Work Text:
Clone Force 99 did not work alongside regs often. It was better that way, for everyone involved really. While Hunter and Tech maintained a certain level of civility, Wrecker and Crosshair were less inclined to even try. They were entertained to see how far they could push before achieving a reaction. Which is frustrating to Tech, given that, even behaving himself, he inadvertently irks regs in his proximity.
Hunter gently tried to speculate that Tech’s predisposition to verbalize his mental processing was not well received.
Crosshair eloquently translated, “You’re kriffing annoying sometimes.”
This particular mission, Tech is delegated to work alongside another engineer. The reg is friendly enough, even going so far as to introduce himself by his chosen name.
“Name’s Gimmick,” he says, putting out a hand.
Not typically one to shake hands, it feels incredibly rude to refuse, so Tech clasps his hand briefly. “Tech.”
Gimmick nods. “Tech. I like it.”
“Your name means trick or ruse.”
Gimmick winks and thumps Tech on the shoulder, in a very Wrecker-like way. “It can also mean a tool or gadget.”
The two are hacking a mainframe at a Separatist outpost. The droids have been neutralized by the other members of the infiltrating unit. Tech explains his process as he works, and, to his gratification, Gimmick contributes his own insights conversationally.
Tech is mid-sentence when Gimmick moves, shoving Tech away from the control panel. Simultaneously a blaster shot sounds. Reacting intrinsically, Tech pulls his weapon and shoots the droid through the neck.
Tech turns to Gimmick. The clone isn’t moving, the hole in his backplate lethally located. Tech confirms the death, several times more than necessary. He calls it in.
Afterwards, he asks Hunter to cover the flight to their next post.
“Sure, Tech,” Hunter says.
Tech stays in the quiet cockpit, dark data pad in hand, not withdrawing to where Wrecker and Crosshair argue in the hold. Breaking the silence, Tech asks, “Why him, Hunter?”
But like Tech, Hunter doesn’t have an answer.