NOBLE: The Bad Batch

𝟕: Reality Of War

20 BBY | Month 4, Day 8
Hyperspace | Unknown Weather Conditions
Havoc Marauder | About 9 months later...

Noble and Tech are hunched over a datapad, completely absorbed in a fast-paced game, their fingers flying over the screen. Hunter and Crosshair hover nearby, each taking sides in the friendly competition.

"You got this, Tech," Hunter says, arms crossed, standing behind the pilot. "Think logically."

Tech doesn't glance up, laser-focused. "I am thinking logically, Sarge. That's the only way to play this game."

Crosshair, on the other hand, is leaning against the wall with a smug grin. "Noble's going to wipe the floor with you, Tech," he drawls, a toothpick hanging loosely from his mouth.

Noble, sitting on the floor with her back against the console, shoots a playful glance at Crosshair before turning her attention back to the datapad and upping her game. Tech frowns, adjusting his goggles as if the game's difficulty suddenly escalated. "Statistically speaking, I should win. My calculations are-"

"Don't want to hear it, Tech," Crosshair cuts him off, his grin widening. "You're losing, admit it."

There's a final flurry of taps, and Noble suddenly sits up straighter. "Victory," she declares, flashing the screen for everyone to see.

Tech blinks clearly stunned. "That... should not be possible," he mutters, pushing his goggles up in disbelief once more. "I accounted for every variable, calculated every possible-"

"It doesn't matter how many calculations you do, Tech," Noble chuckles, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Sometimes, you just lose. And that is okay."

Crosshair lets out a low, satisfied hum, flipping his toothpick from one side of his mouth to the other, leaning back in his seat with a smirk. His eyes saying, 'I told you so...'

Wrecker stomps up from the back of the ship, carrying Gonky on one shoulder. The droid honks excitedly, bouncing in sync with Wrecker's heavy steps. Lula, Wrecker's plush Tooka doll, lies discarded on the floor behind them. "What's all the noise about?" He booms, looking around at the gathered crew.

Hunter shrugs, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "The Doc beat Tech at this online game on the datapad; kids find it too challenging."

Wrecker laughs heartily, placing Gonky down next to the console. "Ha! Nice job, Lil' Lady!" he says, giving her a thumbs up. Tech, still frowning, adjusts his goggles again, clearly struggling to accept his defeat.

"I did try my best," he admits quietly, still sounding frustrated. Noble gives him a warm smile in response, seeing his slightly downcast expression.

Before anyone can respond, the cockpit's navigation systems ping with an alert. Their arrival at Sarrish is imminent. Tech quickly shifts gears, swiveling his seat to face the controls. The banter quiets down as the familiar star lines of hyperspace begin to shorten. The ship jerks slightly as it comes out of hyperspace, and the crew is immediately met with the sight of Venators looming in the distance.

Hunter leans forward, narrowing his eyes as they approach the closest one. "That's a lot of Venators."

Tech taps a few buttons on the console, opening an incoming transmission. "We're receiving a hail."

The voice on the other end is firm and formal. "This is Admiral Bennett aboard the Stars Wrath. Proceed to board my vessel, Clone Force 99; your ship is marked for entry. Commander Cody is expecting you in the hangar bay."

"Acknowledged," Tech replies, maintaining his focus as he expertly maneuvers the Marauder towards the docking bay of the Stars Wrath. The ship smoothly aligns with the Venator's landing zone, the artificial gravity pulling them into position as Tech deftly handles the controls.