SEASON 3 OF THE BAD BATCH BABY

BUT IT'S THE FINAL ONE

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I am still of the belief that Tech is still alive though. Which means I am either really good at analyzing creators' intent, foreshadowing, and stories in general, OR I'm in denial. Oh well, I like swimming in rivers.

Also, that was a freaking good Mando episode yesterday!

ZabuzasGirl: Thank you!

RubenAssassinRose: Man I WISH I went numb. Crying for an hour and feeling awful for a week after was not fun. And same. We got no body and there are narrative aspects that lead me to believe he is alive. Also aww, that's so awesome! And don't worry, Tech definitely will have his presence known in my fics. Especially for the next few chapters of this one.

OneLittleSpark18: Oh geez, I hope you're feeling better! Thank you as always!

DeadStrike: Thank you so much! And interesting idea, save that I don't know how they'd find Pabu in the first place. They seem to like their privacy. But don't worry! I've figured it out!

SWNerd4Life: Welcome back! Never feel obligated to comment or apologize for it taking a long time! Life is hard and sometimes commenting takes energy! And yeah, it takes a while. I tend to prefer to prolong emotional distress rather than cut it too short. About Emerie, I really don't know what to do about her. I don't quite have a read on her yet. Honestly, my instinct is for her to try to get close with the Batch, but she doesn't really understand them. I really need more content with her in order to add her. My apologies!

Fletcher Barnford: Why? Because they like to hurt us. I'm glad that my writing of Tech is helpful to you! And don't worry, I don't intend to stop any time soon.

4thwallbreak: I mean...at least they're mostly together here? And Crosshair is less traumatized? And maybe this time Ahsoka will listen to Rex. Maybe.

Thank my editors for the longer chapter, it used to be 4 pages shorter.

Man, why do I keep not adding Mando'a? Maybe cause we've been in Tech's head a lot and I headcanon him as not using it. Huh.

Enjoy!

Absolved: Chapter 26

One of the Rebellion cadets was flirting with Rex. Again.

Ahsoka scowled at the woman in question: a short, but confident human woman standing slightly out of formation as Rex passed by. She seemed hopeful that Rex would correct her stance. Instead, he sent Jesse to do it. The woman slumped as Jesse instructed her.

Rex and Ahsoka weren't entirely public with their relationship, at least with the slowly growing group of nat born rebels. Ahsoka would think, however, that after Rex had not reacted to the woman's propositions, she would see he wasn't interested. Ahsoka had no fear of Rex being disloyal. The idea was laughable. It was, however, irritating to see this woman waste energy on Rex instead of training harder.

Rex was not alone in receiving attention. Ahsoka watched Axel happily reciprocate the shy flirting of a young man as he showed him how to properly aim. It was almost painful to go into the medbay these days, with Kix and Hapa dancing around their feelings for one another.

"Hey now, what are you doing?" Rex said. He stalked up to another human man who was trying to shoot his blaster with one hand. "Both hands on the blaster!"

The man bared his teeth at Rex.

"I've been shooting blasters this way before you were born, clone." He hissed.

"That's Captain." Rex said coldly. "These models were designed to be held with both hands."

"The same way you were designed to win the war?" The man shot back.

Ahsoka sighed as she stepped forward to intervene. It seemed that all the rebels either hated the clones or wanted to bed them. Both, in a few situations.

"Leave him alone!"

The woman had stepped from her place in line and gave the aggressor a glare.

"He's fought for the Republic the whole war!" The woman said. "Show him some respect!"

The man laughed.

"Not all of us believed the propaganda, sweetheart."

The woman spluttered a bit. Rex's face was stoic, but Ahsoka could feel his bemusement. The other cadets were looking at the confrontation now.

"That's enough!" Rex snapped. "Back into line, both of you!"

The woman gave Rex a plaintive look, but did as he asked.

"You." Rex said, rounding on the man. "I don't give a damn about what you thought about the war. We're here now, both fighting the Empire. You listen to me, or you get thrown in the brig."

The man scowled, but returned to his spot.

"Both hands." Rex said. "I don't want any of you dead because you never learned to shoot straight."

The man, thankfully, complied. Rex finished his round of his portion of the shooting range, and then returned to Ahsoka.

"We really need to throw more of them in the brig." Ahsoka said as he stood by her. "It'd get them to shut up at least."

"It's to be expected." Rex said. "With more and more of them coming from Separatist planets and more rebellious factions."

