Star Wars: The Bad Batch - One Shots

3 - Hunter/Omega/CX-2 (Part 1)

Set in season 3, immediately after episode 8. These events conflict with later episodes, but one shots are meant to be an alternate realm of possibility. Credit goes to SnipsSkywalker for the idea.

Part 2 coming soon!

Pabu came into sight, but something was wrong. Hunter glanced at Wrecker, seated beside him in the Marauder. Hunter eased the steering towards him, and the Marauder slowed. Something roared behind them, and Wrecker called out a warning.

"We've got fighters inbound," Wrecker said, glancing at a screen near him.

Hunter pointed to the fighters and gunships swarming above the small island like a colony of bees. "I'm more worried about that."

Hunter frowned as fire billowed above several homes and businesses, and figures clustered together in organized groups. It was a full-scale invasion, and the Empire hadn't waited for them to show up. Still, Wrecker's warning was legitimate, and Hunter dipped low and fast. Wrecker clung to various parts of the ship in an effort to reach the tail gun, and Hunter didn't like the small delay before he started firing. Hunter leveled out, then swung his head around.

"How many?"

"We need to lose them!" Wrecker cried, but an enormous splash indicated that they could worry about one less fighter.

"There's no cover," Hunter pointed out, the great expanse of ocean foaming and parting as the Marauder skimmed above it.

Hunter moved the Marauder around the edge of the island, which provided minimal cover. He could scan Pabu more closely, but it seemed the Empire was forcing most of the residents to higher ground. All he could think about was Omega. Yes, Crosshair was with her, but he also knew his abilities were limited, at least for the time being. His thoughts were so scattered, Wrecker came up with a reasonable reaction before him.

"Hey, boss? I think we need backup."

Hunter pressed his finger against a button on the console.

"Pabu is under attack; the Empire is here."

He paused, and Echo's voice came through.

"Do you have Omega and Crosshair?"

"Negative. I haven't located them yet. How soon can you get here?" Hunter asked through gritted teeth as the Marauder shot forwards.

"Jumping to hyperspace now," Echo replied.

Sucking in a steady breath, Hunter thrust the steering backwards, leaning forward as the Marauder cut behind the fighters. He could only imagine their shocked expressions as their shots battled against empty air.

Hunter called over his shoulder.

"You'll have a clear shot... now!"

The Marauder turned, and Hunter could no longer see the fighters, but Wrecker resumed his firing. Trying to keep as steady as possible, Hunter kept the Marauder hovering. He knew the fighters would soon break off. Sure enough, Wrecker's voice reached his ears.

"They're turning around!"

The Marauder surged forward again. Hunter tried to think of another maneuver, but an abrupt cheer from Wrecker soothed his worries. Echo's ship – it had just dropped out of hyperspace – passed them out of the corner of his eye. Hunter moved towards a landing pad near the docks as Echo and whoever accompanied him dealt with the remaining fighters. As soon as the Marauder touched down, Hunter exited and waited for Wrecker to join him before closing it up, pulling out his blaster.

"We need to find Omega," Hunter said, almost to himself.

He held a finger to his helmet after slipping it on.