The Bad Batch - What ever happened to Crosshair? PARTS 1-3

by GunRoswall

Set right after The Bad Batch season one, Kamino lost. Crosshair remained behind on the platform, watching the Havoc Marauder flying off. Only waiting for the mighty Empire. But they never came back for him. All that hard work; wasted.

PART ONE

Preface

Set right after The Bad Batch season one, Kamino lost. Crosshair remained behind on the platform, watching the Havoc Marauder flying off. Only waiting for the mighty Empire. But they never came back for him. All that hard work; wasted. Part one of the series - What ever happened to Crosshair

Chapter one

Dying is easy, living is hard.

He stood there watching as the Marauder ascended to the heavens, disappearing out of sight. Kamino in the distance, a smoking heap of junk. The platform the only solid piece left of the once advanced city structure on the waters edge. And if he wasn't careful, that soon would sink into the soaring waters of the planet. Still, the Empire would be there for him. Soon. He needed to believe that at least if nothing else. After all, he had served them well. He was a good soldier, following orders. He understood the Empire. Their goals, their ideals, their agenda. And because only there, did he have a purpose. And so, he waited.

Loosing track of time. Must have been standing there a long time, as the fires of the half sunken city were slowly going down. He moved closer to the ledge of the platform, his feet hurting for standing too long in the same spot. Taking a seat, his legs dangling over, just above the water. Figuring his weight would still keep the platform afloat. So, he sat there, longer even. Waiting, hoping, that they would come back for him.

The eerie quiet of the place, the waves calm. The solemn smoke plumes of the fires of the city the only sign of movement in the skies above. The imperial vessels long since departed the abandoned city, now in ruins. No one came for him. Not the mighty Empire. Not his Batch. No one. He was now all alone. The forsaken clone. One. No squad, no family, no kin and certainly no Empire to save him now. With his faith sealed, he curled into a fetal position, only waiting for the cold waters to consume the platform and him with it.

Chapter two

Second chances never come along, do they?

He felt the shiver. The icy cold all around him. He was tired and freezing, but still alive. Opening his eyes slowly but surely. The platform had not sunken even if he had expected it to or rather hoped. But, it was still there. He, was still there. It was already dark, the night fallen. The skies were clear and filled with stars. A first in a long while for sure on this planet. As he looked across the now calm ocean, he could see parts of the city still afloat.

A fleeting thought of survival entered his mind. A glimmer of something. Hope perhaps? But, the bad thoughts caught up with him. And like always, burying any hope once again. They always did that. Lately at least. Ever since… well, guess it really did not matter anymore. He was not worthy of those kinds of thoughts. They had all abandoned him. All of them. And so, abandoned and alone with nowhere to go, curling in on himself again. He remained in the same spot. Closing his eyes, hoping to never wake up again.

Morning broke. The sun was up. Surprise! He was still alive. Was this perhaps a sign? A moment, then few passed. He finally rose up from his spot. Stretching to full length for the first time in a long while. Feeling certain sense of pride. His decision made again. Perhaps even for the first time in a long while. The clarity of it all, now as certain as he was tall. The options still few, but possible. He just needed to be careful.

Reminded then of the way out. The option to move in? Quick on his feet, moving across the platform. Buttons, buttons, where were those damned buttons?! After some fumbling and a lot of tinkering, he managed to get the underwater tube system hatch to open up. Most of it seemingly in tact still, despite the overall destruction. He could use it to get back to the city. At least he hoped so. After all, there were plenty of tubes under the waters still, right? The kid had blabbed as much. And if not? Well, guess he would drown?

What other options did he have? Die of hunger or drowning there, on the platform? Or take a chance and get back to the city? Some of it seemed to still be intact. There had to be something there he could use to get off this water covered forsaken rock, right? The choice made, he stepped inside the tube car and pushed go. The covers on top closing and he, was submerged.

Chapter three

Trusting in oneself, can be hard, most of the time.

After some navigating and several wrong turns later, he landed on something solid once again. Well, as solid as it could get on a listed half sunken city. But he was running mostly on instinct now. Sure he had taken the calculated risk in coming back. But he also trusted there was something still there he could use. But, first order of business; survival. And to survive meant getting some nourishment. Heading to the familiar mess hall, knowing it was still above water level. And after that, well, he would think more clearly once he had eaten something. It had been a while after all.

