Bad Batch episode: Truth & Consequences
Featured song:
1. "Butterfly Fly Away" by Miley Cyrus & Billy Ray Cyrus
It seemed like just an ordinary day, and the Batch was on the Maruader. Wrecker was laying back in his chair, snoring, Tech was fiddling on his tablet, Hunter was sitting out on the stairs, Echo was looking at the console, Omega was meditating, and Crosshair... he was braiding Maybelle's hair.
Mila was also sitting down, showing Gabby a few pages from her journal and explaining how certain schematics worked.
Omega sighed as she finally took a break from meditation. Recently, she'd been having a little trouble with a few spell casting sessions Garrett assigned her, so she'd taken a break and decided to play on the swing that hung from the Jedi Temple tree. That always relaxed her sister, and even Anakin played on it sometimes when he was tense. Then, she met a Jedi youngling about her age, a wookie named Gungi.
Gungi showed Omega something Jedi had as an important ritual in training and a practice in general too: Meditation. Omega was familiar with it somewhat. Hunter did it often with Indira, and it was super relaxing for both of them.
"Gungi taught me, but it doesn't work for me the way it did for him." Omega sighed.
"He's a Jedi." Echo pointed out.
"So is Uncle Carmine." Gabby said. "But the first time he joined a meditation class... he fell asleep. Then when we woke him up, a pillow fight broke out and feathers were flying everywhere!"
Omega giggled at the thought of a grownup Jedi falling asleep in meditation and then starting a pillow fight.
"I still like it though. You wanna try?"
"No. I don't enjoy solitude." Echo crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "I had enough of that on Skako Minor. If it weren't for this squad, I'd still be a prisoner there or worse."
"Is that what made you join them?"
"Hmm. This was where I was fit, where I was needed."
Gabby hugged him then, which made Echo smiled.
"And I definitely missed feeling those." Echo chuckled.
No matter how big Gabby grew, Echo would still see that adorably affectionate three-year-old he'd know to always go around hugging everyone she saw. But, the affection was interrupted by some beeping on the console.
"We have an incoming transmission," said Tech. "It's Rex."
Tech answered the call, and up came a hologram of Rex, and he wasn't alone. Ahsoka was with him.
"Hey, boys... and ladies." Rex said, spotting the girls. "Any chance we could use your squad's expertise for a mission?"
Everyone started to look at each other.
"Finally. I'm tired of waiting around for Cid or a clavatization." Wrecker said.
"What do you need, Rex?" Echo asked.
"I'll explain everything when you get to Coruscant."
"Why? What's on Coruscant?" Omega asked.
"Did you ask any of the other Jedi for help?" Hunter asked Ahsoka.
"This is kind of a matter that needs to be kept as quiet as possible." Ahsoka said. "It's a covert mission."
"A simple data extraction, but a crucial one." Rex explained. "I'll send you coordinates to a safe landing zone."
"We're on our way," said Echo.
The Marauder soon made its way to Coruscant, the Batch entering as casually as possible, but heading for a spot they didn't usually dare to go. The lower levels.
There, they landed and met Rex, Ahsoka, and Senator Chuchi.
Gabby was quick to run up and hug Ahsoka, a little something the Togruta always had time for.
"I believe some of you have met Senator Riyo Chuchi." Ahsoka introduced her friend.
"These are the special clones I told you about," Rex explained.
Omega, Riyo definitely recognized from her and Boba's coronation ball.
"Thank you for coming," said the Pantoran.
Hunter looked at Rex and said, "Why are we here, Captain?"
"Inside. There's something I want you to see."
The Batch joined the three others inside, where there was what looked like a metal black coffin of some sort.
"You might wanna have the little one look away." Rex said.
"I'm not a little kid anymore, Rex." Gabby crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "I'm almost eight."
Rex chuckled; Gabby was becoming more like her father every day. Then, he opened the coffin to show the face of the deceased. The other's were shocked to see it was a clone.
"He's an assassin." Rex explained. "His identifying number's been wiped."
"I was not aware that was possible." Tech said.
"Who was his target?" Hunter asked.
"A clone contact of mine named Slip." Rex answered. "He said he was in danger. I came back to Coruscant to get him out, but the assassin got to him first."
