We don't leave our own behind! (The Bad Batch Season Two Finale FIXIT)

by GunRoswall

Set after season two of Star Wars the Bad Batch An alternate ending to the Bad Batch season two finale. Part of The Bad Batch Season Two Finale FixIt Series. This is the conclusion to the series. The remaining Batchers have been searching for their missing people. Frustrated in running amok around the wide galaxy not finding the one small needle inside an infinite haystack..

TBB - We don't leave our own behind! (The Bad Batch Season Two Finale FixIt Series PART EIGHT)

By Gun Roswell

Preface

Wild geese chases across the galaxy

Mount Tantiss

The greatest of escapes

The never ending (the post credit scene)

Preface

Set after season two of Star Wars the Bad Batch

An alternate ending to the Bad Batch season two finale.

Part of The Bad Batch Season Two Finale FixIt Series.

This is the conclusion to the series.

The remaining Batchers have been searching for their missing people.

Frustrated in running amok around the wide galaxy not finding the one small needle inside an infinite haystack no matter how hard they try to search. Echo, Hunter and Wrecker are at their wits end.

And then… there is some news. Good or maybe bad?

Well, they are about to find out soon enough.

Notes:

They all deserve so much better. The clones do.

Twitter movement #TECHSALIVE #TECHLIVES

Wild geese chases across the galaxy

'Looking for that one specific needle in the whole wide of the galaxy can be frustrating at best. Especially with the stakes being as high as possible.'

"Another wasted trip!" Hunter was so frustrated. Slamming his fist to the back of the chair a little too hard making Wrecker bounce off his seat. Slightly for sure, but Wrecker still felt the punch.

"How many does it make now?" Wrecker wasn't too fazed about Hunter's little temper tantrum. They all felt the frustration of the seemingly endless search of their missing people, Wrecker having lost track of their too many trips around the galaxy.

"Twenty-two so far. If we count Derrick." Echo's low grumpy tone countered them though. Having kept tabs of each and every single mission the Batch had gone onto since… well, since Omega had bene taken. All those even possible and some not so possible threads having been followed due to Hunter's insistence. Not that Echo could blame the scout. They all wanted their people back. And so, whatever and however it took, they were looking for them.

"Too many! And still no clue as to where they are!" Hunter's tone had turned into a low growl venting out but it was fine, the other two did not mind. The long hauls across the galaxy grinding them all. Not that they weren't used to long hauls. They had all done them during the war. But this was so far removed from that time. As this time, it was personal.

"What's our next option?" Wrecker wasn't any good in standing by either. Not any more. The turn of events since finding out Crosshair was being held prisoner by some imperial scientist, loosing Tech… and the soon after Omega had been taken. All of having had its effect on the otherwise jovial man.

The three of them, Echo, Hunter and Wrecker having relentlessly been searching for any and all possible places while following even the smallest of hint in trying to find Omega and Crosshair. As ever since Tech's fall to his… death, the trio slowly but surely accepting he wasn't coming back. Dwelling in the sorrow, mourning their fallen for a while, the stages of grief pretty much done, the three of them had finally made an one-eighty putting all their energy into hunting down any and all clues leading to the whereabouts of their missing team mates.

Rex and his sources had helped where they could. But there were others out there, needing help. The other clones in need of saving as well, the Empire tightening their leash. However Rex having promised Echo and Hunter he would do whatever he could if their searches paid off to mobilise his resources for the rescue.

So far, it had all been for nought though. The needle in the infinite haystack which was the galaxy kept on eluding them. As if taunting them.

They were all on the edge, time passing by too quickly and still no news from their missing family.

Sure there were rumours of others being held where Crosshair and Omega were at. Hemlock's secret base. But they had no idea as to the numbers. They could only guess. Howzer's men most likely among them and more and more rumours of clones gone missing were received from Rex's contacts inside the imperial ranks.

"Where to next Hunter?" Echo asked their current list of possible locations depleted by now without any new tips or clues wherefrom search next.

Hunter sighed heavily staring into the whirling lights flashing in the viewport of the Marauder flying through hyperspace. He was out of ideas. Too tried. Too, everything.

"Guess we better head back to Rex's base."

Echo nodded and punched in the coordinates. The ship swerved slightly as their heading changed inside the hyperspace window.

Hunter kept on glaring at the flashing lights in front of him. As if wanting them to tell him the truth. The very location they needed. Alas, there was no response from the stars this time.

He patted both Echo and Wrecker on their shoulders before taking his leave and retreating to the aft of the ship. Echo knew Hunter was not sleeping. Possible at all. But at least Hunter would have some rest. None of them slept too much. Waking up to nightmares and whatever thoughts occupied their minds. But Echo worried about Hunter. Still, there was little he could do but try his best to be there for Hunter. Knowing Hunter would not rest until they had Omega and Crosshair back.

Echo and Wrecker exchanged glances.

"Do you want me to take over?" Wrecker was worried for the other two as well. Something which was going around. All of them worrying for the other but never themselves.

Still, they were taking care of each other on some level. Watching after each other, making sure they were all eating, taking naps perhaps, consoling the others where needed. Each taking their turn in being the team mom in a manner of speaking. Mostly it was Echo though doing that.

"Nah, Wrecks. I'm fine. Why don't you go too. Take a load off. It won't be long before we reach the base."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure." Echo forced a small smile out for Wrecker's benefit. As he did not want to go back there. Doze off. The most likely nightmares weren't worth it.

Wrecker nodded and got up, following Hunter to the back of the Marauder.

The Marauder had been in flight closing in on their destination. Hunter had been tossing and turning in his bunk, while Wrecker had fallen asleep almost as soon as his head had hit the rack. The soft snoring a dead giveaway he was finally asleep. But Hunter had not managed to get there. And so, yielding to his fate he got up. Rubbing his face he decided to check on Echo.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"How are you feeling?" Hunter tried, even if he wasn't at his best at the moment himself. But he was their leader and so he kept on pushing through. And Echo had been there for him through and through all this time.

Echo turned back to the viewport sighing heavily.

"As bad as that huh?"

"Yeah. As bad as that."

