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Klcutting Moments Chapter 26: Routine, and Chapter 38: Worthless
The bar was as seedy as ever, temperate with low light from gambling machines, dingy lights in the ceiling, the alcohol cabinets and holotables. It was warmer inside than outside due to the considerable patronage of the parlour at this time. The hum of the electronics was louder now, and the scents of electronics, alcohol and spice were also more potent.
Cid heard the Batch re-enter the parlour after their latest mission.
She could see it had been rough, the Batch was moving gingerly, and even Omega was limping.
Sighing, she stated, "I'll go page a Nurse to treat you all. I can see you're all hurting physically and mentally. I'll pay you guys a bonus. You all get one round on me and can crash for a few days and recover. How does that sound?"
"Good," Hunter replied as he handed Omega over to Wrecker. Cid motioned for Hunter to follow her into her office, and he obliged.
Cid's officer was warmer than the Parlour, which made Hunter slightly uncomfortable. The office was as dingy as ever, reflected in the sounds, smells, and tastes of the office, including the hum of the holo table, a slight spice smell, and a slight smell from Cid herself. The box of Spice Hunter had noticed earlier was no longer there, though there was a small amount of spice on the ground.
As soon as Hunter closed the door, he collapsed into the chair opposite.
"You OK, Bandana?" Cid asked, and Hunter registered to his shock that Cid had a note of concern in her voice.
When Hunter shook his head, Cid stated, "What happened?"
"Ambushed. Somehow, we didn't get shot, though Wrecker, Omega and myself got grazed. The ledge we were all on collapsed, and we were all hurt. I didn't sense any of it coming again. Why does this keep happening?" Hunter whispered.
Cid stated, "Bandana, you can't expect every mission to go perfectly. And you can't expect that the Empire won't employ tactics to counter you guys. Targeting Tiny, overloading your senses, things like that. You've got to adapt now; this is becoming a cat-and-mouse game. As much as you guys are working on training Tiny, you've got to train yourselves too. Alright?"
"Alright. It still feels like my fault that this keeps happening," Hunter sighed. Cid put her hands on the table and stated, "You're expecting too much of yourself, Bandana. And I get it. You're the team leader, so there's a lot of expectation and responsibility put on ya. But trust me on this. You're a family now. You're not the Bad Batch anymore. You're now the Dad Batch. So it's about time you all came together as equals. If not for each other, then for Tiny. Cause she needs all the help she can get now,"
"I know," Hunter stated. Cid put her hand up. She continued, "Also, you gotta stop blaming yourself for everything, alright, Dark and Broody? That's not healthy, self-destructing. Find healthier methods of getting your emotions out, all of you. I can't tell you much about what'll work that you've got to figure out on your own. But what I can do, is give ya boys starting points, to explore what works and what doesn't,"
"I understand," Hunter replied. Cid put a hand on Hunter's shoulder and continued, "Your team needs you, Bandana. And Tiny needs you. And honestly? I like you, boys. I want you boys to stay around for the long haul. I want you boys to take over my parlour once I'm no longer around. But we can't do that if you're being all broody and mentally destroying yourself, alright?"
"Alright, I will be sure to work on that," Hunter replied. Cid nodded and stated, "Good. Now find the rest, and I want to see a big Dad Batch group hug. Alright?"
"Alright," Hunter replied.
"Good"
As Hunter got up to leave, he turned to Cid and stated, "Thanks for the talk, Cid. I needed that"
"No problem. Bandana. Now get ya family, alright?" Cid stated, grabbing a camera. Hunter smiled, then departed, while Cid followed.
The parlour had quietened since Hunter had entered Cid's office, indicating a few people had left. The squad were sitting at the bar when Hunter reached them.
"Really? Cid?" Echo asked when Hunter explained what Cid had told him.
Hunter nodded. The five got in position and entered a big Dad Batch hug. Omega was picked up and held in the middle, so everyone hugged her. Also, they made sure that Omega was visible. Cid snapped a few photos and showed them.