He was on the move again. After raiding what was left of the food resources, packing them all up in a backpack. There was another stop he needed to make before trying to find the one thing he needed to escape with. Running through the familiar but empty hallways, he reached the armoury. The leftovers haphazardly thrown on the floor after the TK troopers had raided the city. Not much left there. But he managed to find several useful things in the discarded piles. Shoving them into his pack with the other stuff accumulated. Having even found a container with some gear, he managed to replace his lost helmet. And so, he was set. Now, the only thing he left to find, was the means to get off the city.

It was still intact. Well, mostly. Half of the deck was flooded. Most of the vessels left behind for whatever reason lay under water, having gotten loose and crashing to each other and then to the ocean floor. But there were still two ships being held in place with mag locks on the hangar floor. Now, all he needed to do was to check if either of the was in a flying condition and then, try to fly it out of there. That would be the tricky part. Releasing the locks and trying to keep the craft level without crashing to the ocean. The bay doors were wide open and he could see the large crack between air and water sufficient enough to fly through.

Making his way through the loose debris he balanced himself enough to make it all the way to the ships. Checking the first one he found it to be in no condition to fly, as it had been stripped for parts. So, that left him with one last chance. He stood a moment on the listed platform. A silent prayer, before daring into the final option. As he entered, his heart was beating faster than usual. Cold sweat beads on his face from fear. Looking inside, holding his breath. And then, he was finally able to exhale as he was able to see it properly. The ship stocked, seemingly ready and hopefully able to fly. There was no reason to question the why. Only take it as it had been delivered. A gift, for certain.

Taking the pilot's seat. Firing the engines. As they got life on them with the familiar hum and the vibration of the machines. He felt, elevated. After a long while, he felt something. And it was a good place to be at. Slowly but surely pushing the manoeuvring thrusters and releasing the magnetic clamps, the craft swerved slightly. But he managed to control it, with some effort. After all, crashing would have been foolish and a waste at this point. After several hefty moves and two near misses, the ship was finally in the air and level. And then, exiting the place he had once called home.

Finally flying, he set the coordinates, somewhere far away from where he was. He might have been abandoned and alone. But he knew he could make it. By himself. And so, as he reached the orbit. Space. He engaged the hyper drive. And in a blink of an eye, he was gone.

PART TWO

Preface

Set after season one of the Bad Batch. Kamino - been there, done that, did not buy the damned t-shirt either. Not that they were selling those there anyway. It was abandoned after all, a mostly sunken heap of garbage. Crosshair is on his own. And feeling free for the first time in his life. Part two of the series - What ever happened to Crosshair?

Chapter one

A new lease in life, with sunshine and everything nice?

Several months had passed since Crosshair had been left on that platform in the roaring seas of Kamino. Alone, unwanted, for dead. But, that was then. And now? Well, after making off the planet thanks to his wit, he had been cruising around the galaxy by himself. Surprisingly. After all, throwing the very thing against his Batch? Accusing them of drifting rather than having a purpose? Well, Crosshair wasn't loosing any sleep over it. As a matter of fact, he had never slept better in his life!

Being free of control, of orders, of an agenda was doing Crosshair a galaxy of good. And all that needed to happen was for him to be forsaken by everyone he knew. Well, there were a few downsides of course to this, being alone and fancy free. As even if his ship, the one he had stolen from Kamino had been fully stocked, the rations did sometimes run low, among other things.

But, luckily for Crosshair, there were always jobs open for those willing to do the hard work. But also those people willing the pay more for the, let's say seedy kinds of tasks not everyone was willing or even capable of doing. And so, he had found quite a few gigs out there for a good sniper such as himself. After all, killing people was nothing new to him. Most of them deserved it any way. Right?

Okay, so, he was a mercenary. Sometimes.

As Crosshair really did not need much. A few necessities, like food and fuel and that was about it. He was easily entertained with the odd holo vid or a book. But mostly taking care of his somewhat accumulated weapons arsenal and keeping himself in shape. After serving the Empire, his muscle tone had gone down and now that he had the time, Crosshair was able to take care of himself like never before. He felt so much better mentally and physically too.

