Safe and Sound (Star Wars: The Bad Batch AU)

Chapter 16

(Art by Cyareclones)

Did Hunter literally just admit that he used to like me? And did he imply that he still does? Rafa smiled at the thought.
She went straight to Trace's room. She needs to hear about this.
Rafa knocked on her door, cracking it open, "Trace, you asleep?'
"No," Trace muttered.
Rafa entered her room and went to her sister, "You won't believe what just- are you okay?"
Trace sat on her bed, hugging her knees, looking away from Rafa
"How are you holding up?" Rafa sat by her.
"I'm the worst aunt ever. I was supposed to watch Omega and I failed,"
Rafa was still bitter about it. But it wasn't all her fault. "You weren't the only one in charge of her, you know," Rafa said after some thought.
"Yeah, and what good help they were. Crosshair spent the entire morning working on that stupid bike of his, and Tech's excuse was 'I'm grading my student's homework.' Why did he become a part-time science teacher, again?" Trace complained.
"It's his cover-up. Besides, he's always had an interest in science, and now people will actually listen to his ramblings," Rafa explained.
"You know, I'm really sorry that we couldn't find Omega today," Trace said after a few minutes.
Rafa looked down, "I am too."
Earlier that day, Tech had done some more research and concluded that Omega must be somewhere in Cottondale. Everyone set out for her, Wrecker even called for backup to search for her. They searched the entire day, searching every possible place they could find. Rafa and Hunter were told to call it a day and come back when their heads were clear. They didn't want to leave, as they knew that there were still many places to check.

They sat silently, the hum from the overhead fan the only thing filling the silence.
Rafa looked over at her sister, "Trace, you'd better get some sleep. I heard that we're getting Omega back tomorrow."
"Really?" Trace shot up.
Rafa nodded, "Wrecker decided to give him the money. It's the only other choice."
Trace sighed in relief, "Is there anything that I can do to help?"
"Just make sure that you get some sleep. I'll fill you in on the plan tomorrow," Rafa got off the bed.
A smile grew on Trace's face. "I can't believe it," she said as she tucked herself in.

Rafa wished her goodnight and slipped out of the room. She sighed. She walked down the moonlit hallway, the only thing on her mind was Omega. How is she holding up? Did they hurt her? It's only been a day, they couldn't have harmed her.
She entered her room and shut the door.
She sat on her bed and grabbed Red, who was at the foot of the bed. Earlier that day, they rushed to find Omega so Rafa just put the stuffed animals in her room instead of Omega's. She held the red dinosaur plush close, inspecting it as she remembered playing with it with Omega.

She squeezed its foot, a sound came from its voice box, "Hi! I'm Red, we're going to be best friends!"
Rafa swallowed a lump forming in her throat, "We're gonna get you back, Omega."

Breakfast was awkward. The only thing on Rafa's mind that morning was getting Omega back. But when she got to the kitchen, she bumped into Hunter and she was immediately reminded of what happened the night before. She tried to act like nothing had happened, but how do you ignore the fact that the person who he's hated for almost a decade confesses that she still loves him? And Rafa wasn't sure if Hunter liked her back. All he said was that he did. Used to.
"The day I signed the divorce papers was one of the saddest days in my life." Yeah, that doesn't really clarify anything, Hunter. I now know how you used to feel, but what about now? Was he trying to let me down easily?
"Rafa."
Rafa snapped back to reality, "Hm?"
"Rafa, you done with your plate?" Trace asked.
"Oh, yeah." She handed her the plate.
Trace picked up the other's dishes and put them in the sink.
"I guess now's a good time to call Tarkin back," Hunter pulled out his phone, "You said that you got the cash, right?"
"Yup," Wrecker nodded.
Hunter took a deep breath and called him back. He put it on speaker and set it on the table. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, the ringing taking longer than it should.
"Ah, Hunter. Did you need something?" Tarkin asked.
"You know exactly what I called for, Tarkin. You have someone I want," Hunter hissed.
"Oh, that's right. Omega. I'm assuming that you have the cash?"
"That's right. When and where do you want to do the exchange?"
Tarkin paused, "Remember where you stole the spice from us?"
"Uh huh," Hunter nodded.
"Meet us there at noon. You may bring along a few of your friends, but that's it."
Tarkin hung up. Hunter folded his hands, chin resting on them. He glanced up at his brothers and Rafa.
"Well, what's the plan?" Rafa asked.