Yep last chapter, I hope everyone enjoyed this story. Also I snuck a little Fives and Echo into this chapter cuss they are awesome.

Chapter 8 The Test

Hunter stood next to Tech, Crosshair, and Wrecker; He was in the red cadet jumper again. He couldn't help but feel proud to be wearing it again. And thankfully this one was meant for him and not a handoff from one of his brothers. For which he was grateful.

This was their official test as a team. Cody, the Commander had made it happen and Hunter knew they were under a lot of pressure to get right. Cody had done a lot for them, for Hunter. He wasn't going to let the man down. He saw something in their mutations that others brushed aside or even scoffed at.

The other cadets hated them, it didn't help that Hunter, a former cadet, was now the golden boy of Commander Cody.

The Commander would openly call them Vod or Voh'ika. It meant brother in Mando'a; Cody had used the word when he was frustrated and proud of them. At fist the bad batch had felt odd hearing it, other clones used the word but the bad batch never had it said to them before Cody or anything remotely affectionate.

Even if it had bought a sense of joy to them now, it still gave them problems.

They had a target on their backs, not just from the Commander's attention but they broke more records than any of the other squads, they even broke training rooms. They had worked hard and proven themselves capable in their training.

Hunter had probably been in more fights with Cadets since coming back into the fold than before. But he didn't regret it. Not when he had Wrecker, Tech, and Crosshair at his back.

Maybe he should have regretted it a little since the squad would be going up against other teams of Cadets. Each team got assigned their own team colours, Hunter's team was red, but there was blue squad, yellow squad, and green squad.

It was going to be a melee.

Hunter looked at the cadets standing across from them. He could see the hatred in their glares. They were coming for The Bad Batch; Hunter wasn't worried however, not with his brothers standing beside him.

Commander Cody had trained them as well as the ARC troopers who trained older cadets. It had been a crash cores in tactics and strategy, It was brutal and Hunter was proud to think they had given it their all.

Hunter, along with training with Cody, had also been working with the Jedi Shaak Ti to help with controlling his enhanced abilities. There were still times when he just wanted to sit with his eyes closed and try to ride out the headache he got form over stimulation. But now his senses were so finally tuned, that Hunter could tell even before starting that droids were being activated in the arena. Even his training as a scout had been incorporated into his EMS skills.

Beside him Wrecker nudged him.

Hunter looked up at him. "What's up Wrecker?"

"This is gonna be fun." Wrecker said, Hunter could see the grin on his face under the helmet's face shield.

Hunter chuckled softly, "You think so?"

"Yeah," Wrecker said. "They keep glaring at us."

Hunter cocked his head and looked at one of the clones that were giving him the glare. He saw a black eye under one of the clear helmets and grinned.

"Is that one form the mess hall or the showers?" He asked not able to keep track of who had tried to take them on or where.

The last month had been filled with a lot of jealously; the Reg's had painted a target on The Bad Batches back and weren't above picking on them. Maybe it was because of the Commanders attention he gave them. Or the fact that the four boys stood out, loud and proud of what they were. Or it could be that the four boys had stopped playing nice and stood up to the name calling.

"That one was probably form the showers." Crosshair said, "He's got a cut on his lip too."

"Well, he and his team should have known better then try to fight in the showers," Tech said, "Too many slip hazards."

Hunter smirked. "Hopefully, they learned their lesson the first time."

"Cocky." Crosshair grinned.

"Cadets," The ARC trooper stepped forwards to address them. "I am ARC Trooper CT-1409 Echo, this is CT-5555, We will be overseeing the testing you're taking today." CT-1409 had blue hand print on his chest plate.

"My name is Fives, but you will call us Sir. You are assigned different objectives in this test," CT-5555 or Fives had an eel painted on his helmet he moved to hand out the data pads to each of the cadet group.

Fives cocked his head under his helmet as he looked at The Bad Batch, Hunter wasn't sure what he was thinking but he stood a little starter, daring the ARC trooper to say something about his brother's differences. But the ARC trooper handed over the data pad with no comment.

Hunter took the data pad and looked it over, "Okay, Our objectives is to run the course, retrieve a data package as well as locate a secondary physical package then retreat to the designated 'safe' zone with said 'Package,'" Hunter told his squad as the ARC troopers moved back to stand next to the one with the hand print on his chest.

Hunter kept an eye on the other cadets as the other teams got their data pads and looked over their objectives. He saw one of the group smirk and look to the bad batch. He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to catch the whispered conversations.

"They are gonna regret taking this tests," Hunter could hear the whispers form the other cadets as they read over their objectives.