Gabby held her clava detector over the clone's body. It didn't glow at all. Either that was a clear sign he hadn't been clavatized to do anything, or the mariclavas didn't work after a victim was dead.
"Did he have anything that could've been clavatized? Why would a clone resort to killing senators?" Gabby asked. And then she slightly recalled one incident when she was smaller. "Unless... wasn't there one time when a clone did betray his brothers because he thought he was getting freedom or something?"
"Yes, a few years back. But, I'm not sure it's the same case here. This time, he nearly got the senator too."
"Are you hurt at all?" Gabby asked the senator.
"Not physically at the moment." Riyo shook her head.
"I second Gabriella's question." Echo said. "Why would a clone be targeting another clone or a senator?"
"To silence us. Admiral Rampart has at least half the Senate believing Kamino was lost to a cataclysmic storm. Slip witnessed the truth."
"It felt like a storm, but not the kind they might think." Gabby said. "I should know. I was there, and so were these guys and my sister."
"I wanted him to testify to Rampart's crimes."
"We were there too, senator." Echo said. "I can be your witness."
"The Senate won't listen to any of us."
"They might listen to me and Omega." Gabby said. "Everyone listens to princesses."
"Even with your titles, girls," said Indira. "You're also children, which unfortunately, most adults don't tend to listen to."
"Hunter and Indira are right. But there's another way to provide the Senate with the evidence of Rampart's crimes." Rex said. "The command log on Rampart's Venator. Slip made a copy of it on the ship's backup data banks."
"Where's the Venator now?" Wrecker said.
"Being retrofitted at the private shipyard right here on Coruscant. Lots of security, but I know a way in."
Gabby decided to send a text message to someone right then and there.
"Rampart's Defense Recruitment Bill goes to a vote tomorrow. We must prove his crimes before it passes." Riyo said. "I'll return to the Senate and garner support where I can."
"You could still be in danger." Rex said.
"Then I must be on the right track."
"I can go with her and keep an eye out." Omega said.
"Me too." Carousella said.
"Then let's get to work." Rex said, determination in his voice.
While her brothers and sister were going on the mission to gather evidence, Omega, Estrella, and Carousella accompanied Senator Chuchi.
Omega was curious though. Her mom was a senator, but Gabby and Boba knew her longer than Omega had, and had more time watching her work during the Clone War.
"So, a senator does pretty much the same thing royal people do?" Omega asked.
"In a way," said Riyo. "We serve the galaxy, similar to how your family does. We act as the voice of the people. Except, most of us were voted into our positions rather than born, or adopted into it."
"How does that work?"
"Where I'm taking you next, you'll see."
"Senator Chuchi," greeted a new, but familiar voice to Riyo. None other than Rampart himself.
"You seem surprised to see me, Admiral." the Pantoran senator said.
"Not at all." Rampart shook his head. "I was just making a few preparations for tomorrow's vote."
Omega, however, could definitely sense tension between the two of them.
"I look forward to it."
But Rampart was looking behind Riyo, as Lady Posada was approaching the scene.
"If you'll excuse me."
And with that, the Admiral left and met with Lady P.
"Are you certain the senator won't be a problem?" said Posada.
"I've taken care of it." Rampart assured. "There's nothing else she can do."
"You had better hope so." Lady Posada's eyes flashed a bit green at that moment. "No more delays on this vote, Rampart."
Meanwhile, Omega followed Riyo to where the Senate gathered. Omega was excited! She'd never seen where her mom worked before.
"This is where the Senate gathers to discuss many pressing issues and legislation," Riyo explained. "Where the future of the galaxy is decided. For better or worse."
"Wow." Omega was impressed. It all looked so amazing. She started to think, maybe she might become a senator like her mom when she grew up.
"Each pod belongs to the numerous representatives and delegates."
Omega looked around and saw one with the symbol for Naboo on it. That one obviously had to be Padme's, and there was one that looked fairly new with Solaris' symbol on it, which was no doubt for when members of the royal family were involved.
"Which one belongs to the clones?" Omega asked.
"Clones do not have representation in the Senate. They never have." Riyo answered.
"Why not? We're part of this galaxy too."
"There are those who view clones only as military assets. Unfortunately, not all clones were fortunate enough to be adopted into royal families and seen more as citizens."
