TBB - The Mission always comes first (EchoTBB)

by GunRoswall

Sometimes, one can be way too busy working, only to be ignoring their partners. And Echo, had certainly done just that. The Arc flown off with Rex yet on another rescue op, while the rest of the Batch were resting on their laurels, waiting for their own Arc's return… But then something urgent pops up…. The mission parameters changing. Part of PolyBatch series / CHSOTM Events

TBB - The Mission always comes first (Echo/TBB)

By GunRoswell

Preface

First mission parameters always change

The second mission - rescuing Commander Cody

The third mission - We're so getting Echo back!

Preface

Set somewhere in the The Bad Batch galaxy of things. Timeline? What Timeline? Sometimes, one can be way too busy working, only to be ignoring their partners.

And Echo, had certainly done just that. The Arc flown off with Rex yet on another rescue op, while the rest of the Batch were resting on their laurels, waiting for their own Arc's return… But then something urgent pops up…. The mission parameters changing.

Part of PolyBatch series / CHSOTM Events / Prompt "Mission"

First mission parameters always change

'Take a good look back, what you leave there, behind you. Then ask yourself, was it really worth all that, the priority out there up front being something else?' "Come in Echo! This is Hunter!"

Echo glanced at the communicator and debated for the umpteenth time whether to pick the call up or not. It had been a few days, granted, since their last communication but Echo was on an important mission. They all knew that, the Batch did. And still, they kept on calling him! At most inconvenient times no less!

"Echo? Please respond? It's Hunter!"

Of course Echo knew it was Hunter. Who else would it be calling him in the middle of an undercover op! Well, the rest of the Batch for sure. But, the tone of the Sergeant was more pleading this time around. As if there really was something going on. Something bad perhaps having happened?

Sighing heavily, Echo picked up the cylinder dedicated to Clone Force 99's comms only despite the warning glance of Rex's. Something clearly visible despite the protective helmet being on the Captain.

Yeah, they were on a mission! Yes, this was a priority and sure!

And, it had been by Echo's own choice to join with his former Captain for the Clone Cause and of course it was a tad annoying and a little bit dangerous too for the others to keep pinging Echo…

But…

"This is Echo. Be quick about what you have to say to me."

The low growl of a voice huffed over the now open comm channel.

"Echo! Glad you could finally respond." Hunter sounded relieved on the other end of it.

"Yeah, well, we're on a mission. Radio silence and all that. Remember?!"

Echo was annoyed but it felt good to hear Hunter's voice just the same. Echo really had missed the scout and the rest of his family. But they had made their own choice after getting Crosshair back. Which was to stay on Pabu. And what Echo was doing now, was important. For all of them.

"I um… yeah… well, we're in a bit of a bind here…"

And sure, the others always made some excuse to call Echo. One urgency after another! Not that he could really blame them. They missed Echo too, that much was true without a doubt. They were, after all, a tight knit unit in all that the word entailed. Even with Crosshair and his new friend back, Mayday, they all missed Echo very much. Something of a warming sentiment for sure for the Arc.

"What did Wrecker and or Crosshair do now? Or was it Omega?"

Yeah, usually it was some squabble or similar needing Echo as a referee. Even over the distance!

Mostly, it was an excuse for Hunter to call Echo. Not that the others did not. As they did all do just that. Call Echo at all hours and with everything and anything too. Even Crosshair. And once, it had been Mayday on the other end of the channel. Although Echo suspected it was all Crosshair's doing that time too. Still, Mayday was part of their family now so…yeah. Calling Echo they all did!

"Um… no, not this time." A pause. "I … we got an unusual ping." Hunter sounded rather serious, more so than he usually did. "An old clone code. Something we thought you and especially Rex might be interested in. And well, it was Tech who figured out who it was calling…" There was another, longer pause. "It's Cody, Echo. He needs a pickup and well, guess we should do something about it."

Rex had heard the whole conversation. Of course he had. Being right beside Echo how could he not have. They were side by side in the trenches after all, observing their target, on a mission. An important mission!

Without even asking, Rex was already grabbing the comms device from Echo's hand.

"Where is he? Is he alright? Why did you not go after him already? Hunter?!"

"Rex!"

"Yeah, is me. Sorry…"

Rex was clearly both exhilarated and worried of this, new piece of intel. It was Cody after all! Having tried to catch up with the missing Marshal Commander for a while now, ever since having learnt of Cody going AWOL from Crosshair.

