Once they were in Hyperspace, Tech relaxed a little.
"So, how long are we staying at the Lawquane household?" Echo asked.
Hunter replied, "I'd say at least until Omega's sutures dissolve."
"How long will that be?" Omega asked.
"Two to three weeks after they went in, so ten to seventeen days. I'll check them on Day 7 to check their progress," Tech stated.
"Alright, thanks Tech." Omega smiled sleepily. After a few more minutes, she drifted off to sleep.
"She needs all the rest she can get at the moment," Hunter said, looking at Tech, who nodded. Wrecker headed over and tucked Lula next to Omega while Echo asked, "How long will it be before we arrive on Dantooine?"
"Two hours," Tech replied.
Hunter nodded, "A good amount of rest time for Omega, then."
The crew nodded, and Echo replied, "Agreed. She needs it if she's going to heal properly."
During the trip, Wrecker asked, "I heard about the battle of Dantooine during the Clone Wars. What's it like?
"You would be correct, Wrecker. Jedi Master Mace Windu destroyed a devastating Separatist superweapon that could punch big holes in the planet's surface," Tech stated, not turning from the pilot seat.
He continued, "Dantooine is in the Outer Rim in the Raioballo sector. Dantooine is on the Myto's arrow and the Veragi Trade Route. It has a mild climate, with terrain consisting of grassy plains, hills, rivers and great lakes. It is currently mid-fall on the planet."
"What?" Wrecker asked.
"It's an outer rim world with a mild climate, and a Jedi destroyed a Separatist superweapon there during the Clone Wars." Echo summarised.
"Oh. That explains a lot about what the Regs had said." Wrecker replied.
Once they arrived on Dantooine, Hunter gently nudged Omega to wake her.
"We're here already?" Omega asked, still half asleep as she rubbed her eyes.
Hunter replied, "You've been asleep for almost two hours. But yes, we've arrived on Dantooine."
"Two hours? Wow, was I asleep the whole time?" Omega asked.
Tech stated, "With the injuries, you have sustained, rest is the best thing you can do right now."
As Omega detached herself from Hunter. "OK, Tech." Hunter kept a hand on her back to keep her steady.
As the Batch disembarks, they spot a familiar face.
"Long time no see, boys," Rex said.
Hunter replied, "Captain."
"How are we?" Rex asked.
Hunter replied, "Still rattled after what happened to Omega."
"Understandable. I'll quickly warn Jek and Shaeeah to be careful with her. Though, I should also advise being careful with Suu now," Rex replied. Wrecker asked, "What does that mean?"
Rex smiled and replied, "You'll find out. Now follow me" he headed down the path to the Lawquane household.
After about five minutes, Rex reaches the household with the Batch close behind.
"Stay, please. I'll be back in a minute," Rex said.
Hunter nodded, and they waited as Rex headed inside.
"Wonder what's going on with Suu," Echo asked.
Hunter replied, "Well, we'll find out soon".
Soon, Rex returned.
"You can come in. Just be quiet. Suu's asleep at the moment," Rex said as the Batch quietly entered.
As they passed the Living Room, Jek and Shaeeah spotted Omega and ran up to her excitedly.
"We're so glad to see you again, Omega." Jek stated, and Shaeeah, seeing Omega's downer demeanour and the shadows under her eyes, asked nervously, "Are you OK?"
Omega replied, holding her head a bit as a dull headache returned, "Please be quieter. I'm a bit sensitive at the moment."
"Alright," they both replied, evidently unnerved by Omega's change in behaviour. Tech noticed they were noticeably taller than the last time they'd seen them, though Shaeeah was now shorter than Omega.
The Kitchen was bright and temperate, the only smell coming from a cup of half-drunk caff Cut had on the table.
Tastes came from the caff, plus the slight manure smell outside and the oaky scent of the furniture. The ground was firm but soft on Hunter's boots. Everyone could see Cut's more formal clothes, but only Hunter noticed a few more grey hairs in Cut's receding hairline.