"Here we go, Dad Batch hug," Cid stated.
The Batch smiled and nodded.
"Alright. The nurse is here. There's a backroom over there where you guys can receive treatment. And yes, there are two Nurses, one of each gender. One can treat Omega without any sense of awkwardness," Cid stated.
The two nurses then waved, and Cid stated, "Serenity, this is Clone Force 99,"
"Nice to meet you. Who do we have here?" Serenity asked.
Hunter pointed to each member, "I'm Hunter. That's Wrecker, Tech, Echo and Omega,"
"Nice to meet you all at last. So, I'm here to treat Omega?" Serenity asked.
Hunter nodded. He then approached and whispered to her, "Omega's been a victim of Medical Abuse by the Demagolka Kaminoan Scientists for years, so you're going to have to be careful while treating her. Alright?"
"Alright," Serenity replied. She then smiled kindly at Omega, kneeled to her level, and said kindly, "Would it be OK if I give you a check-up?",
Omega nervously nodded and followed her to the backroom.
"I'm Horace. Who wants to go first?" Horace asked.
Hunter replied, "I'll go first", and headed for another backroom.
Omega returned to the group just before Wrecker returned.
"How did it go?" Hunter asked as Omega snuggled against him. Serenity ruffled Omega's hair and said, "She did very well. I could tell that she was scared while I treated her, but we got through it with my support",
Omega smiled. Hunter also smiled at Serenity and replied, "Thanks heaps. She's had a traumatic upbringing, so medical stuff is difficult. Thanks for being so understanding,"
"Well, she was resilient in there, to push through the pain. She's showing resilience, which is important in these times," Serenity replied.
"Well, I'd better get going. No charge today, and I hope you're all going to be OK," Serenity replied, giving Omega a lollipop before departing.
Once everyone finished with treatment, they all got the hot meals Cid had ordered, enjoyed a round of drinks, and Omega had a big glass of juice before they went to their rooms to rest.
A couple of days passed. Omega spent some time training and some time playing Dejarik. After a resupply run, Cid got another message from Rex.
"Yo boys, your captain's calling," Cid called to the Batch from her Parlour. They finished their work and entered to respond.
"I hate to do this, but I have nobody to ask. I've just got word that a member of the Wolfpack, Wolffe, has just gone AWOL from the Empire and is imprisoned on Carida. It's a cold planet, so you'll need your winter gear. And you won't be going in alone. This time, Gregor and I will join you," Rex said,
The Batch turned to each other to discuss.
"Do we have any intel on the location?" Tech stated.
Rex replied, "I can get it to you at the rendezvous point outside Champala. There isn't much Imperial activity there, so we should be OK. And on Carida, the Imperial forces there aren't as strong as you guys described on Daro,''
"So, what do we think?" Hunter asked.
Tech stated, "I'm not sure about this. Even with Rex and Gregor, do we have enough to pull this off?"
"He's one of our brothers. He's one of the Wolfpack, and they were great soldiers under Jedi General Plo Koon. I say we go," Echo stated.
Wrecker replied, "I agree with Echo,"
"We don't have a monetary incentive, though," Hunter said.
Omega added, "I'm still not sure. Even now, Daro still haunts me. I want to help, but those events make me unsure".
"How about I send Cid a monetary incentive for you guys?" Rex asked.
Cid replied, "Well, if ya do that, then they won't have a choice".
"Alright. Then it's a plan," Hunter replied.
Rex's eyes lit up, and he replied, "Thanks, all of you. I'll send the credits to Cid, and she can pay you when you get back".
"Sounds good," the whole Batch replied, and the communication ended.
"Well, I guess we've got a quick supply run to do," Hunter said, turning to Omega, who asked, "Why me?"
"You need thermals. Your winter clothes won't fit under your armour," Echo replied.
Omega huffed but nodded.
"We'll be quick. I hope," Hunter said, and he and Omega exited, heading for the clothing stores.
