Hello everybody!

I managed to get it out! Sorry it's verging on late

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

I'm taking a short hiatus in order to build up some of my writing reserves. I've been writing each chapter in between updates for a while now and I need a little bit of a break. Especially now that I'm working on my new Bad Batch centered long (ish) fic too.

So I'll be back with Restitution on June 20th. We'll see where we are for my new fic and if it's ready for posting.

Thank you everyone for continuing to support the fic!

Okay, back to my madness!

Mando'a translations at the end!

TW: Some negative self talk and thoughts

RESTITUTION: Chapter 3

Sergeant was agitated. His blurred face kept shifting and SC-04 kept getting glimpses of a furrowed brow. He didn't ask what was wrong. Sergeant did not answer questions like that, so SC-04 kept sparring without a word.

It wasn't until ten minutes until SC-04's evaluation that Sergeant finally cleared his throat. SC-04 looked up at him. He was growing, but he still hadn't reached Sergeant's chest yet.

"This is not a standard evaluation." Sergeant said. "Your Master will be in attendance."

SC-04 felt- strange. The cold he always felt at the back of his mind throbbed.

"What must I do?" SC-04 asked.

"Do not speak to him, unless directly addressed." Sergeant said."Perform as always."

SC-04 nodded.

He felt afraid. He was rarely afraid. He had met his Master only once before. He did not remember it.

The next ten minutes passed quickly and silently. Then-

Everything went black and nausea roiled his stomach. The air felt very cold and bright lights pierced his eyes. He felt every wire and needle he was wrapped in.

He did not cough, though his throat was dry. They did not like it when he coughed.

The researchers and scientists began detaching him from the tangle. He knew what some of them did: the IVs, the catheters, the feeding tubes. The nodes connected to his head confused him.

They released him from his harness. He stumbled on aching legs.

Dr. Kul held out a stack of black cloth.

"Dress." She said.

SC-04 took the clothes, though he was confused. He did not wear clothes out here. It interfered with their tests. He dressed in the simple shirt and trousers. The cloth felt odd on his skin.

"You will stand at attention." Dr. Kul said. "You will not speak. You will follow any order given. You will submit to any treatment you are subjected to. Do you understand?"

SC-04 nodded.

"Follow me."

SC-04 tried not to look at the scientists around them as they walked. Their faces frightened him.

"You will enter, stand in line, and kneel." Doctor Kul said. She checked her datapad. "Now."

SC-04 stepped through the door she indicated. He came into a wide room and at the same time, six other boys came in through different doors. SC-04 tried not to look, though he was curious. He only caught a glimpse of blonde hair and round faces.

He tried to keep in step with them, and when the first one dropped to his knee, SC-04 followed suit. He stared at the floor.

"These are the final seven." A cool voice said. SC-04 recognized it as belonging to the head doctor, Dr. Ceye. "As you ordered, we started with ten, but SC-02, SC-05, and SC-08 were eliminated early on due to adverse reactions to the extreme accelerated aging."

"Your work is satisfactory, Doctor." A new voice said. A wave of frigid cold washed over SC-04 and his stomach cramped. It felt like he was feeling it for more than just him. "And the treatments?"

"While Dr. Hemlock's most recent experiment was not retrieved, his research was complete." Dr. Ceye said. "The SC units' midichlorians have mutated as planned."

"Most excellent." The voice was very near. SC-04 did not move even as a hand gripped his chin and lifted it. He repressed a gasp as he was forced to stare into yellow eyes in a wizened face. "There is no adverse reactions to the simulation?"
"No, my Lord." SC-04 could barely hear the Doctor. The eyes searched him greedily. "The daily exercise overcomes any muscle atrophy and the training translates. The AI trainer has been effective."

"You will have all the funding you require." The face said. "My new apprentice is among these."

The hand let go and SC-04 lowered his head with relief. The man, his Master, moved away.

"I have seen what I wished to see." His Master said.

"Very good, my Lord." Dr. Ceye said. "SC units, you are dismissed.

He and the Doctor continued to speak of things SC-04 did not quite understand as SC-04 straightened in tandem with the others. They turned and marched back to where they had come. Right before he left the room, SC-04 snuck a glance to his side.

