The Bad Batch: Oneshots

Back at the Old House

Coruscant had completely changed since the Jedi fell. What was once a city full of life suddenly became the galaxy's most wary to walk on planet–now topside, not just the underworld.

Captain Rex stood on the ramp protruding from the Martez sister's garage. The two were kind enough to lend the clone their space. Rex–while still considered killed in action– was cautious about covering his tracks. He didn't like to stay in one place for too long. It wasn't worth the risk of the Empire tracking his developing rebellion.

"They're on their way," Echo's voice said from behind.

The ARC trooper stood beside his captain as the familiar sight of the modified Omicron-class attack shuttle slowly lowered onto the platform below. It had been months since the batch had last visited. Echo understood their position though. Hunter was worried for Omega's safety. It's not that Echo wasn't also concerned for the littlest batcher's wellbeing with the Empire being after her. He, too, would do anything to protect her from danger, but there were other clones out there that had no one. Omega was safe with Hunter and the others. That was one reason he felt okay with leaving the batch. He wouldn't have left if he thought otherwise.

"Echo!" A blonde bullet darted from the Marauder's ramp, slamming into the cyborg, causing them both to stumble back from the force of impact.

"You're almost as strong as Wrecker now," the ARC laughed as he picked his sister up into a hug.

He could still remember the first time she hugged him. The custom was so unusual for him at the time, he wasn't entirely sure what to do then. Now, it was second nature.

"Well, she's been training with the best!" Wrecker's voice bellowed from the ship. The larger clone stepped down with a loud laugh as he too embraced the ARC, squeezing him nearly to death.

"G-Good to s-see you too, big guy," Echo gasped in Wrecker's arms.

The muscular man finally let him go. Echo sighed with relief as his lungs were no longer in peril.

Hunter, watching the events play out, walked toward the captain with an outstretched hand. The two clasped grips, nodding to each other with respect.

"So, how's the rebellion coming along, Captain?"

Rex sighed, answering honestly, "We're still working on our numbers. It's difficult without a proper team, and without any new information about Tantiss, I fear we're at a standstill."

Hunter grimaced. "Sorry to hear that, Rex. If there's anything we can do from afar, you know you can ask."

"Thanks, Sergeant." The Captain's eyes drifted to the others, now joined by Tech and Crosshair. "How's the kid? Any new information as to why the Empire is after her?"

Hunter shook his head in defeat. "Nothing. Even Ventress couldn't give us a sure answer."

Rex's eyes went wide. "Ventress?"

Anakin clenched his fists into tight balls. The sound of his metal hand creaked in the silence of the room. Padmé and Rex both exchanged uncomfortable looks as Anakin glared daggers into the wall behind them.

"Then surely Ventress is behind the bombing. She must have double crossed Ahsoka after they parted ways at the warehouse where she knew Ahsoka would find the nanodriods," Padmé tried to reason. "It has to be a set up!"

"Commander Tano would never hurt any of us either," Rex commented. "I talked to Wolffe. He recalled Ahsoka telling Ventress not to hurt any of his men."

Anakin sighed frustratedly. "It's not enough. The council is still impartial, and the senate won't listen."

"Then we need to go after Ventress, bring her in, and force her to confess!" Rex stated, his own hands balling up, mirroring his general.