Omega didn't think that was fair. Sure, she and Boba aged normally, unlike the other clones had before the spell that changed that, but the fact that their adoptive family was royalty shouldn't have mattered. They were still living, breathing people with feelings and emotions. And Boba and Omega even got to go to school now like other kids. But, her parents couldn't just adopt all the clones.
"But I am working to change that," said Riyo. "To be sure you all have the same rights as any galactic citizens. It is a battle worth fighting."
Just then, a droid came in and beeped.
"Que fue esto?" said Estrella.
"What was that?" Omega asked, also translating.
"A message," said Riyo. "Can you keep a secret?"
Omega was soon joining Riyo as well as Bail Organa on a stroll. Padme was still working on fighting the bill, and was currently with her in-laws to figure out a strategy.
"An assassin?" Bail gasped. "It appears Rampart is resourceful in covering up his misdeeds."
"Which is why I intend to be equally resourceful." Riyo explained. "Some associates of mine are helping procure evidence of his attack on Kamino to present to the Senate."
"And you're confident they can accomplish this?"
"Very." Omega said.
"I can vouch for them too." Carousella said.
"I won't leave such an important task to chance." Riyo said. "Other senators may have intel useful to my efforts."
"Remind me again why we didn't tell my mom about this?" Omega said.
"Do you think your mother would've allowed you to come along if she knew about the assassin?"
Omega thought and said, "Good point."
"If you're intent on seeing this through," said Bail. "There is someone you should speak with. But her cooperation may not be forthcoming. Halle Burtoni."
"Who's that?" Omega asked.
"Former Senator to Kamino," Riyo answered.
"I met her once," said Carousella. "Trust me when I say I was tempted to do some kicking around her."
"She was also part of the Defense Finance Committee before being removed from office." Bail said. "Follow the money. It always leaves a trail.
Later, Senator Chuchi and Omega sat in a room to await former senator Burtoni's arrival.
The Kaminoan ex-senator soon arrived.
"Senator Burtoni. Thank you for coming." Riyo greeted.
Burtoni was silent at first, and then she said, "Are armed guards really necessary?"
Riyo nodded at the guards to say they'd be fine, so they left the room.
"There is a matter I must discuss with you."
Burtoni took notice that Omega was present; she recognized her from the news as one of Solaris' newest princesses. She took a seat to begin the discussion with Riyo, and the latter and Omega took a seat too.
"Tell me about the missing Senate appropriation funds that were earmarked for operations on Kamino." Riyo practically demanded. "Funding for the cloning facilities has been siphoned off for over the past year. You had to have known."
"Of course I did," said Burtoni, looking away.
"Where did the money go? Who diverted the funds?"
"You are a fool to bring me here." Burtoni looked at Senator Chuchi this time. "Do you know what happens when you dig around where you shouldn't?"
"And do you know that when you hide the truth, it comes back to do worse than bite you?" Carousella said, flying higher than Burtoni's current height.
"Carousella, down please." Riyo said, and the alicorn reluctantly got down with a snort. She directed her attention to Burtoni again and said, " Your people deserve to-"
"My people are gone." Burtoni interrupted. "The few remaining Kaminoans scattered throughout the galaxy are of no importance to me, and therefore, not my concern."
"How can you not care about what happened on Kamino?" Omega asked.
"Why do you care, princess?"
"Because I'm a clone too. So is my brother. It was our home." Omega's hands started to glow as she got more tense. "I was there! I saw MAriverde destroy everything, and I'm angry."
"Omega, calmarse por favor." Estrella said. "You don't want to get clavatized otra ves."
Omega took a breath and repeated until her hands stopped glowing before continuing.
"What they did. it's not right."
Burtoni was silent for a moment after what Omega said.
"I suspected an attack was imminent." said Burtoni. "Lama Su was arrogant. Too confident his clones were a necessity to a new client he refused to name. But none of us are."
"Did Admiral Rampart divert the funds?" Riyo asked.
"You already know the answer. But yes."
"You must testify to that in front of the Senate tomorrow. He cannot continue to get away with what he's done."
"Rampart is a mere cog in the machine. And my word won't do you any good. You need concrete proof."
"I need both. And I'm running out of time."
As for the Batch, they soon made their way into the shipyard with Gabby and Ahsoka. And, they got an extra recruit in the form of none other than General Skywalker.