"I know Echo, I know." Hunter had his arm around the other man for comfort. It was difficult for them all. This wasn't the war. This was, personal. And they all knew it. Adapting wasn't an option any more. And so, they pushed on. They all, pushed on.

They sat there in silence for a moment longer. Both of them deep in their own thoughts.

Suddenly the console beeped.

"We have an incoming message." Echo alerted Hunter. Punching in the keys to open the comms channel. "It's… Rex."

The familiar face emerged in the dim blue light of the holo call.

"Sorry to cut your journey short boys, but we got a message and it might just have to do with our missing people. How quickly can you get back here?"

"We are already on our way there. But if we push our hyperdrive to max, I would say within the rotation." Echo checked the status on the nav console.

Hunter too was exited of this news finally coming through. Only his pessimistic side getting the better of him after so many failures already. And so being more cautious the more time passed by. "How sure are you this is good intel?"

"Our contact on the inside has come through with this news. Finally. I was trying to get to them for a longest while and they finally delivered. It should be more legit than anything so far." Rex tried to assure Hunter. "They had been laying low due to… well, let's just say there are suspicions floating around and leaving it at that." Rex did not have to explain. The Empire was getting more and more cautious it seemed.

Hunter only nodded.

"We are on our way!" Echo was more trusting of the news. Getting a new sense of self from this little bit of sunshine in the midst of all the gloom.

"See you then!" Rex's face disagreed as the comms closed.

Hunter leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes.

"I am sure this is it, Hunter." Echo tried, as he had to believe it. It had been far too long already. So much wasted effort.

"How sure?" Hunter asked softly as this wasn't the first conversation they had had about it and knowing Echo was trying to cheer him up most likely with his overly positive attitude.

"Very sure. Hunt." Echo's tone lost it's credibility though, the negativity catching it seemed. "It has to be." The final words softer, lower not as convincing any more.

The Marauder made a landing on the familiar platform of Rex's rebel base. Rex and Gregor were both waiting for the three of them there as they debarked.

"A welcoming committee?" Wrecker cracked out.

Rex and Gregor were both smiling so it seemed all to be good? The news and all?

"Well, yes of course. You are our favourite people after all." Rex really was in a good mood. So good? "We have news and something else too." Rex greeted the trio as did Gregor. "Follow me."

They walked the short way to Rex's office. Eager to find out what had caused this overall chipper mood for the dynamic duo. As the three Batchers glanced around the hangar, they could see preparations going on alongside several ships there.

"Something going on?" Hunter asked surprised as clearly the rebel clones were mobilising en mass.

"We are prepping. But let's talk more when I show you what we got so far." Rex sounded rather cryptic. Alas the three batchers were game as this sounded really promising.

They were listening to the message Rex had pulled up as soon as they got to his office. The surprise as he had called it.

It was garbled at best. But still rather promising.

"…Mayday… Tan…s. …shair told me this was the frequency. We… need help… break out… all vod'e. In trouble… get to them… send help to… location… please."

The message ended.

"A distress call? Mayday? Isn't that kind of old school?" Echo asked surprised to hear the words mayday in the kind of a garbled up message a clone clearly had sent to them.

Howzer who was in the room with them. He glanced at Echo, shaking his head. Clearly having figured out something. Having heard the message already earlier finally managing to piece some of it together. "No. No, it's a name." He was positively radiating suddenly. "I know him. The clone speaking. I recognise the voice."

"A name?" Gregor asked confused.

"Yeah. Mayday. Commander Mayday. I could not be sure before but now I am. I had a few missions with him back in the war." Howzer told the others then sure he was sure of whom it was calling out to them.

Meanwhile Hunter had been listening into the message intently as well. "Play it again." He urged Rex. Rex did and they all heard the same breaking down message. But Hunter had picked something else there which the others had not. He glared at the others for a moment but none of them had heard what he had. "He said… Crosshair."

The other's glared at Hunter like he had grown horns on suddenly.

"Mayday. He is saying he got the frequency from Crosshair." Hunter was adamant of what he had heard.

"But Crosshair does not know it." Echo tried, not sure if Hunter was simply wishing for details to be there. Then again, he had enhanced senses, his hearing better in picking up things others could not.

"I know what I heard." Hunter countered somewhat angrily.

Rex raised his hand in warning, not wanting this to turn into a fight suddenly.

"It could mean Omega is there with them and she gave it to Crosshair and this… Mayday used it to contact us."

They were all quiet for a moment. It was plausible after all.

"Can we clear this up?" Hunter turned to Echo.

"I will do my best." Echo promised Hunter. They all needed to hear more. As this was it. The best intel they had gotten so far for sure!

Echo had worked relentlessly on the damaged message. Not sleeping, not taking breaks and so, it was time he had finished his task. The others having gathered in the lab with him to hear out what Echo had managed to do with the damaged distress call.

"This is the best I could do with the material available. The program filled in the rest the best it could within the given parameters." Echo pressed play.

"This is Commander Mayday. Crosshair whom you may know gave me this frequency to contact for help. We have broken out of the imperial hold and are in a need of assistance. We have serval vod'e among us. Need help urgently. To anyone out there listening, please hear our plight. I repeat. This, is Commander Mayday…" the same lines were repeated by the one called Mayday.

Howzer nodded. He had been right. It was his old friend sending the message. And Hunter too had figured out he had meant getting Rex's emergent frequency from Crosshair.

"They are together. Omega is with him." Hunter's tone was low, close to a whisper.

"It sure sounds like it." Rex could only agree. As how else could they have known to contact Rex. Crosshair had no idea he was still among the living as far as they knew. "But why did Crosshair not make the call?" Rex asked confused. "Why have someone else do it?"

"Perhaps he is injured? Unable to speak?" Hunter tried as he was sure this was it. A legit call from his missing family members.

Rex looked suspicious for a moment. But then again, if this was a trap… well… they could all be traps so why would this be any different? "I hear ya, Hunter." Rex agreed finally as the others sure seemed exhilarated of this news and believing it was the real deal.

"I've managed to trace it to original source. It's the planet Wayland." Echo pulled up the holo map. "Mount Tantiss to be more exact."