"Um, we're trying to pinpoint the exact location now. It was a recorded message only, but Tech believes it was rather recent."

Rex exchanged glances with Echo. Sure, their current mission was important. But they could delegate this to one of the other clones just the same. As they both knew, saving Cody was important as well. Most important at least for Rex.

"Echo and myself will make the arrangements. We'll be on Pabu in a few. Expect us there when we arrive."

The decision was made, their mission parameters having changed suddenly. Not that Echo minded it. Getting back to his family was good, rescuing Cody even better.

The large size ship landed onto the platform, the Batchers already there with Mayday waiting for Echo and Rex's arrival. Omega was waving as they landed and got out from the vessel, eager to see Echo and well, Rex too.

"Welcome back Echo!" The kid was all over the Arc, the rest of the Batchers waiting until Echo and Rex got settled before taking their turn in greeting the two. "So, Cody. Are we prepped and ready to go?" Rex was all business, having gotten one update during their fight over to Pabu from the Batch and so, he was only too eager to get moving along. Saving his old friend was imperative and delaying the mission could put the Commander in harms way.

"Yes, Sir!" Tech had already managed to get more details and the location as well, while the two had been en route. "We have the almost exact location of Commander Cody."

Rex stared at the man, not sure what it meant. But, at least they had a location so that was all good, right? "What does almost exact mean, exactly."

"Well, the planet he is currently on is heavily occupied. The one where the message originated from. Well, it is now. Most likely wasn't a few days ago. And so, there are plenty of jamming devices in place."

"Yeah, looks like the Empire beat us there. The planet is plentiful with resources, so no wonder!" Mayday commented.

"But, we can find him, once we are there." Tech added being sure of his own abilities, naturally. "With Echo's help of course." Tech let a small smile cross his face, he like the rest of them only too happy to have Echo back. They had all missed him. A lot it seemed. And Echo could easily help Tech on this task too, having his unique abilities to do so.

Then again, they always did, didn't they. Miss Echo. Echo was part of them as much as they were part of Echo. The words need not be spoken. But they were making plenty a calls to him, so there was that!

"Alrighty then, we'd better get going then." Rex motioned for the crew. "We're taking my ship." Rex stated sounding more like an order. He was the Captain after all. Besides, his ship had the advantage of more powerful engines and several canons, compared to the Marauder. Just in case they found themselves in a battle against the Empire.

Hunter simply raised his hands in surrender. Having a hint of mirth on his face not really wanting to debate the Captain. As this was one mission even Hunter knew meant more to Rex than any other before. Because this being the one where they would get Cody back. Where Rex would get Cody back.

The second mission - rescuing Commander Cody

'Saving a a long lost friend, even an old lover… What could be more better than that?'

"Are you sure this is these are the correct coordinates?" Rex was certainly in a mood, his voice grumpier than Echo's usual lilt, the man practically growling the words out as he spoke, the frustration of the Captain growing fast. "There is nothing here! No sign of Cody anywhere!"

They had been circling around the system for a while now.

The original planet having turned a bust, barely having managed to avoid the imperials while looking for their missing person. But they had managed just the same, they were really that good.

Having already checked two planets in addition to their originally selected one without any luck. The signal of the actual transmission indicating from Commander Cody. The one having been lost at the moment they had entered the star system and so flying blind was all they could do for now. Doing random checks on the planets there because of that.

But it had was the correct system. At least according to Tech and Echo's extensive scans to the signal and where they would be heading to get to the missing clone if they could boost their equipment once again.

"This is the right part of space we are in Captain. Echo and myself checked the location of the signal several times over." Tech wasn't fazed or backing up either. He knew they were right. Having a fuming Captain was an inconvenience for sure, but not a hindrance. Besides, Echo had already explained Rex's predicament to Tech.

"So where is he?" Rex was beginning to lose it. "This is the, what third planet we're looking for him!"

"Fourth actually." Tech reminded him, getting a nasty stare in response from Rex. Being so close and yet, not finding Cody was really getting to the man.

After all, having lost Cody early on after Order 66 had gone out caused quite the dent in their relationship. Cody having served the enemy for a while there soon after. But having found out he had changed his mind where the Empire was concerned from Crosshair. Well, Rex knowing now all about the chips and all, he wanted Cody back. Damned the past and whatever had happened there in between!