"You didn't think I'd miss all the fun, did you?" Anakin had said when he arrived at the shipyard.
Gabby naturally asked her father to come on this mission; he knew more about ships than anyone she knew. But first, they had to climb past the generator.
"Wrecker, get to work on the hatch." Hunter said.
"Or, I could just do this," said Ahsoka. She climbed up and used her lightsaber to cut the hatch open, and Wrecker caught the piece that was cut.
"That's my girl." Rex smiled. He looked at his surroundings for a bit too. "Haven't been in these maintenance tunnels since the war."
"Gotta say, Rex. Coruscant's the last place I'd expect you to be, given what's been happening." Echo confessed.
"More and more of our brothers are waking up to what's been done to them." Rex said. "I can't turn my back on them."
"How many have you reached?" Anakin asked.
"Unfortunately, General, not enough." Rex crossed his arms. "Whatever Mariverde's up to, she's taking advantage of people's perspective of clones just being military assets. I'm working with a few contacts I trust, but we're spread pretty thin."
"I thought after the Clone War ended, this galaxy would finally be safe and I could focus on my kids, but now they have to worry about their own survival all over again when the only thing they should be worrying about is their grades and play dates."
"That's not the only thing we gotta worry about, Master." Ahsoka said, pointing upward.
"Ray shields." Wrecker said.
"Leave it to me." Tech said.
While Tech began hitting some keys to take down the ray shields, a few team members couldn't help wondering one thing.
"And how are we getting onto Rampart's Venator?" Hunter pointed out.
"I'm taking a lesson from your squad." Rex answered. "We improvise."
Conveniently, Tech got the ray shields down, leaving it safe to climb up... hopefully.
Anakin peeked out first. The coast was clear, and he climbed out, allowing Gabby and Ahsoka to follow first. Then Mila and the Batchers all came out too.
Quickly, everyone ran to hide, just barely avoiding guard droids, and some guards who were in green uniforms.
Hunter carefully peered out into the yard. There weren't a lot of things they could hide behind, and unfortunately, they didn't bring Lamenta or an invisibility potion with them.
"There's not enough cover." said Hunter. "We won't get across the shipyard undetected."
"Not with that attitude," said Gabby.
And that was when a platform was lifted up.
"And definitely not on foot." Anakin pointed out. "On my count."
Everyone waited, and on three, everyone moved quickly. As one of the ships was taking off, everyone quickly jumped and held onto the railings at the bottom. There not being quite enough room for everyone, Ahsoka had Gabby hold onto her. But, it wasn't there not being enough room that anyone was afraid of... except for Wrecker.
Hunter opened a small port on the bottom of the ship, and Tech and Mila started to rewire a few things. Meanwhile, poor Wrecker groaned like he had a stomachache.
"Don't look down. Don't look down." Wrecker repeated to himself.
"He's still not better with heights?" Rex said.
"This is him better." Echo said.
No one could see it, but they were pretty sure Wrecker was keeping his eyes shut tightly under his helmet as he was hugging his railing. But he wasn't the only one a little scared. Gabby gasped as she accidentally looked down, and she held tighter to Ahsoka.
"It's okay, Gabby." Ahsoka soothed. "I've got you."
Tech, on the other hand, managed to bypass the controls.
"Hang on." Tech warned.
While the droid above was unable to control the ship, Tech started to steer it himself, but the ride was a little bumpy at first, as they had to swerve through alleys and past a couple buildings to avoid crashing. But Tech managed to steady the ship, and at just the right moment, signaled everyone to jump off, the Jedi using the Force to soften the landing. And, they landed right near a door that would get them onto the ship.
Tech quickly bypassed the door's code and controls, which opened it, allowing everyone to get inside.
Everyone kept their blasters or lightsabers at the ready. But when they opened another door, instead of finding guards to fight... they found all their horses except for Carousella there, having already knocked out the guards.
"What took ya'll so long?" said Banjo.
"Good job, horses." Anakin said. "Now let's get that data."
Tech plugged his tablet in while the others kept watch.
"Uh oh." said Mila.
"That is unfortunate." Tech added.
"Wanna narrow that down?" Rex asked.
"Energy conduits are off-line." Mila answered.