Blue eyes stared right back.

In a surge of sensation, SC-04 felt six other minds connect to his. Not the minds of six rivals that worked for his failure. Six minds- like his.

None of them faltered as they stepped back through their doors. But even as the scientists instructed him to perform his usual routine, he probed his new connections and felt himself be examined in kind.

It was- nice. The exercises went faster than they ever had before. It even made being hooked back up to everything bearable.

With a rush of colors, SC-04 was back in his room and with Sergeant. But- the six minds came with him.

SC-04 didn't feel so alone.

"Hunter!"

Hunter looked up from his perch atop a half-finished building. Helping the community expand was a good way to keep himself, Wrecker, and Tech busy while Omega and Crosshair had their training. He wasn't exactly sure what they'd do once that training was complete, but that was a debate for later.

He could see Omega, Crosshair, and Commander Tano heading their way. Omega was practically dragging Crosshair along as Commander Tano waddled behind.

Wrecker, who was holding a metal bar in place as Tech welded it, waved with his other hand.

"Hey, 'Mega!" He shouted. "You're done early!"

Hunter frowned as Omega didn't wave or even smile back. She skidded to a halt in front of the construction, red faced and panting.

"What's wrong?" Hunter asked. He swung himself from the skeleton roof. He jolted the floor and Tech sent him a glare. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Omega said between breaths. "But Hunter, Ahsoka sensed another Jedi out there!"
Hunter exchanged a glance with Tech.

"It has always been statistically likely that a significant percentage of Jedi survived Order 66 and merely did not cross paths with the Rebellion." Tech said. "This is hardly surprising news."

"They need help!" Omega went on. "They're stuck on Serenno!"

Hunter saw where this was going.

"Well, we should probably let General Skywalker know." He said carefully.

Commander Tano folded her arms.

"I'd usually agree, but most of the army is halfway across the galaxy." She said. "We're a lot closer to Serenno."

She sighed, clearly frustrated.

"I'd normally go alone, or at least lead the team, but-"

"But your physical ability has been greatly hampered by the late stage of gestation." Tech supplied.

Commander Tano smiled wryly.

"Yeah." She said. "That."

Hunter glanced at Crosshair, who looked angry and miserable.

"You'd be sending just three of them out there." Crosshair said, voice as sour and bitter as rancid rations. "You might as well just send the regs you have here."

"You'll have four!" Omega protested.

"Three." Hunter, Crosshair, and Tech said in unison.

"Sorry, kid." Wrecker said. "But someone's gotta make sure Crosshair doesn't steal a shuttle and follow us!"

Omega's scrunched brow made Hunter think that she'd help Crosshair.

"Commander." Hunter said. "A word?"

Commander Tano nodded and they walked a short way from the others.

"Listen," Hunter said. "I understand that this is important. We need all the Jedi we can get right now. But Omega is our priority. If something happens to us, after everything she's been through-"

"I know." Commander Tano said. "And I hate that I have to ask you this. But you three are the most fit troopers for a covert mission here. The only ARC we have is Tup, and he's still feeling the effects of his injuries."

Hunter set his jaw.

"Commander," He said. "I know you've relied on us in the past. But we're not part of the army anymore. We don't have an obligation to accept missions."

Commander Tano gave a sad smile that surprised Hunter.

"I guess I can't complain." She said. "My dream during the war was for my men to be able to choose."

Relief washed over Hunter. He was deeply uncomfortable arguing with a Jedi. He nodded to her.

"Thank you, Commander." He said.

She nodded, though Hunter could tell she was disappointed.

They returned to the others. Omega looked up from talking quietly to Tech.

"When do we go?" She demanded.

Hunter sighed. It was almost harder to say no to her than it was to Commander Tano.

"We're not." He said.

"I'll have to contact Anakin." Commander Tano said. "He'll be able to send a team."

"But-" Omega said. "Hunter, there's a padawan!"

Hunter nearly hesitated, but stayed firm.

"We're retired, Omega." He said. "Our job now is to take care of you."