"I wish Bail and the other recruiters would warn them what they were getting into." Ahsoka said. "Then we wouldn't have to spend weeks getting them used to the idea of taking orders from clones."

"You act like we didn't have to get used to taking orders from a 14-year old." Rex said lightly.

"You were very polite about it." Ahsoka said. "Honestly, the fact that I didn't feel like you were all humoring me every second is a miracle."

"You grew into it quick." Rex said.

They watched the cadets continue to practice shooting.

"Have we heard from the latest expedition?" Rex asked after a moment.

"They've reached Ossus." Ahsoka said. "Master Gek says it shouldn't take them long to find the temple."

"It's the better option, from what I've heard." Rex said. "Not many sentients live there."

"I hope so." Ahsoka said. "I hate having so many of the younglings here. The more we grow, the more we can be exposed. I want them out of here."

Rex nodded slowly.

"Some of the men will be going too." He said. "I don't blame them. They've seen too much war."

Ahsoka hesitated. Couldn't she say that she and Rex had seen too much war? A part of her longed to leave it behind, start the family she and Rex craved. But she was coming to realize that she couldn't. Rex had more of a chance of retiring than she did. Though she hadn't been doing much the last few weeks, she felt in the Force that the Rebellion would fail without her.

She would have to enjoy her 'break' while it lasted.

Haali sat quietly in the shuttle seat the Mandalorian had indicated hours before. She hadn't moved since then, though she longed to stretch her legs. The entire shuttle was quiet, save the quiet mutterings of their Mandalorian pilots.

"Weird group this time." One said. "Usually it's a bunch of humans or Twi'leks. Never anyone like that old Ithorian fella."

Haali gave an annoyed snort through her mouths. 'Fella?' Were her two humps not obvious? She hoped that the other members of the Rebellion would be a bit more observant.

Rebellion. The word sent a shiver through her. She wasn't sure if it was from apprehension or excitement. When she had first heard whispers of people ready to stand against the Empire, she had known it was where she wanted to be. She'd lost one grandchild to the Empire already. She would not risk any more family.

Besides, what was she going to do with the twilight years of her life? She was sure she could be helpful. Who would expect a wizened old Ithorian as a rebel? She chortled at the thought.

Haali glanced around at her fellow recruits. The Mandalorians were correct in that this was a varied group. A Zabrack, two Pantorans, and even a Mon Calamari. A strange group indeed, but the Empire tended to ostracize the non humans of the galaxy. Of course they'd be willing to stand against them.

She had to admit, she was surprised to see the Mandalorians here. From what she'd heard, many Mandalorians embraced the Empire or merely just continued as they had during the Republic's reign. Then again, these Mandalorians spoke as if they were outsiders to the Rebellion.

Well, it wasn't any of Haali's business. Her business was to fight the Empire now.

One of the Mandalorians shouted out a curse.

"Incoming fighters!" He said.

Haali's throat sack tightened.

"Pirates, it looks like." The other said. "Or similar scum."

The ship jolted and Haali peered out the nearest viewport. She caught sight of a few small fighters darting around their ship. A larger freighter hovered in the midst of them. Something about it made Haali swallow.

The ship shuddered again. Haali's eyes widened as purple sparks spread across the ship.

"They've got ion cannons!" The pilot shouted.

The ship's engines sounded like they were struggling for breath now.

"Attention Mandalorian vessel." A growling voice came over the comms. "You will allow us to board or you will be destroyed immediately."

Haali put her hand on the small blaster she carried in her handbag. She had never used it before, but her grandson had asked that she carry it after their poor Aamaw had been attacked in the streets.

The others were muttering, but Haali listened carefully to the Mandalorians.

"Prep the self destruct." The pilot growled. "We're not going down to scum like these."

To Haali's horror, she watched the other Mandalorian nod.

Before she really knew what she was doing, Haali tugged her hand from her handbag and fired off several stun bolts. To her surprise, she didn't miss. The two pilots slumped in their seats.

Haali stared at her handiwork and felt the other recruits' shocked stares.

"We-" She said, her translator keeping the tremble out of her voice. "We are expected by the Rebellion. They will notice we are gone. They will come for us."

If the Mandalorians could not fight back, what chance did they have? It would be better to wait for rescue. The Rebellion would come for them, if they were what Haali hoped they were.

She sat back down. When the Zygerrians came bursting through their port, she merely lifted her wrists.