"The only way to retrieve the data is to reroute power, which will most likely signal a security breach."
"How much time will we have?" Hunter asked.
Tech calculated and concluded, "Not much."
"Then let's make it quick." said Echo.
So, Tech got to work. He started moving some parts around, then Echo got Mini-R2 out, and placed his own hands on the console and concentrated. Unfortunately, like Tech said, a security breach was found. And pretty soon, guards in green and black armor were approaching fast!
"We got company!" Rex said.
"Wrecker, seal the door!" Hunter said.
Wrecker shot the controls, and Anakin and Gabby started growing strong briars to block the door.
"Hurry it up, Tech!" Ahsoka said, deflecting more shots with her lightsabers.
"I am expediting the file transfer as quickly as possible." Tech said.
Unfortunately, the guards made their way through the door, and started to blast their way through the briars. So, Gabby started making thunder clouds with lightning to distract them. And all the unicorns in the group began blasting magic, while Sapphire used what she learned in guard training to fight as many as she could. But, there weren't just guards on the ship. Air support came in too, and more guards were coming in from the ground too.
"I don't know how much longer we can hold them!" Gabby said.
"New plan." Hunter said. "14, 5, 86."
"All of them?" Wrecker said.
"Yes. Echo, man the cannons. Deal with the air support."
Echo and Mini-R2 quickly got to facing the air support, and they weren't alone. Banjo kicked the glass off a window so he could fly out and target any ships his rider might've missed with his horn.
Mila and Tech managed to complete the data transfer, which Tech placed into a small case.
"Plan 5, set!" Echo confirmed.
"Activate," said Hunter.
And the ship activated, the whole thing shaking.
"Time to move!" Mila exclaimed.
Everyone quickly got on their horses or started running, blasting every guard that got in the way. Guards came everywhere the group went.
"Security teams will be swarming this trench." Rex said. "We need an exit strategy."
"Got one," said Wrecker. "We're going over them."
"Over them?"
Outside, the ship began to tilt over, which in turn slanted the inside and made nearly everyone lose their balance.
Everyone quickly got the horses to run faster until they made it to the escape pods. But they needed to take separate pods so everyone could fit. Mila took the Jedi and a few of the horses, while the Caballo siblings joined the Batchers.
"These escape pods are non-operational." said Rex.
"We only need them to eject," Tech said. "I can handle the rest."
"This should be interesting." Ahsoka sad, beating her boyfriend to it.
And the escape pods ejected, Gabby screaming in Mila's as it flew until it landed rather roughly on the ground. At least it didn't crash. But it also didn't get as far as Mila's
"Not bad." Hunter said, exiting the pod.
"I was off by 6.4 meters." Tech sighed. "Not my best."
Wrecker groaned as he found himself underneath Pinto.
"Pinto, get off of me!"
"I will when some pony gets their tail outta my face!" Pinto said.
Quickly, everyone got out from their pods and got to their way out.
"It's almost morning, we need to hurry." Rex said.
The Senate soon gathered to vote on the Recruitment Bill, and naturally Admiral Rampart stepped up to speak.
"With the clone trooper provisions requested by Senator Chuchi now addressed and the matter resolved," said Rampart. "There is no reason to delay the vote of the Enchantran Defense Recruitment Bill further."
"That is not the case, Admiral." Senator Chuchi said, coming forward. "We cannot take you on your word when you have given us reason not to."
"And what reason is that?"
"According to Halle Burtoni, you were responsible for diverting Kaminoan funding to outside projects without Senate approval."
Many senators and delegates found this accusation unbelievable. Of course, Rampart tried to deny all this.
"And you believe the lies of a disgraced Senator?"
"A formal investigation should clear things up." Senator Chuchi said. "Unless you want to tell us now where those funds went?"
Padme stood in her pod with Boba. Kamino was his home too, and his father's. He wasn't going to go down without a fight for his family, both of them.
While her twin was inside with their mom for the meeting, Omega was at the rendevous point with Carousella and Estrella, waiting for the Batch. Suddenly, a speeder arrived, and Rex gave Omega the case.
"Get this to Senator Chuchi. Hurry!" Rex said.
As for Rampart...
"I am not at liberty to disclose the nature of certain military operations," said the admiral. "The funds you are referring to were redistributed, not misappropriated."