"Hey, guys," Cut called from the kitchen table as Jek and Shaeeah joined him. He seemed normal for Cut, save for slightly more formal clothes. Hunter returned the wave and said: "Hey, how are you going?"
"Rattled after Omega almost died a few days ago," Hunter admitted.
"What?" Cut, Jek and Shaeeah all asked, shocked. Shaeeah carefully hugged Omega while Cut looked between her and Hunter.
"We were trying to get a secret Separatist Weapon out of a base on Agamar. I thought the end of the Clone Wars had decommissioned the Battle Droids, but someone had reactivated them. As we left, a Rocket Droid shot a Rocket at Hunter and Omega. Omega copped the blast, though the rocket didn't hit her directly." Tech stated.
Hunter added, "She was bleeding like mad. I had to use my bandana to help stop her bleeding out. Tech and Echo managed to stabilise her once we were back on the ship, and now we're here, so Omega, and all of us, can rest and recover."
"I'm so sorry that happened to you, Omega," Cut said sympathetically, and she replied, "Thanks, Cut."
"So, what's new with you?" Hunter asked, but at that moment, Suu exited her room and entered the Kitchen. She seemed normal, except she had a decent-sized bulge on her stomach.
"Good Afternoon, sweetie. How are you?" Cut asked, smiling.
Suu replied, "I'll be glad when the morning sickness passes."
"Morning sickness?" Hunter asked.
Tech replied, "It's a common side off of, oh." he realised what this meant. He looked at Suu, then looked back to Cut and stated, "Suu's pregnant, isn't she?"
"Fourteen weeks." Suu replied, smiling, while Cut added, "A child I'm responsible for bringing into the world. I've wanted it for years, but only now is the farm doing well enough to add another kid to the family" Jek smiled and replied, "I'm going to be a big brother. I'm so excited."
"Aw, we're so proud of both of you," Echo said, and Omega replied, "Do you know if it's a boy or girl yet?"
"No. We'll find out in a few weeks," Cut replied.
Suu nodded. Cut then turned to Hunter and asked: "How badly is Omega hurt?"
"Pretty bad. There are 14 Sutures on Omega's side and a concussion." Tech replied.
Cut whistled, then enquired, "Geez, you've been through the meat grinder, Omega. How are you holding up?"
Omega sighed and replied, "Not well, honestly."
"On top of all that, the nightmares are back, and the pain she's constantly in is making her tired and irritable," Hunter replied.
"I just want to sleep, alright? I'm always tired and can't think straight because of the Concussion." Omega snapped back. Suu smiled kindly at Omega and said, "You can rest in the kid's room if you want. Jek's bed is too small for you, but you may be able to squeeze into Shaeeah's bed."
"Alright, I'll do that. Thanks, Suu." Omega replied, getting up and giving Suu a gentle hug, which she returned before Suu guided her to the kid's room.
"Poor girl," Cut said.
Hunter sighed, "I don't know what to do. She's been like this to varying degrees for the past few months. Especially after what happened with Daro and Kamino."
"I'm still furious that the Empire destroyed Tipoca City," Cut admitted before continuing, "All you can do right now is what you've been doing. Support her as much as possible. But also giving her space when she needs it. How old is she, by the way?"
"13," Tech stated.
Cut smiled and replied, "It's not just the stresses of being on the run. Omega's going through puberty too, so all the hormones flying around her body aren't helping."
"That would explain a lot," Echo responded. Suu soon returned and said, "She's resting now. I've got some music going in the background to help."
"Is Omega going to be OK?" Shaeeah asked nervously.
Hunter patted Shaeeah affectionately and replied, "She'll be OK. Just needs a lot of support now."
"Then that's what we'll give her," Shaeeah replied, perking up immediately. Jek then asked, "you said Omega has a concussion. What does that mean?"