She was walking on a path of light through the stars. Her steps were heavy. She had been walking for such a long time. Pieces of her flaked away painfully.

She looked up at her destination. Two flames burned: one was a searing white and the other a seeping black. They pressed together, as if to smother the other. The white flame was in danger of being suffocated.

Ahsoka knew it would die without help.

She knew what she needed to do to save it.

She was afraid.

But she knew what the dark fire would do if it won.

"'Soka!"

Ahsoka paused. She looked to the side.

Rex stood there, surrounded by his brothers. He smiled at her and reached out his hand. The path under her feet split, one leading to the flames and the other to Rex.

A small figure made of light was holding Rex's other hand.

Ahsoka caught her breath.

"'Soka." Rex called again. "Come home."

Ahsoka took a step down the path leading to him. A scream echoed from the flames. She looked back. The white one was surrounded by other bright lights. She knew who they were. She saw Plo, Obi Wan, even Gek and Anakin. They helped the white flame. But they couldn't help it the way Ahsoka could.

Ahsoka looked back to Rex. His smile was fading and his hand faltered. But there was understanding in his eyes. He nodded.

Ahsoka turned from him and continued on her original path. She reached the flames. She looked back one more time at Rex and the child holding his hand. Then she stepped into the white flame and let it consume her.

The sharp sound of a comm tore through Rex's sleep. He lurched up, along with Ahsoka. Rex got to the comm first.

"This is Captain Rex." He said.

"Rex, there's been an incident with the incoming recruits." General Skywalker's voice said. "Get Ahsoka and come to the briefing room."

Rex looked at Ahsoka. She looked down. Her shoulders were heaving and he could see the sheen of sweat on her forehead. Rex frowned.

"Right." Rex said. "We'll be there right away."

He clicked the comm off and immediately reached for Ahsoka.

"Are you all right?" He asked.

Ahsoka took a deep breath.

"It was just a dream." She said.

Rex felt his chest grow cold. Dreams from Jedi were never just dreams. This one had upset her.

"What's coming?" He asked.

Ahsoka shook her head.

"It was just a dream." She said firmly. "I've just been thinking too much about the war."

Rex didn't believe her. He took her face in his hands.

"Tell me when you're ready." He said.

He kissed her gently and he felt tears roll over his thumb as he cradled her cheek.

"Come on." She said in a surprisingly even voice. "We need to see what Anakin's found."

"He can wait a moment." Rex said, bundling her closer. She was hiding her thoughts from him. "Just breathe."

Ahsoka pressed her face into his chest.

"I love you." She said. "So much."

"I love you too." Rex said. "I can't promise that it will be all right. But I will do anything I can to help you."

"I know." Ahsoka said. "Thank you."

Rex kissed her again and got up from their bed. She followed him after only a moment.

The Jedi and clone commanders were already talking when Rex and Ahsoka arrived at the briefing room. Rex was somewhat surprised to see the Togruta bounty hunters there as well. He'd seen them around, and they helped with supplies, but they'd never been in one of their briefings before.

"Rex, Ahsoka, there you are." General Skywalker said.

"What's going on?" Ahsoka asked.

"The latest transport of recruits has been attacked by Zygerrians." General Skywalker said. Rex realized that his General's fists were clenched. "They've been taken to an old Separatist base on Ladarra. Taja and Admani here have confirmed that they've set up a slaving operation there."

The scars on Rex's back and neck seemed to flare. Ahsoka stiffened next to him.

"That's not good." Ahsoka finally said. "We can't leave our own to slavers. Not to mention that this is a huge security risk."

"Indeed." General Kenobi said. "Having aggressive slavers on our doorstep is less than ideal."

"Then we need to take care of it now." Ahsoka said, folding her arms. "When are we heading out?"

Ahsoka was putting on a brave face, but Rex could feel her fear. He couldn't blame her. The war had had its trials, but Kadavo was one of the worst.

"We're not sending you." General Skywalker said immediately. "We just want your input."

"Then who are you sending?" Ahsoka asked.

"Myself." General Skywalker said.

Rex immediately shared a glance of concern with Ahsoka.

"Is that- a good idea, Anakin?" Ahsoka asked.

Some of the old General Skywalker flashed through.

"These scum need to be taken out!" He snapped. "And those people have risked everything to join us! We can't leave them there!"

"You and I are not the only Jedi!" Ahsoka protested.