"I can't believe we actually get to take them out as an objective," One of the cadets snickered.

"This will take them down a notch."

Hunter knew they were talking about his squad because of the way they eyed up the bad batch. It seemed as though they were going to have obstacles in their way… Still Hunter was the only one who could hear them since they were whispering but the glares they were shooting at his team made it clear to Everyone.

Hunter looked at the two ARC Troopers. He admired the ARC's, they were the bad ass of the GTA. He wasn't sure if he wanted his batch to be ARC's though, they worked alone, while Commandos worked as teams. Hunter was proud of his team; he wasn't going to leave them behind no matter what.

"You will be judged on your speed, droid kills, critical thinking skills and if you are able to complete the objective or not." ARC trooper CT-1409, Echo told them. "You will also be competing as a team."

Fives took up the thread. "You will be judged as a group, so if one of you is left behind, All of you Fail." The cadets began shifting nervously but not the bad batch. They were used to pulling together and if one of them fell the others would grab them and drag them along.

"Head to your designated starting points, wait for the signal." Fives told them.

"Good Luck Cadets." Echo said and the ARC Trooper gave a nod of the head to them before heading to where Commander Cody and the others waited.

Hunter nodded to the Bad Batch and they made their way down to the staging area where droids and blasters were kept. As they passed by a viewing window Hunter caught sight of a young blonde clone standing next to Nala Se.

He knew the Kaminoan, Nala Se had been there many times during his testing. She always had a look of disappointment on her face but that might just be the way her tiny head and big eyes looked.

She was the head of the science division. Overseeing all the cloning, she was probably; if not responsible for their enhancements then the one who recognized the defects and made use of them. The Kaminoan was speaking with someone he couldn't see but he wasn't focused on her.

The young blonde clone was watching them as they walked. The smile on their face was bright and when they noticed Hunter looking at them they waved at him.

Hunter gave a small wave in response and the young clone grin back and gave him a thumb up.

He was confused, no one else had given him or his team that kind of encouragement before but he smiled and nodded his head. The young clone just grinned back at him until Hunter and his team disappeared into the lift.

"Who was that?" Wrecker asked.

"No idea," Hunter said.

"Don't get distracted." Crosshair muttered as he shouldered his rifle.

"Not likely." Hunter said as he sheathed his blaster and vibro-blade, "So, our objective boys?"

"Get the droids," Wrecker said.

"And?"

"Retrieve two packages." Tech said, "One Data, and one Physical."

He looked to Crosshair, "Eyes in the sky." Crosshair said with a smirk.

"Make sure you cover us and let us know if any Droids come up on our six." Hunter told him. "We will also have to worry about the Cadets, they're going to come after us in this one."

"No problem." Crosshair said, "How much you wanna bet that the other team's objectives are to take us out?" He asked.

Hunter snorted, "Not touching that one."

"Well, let's make sure they don't do that." Wrecker said with a grin.

"Right, now we get to see how good our training really is." Hunter said to them as they got into position on the lift.

Cody crossed his arms over his chest and watched as the training grounds came to life, blaster fire lit up the arena. The darkness and smoke bombs made it as realistic a battle as it could be made. But it still paled in comparison to a real battle.

Ignoring the other teams completely Cody kept his eyes on the Bad Batch. They were good, he knew they were but were they good enough?

Through the blaster fire, smoke, and darkness Cody kept his sights on the squad he had helped forge. He didn't want to say he was nervous for them, but there were butterflies in his stomach.

Unable to see anything clearly Cody looked to the red hologram that captured the Bad Batch. Cody watched as Hunter led his team through the barrage of fire and droids, taking out the walking tin cans with his vibro-blade.

Wrecker was right behind him using his bare hands at times to smash droids. They covered Crosshair as the sharp shooter climbed a high structure to set up a sniper nest before moving on to get Tech to the barricaded wall. The target was on the other side, there were a couple of ways to go about getting it.

Even Cody couldn't predict how the team would go about accomplishing this. But he couldn't wait to see.

Hunter crouched down behind a barrier pulling out his blaster. The droids weren't the real problem in his mind, it was their completion. He could feel the droids, and he noticed each one that stopped as Crosshair picked them off one by one form his sniper nest above them.

Wrecker couched by him as they covered Tech while he tried to use his skills to get the door open.

"How's it going, Tech?" Hunter asked as he fired off another round of blaster fire at the oncoming droids.

"Oh you know," Tech said, "Getting past the first fire wall is the easy part."

"You can do it right?"