Sometimes, when Crosshair wanted to, he landed on some desolate planet. Simply because he could. Enjoying the peace and quite of the nature around him. Bathing in a creek or other water source. And then, laying in the sun, just for the heck of it. Those kinds of things had always seemed trivial in the past. Not that the soldiers had the luxury for anything remotely like that anyway. But now, he could. And when he wanted to, he put up his targets and stated blasting away. Again, because it was fun, it was good exercise and simply because he could. There was no one around blaming about the noise nor him wasting time.

Crosshair was on the lam. The Empire most likely thinking he was dead. Dying together with his Batch on Kamino. That was all good in his book. For both parties. Crosshair had learnt the hard way how to scramble his ships signature. And so was now able to fly under the radar after a couple of near runnings with his former employer. Thanks to his enhanced visual acuity and quick response time, he had managed to outmanoeuvre them before they had been able to track his ship. Not that they knew who it was they had run into.

Crosshair's appearance had also changed. Somewhat. He had let his hair grow out, which had kind of happened by accident really. As there really had not been proper tools onboard for keeping the body hair in check. Crosshair had not managed to land on a planet housing such luxuries until the hair had taken a new shape. And then deciding it looked rather good suiting his new life. So, he was now housing a greyish-white long braid or hair. And to top it off, Crosshair had let his beard grow out as well, hiding his distinguished features. A great disguise if he said it himself.

The only distinguished reminder of Crosshair's past life was the tattoo over his right eye. But it too was fading, somewhat. Thanks to his slight tan he maintained while planet side whenever he fancied to do so. And the armour Crosshair mostly donned in his past life, as never the one for civilian clothing? After all he had been a soldier back then. But now? Well, different times and all that. Crosshair had managed to purchase a few sets of suitable clothing on his travels and was only using those now. After all, he was not a soldier. Not any more.

Naturally Crosshair still loved his gadgets. So, keeping a few on his person while not on his ship or on a deserted planet. All well hidden under his clothing of course. Crosshair had two well equipped Firepunchers in his arsenal now. His pride and joys. While getting paid for a job well done, he had been able to indulge himself with the few creature comforts like new weapons. Besides, if he wanted to keep doing the odd jobs out there, he needed good tools of the trade, right? Well, a few things was a kind of an understatement really. As he had a closet filled with weapons, explosives, knives, you name it. Making any other mercenary cry with envy.

Chapter two

All dressed up and nowhere to go, what a bore!

It had been a few weeks since Crosshair had pulled a job. It wasn't that he was pressed for credits. But, despite the freedom of having his own time, his own say in what he wanted to do? Well, he felt, bored. After taking a break from space only a few days ago, landing on a sunny and lush planet. Void of most living things part from a few animals, he had enjoyed running amok butt naked in the fields and bathing in the sun. Something which he had only recently discovered he totally enjoyed.

Having one's own schedule, free of control chips and other plans had its perks, naturally. But sometimes, a clone needed more, no matter how independent they were. And well, even if Crosshair really did not care for a steady job, not really. He still wanted to do the odd job every once in a while. It was the balance of things really. Not just doing whatever whenever. But having a sense of purpose of doing something more. Even if it was a paid gig. And even if he was fine without a regular purpose. Confusing, but true. This learning of being a person.

Okay, fine, he still craved for some sense of usefulness, despite his current sunny position. Guess it was woven into that damned clone DNA of his!

During these months of living off the grid, Crosshair had managed to build a small network of contacts, thanks to his excellent marksmanship. After all, highly trained assassins were in demand. Especially now, that the Empire was expanding every which way. It was not alway about the perfect kill shot though. Rather Crosshair was hired as a backup, were negotiations to fail. Sometimes they went as plan, sometimes not. And the opponent never knew what hit them.

So, Crosshair had let the grape vine know, he was looking for job again. Usually, when he put the feeler out there it only took a day or so, before someone reached out to him. He had to be careful though. He was still not sure whether the Empire was privy to his continued existence or not. He had the contact usually running through a few hoops before turning up to meet them. Still, he was nothing like the picture perfect sniper, formerly of the Republic snd the Empire. Something he had scratched off of his resume a long time ago.

Chapter three

New vistas to explore, new and old friends to see.