"Rex…" Echo placed his hand on the Captain's shoulder in the efforts of trying to calm him down. "We'll find Cody." Not that Echo was as sure as that, but the math wasn't wrong either. Giving Tech an exchange of glances, they both knew what they needed to do.

"Well, if you are sure." Rex trusted Echo and the Bad Batch. And so, if Echo and Tech could not solve the puzzle of the missing Commander? Well then, nobody could.

"I am. Now. Let Tech and myself do some recalibrating to figure out what is causing the signal loss."

"Alright. Guess we could use a short break after all this, searching." Rex nodded to the others looking at him expectantly. As they had been at it for the better part of the rotation, the others sighing in relief as they were on a wild goose chase currently, or so it seemed. So, taking a break was a great idea.

"We'll setup camp here. The water supply is good and we could do with a resupply of our stock as well." Hunter simply commented, giving the rest of the team something to do while waiting for Echo and Tech to complete their task.

Rex had been dozing on and off. The warmth of the sun on his face feeling good for a change after all that time in space and on the clone base. The constant missions taken their toll on the leader of the rebellion. But it could not be helped. Then again, a soft respite even in the middle of a rescue mission felt like a Force sent and so taking advantage of it like the rest of the team was.

It had taken most of the night, Echo and Tech working in shifts while taking a nap in between where they could to reconfigure their scanners to detect the one, single clone life sign. The small size needle inside of a somewhat middle size star system. As it was, most of the planets were uninhabited, the rest housing only plant and animal life with one occupied by the Empire. Still, Tech and Echo had a plan in place and thus pushing forward to improve their equipment. They all wanted to find Cody after all. Get the man back to Rex. Well, all of them, but mostly Rex.

Rex opened his eyes, feeling the stare of someone on his person. Cracking them open he could see the two Batchers staring right back at him. Blinking once, twice he got their full attention.

"Yes?" "Feeling better there Rex?" Echo smirked as clearly, the Arc's good mood was speaking volumes to the Captain.

"I… You found him?" Rex was already alert and getting up, letting the Tech and Echo help him. Certainly feeling the somewhat rough ground he had been lying on in his old bones. The wince of his face telling.

"Yeah, Cap, we did." Tech too was in a good mood, smiling which was unusual. Then again, Tech felt so good working with Echo after a lengthy spell having missed the Arc.

The whole team, despite the nature of their current excursion having been grateful to spend the time with their precious Echo. Tech and Echo even having shared a few smooches in between their work. After all, they had encouraged each other, the working environment surely so much better that way!?

"So…? What? Where?"

"The last planet."

"It's always the last one eh?!"

"Yeah. The signal we finally got, is coming in loud and clear. And the DNA confirms it. It's Cody, Rex."

"So, we ready to go?"

"Yep, Cap. All prepped and ready to leave when you are."

The trio made their way to the Marauder with the rest of the team only waiting for the Captain to step onboard.

"Cody?"

There was no mistaken as to whom it was shacked by the crashed shuttle. The Commander commanding in form even from a distance and well, clearly not in his parade best.

"Rex?"

Cody squinted his eyes, the sun on his helmet-less face Cody looked, well. Like he had spent several rotations on the planet after crash-landing on it. Rex took into a sprint. Running the rest of the way to meet up with Cody. Whatever had happened in between seised to exist. Only thing that mattered to Rex was getting Cody back. And so, grabbing the somewhat scruffy man into his arms, Rex held onto Cody for dear life as if being afraid he would disappear suddenly. That this was all just a mirage in the wasteland.

Cody and Rex shared a gaze after Rex finally released Cody from his bear hug.

"You came… for me?"

"Yeah, Codes. Any time. You know that, right." It' wasn't really a question.

Cody could only nod. His eyes getting wet from the tears despite the dry desert air. Rex following suit, the two suddenly crying, but happy tears, as this was a very joyous reunion.

"So, guess you had backup then?"

Cody could see the Bad Batch, with Crosshair and Mayday there, the Commander familiar to both Cody and Rex. The others smiling and nodding, not wanting to interrupt the special and rather tender moment between the two leaders.

"Yeah. I did." Rex glanced at his team, a huge grin forming onto his face. Turning back to Cody. "So, you wanna come back with us or stay here?" Rex jabbed, getting a soft chuckle from Cody.

"I would be glad to leave this dry heap of a rock as far behind as possible."

