own.

"Clones?" Tech was as surprised as Echo had been when finding this piece of information. "As in us?" He had to ask.

As it seemed that the Empire had clearly, despite their original aversion towards the clone troopers, started making their own experiments of the same nature, that of cloning.

"Yes, us." Echo replied simply. "CT troopers, all of them." Echo's voice was thick with the lump in his throat with the bile of hatred against the Kaminoans and Empire alike building in there.

"Does any of the names seem familiar to you?" Tech asked, but Echo simply shook his head.

"No. Most likely these clones are all from a later generation. Long after us all." Echo replied. Turning to glance back at Tech he said in a low register. "We need to get them out of there."

Tech was about to respond. Not that he was against it by far. But something caught his eye just then. "I think we should leave. Right now." He made a check on his scanner. "An alert just triggered."

Getting a quick nod from Echo in response as the two quickly started running out of the place.

Echo and Tech quickly made their way back to the Marauder. They had alerted the others of their findings and needed to decide rather urgently what their next move would be. Meanwhile, Omega and Crosshair had been keeping a keen eye on Hunter. While Azi had been monitoring the progress of their patient.

The squad had spoken in hushed tones of what Tech and Echo had found. Trying hard not to argue of what the right thing to do now really was. But, despite their cautions, Hunter stirred and opened his eyes.

"The mission…" Hunter's coarse voice asked.

Hunter was back again, seemingly more lucid this time around. It was as if he was willingly fighting against the medicines in his system and did not want to be under. Most likely similarly as they all felt of being sedated. Rather wanting to flee instead. And Hunter was still on about the mission it seemed.

"What happened?" He needed to know.

"Well," Echo glanced at the others, but they were shaking their collective heads. All except Tech, who usually did not like to lie. Not even for a good cause. "There were some complications."

Crosshair's eyes almost bulged out of the sockets as his venomous glaring caught Echo and Tech for actually telling Hunter anything about the mission. Were they bonkers or what? Hunter needed the rest to heal. The mission could wait. They should leave this place. Now!

Through gritted teeth Crosshair hissed his warning for Echo only to hear. "Don't!"

Echo could see the expression on Crosshair's face. Echo was contemplating about what he could or should tell Hunter. Closing his eyes for a moment and then, feeling Hunter's eyes on him in turn. As clearly, there was simply no avoiding this conversation. With a heavy sigh Echo made the decision.

"We detected life signs in there." Echo stated honestly, getting a nod from Tech. But a gritted teeth curse from Crosshair. "Inside the compound. After the explosion." Echo revealed as much.

"Life signs?" Hunter was immediately more alert and tried to get up from the bed again. "What kind of life signs." But the more eager he got, the more it started to hurt, if the grimaces of pain Hunter was making were any indication.

Tech immediately pulled out his scanner and ran it over Hunter. "You need to settle down, Sarge." His voice was more commanding and authoritative now, as he gently pushed Hunter back to a more comfortable position.

Hunter did not resist. The pain was too grave for him to handle. "We need to save them." Hunter had not even asked as to whom or what, only knowing it was the right thing to do.

"No!" Crosshair put his foot down. "You are in need of better medical care." He hissed. "We need to leave! Now!"

Crosshair's voice was't snide anymore. It was filled with concern and he wanted the others to understand that they could easily loose Hunter. And Crosshair was not prepared to do that.

"Crosshair." Hunter's voice was low and coarse. "If there is a chance for those, whomever they are down there, we need to save them."

Crosshair glared back at him, not contesting his leader. Rather trying to convey a myriad of emotions running rampant in his mind. All of them about loosing Hunter.

Hunter could see the pain in Crosshair's eyes. But even in his current condition, Hunter felt lucid enough to make the decision. And his choice was, as it had come to be these days, on the side of trying to save as many affected by the Empire as possible. Just like Rex. Just like Echo. Hunter was on the side of those who could not fend for themselves.

"We are going to get them out of there." Hunter felt the sting of the pain on his chest again. Turning his eyes away from Crosshair he found Echo's. "You, are in charge, Echo."

Hunter's last words before he succumbed to both pain and the sedative Tech had just administered to his neck after scanning him once again.

Crosshair simply glared at Hunter. Then at Echo and Tech.

"We cannot leave now." Tech simply told him, not stating the reasons any further. Whether it was Hunter's condition or the life signs of the CT troopers they had found in the facility.

"You cannot be serious." Crosshair's voice rose an octave.

Crosshair was beginning to feel he was repeating his words. Simply because he was too furious of his Batch's actions. Their reasoning for putting Hunter's life second to perfect strangers.

"You have said it yourself. On several occasions." Tech reminded Crosshair. "We, are soldiers. And therefore, it is our duty to help those who cannot help themselves."

"What are your orders, Echo?" Wrecker then asked as he too was kind of torn, but he knew what they needed to do and that it was the right thing to do.

"We," Echo paused.

He then glanced at Crosshair, who was looking back at him with all the venom he could muster into that snide of a glare. Echo let his eyes then roam across to board, Tech, Wrecker, Omega, and seeing the conflict in all of them. But then again, what had he expected? Echo felt it too. It took a moment, but then, the decision was made. For him really.

Hunter was their leader and his command was something Echo would follow no matter what.

"We are going to stay and get those troopers out from there." Echo was quite determined. "Meanwhile, we need to maintain radio silence just in case someone out there is listening to the comm frequencies."

Chapter three

With their tasks settled by Echo, there was an increasing friction between the team mates whether to follow Hunter's orders or not. Echo being adamant in doing so. While Crosshair was against him all the way. The others simply followed the orders set by Hunter and now, Echo. But with the pending possibility of someone, most likely the Empire returning back to claim their experiments. As the data had been rather vague on that part, as to whom the previous owners of the facility had been. And so, they were on the clock. With Hunter's condition not improving, the pressure was getting to them all. The stakes being simply too high.

After all, they had no idea what the condition of the six clone troopers being kept in stasis really was. The data Tech had downloaded of them was lacking at best. As to the why the troopers were kept in the facility in the first place was also still open. The information had either been corrupted or deliberately been erased. Most likely the latter. So, whether it was easy to revive them or not would become a problem with only few references to go on with. The overall process becoming quite risky.

But the Batch had gone on missions with far less intel and with smaller predicted success rat than this one was. Oddly enough, the group once created for so called suicide missions, was no longer willing to risk their now lives as easily as while being soldiers for the Republic. Having had a taste to live rather than die for someone else's cause. Failure simply was no longer an option for any mission. For any of them. And that made following Hunter's orders even more difficult, for all of them. Even Echo, even if wasn't going to admit as much to the others.

Echo was in the cockpit, contemplating their options. He was wondering about how Hunter, Rex and Cody ever had been able make such difficult decisions. Those of life and death. Echo had never wanted that. Being in charge. Rather being more content in following orders. Not like an automaton. But as part of group and even something bigger. Something greater. Voicing his concerns of course and having his say where needed. But still leaving the difficult decision to others.

But now, Echo was the one in charge. Having to make those decisions himself. Just as Echo was deep in thought, Crosshair burst into the cockpit with a huff. Landing himself on the seat next to Echo. He was fidgeting and puffing, clearly fuming. And after a several long moments having been glared over by Echo, Crosshair finally spoke.

"We need to take Hunter to a proper facility." Crosshair stated matter of factly and kept on glaring at Echo with his usual scowl, clearly ready to pick a fight.

"You just want to go after those regs, don't you. Save them rather than Hunter." Crosshair was positively fuming, his nostrils flaring. The angry stare burrowing into Echo who had not cut down his rant, rather letting the other clone vent.

"Because now that you are in charge, your priorities have shifted." It wasn't true of course, but Crosshair was totally confrontational at the moment, blaming Echo for Hunter's condition. "You never cared for us, not really." Crosshair was breathing heavily due to his tantrum, spewing out harsh words. "And now, you are going to get all of us killed!"

There was a moment of silence hanging over them, neither speaking after Crosshair had quieted down.

"Are you quite finished?" Echo asked, his voice as calm as he could keep it in this situation.

"No." Crosshair stated flatly, even if he really nothing more to say, except maybe repeat his previous statements.

"It never ends with you, does it?" Echo glared back at Crosshair for a change, his voice a tad higher.

"The paranoia is something the Kaminoans must have added to the decanter while you were still in there being made." It was not a nice thing to say of course, but the constant whining of the sniper was getting to Echo.

"They know we are here." Crosshair warned Echo then, as if trying to reason with him on some level.

"We never leave our own behind." Echo stated simply.

"This is because of Skako Minor isn't it." It wasn't a question rather a statement once again.

"In away." Echo sighed heavily. "But we are obligated to help those clones."

"So, never mind Hunter then?" Crosshair spat out sarcastically. "Because you want to save regs."

Crosshair knew the words were hurting Echo. Because as soo as Crosshair had said it out loud he knew it was the wrong thing to say. But his thoughts were on Hunter. It was the only thing he could think of, Hunter's wellbeing. Getting Hunter to safety. Crosshair could not really see the bigger picture here at all. Not when Hunter's life was on the line. Even if it was something he had blamed Hunter for not being able to do.

But, Crosshair had paid his dues. Well, the progress was still going on. But he had been on his way there, towards redemption. That was until this mission had gone awry. Still, Crosshair was damned if he was going to lose one of his own. One of his Batch. Not now, not ever. As after his little stint with the Empire and being away from his family, Crosshair knew now, this was the place where he belonged.