"Be easier if I was manually plugged in," Tech said. "I am currently on the third fire wall and disabling the booby traps set into the coding to lock me out of the system."

"Just get it done; the other teams are coming in fast." Hunter told him.

"I can make a door," Wrecker said with a grin as he looked back over his shoulder at Tech.

Hunter put a hand to his com-link. "Crosshair, how are we looking?"

"You got two teams coming up on your right…oh wait; they noticed each other and are now in a fire fight." Crosshair told him. "I think all three teams were told to try and take us out."

"They would be better chance of taking us out if they teamed up," Tech muttered as he taped away on the data pad. "The rivalry however is not just between us and the rest of the cadets."

Crosshair snorted, not even bothering to comment.

"Hey Cross," Hunter could feel the blaster fire not far away, "Help them along will you?"

"My pleasure," Hunter could hear the smirk in Crosshair voice.

"Right, we need to speed this up." Hunter said, "Tech?"

"I've passed all the fire walls," Tech said, "The bobby traps are numerous but I will be able to down lode the data package shortly." His fingers flew over the data pad.

Hunter frowned, something wasn't right here, he wasn't sure what but it seemed too easy. "What about the physical package?" He asked. "Were is it?"

Tech stilled for a moment, "Hold on." He muttered, "I'm looking over the data file I down loaded."

"What for?" Wrecker asked.

"A clue," Tech said and looked to Hunter who nodded and aimed his blaster out at the droid who began shooting in their direction.

For several moments there was only the sound of blaster fire and shouting form the cadets not that far away as they shot at each other.

Tech pressed his lips together and looked at Hunter, "Hunter, can you tell the difference between droids and People with your senses?"

Hunter breathed out a sigh and nodded, it would be hard to sense a person but it wasn't impossible, he looked to Wrecker, "Can you cover me and Tech?"

Wrecker grinned under his visor. "No problem," He said holding up his blaster.

Hunter took a breath and did something that Cody told him not to do; He closed his eyes in the middle of battle. Using his senses Hunter tried to focused past the blaster fire, past the droids, past the noise of the battle field and 'hear' the smaller sounds.

His own heart beat was loudest, next to him he could hear Wrecker and Tech, Up higher and further away was Crosshair. Then the other cadets scattered around. Some passed out, others still fighting to protect their brothers for when they woke up, or dragging them to safety.

Hunter ignored them and tried to focus on the bunker at his back were Tech was downloading the info package. It was harder to sense beyond that barrier, it was like there was a dampening field around it. Why would they do that unless there was something inside it?

His head was beginning to ache, but he could sense it, droids were inside the bunker, stationed around something …no someone. The secondary package… a person… He could sense people like droids but they were so much 'quieter' then droids.

"Tech," Hunter said. "Our secondary package is inside the bunker, I need a door."

Tech looked at the bunker and adjusted his goggles, "Wail I could hack the door open, if we wish to be expedient however…"

Hunter nodded his head and opened his eyes, "Right," he said and looked to Wrecker, "Wrecker, think you can make a door for us?"

"Ha! Watch me." Wrecker said as he pulled his pack off, "Cover me Tech." he pulled out his 'toys' and got to work. Wrecker had taken to his Ordinance training with a passion.

Tech nodded as he put away his data pad, he pulled out his blasters, one in each hand. He covered Wrecker as he fired at the droids.

"How it looking, Crosshair?" Hunter asked Crosshair as he looked out over the training grounds. He could sense the droids, and their own blasters were easily to feel but he did not sense any blaster fire from the Regs guns.

"Concerned?" Crosshair asked. "Yellow and blue squad took each other out and I got the last three for good measure." He said, "Can't see the last squad though, either their better at hiding then you are, or there already out."

"Keep your eyes peeled." Hunter told him before he pressed his lips together, he knew they were still out there, but he couldn't worry about them right now. "Okay. Wrecker, make sure that door you make doesn't take anything out inside."

"Don't worry." Wrecker said with a grin, "I know what I'm doing."

"What are you thinking?" Tech asked him as he shot another set of oncoming droids.

"I'm thinking," Hunter said, "Green squad is going to try and steal our 'Package," He said.

"You think so?"

"One way to find out," Hunter said, "You ready Wrecker?" He called to the big man.

"Just waiting on the word," Wrecker said, "Better get clear."

"Right, Crosshair, give us cover, Wrecker's making a door."

"Copy that."

Hunter leaped over the wall and shot down the droids that were advancing on them. Tech and Wrecker jumped over the low wall as well and ducked down as he pressed the detonator.

"Fire in the hole!" Wrecker yelled and the explosive went off in a series of loud pop's of screeching metal and smoke.

