𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓪𝓭 𝓑𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓞𝓷𝓮-𝓢𝓱𝓸𝓽 𝓒𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷

𝒜 𝐿𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒟𝑒𝓈𝑒𝓇𝓋𝑒

The rhythmic hum of the Havoc Marauder had Omega yawning repeatedly. She had tuckered herself out and her curious mind was tired. Nevertheless, the female clone didn't want the precious day to conclude, so she rubbed the exhaustion from her brown eyes.

Echo, who could easily detect Omega's fatigue, kept a watchful eye on her as she played, to ensure she didn't pass out. When Cid summoned the Batch to her office, they all began to head over, but Echo insisted that Omega stay behind.

Her droopy puppy eyes made an appearance. "But Echo, I want to know what Cid wants, too. Why can't I come?"

Echo's response could barely be described as firm. "I'm sorry, Omega. But this area isn't exactly a good setting for kids, especially at night."

From his place beside Tech, Hunter chuckled to himself lightly. He marveled at the fact that Omega might be able to convince Echo, one of the most stubborn people he knew, to allow her to walk through Ord Mantell after dark. Misfits and drunkards would surely teem the city.

"It's already late as is, Omega," He pressed without enthusiasm, "You should be getting to bed."

"I can go to sleep after our meeting with Cid," She suggested with an eager smile. "Please, Echo?" The half-cybernetic man was silent for a long moment. At last, he released a sigh of resignation.

"Alright," He pinched the bridge of his nose. "But you have to promise you'll go to bed right after." 

"Don't worry, I promise!" With that, she grabbed his human hand and tugged him out of the Marauder. The Batch easily navigated their way through the grimy streets to Cid's Cantina. Upon entering the parlor, Cid approached them with her usual unpleasant demeanor.

"Let me get straight to it, fellas. First thing tomorrow morning, I need you lot to pick up some cargo in the outer rim." She tossed a small device to Tech, "Details are on here." Next, Cid motioned for the sergeant to follow her to her office to discuss financial affairs. The others remained in the parlor and waited for Hunter.

By this time, Omega was barely able to hold her body up. She wandered over toward the long chair in the back of the room and seated herself next to Echo. A look of surprise washed over the ex-ARC trooper at her nearness, then he smiled down at his young sister. As she closed her eyes, Omega's facial features instantly softened.

She can't possibly be comfortable like that, Echo thought to himself, taking in her slouched form. Gently, he raised her up so that she was sitting on his lap sideways. Subsequently, he pulled her into his arms so that he was now carrying her. He stood up and walked about the inside of the cantina, hoping to lull the drowsy Omega to sleep.

Only a brief moment passed before the adolescent was fast asleep, her conscience overcome by blissful dreams.

Just then, Hunter walked out of Cid's back office, and a frustrated air seemed to follow him. No doubt the consequence of his conversation with the Trandoshian. However, when he noticed Omega's peacefulness, his gaze shifted into one of fondness. Seeing his sister's tranquil and undisturbed state brought him a sense of relief. How he wished he could provide Omega with a safe and secure life. 

Alas, he was in no position to do so. 

Hunter watched as Echo gingerly stroked Omega's blonde hair in slow, steady motions. Echo continued to sway on his feet lightly as similar thoughts filled his head. Omega had a right to a carefree childhood, unfortunately, thanks to the formidable Empire, her probability of gaining that was very slim. 

But glancing down at her calm face, Echo felt a surge of hope emerge. He believed that with Omega's unwavering optimism, she may yet have a chance to live the life she truly deserves.