So Crosshair tried again. "Why do you care so much about them? The regs? It's not like you owe them anything. None of us do."

Echo was silent for a moment having turned his gaze away from Crosshair. Simply staring into the nothingness in front of him before turning back to Crosshair. "Remember when you returned to us. What you told me then?" Echo's voice was positively soft now.

Crosshair did. Quite well actually. But, then again, it had been his life on the line not Hunter's. Nor anyone else's of his Batch. "I do."

"You said you wanted to redeem yourself." Echo reminded him just the same. "So now, is your chance to do just that."

Echo knew he was pushing Crosshair's buttons. And also knowing quite well it was a touchy subject for the man. but Echo also well aware they needed Crosshair's help to get the job done. And so, if appealing to Crosshair's conscience would do the trick, Echo was all up for it.

Crosshair was none too happy to hear this. His own words being thrown back at him. Even with his chip removed. The healing process of it all, physical at least almost done, he still had mood swings caused by the remnants of the chip. Especially during situations like this, when his family was in danger. He could mostly handle them. The changing moods. But today was not one of those days. So, Crosshair kept on glaring. His eyes narrow and filled with mixed emotions swirling inside of his brain.

Clearly, Echo's tactics were failing.

"Hunter put me in charge. Not you, not Tech, not Wrecker." Echo stated flatly. "I have made up my mind. And I am going to follow Hunter's, not yours or anyone else's orders." Echo told Crosshair quite sternly but without a hint of bite in his tone. Yet. As it as the simple fact.

Crosshair continued to challenge Echo's glare.

"You, will do as I say." Echo's voice rose a pitch though. "And now," Echo's own gaze was boring into Crosshair with a forceful intent. "Go, be a good soldier and do follow the orders given to you."

Echo knew it was a totally bitchy thing to tell the man who had not been able to control his actions while under the influence of the inhibitor chip. The same phrase spoken out loud too often by the clone himself, as if it making the statement more believable for the others. But at this point Echo was way too tired to argue about who was right or wrong. The time for debate was over.

The mantra from not so long ago. Still fresh in Crosshair's own mind. It did have a bite though, when Echo spoke the words. Too much so. Crosshair with his angry stance still glaring at Echo.

"You don't care about any of us." He then repeated.

It was a vile thing to say, for sure. But short of accosting the other man, Crosshair needed to hurt him with words at least. As the bile inside of him was never really settling down. Stomping away from the cockpit. Something contrary to Crosshair's usual feline like stealth. Leaving Echo sadly staring at his retreating form with a heavy heart.

As nobody had told Echo, being in command was an easy job. Ever.

Echo had remained in the cockpit after the incident with Crosshair.

His plan for the rescue. A very simply and straight forward one coming to fruition. He had made several notes onto the data pad and sent them to Tech for comments. Something the two did, even if they were close by. It was simply their way. Tech who had remained with Hunter despite of Azi's vigilant watch over their Sergeant for the durance.

It was then when Omega arrived there as well. Echo could hear her approach even if she had picked up on Crosshair's usual stealth mode quite efficiently and was using the same technique even now. But there was no fooling Echo. He knew his family and the way each of them spoke, felt, moved. And even with their anger directed towards him, Echo knew most of it was not intended as such.

"I know what you are going to say to me." Echo told the kid before she even made herself noticed.

"Oh?" Omega was already seated next to Echo looking at him while he spoke to her.

"Yes. And I know what Hunter means to you. More than the rest of us do." Echo's voice was even. No jealousy or guesswork, a simple statement of fact.

"He does. But, I care about you all as much." It wasn't the total truth, but just the same. She loved them all and would do anything for them, just like the others would for her.

"I know you are here to try to convince me to get Hunter to safety." Echo stated. As again, he was sure that it was either of her own accord she was here or then because Crosshair had sent her of both.

Omega was quiet for a moment before saying anything. "I know Crosshair was here and I know how angry he is." Omega said then not looking at Echo. "But it has nothing to do with you." She turned to Echo again.

Echo looked at her for a moment before he nodded in agreement. "I know he is hurting. And because of what happened to him, he is trying to overcompensate. But his panic is not helping us any."

Echo was angry at himself for not considering all that which Crosshair had been through. It was true though. All of the bad history causing Crosshair to behave in this manner. Just because one of their own was in a bad way. Because Hunter was to one in a bad way.

There was a moment of pause before Omega spoke again. "I want you to finish the mission. For us to finish the mission. It is Hunter's wish." She blinked rapidly before looking at Echo again.

Echo was surprised, very much so. After all, knowing how attached Omega was to Hunter. It would not have been the first time she had wanted to save him instead of someone else. But clearly, the Kid had grown since that time. And was now beginning to see things from different perspectives. She had simply begun to understand the meaning of their sacred mantra of never leaving their own behind. Nor anyone else for that matter. Echo could not have been more proud of the girl. Their sister, right now.

His eyes locked with Omega's and without further words, Echo moved to pick the Kid up and into a tight hug. After all, they both needed it. The moment all too brief. But they needed to get back on their mission. Only hoping all the others were still on board with it. Tech at least was as he had already sent back several suggestions to Echo's plan in turn.

"So, would you like to check the rescue plan? Perhaps to give a few suggestions as well?" Echo was quite prepared to listen to Omega's insights as they were often, right on the money.

They were all present. Even Crosshair. Listening to the plan as devised by Echo and Tech. With some suggestions by Omega. It was quite the simple plan really. Well, with a few technical details to consider while thawing the clones.

Get in. Revive the troopers. Get them back to the ship and leave. Without any delay.

However, for this to happen, they needed to move the Marauder closer to the compound. Which was risky at best. As they would be exposed to whomever was most likely to appear after the distress signal had been sent. There was also the possibility of the troopers being in such shape they could not even be revived.

But they had to try at least. That was the agreement. The order. From Hunter.

Tech and Echo had boosted their long range scanners the best they had the time for to scan the surrounding space for any approaching vessels. The planet however, seemed to be as void of life as before. Sans their own and those of the six inside the facility.

As they all stood there, listening to Echo and Tech. Even Crosshair, which Echo found comforting. Only hoping he would behave as they needed all hands on deck. Azi would have also a big part to play, being the medical droid he was.

"Everyone clear on what is going to happen from now on end?" Echo then asked them all, wanting to be sure they were all on the same page having understood the mission parameters.

"We are." Omega responded, with a chorus of agreeing murmurs following, even a nod from Crosshair.

"Good." Echo told his troops. As that was what they were. For now at least. Until Hunter was back on his feet. That was a given thing in Echo's mind.

"Now, we move the Marauder. Carefully. To avoid any discomfort to Hunter. Azi will monitor him during the short flight." Echo reminded them.

"We have all clear." Tech added after checking his scanners one more time. "There are still no signs of approaching vessels nor have the status of the life signs on the planet changed either."

Tech was only too glad they had boosted their equipment. As they could not afford a fire fight with an enemy. Not with Hunter's condition nor risking their own lives either.

"Understood." Echo told him. "Now, stations everyone." Echo ordered.

The squad quickly took their positions. While Echo and Tech took theirs in the cockpit. Ready to move the Marauder towards the entrance of the facility. Close enough for a pick up of the troopers waiting inside.

Chapter four

The brief flight had gone without incident and their patient was laying comfortably in the makeshift med bay. The team had also made a few quick changes to the area currently playing the part of the Marauder's medical area in preparation of having more patients sharing the small space. After all, the Batch had yet to find out the real condition of the clones being held inside the facility.

But they were soon to find out as Tech, Echo and Crosshair were already prepped and ready to go, only standing by the hatch to jump out as soon as Tech had finished his scans. Something which he had been doing constantly. Nothing new there of course. But, there were so many things easily going wrong which they needed to be aware of. Especially with the one man down.

The idea was for the three of them to storm the building and secure it enough for Omega and Azi to join in the revival process. While Wrecker was to remain behind. To be their lookout, pilot and be there also for Hunter. Just in case there was some change in Hunter's status.

But for now and much to Crosshair's relief, all of theirs really, Azi had managed to stabilise Hunter's condition. There were no longer signs of internal bleeding. The magic the droid and Tech had managed to conjure up during the operation with minimal resources? Well it seemed to have worked. At least for now. But as Tech had warned them, there could easily still be unforeseen complications.

Their whole mission was a great big gamble after all. As they were not only risking Hunter's life, but their own as well. As it was, they could easily be surrounded by the enemy at any given moment.

"We are okay to enter." Tech finally stated after double and triple checking the scans simply to be on the safe side.

Echo and Crosshair only nodded in acknowledgement. Omega who was standing close by, prepped also and only waiting for her turn to move too.

"Good luck!" She wished the trio.

Echo signed the 'move out' signal to the other two, then exiting the Marauder one by one.

The doors were already open, or rather obliterated by the explosion. So, it was an easy entrance to the facility itself. Tech having the holo map of the building downloaded and memorised. Naturally. Echo taking the lead the small team making their way deeper into the structure and the lab where the troopers were kept. They did not anticipate running into anyone else there. No other life signs had been detected so far. Except those of their possible rescues of course.