He reached out to touch her shoulder but she pulled away.

"I don't want to be taken care of!" She said. "I want to do something! Help people! I hate it here! I'm not getting better, I still have nightmares! Nothing is working!"

There were tears in her eyes now. Hunter saw his own concern reflected in his brothers' faces.

He wanted to reach for her, but Wrecker gave a quick shake of his head.

"I'm sorry, Omega." Commander Tano said. "But this won't fix things."

Hunter felt as helpless as when they'd first seen Omega cry as she glared at them. None of them had known what to do. Why didn't they learn?

Omega took a shaking breath and turned away from them. She began marching off towards the Marauder.

"Omega-" Hunter tried.

"I want to be alone." She snapped.

Hunter shared glances with Tech and Wrecker. Tech's brow was scrunched, as opposed to Wrecker's wide eyed concern. Crosshair glared at the ground.

"I'm starting to feel bad for Anakin and Obi Wan." Commander Tano said after a minute. "She's not much younger than I was and I was much worse."

Wrecker cracked a faint smile but the rest of the squad stayed solemn.

"I'm sorry." Commander Tano said. "I shouldn't have asked you. It's not even my job to deal with these things anymore."

"It's all right, Commander." Hunter said with a sigh. "This was bound to happen eventually."

"Cross, you want me to take you home?" Wrecker asked.

"She wants to be alone." Crosshair muttered. "And I'll be just as useless there as here."

Hunter winced. Wrecker patted Crosshair's shoulder before turning back to their work.

"We can check on her later." Hunter decided. "She's likely to talk to you first, Crosshair."

Crosshair's glower lessened into a mere scowl.

Hunter was surprised that his obvious attempt to cheer Crosshair up worked. It had been- straining to have two struggling siblings for the last few months. Not to mention Tech's quiet pain. Hunter missed Echo, if only for their brother's stability.

But the rest of them were together, and things could only get better.

"You think she's cooled down yet?" Wrecker asked a few hours later.

Commander Tano had left them to their work on the unfinished house, but they hadn't gotten much done.

Tech checked his datapad.

"I would surmise that 2.6 hours is enough time for her to regulate her emotions." He said. "I will take you back to the Marauder, Crosshair, and you can attempt to console her further."

Crosshair got to his feet. He had spent the last hour glaring sightlessly at the sky. Tech took his arm and Hunter watched them slowly walk the same direction Omega had gone.

Wrecker sighed and ran a hand over his head.

"This has been a mess." He grumbled. "Kinda wish I could blow something up."

Hunter managed a smile.

"That's not likely to help." He told Wrecker.

"You don't know that!" Wrecker retorted. "We haven't tried it!"

He looked down.

"Might make 'em laugh." He muttered. "Can't remember the last time Omega laughed."

Hunter frowned. He wracked his mind. With a horrible wrench, he realized he hadn't heard Omega laugh since before she had been taken. He leaned his head against a support beam.

How had they failed her so badly?

His comm chirped.

"Hunter here." He said dully.

"Omega is not on the ship." Tech's voice was quick, but even. It was a clear sign of his distress. "She entered soon after she left us, but departed seven minutes later. She has taken her gear."

"What?" Hunter hissed. His face had gone numb and he itched to leap from the building's roof and sprint to the ship. Wrecker was staring at him, mouth slightly open. "What is she doing?"

"The logical conclusion is that she is attempting to perform the rescue mission on her own." Tech said.

"Kriff!" Hunter hissed. He'd never thought she'd go this far. "Tech, see if you can track her comm. I'll contact Commander Tano."

"I am already attempting to do so." Tech said tersely.

Hunter shut his comm off and quickly inputted Commander Tano's frequency. She answered quickly.

"Hunter, is this an emergency?" She asked immediately. "We've got a bit of a situation on our hands. Someone stole a shuttle and left the planet without authorization."

Hunter's blood ran cold.

"That was Omega." He said in a rush. "We think she's going to Serenno."

Commander Tano cursed.

"I should have seen this coming." She muttered.

"We're going after her." Hunter said. He paused. "And we might as well pick up your Jedi. Send Tech the info. Hopefully this won't happen again."

