Chapter Text
So branded! You really are one of us now, Echo!
Echo, had finally been rescued.
By his friend and Captain, Rex true, but also aided by the Bad Batch squad. The daring rescue mission to get the ARC Trooper out from the Techno Union’s clutches never could have happened without the help of Clone Force 99.
Echo then having undergone a rigorous rehabilitation process and quite honestly, a loyalty evaluation as well. And so, the ARC being now ready for the big time again. Back to being a soldier in the war.
It was still unclear however, as to where Echo’s home would be from now on. Rex pretty much having declared he wanted Echo back by his side where the Trooper belonged… And yet there was another faction having become very much interested and perhaps, slightly enamoured in the fearless ARC Trooper of a solider Echo totally was.
A kick shebs badass.
The faction? The Bad Batch, but of course.
The lot of them with Hunter in lead having expressed their desire to incorporate Echo into their very unique and quite special elite squad.
Having also expressed that same desire to Cody and Rex before even asking Echo if he wanted to join the team.
Something of an oversight for sure.
But they were all quite eager to get Echo after having seen the Trooper in action. Liking what they had seen, but also Echo’s attitude having left quite the impression on both Hunter and the surly Sniper, Crosshair. Not that Tech and Wrecker did mot appreciate the ARC as well. Echo having practically jumped from the comatose freezer state to the adventure, blasting away clankers in no time while half naked and new body parts alike!
So, it had been a unanimous decision by Clone Force 99 really, to get Echo to the fold.
As it was right now, Echo having finally donned his new specially made uniform, his soft armour to accommodate his cybernetics. Observing himself in the mirror, getting accustomed to the new look, the shaved head, the left over ports, his arm… well, it was, different alright!
And so, as he stood there, there was something there catching his eye…
“What the kark was going on…???“
Echo continued to stare at himself in the mirror. Not really sure what he was looking at.
And yet, the very small but clearly visible painted skull there was unmistakable.
Something which Echo had noted to adorn each and every member of the Bad Batch’s armour as well.
It felt like, well, branding. Only the good kind of branding.
Nothing new per se for the ARC. Rex pretty much having done the same thing to Echo on Rishi Moon when the Captain had lain claim on the quite new and shiny Trooper back then.
Echo knew Rex wanted him back for sure. Having reminded Echo of the same on several occasions by now during Echo’s recuperation period.
But this… well this was certainly a suggestion of something more. The fact that Echo had an other option perhaps? Well, it all felt rather… titillating.
As that was this skull was all about. An option to join in the elite squad of clones. Tech having told Echo as much, that the skull was the Bad Batch’s special insignia. Something they did all had and did not easily share.
And yet, they had painted it on Echo’s armour. Surely it had a hidden meaning to it, right? If nothing else, then that of friendship, that the team still saw Echo as a true brother.
Smiling and feeling good about himself in a longest of whiles, Echo stepped out from the barracks and headed to the briefing of the Commanders. It was a meeting were the Bad Batch also would be taking part in.
Guess it really was time for a decision where Echo’s future home would be?