It was mild for a spring afternoon in the Coruscant underground. The artificial lights lit the area they were in there. The hum of the equipment around the area, combined with the scents of rock, metal and electricity, was rough for Rex's senses as he sat on the hard ground. Everyone could see the artificial lights around, though only Rex had any idea how far above the surface of Coruscant they were. The revelations about the deaths of Tech and Phee and the capture of Omega had rattled Rex and horrified Riyo Chuchi. Riyo departed, searching for information about Dr Hemlock, while Rex, Hunter, Wrecker and Echo stayed on the platform.
"I thought the end of the war would mean an end to losing more of our brothers. But I was wrong. We can't just walk away, not with the Empire imprisoning the kid," Rex said.
"That we can't," Hunter replied, "But we don't even know where to start. And after everything that's gone wrong, I can't lead this squad,"
"What are you going to do on your own?" Rex asked, surprised at what Hunter had said.
"I don't know. But I need to rediscover my leadership. Rediscover what made me able to lead the squad. I can't lead until I've figured that out," Hunter replied.
"We understand, Hunter. Just don't go getting yourself captured, alright?" Wrecker replied.
"I won't," Hunter smiled slightly at Wrecker.
"It's not easy being a leader," Rex added, "As I understand all too well. But I've learned from my mistakes and become a better leader. If you feel that you need to do something similar, then do it. Alright?"
"Alright," Hunter replied. The group went silent momentarily before Rex continued, "I'd be curious about your best memories of Tech and Phee. I don't have any memories of Phee specifically, but I have one for Tech,"
"Well, you can start with your memory," Hunter replied.
"It's simple. How Tech rescued Echo from the Trade Federation, and specifically how Tech got Echo disconnected from Wat Tambor's computer," Rex explained.
"That's nice," Hunter replied. When Rex nodded, he replied, "What about you, Hunter?"
"Back when I was younger, I struggled with sensory overload. Tech was able to modify my helmet to help me push through overload and allow me to destress," Hunter explained.
"That's great to hear," Rex replied before he turned to Wrecker.
"What about you, Wrecker? What's your moment?" Rex asked.
To Rex's surprise, Wrecker grabbed Lula.
"Lula?" Rex asked.
"Yeah. After I got injured during a training mission, I struggled with my mental and physical health. Tech had gone to Ninety-Nine and asked for something to help me. Ninety-Nine got Lula for me, and I've had her ever since," Wrecker explained.
"That would explain Lula," Rex replied before he turned to Echo.
"I think I know what your most memorable moment with Tech is," Rex said.
"He managed to free me from the computer system used by Wat Tambor. I will always be thankful for that," Echo replied.
"As for Phee, I think her showing us Pabu is our collective fondest memory of her," Hunter said.
"Wish I could've gone there. It sounds like an amazing place," Rex replied.
"It is. Maybe once we rescue Omega and Crosshair, we can take you there," Echo said.
"I might take you up on that offer," Rex replied.
Talking about their fondest memories of Tech and Phee helped Hunter, Wrecker, and Echo with the grieving process. The collective burden Rex and Clone Force 99 shared had lifted slightly, and the future now looked marginally brighter.
"I recommend you guys complete your recovery before we start any more missions. I need to talk to someone," Rex said.
"Wrecker needs a Bacta Pod to heal in," Hunter pointed out.
"I can guide you three to a medical clinic that will allow you to rest in a Bacta Pod," Riyo replied.
"Lead the way," Hunter turned to Riyo, who nodded and led them away. After sighing, Rex headed for his secret office.'
It was warmer than outside for a spring day inside Rex's office. It was getting close to evening, and Rex turned on a lamp in the room to light the stone walls and blue, rough carpet. Rex took in the scents of dust on the rug and the stone of the walls and ceiling as he sat on the hard chair. Only Rex, or someone sitting in a specific position, could see Ahsoka's padawan braids. He looked at the wooden work table and noticed that he had a message waiting for him. Activating the hologram, a middle-aged Kaminoan appeared.
"Kuan Si, it's been a while," Rex said.