"I owe you, Sergeant." Commander Tano said. "Good luck."

Crosshair wanted to throttle Tech. Unfortunately, his brother was moving around the ship too quickly and he couldn't get a good enough read on where he was.

"You expect me to just stay here and wait?" He said. "While Omega's thrown herself into enemy territory?"

"That is precisely what I expect of you." Tech said shortly.

"You're acting like I'm some sort of liability-"

"You are a liability, Crosshair!"

It was a slap in the face. Tech seemed to realize he'd gone too far.

"We have all been liabilities at one point." He went on. "It is best that you stay here."

"He's right." Hunter's voice was here now. "Crosshair, if something happens to us, Omega will need you."

"Excuses!" Crosshair spat.

He felt a burning at his useless, useless eyes.

It wasn't just his eyes. He was useless. Worthless. Reduced to his sister's minder, but in truth she was the one keeping an eye on him. And he still managed to lose her.

All the fight left his body.

"Look at 'im!" Wrecker said angrily. "This isn't gonna help, Hunter!"

Crosshair blinked. Hunter seemed to pause.

"I'm sorry, Crosshair." He said. "I'm not risking you."

Wrecker made an angry noise and it sounded like he'd stomped away.

"So I'm just supposed to wait here for a rotation?" Crosshair asked dully.

"We will leave Gonky with you." Tech said. "He will make a serviceable guide, if not a slow one."

So it was that five minutes later, Crosshair was deposited like a sack of scrap with a defective GONK droid outside the Marauder. He felt a squeeze on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry." Wrecker muttered.

He was gone, and soon Crosshair heard the roar of the engines and the blare of the thrusters. Then they faded, and Crosshair was alone.

He sat, staring at grass he couldn't see.

What was the point anymore?

"Crosshair?"

Crosshair didn't bother looking up, but he knew that voice. He was getting good at recognizing even the regs' voices, to his annoyance. It was Mayday.

"You're back from the Commander's early." Mayday said. "Where's your ship? Or Omega?"

Bitterness seeped through Crosshair.

"She went on a Jedi rescue mission by herself." He said. "And the squad's gone to rescue her. They decided they didn't want dead weight with them."

Mayday didn't speak for a minute.

"Why don't you come over to my place?" He asked. "It's gonna rain soon, by the look of it. And we can get you something to eat."

Crosshair felt a flash of annoyance. His brothers had just left him to be rained on? He didn't reply to Mayday, but he didn't shake the reg's hand off as Mayday helped him to his feet. Gonky honked and Crosshair heard the droid follow them.

"What's with the GONK?" Mayday asked.

He was a steady companion and they didn't have to move at a bantha's pace.

"He's a defective unit." Crosshair muttered. "Wrecker got attached when were cadets."

He didn't mention that he'd fought just as hard as Wrecker to keep the droid.

"He doesn't like getting wet." He added in a mumble.

Mayday laughed.

"He can come in too." He said. "Long as he wipes his feet. Hexx is a bit of a neat freak."

Crosshair slowed. He'd forgotten that Mayday had brothers he lived with. Mayday slowed with him.

"They're probably out." He said casually. "Just the two of us and the droid."

Crosshair relaxed. He'd learned that regs weren't all the pieces of dung he and his brothers had dealt with on Kamino, but he wouldn't ever be eager to meet new ones.

"So, your sister." Mayday said. "One minute she's scared stiff of strangers, and the next she's running off to rescue Jedi?"

Crosshair didn't know how to reply at first. They'd never explained fully what Omega had gone through to- well, anyone. Especially after Tech had received Fixer's more extensive report.

"She was experimented on." He finally said. "It turned her Force sensitive. And- it broke her."

Mayday was quiet for a long time.

"I'm sorry." He said. "And that's how you got hurt? Getting her out?"

Crosshair nodded. He was glad he couldn't see the pity in Mayday's eyes.

"But- she's always liked helping people." He said. "And she's as determined as ever, it seems."

He felt a flare of pride for his sister that was quickly smothered by worry. She had just thrown herself into danger without a second thought, like- like they did.

