Hi guys! Why do I feel like it has been awhile? (probably because it has...as I keep getting told..;) Anyway, the last Bad Batch episode comes out soon and this was something that came to mind when I watched 14. This should be a two part and hopefully - I feel like I say that a lot too - it should be out soon since it's mostly already done. I just need to add a few things and then it'll be posted.

By the way, this chapter is set during and after the scene on Bracca (episodes...7 and 8)

Enough jabbering. Hope you enjoy the story...despite it being short. :D


Pain exploded at the back of his head as he jerked his chin up in an effort to stay awake. The burns, his arm, his entire front and middle from where he'd been hit when the engine started, all stung. It hurt to move, but he had to. Clone Force Ninety-Nine was on Bracca and there was only one command chanting in his head: Kill the traitors.

CT 9904's body reacted to the command perfectly, forcing him to his feet despite how literally every muscle he had was protesting in a way he knew it hadn't since his years as a cadet.

The voices...the chants...they were coming harder now, louder...

Goodsoldiersfolloworders, goodsoldiersfolloworders, GoodSoldiersFollowOrders, GOodSOldiersFOllowORders, GOOD SOLDIERS FOLLOW ORDERS!

Shoving off the trooper who had tended to his burns, he growled, ''Get me on that shuttle!''


Hours later...

A low buzzing filled his head. CC 9904 felt groggy, trying to open his eyes and see where he was but all he could see were pale blurs moving on a dark background. Around him, low voices whispered in some jargon his brain refused to translate...Something pricked his neck, liquid fire seared his blood, and then he was out...


Medical wing. Kamino.

Standing beside the surgical table, Nala Se shook her head at Rampart.

''No. Of this, I am certain. If CT 9904's inhibiter chip is allowed to remain, it will destroy all body functions in an effort to finish his orders. It will not allow him to recover because he will push himself far beyond the reasonable boundaries.''

''That is not my concern,'' Rampart snapped, glaring at her, his knuckles squeezing behind his back till they turned white. How dare this...scientist question him.

''And after all, the Empire requires absolute dedication and effort. Would not completing his work despite the pain qualify?''

''Perhaps. Yet then his return to complete strength would take longer than necessary.''

Rampart studied the Kaminoan, glowering at her as he pretended to mull over the subject before shaking his head slightly and nodding.

''Very well, but I need to be sure of his loyalties before this inhibitor chip is removed. We do not know for sure what Clone Force Ninety-Nine was doing on Bracca, but a search of the Ventilator brought up that the ship's medical wing had been activated...Mainly the surgical unit...''

''Yes, however, it was believed that their chips already did not work as intended and there for, if they were removing them, it would be mostly likely that Clone Force Ninety-Nine would remove them merely as a safety precaution against any future use.''

''True, but if that is the case, then we have already seen what could happen if the chip is no longer there to restrain the clone's mental processes. I have read his files. Out of the squad, he might have seemed the most willing to follow orders, but that was because it was essentially a blood sacrifice. Orders to kill, he would follow. Orders to obey, he rebelled. I do not want a repeat of what occurred with Unit Ninety-Nine.''

''His chip may have aided in the order, but his mental activity suggests that he might have followed through with it either way. The only reason why he might not have would be a direct order from his former sergeant. There is no reason to believe that has changed since then.''

There was a long pause...

''Very well, then. You may proceed...''


A While Later...

Darkness lifted slowly, the heavy blanket of unconsciousness chilling him awake.

The Voices...the chants...the pain...

It was gone. All gone.

Sitting up slowly, Crosshair gingerly brushed the tips of his fingers against the overly warm burn scars on his head. The skin was broken and hurt at any sort of pressure...but it didn't overpower his relief. He was himself again.

He was free...


Part One.

In case you can't tell by now, Crosshair is my favorite Bad Batcher and this chapter sets up the next one where it delves more into his thoughts as he comes off the relief of removing his chip. (you know, when he starts getting a little more salty than usual and hopefully what led him to say his heartbreaking lines in the last episode)

Sorry it has been a while but (excuse) life has been crazy. I'll keep it at that. Anyway, thanks for reading. :D I hope you enjoyed it!