"It means she has a concussion, so her brain has been bounced around inside her head and was injured. You've already seen a couple of the effects of concussions, and they can take up to two weeks to clear," Tech stated.
Both Jek and Shaeeah look at him, confused. Echo added, "It means her brain's bounced around, and that's why she's constantly tired and has headaches."
"Oh," Shaeeah replied. Cut then stood up and said, "Feel free to make yourselves at home. I'm going to set everything up for you guys. There's a large shed nearby that you guys could use as sleeping quarters. It'll be roomy enough for all five of you."
"Uncle Hunter, can Omega please stay with us?" Shaeeah pleaded.
Hunter thought about this for a bit, then stated, "Alright. On one condition, there has to be enough room for a third bed for her"
"I can handle that once she's awake," Cut said.
Hunter nodded. Jek and Shaeeah then ran out the front to play, with Wrecker joining them, while Tech went back onto his datapad, Hunter followed Cut to help him set up, and Echo, being a mama bear, went to check on Omega. Meanwhile, AZ-Pi joined Jek, Shaeeah and Wrecker.
Echo finds Hunter and Cut at the shed shortly after checking on Omega.
"Good news Hunter, the room's big enough for all three of them," Echo said.
Hunter smiled and replied, "That's good to hear."
"It'll be good to have Omega spend some time with kids, maybe not her age, but from what I've heard, kids who can give her something like a childhood back." Cut states.
Hunter nodded and replied, "We've done what we can to do already. She's got quite the art set and a few stuffed animals. But that's all we can manage on the ship, unfortunately."
"Hey, you're doing your best. That's all we can ask," Cut replied.
"What do we do once Omega wakes up?" Hunter asked.
Echo replied, "Find something for all three of them to do that won't stress Omega's mind."
"Sounds good. Should I help you get your stuff off the ship?" Cut asked.
Hunter replied, "That would be, appreciated"
"Alright," Cut replied. The three of them worked through the early afternoon to get the beds sorted, and then, with help from Tech, they were able to get all the Batch's stuff off the ship.
About mid-afternoon, Omega awakens. She feels more rested now than she had at any point over the last few days, ever since she was injured. Carefully climbing out of Shaeeah's bed, which she barely fit in, she headed out to the Kitchen, thinking of doing some drawing until dinner. It was then that she saw Shaeeah drawing with a small art set. The only change in the Kitchen was that lights were dimmer, and the only sounds came from Shaeeah's drawing.
Omega felt bad for Shaeeah, only having a few colour pencils and a few pieces of paper to draw on. She goes to find Hunter and finds him in the Living Room with Cut, Tech, Suu and Wrecker.
A light in the ceiling was the source of the Living Room's light, dimmed to help Omega. The other lights came from the television that the adults were watching. The scents mainly came from the carpet and the TV. Omega saw the sofa was barely holding Cut, Suu, Hunter and Echo on it.
"Hey Hunter, have you got my art set off the ship?" Omega asked.
Hunter replied, "It's in the shed. Why?"
"I want to draw with Shaeeah for a bit, but she has hardly any colour pencils and only a few pieces of paper," Omega replied.
Echo responded, "You stay in the Kitchen. I'll go get your art set."
"OK," Omega replied, and she took a seat at the table, waiting for Echo to return.
By the time Eco returned, Jek had joined them. They all started drawing.
Hunter sensing something about Omega he couldn't believe, put his plan into action. He entered the Living Room and said, "Hey Tech, Suu, Echo, can I talk to you guys? Privately", which puzzled the three of them. Suu stated, "We can use my room. How does that sound?"
"Sounds good," Hunter replied, and they headed for her room.
When they arrived, Tech asked, "What is it?"
"It's about Omega. On top of all the pain she's in, and despite being injured, her first period's starting." Hunter said.
Suu asked, "How do you know that?"
"It's my enhanced senses. I can sense the changes in Omega's hormones. I can sense the discomfort. Even if she doesn't know it." Hunter replied.
Suu, Tech and Echo all nodded.