The craft was flying through hyper space. Crosshair was all setup to meet his contact he had started to use recently. Finding them more reliable and safer than simply dealing with the clients directly. Now, he was going to meet them for the third time during his new career. A planet Crosshair had only recently become acquainted with. It was called Nevarro. Home place of a varied assortment of scum and villainy. A perfect hideout for those looking for one.

And so, heading there now, to get to meet his new client. Of course, only after the client having been vetted by Crosshair's contact. As per usual method for getting his cut. A process which also made the dealings safer for Crosshair. After all, these dealers hardly wanted to lose a good milking cow, so doing their job properly was a must. Loosing a bad client was a small price to pay compared to loosing any good future commissions.

The vessel, which Crosshair had named as the Deadeye, a little on the nose perhaps. But Crosshair was a sniper through and through. Something he was not willing to cast aside easily. Even if the rest of his past had been dumped alongside the rest of the dead weight he had been hauling around before turning the leaf into his new life. But, Crosshair was closing in on the planet and had signalled the contact he would be landing soon enough.

The Deadeye landed just in the outskirts of the settlement. There really was no spaceport to mention on Nevarro. So basically any place empty and large enough was good for landing. Mostly, as the many volcanos present might just be causing issues unfortunately, if the pilot was not being careful enough.

Crosshairs stepped out of the craft and walked with his usual sway towards the already waiting contact. Crosshair's contact was a newcomer in the business, but had already earned quite the reputation. Good or bad, really did not matter much in this business. But he was trusted among those who worked with him.

"Greef Karga!" Crosshair greeted the man waving at him.

"Cross!" Yes, Crosshair had dropped a part of his name as well. Even if the Empire had never really used his given name rather the clone birth number or Commander, as he used to be. Besides, changing one's name. Coming up with a catchy new one was surprisingly difficult.

The two shook hands in the most suitable Spartan handshake. Familiar especially among ex-soldiers. Which Crosshair suspected Karga having been at some point.

"I just got word the client will be landing soon." Karga told Crosshair. "And don't worry, they vetted out good."

"That's good to hear." Not that Karga had led Crosshair astray. Yet.

The two of them kept on chatting for a moment. Something else Crosshair had learnt to do. After all, working on his own he needed to talk with his contacts. And well, surprisingly enough the talking, once started, had become quite fluid for him after a while.

A moment later, a somewhat familiar looking Y-wing craft landed close by. Something swept over Crosshair briefly. A memory from the past. But he quickly shook it off as nothing but nostalgia. Then glanced at the vessel for a moment longer before turning his attention back to Greef Karga.

"Here he is now." Karga said then, when the hooded person stepped out from the Y-wing.

Crosshair kept his eyes on the approaching figure. While Karga was already a few steps ahead, moving to greet the arrival. As they shook hands, similarly to what Crosshair and Karga had done. Crosshair's brow rose on its own accord. There was something disturbing about the scene happening in front of him. Crosshair placed his hand on his sidearm. Just in case.

After a brief moment of exchanging pleasantries, Karga and the client walked back to where Crosshair was still standing. His recent relaxed stance getting stiffer, the closer the two got to him. The duo was close enough for Crosshair to see the new arrival properly as Karga was just about to introduce the two. It was then when time froze around them all.

"Crosshair?" The familiar sounding timbre asked, then shedding off his hood and revealing his face.

The same voice, which reminded Crosshair of home. Of the many similar and familiar sounding voices he had heard in his past. The eyes so much like his own staring right back at him in total surprise.

Crosshair's voice was unusually gravelly, as if he had not feed enough liquids to his thirsty throat in ages, when he managed to utter the familiar name. "Rex."

PART THREE

Preface

Set after The Bad Batch season one. After Kamino lost. Crosshair has a brand new life. Living his best life. Alone. A gun for hire. A mercenary. Enter Captain Rex. Part three of the series "What ever happened to Crosshair?"

Chapter one

Old friends, even friendships rekindled.

"Crosshair. It's really you." Rex's voice sounded happy and, well somewhat teary too.

"Yeah. It's me." Crosshair replied a tad sheepishly.

Clearly his new outlook had not managed to fool one of his clone brethren. Then again Crosshair and Rex went way back, so guess there was that to consider.

Rex made the first move and stepped close enough to greet Crosshair. Only it did not end with the usual handshake rather Crosshair ended up in a tight hug. Feeling a tad awkward at first, he finally yielded to the embrace. It was good to feel a familiar body against his own after all this time of being on his own.