When Hunter and Omega returned with her thermals, the squad were already preparing the Ship.
"Got them. Now let's see if they fit under my bodysuit and armour," Omega said. She took her clothes and armour to the refresher to change.
A few minutes later, she exited and stated, "Nice and warm. I think I'm going to need some time outside of missions to get used to this armour, though. It still feels heavy, and I don't feel entirely coordinated".
"Understandable. Then that's what we'll focus on with your training in the next week or so. How does that sound?" Tech stated.
Omega nodded and took her seat.
When they arrived at the rendezvous point, they saw a CR90 Corvette hovering in space.
"Is this where Rex wants us to meet him?" Hunter wondered.
Echo responded, after a quick check, "The coordinates match. This must be it". And at that moment, Rex's voice came through the communicator.
"Alright, boys? It looks like you got here safely. Attach your craft to the docking port of the CR90 and climb up," Rex said
Tech stated, "Understood," and flew the Havoc Marauder into the indicated port.
As they enter the Ship, they're greeted by a taller, tan-skinned man with brown eyes, black hair and a beard, wearing a brown robe, along with Rex. The inside corridor of the CR90 was white on the floor, and ceiling, with off-white walls. Red lights are riding around the Ship, and it's temperate inside the CR90. There's a gentle hum from the Ship's engines and the electrics. There's a slight smell and taste of the Ship's electronics and the paint on the walls. Echo noticed nothing had changed in the Corvette except for the markings that used to symbolise the Republic. Finally, everyone could sense the tension in the air.
"Clone Force 99, this is Senator Bail Organa. Senator Bail Organa, this is Clone Force 99. Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, Echo, and Omega," Rex introduced, and Senator Organa shook hands with each Batch member.
"I didn't know the Kaminoans made a female clone," Organa stated when he reached Omega. Omega nodded and replied, "Yep, the only female Clone the Kaminoans created,"
"Interesting. Well, Rex, I have managed to secure safe passage for all of you to Cardia. I've portrayed this to the Imperial Senate as a peaceful transfer of an imprisoned Clone. I hope you don't have to resort to violence to get him out," Senator Organa said to Rex, who nodded and said, "Sounds good. Good Luck out there". Senator Organa nodded, then departed back to his Ship.
"Alright. It looks like we're ready to go. I'll fill you in on all the Intelligence we've been able to gather in preparation for this mission," Rex said.
The Batch nodded as they took seats. It was here that Rex noticed Omega seemed a bit anxious. Echo saw this and had a quick, quiet word with Omega, which seemed to calm her.
On the way, Rex explained everything that he had learned.
"There's no major bases here, just an Imperial outpost. There are negotiators already there, and hopefully, we can secure Wolffe's release. If not, we'll be doing an infiltration-style mission instead. For that, we'll need distractions," Rex explained.
Wrecker bragged, "I can provide all the distraction you'll need".
Rex nodded. He then turned to a still-nervous Omega.
"This won't be like Daro, alright? While there are Imperial forces there. It's nothing like Daro. We'll be OK, OK?" Rex said kindly.
Omega nodded, only half convinced.
Soon, they reached Cardia. A ball of white snow, glowing slightly orange, with several rocky peaks visible. Its only light source came from the K-Class Orange Dwarf star it orbits.
"Some good news, some bad news," one of the Negotiators said.
Rex asked, "What is it?"
"Bad news, the Imperials aren't letting us leave. The good news is that we've managed to secure Wolffe's release," the negotiator said.
Rex nodded and replied, "Alright. I've got Clone Force 99 with me, so we should be OK".
"Understood. Be quick, please," the negotiator said and ended the communication.
"Here we go," Tech stated, and he started bringing the Ship in.
The part of Cardia they were coming into was cold and barren. There wasn't much of anything except mile after mile of snow. There was a small base on it and a few troopers patrolling the exit.
Once the CR90 landed, the Batch prepared themselves.
"Remember to set your blasters to stun boys," Hunter said.