Kuan Si replied gravely, "Rex, we haven't talked much lately. Do you have an update on you contacting Clone Force 99 since the Empire captured Omega?"
"Yes. Just now," Rex replied, "They're not doing well. Hunter is on the brink of breaking away from the rest of the squad. Losing Phee didn't help,"
"Alright," Kuan replied gravely, "Do you know where to look for information about where the Empire is holding them?"
"No," Rex conceded, "All we can do right now is attack individual Imperial transports and attempt to find more information. That's all we can do right now,"
"Well, I have something for you to consider," Kuan Si replied.
"What is it?" Rex asked.
"Since they've captured Omega, the Empire will go after my son and me next. Dr Hemlock might even use Omega as bait for my son. So we have to be careful," Kuan Si replied.
"Stay safe, alright?" Rex asked.
"We will. That's why we have a mobile base," Kuan Si replied before remembering something.
"I could do with your help," Kuan Si said.
"What's up?" Rex asked.
"A craft carrying Clone troopers and some rather crucial equipment to the Empire crashed on Naboo. If you could recover the equipment from the ship before the Empire does, that would be epic. If you can extract any information from the databanks of the craft, that would be even better," Kuna Si replied.
Rex thinks about it momentarily, "What intelligence do you have on this ship?"
"I can send the intelligence report on it," Kuan Si replied.
"Please do," Rex said, and Kuan Si sent the information through. Rex checked the intelligence report for several moments.
"It looks good. We won't let you down," Rex replied.
"May the force be with you," Kuan Si replied before he ended the communication.
"Alright, let's do this," Rex sighed as he got up and headed out.
While waiting for Hunter and Wrecker to finish healing, Echo stayed around the Havoc Marauder. The weather had cooled in the past few hours and external lights from the Marauder lit Echo. The sounds of residents working dominated the sounds, though the hum of an occasional speeder flying past made their presence felt. The scents of metal and dust filled the air as Echo rested on the solid frame of the craft. Everyone could see the symbol that was a guide for people wanting to visit the underground, though only Echo, or someone standing in his exact position, could see down the dark alley to the north of the landing pad.
Echo looked around and saw Rex approaching.
"We've got a new mission for once the medicos have healed Hunter and Wrecker," Rex said.
"What are we doing?" Echo asked.
"The mission calls for us to investigate an Imperial ship that crash-landed on Naboo and recover what we can from it," Rex replied.
Rex then looked at Echo, "Are you alright?"
"Omega," Echo replied, "She said that she thought she was part of why I left to join you. And she's been captured now, and I don't know why, but I can't help but feel partly responsible for her capture,"
"Echo, please, don't beat yourself up over it. Did you explain your reasons why you joined me?"
"I did," Echo replied, "It looked like she got the message, but still apologetic. I get the feeling she's hiding a lot from us about her past on Kamino,"
"I had a feeling that was the case," Rex replied, "Which means we've got to work towards getting her away from the Empire and the Kaminoans immediately,"
"Speaking of the Kaminoans, did you hear the recent rumours?" Echo asked.
"No," Rex replied.
"Gregorjust told me that a Kaminoan Scientist was assassinated in jail recently. The rumours say that Dr Hemlock was planning to talk with her, and Lama Su got the ball rolling towards her assassination. What Lama Su didn't want to fall into Dr Hemlock's hands is what Gregor is trying to get information on," Echo explained.
"A Kaminoan Scientist in Republic jail. Being in Republic jail, not Kaminoan jail means the Scientist must have done something horrific if the Kaminoans handed her to the Republic for prosecution. And if Dr Hemlock's involved, that's scary," Rex replied.
"Agreed. What could that Scientist have done to have the Prime Minister of Kamino do this? It's strange and concerning," Echo replied.
"The Prime Minister involved in an assassination like this. It's concerning," Rex admitted, "Put the assassination out of your mind, Echo. Once Hunter and Wrecker have recovered, we're off to Naboo,"
"Alright," Echo replied before Rex departed and Echo returned to the Havoc Marauder.