Rex nodded, the old feelings already having overwhelmed him but not really sure what the status between them was now. But Rex could not let it go for whatever reason. Be that the time, the venue, the fatigue… whatever. And so, Rex was once again grabbing a hold of Cody. The movement much gentler though, while his lips found Cody's. The familiarity of an old lover present in the softest of touches.

Cody responded in kind, never mind the audience. The others mostly turned their heads out of respect, letting Rex and Cody share in their lovers moment. Well, Tech and Crosshair did not, they simply stared in interest. Not that it was a secret. Rex and Cody. Never had been.

After the two leaders broke off, panting heavily, more so of the overwhelming emotions the kiss with a promise of something had elicited in the two. It was just like the old times. Right?!

"So, ya wanna go then?"

"Yeah… Yeah Rex, let's go… home."

"That's right, Codes. Home." Rex and Cody were both positively beaming, the leering soon catching on with the rest of the team.

The third mission - We're so getting Echo back!

'The mission ahead might not be one filled with adventure, only to persuade a long lost lamb to come back to the fold.'

"Look at those two! Hardly able to keep their hands off of each other." Crosshair's voice was a low whisper as he spoke.

The team having arrived back to Rex's base with Cody, the lost lamb back where he belonged, with his family and ... Rex. it wasn't as Crosshair was complaining, rather keeping an interested eye on the two commanders. These were different times from before, the discreet behaviour of partners from the GAR times all but forgotten. As there was no reason to hide how they felt about each other. They were all free citizens now, in a manner of speaking and loving whom you loved was their choice to make. "Well, they have been apart for a long while. And besides, they both thought the other was lost to them. For good. Can you really blame either of them?" Hunter's tone was low, tender even.

Seeing how much love there was present between Cody and Rex still after everything. Only too glad they had found the Marshal Commander. And, it wasn't too long ago the team had gotten Crosshair back and in addition, Mayday had joined their team and their hearts. So living their best lives despite the civil war against the Empire raging in the background was something they all cherished. There was one snag in the scud pie though. Echo, being away from them.

"No, I cannot. It's interesting though. I mean, we all knew, on some level the two were together." Crosshair stared at the duo some distance away more intently, openly even. "But, seeing them here now like they are... well... gives one certainly some thoughts." There was a hint of a smirk on the sniper's lips suddenly.

"I know Cross." Hunter sighed, turning his gaze from Rex and Cody to Echo, who was already busy planning and plotting with Gregor and Howzer. Most likely yet another mission, yet another op taking Echo away from his loving family.

Hunter could not blame Echo though for wanting to do his part in the rebellion. They all took part on the missions where they could. To some extent. But Hunter preferred to take on as little as possible, wanting his little family to enjoy some free life as well back on Pabu. Their safe haven.

Hunter felt the soft touch on his shoulder, Crosshair having the same thought as Hunter.

"Echo."

"Yeah. Echo."

"We need to get him back."

"Well, it's not like he's left us. it's just..."

"Complicated?"

"Well... yes and no."

"That, is rather vague."

"Yeah. well, guess, when you were gone, the rest of us grew closer and so when Echo left for Rex's cause… Guess there was a rift there between us for a while." Hunter had not taken it well, not internally even if on the surface he had kept a brave face for the rest of their sakes. "We all missed him. A lot."

"I know."

"So... yeah."

"Yeah."

"Oh well."

Crosshair was thinking for a moment. After all, he had gained so much already after coming back, Mayday among them not to mention the team's unwavering love and affection despite, well, everything. "Look, Hunter, if we want him back, it really shouldn't be that complicated." Crosshair and Hunter had their gazes locked.

"No?"

"No."

"What do you suggest?"

Crosshair had an idea, but guess it was all up to Echo in the end whether he would be more active with the team than he had been so far.

It was later, the Bad Batch having decided to stay on the base for a few rotations helping out wherever was needed. This was the official plan anyway. The real reason for them wanting to hang back at the base, was Echo. The plan a foot to get the Arc to rejoin the team. Or at least, spend more time with them on their island getaway.

After all, the rebellion was growing and getting stronger than ever and all able bodied clones were welcome to help. But yeah, they also needed the balance in their lives. The lot having done their bid for Queen and Country for sure.

It was easy for those units/partnerships where all of them were part of the cause. As it was Hunter having only partially agreed to participate even now, leaving the rest of the group detached from their precious partner, Echo.