They all glared at the blue glow in front of them. This was it. At last! They had found their missing people!

"We need to mobilise." Rex's glance circled the room all of them looking back at him. "Right now."

As they finally had something tangible. A location. A true location! However, they were all to scared to say it out loud. To jinx it. But this was it. After all this time, they were about to mount a rescue. Get to Omega, Crosshair and most likely many many more of their people.

Mount Tantiss

'The situation quite grim. The odds stacked heavily against us. But we have gotten through worse, haven't we? We're the best soldiers credits can buy!'

"Everyone is on board Sir. We are ready for take-off." Tumblr informed Mayday, acting like the proper trooper serving his commanding officer. Which Mayday now totally was! At least in the eyes of the two commandos and among the other rescued clones as well. They saw him as the leader Mayday having taken over the op after splitting up with Crosshair and Omega. Someone had to lead after all.

Mayday had already sent the message out to Tech's and Omega's contact as soon as they had entered the hangar only hoping it had gotten through. There had been so much interference on the communications line. Then proceeding in confiscating three ships and starting loading the escapade clones in them. With the several commandos being stunned along the way all those they had encountered so far having been subdued and taken with them in action to those inside the hangar having been stunned on sight. And so it seemed they had gotten most of them. Both the security personnel and the captured clones.

There wasn't a lot of time left. After all, they still had no idea whether the imperials had some other security measures in place in addition to the clone commandos and they had to assume there were. And so, detection of their escape was eminent.

"Where are they?" Mayday kept on glancing towards the hangar entrance but there were no signs of Crosshair, Omega or Tech. Shaking his head he stated simply. "I have a bad feeling about this."

"We need to leave sir." CT-2706 urged Mayday seeing the Commander standing there unmoving still. But they were still three passengers short. "The imperials will figure out something is going on soon enough." He wasn't wrong, but Mayday wasn't about to leave anyone behind either.

"You two take the ships out and try to fly out some place to hide before the reinforcements arrive." Mayday ordered the two commandos. As it was Mayday simply had to believe help would arrive. They really had no idea where to go from where they were now and most likely they imperials would follow them soon enough. They needed the others that much was sure. "I will go after our missing people. Tumbler you're in charge from now on." Mayday got a curious glance from Tumbler just then. But Mayday raised his hand in objection he knew was about to follow. "We don't leave our own behind." He reminded the other two as so far they had hauled every clone they had come across with them and loaded them into the ships.

"I will go with you, Sir!" Tumblr immediately offered though after Mayday had had his little reminder of a speech. Tumbler after all had become quite impressed of the Commander in a short amount of the time they had worked together and wanted to help.

"No. No! I won't risk anyone else. You need to take the others to safety. Make sure to man the canons before take off." Mayday was sure there would be tie-fighters sent after them as soon as they launched. Luckily the ships had hefty canons attached to them the clones having some means to defend themselves once exposed out there.

"I will be the one to go, Sir! CT-2706 offered instead. "Tumblr can take care of the fleet. He has more… experience." CT-2706 having seen how quickly Tumblr had adapted to the situation and being more the take charge kind of person than he himself was. So being the backup for Mayday was only logical. Nodding to Tumblr who nodded back in agreement. Neither of them wanting for Mayday to go alone. And guess, they both knew where they stood as Mayday had put Tumblr in charge of the two of them.

Mayday seemed to be debating his choices for a moment. "Alright, you're with me." Getting a curt nod from CT-2706. "You really need a name too." Mayday told his companion with a hint of a smirk while the two watched the ramps of the three ships close and the engines coming online. Simply observing they were actually leaving before heading back towards the lab.

Because Mayday had a gut feeling Crosshair, Omega and Tech were in trouble. The two of them dashed off, running towards the corridor armed to the teeth expecting to find opposition during their trip over.

"Now remind me again, Crosshair, which of us has the upper hand." Emerie glared at Crosshair and Omega with a disgusted look on her face. The three controlled clone assassins standing ready to blast all of them, Crosshair, Tech and Omega out of the stars.

"Please, make the move." Emerie bated the two. "I don't mind making a small sacrifice after all." She motioned at Tech, pressing a button on her handheld device again. The three assassins changing their aim suddenly. All of them pointing at Tech.

Crosshair's made a quick visual scan around the immediate area assessing their options. Which there seemed to be none. At least not at first glance. The second sweep revealing more though. His acute vision taking in all the small nuances around them.

Being pinned down by the assassin clones wasn't a good place to be at that much was sure. But Crosshair had noticed these clones were pretty much being controlled by Emerie with the device she had in her hand. At least it looked like it. The clones having no expressions on there faces, their eyes having a dead stare in them. None of them having blinked even once. Which was quite creepy. Clearly, they were some kind of empty vessels for Emerie to control. Nothing like the Jango Fett clones his vod'e were all based on. Not even like the commandos after their chips had been fried. They might have looked similar but they were not the same. That much Crosshair was sure of. His gut feeling telling him that. Not that he could validate any of it but it sure looked like that was the case.

He could see Omega was pretty much frozen in the moment. Scared of Emerie possibly hurting Tech. Something which Crosshair was angry about too. They had just gotten him back after first hearing he had died… well, Crosshair could not think about hat now. His anger growing. Emerie was one of them. Having made a big point of it too. At least in the beginning. That she was Omega's sister. Which had all sounded confusing and somewhat of a made up story in Crosshair's mind. But Omega had seemed okay with it at first so letting it all slide back then. But Emerie had used them all. She had betrayed them all. A concept Crosshair was not unfamiliar with, but this was on a whole new level. And Emerie wasn't controlled by anyone. Only by her own motives, that much she had told them.

Emerie was their enemy. That much was true. The one hellbent on dominance and destroying the clones. Their kin. And so no matter what feelings Crosshair might just have had in the past. His own distaste for the Regs, he was way past that. He had changed in so many ways and seeing the other clones, the vod'e as his equals was one part of the progress.

Personal inventory aside, Crosshair made another note. Which was the fact that the clone assassins were not someone he wanted to have a second thought for. It was Omega, Tech and himself against them. Emerie, as far as he knew was unarmed. That could he a ploy too. She was too, calm and sure to be that.

