The Bad Batch Aftermath{TechxOC}

Into The Breach

"How is she doing?" Valerie asked a holographic Ginkgo. Valerie, the batch, and Rampart were dropped off on Bora Vio by Phee and they were waiting for a pick up. Wrecker and Crosshair hung back while Hunter typed on his data pad and Rampart paced back and forth.

"Amazing actually. She's one healthy baby for being born a little early." Ginkgo replied. "Sleeping a ton, eating a ton, shitting a ton. You name it."

Valerie laughed. "That's good she's not giving you too much trouble. Nothing like her mother it seems."

"Not yet at least." Ginkgo joked. "Moose is taking to his uncle role very seriously though. Bo and I barely get anytime with her when he's around."

"Now why doesn't that surprise me." Valerie laughed some more.

"Where in the blasted galaxy did that pirate abandon us?" Valerie turned her head to see Rampart glaring at Hunter. "And why are you keeping me here?"

"Seems like duty calls." Ginkgo said, pulling Valerie's attention back.

"Echo should be here soon." Valerie sighed.

"What is it?" Ginkgo asked.

"Am I doing the right thing? Being away from Hope to try and save Omega." Valerie questioned. "It felt right at the time... but I miss Hope."

"That's for you to decide." Ginkgo stated. "But Hope is well taken care of here. We don't know what state Omega will be in."

"I know." Valerie looked down.

"And if it makes you feel better. Hope won't remember you being gone." Ginkgo added. "So, when you come back, you'll have plenty of time to bond with her."

"Thank you, Ginkgo." Valerie looked back at Hunter talking to Rampart. "I should go."

"Be careful, Valerie." Ginkgo said.

"Take good care of Hope." Valerie smiled and ended the call. She pocketed her device and walked over to Hunter.

Rampart sighed. "We had a deal."

"Did we have a deal?" Valerie questioned as she walked over. "I don't remember any deals."

"Aren't you a comedian?" Rampart rolled his eyes. "I already told you what I know about Tantiss."

Hunter finally looked at the disgraced Admiral. "You'll get your freedom when we get the exact coordinates to that base."

"Ship inbound." Valerie pointed and everyone heard the ship on approach. Everyone looked up. Rampart turned around. The shuttle landed and Hunter walked by Rampart, shoulder checking him. Valerie slipped past him as well. The door opened and Echo met them at the entrance.

"So when were you gonna tell me you had the baby?" Echo teased. "I had to hear from Rickshaw, who in turn heard from Ginkgo?"

"Sorry Echo." Valerie smiled and the two of them shared a hug. "Did you tell Eloise?"

"Of course I did." Echo said. "Why do you think she's not with me?" He gestured to the empty ship behind him.

"She's heading back to..." She paused and looked at Rampart.

"Oh yea." Echo said. "Left with barely a goodbye. She wanted to meet little Havoc-7. What's her name?"

"Hope." Valerie said.

"Good name." Echo turned to Hunter. "And good to see you." Echo met him with a handshake.

"Nice work." Hunter praised.

"A stolen shuttle is the best I could do on short notice." Echo looked at the ship. "The supplies we need are on board."

"You are the best. As usual." Valerie added.