The Bad Batch: Oneshots

A Little White Lie

     Hunter let out a heavy sigh as Omega chased after him with a running mouth. Yes, he promised that she wouldn't be left out on any missions since she won over him in Dejarik, but he still had the authority to make any last minute calls. Sneaking onto an imperial ship wasn't something she needed to be a part of. His mind went through all the worst possibilities and each ended with his heart leaping to his throat. He had to protect her at all costs when he could and if that meant getting the silent treatment for a week, then he would take it.

"Hunter! This is so not fair!" Omega shouted as they entered Cid's parlor.

"I'm not trying to be fair, Omega. This mission is far too dangerous. I've discussed it with the others and they agree that you—," Hunter moved her out of his way, "—should stay here."

Omega slapped his hand away, blocking his path again. "I'm a part of this squad too! You said so yourself. I've gotten better with my bow and-"

Hunter held a hand up. "Omega, this isn't open to debate. I said no. Leave it at that."

"No," Omega challenged. Hunter looked down. He could sense her heart beating much faster; her hands pulled into tiny fists.

"What did you just say?" he asked slowly, giving her a warning that she clearly wasn't taking.

"I want to come with you. You promised I could go with you all no matter what, remember?" The Sergeant could hear the desperate plea in her voice through the tough act she was trying to play. It only reminded him that she was still a child and not a soldier.

"Look, kid." He lowered himself to meet her eye level. "I'm not doing this to be mean. I'm trying to keep you safe. You're wanted by the imperials and taking you on one of their ships...too much could go wrong. I don't want you to accidentally end up in their hands if it can be prevented. So please, just stay here. We'll be back before you know it."

Omega huffed out an angry sigh, rolling her eyes. "I'm not useless, you know. I don't need protection."

"I'm done talking about this, Omega." Hunter stood up, giving the bar one last glance around.

"Cid's not even here today," Omega commented, crossing her arms. "So it's not safe here either."

Hunter raised an eyebrow. She was a sneaky one, but luckily he already knew Cid was going to be off planet, so he called in a favor. As if on cue, footsteps sounded walking into the parlor.

"Ah, there you are, Captain," Hunter greeted, sticking his hand out.

"Good to see you again, Sergeant." Rex clasped his hand, giving it a firm shake.

"Thanks for coming on such short notice. I promise this won't take long."

Omega looked over her shoulder. "You promise a lot of things, Hunter," she said with attitude as she stormed off to one of the corner booths.

"Sorry about her," Hunter sighed. "She's not too happy about being left here."

"I can tell." Rex chuckled. "Don't worry, she'll cool down before you get back."

"I doubt that. She's gotta strong temper. She reminds me of Crosshair every once in a while." Hunter slid his helmet on. "Good luck, Captain." He waved before disappearing out the door.

Rex took his helmet off, setting it on a table. Cid's hadn't changed much since he last came. It was just as dirty and well, not friendly. Most definitely not the place for a kid. Speaking of kid, Omega still sat silently fuming from the back of the parlor. Hunter may have thought she was taking after Crosshair, but he was seeing a bit of another young feisty kid he knew once.