Everyone nodded and did so. Omega, thanks to an adjustment made by Tech to her Zygerrian Bow, was also able to adjust hers to stun.
"Let's go," Tech stated, and the batch exited the Ship and slowly made their way towards the outpost. Close behind, Gregor dragged along an Imperial Agent they'd captured recently.
That said, as soon as Omega exited, she couldn't help but run her hands through the snow. It was cold but soft. The only sounds came from the snow crunching under everyone's boots and Omega feeling the snow in her hands. The smell and taste of the snow were unique, especially when combined with the trees around the place and the far-off metallic smell and taste of the base. Everyone would notice the footprints in the snow, while Omega noted the pine needles stuck in the snow.
"What is this?" Omega wondered.
Tech stated, "That would be snow,"
"Wow," Omega was awestruck as she felt it, continuing with, "It's so soft. I'd love to play in it,"
"We're on a mission, Omega. We might be able to find a safe world for you to explore the snow on after this," Hunter stated.
Omega got up, nodded, and caught up to her brothers before they continued their way towards the base.
Hunter kneeled to check the snow and quickly found his path. He led the squad down the slope towards the base, tracking the Imperials who had previously passed through.
When they reached the outpost, the Imperials briefly turned their guns on them before seeing the Imperial agent and lowering them a tad.
"Are you here for the prisoner swap?" the Imperial asked.
Gregor stated, "We've got your Imperial agent here. Now give us our brother back," and at this, the door opened.
"The Moff of this region requests your company," the trooper stated.
Rex and the crew nodded and cautiously entered.
When the door closed and the inside lights lit up, the troopers outside sent a message to the Moff.
"Spread out, find where the Ship is and capture it. We can't let Rex, Clone Force 99, Gregor, Wolffe, and especially the kid, Omega. I think her name was, escape. They're all far too valuable," the Moff stated.
The trooper replied, "Sir, yes, sir," and the Imperials spread out from the base. Only about half a dozen, but still a few around.
The base was warmer than outside, but only marginally. The only light sources came from dim lighting in the ceiling and the snow reflecting sunlight from outside.
The sound of their boots echoed off the walls and ceiling. The smell and taste of metal dominated the scents. Everyone noticed the shadows cast by the lack of light, though Omega also saw the roof was rough, bumpy, and not entirely secure.
"I don't like this," Hunter admitted as he listened intently for the first sign of a betrayal. Rex nodded and added, "Stay on guard. We don't know if the Imperials will try to pull anything".
They get about a third of the way in when they see a small knot of Stormtroopers approaching, with Wolffe chained between them. In the middle was the Moff.
While she looked like she might have been beautiful when younger, age has taken its toll.
Her brown hair is greying noticeably, and there's little warmth in her calculating blue eyes. She's wearing traditional military uniforms, though warmer due to the climate.
"Do you have the Agent?" the Moff sneered, her voice reminding them of a female Crosshair slightly. Gregor stepped forward and showed the Imperial Agent.
"We have your agent. Now let my brother go," Gregor demanded,
The Moff stated, "Watch your tone, clone".
"Apologies, he's still a bit out there at the moment," Rex replied, trying to defuse the situation. The Moff nodded, then stated, "Accepted. Now let my agent go, and I'll let your clone friend go". Rex nodded to Gregor, who unchained the Imperial Agent, who ran to the Moff.
"Let Wolffe go," the Moff demanded.
The Trooper nodded and let Wolffe go.
"You will leave this planet now. And not come back. Are we clear?" the Moff sneered.
Rex replied, "That we will".
"Good," the Moff replied, before turning around and dragging the agent back inside, the troopers following.
"We'd better get back. I get the feeling getting out won't be as easy as getting in," Echo stated.
Rex nodded, and they started departing.
However, as Echo had predicted, this wouldn't be easy.
Meanwhile with Crosshair
Crosshair lands his shuttle outside his boss' building, having just completed an information assignment. Crosshair hated these sorts of missions. He'd prefer assassination missions, where he could use his skills to the maximum. However, they paid well, so he didn't complain.