As the smoke cleared, Wrecker and Tech were just about to go in when Hunter held him back with a hand gesture. Hunter could sense droids inside.

"We got company." He told them.

"Looks like they're here to greet us." Crosshair said over the coms as he took aim and fired.

The shot stuck a droid and it fell out the new door.

Hunter put his blaster away and pulled out his vibro-blade, "Wrecker?"

"I'm with ya." Wrecker laughed as he pulled out his even bigger vibro-blade and followed Hunter head first into the open hole.

Tech put his back to the wall and fired at any oncoming droids while Crosshair picked off ones that got past the two insane members of the team.

Inside the bunker Hunter dodged blaster fire as he struck droid after droid with his vibro-blade, only a few seconds behind Wrecker charged in, maybe not as graceful but he was a force to be reckoned with. Hunter sensed only five battle droids left and between the two of them, it was almost too easy to dispatch the droids.

He sheathed his blade and looked down at the young clone Cadet that was being held 'prisoner' by the droids. This was the package. The Cadet had a helmet on and a dark visor covering their face. Hunter knelt down and lifted the visor to get a look at the younger brother's face.

Brown eyes, tan skin and blonde hair poked out from underneath the vizier. They stared up at Hunter with a look he wasn't familiar with. He cleared his throat as he looked at the smaller cadet. They were probably, what 2? As a Nat born they were probably 6 or 7 but clones grew faster.

It was almost ironic but Hunter knew Cody was just teaching them another lesson. He looked at the smaller clone that had started up at him. Their hands and feet were shackled with rope. Hunter pulled out his vibro-blade and cut the bounds.

He barely got the blade back in its sheath before the younger clone brother jumped into his arms and wrapped their arms around his neck. The clear visors' of their helmets clunked together.

He refrained from pushing the clone child back. "I got the package." He said into his coms.

"Too easy," Wrecker said with a grin. He turned around and gave Hunter a confused look at the clone child in Hunters arms.

Hunter nodded, "K," he didn't ask the younger clone if he was ready because frankly he was stuck to Hunter like a burr. "We are going to have to watch out for the last team."

"Hunter." Crosshairs voice came over the coms. "The last team is coming up on right."

Tech was inside a moment later, "I see you were correct." Tech said to Hunter. "This team is here to be obstacles to our success."

Hunter gave him a nod and looked to the young clone. He didn't even stop to think about how the young clone felt right now, probably picked out of the chow line and told they had a 'special' job to do. He gently patted the clones back as if trying to reassure them. He wasn't going to be able to use his vibro-blade with the clone in his arms.

"I need you to let go of me." Hunter told them.

The clone hugged him just a little tighter.

Hunter didn't have time for this but he sighed softly, "What are you called?" He asked the clone.

The clone pulled back and looked at him. Their mouth opened and closed looking almost upset but trying hard not to be. Maybe they didn't have a name yet, just a CT Number.

"It's okay," Hunter told the small clone with a smile. "I'm called Hunter."

The clone nodded, "I know." They said softly and breathed deeply as if steadying themselves.

Hunter didn't bother asking how they knew who he was; it was probably in the briefing the young clone had received.

"I need you to listen to me when I tell you to do something," He told the kid who nodded their head enthusiastically and grinned. Why wouldn't they be excited instead of scared?

Hunter cocked his head to the side, "Are you all right Vod'ika?" He asked, hoping Cody's Mando'a nickname for them put the cadet at ease..

The young clone looked up at Hunter and smiled brightly, "I'm all right."

"Right," Hunter said, "I need you on my back so I can use my hands."

"Yes sir." The young clone gave him a salute and climbed onto his back.

Hunter stood up and settled the young clone on his back. Their helmets clunked together as Hunter stood.

"Crosshair," Hunter said into the com-link. "We are coming out with the package and we are going to need cover fire."

"No problem." Crosshair said, "I'll clear a path for you."

"Right," Hunter said as he moved to the opening, Wrecker and Tech ahead of him. "We are coming out on your signal, Crosshair."

"Roger that." Crosshair said and they could hear him pick off targets form above. "The way is clear but I've not seen Green squad yet."

"Keep an eye out for them. Now or never," Hunter said, "Go, go, go!" He ordered.

Tech and Wrecker charged out of the opening and Hunter was right behind them. The way was cleared thanks to Crosshair, droids littered the ground and more fall as they darted from one barricade to another.

"I got sights of Green squad." Crosshair informed them. "Green squad is hunkered down behind the droid line; they mean to pick us off when we get to the safe zone."