Thinking quickly on his feet before reacting to Emerie's ultimatum. Crosshair came to a decisions. Lowering his weapons and motioning for Omega to do the same before raising his hands in surrender.

Crosshair did not move though, standing close to the console where him and Omega had been trying to figure out the release sequence to get Tech off the tubulars still holding him in place inside of the drained tube.

"Good decision." Emerie's vicious smirk still hung on her lips as she looked on while the two surrendered. Knowing quite well they weren't ready to sacrifice one of their own.

Emerie pressed another button on the small gadget in her hand and the clone assassins immediately started moving closer to Omega and Crosshair. Thus verifying Crosshair's suspicions of the Clone X's simply moving because Emerie made them to. Some kind of control chips or whatever technology inside of them making them act.

Emerie moved towards the tubes and remained standing right in front of Tech. As if admiring him.

"Looks like you got a second chance after all. I would have hated for that deliciously smart mind of yours to have gone to waste." Emerie was completely enthralled it seemed. Her plans for Tech not having been foiled by some stupid idea of the other two making an escape with him.

The three assassin clones were standing there, unmoving with their weapons aimed at Crosshair and Omega. Still no blinking to be seen. They were like droids.

Crosshair glanced at the console nearest to him. Seeing something on the screen just then. As clearly while trying to figure out the release mechanism, Omega had stumbled upon something either by accident or knowingly. But what he saw there flashing on the screen ever so brightly raised his hopes up. "Execute release." Crosshair knew what he had to do.

In a flash, Crosshair had moved and pressed the button. The clone assassins were taking aim as soon was he did it. But while readying to shoot Crosshair they all heard the hissing sounds behind them. The scream and then another noise by the entrance.

Mayday and CT-2706 were bursting in at the exact moment when Tech fell out from the pod and on top of Emerie. Knocking her down on the floor sending the control gadget flying across the floor. The clone assassins froze immediately mid firing while Mayday and CT-2706 had already secured them.

Crosshair turned and quickly grabbed the device controlling the Clone X's. Emerie flailing under the unconscious body of Tech's pinned there under him.

The situation was over in a mere moments. The clones having subdued their enemy in one swell uncoordinated swoop.

"Great timing!" Crosshair was really happy to see Mayday having come back. "I'm surprised you came back." He wasn't but it needed to be said just the same.

"I would never leave you behind." Mayday simply grinned and then shook his hand over the faces of the Clone X's. "What are these things?"

"Can't be sure. She's controlling them." Crosshair told Mayday motioning to Emerie still struggling under the weight of Tech's.

Crosshair and Omega were already helping Tech up, CT-2706 having brought them a stretcher as the two of them grabbed a hold of Tech placing him on the hover stretcher. Omega having her blaster aimed at Emerie while she stumbled to a seating position on the floor.

Omega looked like she was about to cry. Feeling totally betrayed by Emerie's actions. But she had the weapon steady just the same. There was something she needed to know though.

"Why?"

Emerie glared back at her. Still on the floor not daring to move. Clearly she was fully expecting to be shot if she did. If not by Omega then one of the other three clones.

"Why do you even ask?" She laughed then, sounding slightly crazy. "Why do need to know anything?"

Omega simply glared back at her. Her gaze hard and never faltering. Two could play at this game.

"I thought we were the same." Omega spat back.

"Well, you thought wrong. Kid. I am nothing like you." Emerie laughed louder. Yeah, she had clearly lost it. Big time. She was the one being held at blaster point after all. Her eyes were blank, staring past Omega suddenly.

"Okay, we are set." Crosshair told the others having secured Tech on the hover stretcher.

"What about them?" Mayday asked.

"We should bring them with us. Maybe we can help them." Omega sounded teary still. But she was not about to leave their kin behind, no matter empty vessels or not. Everyone deserved a life after all. These were used for evil purposes without their consent, of that Omega was sure of, her own gut telling her that.

Crosshair glanced at the device in his hand. Seeing the clear controls there now. Pushing a button the Clones Xs straightened and turn towards him. He pushed another button and they started walking.

"Huh… Weird!" He exclaimed at first seeing the three like puppets moving to his orders. "Looks like we can control them after all." Crosshair simply stated then and turned to Mayday. "So what's the plan?"

"The others left. I gave the order." Mayday said getting and approving nod only from Crosshair. "I sent the message too… but we need to find some other mode of transport as the others took all the ships left in the hangar."

Giving the nod to CT-2706 to cover Emerie, Omega moved to the console and tapped into the system looking for the blueprints again having been reminded of something she had seen before.

"Here. There is a small shuttle bay just a few floors down from here."

"That's our ticket!" Mayday told the others. Come on, we better get moving.

"What about her?" CT-2706 asked his blaster still aimed at Emerie.

Emerie looked rather listless at the moment. Having slumped into her own little world it seemed. She really had lost it. At least that is how it looked like to the others. But then, Emerie glanced up suddenly. Her eyes dark having pulled something out from her pocket holding it in her hand now.

"None of you will get out of here alive." And in a blink of an eye, Emerie pushed the button before any of them could react.

CT-2706 jumped at her and with a fast punch knocked Emerie down. The gadget, a small detonator flew out of her hand. But it was too late to stop what she had done as they could all hear the familiar sounds of explosions going off somewhere in the distance.

"Dammit!" Mayday cursed. "She has the place rigged."

"We need to go. Now!" Crosshair urged the others while pushing the cart of Tech's and controlling the Clone X's running out from the lab and towards the shuttle bay. "She is not our problem, not any more."

Omega seemed reluctant to leave Emerie. But after a split second of thought, she only nodded and followed the others out. Leaving Emerie behind. Emerie, was not their concern after all. This much Omega too could agree on.

They were half way there when they felt the whole structure shaking making them lose footing for a moment. There was a long corridor filled with empty cells before they would reach the lift hoping it would still work.

"We're almost there." Mayday urged the others.

Just as they were closing in on the lift shaft they could see one of the cell's ray shields flickering in the distance.

"They were supposed to be empty." Omega immediately worried that one of the clones were still in there. They had made sure there would be none left… right?