"So you'd send Obi Wan?" General Skywalker asked. "Or Plo?"

"No- Anakin, this is too personal for you." Ahsoka said. "They should have never sent you the first time. We shouldn't send you now."

"I'm going, Snips." General Skywalker said firmly. "We're in agreement."

"Anakin is our best leader for assaults like this." Obi Wan said. "With the right team, he will succeed."

Rex felt his stomach drop. Too many times he was considered an essential part to the 'right team.' He would do his duty, but he couldn't help but dread facing the Zygerrians again.

Ahsoka looked at him with worried eyes.

I won't let him take you with him. She whispered in his head.

But General Skywalker was speaking again.

"No one else who was involved with the original mission is to come." He said. "I- went through less than the rest of you. I'll be all right."

Rex was a little ashamed of the relief that eased the weight in his stomach.

"We only observed a bare bones operation." Taja Desai spoke up. "We will just need a small team."

Ahsoka seemed to slump next to Rex.

"Fine." She said. "What's the plan?"

Tech stared at the latest puzzle Taja had sent him. She had only given him the name and descriptions of the smell and only one of its effects. A challenge, to be sure, but a welcome one. He still felt slightly guilty at allowing himself to be distracted, but he found that he was better able to convince himself that the time to decompress was essential to help his search.

His brothers waited around the ship, save Echo, who was on a supply run with Fives. Even Tech could tell the air was tense. They were waiting for an informant to contact them with details on a possible lead.

They had been able to follow several leads in the last few weeks or so. Tech knew that it was a relief for his brothers to get off of Yavin and actually work towards their goal. Tech- had not gone with them. The leads had been tenuous at best, and he believed he would do more help by continuing to attempt to crack the Imperial secrets. He had been correct, at least in part. They had all been dead ends.

Tech shook his head and focused back on what Taja had sent him. He was sure that he had discovered at least one of the chemicals used in the agent. The trick was to discover if it was combined with one or a dozen other chemicals.

Tech's comm chirped. He, as well as his brothers, looked at it with surprise. Generally, if the Rebellion wished to contact the Bad Batch, they would comm the Havoc Marauder itself. It was rare that any of them were singled out.

Tech answered it.

"This is Tech." He said.

"It's General Skywalker." Came the response. "I need to speak with you. Can you come meet me in the command center?"

Tech supposed he appreciated that General Skywalker tended to ask them rather than command. It was still odd.

"Yes." Tech said. "I will be there shortly."

Tech found General Skywalker pacing in the command center. The General immediately snapped his head to look at Tech as he entered.

"Good." He said. "Tech, I need you on a mission."

"Ah." Tech said.

He would wait for the General to explain before rejecting him. General Skywalker's operation would not involve Omega; if it did, he would have contacted the entire Batch. Tech did not go on his brothers' missions. It was not likely that he would join one that had no connection to Omega.

"We've had incoming recruits taken by slavers." General Skywalker said. "I'm leading a mission to liberate them."

Tech blinked.

"I do not see why you would require my particular abilities." He said. "You have access to ARC troopers who possess many of my general Commando abilities."

"This isn't just an extraction." General Skywalker said. "These slavers are only a small part of something bigger. They'll have information on the entire slaving operation. I want that data."

"Data extraction is part of an ARC's skillset." Tech pointed out.

"I need the data fast." General Skywalker said. "They- we want this to be as quick as possible. Slavers aren't stupid; their data is notoriously difficult to get. The other Generals believe that it would be best to simply destroy the base before any reinforcements arrive. But I want that data."

Ah. Tech was aware of General Skywalker's past as a slave, as well as the disastrous Kiros mission that had resulted in four high ranking officers enslaved by Zygerrians. Tech had done his research on the leaders of the 501st when Cody had initially called them to assist in Echo's retrieval. The General clearly had unprocessed trauma regarding the subject of slavery. Though, Tech considered, having one's trauma manifest in a desire to free slaves was preferable to other symptoms.

Echo would have been able to serve the General in this matter, but he was off planet and it seemed the mission was time sensitive.

Tech considered the mission. From what Taja had told him, the Empire was supporting the spread of slavery in the galaxy. Perhaps the Zygerrians' data would provide a clue into getting deeper into the Imperial systems. A distant hope, but a hope nonetheless.