"So, Droids fist," Hunter cursed as he pulled out his blaster, "Wrecker, clear the way, Crosshair, Watch our six."

"Yes sir." Crosshair didn't even sound sarcastic right then.

Wrecker laughed with glee as he ploughed through the droids like a bulldozer.

Hunter and Tech followed Wrecker in his wake taking out droids that came at them form the sides. With the package on his back Hunter was more careful of how he moved, He didn't want to go into a roll and squish the young clone.

Hunter was thankful that there little hands didn't choke him but held onto his shoulders tightly with their legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

Cody crossed his arms over his chest and tried not to smirk. He would have been full on grinning if his helmet had been on, but he stood next to the Kaminoan scientists, the Jedi general Shaak Ti. The two ARC troopers Echo and Fives stood at his back.

He couldn't have been more proud of his boys. Cody watched as Hunter led his team with his burden through the throng of droids, taking out droids in the way. He didn't know the young clone they had picked for the 'Package' but he saw a bit of blond hair like Rex's pocking out the helmet.

The green team was coming up on their left however and Cody tried not to let his preference show. He was a commander after all. He had to hand it to Hunter; He didn't pick the easy way, or the safest way.

The other team intercepted the Bad Batch and even as the others ducked behind shelter Crosshair took aim at the opposing team and lay down cover fire. Hunter put the young clone down next to Tech as he and Wrecker ran into the throng of blaster fire taking out droids as he went with his vibro-blade. Wrecker was impressive just smashing the droids with his bare hands but watching Hunter was like watching a dancer.

"How is he doing that?" Echo said behind him in a small voice to Fives. "I've only seen General Skywalker do that kind of fancy footwork."

"You sure that clones not a Jedi, Commander Cody?" Fives asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

Cody tried not to snort.

"I assure you that CT-9901, is not a Jedi." Shaak Ti said before Cody could say anything. "While you may compare his skills with that of a Jedi it is not the case."

Cody knew all about Hunters abilities but the two ARC troopers didn't, "He's no ordinary clone." He told them.

Fives snorted, "No kidding." He muttered still impressed.

"No," Shaak Ti agreed, "He is unique." She smiled as she turned to Cody, "I believe Commander Cody is responsible for recognize his skills." She bowed her head to Cody. "For that, we offer you our thanks."

Cody straightened his shoulders and nodded his head, "No thanks are necessary ma'am." He told her.

The Jedi merely nodded her head in return, as she turned back to the image of Hunter running back to his squad having cleared the way. Even with four against him Hunter was able to take the team out with the help of Crosshair high in the sky.

"The test is not over." Shaak Ti said and the Kamanoans nodded and activated the final phase of the test.

Hunter nearly stumbled as he felt the surge of energy run through the training grounds. He had just taken down the last droids in their way with his vibor-blade when red, blue and green lasers lit up the training grounds.

"Get down!" He ordered his team.

Heeding his order without question his team dropped to the ground and took cover behind the half wall. Wrecker dropped low beside Tech wail shielded the young clone. Tech crouched low on his knees so he could get back up if he needed to. Crosshair just jumped from his pillar and landed on the ground with a roll before putting his back to a low wall.

Hunter dove behind the nearest wall and crouched low as bright red laser beams filled the training room. He furrowed his brow as he felt the sensation wash over him. He had trained with these lasers with Cody.

The Commander had warned him of the intensity and even as he watched a droid got hit with the beam and he felt it overloaded its systems before shutting down. Hunter could only count his team lucky that the droid did not explode.

"Don't let the Red lasers hit you," Hunter told them. "You will be out for the count."

"No kidding." Crosshair said with a snort form his position. "How do you want to play this?"

Hunter bit his lip as he remembered how he got past the lasers; He didn't think his team could do the same.

"This would be easier if we didn't have to worry about the kid." Crosshair muttered.

Hunter pressed his lips together, "Wrecker, can you make a shield form some of this scrap."

Wrecker laughed, "No problem." He grabbed his vibro-blade before looking down at the young clone he had been covering, "Excuse me little Trooper." He said with a grin, the small clone moved out of the way and huddled by Tech.

The big man then jammed his blade into the seam of the barrier they were hiding behind. With brute strength he peeled the reinforced metal from the low wall and held it over his head.

"Great, I'm coming to you." Hunter told them and before he could think twice about it he leaped out from behind his cover and dashed across the open ground to his team mates.

Shaak Ti cocked her head to the side as she watched Hunter make his mad dash, it wasn't as elegant as a Jedi but the strength and precision of his movements kept him safe and moving forwards.