"What's the plan?" Echo asked,
Hunter replied, "Well, Echo, as a former reg, did you ever encounter anything like this?"
The question took Echo by surprise. He hadn't talked much about the time he was a reg, but, indeed, he had.
"When I was with the 501st, the General had a padawan, a Togruta female about a year or two older than Omega. After this happened the first time, I read as much as possible about it. So, I know a lot about this." Echo replied, and at this point, he was grateful for having Suu here. Suu smiled and replied, "I'm guessing you boys are grateful for me being here?"
"Very," Hunter replied, and both Tech and Echo nodded.
"I can understand your awkwardness regarding this. I'll take Omega to Civys later and get Omega the sanitary products she needs." Suu replied.
"Thanks a ton, Suu," Hunter replied. He then turned to Tech and asked: "Are there any fruits that can help with periods that grow on Dantooine?" but Suu replied, "Yes. The Itari fruit. It helps a lot with my periods."
"Thanks, Suu. What do they look like?" Tech asked.
"They're about the size of large apples. They're red and oblong. Their exteriors are pretty tough, but it splits easily, and the interior has soft, white insides with the texture of Yoghurt, the consistency of clotted cream, and tastes nice too." Suu replied.
Tech researched it, then nodded.
"Ah, yes. The compounds in the fruit can help manage bleeding and cramps, help Omega recover, and help control her hormones, so they'll be great for managing periods." Tech stated.
The rest nodded, and Hunter replied, "Alright, we have a game plan,"
The rest of the group nodded. Suu opened the door, and they exited the room.
About half an hour later, Suu approaches the kids.
"Sorry to interrupt, but can I please talk to Omega quickly? And in private?" Suu asked kindly.
Omega replied, "Sure."
"My room, please," Suu said, and she headed for her room, and Omega followed.
Suu's room was slightly colder than the rest of the house. The walls were a soft purple and had a double bed on them.
Cut's side had a weighted blanket on the side, while Suu's blankets were thinner.
The only .light source was from outside, though the window had black curtains and a nightlight on the bedside table. There was a gentle lavender fragrance in the room, which Omega both smelt and tasted, and the carpet was very soft. Omega also noticed a slight brace on Suu's side of the bed, which Omega deduced was to support Suu during her pregnancy.
When they entered, Omega said, "Nice room,"
Suu nodded and replied, "Thanks."
"So, Hunter told me about something that's starting for you now," Suu said, taking a seat and patting the spot next to her. Omega obliges and asks, "What do you mean?"
Suu sat there, thinking about what phrase she would say. Finally, she said, "You're probably wondering what the conversation was about between me, Hunter, Tech and Echo, aren't you."
"Judging by the fact we're talking in private, it was about me somehow," Omega replied.
Suu nodded, then asked, "Well, I need to ask you a question. Do you know what a menstrual cycle is?"
Omega replied, "Not really. I know it involves my womb. I know it has something to do with childbirth. Why?"
"Well, unlike me, where Cut supplied the other cell required for the creation of new life, for you, that didn't happen, so your body, which had prepared for it, is now tearing down the preparations. Or at least, it's about to. It's called a period. And, from Hunter's sensing, your first period is coming. And I want to take you to a place called Civys, where I get the sanitary items needed, and you can get some for yourself." Suu replied, which surprised Omega. Then again, now she realised this, she could feel a slight discomfort around her waist and groin regions.
"I haven't noticed this discomfort until just now. I guess that's what happens when you're in as much pain consistently as I am," Omega sighed. Suu put a hand on her shoulder and said kindly, "I understand. So, you want to do this with me?"
"Sure. Just, I'd like it if Hunter could join us." Omega responded. Suu suggested, "I suggest Echo. He's got the knowledge and experience to help you," which surprised Omega.
"Wait. Echo has had experience with this before?" Omega asked.
Suu replied, "Yes, one of the commanders in the Republic was a Togruta female. And she was about your age when her first period hit."