It was clear, that whomever had been running the place had left without one single trace as to whom they were. Nor the reason for the facility itself. At least according to the scans Tech had managed to download so far. But clearly someone was still interested in the goings on as the distress signal had been sent. Luckily nobody had come to lay claim. Yet.

It was most likely only a matter of time though that someone would show up. As why else send the signal of a breach if they weren't interested to do the follow-up?

"This way." Tech manoeuvred the small group of three towards their destination through the winding, endless corridors of the building.

"How far?" Echo asked.

Relying solely on Tech's navigation at this point and after having passed yet another junction on their way to their target location. Echo was worried they would have too far to get back to the Marauder with the clones. After all, they were not excepting to find them in any good condition.

"One more corridor to the left and there we should find the laboratory with the six life signs." Tech informed Echo.

"Sounds good." Echo's voice was a tad strained as the three of them were half running to reach the location in best possible speed. "Remember our positions when we get there." He reminded the other two.

"I will remain at the egress while you two check the contents." Crosshair's voice sounded inside the other two helmet comms sounding surprisingly sedate without the regularly snarly undertones.

Echo glanced at his Batch mate briefly. Surprised of the seemingly full cooperation the man was delivering despite the earlier arguments the two of them had had. About staying and helping the regs. The fact that Echo was in charge. And ultimately following the order of Hunter's to save the clones. Echo did not comment on it though.

Knowing well how squeamish Crosshair could be if he had even one hint of doubt of the mission goals. But Echo knew he could trust the man for support and watch their sixes any time. Plus the fact that Crosshair now seemed to be trusting the mission despite his earlier objections. So, without a comment, Echo kept moving along with the other two. Soon enough reaching their target.

As they did, Crosshair remained by the entrance while Echo and Tech made their way inside.

Tech made quick work on the door and keyed them inside in no time. Both of them proceeded with swift and stealth movements, securing the lab.

They could see the various equipment and computers surrounding the three walls of the space. The two moved each on either side to check out what the consoles housed. On the last wall the ten chambers in a neat file order finally revealing what they were looking for. Six of them housing occupants in what seemed to be some kind of stasis tubes. The blinking lights on the panels on the outside indicating readings of each individual's vital signs.

"According to these readings, they are all alive." Tech enlightened Echo. "But," He looked up from the handheld device.

"But what?" Echo quipped.

Echo's grouchiness shined through even if he had not intended it to be as obvious.

As it was Echo had been internally listing any and all possible things which could easily go wrong on his watch. Having been walking on proverbial eggshells for a while now. As the options were, infinite.

It wasn't just about him being put in charge of the mission. Rather the matter of the lives he was now responsible for as well. His Batch mates, his Sergeant lying injured in the med bay and the clones they were here to rescue. Having made the initial plan for the rescue, with the aid of Tech and even getting the blessing from Hunter, Echo still had his doubts of their success.

It had been some time since he had been in charge. And if Echo was honest with himself, he really did not want to be. He enjoyed being part of the team, having his own specialty. But leadership? Not really his cup of caf.

As despite having opinions and even arguments with Hunter of his sometimes dubious decisions about the Batch's missions, he gladly let Hunter be the one in charge. Still, Echo respected the man without a question. Knowing in the end, Hunter made mostly good choices for them all. Still, right now. Echo also wanted to do his very best while being the commander of the squad. If for nothing else, then to prove himself he could do it.

"Well, the pods locks are encrypted. And so far, I have been unable to crack the codes." It was unusual, as Tech was always able to hack into anything.

But, not as good as Echo could, being a cyborg and all.

Echo sighed.

But, he was the one with the direct connection to the computers.

So, this should be a walk in the park for him to hack in and get the pods open, right? It wasn't as he was the leader of this mission and needed to look out for the others.

So, with another heavier sigh, Echo made his way to the console and opened the hatch, placing his comp inside of it and hooking his mind to the system. It took mere moments and he was in. Inside the system, all of the data in there available for him.

There was so much intel there!

Much more so than they had managed to download from the other computer earlier. So much so, that it started overwhelming Echo. The data flowing into his brain easily and with a rather fast pace. His eyes started moving rapidly. He placed his hand on his forehead in effort to push back the pending headache from too much pressure filling his brain.

It was all too much. And it was pouring into his mind too quickly. Echo felt like loosing control of the data flow. Something which hardly ever happened to him anymore after having learnt to control the input speed he would receive any given system data. But this, was beyond his abilities to control.

"Echo?" He could hear from somewhere close by, but he could not respond.

Echo simply held onto the console not being able to stop the fast and steady flow of intel pushing through.

"Echo!" He heard the familiar voice again, this time it seemed closer.

But he was beyond it all now. Beyond letting go of the system keeping him put.

Echo, was a hostage.

The system pushing everything inside into Echo's brain. Still too small to be able to handle it all despite his enhancements. The images, the sounds, the code, all of it flashing in front his eyes. It was all making his head hurt. It was too noisy inside there. It was like burning from the inside, but without the flames.

Echo tried to resist. To get away. To scream.

But no manner of struggle did nothing to loosen the grip from the device.

Echo felt himself falling, loosing himself inside the system. Slowly but surely floating into the database and merging with the virtual world. Echo was just about to give in when he felt the bolt of electricity. His body jerked and then, there was nothing but darkness there.

But the pain was gone.

"Echo?" A small voice was talking above him.

"CT-1409?" The other more mechanical voice called out for him.

As Echo's eyes flickered open, the light in his face caused him to raise his hand in protection.

"Wha…?" He tried to get up after feeling the cold floor beneath him and realising he was lying flat on his back.

"Echo, Echo." Tech's voice sounded somewhere over him, pressing him lightly back down. "Don't try to get up yet."

Echo finally managed to open his eyes and could see four sets of eyes on him. Tech, Crosshair, Omega and Azi. All starting right at him with worried looks on their faces. All of them.

"What happened?" Echo asked and rubbed his head as the pain was still present, only now it was less than when… "The computer?" He was still unable to articulate what he needed to and the happenings of before where still a tad hazy.

"You got overloaded." Tech already being well aware of what had happened to Echo.

After all, it was Tech who was always taking care of Echo. Not just the man, but his cybernetics as well. Knowing them inside and out. Both parties as it were.

"Overloaded?" Echo seemed to be repeating words. And then, as he tried to access his memory, it all started coming back to him. "There was so much data in there." It was a half truth as clearly, the system was somehow corrupted or perhaps hacked. And when accessed, it had overflown and tried to incorporate Echo's mind into itself.

"Yes, and that is why your brain almost fried." Crosshair with his always great bedside manner retorted.

But he too, had been worried and immediately rushed to Echo's side. Tech nudged Crosshair slightly to let him know he was being too harsh.

"Sure felt like it." Echo said agreeing with Crosshair's assessment. "What of the pods? Did I manage to open them?" He wasn't sure.

"Yes, and we will start to revive them as soon as you are back on your feet." Tech told Echo as much. "Azi assured me there is no permanent damage." Tech sounded relieved of the fact, as he had gotten quite the scare seeing Echo consumed by the system in such manner. "But you will have a really bad headache for a while." Tech let a small smile pass his lip then.s

As it was, even the best quality pain killers were not able to cure the kinds of aches the implants were causing when the overload happened. Something the two of them had figured out early on after Skako Minor and Echo joining the Bad Batch and having entered into Tech's care.

"Yeah, thanks for reminding me." Echo let out a relived laugh then too. He could feel it already the soft pounding in his forehead starting. "Nothing a hypo won't fix for the moment, right?" And just then as per ordered, he heard the hissing sound of the medicine being pushed into his neck.

"Thank you Azi." Tech told the droid.

"No problem. Shall we begin the thawing process?" Azi then asked waiting for his orders like a good droid he was.

Crosshair and Tech both assisted Echo back to his feet. Supporting him up right for a moment, before he was able to regain his own momentum.

"Thanks." Appreciating both their help, feeling a tad shaky, but it would pass soon enough, hopefully.

"Well, it looks like Echo is back to normal again." Tech ran one final scan on him.

But then, Tech placed a had on Echo's shoulder, not letting him move. Simply gazing into Echo's eyes for a moment. It was as if he was trying to read the man with the simple touch and gaze. To figure out whether his partner really was alright. Or, if he was just acting like he was fine even if he was in pain. Something which Echo tended to do. Hunter and Crosshair did the same as well. All three belittling their own injuries when hurt badly.

"I am fine, Tech." Echo's soft voice half whispered.

Tech spent a moment longer, lingering in their locked gaze, before letting go. Nodding in agreement and then leaning in closer Tech warned.

"You had better be."

Placing a soft peck on Echo's lips before he let go of him.

"Alright then." Echo cleared his throat and was back to business again.

"We better had get to work before the Empire arrives." Echo stated out of the blue, getting a wide eyed collective glance from the others.

It was just then, when some of the intel he had been able to download became accessible inside his mind. He knew right then the what and the who this facility was made for.

"This is a, or rather was an Empire controlled cloning facility." Echo blurted.

Echo knew it was a surprise for them all not excluding himself as he was only now able to recollect the information he had tapped into. But it was all there, clear as day.

"The Empire? Well that would explain some things." Tech commented dryly.

"Cloning?" Crosshair piped in. "I thought they hated clones. They've pretty much made it quite clear."

He was briefly reminded of his stint with them. Serving them. The fondness for either him or the other clone troopers had certainly never been present there.