The climate was still mild as he entered his Boss' parlour and noticed that the parlour had been cleaned up a bit and was more active than usual. The sound of conversation drowned out the hum of the holotables.
The smells of alcohol and spice are more pungent than usual, which doesn't surprise Crosshair. The soft carpet doesn't crunch as much under his feet as usual. Crosshair took as the boss gave the carpets a vacuum. He then noticed two figures he hadn't expected.
One of them is a young woman with black hair, brown eyes, a tan skin tone, and black and orange armour. Her helmet was sitting next to her and was mainly Orange. But it had a grey, mask-like bit at the bottom.
The other person she was talking to looked no older than about 13-14. He looked just like a clone. He had brown hair and eyes, his green helmet with red around the visor, yellow pieces off and a black device sticking up from it like the one on his helmet, sitting on the table next to him. The rest of his armour was green and white on his chest, with yellow shoulder pads. His armour looked black. It was with a jolt that Crosshair realised the kid was Boba Fett. Shaking himself briefly, he walked to his boss' office.
The office was colder than the parlour, and the only light sources came from a small lamp angling from the roof and the holo table. Crosshair could smell and taste the electrical equipment, alcohol and spice. The holo table was rough on Crosshair's hand, the chair was hard, and the carpet was soft but crunchy. Crosshair noticed the pipe next to his Boss' hand, which seemed to contain a little spice.
"Here you go, your payment," the Boss stated, giving half the credit payout to Crosshair. Crosshair nodded, then sneered, "What's Boba Fett doing here? And who's with him?"
"Oh. So, you know Boba Fett, do you?" the Boss enquired.
Crosshair stated, "I know of him. He was the unaltered Clone of Jango Fett, the donor who created the Clone Army, including me".
"I thought he looked familiar, '' the Boss stated. He turned back to Crosshair, "The woman is Fennec Shand. Deceitful, Ruthless, very skilled, and dangerous. Why don't you go introduce yourself to them?"
"If you insist," Crosshair sneered, but he went out to introduce himself.
Crosshair exited and walked over to the duo.
"We've got company," Fennec stated as Crosshair approached. Boba turned around, "Who are you?"
"I'm Crosshair," Crosshair stated. He turned to Boba and added, "You're Boba Fett. I've heard a lot about you".
"Oh yeah?" Boba started.
Fennec replied, "Easy, Boba. You've already got quite the name for yourself." Boba huffed. Fennec turned to Crosshair and asked, "Did your boss send you to talk to us?"
"Yes. I don't know why, but I might as well get to meet a few others in my line of work," Crosshair sneered as he took a seat. Fennec stated, "You've built a pretty major reputation for yourself; in the short time you've been hunting. What's your secret?" but Crosshair's response was interrupted by Boba stating, "He was one of those involved with Clone Force 99. From what I heard,"
"Was. Clone Force 99 showed no trust in me. Same reason why I left the Empire," Crosshair sneered.
"Anyway, we've got a mission. And with Bossk and the others out of action now, we're all we've got," Boba stated.
Crosshair enquired, "What's the mission?"
"It's another Cargo transport mission. Something high priority for Thyferra," Boba stated.
Fennec continued, "We also need three Hunters for this job. That was a request from the one who sent it to us".
"I see," Crosshair stated. Boba then continued, "And with the members of my Syndicate out of action, for now, we're one short".
"So, you in?" Fennec asked.
Crosshair sneered, "What's in it for me?"
"A one-third cut of the bounty. And this is a big one, so we'd better get this right," Fennec stated.
Crosshair considered it for a few moments, then stated, "Sure".
"Good. We'll meet you outside in 10 minutes," Boba stated, getting up, putting his helmet on, and heading out, with Fennec Shand doing similar. Crosshair, meanwhile, returned to his boss and sneered, "I'm going to help Boba and Fennec with a mission. I'll be back".