"Oh, I didn't know that. Alright, Echo." Omega replied. She was annoyed that Hunter wouldn't join them, but Echo would have been her second choice.
"Wait, you want to go now?" Omega asked.
Suu replied, "Not right now. But soon. I'll go find Echo first, alright?"
"Alright," Omega replied, and they exited the room. Omega returned to the Kitchen and continued drawing while Suu followed and went looking for Echo.
Thankfully, Suu didn't have to go far to find Echo, as he was out back relaxing.
"Hey Echo," Suu said before continuing, "So, I'm taking Omega to Civys to get her sanitary products. You want to come along?"
Echo replied, "Alright. But only as support for Omega.''
"That's what we were planning," Suu replied, and they went back inside.
Seeing Suu and Echo, Omega turned to Jek and Shaeeah and said, "Oh, sorry guys, I've got to get going for a bit. I'll be back."
"Alright. See you soon," both Jek and Shaeeah stated before they spotted Suu and Echo, and Shaeeah asked, "Hey mom, Uncle Echo, where are you two going?"
"We're getting some private stuff for Omega," Echo replied. Shaeeah nodded, then said to Omega, "Oh, OK. Good luck"
"Thanks," Omega replied, and the trio headed out. As they did, Suu stopped at the Lounge Room and called for Tech, then guided him to the bush where the fruit was before heading to Civys.
It took about half an hour to get to Civys, which turned out to be an indoor shopping mart, a cross between a pharmacy and a newsagent. The floor was tile, hard and rough. There were aisles of books, art products, medicines for many ailments, various toys, and hygiene products about halfway to the back of the store. The sound of the register was constant, and there was a bewildering array of smells and tastes from everything and every direction.
And both Omega and Echo were immediately overwhelmed, not only by how many feminine hygiene products there were but by the number of different brands of each type.
"You two alright?" Suu asked, turning to check on Omega and Echo, who had just recovered from the shock.
"Alright, Suu. What would you recommend?" Echo asked.
Suu grabbed a moderately large package from the shelf and showed it to Omega.
"This brand is the one I use. Though my periods are heavy, they may be a little heavy-duty for you." Suu said.
Omega replied, "I don't know yet how bad mine will be, but if you recommend them, I'd be willing to give them a shot,"
"Alright. Next question, are you fussed at all about the material?" Suu asked.
Omega nervously replied, "I just want something that catches what's coming, a fit for my anatomy, and is easily replaceable.."
"Alright," Suu replied, scanning the aisles. Echo put a hand on Omega's shoulder, and she felt reassured. After a minute or two, Suu takes a medium-sized pad pack and shows it to Omega.
"Here we go, and it's grey, one of the squad colours," Suu said kindly. Omega took them and looked them over.
"What do you think of this Echo?" Omega asked, showing them to Echo. He looked at them and replied, "I say go for it. And if they don't work properly, we can try another brand."
"Alright. Then I'll use these." Omega replied, smiling. Suu returned the smile, then said, "Anything else?" and at this, Echo remembered something.
"Omega's down to one shirt, and she's growing out of her clothes. She needs new ones." Echo stated.
Suu nodded and replied, "Then we'll pay for these and go to a clothes store to pick some new clothes up,"
"Alright," Echo replied. He added, "Oh, Omega, you should grab a few packs. We don't know when we can get back to Dantooine."
"Alright," Omega replied, grabbing two more packs. After they made their way to the counter and Suu paid for them, they headed for the clothing store.
Once they reach the clothes store, Suu enters, and they start looking around. Initially, Suu went to the children's section, where she would get clothes for Jek and Shaeeah. However, she remembers that Omega's much older and considerably taller than Jek and Shaeeah. So, she heads for the teenage female section instead.
"I mostly want clothes for what we do," Omega said.
Suu nodded, then replied, "That's fine, Omega. But I recommend you get clothes for when you're being casual."