Two days passed before Hunter and Wrecker were ready to go. Despite Hunter's protests, Wrecker, Echo, and Rex had convinced him to lead them on the mission to Naboo. In addition to the quartet, half a dozen Clones had joined them in the mission.
The atmosphere was tense as the Havoc Marauder flew towards Naboo. It was warm, and Hyperspace lit the craft. The ship hummed as the craft flew towards Naboo, and the scents of the craft dominated Hunter's senses as he piloted the craft in his solid seat. Everyone can see the ship in flight ahead, though only Hunter notices the strange light at the back. It took six days to get to Naboo, and when the two craft come out of Hyperspace, Hunter looked out over the craft at the planet below. Naboo.
The green of the landmasses, the blue of the oceans, the white clouds crossing the atmosphere, the planet was beautiful.
Rex's voice came over the intercom, "We know where the craft crashed, but we won't be able to land near the crash site. So we need to approach carefully. We don't know if the Empire has reached the site yet,"
"We're aware," Hunter replied, "Thanks for informing us. We'll be careful,"
"Good, Rex out," Rex replied before the intercom went silent.
"Let's do this," Hunter turned to Wrecker and Echo and the former stated, "Let's blow something up,"
"How do we know the Empire hasn't already secured the craft?" Echo asked.
"We don't know. Hopefully, we won't have that problem," Hunter reassured as he piloted the Havoc Marauder into the atmosphere.
After about ten minutes, the Havoc Marauder landed next to Rex's ship. Hunter, Wrecker, and Echo exited the Marauder and met with Rex.
"What do you want, Captain?" Hunter asked.
"If you can find a clear path to the craft, that would be good," Rex replied.
"Sounds like a plan," Hunter replied before he turned to Wrecker and Echo.
"Let's go," and the trio headed down a different path to Rex.
The grassy hills spread out before Echo as he followed Hunter through the plains of Naboo. It was late morning and a warm summer day on Naboo. Naboo's star shined on the landscape, and the sounds of the wind blowing over the hills greeted the Batch. The scent of grass filled Echo's senses as they ran along the soft, dirt ground. The trio didn't get far before they got their first look at the crater where the craft was residing. And immediately, Echo knows the Empire is already investigating the craft.
"Rex, we've got a problem," Echo radioed.
"What is it?" Rex replied.
"The Empire has already reached the craft," Echo replied.
"Thanks for informing us. Create a diversion so we can take it," Rex said.
"Sounds like a plan," Echo replied before turning to Hunter and Wrecker.
"Do we get to blow something up?" Wrecker asked.
"That'd be a big enough diversion," Echo replied.
"Then let's go," Hunter replied, and the trio moved down a path east of the crater.
Unfortunately, when they reached the nearest LAAT Gunship, the trio realised that there were dozens of Stormtroopers guarding the Gunship and surrounding areas.
"Not good," Hunter said, "Echo, see if you can hack into the communicator and divert some of the Stormtroopers,"
"On it," Echo replied, and the trio started searching for a terminal.
It didn't take long to find a terminal, but while Echo started working on the compute terminal, Hunter and Wrecker had to cover Echo. And it didn't take long before the Empire engaged them, making things more challenging for Echo.
"Guys, I can't concentrate on hacking this terminal with all this blaster fire," Echo complained. Hunter and Wrecker moved position in response to distract the firing Stormtroopers and ran away. Hunter and Wrecker got enough distance between them and the Stormtroopers, which allowed Echo to initiate an emergency response to the Stormtroopers, and the reaction from the other Stormtroopers allowed the trio to drive off the remaining Stormtroopers and find a way to sabotage the LAAT Gunship.
"Now, let's get back to Rex. Hopefully, the bomb distracts the Empire long enough for us to get in and collect what's needed," Hunter replied. Wrecker and Echo agreed, and they made their way towards Rex.
As Hunter, Wrecker, and Echo headed for Rex and his squad, a Stormtrooper squad ambushed them. Wose, Rex radioed, "We got ambushed by Stormtroopers. We're pinned down and need backup. Where are you guys?"
