Bad Batch: Healer's Heart

Cut and Run

Hunter walked to the back of the ship where Echo was standing. "Well, this is a first." The Sergeant said softly.

On the floor were Wrecker, Althea, and Omega, all three asleep. The youngest girl and Wrecker had their heads lolled to the side as they leaned against the walls. Althea was curled up in the corner as if she was making herself as small as possible.

It wasn't unusual for Wrecker and Althea to be sleeping aboard the Marauder, but Omega was a new sight.

"Inspecting every corner of the ship finally tired her out." Echo said.

"Yeah, she's curious." Hunter admitted. "I'll give her that."

Echo turned to him, his expression serious. "Hunter," He sighed. "She's a child. What are we going to do with her?"

Hunter was still figuring that out for himself. Before, he thought it wasn't all that different from when they took on Althea. But it was very different. The young medic was 16, almost 17. She was older, more mature, and had even seen some battles. Even when she was new to the team, Althea was able to handle herself.

Omega was younger, maybe 13? She had never seen the galaxy and was sure to have more needs than Althea.

Hunter was at a loss for what to do, but before he could answer Echo, Tech called from the cockpit. "We're coming up on Saleucami."

Hunter walked into the cockpit, mulling over the conundrum of Omega.

Tech landed their ship as Echo woke up the sleeping beauties. Omega was the only one who took kindly to her awakening though. She was immediately bright eyed and ready. Wrecker and Althea, however, they never liked to be woken up.

With a few grumbles Wrecker was up, but Hunter could still hear Echo getting Althea.

"Time to go, kid." He said.

"Mfnmfmndd." Mumbled the medic.

Echo let out a sigh. "If you don't get up, I'm going to get Wrecker to carry you out."

"Fiiiiiiinnnne."

Hunter chuckled to himself as the three nappers came into the cockpit. Omega was just as eager as yesterday to see everything. Wrecker yawned a little, but was pretty much awake, and Althea rubbed her eyes and stretched.

The gangplank lowered and the Batch stepped onto the dusty surface of Saleucami. Omega was the last one out. She shielded her eyes from the sun before taking in a deep breath.

"What's with her?" Wrecker asked.

"First time off-world." Althea said with a soft smile. It wasn't too long ago that she was just like Omega.

Omega dropped to her knees and ran her hand through the earth. She took a handful, running it through her fingers. "Whoa. What is this?"

"That would be dirt." Tech answered.

The girl gasped. "It's amazing." She stood up and swept her foot across. She laughed as she skipped around, kicking up dust.

Althea realized that dirt was probably something that was never on Kamino. Between the water and the sterile facilities, dirt was a rare sight.

Hunter smiled as Omega's eyes sparkled in the bright sun. But the sound of thunder grabbed his attention to a distant storm. "Come on." He said. "Let's get moving."

As they walked through the fields, Althea made sure to keep an eye on Omega. The young blonde had been chasing a bright blue bug, much like Althea had been when she was first lost. "Stay close, kid."