Howzer stole our hearts when he appeared in TBB S1 E12, and I wanted to write a bit of a backstory for him. It begins with his newbie days during The Clone Wars and stretches to where we last see him in The Bad Batch. Enjoy his character arc and som...
Neon lights of every color illuminated the inside of 79s, bathing its wide variety of occupants in a vibrant wash of hues. The place was filled with raucous laughter, loud conversations, and the constant thump thump of the bass from the speakers. The music gave it a boisterous feeling, further contributing to the overall atmosphere of letting go and blowing off some steam. Clones in all states of attire were there, as well as a colorful variety of other characters and species.
"You couldn't handle this even if you did want to!" a clone called out as a leggy Pantoran stalked out the door. He turned back to the bar, finishing his drink and setting the mug on the counter. Another clone approached from behind, clapping him on the back and dropping onto the stool next to him.
"Another one?" the newcomer quizzed, lifting his eyebrows in fake surprise, "Well son of a Hutt. It just doesn't make any sense, Howzer."
Brushing his tousled hair out of his eyes, Howzer regarded his brother with a spark in his eye and a grin on his face. He shrugged theatrically, heaving a mournful sigh as though the weight of the world rested on his shoulders, then motioned to the bartender for another round for both of them.
"Aww, look at the fresh batch of shinies!" came a voice behind them.
Howzer bristled, turning slightly on his stool. A group of four troopers from the 148th were pointing and laughing from a table nearby, clearly inebriated. They continued their taunts.
"Pursue your dreams, boys," one said in a mockingly inspirational tone. "There's a whole wide world out there, full of possibilities."
"The whole war is just waiting for you to be the hero to end it all!"
"Look at those soft little faces! Fresh outta the tube. Just precious."
His jaw set in a rigid line, and Howzer stiffened. Noticing the sudden change in composure, his friend placed a gentle yet firm hand on his forearm.
"Ignore em. You know it's just how it goes."
"I know, Sprint, but it drives me nuts. They see a few battles and then they can say whatever they want? They have no idea what I'm capable of. Why should I just sit here and take it?" Howzer said, not breaking eye contact from the four at the table.
"Because what else are you going to do, fight them?" Sprint answered, shaking his head as if brushing the idea aside. He turned back to the bar, welcoming the arrival of two glass mugs with open arms. "Come on, the drinks are here."
Howzer turned back slightly, taking a long swig from his mug before putting it on the counter and wiping the froth from his lips. He felt a burning indignation as he heard their continued laughter above the rest of the din of the bar. Finally, he could take it no longer. Grabbing the mug handle and rising to his feet in one swift motion, he sauntered over to their table, towering over them in a wide stance.
"Maybe you rust buckets could use a little reminder of what's behind these soft little faces," he growled, finishing his drink in one last long swallow and slamming the empty glass down on the table, leaving his hand wrapped around the handle.
"Oh look! The shiny wants to test out his wings," said one of the troopers, regarding him with a thoroughly amused air.
"I think he's just had a bit too much tonight," Sprint said, approaching from behind with his hands up in a diplomatic gesture. "Sorry, fellas. He doesn't get out much." He put a hand on Howzer's back, silently inviting him to take the opportunity to extricate himself before the situation escalated any further.
"Well of course! We all know little boys can't hold their liquor anyway," another trooper jeered, leaning forward to stand up. Before he made it upright, though, Howzer swung the empty glass mug with full force into his gut, and the air whooshed out of him as he doubled over. The other three were on their feet instantly, staring at him in shock for a moment. He flung the mug at the nearest one, then leapt to tackle the clone on his other side. They both hit the ground in a flailing pile.
Sprint sighed, but had no further time to mourn Howzer's choices as a fist came flying at his face. He ducked under it and rushed the clone, knocking him onto the table. Another one grabbed Sprint from behind, pulling him backward, but falling to the ground as his legs were suddenly kicked out from under him by Howzer.
Three minutes, one black eye, two broken teeth, and six bruised egos later, the fight was broken up by some officers who were getting tired of the disruption. They were unceremoniously thrown out, nursing their wounds and their pride. Sprint followed Howzer down the street, rubbing the back of his neck where it had hit the edge of a table.
"Now who would have seen that coming..." Sprint began.
"Don't start," Howzer interrupted, wiping the blood from his cheekbone where it had been split open. "They won't be giving me that garbage when I'm a Captain."
"I don't think being a Captain is all you've cracked it up to be," Sprint replied calmly, "But sure."
"You didn't have to get caught up in that," Howzer said, stopping to allow Sprint to catch up to him so they could walk together. "Sorry about your neck."
"I don't think I had much choice, but either way, I've got your back," Sprint assured him, as they trudged back to their quarters.
***
For your viewing pleasure... baby Howzer. (He doesn't have his teal armor and pauldron yet but this is just for a visual of his face)
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