"Honestly, I don't mind. You need casual wear when we're on breaks like now." Echo responded, putting his hand on Omega's shoulder. Omega sighed and asked, "Alright. But what if there isn't enough room?"
"We'll make room, don't worry, Omega," Echo reassured her, and Omega smiled gently.
"OK," Omega replied. Firstly, Omega found some clothes that would fit her and fit with what they do. She went to the fitting room and tried on the top and pants.
"How do I look?" Omega asked.
Suu replied, "Lovely", while Echo felt the sleeve fabric, then said, "This is thicker, so it'll keep you a bit warmer."
"That's nice to hear, '' Omega replied. Echo then added, "Now, you need new boots too. They're worn, and you're getting too big for them"
"Alright, I know where the shoes are," Suu replied, and she led them to the shoe section.
Here, Omega found some black and white shoes a size up from her current ones. Trying it on and walking around a bit, Omega smiled.
"I like them," Omega said.
Both Suu and Echo replied, "Lovely to hear". Suu added, "Now, let's get you some casual wear."
"Sounds good," Echo and Omega replied, and they headed back to the teenager's section.
After a few minutes, Suu found a knee-length casual, blue and black dress that she offered to Omega.
"Seems a bit girly," Omega admitted. Echo grabbed a darker blue dress, which Omega immediately liked.
"This looks good," Omega said.
Suu smiled and replied, "Try it on". Omega nodded and headed for the fitting room.
Once she exits the fitting room, Echo and Suu approve the dress. Suu then whispers something to Omega, making her blush a bit.
"Um, alright," Omega replied and went to the undergarment section.
After about ten minutes, Omega and Suu both return. And Omega asked, "Do you know where I can get sports bras?"
"There's some in the sports section," Suu replied, and they headed for the sports section.
Finally, Omega returned, still slightly embarrassed, and said, "I think we've got everything?"
"Yep, we're good. Now let's get home," the trio pays before heading home.
When they get home, Suu and Omega head for the refresher so she can show Omega how to put the adsorption pad in and instruct her on replacing it. Soon, Omega was ready, and, wearing a black set of pants and her new, short-sleeve navy blue dress, Omega exits and re-joins Jek and Shaeeah, the latter commenting, "Nice dress."
"Thanks," Omega replied, smiling. The trio returns to drawing while Echo and Suu return to the Living Room.
After a while, Gonky entered, and both Jek and Shaeeah happily ran over and started decorating him, which he cheerfully called. Omega smiled at this, finding it made her happy.
The night's dinner was sumptuous, like spaghetti Bolognese. The Batch and Omega, who had been subsisting on Ration bars for the past several months, this was divine.
"These beats ration bars," Wrecker stated.
Omega replied, "Definitely. Good to have a proper meal."
"Enjoy them while you can. Oh, that reminds me, there's a new type of ration bars that are more nutritious, especially for teens like Omega but taste a lot better." Cut said.
Hunter replied, "How do we get them?"
"Normal place. They're slightly more expensive but well worth it. Filling for people like Wrecker," Suu replied, smiling as she saw Wrecker take his third serve.
"That'll be important for me," Wrecker stated.
Echo nodded and replied, "At least Omega joining us doesn't affect our food bill."
"It's cheaper since Omega eats about half to two-thirds as much as Crosshair did," Hunter sighed. He still was bitter about abandoning Crosshair.
After dinner, they all enjoyed dessert, which for Omega included the Itari fruit that Tech had picked earlier. She enjoyed it and felt relief from it as her cramping was getting worse.
After dinner, the whole group watched a movie, except for Omega and Suu, who went out the front to talk about anything and everything, and it allowed Omega to get quite a bit off her chest.
After the movie, everyone dispersed for the night. Omega joined Jek and Shaeeah in the kids' room while Hunter, Tech, Wrecker and Echo headed out to the nearby shed, and Suu and Cut went to their room.
Omega changed into her night clothes in the refresher while Jek and Shaeeah got changed in their room.