"Wow!" Omega let out in surprise. "Why would they create more clones?"

She glanced at the tubes. A sad expression suddenly shadowing her pretty face as the old memories were flooding back, of her time on Kamino. Of what she had seen back there.

"Wow indeed!" Azi repeated, not really sure what else to contribute to the discussion.

"Well, we need to move fast then. Get our people out before the Empire shows up." Tech stated without a hint of doubt they would not succeed.

The others simply nodded and immediately started the process of releasing the troopers from their cryo pods. Pressed for time, they needed to move really fast and it wasn't really optimal to unfreeze someone quickly. Still, they had to try at least.

Chapter five

It only took the first clone as a trial for the team to learn a quick and non-evasive method to get the rest of them out of their respective stasis tubes. As it turned out, thawing and de-podding the CT troopers from their holds was not the difficult part of their mission at all.

As they had already made the pre-scans of each and every individual making sure they were alive before taking them out. As they were out, scans were done again making sure the clones were breathing properly on their own accord even if they were in a somewhat shaky shape.

Echo was running the various consoles controlling the cryo units with his comp arm. It was easy now that he had managed to resolve the feedback issue with Tech's help with a quick hack they had devised together.

Crosshair and Tech were moving the limp bodies out from the tubes and onto the stretchers they had managed to find in storage of the same lab. It was a good thing too as they now had a place for the recovering men. Then it was up to Omega and Azi to complete the scans of their patients and deliver them the defrosting care.

Mainly to give them nutrient fluids and to make sure they were kept warm with blankets and such. Luckily, while rummaging the adjacent storage area, they had also found the covers to keep the clones from freezing but also clothing for the clones. Something they could use until more suitable garments could be found for them when back safely in the base.

The progress was a fast one and soon enough they had all six clones out of the chambers and in various states of recovery. The first two were already somewhat lucid and getting their cognitive functions back. But as it turned out, when the clones were trying to speak, their voices were slurry and most of their memories were still missing.

When the first revived clone tried to get up after becoming somewhat frustrated of not being able to function, he only managed to fall right off their shaky legs and onto the floor. Luckily, Omega was quick to react. And with the aid of Azi, she managed to get the clone back on the bed as Crosshair and Tech were still working on the last clone to be released from the cryo chamber.

Omega found the clone same rambling on about something she could not even begin to understand. Not even after trying very hard to do so. And when she tried to read the emotional status of him, she found only confusion there. His eyes darting all over and his mind set on fleeing. It was a split second decision Omega made. To protect the clone from harming himself and the others around him. It was clear that man had no idea what was going on. Omega motioned for Azi to give him a sedative.

As they were pressed for time, they could not deal with the ramifications of the clone's mental condition. That would have to wait until they had safely escaped.

"What's wrong?" Echo, still tied up to the computer until the last of the clones was freed, asked from Omega.

"He was quite disoriented." Omega told Echo. "Unable to speak. Not one coherent word came out. And he panicked because of it."

Echo looked at her and then at the clone. He nodded at the Kid's fast thinking.

"Good job Omega." Getting a single nod back from her.

Echo was proud of Omega. It had been the right thing to do after all. Their primary goal was to get the clones out of this place. And then deal with the rest later.

"Alright, we have the last one out." Tech notified Echo.

Echo proceeded to release himself from the system. But not before downloading the bulk of the intel from the system. After all, they would need it later. And Echo would be able to upload it to the Marauder's databanks when back on the ship.

Echo glanced around the lab. And for the first time really looking. Seeing the clones the team had managed to pull out from the cryo chambers and now lying on their respective cots. Three of them still unconscious, while the first one was sedated and two were starting to stir and look around them.

Omega and Azi made the same procedures to the last clone Crosshair and Tech had pulled out of stasis. As it was, she and the droid were pretty fast and experienced in working together. Having done so many procedures back on Kamino together.

Echo decided to take a closer look at the clones. But as far as the CT numbers were concerned? Well, there really was no one there he could recognise. The dates were all from a later period than Echo and the Batchers. Shinies as they had been called way back when. New troopers never having seen battle.

But these clones seemed to have been the last out of the decanters before the Empire had seized Tipoca City and forced all the clones out of their home.

It also seemed that these latest clone creations were being prepared for serving some other purpose than being soldiers. Most likely as designed by the Empire. But for what was the question?

Echo was sure the information was all inside the files he had managed to download. But that would have to wait too. As for now, the harder part was about to begin. That of getting the clones out and back to the Marauder. And obviously, they were not in any condition to move themselves. Somewhat of a setback. But Echo would not let that hinder the rescue effort.

As Echo moved past the unconscious clones, he quickly reached the two whom were regaining their sense of self.

Echo stood by the stretcher and observed the data which Omega had placed on each of their beds after doing the needed things for them. Echo felt a slight nudge on his arm. Echo turned to look at the source finding the clone on the bed touching his arm ever so softly. Clearly not all there yet. But still, gazing right into a familiar face helped them not to panic.

"Are you…" They paused gulping and as if trying to find the correct words for what they wanted to ask.

Echo felt both sad and sorry for what had been done to these clones. But he could not let it show. Not now. They were here to rescue these poor creatures for whatever horrible things the Empire had either done to them already. Or then, had planned in doing. But, Echo could easily empathise with their situation. After all, it was not unlike the situation he had been in himself some time ago.

"Take it easy, it will all come back to you." Echo assured the clone.

Echo tried to remember how he had felt after Rex, Tech, Skywalker and the rest of Bad Batch had found him. After releasing him from his prison of the Techno Union. Disoriented, unreal, not sure if he was seeing things or dreaming. Or even if he was still alive. Then Echo was reminded of Tech. The words he had heard, even before they had found Echo on Skako Minor. "Who is this?" Not what. And then seeing Tech there, helping Rex to free him from the coffin of a thing and the endless tubes…

Shaking his head off the memory, Echo patted the clone on his arm. "Just take it easy."

The clone nodded, feeling at ease from the calm and low words of Echo's. The familiar face comforting as was his touch.

"Are you here for us?" The clone then finally managed to ask.

Not sure as to what he was referring to. But the cloned did not seem panicky. Deducing from that alone, Echo simply said.

"We are. Don't worry, you will all get out of this place soon enough."

Echo promised. As he looked at the clone for a moment before glancing at the others, Echo knew he needed to keep his promise. They, he, had lost already so many of their brethren. And getting these six to safety? Well it might have been a small grain in a big ocean. But it was a start. Something which Echo hoped to be a part of. Knowing that Rex was already organised and doing much of the same stuff already.

"You and the others will be safe. Soon." Echo promised the clone again, eliciting a hint of a smile just then.

The relocation of the clones took more time than any of them would have liked to. Even when Wrecker was pulled out from his watch duty. Leaving Azi in charge of the med bay and Hunter back on the Marauder. The very fact that the squad needed to move their rescues on the stretchers as none of them could walk on their own two feet. All of them being in bad physical condition. They had been held inside the cryo chambers for some time, leaving their muscles to decay in the process.

While only three of them had even regained consciousness, the rest were still coming to. There simply was no way for them to walk on their own accord. The long hallways of the facility were a problem too. With the various levels between each corridor and junction causing further delays. As while on foot was easy enough to move about. But wheeled carts were a different matter. As they needed to push the old school med beds through the hallways and into the Marauder.

Echo, Tech, Crosshair and Wrecker were doing the job while Omega was left to watch over the remaining clones in the lab. Taking two trips caused them to lose more time than planned. After the first trip was done, Tech remained in the med bay with the four clones. Making sure they were comfortable enough inside the cramped space.

Luckily, according to Azi's scans, there was no permanent damage on any of the clones. The physical kind anyway. Hunter, was faring better as well even if he had yet to regain consciousness. Then again, both Azi and Tech had agreed Hunter needed to rest enable to heal better. They all knew he would want to get up as soon as he opened his eyes just like he had already tried earlier.

"We have these four secured now." Tech updated Echo and the others.

"And Hunter?"

Echo and Crosshair asked in almost perfect unison, making the two exchange glances in the process of their clear shared concern. Crosshair even nodding to Echo for having the same priorities as he himself did.

"According to my latest scan, Hunter is healing well. But, he is still not out of the woods." Tech stated in his usual no nonsense fashion.

"And what if we need to take off at a moments notice?" Echo then asked.

As they had yet to detect any approaching vessels on their long range scanners. Which was odd as the distress beacon inside the facility had gone off some time ago.

"Well, I would say, that if we try not to crash into anything and shake the ship around too much, he should be alright. The internal bleeding has stopped." Tech stated simply.

Echo let out a breath he had been holding and Crosshair lost his ramrod stance, his shoulders releasing themselves from the tight upright grip they had been in while worrying about Hunter.

"That is good news." Echo said to Tech. "I think we need to leave as soon as we get the second batch to the Marauder."

"I will go with Wrecker." Crosshair offered and nodded to man standing next to him. "You two should get things moving in here."

Crosshair turned to Echo as he seemed to be waiting for Echo to acknowledge the somewhat suggestion he had made. Which was a first and made Echo's eyes go wide in surprise.

"Sounds like a good plan." Echo said to Crosshair.

Getting a look from Tech. Somewhere between a surprise and a it was about bloody time too!

Crosshair nodded, seemingly pleased and took off with Wrecker to fetch the last two clones from the facility along Omega. After all, none of them was more eager to leave the planet than Crosshair. Especially since the Empire was on their way.