"We got all the clones." Mayday assured Omega.

Crosshair was first to reach the occupied cell. The flickering ray shield crackling before collapsing. What or rather whom they saw inside there surprised them all.

"Nala Se?" Omega exclaimed as she stepped closer.

They had known she was a prisoner with the rest of them but this was a total surprise. Seeing the scientist being detained. The last Omega had seen her some time ago was inside one of the labs.

"Come on Kid, we need to move on." Crosshair urged her.

But Omega remained stationary. Staring at the Kaminoan.

"We need to take her with us."

Mayday and Crosshair exchanged glances. The now familiar nonverbal conversation passing between them. They were totally in tune now it was uncanny.

"Fine. Come on!" Crosshair urged the Kaminoan scientist. "You're with us."

Nala Se stepped out and nodded only. Following the clones towards their destination while the base had started to crumble down around them.

The greatest of escapes

'Trust in your vod'e. They will always come to your aid just when you need them the most.'

The base was crumbling down all around them.

Having finally made their way to the small hangar while dodging falling debris and other obstacles on their way they found two shuttles there. It must have been Hemlock's private bay as the two craft both looked fully stocked and prepped for a long haul. At least as far as they could tell from the outside.

"Let's check them out." Mayday ordered Crosshair and CT-2706. The two clones following the Commander's orders like they were used to taking them. Of course they did, Mayday was a great commanding officer even for those not having served with him that long, as he simply exuded leadership but also charisma making it really hard not to follow him.

After a round of quick visual inspections the trio made their pick of the one craft which seemed to have the most fuel and seemingly being intact and ready for flight. The other having some maintenance going on in it clearly.

As the started boarding it was obvious it would be a tight fight having four unconscious bodies with one tall Kaminoan and the four clones in the mix. Mayday and Crosshair taking their way to the cockpit after the passengers were secured. The Clone X's were tied into their positions on the floor and on the available seats while Tech was being taken care of by Omega and Nala Se. The two making sure Tech was comfortable being still under due to whatever concoction given to him by Hemlock.

"Let's take this baby off for a spin and see what we are facing out there." Mayday was already in the pilot's seat only eager to leave the hellhole of a base behind them.

Crosshair simply nodded as he pushed the levers for the engines to ignite. Soon enough, the solemn small ship was manoeuvred out from the secure hangar bay out in the open where they would be vulnerable for attack.

Mayday checked the navigation console and scanned the immediate area for any hostiles.

"Looks like we are at the other end of the compound from where the others took off." Mayday could tell from the readings there was some traffic in the upper atmosphere and most likely the imperial fighters would soon notice them as well. But they could not get exact readings as to the whom.

"Can we contact the others?" Crosshair was pretty sure their people were out there somewhere fighting off imperials, only hoping Mayday's message had reached Rex and this troops and they would be arriving soon if not already being there. As it was their small ragtag fleet made of a shuttle and a few transports was no match for the fully loaded Tie-fighters armada. They were manned by imperial pilots, that much he knew to be true now. But the hired help was starting to get better day by day, not as great as the clones but still they were armed and rather dangerous just the same.

"If we use the open frequency to hail them then the imps will know we are split up." Mayday was cursing himself inwardly for not thinking about giving the other clones the order to use their old GAR frequencies to avoid detection by the imperials. None of the clones out there were geared up except for the commandos who were either stunned or then simply having their memories lost ever since enlisted by Hemlock. So guess they had no clue on what to do. As it was the evacuation had happened so fast, the last minute change in their planes with Mayday going after Crosshair and the other two. And so, those decisions could not be helped now.

"We could try to use the frequency you sent the message out to. I mean it should work when we are up there." Crosshair pointed upward, meaning space. "It's better to try to contact Rex and his team even if we cannot contact the others. Someone should know we are out."

"We can try." Mayday agreed pushing the pedal to the metal the vessel ascending.

As soon as he hit max thrust they could see the red dots starting to emerge on the nav scan. The whole thing loading up with those cursed dots!

"We have bogies on our tail!" Crosshair gritted through his teeth, not that it was unexpected, but there were so many of them!

"Hold on tight everyone! We're in for a bumpy ride!" Mayday shouted out to the rest of the crew in the back of the shuttle.

Omega braised herself. Placing her small body between the open floor and Tech's stretcher. CT-2706 getting the idea of what she was trying to do quickly made his way to help the young clone getting a small smile from her. Both of them making sure Tech would remain unmoving even if the ship around them had already started shaking badly as it was not really made for this kind of manoeuvring Crosshair and Mayday were doing. The two trying to avoid getting shot by the imps as they really had no means to retaliate. The shuttle armed with only two forwards facing small size canons.

"Hold on!" Mayday shouted as he made a rapid succession of spins and swirlies trying to avoid the blaster fire from the imperial fighters.

Crosshair and Mayday were both glued to their seats, their hands becoming a permanent part of the helm controls trying to anticipate their enemies every move. Not an easy task but somehow they managed to pull through with the complicated manoeuvring reaching ever higher up in the atmosphere even if they were still taking several hits despite the rather brilliant flying.

"Shields are almost depleted." Crosshair shouted over the ruckus.

"I can see that!" Mayday could see more of the fighters were coming after them taking a glance at the screens in front of him.

"We're almost free of the atmosphere." Crosshair had his eyes on the instruments letting Mayday do most of the piloting though, helping were he could as clearly Mayday had some fancy moves up his sleeve, being a tad more of an experienced pilot than Crosshair was. Not that it was a competition! Crosshair could not have been more proud of Mayday at the very moment.

Just then a rather nasty shot hit them, shaking their flying boat rather harshly.

"Shields are gone!"

"Send the message. Now!"

Crosshair only nodded and opened the comms channel, dropping the helm controls for a moment there.

"This is Crosshair. If anyone is listening into this frequency, please respond."

There was static on the line for a moment before they heard it. The familiar voice of a vod on the other end of the line.

"This is Skipper. You've reached Rex's Base." Pause. "He thought you might be contacting us again."

Mayday and Crosshair exchanged glances, not sure whom this Skipper was but it did not matter.

