NOBLE: The Bad Batch

𝟑𝟏: Life and Consequences - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐

18 BBY | Month 3, Day 3-5
Coruscant | Imperial City | Level 1313
Clone Underground Hideout | Some hours past

Toni Valorum watches as the Havoc Marauder touches down on the landing platform outside the Martez sisters' garage. The tunnel leading to the underworld isn't as busy right now, but her mind is already questioning why Rex called in Clone Force 99 instead of any other clone in his network who could also be found on Teth, which is where their main headquarters is located. Then again, she knows Noble. The Batch's actions on Anaxes had been remarkable during the war, proving their worth in battle more than once.

As the ship's ramp lowers, Toni steps forward with Rex and Senator Chuchi. Sergeant Hunter is the first to emerge, followed by a young girl—Omega—then Wrecker, Tech, Flash, and finally, Echo. It still stings to see Crosshair missing from their group, still loyal to the Empire.

"Glad you made it," Rex greets, nodding at the team before gesturing to the woman beside him. "This is Senator Chuchi. And I'm sure you can recall Commander Valorum."

Toni clears her throat, crossing her arms. "We're not fighting a war anymore, Captain."

"Eh... still," Rex shrugs. "Time doesn't change the respect you've earned. War blurs together—we forget who we meet sometimes—but some names stick."

"You can say that again!" Wrecker chortles, throwing a salute.

Toni chuckles softly. It's strange—after everything that happened on Utapau, after Cody turned on her and her master—there are still clones who respect her. It's nice, in a way, though it reminds her of who she lost. Nicole, lots of the biblically driven clones, the others... Even though she had only been a Padawan, they still acknowledge the position she once held. It stirs memories of a time before everything fell apart.

Omega waves. "Hello."

Before Toni can respond, footsteps echo in the distance as Jia and Marien approach, both curious about the arrivals for Rex's plan. Flash frowns slightly, muttering, "Where's Noble? Thought she'd be here."

Jia offers a small smile. "She's on bed rest. Unless she pops up here later."

"It's you guys again," Marien mutters as he draws near, arms crossed nervously.

Flash grins. "The one and only."

Echo merely scoffs at his brother in silence as the Pantoran senator steps forward. "Thank you for coming," Chuchi says, her voice sincere. Hunter gives her a brief nod before glancing at Rex. "Why are we here, Captain?"

"Inside," Rex returns curtly, pointing the way. "There's something I want you to see."

The group follows him into the garage, where a stasis capsule sits in the room. The night before, Rex and Jia had secured the body of the assassin they encountered. With a press of a button, the lid of the capsule lifts, revealing the lifeless face within. "He's an assassin," Rex explains. "His identifying number's been wiped."

Tech adjusts his goggles. "I was not aware that was possible."

"Who was his target?" Hunter asks, narrowing his eyes.

"This kid over here," Rex nods toward Marien, "and a clone contact of mine named Slip, could be others. Slip though, he knew he was in danger. Jia and I came to Coruscant to get him out, but the assassin got to him first. Nearly took out the senator and commander too. My guess? He could've been after Noble as well, considering the rumors. She came in earlier to check him out—got nothing on our brother here."

"And along the way, mind you, I found that guy tied up on a tower!" Jia adds angrily, pointing at Marien, who stands off in the distance sipping tea from a Pantoran Guard that had been offered a moment ago. "Who even tries to take a kid?!"