"Kriff it," Hunter snapped, "Rex's squad is in trouble. We need to get past the Empire so we can back them up,"
Echo led Hunter and Wrecker to a nearby shear cliff where they could take cover and fire back.
Wrecker threw a grenade at the Stormtroopers and took one Stormtrooper out while scattering the others, which allowed Hunter and Wrecker to drive the Stormtroopers off.
"Let's keep going," Hunter said, and when Echo and Wrecker nodded, the trio raced for Rex.
Once Hunter, Wrecker, and Echo reached Rex, the quartet worked together to repel the Empire.
"This isn't going well," Hunter said.
"I know. Have you got your diversion?" Rex asked.
"Ready," Wrecker replied, showing the trigger.
"Do it," Hunter replied. When Wrecker pressed the trigger, one of the LAAT Gunships exploded.
'What was that?" a Stormtrooper heard from nearby. Some of the Stormtroopers ran for the Imperial landing zone.
"Now, let's find out what is inside the ship that's got the Empire so interested," Rex said as he led the remaining troopers into the craft.
It was hot and stagnant inside the crashed craft. The scent of a recently put-out fire assaulted Hunter's senses. The Clones have to turn on lights to see inside the crashed craft. Hunter heard sparking electricity as he walked along the hard metal surface.
"Where might this information and equipment be?" Hunter asked. An abandoned Stormtrooper opening fire on them answered the question seconds later.
The firefight only didn't last long because every Clone immediately returned fire once they reached cover.
Once the lone Stormtrooper died, Hunter led the other Clones towards the ship's bridge. And once they arrived, Rex stated, "Echo, collect all the information you can,"
"On it," Echo replied as he went to work at one of the computers. After about a minute, Echo stated, "There's another Clone somewhere here,"
"I've found the captured Clone," another Clone called through the intercom.
"Good. What is the condition?" Rex asked.
"Dead," the Clone replied.
"Kriff, alright, depart from here and secure an escape route," Rex replied.
"Understood," the Clone replied, and the intercom went silent.
"I've found something else," Echo stated suddenly.
"What is it?" Rex asked.
"I think it's the information requested," Echo replied, "Uh oh. Hunter, Wrecker, Rex, you might want to see this,"
"Alright," Hunter pulled back from his position at the entrance to the bridge and moved to the holo table in the middle. Echo stuck the data stick into the holo table, and notes about Dr Hemlock and his next target appeared.
"Why is Boba Fett listed?" Hunter asked.
"Because he's the Alpha of us all. The unaltered Clone of Jango Fett. Even Omega must be slightly altered, and it looks like Dr Hemlock has discovered this," Rex replied.
Suddenly, everyone hears the sounds of repulsorlifts overhead.
"Repulsorlifts. Everyone, get to cover!" Rex shouted. Suddenly, bombs rained from the TIE Bombers above, destroying the crashed craft and forcing everyone to dive for cover as everything within the craft collapsed around them or blew apart.
Hunter was the first to come around despite experiencing sensory overload from the explosions.
Immediately, Hunter knew it had been a mistake for him to lead Wrecker and Echo into this mission. Even if they had the information, they had lost it due to the explosions. The only information they knew was that Dr Hemlock was planning to hunt Boba Fett next. Hunter staggered up and watched as the TIE Bombers took off into space. He looked around, and, to him, it appeared that he was the only survivor. Overwhelmed with guilt and shame about how his leadership had potentially gotten the rest of his crew killed or injured, Hunter ran. He ran out of the ruined craft and towards the Havoc Marauder. He didn't stop running until he was in the cockpit, and Hunter didn't even start thinking until he was already in space.
"Hunter, come in. Where are you?" Echo's voice came over the intercom.
Sighing, Hunter said, "I'm OK. I'm back on the Havoc Marauder. I said I can't lead this team anymore, and after this debacle, I've decided to follow through. I'm sorry, Echo, Wrecker, but until I've rediscovered what it takes to be a leader, you'll have to take orders from Rex'"
Echo sighed again, "And nothing I can say will convince you,"
"No," Hunter replied, "May the force be with you, always," before his navicomputer beeped that he was clear to jump to Hyperspace. He pulled on the lever, and the stars turned into star lines as the Havoc Marauder jumped to Hyperspace, leaving Echo and Wrecker with the surviving Clones on the surface of Naboo.