He could not deny that the urge to accept missions from a superior officer was still strong in him. The Bad Batch did not follow orders, at least when given them on the battlefield. But they had never turned down a mission and they had never failed a mission.

Then there was the matter of the incoming intel his brothers were waiting for. He would of course go with them if they truly needed his assistance, but that had not been the case. Indeed, the information they were waiting upon now was the location of where they would negotiate with another contact. Hunter was their primary negotiator. They would not need him.

It seemed that General Skywalker did.

"Very well." Tech said. "What information have we acquired?"

"Go talk to Taja and Admani Desai." General Skywalker said. "They've got the most details."

Tech paused.

"Are Taja and Admani coming as well?" He asked.

General Skywalker nodded.

"Ah." Tech said.

Then at least three of their strike force would have trauma connected to Zygerrians.

Tech did not think it was a good idea.

"Are you willing to reconsider your involvement with this operation?" Tech asked.

Taja looked up from her preparations.

"I appreciate your concern, but I am more than capable of performing this mission." She said as she placed several containers of her chemical agents in a bag.

Tech had come to her quarters with the intention on being briefed, but found that he could not keep his concern quiet.

"Considering your past, I believe it would be traumatic to encounter Zygerrians." He said.

She glanced back at him, and to his surprise, she smiled.

"Your concern is sweet." She said. "But I have killed many Zygerrians."

"That does not reassure me." Tech said. "Zygerrians are not uniform as the B1 battle droids were. You cannot properly project the outcome of all interactions with them."

Taja did not reply for a long time. Tech began analyzing his words, trying to find any mistakes he had made. Perhaps he had bruised her pride by insinuating that she would not be able to overpower the Zygerrians.

"I have no doubt in your skill." Tech said. "But even the most skilled soldier can be killed in the wrong circumstances."

Taja put down her pack.

"Don't be afraid." She said.

"I am not afraid." Tech lied.

He was, in truth, terrified. He was discovering something very precious within his relationship with Taja. He did not wish to lose her as he had lost Omega.

At least he would be accompanying her.

Taja looked at Tech and narrowed her eyes.

"I am glad that you are coming." She said. "But you will not attempt to hold me back or interfere with what I need to do."

"I would not dream of it." Tech said. "I merely wish to watch your back."

Taja smirked.

"Do you?" She asked. "I wouldn't think that a mission would be the best time to admire it."

A second too late, the implication hit Tech. He felt his blood rush to his face.

"Oh." He said. "I do not wish to do so. Ah, that is to say, I do not dislike admiring you, indeed I quite enjoy it, but you are correct that a mission is not the optimal time-"

Taja laughed her lovely laugh and stepped closer to Tech. He closed his mouth as she kissed his cheek.

"I will be glad to have you along to help." Taja said. "Please, do watch my back."

"Gladly." Tech said.

His good humor faded as he considered that he now had to inform his brothers of his plans.

Hunter took the news better than Tech had expected.

"Well, if General Skywalker asked you along, it can't be helped." He said with a sigh. "Still, I want you to be careful."

"Of course." Tech said.

"You're kidding me." Crosshair said. He stood by Hunter in the cockpit of the Marauder, arms tightly crossed across his chest. "You've been ditching out on missions with us for weeks, but you'll drop everything for the Jedi?"

"I have already explained it, Crosshair." Tech said. "There is a chance that the Zygerrians will have-"

"What about the intel we're waiting on?" Crosshair interrupted. "I'd say that has a better chance of getting us to Omega."

Tech let out a breath.

"You do not need me to negotiate." He said. "It would be the most advantageous if we spread out our efforts."

Crosshair glared at him. Tech did not bother to attempt to further reason with him. Crosshair reacted with anger when experiencing fear and grief. Tech had learned that an angry Crosshair would not listen to logic.

"I will keep you updated." He said to Hunter, who gave a tired nod.

Tech turned to see Wrecker with a furrowed brow. Tech nodded to him, not wanting to give him the chance to protest as well. Tech retrieved his gear and disembarked.

"Tech!"

Tech turned around to see Wrecker following him out.

"I'm sorry." Wrecker said immediately. "I know I should speak up when he gets like that, but I'm pretty sure I'd make things worse."

"There is no reason to provoke him further." Tech said through his surprise.

"I guess not." Wrecker said. He hesitated. "I'm glad that you're goin' on this mission. It's good that you're feeling better, no matter what he thinks."

Tech blinked.