"Liar!" Boba exclaimed.
"Boba!" Padme scolded, calming her son.
"Your actions began months prior to the loss of Tipoca City," said Chuchi. "almost as if you were preparing for it."
"What exactly are you implying?" asked Rampart.
"I assert that the Kaminoan cloning facilities were intentionally eliminated."
That was enough to cause a bigger commotion of clamoring in the building.
"I will not dignify such baseless accusations with more of my time."
"Maybe you're just a coward!" Boba said. "If you haven't done anything wrong, why don't you prove it then?"
It wasn't looking good so far. They needed concrete evidence and they needed it now.
"Where is this proof you spoke of?" Burtoni asked Riyo.
"I don't know." Riyo whispered in response.
"If there are no further issues, let us proceed with this vote." Rampart said.
"I motion that Senator Chuchi be removed from these proceedings," said Senator Riduli. "and she be censured for her misconduct."
"I second the motion," said the Gossam Senator.
Chancellor Organa looked worried. He didn't think Rampart was as innocent as he claimed to be either, but even his influence required at least some bit of support, especially for a deal as huge as this.
Quickly, that was when Omega approached her mother.
"Mom! Mom!" Omega exclaimed, rushing in with the proof. "We got it!"
"Good job, Omega." Padme said. She got her pod to move up. "Senators, new evidence has come to light that must be considered."
And Padme handed the case Omega brought to one of Senator Chuchi's guards, who gave it to the senator.
"What so-called proof do you have?" asked Riduli.
"The recovered command log from Admiral Rampart's Venator." Riyo said, holding up the case. "Which indicates his own ships caused the destruction of Tipoca City.
Senator Chuchi placed the disk into her console, and a huge projection came up, proof positive that Rampart's ships were responsible for the destruction of the city. Boba and Omega both had to look away and cover their ears, unable to bear watching this again. Padme hugged the twins. And then that was when another pod appeared, and on it was none other than Lady Posada herself.
"It would appear that Senator Chuchi's horrific assertions were correct," said Posada.
Everyone gasped.
"This unprovoked attack on Kamino as a cowardly act by Admiral Rampart to further his own personal agenda."
Guards were ordered to arrest and detain Rampart.
"I trusted you, Rampart." said Lady Posada. "I believe in second chances, and sadly you are one who chose to waste it."
Rampart told the guards to stay back, claiming he was following orders.
"No! You have the wrong one!" Rampart screamed as he was taken away.
Bail got everyone to settle down.
"Everyone, please! Settle down. I too am troubled by this revelation. And I am grateful to Senator Chuchi for exposing a great threat within our ranks. Rest assured, the bigger threat to our great galaxy will not be left unattended to. It has come to my attention that aboard those ships were more clones being held against their wills, the few able to escape claiming they were taken by minions of Mariverde herself."
That really had people scared.
"In light of this, we shall work to provide better aid to the remaining clones and launch a full investigation of where the clones are, and if they are alive, they will be granted the same rights as any galactic citizen in thanks for their service to us during the war."
Padme hugged her kids again, both relieved to see that they succeeded in getting justice for the clones, and hopefully finding out why Mariverde was taking them and where she was holding them.
"Mariverde hasn't launched another attack in days, that we know of." Rex said. "But we do know she doesn't exactly have a pattern to her works. She's trying to make us lose our minds so we can't be ready. We could be playing right into her hands without even knowing it."
"I don't understand," said Omega. "We did the right thing. We told the truth."
"And Mariverde will find a way to twist it to her advantage." Hunter said.
"For all we know, at best she's only using the clones she still has as bait." Rex said. "And she knows that not everyone in this galaxy has magical powers to protect themselves or anyone else."
"But at least the fate of the clones, missing and found, is sealed, because of us." Echo said. "How exactly are we gonna find them though, if we don't even know where Mariverde is?"
"I don't know," said Riyo. "But I will keep fighting for the clones. You all deserve the same rights as every citizen."
And it wasn't just for the clones' sake. Mariverde targeted the younger members of the galaxy in many ways especially, and knowing her niece wanted to go into politics, the last thing she wanted for Rachel was to get attacked by Mariverde and her cronies somehow or fight for the wrong side.
"I won't give up."