Beside her Commander Cody couldn't keep the chuckle form escaping.

She looked to Cody and cocked an eyebrow.

"I wonder if he's got his eyes open this time." He said, "First time he did that he closed his eyes."

"He has grown," She said softly and a slight smile touched her lips. "His eyes are open."

Hunter was sweating by the time he made it to his men. He couched low, breathing hard as he looked at the astonished look on their faces. Even the young clone was looking at him with awe.

"That…was impressive." Wrecker said with a grin.

"Yeah but it's a not easy." Hunter told them, "Tech, can you discern any pattern in the lasers to get across?"

Tech who had been analyzing the lasers form the moment they appeared was silent for a moment before nodding his head. "I believe I can."

Hunter sighed but nodded, "Right, so this is gonna be hard, Wrecker will use the makeshift shield as cover." He looked to Tech, "Can you get to Crosshair?"

Tech looked out across the field and after a moment he nodded his head. "I believe so; I won't be as elegant as you were…"

"It was like a pretty dance." The young clone told Hunter who actually blushed.

"Don't forget about green squad." Crosshair said over the comms.

"Like we could forget about the Reg's," Wrecker muttered as he handed his shield over his shoulder.

Hunter looked to the young clone, before couching down and pulling the kid into his arms. "Hang onto me, no matter what."

"Promise." The clone whispered, Hunter thought they might say something more but they didn't have time.

"Right," he looked at them. "Everyone ready?" he asked as the others got into position. "Wrecker, I want you to shield Tech and Crosshair as best you can."

They gave him a nod and Hunter looked out over the training grounds. "Stick to cover, and don't do anything stupid."

"Ah you know us." Wrecker said with a grin.

"I do." Hunter chuckled, "Right, and on my mark, dash for the next barricade, don't nobody trip, now."

"That's a double negative." Tech put in, "But I understood your meaning."

Hunter kept his focus on the obstacles in their way. "Tech, Lead the way to Crosshair, I'll bring up the rear."

Tech was good with his calculations but not as good or instinctual as Hunter was. Wrecker's roll was vital; with the bit of metal as a shield he kept any mistakes form hitting Tech as they made it to the sharpshooter.

Hunter breathed out a short breath, maybe he should have given the Vod to Wrecker or Tech, but Wrecker's hands were busy and Tech had to keep his mind on his calculations. Unlike Tech, all of Hunters movements were instinctual. He felt what was coming and reacted… carrying the young clone in his arms would not stop him from responding properly.

But he was not used to carrying the weight, so his reaction was just a bit slower, just a bit off. He had only made it half way to the safe point when Hunter got hit with the blue laser. Pain shot through him and his whole left side went numb.

"Kriff!" Hunter hissed as he almost dropped the young clone but couched low to the ground with them in his arms. He didn't think much about the word swear that came out of his mouth, but maybe the kid would teach it to their batch. Swears words are always fun for young boys learn.

"It's okay, your okay," The young clone told him.

Hunter tried not to smile at the kid's reassurance, somehow it felt familiar but he didn't know where from.

"Don't worry Hunter!" Wrecker's voice shocked him as the big man bounded over to him with his makeshift shield over his head.

"Hey Wrecker," Hunter said.

"Crosshair saw you go down."

"Yeah tripped over my own feet," Hunter said as he flexed his numb hand.

"Here, think you can heft this while I carry the kid?" Wrecker asked nodding to the shield that he held over them.

"I don't know if I can manhandle that thing like you can." Hunter said as he got up to his feet, his arm felt tingly and numb but at least the young clone hadn't gotten hit. He set the clone down between them and looked at Wrecker.

"K I got an idea." Wrecker said grinning.

"And What's that?"

"Sit on my shoulders." Wrecker said.

Hunter blinked but then a grin spread over his face. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." Wrecker nodded with a big grin on his face.

Hunter gave him a nod and Wrecker knelt down. The big clone held the sheet of metal up high as Hunter climbed onto his shoulders and took hold of the shield form Wrecker.

"Ready," Hunter told him as he wrapped his legs around Wreckers neck and locked his ankles. He didn't want to choke the man.

Wrecker leaned down, keeping his movements slow and steady so he didn't tip Hunter off his perch. He grinned at the Vod and opened up his arms. The young clone stepped into Wreckers arms let the big man pick them up.

"Okay, Hang on." Wrecker said as he ran across the training room.

Hunter kept his senses on the droids and lasers but even Wrecker took a couple of hits by the droids. The big man didn't even make a sound as he was hit. Did he feel any pain? They made a mad dash and got past the laser field where Tech and Crosshair waited, offering them cover fire against the droids.