"Alright. Good Luck. I'll be waiting here when you get back," the Boss stated.
Crosshair nodded and departed.
When he exited, he saw Boba and Fennec waiting for them, both with their helmets on. Getting his helmet on, Crosshair stated, "Ready?"
"Ready," Boba and Fennec replied, and Boba led the way.
Fennec's Ship was unique. The cockpit stuck out the front and had a blocky, brown and grey structure over most of it. There's a laser cannon sticking out the left side, plus several red lights around the cockpit and the Ship's spine. Large, grey wings stick out, and three large engines stick out the bottom.
Finally, sticking out of the Ship's top is a large orange and grey fin sticking up into the sky.
Crosshair noticed it was milder than Hosnian Prime inside Fennec's Ship. The light sources came from lights on the top of the roof and lined the walls. Crosshair could smell and taste the metal of the Ship's insides, the electronics, and a slight smell of bacta. Crosshair suspected it was from a bacta pod somewhere on her Ship. The floor was tough on Crosshair's feet. He noticed that the Ship had a lot of alterations that the original manufacturer wouldn't have approved.
"So, how did you wind up on Hosnian Prime?" Fennec asked.
Crosshair sneered, "It was a close-by planet that I could vanish into easily after I abandoned my squad".
Boba gave Crosshair a look, and Crosshair elaborated, "The Empire had betrayed my trust. There was no way that I was going to continue to work for people who betrayed my trust".
"Oh. Sorry. I've just had experience with having my trust betrayed, so I know how you feel," Boba started, staring determinedly at the outside.
Crosshair was slightly taken aback by this. But, judging by the fact that Boba was staring out the front, he didn't seem to want to talk about it. So, he then turned to Fennec and enquired, "How long have you been doing this for?"
"Two years now. And built a fearsome reputation," Fennec replied.
Crosshair nodded. Fennec continued, "I'm going to guess, judging by your name, that you're good at long range?"
"That is my specialty, yes," Crosshair sneered. Fennec nodded and replied, "Good, we're going to need long-range cover for this".
"I'll be sure to provide the cover you need. Provided you can keep whoever we're facing off me in return," Crosshair stated.
Boba stated, "We won't worry. We've got this under control".
Soon, Fennec pulled them out of Hyperspace to the sight of Thyferra.
After going through the required channels, the Ship cleared to land.
When they exited, they encountered a Vratix, the main populace on Thyferra.
"Welcome to Thyferra. I hope your time here will be pleasant," the Vratix stated.
Boba replied, "Are you Tytrol?"
"Why yes, I am," Tytrol sneered before continuing, "We'd better get inside before I explain why I've called you all out here",
The trio nodded and entered one of the nearby caves. Both Fennec and Crosshair are on guard.
Inside, the cave is mild, though dusty. There are no light sources except for the light radiating from the entrance, necessitating them to turn on lights on their helmets to see. Crosshair could smell and taste the dust but also detected a slight scent of various materials, including bacta, spice, and trees. The ground is rough on his boots, and the dust is slippery. Crosshair notices that the caves are like a maze.
"Looks like I'm not going to get many places where I can snipe," Crosshair sneered, annoyed that his best weapon didn't seem to be of much use.
"Don't worry, Sniper, you'll have time to shine," Tytrol stated. He then stopped and turned to face the trio.
"Alright, so here's the deal. The Empire's been breathing down my neck about a missing supply of Bacta. It got lost somewhere in the Rocky Jungle on the other side of this cave. Some bandits have it, but I can't rule out Rebel activity. Your job is to find and secure it," Tytrol explained.
"That doesn't sound too bad. Why do you need three Hunters for it, though?" Boba enquired,
Tytrol explained, "My normal forces haven't been able to do the job".
"Getting a sense of Déjà vu here," Boba admitted to himself as he listened. He just hoped that Crosshair or Fennec wouldn't turn traitor on him like the Witch did the last time they did this. Crosshair nodded and stated, "Then you can count on us. We'll get your bacta back".