Karga, who had observed the two with great interest finally spoke. "You two know each other?" A stupid question really.

"You can say that." Rex told him. "We go way back." Rex admitted as much.

"Well, then, guess this turned out better than expected." Karga smiled widely.

"So, you're my gun for hire then." Rex wasn't really asking, but it was a surprise to see Crosshair was the one his contact had selected for the mission.

"That's me." Crosshair let out a small laugh. It was true, he was the gun for hire. And if it was for Rex? Well, all the better, right?

Karga had invited the duo to the local tavern for drinks and hammering down the details of the gig. But as it turned out, Rex was more interested in chatting up his long lost friend. Trying not to pry or ask too many personal questions as they were in a public setting, after all. And Rex did not know how well Crosshair and Karga were acquainted either. And how much their mutual friend knew of Crosshair's past.

"There were news on the grapevine…" Rex paused and laughed a little then, "that you were, well decommissioned."

Rex rather quite privy to the latest news coming from the Empire as he had his own reasons for following up on the progress of course. In no small reason the fact being, that he was in the process of recruiting, or rather freeing the clones still serving the Empire. Those willing of course.

Crosshair knew what had Rex meant. After all, defected clones were rumoured to have been decommissioned back on Kamino. The decommissioning usually meaning death. And in the eyes of the Empire, he truly hoped to have been presumed dead.

"Yes, well. As far as my former employer goes, I was, or rather am. Decommissioned." Crosshair clarified.

This was also confirmation to Crosshair. That the Empire thought he really was dead. All good in his book. But still, he needed to be careful of what he was talking about and with whom.

Rex only nodded in response. He then took a glance, one of several actually, off Crosshair. "I like the new look though. Very much so."

A big grin emerged onto Crosshair's face just then. That in itself was unusual. But then again, he was a somewhat changed person now, right? And for some reason, he felt a sudden warm sensation inside of him. It was odd, getting the compliment though. Crosshair and Rex had not really been best of friends, but they had tolerated each other. Still, it was rather nice to hear a compliment like that. Especially from Rex?

"Thanks." Crosshair said to Rex. "Guess it kind of happened."

"Well, it looks good on you." Rex smiled impossibly widely now.

"Yeah, well, guess the beard makes all the difference." Crosshair snorted.

"And the hair! It's gorgeous!" Rex went on rather enthusiastically. Indeed, it was a thing braid on the back of his neck that Crosshair donned. "I could never get mine to grow!" Rex did not sound jealous though, quite on the contrary.

"Well, I kind of liked your hair colour. It was different from the others." Crosshair surprised himself with a compliment thrown back at Rex.

Crosshair just then managed to keep the word 'reg' out of the comment, as he thought it might not be proper spoken out in mixed company. Besides most of the times it was used as a derogative word than endearing, except of course for Echo. Always endearing for Echo. Well, mostly.

"You were different from the others." Crosshair added quickly.

He was trying to clarify what he had meant, not that it really did. Nor did he know where this was coming from and where it was going either.

"Yeah? Well, I think there were plenty of votes out there for you, admiring and even jealous of the way you looked." Rex revealed much to Crosshair's surprise.

After all, hadn't the Batch been shunned because of how different they had been from the others, the regs? It was news to Crosshair, but it was nice to hear nevertheless.

Rex seemed to be full of compliments and it surprised the kark out of Crosshair. Somehow though, in a good way. The only one ever having said anything about his looks ever had been Hunter. Way back when. When the two of them had still been, well, close. Which was in the good old days, before the chip and Order 66 and the rest of the bad things happening since then up and until Kamino.

Karga, who had been listening into the conversation the two long lost friends were having, suddenly felt like a third wheel. As clearly, there was something more going on here with all the compliments and whatnots been thrown around. Then again, he knew that Rex was a clone and well, guess Crosshair was one too, even if the looks did not really match, right?

Clearing his throat he started getting up and excusing himself.

"Well, it looks like the two of you have things settled and can manage without me?"

"I would say so." Rex told him and glanced at Crosshair who simply nodded his response.

"Good! We'll talk later then." And with that he was gone.

After all, Rex was perfectly capable of telling Crosshair what needed to be done. It was his gig after all.