Wrecker got them across the training ground to Tech and Crosshair He crouched down with them. He set the young clone down on the ground carefully and reached up to take his 'shield' back form Hunter.

"Nice pack animal." Crosshair said with a smirk.

"Work with what we got." Wrecker said grinning back

"Thanks Wrecker," Hunter said, as he slipped down off of the big man and slapped his back. "K one last obstacle and we are done."

"Just give the word." Wrecker said.

Hunter sighed as he looked over the barrier out over the training ground's it looked easy just a few low walls and pillars. A blaster charge hit the low wall and Hunter flinched away before it struck.

"They are waiting for us." Crosshair said with a sneer.

"So it would seem." Tech said adjusting his goggles.

"Well Hunter?" Wrecker asked.

"Cross did you see where they were hiding?" Hunter asked as they all crouched low behind the wall.

"When I was up high I saw them flanking the clearest path." Crosshair told him.

Hunter closed his eyes, he was getting a headache form using his enhancements but he ignored the pain as he saw the lay out in his mind's eye, they were in a hole. Wail the green squad was stationed at the highest points, one behind a tower and the other three behind low walls like they were.

"Right," Hunter's arm was still numb he looked down at the kid. He might not be able to hold the kid and use his blaster or blade.

"And what Crazy plan are we going to do?" Crosshair asked with a grin.

"Wrecker do you still have the droid poppers?" Hunter asked.

Wrecker grinned. "Yeah I do."

"They are not designed to incapacitate people." Tech told him.

"Yeah but they still hurt like a bitch." Hunter grinned.

Wrecker chuckled as Hunter turned to Crosshair, "Can you set the poppers off?"

Crosshair grinned, "Watch me." He said.

"Right," Hunter said, "We are going to need to be fast." He looked to the cadet. "Wrecker take the Vod'ika, "I will draw their attention wail Tech cover me, Cross when I throw the poppers you activate them."

The kid looked to Hunter but moved to Wreckers side as they the big clone doled out the droid poppers, they only had three.

"Right, better not miss." Hunter said and looked out over the field. "Tech, call out the first shot."

Tech nodded his head and calculated the distance and trajectory in his head before relaying it to his team mates. Hunter repeated to confirm he heard right and threw the first droid popper into the air before jumping over the barrier and fallowing.

Tech's drew his blasters and gave Hunter cover in the wake of the droid popper flying through the air.

Hunter knew it was a risk if he got too close to the target before Crosshair got the popper to go off, but he trusted his team mates. He felt the blaster fire, and the surge of the EMP. He veered to the right and grabbed the seconded popper not even stopping to see if the fist had gotten the fist target.

This was where it got dicey, they were all moving on instanced, like a well oiled droid but it was a mad house. Hunter had to trust Crosshair to activate the popper without Hunter or Tech calling it out. Wail Crosshair did that Hunter needed to doge the blaster fire coming at him wail Tech gave him cover fire.

The second droid popper went off and Hunter heard the destined noise of pain form the cadets. Hunter kept the smirk form his face as he threw the next one.

He almost cursed when he saw the cadet dive out of the way and the droid popper went off without any effect. Instead of thinking about it Hunter charged the last Cadet.

Wrecker yelled a warning and Hunter ducked as something flat was hurrahed threw the air over his head like a spinning food tray but three times as big.

Hunter ducked as Wreckers makeshift shield imbedded itself into the edge of the pillar in front of him. Grinning, as he heard the big man laugh wildly Hunter jumped up onto the makeshift platform and pulled his blaster. Above the cadet Hunter pulled the trigger and watched with satisfaction as the clone slumped to the floor.

He didn't have to look behind him to know the others were charging in after him. Tech stunning the cadets that were coming out of the drop poppers, wail Wrecker carried the Vod over his shoulder like a sack of grain, and Crosshair bought up the rear, slower keeping an eye out for any bogies that were coming up on their six.

The three bad batchers looked to Hunter and he gave them a nod, as he jumped down from the bit of metal.

Hunter almost could not believe it when they made it to the safe zone and the simulation shut down. He was breathing heavily and so were the others except for Wrecker.

"Is that it?" Wrecker asked, "Did we pass?"

"I would say so." Hunter said as he looked to the Vod who grinned at him.

Wrecker put the kid down who rushed to Hunter.

"You did good Vod," Hunter said and had the wind knocked out of him as the young clone gave him a hug.

Wrecker laughed and slapped Crosshairs back making the sharp shooter nearly fall over.