"We've managed to escape but are under heavy fire." Crosshair forwent the pleasantries as per usual and got straight into business. As it was obvious their first message had gone through. "We could use some assistance as we are separated from the main group."

"Rex and the troops should be there soon enough." Skipper enlightened them. "Cannot verify at the moment but I can give you their heading."

Skipper sent the coordinates Rex and his team were headed to having most likely calculated the position of the imperial base after getting the message.

Crosshair could see the coordinates appearing on comms screen and immediately punched them into the nav console.

"Coordinates received. Changing heading now." Crosshair informed Skipper.

"I will ping you on this frequency as soon as I get word from Rex." Skipper assured Crosshair. "Unless you get to them first of course." Skipper chuckled then, even if this wasn't a laughing matter, then again, it was a relief to hear from the other clones just the same.

"Thanks."

"Good luck! Skipper out!"

The comms channel closed.

Mayday had already altered their route accordingly. Pressing on pushing the engines to the ultimate limit. As without shields they were pretty much sitting ducks for the imperials to simply pluck them out.

They reached space soon enough with the fighters continuing their firing and following the shuttle.

"Can you see them? The others?" Mayday was trying to keep the shuttle en route even if they were taking serious hits.

"No, nothing except imperial fighters. We're surrounded." Crosshair had seen the dots on the scanner of course, but it had been impossible to distinguish which of them were imps and which were the others, their people as they were basically all imperial vessels, the stolen transports as well.

"Kriffing Sithspit!" Mayday cursed hitting the breaks as there was nowhere for them to go now, their shields depleted and imperial fighters all over and everywhere around them.

"Only to have come this far…" Crosshair sounded defeated.

As there they were. At a stand still. With the imps. The Tie-fighters had stopped firing clearly wanting them alive? Which was odd as Hemlock was dead and Emerie had pretty much blown up the whole facility most likely dying herself in the explosion. There was no one left there to give them orders. So why were these fighters pilots so adamant in getting the small group of clones alive? The logical thing for them would have been for them to simply blow the rogue clones up and then to simply leave now that the base was half destroyed. Surely there were some imperial cruisers out there for them to fly to?

Just as Crosshair and Mayday were about to loose all hope, something happened.

A bolt of blaster fire swooshed right past their ship, missing them by that much. Then another. And a third followed by a volley of firing. Soon enough the Tie-fighters were getting blown to smithereens one by one. The dots on their scanners disappearing quickly.

"What's happening?" Omega was by the two pilots side now that the ship wasn't moving, having left CT-2706 to take care of Tech. "Who is firing at the imps?"

"Someone is firing. At the imps!" Mayday enlightened her sounding chipper.

They all looked through the viewport trying to find the answer to their question.

And soon enough, there it was. Two none imperial fighters having emerged out of nowhere. Blasting the imps out off the skies, or rather, space in rapid succession. Like a scene from some holo game it was, the unknowns kept on firing at the Tie-fighters.

The comms channel cracked to life soon enough.

"Crosshair! Are you alright in there?" It was Echo's voice coming through loud and clear.

Omega's eyes flew wide and a small smile emerged on her face. She glanced at Crosshair whom seemed choked all of a sudden, hearing his former team mate calling to him. Omega motioned for Crosshair to answer the hail.

"Echo. I should have known it was you pulling all those fancy manoeuvres and never missing their shot." If it was one thing Crosshair had admired of the one armed Arc was his precision in landing his shots.

The two small size and rather manoeuvrable ships were indeed pulling some fancy moves while firing at the imps taking down several in swell swoops. The rest of them starting to flee already, seeing it was a lost battle after all.

"Heh, it's not just Echo." Gregor's chuckle was heard on the other line.

Mayday simply shook his head, even if he was in awe of the two vod'e making the fancy flying out there and shooting the imps.

"Thanks for the assist." Crosshair stated solemnly.

"No problem. We've cleared the path for you. Head on to the coordinates and we'll take care of the rest of them." Echo assured Crosshair.

"Roger that." Crosshair glanced over to Mayday. Reigniting the engines the shuttle was back on route towards their original heading.

It took only a short moment to reach the coordinates Skipper had given them, the imperials now all gone with Echo and Gregor also returning to the small fleet waiting for them.

As they approached the ships the could see the three imperial transport alongside several cruisers. Two of them at least refurbished imperial vessels. The rescued clones were safe and secure that much was sure. Rex and his troops having arrived to the rescue just in time.

"Welcome to our little rebellion!" Echo's voice chimed over the comms as they were nearing the lead ship. "You can land on the Predator. She is the one with yellow and blue paint on her."

"Thanks!" It was Mayday's turn to respond. "Oh, this is Mayday by the way. The one who sent you the message."

"Good to hear you Mayday. Glad you were able to get out." Echo responded in kind.

"Yeah, we're all here. With a few extra passengers on board." Mayday glanced back to the aft, seeing Nala Se there with Tech and the Clone X's still out of it where they had put them.

"We have room!" Echo chuckled. "See you soon in person!"

The shuttle and the two fighters landed on the Predator. As they did, they could feel the familiar rumble of the cruiser ship's engines coming on. The fleet with their rescued transports taking off to hyperspace.

CT-2706 and Omega were the first ones out the ramp, Omega escorting Nala Se who seemed reluctant in leaving the shuttle but Omega assured the Kaminoan she would be safe with her. As it was the clones did not really have any fondness for the scientist after having found out about the chips. But, the also knew she could be useful for them. At least, that was what Omega was betting on, knowing it must've been the reason Crosshair and Mayday had agreed to take her with them in the first place.

CT-2706 could see the welcoming committee already in place with several medics being a sight for sore eyes. Especially for their wounded which there were plenty of after Hemlock's chamber of horror experiences.

"We have wounded here!" CT-2706 hollered to the vod'e medics approaching them.

"We can help with that." The lead medic simply replied and was already on the ramp.

The medics reached the inside and could see one patient on the stretcher and three on the floor.

"He is the priority." Crosshair interjected before the medics could even start. "Tech, is your priority." Crosshair had his eyes squinted as the glared at the medic ominously.

