The Bad Batch: Oneshots

Ghosts of the Past

Context: Set directly after S3 ep 7 (Extraction)

     After the close call on Teth, Rex convinced the batch to assess the new found information involving the shadow clone program as well as the whole M-count situation. The Remora touched down on one of the many landing platforms in the underworld of Coruscant. The narrow pool of light from the upper levels barely shining through down, letting the civilization know it was nearing the night cycle.

Echo crouched down, hesitant to shake the shoulder of the peacefully sleeping girl snuggled up against Batcher. She had been through enough to last her a lifetime. Echo hated the Empire for what they did—for what they were still doing. That's why he joined Rex's cause. Not just for Omega, but others like her; all those fallen victims to the Empire's cruel experiments. His fight wouldn't be over until the Empire was defeated. It was the least he could do. The ARC still wrestled with the eternal blame knowing he had sent many of his brothers to their graves when the Techno Union robbed him of his humanity; his memories. It had taken him a long time to accept what happened—to accept his new self; however, his heart still stung with the venom of guilt. Echo sucked in a breath. He tried not to reflect on his past. There was nothing he could do to change the outcome.

The ARC gently ran a hand over Omega's messy blonde hair, prompting the young clone to stir. She groaned with tiredness as her eyelids fluttered, adjusting to the ship's warm lights.

"Hunter? Are we back on Pabu?" Omega yawned, rubbing her eyes.

Echo chuckled, picking up her new crossbow. "While you were asleep, we decided it was best to look into what the Empire is doing with these new assassin clones."

Omega cocked her head in confusion upon realizing it was not the brother she assumed. "Echo? I thought you were going back with Rex?"

The sniper sitting not too far from the pair huffed. "I want whatever she had."

"Stow it, Crosshair." Echo rolled his eyes. It was obvious the kid was finally feeling the side effect of her poor sleep schedule. He and his brothers were mostly to blame for that.

"We're on Coruscant, Omega." He pointed to the ship's front. "Come on, the others are waiting inside the hanger."

Omega, now aware of her surroundings, bounced to her feet. "Another mission?" she asked, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Echo passed the crossbow to the girl. "If a research mission counts?"

Omega sighed, disappointment clear in her demeanor. "Better than doing nothing. Besides, you're here!" She smiled up at her brother as they exited the ship.

"Glad you like my company, kid."

"Ah, look who's finally up!" Wrecker waved wildly from his conversation with Hunter, Rex, and Riyo Chuchi.

Batcher ran full speed ahead toward the new face, almost knocking over the sniper who finally emerged from the ship; Omega was hot on her tail.

"That mutt needs a leash," Crosshair grumbled as he joined Echo's side. "Where'd you get a place like this on Coruscant?" The sniper scanned the decent sized hanger.

"This is just one of them," Echo informed. "We can't stay in one spot for too long, but it's good to have connections, especially when you're working against the Empire."

Crosshair hummed in a sort of agreement as they approached the circle of conversation. He couldn't help but notice a pair of golden eyes staring at him as soon as he entered the space.

"Crosshair, correct?" a sweet accented voice asked.

The sniper met the Pantoran's gaze, his brow rising in the slightest. "What's it to you?"