"Thanks. I'll pay you all if you succeed," Tytrol stated.
The trio nodded, then made their way through the cave. Exiting, they encounter a jungle with plenty of cliffs and rock formations. It's colder than in the cave, though Thyferra's Star dominates the sky overhead, flooding the area with light. Crosshair can smell and taste the trees, dirt and streams that crisscross the area. The rocks and cliffs are hard but brittle on Crosshair's feet, while the forest floor is soft and squishy.
"Looks like I've got a few good sight spots," Crosshair stated, inwardly cursing that Hunter wasn't here, as he'd be able to track down the lost supply of bacta in seconds.
Slowly, the group make their way across the Rocky Jungle, Crosshair moving from rock to rock to maintain a higher vantage point while Fennec and Boba move through the Jungle.
Fennec and Boba carefully removed blockages in their pathway, with their first obstacle being wildlife.
Suddenly, a Vratixan Blood Eagle dived at Boba Fett. Narrowly dodging it, Crosshair sniped it, causing it to fall to the ground, dead.
"Good shot," Fennec commented to Crosshair, who sneered, "Thanks are noted" before whispering to Fennec, "Why are we following the orders of a teenager?"
"Because he's managed to build a Syndicate on his own, that's why," Fennec stated. Crosshair nodded and sneered, "Impressive,"
"That it is. We'd better get back to focusing on our mission," Fennec responded, and Boba stated, "You two done with the chit-chat over there?"
"Done with chit-cat," Fennec replied.
"Good. Because I want to complete this mission," the trio headed further into the forest.
They got further in, and soon, Crosshair spotted a glint in the distance. Zooming in using his Sniper Rifle, Crosshair saw that it was the bacta they were hunting. He then checked the area and saw a few Bandits guarding it.
"Hey, I've found the Bacta," Crosshair called to Fennec and Boba, who both turned to face him.
"Where?" Fennec asked.
Crosshair stated, "Along the path, about half a klick. But Bandits defend it,"
"I'll distract the Bandits, you two take them down," Fennec stated, and she raced off further in while Crosshair and Boba followed behind.
They didn't get far, however, before Fennec suddenly stopped.
"What the?" Boba went to ask, but Fennec shushed him.
Pulling Boba behind a nearby tree, they spot the bandits patrolling the area.
"Any marauders?" one of the green-and-brown figures asked.
The other replied, "Not that I can see. Though I heard a rustle just over there a moment ago", and at that, he pointed at the bush that Boba and Fennec had stopped behind a moment earlier.
"We've got a mission. We can't let anyone get hold of the bacta until the boss gets here," the first said to the second, the latter snapping back, "I know. But you can't be too careful in these times. Especially with how well connected that Tytrol guy is,"
"Alright, alright. Let's check it out," the first bandit snapped back, and slowly, they approached.
Once they were close enough, both Fennec and Crosshair struck. Fennec leapt out from behind the tree and shot the first one. Before the second had the chance to raise his blasters in response, Crosshair had sniped him.
"Bandits," Fennec stated as she looked the armour over. Boba, looking out, "Looks like some bandits are behind the capture of the missing Bacta". He then radioed, "Hey Crosshair, think you could get a bit closer? Maybe you can find the other members of this gang,"
"Sure thing," Crosshair sneered, and he moved from his original post on top of a tall rock and moved up. He soon found another similar height to the one he'd just vacated and climbed it.
Crosshair then turned on the infrared on his sniper rifle and scanned the area.
"Looks like there's a fair few around the Bacta capsule itself. There are a few dotted around the place. I expect they're snipers," Crosshair sneered back at Boba and Fennec, who both nodded.
"Fennec, you get into a higher spot and deal with any Snipers. I'll go in and take care of the Bacta," Boba stated.
Fennec nodded and replied, "Understood" she climbed a nearby tree to scan her surroundings. Meanwhile, Boba approached cautiously. In a 1-on-1 fight, he wasn't likely to win. But, if he was sneaky and could use his smaller size to his advantage, he may be able to win.