"So, not dead huh?" Rex snorted and took a gulp from his mug.

"No, but it was a close call." Crosshair admitted as much.

A shiver running through Crosshair, thinking back to the happenings on Kamino. But he had survived and now, he had a new lease on life. And he liked the new Crosshair as well. A lot. Even if there had been moments, albeit fleeting, but still moments of loneliness present there.

For some reason, wherever it was coming from he did not know. But, seeing Rex. Talking with him, even working for him. Well, it felt good. Right even. Crosshair was not even really confused of this sudden change of attitude. Of his own attitude change mostly. Even of talking to someone. And with Rex of all people. Not really?

"So, guess we will be working together then." Crosshair raised his mug to close the deal with Rex.

"Well, I asked for the best." Rex was all smiles as he clanked his mug against Crosshair's. "And got him too!" Rex seemed to be smiling. A lot. And it was catching too. "Cheers!" He saluted Crosshair, their mugs clanking together, the deal now sealed.

Chapter two

Friends found in the most curious places and strange times.

Crosshair had follow Rex's Y-wing to the Outer Rim planet where Rex had set shop in for his new base. It was still a work in progress. But, there were several clones already there working together with Rex among a few civilians as well. This base of theirs had been a long since abandoned facility for the Republic, the build never completed fully. But the perk was, that most did not even know of its existence. And being an uninhabited planet, the Empire did not have an interested in it either.

Rex and Crosshair had discussed the mission. A seemingly simple one as there was no killing involved. Not unless the target would double cross Rex. As it was supposed to be, a simple exchange of intel and several trapped clone troopers. Crosshair was their backup during the transaction. Easy as pie, right? And it had been. A simple transaction of funds, clones and intel. Not all missions went awry, some actually worked according to plans. Easy as pie, right?

When the time came, Crosshair had declined his payment. After all, this was for a good cause.

"You pay Karga his fee and we are square." Crosshair had simply told Rex.

Rex's grin could not have been more wider. It was obvious to the commander of the cause, that Crosshair indeed was on their side. Not that there had been any doubt in Rex's mind anyway. But, perhaps there was hope for the lone clone just the same. Perhaps even one day to become an ally or a more permanent fixture in their little cause?

"Well, if you ever change your mind. You know, about wandering the galaxy on your own? There is always a place for you here." Rex once again made the offer.

It was to remind Crosshair of the possibilities available for him. As Rex had already commented on the same a few times earlier.

Crosshair seemed to be contemplating on the offer for a moment but then shook his head.

"Thanks, but I must decline." He liked the idea of belonging though. At least here, with Rex and his people. But. "I like the freedom I have now. To make my own choices."

It was something Rex also could understand. After all, it was something all clones had desired.

"But, if you are ever in a bind you know how to reach me." Crosshair let out a hint of a smile then.

"I do indeed!" Rex was sad to see Crosshair go, but he knew they would meet again.

Crosshair had landed on a planet as being in space too long was getting to him. Surprisingly so. It was a gorgeous, albeit small size lush and warm respite for him. The climate mild and sunny, just the way he liked it.

Crosshair had been spending the day in the warmth of the sun, while taking a few dips in the cooling water here and there. It could not have been a more perfect setting. But, even if Crosshair still enjoyed the solitude and the quiet of his existence, he kind of missed companionship. Sometimes. Or rather, he missed Rex?

And then, the contacting. The long holo calls, kind of started out of the blue.

Just as Crosshair was about to retire for the night, the holo pad beeped and crackled to life. It was the familiar face of the former Captain who appeared in the blue glow of it.

"Rex! What a nice surprise."

Yeah, Crosshair was filled with niceties these days too. Must've been the beard causing it all.

"Crosshair!"

Rex noticed the man standing in front of him only in his skivvies. A surprise for sure. Not a bad one though. Far from it. And not that Rex was averting his gaze away from Crosshair.

"Um, guess I caught you at a bad time."

"No, not at all. I was spending some time outside, in the sun." Crosshair explained, not even realising the skimpy attire he was wearing could cause some kind of effect on the other man.

"Oh, well, that explains it then." Rex smirked.

Only then did Crosshair realise the somewhat of a faux-pas.