Once Omega returned, they got ready for bed and snuggled down.
After wishing each other good night, the trio drifted off to sleep.
The quiet of the night at the Lawquane household was interrupted by distressing sounds from the kid's room. Suddenly, Jek's panicked voice calls, "Shaeeah, go rouse the batchers. I'll try to wake her."
Shaeeah, just as panicked, called, "Alright," and she ran outside and to the shed while Jek tried to wake Omega.
Shaeeah reached the shed and started banging on the door. After a few moments, Hunter opened the door and said, "Shaeeah, why are you banging on our door at two in the morning?"
"It's Omega, she's," Shaeeah replied, but she didn't get further than that before everyone except Wrecker ran for the house. Wrecker stopped long enough to pick up Shaeeah and carry her.
Meanwhile, Jek and Omega
Jek tried to wake Omega as she thrashed and sobbed in her night terrors.
"Omega, wake up! Please! What you're seeing isn't real," Jek said as Omega's arm lashed out. Jek managed to avoid her flailing hand twice but wasn't so lucky the third time and was whacked on the cheek, causing him to stumble back. However, the pain from the hit was enough to wake Omega, and she scrambled to a sitting position, looking around wild-eyed and terrified, breathing fast.
"Omega?" Jek asked nervously. Omega couldn't hear him as she held her head in her hands. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears, feeling like the sound was rattling around in her skull. Her head and side felt like they were on fire, the tears streaming down her face, her chest felt tight and constricted, her nightclothes, especially her shirt and tank top, were drenched with sweat, and every breath came sharp and fast. Omega's screams had woken Cut and Suu. Cut entered the room and grabbed Omega by the shoulders to try and calm her down.
"Easy, Omega, easy. Breathe, breathe," came Cut's voice, full of concern, and he tried to help stabilise Omega. After a few moments, Hunter took over while Cut started comforting Jek and Shaeeah.
The contact was enough to bring Omega out of her panic, and she started regulating her breathing. As the rest of the Batch arrived, Hunter said, "Shaeeah, get Omega some water" Shaeeah nodded. Wrecker put her down, and she ran for the kitchen to get some water.
"You're alright, ad'ika, you're alright," Hunter repeated as he patted Omega. Shaeeah rushed back in with the glass of water, and Hunter stabilised Omega's hands enough for her to drink a few sips.
"Are you alright?" Hunter asked, his hands still on Omega's shoulders. After a few minutes, during which Omega collected her thoughts, she nodded silently, still holding her head and side, though the pain was lessening.
"Do you need any more water?" Shaeeah asked, offering the glass. Omega smiled and patted Shaeeah on the head but declined as she wrapped her arms around Hunter.
"Tech, Omega's clothes are soaked with sweat. They need to be changed," Hunter called.
Tech stated, "I'll get them," and exited. Suu kneeled next to Omega and said kindly, "Omega, could you please follow me to the refresher? You can get changed privately and shower to get the sweat off your body and out of your hair."
Omega replied, "Alright. But I want to go outside afterwards. it's too hot and stuffy in here," she detached herself from Hunter and followed Suu.
"Shaeeah, when Tech returns, you can take Omega's change of clothes into her, alright?" Hunter stated.
When Tech returned, Shaeeah called, "Give them to me."
Tech gave them to her and stated, "Here you go. Please take this to Omega."
"Yes, sir," Shaeeah replied, and she headed for the refresher.
Suu returns about ten minutes later, and she and Cut start comforting Jek and Shaeeah while the Batch goes outside to help Omega.
As Omega stepped outside, she felt the cool air on her and found it comforting. It allowed her to ground herself. She was on Dantooine, not Kamino. She heard footsteps and turned around to see her brothers exiting, looking concerned for her. Hunter looked at Omega, who was usually bright-eyed and happy, with an infectious laugh, and the brightest smile in the galaxy, but right now, she was curled up in on herself, upset, stressed, and very afraid.