With Wrecker and Echo
"What is Hunter thinking?" Rex asked as he watched the Havoc Marauder leave the planet.
"I got the sense after the disaster with Phee that Hunter didn't want to lead anymore. He said his leadership led to Tech's death and Omega's capture. I got the sense that Hunter felt like a failure as a leader. After everything that's happened, I can see where he's coming from," Echo sighed, disappointed to see Hunter abandon them like this.
"What do we do?" Wrecker asked, the latest development confusing him.
"Well, we lost most of the information we obtained, but we at least know that Dr Hemlock is after Boba Fett. That's crucial information to get back to the client," Rex replied.
Echo turned to Wrecker, "Are you alright?"
"Shocked, honestly," Wrecker replied as the surviving Clones returned to Rex's ship, "I didn't expect Hunter to break away from the team like this. But as you said, maybe it shouldn't be a surprise. Hunter has these negative feelings about his leadership skills for a while. I think he needs space to clear his head,"
"Perhaps," Echo replied as he and Rex led the other Clones onto the ship and departed for Coruscant.
Six long days later, they landed in the Courscant Underground. Admittedly, part of Echo had hoped that Hunter had just flown back to Coruscant, but as he stepped out of the craft, he knew Hunter hadn't. It was warmer than when they had left, so the spring heat was stifling. The artificial lights still lit the area, and all the equipment hummed noisily. Echo took a breath and inhaled the scents of the rock, metal and electricity that dominated the scents of the underground as he walked along the rough ground.
"So, who is the client?" Echo asked.
"We don't know, exactly. The client we're giving this information to is an intermediary. He will pass the information to another client, though he won't reveal who it is. I have my suspicions, though," Rex replied grimly as the other Clones headed for 79's.
"Well, it can't be Cid, as Saw Gerrera ensured that," Echo replied, "Why won't you tell us who you suspect it is?"
"I'll consult with the client before I respond," Rex replied, "I'm sorry, Echo. But this is complicated, and I don't want to put anyone at more risk than they already are. In time, I will explain fully,"
Echo sighed, "I understand. I don't like it, but I understand,"
Rex smiled, "Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to deliver this information," before he departed for his secret office.
As Rex entered his office, he turned on the lamp to light the office. It was, thankfully, milder inside than outside. As Rex made his way to the wooden work table, the room's scents from the rug, dust, and stone dominated his senses.
Rex sent a message and waited for a moment. Soon, Kuan Si materialised again on the hologram.
"How did the mission go?" Kuan asked.
"It didn't go well. We lost most of the cargo and information. However, we got one nugget of information that might prove useful," Rex replied.
Kuan nodded gravely, "Then show me what you've collected, and I'll determine how successful this mission was,"
Rex grabbed his data card and stuck it into the hologram. Kuan looked at it for several tense moments, during which Rex waited with bated breath. Finally, Kuan nodded.
"A partial success. My client will be pleased to be informed of this. This information will be confirmation of her suspicions," Kuan replied.
"She?" Rex asked before something clicked in his head.
"Is your client who I think it is?" Rex asked.
Kuan smiled, "Probably. I recommend not telling the Batch members about it, though. Depending on how much Omega has told them, they might not react well to that information,"
"It's just Wrecker and Echo now. Hunter's run out on us," Rex replied.
"What? Why would he do that?" Kuan asked, his eyebrows raised.
"He feels like he's failed as a leader and can't lead now," Rex replied, making Kuan Si sigh.
"Well, that complicates matters even more. Thankfully, that complicates things for the Empire, too. I hope Hunter knows what he's doing," Kuan replied.
"I hope so, too," Rex replied.
"I need to get going now. Thanks for the information. Your payment will come through within the next rotation," Kuan replied.
"Thank you," Rex replied before the hologram went silent. After taking a moment to think things over, Rex departed.