"Thank you, Wrecker." He said. He then paused, remembering the sight of Hunter momentarily overcome with anxiety. How close was Wrecker to a similar incident? "What is your status?"

Wrecker shrugged.

"I miss her." He said. "And I wish we could get her back every day. But- I'm all right. You don't have to worry about me."

Wrecker gave a fairly convincing smile. Tech paused, and then opened his arms slightly. Wrecker's face split into the widest grin that Tech had seen since Omega had been taken. He scooped Tech up and Tech let him embrace him for a good six seconds. It was as much as he could endure at the moment. Wrecker did not have to be signaled. He let go of Tech almost as soon as Tech realized he was reaching his limit.

"We'll find her." Wrecker said firmly. "I promise. Be safe on that mission, you hear?"

Tech found himself smiling.

"I will." He said.

It was an odd group that finally boarded the shuttle for their mission. General Skywalker was there of course, and Tech himself with Admani and Taja. In addition, they were bringing ARC troopers Tup and Jesse, three medics, and a dozen normal troopers from various battalions. Tech had never gone on a mission without his brothers. He found himself apprehensive as the last of the troopers boarded.

"Are we ready, Jesse?" General Skywalker asked.

"Yes, sir." Jesse said.

"Then let's get going." General Skywalker said.

Tech blinked as the General made his way to the cockpit. They were bringing no pilots.

"General Skywalker, " Tech said. "I am willing to fly the ship."

"It's no problem, Tech." General Skywalker said. "I've got it."

Tech bit back the urge to argue. It was not that he doubted General Skywalker's abilities. In fact, he knew that the General was one of the few pilots that surpassed him. But Tech wished to be in a familiar position, a position of control, as he embarked on his first mission without the rest of the Batch.

He could tell at the very least that General Skywalker was on edge, likely due to the manner of mission they were embarking on. Tech sat next to Taja instead. He pulled out his datapad. They had at least an hour before they got to Ladara. He had time to attack the Imperial data systems again.

"Wait, we're bringing one of them?"

Tech looked up at the trooper's voice. He thought initially that they were referring to Taja or Admani. He was ready to defend them when he realized that the clone was looking at him. His voice died in his throat.

"Shove it." Jesse said.

Tech looked around at him. Jesse seemed actually annoyed at the other trooper.

"But-"

"I said shove it." Jesse repeated. "He's part of a Commando squad. Why wouldn't we want him on the mission?"

"And before you say it's because he's different," Tup said. "We all try to be different. You're just jealous because he's got his built in."

The other clones laughed and the original inciter said no more. Tech caught Jesse's gaze and nodded his thanks. Jesse winked. Tech did not know how to respond to that.

He then noticed Taja's expression.

"Do not be angry." He said quietly.

"I thought you clones considered one another brothers." Taja said in a tight voice.

Tech hesitated.

"This is an issue for which I do not have an answer." He said. "I suppose all clones are considered brothers, but there has always been a degree of separation between the general clone population and Clone Force 99. The regs were not accepting of our aberrations."

Tech glanced at Jesse and Tup, who were chatting with each other.

"At least, that was my experience on Kamino." He said. "It has been- different out in the field."

Taja put her hand on Tech's. He felt himself tense despite himself.

"Is this all right?" Taja asked quietly.

"Yes." Tech said. "Forgive me. Wrecker and Omega were the only ones of us who expressed affection through physical touch. Any other touch I have experienced was- not motivated by kindness."

Taja closed her eyes. Tech cocked his head. He had come to realize she did this whenever he mentioned an unorthodox aspect of his experiences and even more recently discovered it was due to sadness.

"You are always so grieved by my life." He said. "Yet you yourself have gone through experiences I cannot comprehend."

"I had a good life before my family was taken by slavers." Taja said. "And I have found a stable life afterwards. You have known nothing else, so you don't see anything wrong with your experiences. I want you to have had good things. You deserve them."

"I do have good things." Tech said. "I have my brothers, I have the Marauder, I have access to technology for my work. When we retrieve Omega, I will have her again."

Tech paused and glanced at Taja.

"I would classify you as a good thing." He said.

Taja took his hand.

"You are a good thing in my life too." She said.

"Hardly." Tech said. "I have been little more than an inconvenience at best."

"I believe it is up to me to determine that." Taja said with a slight smile.

Admani's voice cut the air between them.

"For the Force's sake, would you two stop flirting?"

Tech jerked his hand from Taja's.