"Hey," came a voice from behind Boba. Turning around, he saw one of the gang members right behind him.
Boba shot at the figure. The figure managed to avoid it and took a few shots at Boba, which he narrowly avoided by darting behind a large bush.
Exchanging fire, the figure and Boba attempted to move around the bush to get a clear shot. Eventually, Boba managed to shoot the blaster out of the other guy's hand before shooting him down with another.
"Good work Boba," Fennec said as she joined Boba/
"Thanks".
"Now, let's clear out the path to the Bacta," Fennec stated before she radioed to Crosshair, "Suppressive fire time, Crosshair. You know what to do."
"Acknowledged," Crosshair sneered, and he started sniping the gang members guarding the Bacta. After a few moments, they were all dead, allowing the trio to secure the tank.
As they approach, Fennec notices that the tank is trapped in a bog, buried up to its axles.
"Well, this is an unforeseen complication," Fennec admitted.
Boba responded, "It's not something unfixable. Give me a moment," he lapsed into thought.
After a few moments, Boba notices that the tank's back wheels aren't as deep in the mud as the front wheels.
"Fennec, turn on the safety of your blaster. I have an idea for how we may be able to get this out," Boba stated.
Fennec enquired, "And what benefit will me not being armed have?"
"Trust me, I've got an idea," Boba replied. Fennec looked at him incredulously for a moment, then turned the safety on.
"Right. Wedge the blaster under the left-front wheel. Then help me clear the axle in the mud on the right rear. I'll make a rope to help pull it free," Boba stated.
Fennec obliged. Crosshair grabbed a few vines for Boba. He quickly wrapped them into a sturdy rope.
"Wrap it around the front. I'll go back to clear some of the mud. We should be able to clear it with no problem," Boba ordered.
Crosshair and Fennec nodded, and the trio soon had it ready.
"How are we going to get it out?" Crosshair asked, but Boba had thought of that too.
"We all pull on it together. This thing doesn't seem that heavy, so we should be able to get it free," Boba stated after he cleared some of the mud from the back wheels.
Once in position, Fennec, Boba and Crosshair pulled on the wagon. And soon, the wagon was free of the mud.
"Hey, it worked," Fennec said as it came free.
"Now, how do we get it back?" Crosshair sneered, but Fennec had already got an idea.
"Maybe we could send a message to Tytrol and see if he can pick it up," Crosshair suggested.
Fennec nodded and attempted to get in contact.
"This deep into the jungle? You won't get much signal. Not without a boost," Boba said thoughtfully, looking around. After a few minutes, Boba spots what looks like an old satellite dish just past the trees on the other side of the bog.
"There," Boba stated, and he ran towards it.
"Wait, Boba," Fennec called after him. It was then that she realised something.
"Now I see where that Omega girl gets this from," Fennec stated/
Crosshair enquired, "How do you know about Omega?"
"Nala Se hired me to hunt Omega after she fled Kamino and later keep her safe from Lama Su's Bounty Hunters.
Crosshair sneered, "Just wondering how you knew about her, that's all".
They both then turned to see what Boba was up to and was shocked to see the dish slowly rise above the jungle.
"We've got a signal. Not a strong one, but it's there," Boba called back. Both Crosshair and Fennec nodded, and they headed for the beacon.
"There you three are. Is the Bacta safe?" Tytrol sneered.
Crosshair sneered back, "We've got it. Some bandits had taken it, but we got it back. But we can't move it through the jungle".
"We were wondering if you had anything that could come and pick it up," Boba wondered.
Tytrol replied, "Yeah, I do. Just send me your coordinates, and I'll send a ship over to collect it and you guys".
"Sounds good," Fennec replied, and the communication ended.
"Like father, like a brother, like a sister, the Fett affinity for these communication arrays is quite something. Do you agree, Crosshair?" Fennec commented as Boba deactivated the array. Boba suddenly looked up at Fennec and said, "Like what now?"