The medic simply nodded and motioned for one of the four of them to check on Tech before moving him out. The other two started scanning the Clone X's. After several scans they looked at each other for a moment before turning to Mayday and Crosshair.

"Um, these three… well, they are alive but there is nothing there to scan for. No brain activity whatsoever."

Mayday and Crosshair exchanged glances as well.

"They're experiments. Empty vessels or something similar." Crosshair tired to explain even if he wasn't too sure himself what it was about the new clones. Not really.

"Nala Se should be able to help you with them." Mayday tried, not really sure but she could try at least.

The two medics only nodded and picked up their comms. "We need three stretchers to the shuttle on the double."

Someone answered on the other end.

"We'll take Tech to the infirmary." The lead medic informed Crosshair. The sniper having kept his eye on Tech the whole time the medics hovered over him. The notion not having not gone unnoticed by the medics either. "He will be taken good care of." Placing a hand on Crosshair's shoulder the lead medic added. "Trust me. I will see to it myself."

Crosshair only nodded and yielded to the situation. Even if his eyes were on the reseeding forms of the medics and Tech was they left the shuttle. Leaving only Mayday and Crosshair there.

"He will be alright, Cross." Mayday assured the sniper as well. "We're among vod'e now."

Crosshair could only nod in agreement when the two started their way out. As they did Crosshair could see Omega already running to Echo who was there to greet them. In the distance, two other familiar figures were approaching the small group of arrivals as well.

Omega was crushing Echo into a tight hug while jumping up the cyborg's body clinging onto him for dear life.

"Echo, I have missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too Kid. We all have." Echo held onto the hanging girl before Hunter and Wrecker reached them only too happy to have her back.

Omega was crying happy tears when Hunter and Wrecker were at their side. Hunter grabbing Omega to his own arms, while Wrecker was patting Omega's head gently. The both of them only too happy to have her back, tear filled eyes being a clear indication it was totally emotional for them all.

"Tech…" Omega tried to tell them.

"I know sweetie, I know." Hunter tried sounding sad and sorry, the grave loss felt there.

"No…" Omega was crying hard, trying to tell Hunter something but he was oblivious to the fact, only too happy to have the Kid back. Both Hunter and Wrecker having totally missed the one patient being hauled to the med bay just as they had arrived.

"She means Tech is alive." Crosshair was by their side neither of them having realised it. But clearly needing to assist Omega in her effort.

Hunter's eyes flew wide, glaring at the sniper and then back at Omega his eyes wandering to Echo and Wrecker and back to Crosshair again who only nodded to Hunter.

"He was with us the whole time." Omega sniffled finally able to speak.

"Hemlock!" Hunter's tone sounded more like a curse than simply stating the evil Doctor's name.

"Yeah, he was a cunning bastard that one." Mayday interjected.

"Was?" Echo had joined the conversation.

"Yeah, he was killed." Crosshair stated sounding rather chipper about it.

"Oh." Hunter managed only.

"Yeah. I guess… there is plenty we need to update you all on." Mayday chuckled nervously glancing at Crosshair, who seemed to keep his distance from the other three, Hunter, Echo and Wrecker.

Mayday had seen how close Tech and Omega had been with Crosshair. So, guessing this was something they needed to figure out still. The remaining Batchers and Crosshair. As Mayday was now privy to what had happened after all their long conversations they had had during their imprisonment.

"From what we could see the base was pretty much destroyed." Gregor had joined the small group as well. "I managed to take some scans while we took down those imp bastards."

"Me too." Echo smiled at Gregor, patting the man on his back the two having become close during the time they had both worked for Rex.

"So, guess that closes that book then?" Hunter simply asked.

"Yeah, guess so." Crosshair simply stated, not really sure where he stood in regards to Hunter and the other two. Of course he knew where he was with Omega and Tech now. The three having bonded during their captivity. But Hunter was a whole other story. Echo though, seemed to harbour no ill will towards Crosshair. As proof of that, as soon as the small talk was over Echo grabbed Crosshair in for a tight hug.

"Glad to have you back Cross." Echo smiled at the sniper.

"I, yeah. Thanks!" As what else was there to say? Hugging Echo back as what else could he do?

Hunter and Wrecker were already on their way towards the med bay with Omega. Thus taking over the watch duty from Crosshair. Tech was their concern now. They were his Batch after all. Not Crosshair's. And so, his duty for Tech was over now.

"I will go and report to Rex. He is on the other ship." Echo told Crosshair then. "I will join with you two in the infirmary after that." Echo made it sound so obvious.

But Crosshair simply stood there looking all confused. Mayday right by his side. Echo sensing this confusion turned back.

"If you are worried about the other rescues, we sent medics over to the ships already as soon was we reached them. They were lucky enough to get away without notice by the imperials." Echo tried but seeing the confusion still on Crosshair's face he realised something else.

"They will want you there, Cross. Just go." Echo had a small smile in his face as he said it seeing the two standing there side by side. Really close to each other. "Take Mayday with you."

"Are you sure?" Crosshair's tone was as low as a whisper.

"Yeah, Cross. I am sure."

Crosshair nodded as Echo took his leave.

"So, shall we?" Crosshair heard Mayday's soft voice asking. "I'm sure Echo meant what he said."

"Yeah." Was all Crosshair managed, not really believing it but what else was he to do? They could always throw him out from there if they did not want him with Tech and all.

A few weeks had passed since the rescue mission. The clones settling in, the chips removed from the lot. The commandos had already joined in the fight as were the others too because there was still much to do. So many in need of saving.

Crosshair had remained as well. A direct request coming from Rex had made his decision final. To stay. Well, that and the fact that Mayday had joined in the cause as well.

There was still friction there between Crosshair and Hunter even if Wrecker had pretty much welcomed the sniper with open arms following Echo's example easily. Naturally, having heard the story as told by Omega and also from the recovering Tech had fuelled Wrecker further.

"I knew you missed us." Wrecker had simply told Crosshair while giving him the bear hug.

It had been a longer road for Tech though. The recovery. As whatever Hemlock or possibly Emerie had done to him had caused the genius to remain in a coma for some time even if there were no visible injuries on his person after having been released from the stasis pod back on the imperial base.