"Neither will we." Anakin said. "Mariverde threatens all of us, and she can't hide forever."
"If you need anything, Rex, just say the word." Hunter said. "Senator."
Echo then looked like he wanted to say something, but didn't.
"Wherever you end up," said Hunter to Echo. "Remember what I said."
"Have fun." Crosshair said.
Omega, however, looked worried.
"Don't get into trouble without us," said Wrecker, playfully punching Echo's shoulder.
"Without us?" Omega gasped. She also noticed Pinto and Maybelle's ears were both droopy, and they were nuzzling Banjo like they were saying goodbye.
"Best of luck, Echo."
"As we say where I'm from," said Mila. "Buena suerte, Echo."
Everyone except Omega began to board the Marauder.
"Good luck with what?" Omega said, still having no clue what was going on.
"I'm going with Rex." Echo said. Omega, however, was shocked by that; she'd bonded with all the Batchers so much.
Even in a big family, you're bound to miss one member when they're gone for one reason or another. Just because you have a lot of members doesn't mean you can't still feel lonely at times.
"The clones will need our help now more than ever," Echo explained. "I can't turn my back on them."
"You- You can't leave. We're- We're a squad." Omega said, begging in her voice for Echo to stay.
"Omega, this is something I have to do." Echo said, trying to soothe Omega a little. "I'm going where I'm needed."
"But... we need you too."
Echo knelt down to Omega and held her shoulder.
"It's not forever, I'll be back." He said. "Keep up with your training and stay in school while I'm gone. Huh? Understood?"
Omega looked at Echo with teary eyes and hugged him in response.
"Yes, Sir." Omega said finally, wiping a tear from her eye.
"Be a good girl and keep on eye on them." Echo said.
Banjo looked at his siblings and said, "Look after the kids while we're gone, will ya?"
"Always," said Maybelle, placing her hoof in with her brothers. "Apart or together...?"
"Family forever." said the three siblings together.
That was their special saying, though... they hadn't been apart in forever. This was hard for all three of them, but Banjo wasn't going to leave his rider behind.
Maybelle, Pinto, and Omega were last toe get to the Marauder. They looked at their loved ones one more time before getting on board and heading home... two members short.
Anakin hugged Omega as she started to cry, not knowing how long it would be until she saw her brother again. Maybelle and Pinto felt tears sting their eyes as they already missed their little brother. And both they and Omega could only think of times they had with each of their loved ones as they got farther and farther apart by the second
You tucked me in, turned out the lights
Kept me safe and sound at night
Little girls depend on things like that
Brushed my teeth and combed my hair, had to drive me everywhere
You were always there when
I looked back
You had to do it all alone, make a livin', make a home
Must have been as hard as it could be
Omega could remember a time when she felt scared when she had to practice an oral report for school, Echo held her hand until she felt comfortable standing up and talking by herself.
And when I couldn't sleep at night
Scared things wouldn't turn out right
You would hold my hand and sing to me
Pinto and Maybelle, on the other hoof, could only think of all the memories they had of raising and teaching Banjo when they were little, how little and cute he was, and how they came together and became a band and always sang and danced together. They were like a western version of the Three Musketeers.
Caterpillar in the tree
How you wonder who you'll be
Can't go far but you can always dream
Wish you may and wish you might
Don't you worry, hold in tight
I promise you, there will come a day
Butterfly, fly away
Butterfly, fly away, butterfly, fly away
Flap your wings, now you can't stay
Take those dreams and make them all come true
Anakin continued to hug Omega as she cried, and eventually cried herself to sleep.
Butterfly, fly away, butterfly, fly away
We've been waiting for this day
All along and knowing just what to do
Butterfly, butterfly, butterfly, butterfly, fly away
When the group finally got home, Anakin carried Omega to her room and tucked her in, but Omega didn't stay in her bed. Instead, she snuck over to where the Batch slept and climbed into Echo's bed. In a way, she started to feel a little closer to him.
Omega sniffled a little as she lay her head on the pillow and closed her eyes.
Butterfly, fly away
Butterfly, fly away
I honestly felt like crying writing that last bit of this chapter.
Let me know in the reviews if this chapter made you feel things too.
Until next time, hope you enjoyed. Don't forget to read and review some of my other stories too.
3 GeminiRose22