"Try not to break him." Cody chuckled as he came into the training area.

"Sorry," Wrecker laughed.

The Vod pulled off the helmet and shock out there blonde hair "So did they pass?" they asked looking to Cody with anticipation.

Cody chuckled and leaned close, "They passed." He offered small clone a smile, "Now run along."

The young clone grinned at Hunter before looking at the bad batch, "I'm so glad you passed." They smiled to the Bad Batch before hurrying away.

Hunter watched them go, he was a little surprised at the affection the young clone had shown them, maybe they saw themselves as defective because of their blonde hair…

Cody grinned as he turned back to the Bad Batch. "You all Passed."

Tech adjusted his goggles; there was a hint of pride in his face. He looked to Hunter and gave him a nod.

Crosshair just smirked at Hunter as if to say there was never in any doubt.

Wrecker grinned as he wrapped his arms around Hunter and lifted him off the ground in a big bear hug.

"You hear that Hunter?" Wrecker said as he laughed. "We passed."

"Yeah Wrecker," Hunter felt pride well up in his chest, "I heard." He said as Wrecker set him down on his feet. "You all did great," He looked to his brothers, his batch, his Squad.

He couldn't help but grin back at them. They were his Squad and he couldn't be more proud of them.

"Congratulations, Clone force 99," Cody said to them, "You're officially a squad now."

Hunter looked at Cody, "We're The Bad Batch, sir." He told the commander with not a small amount of pride. His brothers stood with him, proud to be a squad that had beaten the odds.

They were The Bad Batch, and nothing would stand in their way.

Omega grinned as she watched her brother's celebrating together, she couldn't be prouder of them. The blonde clone looked down at the helmet she had worn for the tests. Being the 'package' had been a spur of the moment thing but she was glad she had done it.

Even if Nala Se was going to be mad at her, Omega didn't care. She grinned as she thought of what Hunter had called her.

"Vod'ika," She whispered, Brother or Sister. It meant sibling and she couldn't help but feel loved hearing those words from her brothers mouth. She had felt so much love in those words when Hunter had called her Vod'ika.

Omega only wished she had told them her name but she had been so happy seeing them again her mouth just hadn't worked.

She was their sister, their older sister, unlike them she grew like the non-clones.

They were now bigger then she was but she couldn't help but remember the babies she had once known and cared for. They were her Little brothers, Her Vode, even if she was the smaller one now.

Omega shock her head, one day, she would be big enough to follow them, no matter where they went in the universe.

She grinned as she watched her brothers, they were together, and they looked so happy.

"There you are." Nala Se's voice startled the young girl.

Standing up and looking sheepish she looked to the Kamanoan scientist. She waited for Nala Se to say something about her sneaking off to be in the test, the scientist did not like it when Omega put herself in danger.

Instead of punishing her Nala Se merely sighed, "Come Omega, there is work to do."

Omega fell into step behind Nala Se and cast one last look back at her brothers. They were good, happy and together, they would take care of each other.

She grinned, soon she would join them. Omega was sure of it.

The Bad Batch was a squad now…there was nothing they couldn't do.

Cody grinned as he watched the boys slap each other's backs in congratulations. He couldn't be more proud of them then he was right at that moment. He wondered in the back of his mind if this was how na-born fathers felt about their children when they accomplished a goal.

Clones may only have brothers' and no natural father, other then the Prim were their DNA came form but that didn't stop Cody form being proud of them anyway.

"Well boys," Cody said as they turned do him, "You might as well calibrate right now because your commando training starts in two days."

They stood a little starter, a little prouder.

"Will you be teaching us Sir?" Hunter asked.

Cody didn't blame him for thinking he might, but he had to get back to the war. He shook his head, "Sadly no." He told them, "You will be undergoing similar training to the ARC troopers." He gave them a weary smile, "So if you think your training up until now was hard, you're in for a shock."

The boys if nothing ells looked even more determined.

"We can handle it Commander Cody." Hunter told him his boyish face already showing a stubborn chin and strong nose.

"I don't doubt that." Cody grinned at them. "How does it feel to officially be Clone Force 99?"

The boys looked at each other and grinned, "Sir, We are The Bad Batch, and We are ready for Anything."

Cody laughed, unable to help himself. He knew these boys were stubborn till the end.

He couldn't wait to see what they did.

End

Well there we go the end of my seconded story. I'm very proud of myself for actually posting two stories so far.

Thank to everyone so much for reading it, I have more stories coming down the pipeline so keep an eye out for the next story about the bad batch and their clone brothers.