"I can see why she goes and sees Commander Tano." Mayday said. Crosshair quickly focused on him, shoving his concern away. "But what about you? You just moral support?"

"No." Crosshair said.

It was silent between them. Crosshair felt the first droplets of rain on his head. The air was heavy with the smell. Worried thoughts began creeping back into his mind.

"You're not Force sensitive, are you?" Mayday asked.

Crosshair snorted.

"No."

Mayday stopped and Crosshair heard a door open.

"Step up." Mayday said.
Crosshair got inside with minimal stumbling, which was still unacceptable. Mayday got Gonky inside and then guided Crosshair to a chair.

"You want rations or real food?" He asked. "You'd think it'd be a stupid question, but Veetch still prefers rations."

Crosshair shrugged.

"All right, but you're not allowed to complain about what I give you." Mayday said.

A minute or two later, after some clattering, Mayday placed something in front of Crosshair with a soft 'tink.' He could feel the warmth radiating from it. It smelled rich and salty, and it made his mouth water.

"Bantha stew." Mayday said. "Here."

Something cool and smooth was placed in Crosshair's hand. Crosshair tried to feel as little of it as possible to determine that it was a spoon and which end was which. Then he felt for the bowl.

"Careful-" Mayday started.

Crosshair dipped his thumb into very hot liquid. He hissed and yanked it out.

"You okay?" Mayday asked.

"I'm fine!" Crosshair snapped.

He tried again, gauged the bowl's location, and dipped his spoon in. He was at least a little pleased with himself as he scooped the stew into his mouth.

"So." Mayday said after a few more successful spoonfuls. "Why are you going with Omega?"

Crosshair took a long time chewing, but he was forced to swallow eventually. He hated how Mayday seemed to make him be honest.

"Commander Tano thinks I can use the Force to overcome- this." He said, and made a jerky gesture to his eyes.

"You said you're not Force sensitive." Mayday said.

"I'm not." Crosshair said. "She says it could work anyway."

"How's your progress, then?"

Crosshair didn't say anything.

"You are trying, aren't you?" Mayday asked.

Crosshair took another bite, though the savory sludge didn't taste like much to him anymore.

"So you like being helpless."

Crosshair slammed his spoon down, feeling flecks of stew spatter his face.

"You think I like being worthless?" He growled.

"I said helpless, not worthless."

"It's the same thing." Crosshair muttered.

"It's not." Mayday said. "Regardless, you seem to be enjoying your pity party."

Crosshair stood up and he heard the bowl clatter away.

"I am blind!" He hissed. "I was a sniper my entire life and now I've lost the one thing that made me worth anything! Forgive me if I'm not dancing for joy!"

"Yes." Mayday said. "You lost something really important. And it's an osik situation. But you've got an opportunity to make things better and you're not taking it."

"It won't be the same." Crosshair said.

"No. But it'll be more than what you've got now." Mayday said. "And as of now, you're not helping your squad."

For the second time that day, someone's words pierced Crosshair. He felt himself droop and he sat down heavily.

"They were right to leave me behind." He said.

"For this mission." Mayday said. "But if you give whatever Commander Tano's offering a chance, who knows about next time?"

Some of Crosshair's despair seemed to melt away and a hint of determination took its place. For once, the prospect of listening to Commander Tano didn't seem so bad.

Now all there was to do was wait and hope that his squad could last a mission without him.

Mando'a:

Osik: crap

From the top!

Hmm things sure seem interesting for our boy SC-04. I'm going to try and do my best and leave him to be more of an enigma, especially in these ANs.

Me: and then the Batch go on a mission!

Also me: They don't actually have a reason to!

Thank goodness that Omega canonically is the most dangerous and unhinged child.

Also, yeah, I'm giving Baylan a padawan. I think it would be interesting.

Crosshair, I warned you, Mayday is going to be your friend whether you like it or not. I tried to make him a bit more upbeat here because you know, no snow hell, but he'll also tell you how it is.

Crud, it's late, and I don't have much to say this time. Sorry for the cliffhanger!

Stay safe, remember to review, and I'll see you in June!