"Admani!" Taja scolded. "Stop listening to our conversation!"

"It's a space shuttle, Taj. Where am I supposed to go?" Admani said. "I'd rather not have to listen to my little sister whisper sweet nothings in her boyfriend's ear."

"I was under the impression that you were fine with Tech and I!" Taja said.

"I am. Just please keep it from the missions."

Taja rolled her eyes and turned back to Tech.

"Ignore him." She said. "He's being ridiculous."

But now Tech had realized the regs were staring at them. Tech felt his desire to speak dry up. The judgment of the regs had managed to do what very little else could.

"It's all right." Taja whispered into his ear. "Ignore them too."

Tech nodded. Taja did not press him when he did not speak again. Tech thought of what Admani had called him: Taja's boyfriend. He had feared this happening, especially from his brothers. He and Taja had not yet defined what their relationship was. Tech found that many beings in the galaxy liked to jump to conclusions.

He heard Admani engage Taja in further conversation, but he did not pay attention. He needed to find the appropriate response to Admani's accusation. He should have already planned for this. It was unlike him to recognize a possibility and not prepare for it.

He found the words quickly enough, and waited for a pause in conversation.

"Regarding your statement claiming that I am Taja's 'boyfriend,'" Tech said. "Please do not assign labels where we have not placed them."

Admani stared at Tech for a while before giving a laugh. Tech nearly flinched away before catching sight of Taja's smile. Admani was not being cruel. He merely found what Tech said amusing.

"You're right, you're right." Admani said with a chuckle. "I'm afraid I assumed after- well, you two do seem very fond of one another."

"Correct." Tech said.

Taja and Admani laughed again andTaja ran her hand down Tech's arm. This time Tech found the touch comforting. Tech rejected touch from strangers, tolerated it from his brothers, and was unbothered by it from Omega. But from Taja- he was finding more and more that he craved it.

He loved Omega and his brothers more than anything in the galaxy. But Crosshair was wrong. It was possible to care for those outside his family. That was just as precious.

Yes, I stole that 'either hated them or wanted to bed them' from a comic of Cody talking about Obi Wan. I am shameless. One thing that kind of frustrates me about canon is that NO ONE EVER ACKNOWLEDGES HOW HOT THE CLONES ARE. Except Phee about Tech. But it's a freaking CRIME. CLONES ARE SO ATTRACTIVE. Not just their bodies, but their personalities.

Definitely gonna be some tension as more anti-establishment people join the Rebellion and find out that the old establishment has taken charge.

Ossus canonically has a Jedi Temple on it. Maybe a good place to hide the younglings and the clones who rightfully do not want to fight anymore?

Haali is someone I created in the last two days. She is fantastic. I love rebel grandma Ithorian.

Oh hi Zygerrians. You sure are great conflict and angst generators.

Ooooh spooky Force dream! What does it mean? And I based my description of Ahsoka walking in her dream on 'The Walking Man' by Giacometti. It's one of my favorite pieces of art.

Oh look Anakin has a major chip on his shoulder about slavery is anyone surprised. Though he does recognize that Ahsoka, Rex, and Obi Wan would have major trauma regarding the Zygerrians, so he's not that dumb.

My editors convinced me that the Bad Batch should be able to do more regarding Omega. So they get to! I know the Bad Batch say that they don't follow orders, but they DO accept missions pretty easily. So Tech is pretty hard pressed to reject Anakin here.

Oh look more people who have trauma with Zygerrians this is going to go GREAT.

Crosshair and Tech initially had a far larger argument here, but my editors convinced me to tone it down a bit for various reasons. And we get to talk to Wrecker! I LOVE Wrecker but you wouldn't know it by how little I write him. He's still the only member of the Batch that I haven't written a POV for. He seems like a challenge and I don't know how I'd approach it yet. But we get to touch base with him! He honestly is grieving in the most natural way and is doing okay. But he appreciates Tech letting him hug him.

I headcanon that Tech's weakness is being teased by regs, where if they start targeting him he just clams up. More fluff with Tech and Taja. I like his interactions with her and Admani here. I especially like 'do not assign labels where we have not placed them.' It seems like a pretty good rule.

I'm sure EVERYTHING is gonna go GREAT next time!

And I am SO EXCITED FOR NEXT WEEK'S FIVES EFFECT. YOU HAVE NO IDEA.

Stay safe, remember to review, and have a great few weeks!