"Well done." Tech told Echo smiling at his partner bumping into his side softly. A small sign of comfort and love for sure.

As the two of them continued making the needed preparations for take off and finalising the makeshift med bay to accommodate all their patients during the flight. Then making their way to the cockpit for the flight configurations to be done.

Echo let out a small relieved laugh. "Thanks." Shaking his head slightly then. "I kind of doubted whether Crosshair would even follow my lead in the first place. Guess he is full of surprises these days."

"Well, he has his moments." Tech said simply. "But he has come a long way from the time we got him back. And well, trust never came easy to him anyway."

Tech stated the obvious of course. Something which Echo already knew of the man.

"I would say that Hunter was the only one he ever really listened to as far as command went, before the chip of course."

Tech was reminded of the unfortunate time when Crosshair had gone bonkers with the inhibitor chip in his brain and gone all Empire on them. Luckily, they had gotten him back.

"Well, like you said, there are still plenty of things which can go wrong. So, as long as Crosshair remains on my good side, we will be able to finish this mission with all our lives in tact."

Echo's grumpy side took over once again. Even if he felt like having done a good job so far. And so honouring Hunter's decision in putting him in charge for the duration of the mission.

"If the Empire doesn't show up any time soon, then we should be able to make our escape without incident." Tech said and just as he completed the sentence, the proximity alerts of the Marauder started making their usual bleeping sounds.

"Dank Farrik!" Echo cursed as he saw the blinking red light on the console.

Quickly opening the comms channel to Crosshair and Wrecker. "You better get a move on as we are out of time" His voice urgent as he glared at the radar showing the fast moving ships still in space, but approaching their location. Really fast. "The Empire is here."

Chapter six

"The Empire is already here?" Wrecker's voice sounded over the comms somewhere in the background.

"How soon?" Crosshair asked as the three of them, Omega included were pushing the two remaining clones on their stretchers across the hallways of the facility.

"I would estimate some twenty minutes maximum before they reach the planet." It was Tech's voice who answered. "What is your status?"

"We are half way to the Marauder." Crosshair replied and glanced at the others.

"Better pick up the pace then." Echo urged the trio.

He could hear them picking up running at the very moment he had said it, the heavier footfalls echoing in the empty corridors.

"Affirmative." Crosshair simply stated and the comms went off.

After all, chatting while running was never a good idea as the danger of tripping over was a very good chance to be happing, no matter how enhanced one was.

Tech and Echo exchanged glances before firing up the engines of the Marauder. Preparing the ship for take off as soon as the others were on board. Echo glanced to the back and then to Tech again.

"Do you think they are secure enough?" Echo had a slight doubt creeping up on him again.

"Don't worry. We have them strapped tightly in place." Tech had made sure the beds were securely fastened to the hull of the ship so the beds would not shift around while in flight.

Echo only nodded in response. As no matter how worried he was of the clones they had found, he worried more about Hunter. After all, the six Batchers were a tight knit group. A family. Despite all the arguing and whatever having happened in between the end of the war and now.

Echo loved his new family and would do anything for them. All of them. And if push came to shove? Echo knew well where his priorities lay. And it was with his Batch. Through and through.

After this day, Echo while appreciating the opportunity of having been trusted to lead the team in Hunter's absence. He still preferred to simply be one of the squad rather than the leader. Giving 'the credentials' back to Hunter as soon as he was up and about.

Tech and Eco were ready with all the pre-flight checks. Only waiting for the other three to arrive to take off. Keeping an eye on the scanners seeing they still had time before the Empire would make their presence known. But it was going to be a tight window to take off and take the Marauder into hyperspace. If they were lucky enough, they should be able to leave undetected.

Several moments passed. Echo was tapping his fingers nervously on the console in front. Worried, alert, waiting, hoping, but mostly ready to pounce as soon as the rest of his Batch was on board. He got another glance from Tech. It was clear Tech had been watching Echo quite intently.

"You don't like this." Tech told him then knowingly.

After having observed his partner during Echo's time being their leader, Tech had noticed the small things most would not have picked up on. Knowing Echo well, Tech was able to see what it was which clearly got under Echo's skin and not in the good way. And as Tech knew Echo wanted to save everyone. But, having to make decisions of life and death? Well, Tech was only too thankful they had not come to that at any point during their mission.

"Like what?" Echo was confused for a moment there, having been roused from his thoughts.

"Being in charge." Tech caught Echo's gaze.

"No." Echo replied without having to ponder the comment. "I honestly don't." He turned back to look through the viewport, keeping an eye on the skies above.

There was absolutely no use in denying the fact to Tech. He was right. The two of them being very close and knowing each other rater well by now, their partnership being a part of that process. But Tech had been there for him all the way and without that support, it would have been even more difficult for Echo to pull through his new role.

"Well, I cannot say I blame you." Tech who also had no desire in any form of leadership role whatsoever could understand Echo's revelation of sorts. "But you thought it was what you needed right?"

Echo glanced back at Tech and let out a small laugh. It was mainly because of Tech's insights to Echo's psyche as clearly, Tech knew him well.

"Yeah. Guess I simply had to find out for myself."

"You and I are no not as dissimilar as you would like to think." Tech reminded him.

Not that Echo had ever commented on the fact, even if they were in his mind nothing alike. But they were, more alike than different. That much even Echo admitted to after having gotten to know Tech better, ever since their relationship had grown closer.

Echo felt a sense of fondness for Tech he had not really felt for anyone else. Most likely ever. Where others might have found Tech's behaviour cold and distant. His curt and to the point way of talking snide. Echo knew it was anything but that. But also, how very caring the man could be.

With all the bickering between the two? Well, he guessed it was just another form of affection they shared for each other. They never really fought. It was just their way of communicating with each other. But during this mission, Tech had been so supportive Echo knew he was blessed to have Tech by his side during this really hard time.

"I guess you are right." Echo smiled and then leaned over to give Tech a quick kiss on his lips, simply for being there for him.

"Wrecker, what are you doing?" Crosshair barked.

Wrecker had halted just as they were all getting outside the facility. Only waiting to board the Marauder and get the kark off the planet. Because the mere thought of seeing any of the Empire's goonies made Crosshair's skin crawl.

"I am putting an end to this little experiment." Wrecker simply stated throwing the remaining small explosives around the entrance and with a grin stepped outside. "I left a few in the lab as well." He told Crosshair pushing the last clone towards the Marauder's ramp.

"Good plan!" Crosshair complimented Wrecker.

Crosshair liked nothing more than to see yet another Empire sanctioned experiment be blown to smithereens. Force knew there were enough of those around the galaxy already and one down would hardly make a dent to it all. But it was a start at least.

Omega was already standing inside of the hatch where Echo and Tech could see her. "Echo, Tech, we are boarding now." She gave them a shout out then.

"Secure the clones and we can lift off." Echo shouted back her.

Omega gave the duo in the cockpit a thumbs up in response, waiting for Crosshair and Wrecker to finishing in bringing the two last rescues on board.

As they did, Omega took the lead for an instance. Stepping into the area where the rest of the clones were waiting for their brethren. Those already conscious, were looking curiously as the last two of them were brought inside. The Marauder's hatch hissed close and as soon as Tech heard the familiar noise, he started manoeuvring the ship off of the ground.

Wrecker and Crosshair quickly secured the other two beds with the clones still unconsciousness. After making sure they were all alright, Wrecker pulled out the detonator from his vest and glanced at Crosshair with huge grin on his face. After all, it was what he loved to do. To blow things up!

"Do you think we are high enough up?" Wrecker asked, having made some calculations himself in his mind.

"I would say so." Crosshair told him as they both felt the Marauder rising quickly inside the atmosphere of the planet.

"Good." Wrecker smiled, possibly even more widely. And then, he pushed the button. "Boom!"

They all felt the tail end of the pressure wave shake the Marauder, albeit slightly. Getting a shout out from the cockpit from Tech and Echo. But as there really was no huge effect on the ship of the explosion, causing no harm nor discomfort for the passengers or the vessel, it went uncommented by the others who were doing a few checks around the ship just then.

The three Batchers could feel the eyes of the three already awake and alert clones, following their every move. Especially after the explosion had happened. They had naturally not been informed of any details, as the clones had mostly been out of it.

"What?" Crosshair half snarled, turning towards the clones after having felt the intent glares on his back.

The clone closest to Crosshair looked with eyes wide in shock and fear at the man snarling at them. Omega realising what was going on, immediately stepped between the clone and Crosshair.

"It's alright." Omega assured the clone. "We will get you all to a safe place." She put her hand on the clone's trying to assure the trembling man, that neither he nor his comrades were in any danger. Not any more. "We made sure that facility will never harm anyone again." She told the wide eyed clone then.

Crosshair simply stood and glared at the clone. Wrecker noticing what was going on, as clearly, some things never changed. Nudging Crosshair slightly.

"Come on Cross, let's go check on Hunter."

Knowing that would at least get Crosshair's mind of the regs. Their presence seemingly bothering the sniper for whatever reason at the very moment. Despite that fact, that Crosshair had been onboard in saving them. At least, after a fashion.

Crosshair let himself be guided to the farthest corner of the makeshift med bay. It was where Hunter was sleeping soundly at the moment. As Azi had been monitoring the Sergeant's vitals and making sure he was well taken care of.

