The Bad Batch: Oneshots

The Hatch

Context: Set somewhere in the early S2 time period. This is based on a two sentence excerpt from one of my collaborative oneshot "Liberation" with @MynameisAppleUwU. (Thanks to @Alehorst4832 for summing it up in your request!!) Basically Omega couldn't sneak out of the escape hatch in her room because she had Wrecker seal it up from the time a bounty hunter tried kidnapping her from the hatch. This is that time...

     The mission had been successful. Cid's information, for once, was trustworthy. Upon returning to Ord Mantell, Wrecker and Omega had already departed for their traditional Mantell Mix run, leaving the rest of the batch to deal with their sunshine of an employer.

The batch set foot into the parlor as the door hissed open, the green iridescent lighting contrasting the gloomy dark streets of the seedy planet.

"About time you all showed up."

Hunter shook his head in annoyance. "Be happy we're on time. It's been awhile since you gave us a reasonable mission."

"At least you don't look like a wet rat for once in your life." The Trandoshan pointed to the sergeant's hair that wasn't completely disheveled due to sweat or unfortunate weather.

Hunter sent her a glare, his hand automatically reaching for his head at the mention of his precious brown locks.

"Here's your info." Echo tossed Cid a small circular disc containing the information extracted from the data bank from the pirate base they infiltrated.

Cid examined the device, giving the ARC an approving nod. "Great, I have your payment in the back."

"Need I remind you of our agreed raise from 25 percent to 35?" Tech spoke up, walking alongside the Trandoshan with a quickened pace.

"Yeah, yeah, I remember, Goggles. Now quit nagging me or I'll take back my ever so kind offer."

As Tech and Cid disappeared, Echo turned to Hunter who had sat himself down at the bar, his helmet placed on the top as the sergeant poured himself a refreshing glass of water.

"With the extra credits, we'll be able to take a few days off," Echo said, sliding onto the bar stool next to his brother.

"It's what this squad needs," Hunter admitted, tiredly.

Since the destruction of Kamino, their lives had changed completely. Without the Empire after them, staying off the radar was vital for their safety. Being dead in the Empire's eyes had its perks, but the cons were slowly impinging. They had to be careful when picking missions, choosing ones that wouldn't draw too much attention. With a pool of fewer jobs to pull from, credits were becoming a problem. Rations, supplies, repairs, and basic necessities took a toll due to the change in pace.

"Hunter, I've been meaning to talk to you."

Hunter placed his glass down, raising a suspicious brow. "What is it?"

Echo sucked in a breath. "I know you want to keep everyone safe and you think hiding is the best way to do that, but I want to do more."

Placing a hand on the ARC's shoulder, Hunter chuckled softly. He knew from the moment Echo joined their squad that it wasn't meant to be forever. As much as he would always have a spot with the batch, it was obvious he was rediscovering his place in the changing galaxy.

"I figured. You have more fight than the rest of us."

Echo smirked, eying the man next to him. "Come on, Hunter. You aren't that old yet."

"Getting up there," the sergeant sighed, bringing his hand back down. "Wherever you end up, don't be a stranger. You're always welcome to come back whenever you want."