Crosshair had suggested a sort of compromise to Hunter, knowing full well Hunter would not want to give up their autonomy, their semi retirement plan for anyone's cause. Even the clones. Then again, Echo would not want to give up his part in the rebellion either, that much was for sure and they all knew it well.

And so, if they wanted to spend time with Echo, fully spend time with the man. They needed for the Arc to compromise as well.

Echo was busy, working on some data sorting when the team arrived to his office.

All of them surrounding Echo, touching him gently to get his attention even if it might have been a tad overwhelming to have five sets of hands on one's person suddenly. Echo having been submerged in the task until the others had arrived, startled a tad of the sudden contact.

"Oh, hey." Echo managed, stopping his work quickly enough. Not that he wasn't almost finished anyway, having double checked everything just to be sure. "Did I miss a meeting?"

The Batch usually arranged team meetings, mainly to spend time together when on base. Brief break sessions here and there simply to hang out. Echo always part of them, but of course.

"This, is the meeting." Wrecker chuckled, kissing Echo on the cheek, not wanting to start anything really, simply making sure Echo knew what this was all about.

"Oh. Sorry. Guess I got lost in the work." Echo's response of an apology having once again realised the time having passed by. Something of a thing for Echo, but also Tech. The others constantly having to drag the two away from said work to take their breaks.

"Is alright Echs." Hunter assured him. "There was no plan for this one. Simply to let you know we are thinking about you and wanted to spend some time with you." Hunter smiled at the Arc, his hands circling around Echo's waist.

Echo looked surprised though, of this Ad-hoc meet up. Not that the others affections were a surprise but still, it had been some time they had all been together and guess, it was time after all.

"So, we do have an ulterior motive." Mayday started, the smirk on his face a dead giveaway.

"Sex." Wrecker added.

Echo rolled his eyes, as if he had not figured that one out. Not that he wasn't fully on board for whatever the others had to offer him. But, it was kind of sudden just the same.

"Not that. Not yet anyway." Crosshair nudged Wrecker on his arm.

"Yeah, Echo, we wanted to suggest something for you." Hunter added.

"Oh?" Echo was all ears now.

"Yeah... now that Cody is back and all..." Hunter wasn't sure if Echo would agree to this but they had to try.

Echo narrowed his eyes, already seeing where this was going. Most likely. Tech seeing Hunter was stumbling with his words, the nervousness getting the better of the scout.

"We would like for you to reduced the time you spend on the cause." Tech simply stated seeing Echo about to respond Tech raised his hand in objection. "In exchange for us taking on a more active role here as well."

Tech shut up and let Echo chew on the suggestion for a moment. When Echo did not respond so Hunter decided to continue.

"We all want to spend time with you Echo. Fully spend time with you, become a whole team again. And if you agree to come with us to Pabu some of the time, we in turn would take part in the missions here more often. This way, we would be with you, always. Just like old times."

They were all staring at Echo, several sets of puppy dog eyes aimed at the Arc, pleading ones at that.

"I... um..."

"We really, really miss ya and want ya back." Wrecker added sincerely.

Echo let his gaze wander from one to the other, each of them letting him read what was clearly there. One of their partners missing and they all wanted him back. Full time.

And this being the best solution the team had come up with.

"So, you would join in all the rescues I am going on?" Echo clarified. "No complaints?"

"Yes. We would. And no complaints." Hunter replied on behalf of them all.

Echo was thoughtful for a moment.

It was true there were more and more capable clones joining the cause now. And so, Echo did not have to be taking part in all the planning and missions every single time. And despite making an oath to the vod'e to save them all, well there was the other oath he had taken for his partners. The Bad Batchers that is of course. And guess, if they were willing to compromise Echo should do so too.

"Alright. Then we do it that way. What you all suggest. I will talk to Rex about the deal."

"Yey!"

The cheers, hugs and kisses Echo received were clear indication he was more than wanted by the others. Not that there had been any doubt in his mind, but Echo had kind of forgotten it. Kind of.

"So, now can we have sex?" Wrecker having been eager to get their missing partner back and not just for the hugs and kisses either.

"Sure, Wrecks! Whatever you want my dear sweet man!" Echo was already way ahead the rest of them, grabbing the powerhouse in for a most passionate kiss. Whatever else was to follow was a long time due for all. The partnership once again whole with Echo back in the fold.