Echo approached and invited Omega to snuggle against him, which she did, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"What was it this time?" Echo asked.
Omega whimpered, "Being tested on by Nala Se. She hooked me to several machines and pumped a strange liquid into me. And it hurt so much, and I didn't want to do it. I told her to stop, but she said I was helping and to endure for her". At that, she shuddered and dissolved into tears again. And at this, Omega pulled the sleeves of her shirt up, showing the familiar IV scars that covered her upper arms.
The entire squad focused on calming Omega down, which she did quickly.
"Omega, you're useful and helpful. You're good and brave, not for what Nala Se did to you, but for what you chose to do. You chose to help people like us, Hera and Gregor," Echo said, and Omega flinched visibly at the mention of Gregor. That debacle on Daro still troubled her. Echo patted her on the back until she calmed again.
"You also choose to see the good in people like Roland and Crosshair. You provide support for all of us when we need it. But now, please, allow us to help support you too." Echo said.
Omega tearily nodded. Echo continued to stroke her hair gently as they continued to watch the stars.
It took a while for Omega to stop crying and for her breathing to even out. Echo supported her as much as he could, having a good idea of what Omega was going through.
They were home, away from the physical prisons that had kept them trapped, alone and isolated for so long. However, the mental prison, the pain, nightmares, memories, and physical scars. For Echo, the mechanical arm and legs. For Omega, the IV scars all over her upper arms, as constant reminders of that time, were much harder to escape. However, having a family, and other support, makes it easier for both to bear the pain, push aside those memories, and push through. In addition, when those traces of the past did come back, they could work together to get through it, reassure them, and provide comfort and support.
One day, it wouldn't hurt anymore. But for now, it was just enough to feel comforted, safe, and reassured.
While comforting Omega, Hunter noticed Suu opening a window to the kids' room, hopefully making it more temperate and less stuffy.
Eventually, Omega yawned.
"I think it's time to return to your room," Echo said.
Omega nodded and replied, "Thanks, all of you. I'm glad I can depend on you guys to support me."
"No worries, Omega, you're our sister and going through a rough patch. It'd be irresponsible of us not to." Echo replied.
Omega nodded. Suu stood at the entrance, and Omega got up and turned to face her.
"Are Jek and Shaeeah OK?" she asked nervously.
Suu replied, "They're OK, Omega. We got them back to sleep. Come, I think I've got a couple of things that'll help you too,"
"Good night," she said.
The Batch replied, "Goodnight, Omega." she followed Suu inside.
Omega returned to her room and was glad that the room felt more temperate and much less stuffy. She also heard music. Looking around, Omega saw a music player on the desk.
"Shaeeah asked for music to help them and you to sleep. I hope it helps." Suu said kindly, smiling at Omega.
"Thanks," Omega replied, smiling. Suu then replied, "Goodnight, Omega."
Omega replied, "Good Night, mom," and Suu seemingly closed the door.
Once the door was seemingly closed, Omega focused her racing mind on the music, and she felt her mind calm, her body relaxed, and she started feeling sleepy. She looked at her bed, which was looking very inviting. She yawned and got into bed, grabbing Lula and holding it close as she snuggled under the bedclothes and drifted off to sleep.
Suu had kept the door slightly open, wanting to ensure Omega had fallen asleep before heading to her room, so she didn't expect Tech to stand next to her.
"We considered using music to help Omega get to sleep, but with Hunter's sensitive hearing, we didn't want to affect him," Tech stated.
Suu replied a bit startled, "Well, we can use this to trial if music would help her."
"I hope it works and helps her\ sleep better and keep the nightmares away," Tech stated.
Suu replied, "It's helped Jek and Shaeeah with their nightmares. I hope it'll do the same with Omega."
"I hope so too," Tech stated.
Suu nodded. Suu concluded, "I'd better get back to sleep, Tech. Good Night"
"Good Night, Suu," Tech replied, and they headed for their rooms.