Omega remained at the side of the clones. Especially the one most effected by Crosshair's demeanour.

"Who are you?" The clone asked in a shaky voice, his eyes darting on Omega's.

"One of them was a clone at least. Like us. Well, mostly anyway." The clone from behind him piped.

Omega smiled at them all. While the third one being up also remaining silent during the conversation.

"We are all clones." Omega revealed. "Myself. I am Omega. And the others are my brothers." She told the surprised clones. "We are all defective clones. Well, Echo, you met him earlier. He is, was, a regular clone like you are. But there was an incident. And, well, so now he is more, like us." Omega tried to explain what and whom the Batchers wall were.

The three clones simply glared at her. Clearly not buying into the yarn Omega was spinning.

"Those two, are clearly not clones." The second one spoke quietly nudging his head towards where Wrecker and Crosshair were now hovering over Hunter's bed.

"Look, as soon as we are out of harms way, Echo can come and talk with you." Omega told them then. "Right now, we need to flee before the Empire arrives." She could see the shock emerging on all three faces.

"The Empire." They almost exclaimed in unison, as clearly, they were all afraid of the very word.

"It will be alright." Omega tried again, feeling she was not doing a good job in trying to convince the clones of what was going on. "Trust me. Trust in us."

But, getting only blank stares in response. Clearly, her bedside manner needed some adjustment. And while Omega usually managed to convince most people of many things at any given moment. This, was not one of those moments.

Just as Omega had tried to assure the clones of everything being alright, they all felt the Marauder shake and rattle. Rather heavily too. Then Tech's voice boomed out from the cockpit.

"The Empire is here!"

"Kriffing kriff!" Echo cursed as both him and Tech were trying their best to avoid the hits from the blaster fire of the Empire's attack shuttles following them. "Where the kark did they come from?"

Between the two of them they were trying keep the Marauder in a level position. But it was becoming harder and harder each passing moment while trying to evade blaster fire.

Tech made a few scans and was surprised to see the two approaching Star Destroyers. They had not excepted to see this level of retaliation for a simple abandoned facility. Albeit a cloning one. After all, there was no personnel or other present there that they knew of. Except the clearly expandable clones in the eyes of the Empire, having been left for dead there.

"There are two destroyers up in orbit. And those as able to house up and to seventy-two star fighters. Not to mention the rest of the complement." Tech enlightened Echo, knowing the man was most likely well aware of the same.

"How did they get here so quickly?" Echo wasn't arguing against the numbers at all, but they should have have much more time for the take off. "The Empire got here way too fast."

"I agree." Tech was not about to argue either, something which was new for the bickering duo.

"Wrecker!" Echo called out. "Can you man the turret and start taking down some of those fighters?"

"Sir, yes sir!" The booming voice echoed through the ship as Wrecker made his way to the aft.

Crosshair and Omega together with Azi remained with the clones. Trying to make sure they would be alright. Or rather, Crosshair was by Hunter's side. While Omega was trying her very best to joggle between the shaking of the Marauder and remaining on her feet while keeping an eye on the patients.

For the next moments, Echo and Tech kept on manoeuvring the Marauder, while Wrecker kept on shooting their enemy vessels down rather rapidly at that.

And yet, more kept on coming.

Jumping into hyperspace was not possible until they were out of the planet's atmosphere.

The way the enemy vessels kept on coming at them, there no real chance for them to jump anytime soon. Despite the rather unique and skilful piloting of both Tech and Echo. Having managed to swerve through most of the blaster fire, the Marauder was still getting hit. And, the blaster hits were becoming more and more frequent.

"We need to do something. Or they will either catch us or shoot us down." Tech stated after their last close encounter.

"I am working on it!" Echo told Tech gripping onto the helm with gritted teeth.

Just then, Echo had an idea "I will comp into the nav computer. That should give us a few seconds advantage at least."

It wasn't much but still a few seconds even, could easily make the difference. "But that would leave you alone at the helm." Echo was giving Tech the choice.

"I will take it." Tech agreed.

They were desperate and the means? Well, desperate measures when in a pinch, right?

Echo took his position and accessed the computer. Soon enough, he could see the schematics and location points as he took control over the nav computer. The Marauder lurched slightly. But as soon as Echo was in complete control, steering with his mind, Tech felt the easiness at the helm as well. And he was able to manoeuvre the ship more easily too.

The Marauder started ascending faster. But also shaking more. The speed picking up. But as far as Tech could see from the nav console, the enemy ships were left behind. They would reach orbit and outer space soon enough. And then they would be able to open the hyperspace window and escape.

Tech held onto the helm control while Echo pushed his mind to the limit. Giving the nav computer the best he got.

And then, as the last of the tie-fighters blasters hit the Marauder's hull, the ship was already in high orbit in space. With Tech pushing the levers and the ship taking off to the hyperspace corridor. Leaving the enemy far behind and scratching their collective heads.

Chapter seven

The Marauder was finally in hyperspace, having made off of the planet and leaving the Empire behind. With the Empire's cloning facility destroyed and the rescued clones found there saved.

But, just as Echo and Tech were both about to sigh in relief. Putting the Marauder on autopilot while travelling in the fast speed corridor. It was Crosshair, who stormed into the cockpit with his face housing a dangerous, vile looking expression. Or rather a teary version of it.

"Hunter's condition is getting worse." He spat through gritted teeth as if blaming the two pilots of causing it. "This is all your fault." Crosshair blamed Echo. "We should have left when Hunter was hurt and leave those clones behind." Crosshair's eyes were aflame as he laid the law down to Echo, who simply glared at the ranting man.

"What?" Was all Echo could utter.

Echo immediately jumped up ignoring the words spewing out of Crosshair. After all, they had all been honouring Hunter's wishes. Hunter's orders. Hunter had been on the mend, right?

Echo was mobile heading towards the makeshift med bay before even daring to ask further questions or waiting for the responses of Crosshair's accusations. With his heart beating fast, the lump in his throat forming once again, for the umpteenth time during this very mission.

Tech followed suit. With Crosshair right on their tails.

Omega and Azi were already on top of things as the three of them stepped inside the already cramped area. With the rescued clones in there looking with panicked expressions on what was happening. Wrecker, who stood frozen in place, his face sad and worried, only glaring at the beeping device beside Hunter's cot. Azi was applying paddles on Hunter's chest to jump start his heart.

"What happened?" Echo asked eyes wide and confused, while Tech simply pulled out the medical scanner and ran it over Hunter.

"It seems Hunter suffered a cardiac arrest." Tech sounded his usual self. Clipped as ever, only there was an undercurrent of sadness and worry clearly in place in his timbre.

"I am applying the electrical charge now. Please stand clear." Azi seemed to be the only one with a cool and calm head on his droid body, while Omega, even if helping the droid, was working more on autopilot, with a sad expression covering her usually smily face trying hard not to cry.

There were no words said as they stood there, all of them. Frozen in space. Azi working on Hunter, trying to revive him. The first shock did not work. The screen of the heart beat on it mocking them all with a flat line of a display.

"Again." Azi stated.

Even if Azi was the only one doing the procedure. But it was more in case someone might try to interfere for whatever reason. The charge was up and Azi applied the shock again.

They all looked on, but there was no change. Not even the third shock managed to bring the Sergeant back.

Hunter's heart had stopped.

The silence inside the small area of the Marauder was palpable. The shock, the hurt, the pain. The Batch members glaring at the lifeless body of their beloved leader.

Their family member. Their Batch mate. Hunter.

It was irony at its worst. As just when they had managed to save lives and get away from their enemy, that Hunter would loose his life.

Azi stood by the bed. The device still in his hands while the rest of them simply glared at Hunter and the screen with the insistent single line. Without any indication of life coming forward.

"No." Omega whispered after finally internalising what had just happened.

Crosshair was frozen where he stood. The myriad of feelings running through him. His body starting to shake due to the turmoil inside of him. Followed only by the silent tears falling freely.

Wrecker's tears had started falling too. He had been helpless in preventing this for happening to Hunter and now, not even the care given by the medical droid had managed to pull Hunter through. But he was supposed to be getting well? It was all too confusing for the big clone and the sobs soon followed.

Tech and Echo could only glared at the scene. Neither of them believing what they were seeing.

Hunter had been on the mend. So what had happened? Echo felt his own body starting to buckle under the strain they had all felt during the mission. But now, with this happening, Echo could no longer keep his composure. What a failure he had been as a leader!

Tech sensing what was happening to Echo quickly placed his arm around Echo for support from falling. This was not easy for any of them. Seeing Hunter dead. But, Tech knew the pressure Echo had been under ever since Hunter had given him the order, to follow his footsteps, his orders. And now? None of them were in any shape of form to do anything but grieve.

The clones? In utter shock. Five of them having recovered while the sixth was still sedated. They simply glared at the group of people who had risked their own lives to save them. And now, one of them was gone.

"This can't be happening." Echo's voice was gravelly and low. He turned to look at Tech who was also staring at Hunter, the scanner all forgotten in his hand. "Tech?" He tried again, reaching for Tech's face with his hand.

Tech did not answer, as the shock of loosing Hunter was causing the otherwise collected man to fall into a catatonic state. Despite still holding onto Echo, Tech had forgotten his surroundings and could not hear Echo calling out to him.

"Tech?" Echo's plead a tear filled whisper.