But the medics together with Nala Se's help were trying to figure things out. Tech was back to his usual self now soon to be released from the infirmary. The rest of his team having been by his side constantly. That included Crosshair and Mayday. Naturally. The four having become close during the time spent on Mount Tantiss.

Mayday having been rejoined with Hexx and Veetch, the two being among the many clones rescued. As it was Mayday was spending most of his time with Crosshair, Echo, Gregor, Howzer and Omega among other vod'e on the base. Tumblr having become a permanent fixture as had CT-2706 now having been christened as Dopey. The commando sometimes dozing off during the long game nights the clones liked to spend their off hours between missions. Most of the new arrivals were yet to be cleared for duty, but they were all eager to take part in the fight just the same. Even Crosshair. Himself, Mayday, Veetch, Hexx, Tumblr and Dopey forming a team when they were finally cleared. Something to be happening soon enough.

The Clone X's were pretty much as they had been before. But Nala Se had figured out something and had promised Rex she should be able to reverse the process and get them all back to normal. Whatever that meant for them. One thing was sure that they would be like infants having no knowledge of anything. That was the cost of the reversal. Something which Rex had agreed to. Omega had been right. They all deserved a second chance.

There was no news of Mount Tantiss or the imperial base. No chatter on the imperial channels. They were planning on doing a flyby at some point, but that would have to wait for now as there were more reports coming in of similar facilities around the galaxy. And so, they needed to raid those before it was too late for the clones being detained in them.

All and all, pretty exiting times for the clone rebel close. Or at least, that was how they all felt, having all been given a fighting chance at least.

"Tech! You're up!" Hunter greeted the man. "I thought you were going to take a rest after the game you had with Omega." Hunter smiled at Tech only glad he was back with them, alive and well. Well, part from the constant headaches Tech seemed to have. But they were under control for now and Nala Se was constantly monitoring Tech for any changes.

"I am. I think I have had enough sleep to last me a while!" Tech sounded annoyed, but he totally enjoyed all the attention and pampering he was getting. Secretly. Sometimes cracking a smile though. His fellow Batchers and a bunch of new friends visiting him frequently, lavishing the clone in their attention.

It seemed the line drawn between the regs and the enhanced clones were slowly but surely fading. They were all on the same side and they were all kin after all. And so many had already been lost. It was time to put whatever there had once been aside and concentrate on their future. All their future.

"Well, you are still on the mend. Plummeting to your death and all that." Hunter was half joking even if they all still felt it. The loss having been quiet real for Hunter, Wrecker and Echo.

"I could help, you know." Tech said solemnly.

Hunter could see the several data pads on the side table. Knowing Tech had been somewhat busy. The others, Echo especially having snuck them for Tech even if the doctor's orders had been quite clear. For Tech to rest. But that brilliant mind could hardly do it.

"I can see you already are." Hunter nodded towards the now discarded pads.

"Oh those." Tech had kinda been caught there. "Well, it's just a few minor things Echo needed help with."

"Yeah, I am sure he did."

"So, is Crosshair joining the squad?" Tech of course knew what had happened to Crosshair and so did Hunter. Now. But.

"It's complicated." Hunter's go to answer.

"Is it?"

"Yeah…." Hunter sighed, his expression changing, not really wanting to talk about that particular topic. "He has already been chosen to another team."

"Mayday's." Tech wasn't asking, having seen the clear bond the two now shared. But he had heard the news as well. The grapevine always busy. Of course.

"Yeah. So guess there is that."

"It's not a competition Hunter."

"No?"

"No."

"Fine."

"Well, we are all on the same side. And I have some ideas."

"You do?" Hunter wasn't surprised, not really. But being a tactician had been more up Echo's ally, not that Tech's ideas weren't good.

"Yes. I will talk with Rex about them if that is okay with you Hunter."

"Of course it is. I am sure he is happy to have your insights."

Tech nodded only, happy Hunter agreed. After all, Tech was still grounded.

"So you are going out with Wrecker? Omega?"

"Omega is helping Nala Se. It's the best place for her now. But I've managed to recruit a few of the commandos to join us. Scorch for one, remember him?"

"Sure do. So, commandos huh?"

"Yeah. We're taking on an undercover op." Hunter wasn't eager to leave Tech, but he knew he would be safe at least on the base. And alive.

"Well, then, guess I need to start on that planning with Rex then." Tech was bored after all, being grounded was never easy for any of them.

"So, any other news to share, Hunter?" Tech and Hunter continued their chatting for a while there having time together before the medics turned up for yet another check. Tech indeed was well taken care of.

All being well in the world of the rogue clones in their small corner of the galaxy. At least for now it was. Calm space and smooth sailing ahead, the missions waiting for them. Those ones to save others of their kind.

The never ending (the post credit scene)

'Just because someone dies right in front of one's very eyes, doesn't mean they aren't coming back? Right?'

A single hand rose up from the rubble. Punching its way through from under the bulk of debris.

Soon enough a body pushed through as well. All dusty, hardly srecoknosible, their eyes closed. But, that did not mean their vocal cords were limited or not working. No. The scream of the one name on their mind finally escaping the dust filled lungs.

"Omega!"

Shouting out in pain. Cursing all the clones to the deepest of hells! The half dead body wobbled toward the ruins which had once been a control panel. Pushing a few buttons on there surprisingly remaining intact.

"Oh come one! Work dammit!" The curse was audible again.

The panel finally moving and revealing a concealed keyboard.

Tapping on the keys, something started to happen. The floor before them opened up revealing an escape pod. As they approached it with shaky legs, loosing footing once in a while. The blood covering their torn up body with severe cuts and scrapes. Clothing having been ripped and torn. But they did not seem to care. Being hellbent on revenge after making their way out from under fallen debris.

Emerie Karr had wobbled out from under the rubble. With the fires burning all around, the building shaking soon to collapse in on it self. But she did not care. She was pissed to the bone pushing her way out and into the pod. Her final words before the hatch closed.

"You will all be sorry you ever stepped on my path and ruined my best plans!"

Is this the end of the story?