"Oh. Oh! Yes, well, it's quite warm on this planet." He did not even try to get more clothing on, after all, Crosshair was no prude. "So, what's up? Do you need me for another mission?"

"Well, I was actually calling to check on how you were doing."

Rex had not really thought it through, simply having a feeling and then, well, calling up Crosshair.

It wasn't entirely true. Rex had been thinking about Crosshair. A lot as it turned out lately. And he simply had wanted to catch up with the man. Since his thoughts seemed to wander to the slender clone way too often these days.

"Oh." Crosshair sounded surprised to hear this.

But he was not bothered rather quite touched of this sudden interest in his wellbeing. He sat down making himself more comfortable as clearly, this was a social call.

"Well, I was taking a break from space and landed on this small planet way out…."

The two of them then broke into a comfortable discussion of the happenings after Crosshair had helped Rex out. Neither of them even realising how long they were talking, over the holo call.

And then, several long holo calls later. But also a few missions later, which Crosshair had agreed to do for his new best friend Rex, a friendly get together with drinks had been agreed upon.

Chapter three

Some things do so lead to more and better things.

The lights were low, as if by design, like Rex had planned the whole thing. Guess he really had. He had invited Crosshair to join him in his quarters for a drink. The good stuff as Rex had put it. From his personal stash. But drinks were not the only thing on the fearless leaders mind.

The two had been seated comfortably on the sofa and as the night had progressed, the few drinks consumed, the two had levitated closer and close to each other. So much so, that the heat emanating from either body was palpable to both men.

But there was more than simple body heat from the alcohol consumed. There was something other in the air as well. Filled with electricity, longing, and well, lust as well. Their bodies so close, but neither of them moving away from the other. It was then when Rex got more bolder. Deciding to be honest and up front with Crosshair.

As Rex turned to face him, Crosshair had already had the same idea. Their faces only inches away, eyes on eyes. Then turning to the others lips. A lick on the lip, like a signal to move forth. And they did. Lips locking in a heated kiss. It was bound to happen, right?

"I've always wanted you, ever since you were all up in my face on Anaxes." Rex admitted while taking a break between kisses.

"You punched me!" Crosshair reminded him of their initial mission together.

"Well you were being a total bitch about the whole rescue!" Rex defended his actions. "But I really liked how you were all up in my business, not afraid to share your, well sometimes unsolicited opinions." He snorted remembering back to how things had been.

"Hey I'm a changed man now." Crosshair pretended to pout.

But yeah, he had been quite the big bitch back then, hadn't he.

"Indeed you are!" Rex admitted as much, not that it had really played too big of a role in the decision to bed the enhanced clone this time around. "But I would most likely have been interested in this if you had been available."

Rex knew of course well what Crosshair's status had been back then. Not that it had ever been a big secret anyway.

"Oh shut up Reg and kiss me already!" Crosshair urged Rex then, as there was too much talking going on.

It was more of an order even if Crosshair was totally enjoying Rex. The kissing and whatever was going to happen after that. Crosshair could not have been more happier in picking up on the offer for private drinks and so much more.

Much later that same evening… a fluffy and sedate moment to be had…

"Force you are so beautiful!"

Rex was admiring the man by his side, after a bout of orgasmic bliss.

"Your hair and beard colour are they part of the mutations done to you?"

"They are."

"Mine too."

A pause.

"Ready for the next round?"

"Indeed I am!"

"So, what else did the Kaminoans mutate for you, expect the skills of…"

"You talk too much, Reg."

"Yeah, I know."

"So, guess you got some things enhanced too?"

"Guess I did."

*Snicker*

In the after glow of things…

"You never asked." Rex's voice was low of the post orgasmic kind.

"About what?" Crosshair felt totally sated and even happy, while lying comfortably in Rex's arms.

"About your Batch."

Rex hoped this wasn't a too sore point anymore. Even if it most likely was.

A moment of silence passed before Crosshair responded.

"Oh I kind of figured they were working for you."

"The Empire thinks you all died there. On Kamino." Rex stated solemnly.

"Guess in a way we did."

Crosshair's feelings for his Batch had changed so many times already during the time they had been separated. But for now, he would let sleeping massiffs lie.

"You really are different now, aren't you." Rex wasn't really asking.

"It's the beard that makes all the difference!" Crosshair snorted.

Perhaps it was as simple as that?