Unable to prevent crying, like the rest of them could not. Even Crosshair crying his silent tears.

This was it.

But Echo still tried. He hoped. Maybe, Tech would somehow pull out an ace from his sleeve. Just like he had so many times before. He was good like that.

Azi was still beside Hunter. Unable to fathom what had gone wrong. As the human, his patient had died. After all, what could a little droid do. With all the technology and the knowledge the droid possessed, he still had failed. Royally so.

Tech was finally able to hear the pleading words from Echo. He glanced at the scanner still in his hand, the tears in his eyes making it difficult to read. Nut no matter what he tried, the results were always the same. There was nothing they could do to revive Hunter. Tech simply shook his head as he took Echo's hand in his own for comfort. Both of them seeing the truth of what had happened and the sorrow in each others eyes.

Crosshair, after seeing the head shake of Tech's, finally broke completely. He started sobbing uncontrollably. Wrecker managed to grab him before he fell onto the floor. Crosshair was shaking violently from the shock and the tears. Wrecker kept holding onto Crosshair for dear life. Sharing the pain of their loss. Even if it was of little comfort to either of them.

Hunter was gone. This, had not been the plan. At all.

There was a long moment of silence after the realisation sunk in. That of Hunter not coming back to them. There would be no medical treatment nor miracles this time around.

The tears, the sadness, all of it, hanging thickly in the air. Mourning the passing at the verge of the small victory they had achieved was not something any of them had excepted to be doing.

After all, this was supposed to be a simple mission. To get in, get the data and get out. Nothing more, nothing less. How wrong had they all been in thinking it would be simply that.

The mood in the small vessel had changed so rapidly, it was difficult for any of the passengers to be able to adapt. The hope, the slight taste of victory all but gone. In their place was only sorrow and sadness. The tears shed for their leader, their Sergeant, their kin, who was now lying lifeless on the med bay cot.

The rescued clones had been observing the happenings in various stages of shock and worry. Having seen the mourning faces of this small family unit who had saved them from certain doom.

Exchanging glances with each other. Simple nods in understanding. Of what they needed to do.

The clones had been either lying on or sitting on depending on each individuals state. Five of them having recovered mostly, with the sixth one still under the sedatives effect. Two of them then got up from the beds. Without too much effort and somewhat unnoticed, the two clones moved from their side of the med bay to where Hunter was. While the others were still deep in mourning and not really realising what was happening until the two clones had reached Hunter's side.

It was Crosshair however who saw them first. As despite his unsettled and grieving state being the most of a mess of them all, taking Hunter's passing in the worst way. But as he looked up, he could see the two clones standing right beside Hunter's cot.

"What are you doing!?" He shouted out hoarsely and tried to reach them only to be stopped by Wrecker.

The clones looked up and right at him. Then glanced at the others as well. Seemingly unfazed by Crosshair's outburst. Then, without any words, the two of them placed their hands on top of Hunter's body.

The Batchers, mostly still in a state of shock, but still seeing what was going on. But, for whatever reason it was, none of them made a move to stop the clones in doing whatever they were about to do. As if knowing already. Even if they did not.

And so, the two clones, started their work.

Their energies merging with the rest of the clones, who had all joined their two brethren in the circle. The circle of life. Using their given powers in efforts to resurrect the one who had aided in giving theirs back. The ancient ritual passed down with the time itself. Onto these redeemed expendable beings. These clones the Empire had so easily discarded and left behind to die. Using the healing process in the efforts of bringing Hunter back.

The moments stretched. For some time. But none of the Batchers were moving from their spots. Simply staring at the clones in somewhat of an awe, but mostly surprise.

All of them. Now in perfect unison. Doing what needed to be done. The clones also unmoving. Frozen in time and space. The aura around them palpable. As only their life forces were tied together. Their combined powers used to heal the one who had none to give.

A soft glow started to surround the area where Hunter and at the two clones were at. Soon enough spreading across the cramped med bay and encompassing them all. The clones were all in the trance like state with closed eyes. The Batchers could feel the power surrounding them as well. As if incorporating all of them into the same force.

Omega seemed to be the one in most awe. She was not afraid, rather embracing the sensations. As the field radiating from the clones reached her, she simply went with the flow.

Tech and Echo exchanged glances. Simply nodding to each other. Letting the power surge through them, to take whatever it needed from them to help Hunter.

The field reached Wrecker and Crosshair last.

The two of them still close to each other, neither knowing what to make of it. Or of the actions of the clones for that matter. But as they looked at the other three. Even Azi fully engulfed inside the field. They too yielded to the situation.

After all, do or die, right?

Or in this case, hoping for the opposite. Sending out silent prayers to those powers that be watching over them to not let the clones fail in what they were trying. For whatever reason, they were all fully aware now, of what this was all about. The most likely reason all of this all was happening.

And then, they had all been engulfed by the field generated by the clones. As part of the bigger picture. The all of it. The universe itself.

All of them pieces in a large size puzzle being assembled. Bound together. Clones, all of them, new and old coming together in this corner of the galaxy. In the midst of all the chaos, the killing, the sadness. Making something wonderful together. Their minds merging, their thoughts becoming one. Their life essences merging. The before uttered prayers all forgotten.

As this was all their doing. Together, acting as one force.

To bring Hunter back to life.

The moments passed by. None of them really sure how long a while time had ticked by. Nobody really cared. They were only existing for this moment. Together. Their only goal, to give their all to the one who needed the most.

Hunter.

The finally, the Batchers could feel the energy which had surrounded them all starting to fade. The moment had passed. The vail lifted. And one by one they were all coming out of the trance like state they had been inside.

The clones still hovering over Hunter, releasing their hands off of him. They remained by Hunter's side. Silent. Only their eyes glued to the body still laying on the cot.

And then, it happened.

An exhale, one intake of air. Then another and another. Hunter, was breathing again.

It only took a moment before his eyes popped open. His gaze confused, frightened even. But as the clones watched over him, Hunter found their eyes. And everything was alright again.

"Welcome back." Echo was the first one to react as he had stepped closer, hovering over Hunter.

"Wha… What happened?" Hunter asked still in shock.

"You died." Tech was the second to gain his momentum, standing by Echo's side.

But the others followed suit, all of them joining around the already cramped bedside of Hunter's.

Hunter's eyes wandered from one to the next, seeing them all like for the first time in a long time.

"Don't you ever dare to do that again!" Crosshair's raspy voice told Hunter, his voice serious even if there was a hint of smile on his cried out face.

Hunter could only imagine what the others had been through. As clearly, he had died. And then come back. But the only thing he could recall, was floating up there, somewhere, helpless, painless. And then, the others calling out to him. Not just his Batch. But the very familiar faces of whose names he was not yet privy to.

Chapter eight

"You are Force sensitive. All of you."

It wasn't really a question. Rather a statement of fact uttered by the still somewhat overwhelmed Tech. Another first if anything for the collected clone.

"We are." The first of the two clones who had been at Hunter''s side replied.

"My name is First." He then offered. "This is Third." Referring to the clone who had stayed with him while performing the healing ritual.

First then motioned to the others with a hint of a smirk. "As you can deduce, the rest of our little batch are Second, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth."

It was not of their own doing. The names they had received. Rather those given by the scientist who had worked with them while being held by the Empire.

Sixth who had been the panicked one having received the sedatives was all up too. As the ceremony had woken him up from his deep sleep. After all, the healing process seemed to have been all compassing. Even the rest of them felt like they had gained new momentum and something heavy had been lifted off of their collective shoulders.

Hunter was ordered to remain stationary by both Tech and Azi after having run through scans on him. It seemed Hunter was fully healed, the injuries all gone and he would make a full recovery, But Tech wanted to err on the side of caution. So bed rest for now had been Tech's order.

Crosshair and Wrecker had not budged from Hunter's side and neither had Omega. All three huddling close by. Keeping a keen eye on him and the monitors beside him. Making sure he would stay alive. That was their idea at least.

Echo and Tech however, after having been convinced Hunter being fine and among the living, had turned their attention to the clones. They all knew what had happened. And the surprise, while a good one, was still leaving the Batchers in awe of their new friends abilities. And they wanted to know more. Naturally.

"How did you end up in the facility?" Echo asked them.

There were so many questions he and Tech wanted to ask. But going with the easy ones first before dipping deeper was a good way to go for now. After all, they had all been thought, a lot.

Clearly First was the leader as his name indicated. "We were rushed out of Kamino. Just after the war ended and the Empire took over. We were almost fresh out of the tubes, but Nala Se assured we all would remain together and be safe." The last words out having a somewhat bitter tone to them.

"And you ended up in there." Tech was sure it had happened that way.

"Yeah." First said as his brethren nodded in silence. "At first it was fine. We were together and continued our training." First paused for a moment. "But then, the experiments started." He clearly did not want to go into detail right now.

Echo and Tech nodded. Echo placing a consoling hand on First shoulder, having flashbacks to his own experiences while captive of the Techno Union.

"It's fine, we don't have to talk about this now." Echo assured First then.

First nodded and was only to happy this wandering group of clones had found him and his batch.

Now, they were safe and on their way somewhere where they could simply be themselves. At least that was what First had learnt while being connected to them all during the ceremony. There was more he had felt too. And sensing it was not the right time to bring up. Not all of it. He decided to wait.

Meanwhile, Crosshair had been listening into the conversation. And even if the did not recognise these regs, he was pretty sure their paths had crossed at some point. Crosshair having been the one enforcing the transfer back on Kamino while serving the Empire. He could not tell if the clones had recognised him or not. But even if Crosshair felt horrible of what had happened to them, there was really nothing he could do about it. The only thing he knew was, that they had saved Hunter's life. And for that Crosshair would forever remain in debt to these, Force sensitive clones.

"You've had similar experiences, haven't you." It was Third who addressed Echo. "Your cybernetics. Those weren't with you from the beginning were they?"

"No. No they were not. And you are right." Echo solemnly replied. "I was held captive for a long time before these ones found me." There was a hint of a smile on his face as the motioned towards his Batch. "But I don't really possess any special powers like you do." A hint of a smirk emerged on Echo's face.

"You may not be able to wield the Force, but you are special. All of you." First then assured Echo. "But, there is one of you, which is even more so." First then glanced in the direction of Hunter's cot, where the three other clones were still surrounding Hunter.

Echo and Tech both followed the trail of the glance of First's, only to see where it was aimed at.

"Omega." They both exclaimed in unison, not even questioning the fact at this point.

Omega perked up. Even if she had been listening half eared to the conversation. But her mind was still on Hunter.

"Me?"

"Yes, you." First told her. "I could sense the Force running strong in you."

Omega like the rest of the Batch, even Hunter glared at First like he had grown a second head.

"What do you mean it's strong in me?" Omega sounded doubtful of the claim.

Then again, she had been able to sense so many things before anyone else. Mostly among her brothers. But also before. And well there were other things too. But Nala Se had never said anything about it. Then again, she had been quite protective of Omega. But why had she not heard anything about these clones? Or had she?

First smiled at her. "It is fine. We, all of six us were surprised to find this out too. It was just after we had left Kamino it was revealed to us. But, guess it was obvious, as Nala Se had already started our training. Well, she and a Jedi." First sounded sad again, as they had no idea what had happened to their trainer.

"Yeah, about that." Echo said softly. "The Jedi, well they are almost gone now."

"The Empire?" It was Second who spoke this time. Clearly the clones were getting more confident around the rest of them after being cautious so far.

"Yes." Echo was yet again not going to go into details. After all, they would soon find out. All of that which had expired while the six of them had been held captive.

First and the others only nodded. It was obvious they did not want to know more. At least not yet anyway.

"We could teach you." First then offered Omega "If you want to of course."

Omega only nodded as she was still trying to understand what she had just learnt from their latest brethren. Because, they were, all kin. Defective clones like the rest of them.

Just then the alarm from the cockpit sounded. "We are about to exit hyperspace." Tech informed them, with him and Echo quickly moving to take their positions in the cockpit.

"This is the Marauder." Echo's said over the comms as they were approaching their target location. "Do we have permission to land?" He asked the control while hovering over the planet where Rex's base was located at.

"This is control. You are cleared to land." The familiar voice sounded over the open channel. "Rex is expecting you." Control added. "Good to have you back!"

Echo had already contacted the base after exiting hyperspace and being sure they were not followed by the Empire. Of them being on approach and having a special cargo to deliver.

"Understood. And thank you. It is good to be back!"

It was. Good to be back with their own people as the Batch considered Rex's little group to be.

Echo nodded to Tech as the two of them started landing procedures. It was not a large base with only one platform. But there was still some doing, as the facility was inside of a mountain and well hidden from prying eyes.

As the Marauder's hatch hissed open, Tech and Echo were the first ones to step outside. They could see the welcoming committee waiting for them. With Rex, Gregor and Howzer standing there with expectant looks on their faces. After all, Echo had not wanted to spoil the surprise as to what their cargo this time around really was. Rex and the others were only excepting data this time around.

It had after all become somewhat of a habit, that whenever Cid commissioned the Batch to get for her clients. Any kind of valuable data at all. The Batch made sure Rex and his cause would be privy to it before delivering it to Cid. Whether she knew of their slight detour or not? Well, she never lead on as long as all parties were happy.

"Rex!" Echo greeted his former Captain with their usual Spartan handshake.

While Tech did the same with Gregor before moving over to greet Howzer. Both Gregor and Howzer working together with Rex now, ever since the Batch had managed to aid them both away from the Empire's clutches.

"Good to see you both." Rex smiled. "Where is the rest of your Batch?" He asked curiously.

"They will be here soon." Tech told the waiting trio.

"What's the big secret then?" Gregor wanted to know sounding rather impatient and trying to peek inside the ship, but there was nothing visible at the hatch, not yet.

"Yeah, you sounded kind of vague over the comms." Howzer smirked, but none of them had been worried trusting the Bad Batch.

The others having remained inside and prepping the clones in getting them out. As despite their rather heroic stint in bringing Hunter back to life, they were all a tad shaky and wobbly. Due to long term stasis and malnutrition not to mention muscle entropy. So, the rest of the Batch, including Hunter who was fully up and running now, with no small thanks to the clones healing ceremony, were helping the clones to get off the ship.

Wrecker appeared at the door waving at the others below. "We have a little surprise for you." Wrecker laughed out loudly.

"They know that, Wrecker." Echo rolled his eyes.

Just then, First and Third emerged from the Marauder, standing right beside Wrecker. He was standing by watching the two then starting to move along, ready to catch them in case they would fall down.

Rex, Gregor and Howzer's eyes flew wide as they had not expected a delivery of clones. Or anyone else for that matter. Simply intel. But, they were all only too happy to see more of their brethren getting rescued. And soon enough, the surprised glares turned into wide smiles.

"Welcome to our humble abode!" Rex made his way to the first two clones, greeting them similarly as he had done with Tech and Echo.

First and Third seemed surprised to see more clones and getting a warm welcome from them.

"This is First and Third." Echo introduced the two. "We haver four more of their batch with us."

Crosshair, Hunter and Omega then emerged with the four clones. Two of them managing to walk on their own now, while Hunter and Crosshair supported the other two.

"This is a nice surprise indeed!" Rex said while Gregor and Howzer agreed.

"Wait until you hear their story!" Wrecker smirked and patted Rex on his back. "It's gonna knock your socks off!"

"Oh?" Rex asked coughing slightly from Wrecker's usual too eager show of affection.

"Yeah, we found them on the base." Wrecker told Rex as much.

"We thought it was abandoned. And well, turned out it really was not." Tech piped in.

Gregor and Howzer both rushed to aid Hunter and Crosshair with the other clones after seeing they were supported to walk.

As Rex watched on. Seeing the not so good state of the new arrivals were in. His glance soon turning into a worried one.

"Howzer, Gregor, take them directly to the infirmary."

Gregor and Howzer simply nodded in response. Three other crew from Rex's squad of clones quickly joined them. And soon enough, all six clones were escorted to the base's med bay to be checked out and treated.

"We'll check up with you later." Echo shouted to First who was the last one to join his batch, the cloned nodding in response as he followed the others without any support.

"So, what happened?" Rex asked after only the Batchers remained with him.

"Well, what didn't happen." Echo said and turned to look at his squad, who were in various stages of smirking and nodding.

"I guess it wasn't exactly a run of the mill op after all." Rex simply stated.

"Not exactly." Echo agreed.

"Hunter died." It was Omega who said it, still having mixed feelings of the whole happening.

"What?" Rex looked from her to Hunter and back to Echo.

"It's true." Tech stated simply. "Clinically, he was dead." It was a cold description for sure, but at the time it had been anything but.

Hunter simply raised his shoulders and tilted his head while adding. "It's true."

"But you are fine now?" Rex wasn't sure what kind of prank the Batch was pulling on him. Then again, they usually weren't this elaborate when trying something like that.

"Yes, well, those clones brought me back." Hunter revealed then.

"The clones?" Rex was even more confused.

"The clones, they are Force sensitive." Omega quipped. "They helped us heal Hunter."

Rex's brows flew right up. This was a surprise to him as much as it had been to the Batch at the time. To find out about their new brethren's special abilities.

"I've…" Rex paused and scratched his neck. "I've had heard the rumours of course. Way back when. But I did not believe it was true. Just something someone made up." Rex told the others then.

"Well, it is true." Tech assured him. "Hunter was dead. By all intents and purposes after suffering a cardiac arrest."

"Cardiac arrest!?" Rex exclaimed. "What the kark happened back there on that planet?" His eyes darted from one Batcher to the next.

"Well, as we told ya. It's a long story." Echo stated with a hint of a smile. "But we are all here now, alive and kicking." Echo turned to look at his Batch again and got agreeing nods from them all. "But, if you care to buy us some grub, then we'll tell you all about it." Echo offered Rex.

Rex let out a small laugh. "I could do one better." He smirked and placed an arm around Echo's shoulders. "Come on all, let's get somewhere more comfortable so you can tell me all about it."

The rest of the crew followed Rex's lead towards the mess hall. With Crosshair and Hunter holding the rear. Crosshair having his arm around Hunter tightly, not leaving his side, not easily anyway. Not after the scare they had all gotten earlier. No Hunter would be stuck with Crosshair for a long, long time.

They were all safe now. Even if the odds, had been stacked against them.

And, with a great addition to Rex's ever growing cause. And also having destroyed yet another Empire's evil lair. Things were once again like they were supposed to be. The Bad Batch, all of them together and fighting for the good cause.