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Of all the jobs Cid had the Bad Batch running, protection was by far Hunter’s least favorite. He didn’t mind doing deliveries or extraction assignments since he could still pretend they were doing some good. But protection just meant protecting one criminal from another. This particular assignment was supposed to be an easy one.
One of the arms dealers on Cid’s payroll had been complaining about a single thief that kept intercepting and stealing their goods. Normally Hunter would leave Omega on Ord Mantell but Cid had insisted that she was busy and the risk was low. The fact that one person could disrupt an operation to the point that they needed protection sounded a bit higher than low risk but Cid had been in no mood to argue. Omega had promised to wait on the ship for the mission just to get Hunter to agree.
While alone in the cockpit Hunter read over the mission details again.
Client: Ral Kotal
Location: Ceruva, Warehouse District
Mission Details: Reports of a single offender attacking and robbing warehouses. Guards are always stunned and give the same description of the attacker. The attacker is described as of average build, face always covered by helmet and mask, and wears a brightly colored pancho and skirt. None of the stolen goods have been recovered or discovered elsewhere in black market circulation. There has been no description of a ship or how the thief gets in and out of the warehouse without detection.
The report was horribly unhelpful for the batch. Hunter had seen classified mission reports with more detail. Maybe the mission was low risk because this arms dealer was just an idiot who didn’t hire enough guards. Though the mention that the thief hadn’t killed anyone made Hunter feel a bit better about bringing Omega.
Hunter glanced up from the pad when the door to the cockpit opened. Tech gave a small nod as he wandered over to the pilot’s chair to check their course.
“We will be arriving at Ceruva in two hours.” Tech informed at he turned to face Hunter. “Are you still hoping that the report will magically get more detailed?”
“Maybe the sixth time’s the charm.” The sergeant joked before letting out a sigh. “Something just feels off about this mission. I worry it’s more dangerous for Omega than Cid thinks.”
“Omega will be on the ship for the duration of the mission. The report seems to indicate that the attacker is only interested in the warehouses that contain the weapons.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I usually am.” Tech smiled as he stood and left the cockpit, most likely going to tell the rest of the group about their arrival time.
Hunter tried to let Tech’s words reassure him but he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling. He let out another frustrated sigh as he turned back to the scant report.
Two hours later, the warehouse district of Ceruva came into view from the viewport. Omega had appeared in the cockpit like she always did when the ship came in for a landing. She was marveling at the setting sun against the mountains that could be seen over the lines of warehouses. Hunter couldn’t help but smile at the pure joy that lit up the kid’s face.
As the ship set down and the group exited they were greeted by Ral Kotal and two of his guards. The arms dealer gave them a short rundown of the situation which was just as helpful as the mission details from Cid. After the brief briefing the dealer and his posse left leaving the Bad Batch to start their guard shift on the warehouse.
After leaving Omega on the ship the four other members spread out around the area. Hunter and Echo were patrolling the inside of the warehouse while Wrecker walked the perimeter. Tech had scaled a nearby building and was surveilling the surrounding area for incoming ships.
It was quiet for the next four hours and most of the batch (Wrecker, Echo, and Omega) had started having casual conversation over the comms. Tech was still focused on his task which Hunter was grateful for since he had the most important job. Hunter was still doing rounds inside but he’d let Echo sit down since he’d noticed the other starting to limp.
“So then the General and the Commander threw Rex off the top of the wall.” Echo laughed over the comms. “That was one of the things that made me glad I wasn’t a CO I’ll tell you.”
“That sounds like fun!” Wrecker exclaimed. “I wish we worked with more Jedi.”
“I wish I could have met more Jedi.” Omega sighed. “Shaak Ti was so nice. If all of the Jedi were like her I would have liked them.”
Hunter was about to chime in on the conversation before Tech interrupted the chatter.
“Wrecker, I have an unidentified speeder approaching your position from the west.”
“Roger that.” Hunter could hear Wrecker’s smile over the comm. “Finally some action!”
“Hunter, Echo, you two should keep eyes on the western entrance in case the thief gets past Wrecker.”
“Understood.” Hunter responded, nodding at Echo. The two spread out to opposite sides of the warehouse to have better coverage.
There was a tense silence as Hunter waited for something to happen. He could faintly hear the sound of a speeder approach before the engine cut out. Wrecker’s shouting was less quiet as was the sound of blaster shots, thankfully both were set to stun. The shots stopped with a thump of a body hitting the ground.
“Hunter, Echo, you have incoming.” Tech’s voice chirped over the comm.
Hunter tensed as he watched the door to the warehouse. His attention shifted to a window higher up on the wall however when he noticed the soft sound of someone landing. Hunter ducked out of sight at the sound of a stun bolt firing off. He grimaced at the sound of Echo hitting the floor but kept his focus on the intruder.
The person’s landing was light and Hunter barely heard it as he darted to hide behind another stack of crates. He risked a glance around the corner and was able to get a quick glance of the thief. Just like the report said, the person’s face was completely covered and their clothes were very bright shades of white, blue, and orange. What the report had described as a skirt was actually a kama though. Overall, Hunter thought the outfit made the intruder very noticeable but maybe they were aware that there were no cameras in the warehouse district. He also noticed that they stored their blaster, assuming that there were only two guards like normal.
Hunter steeled himself as he drew his blaster and rounded the crate to face the thief.
“Hands up scum!” Hunter shouted.
The intruder paused with their hands halfway to their blaster. They half raised their hands and turned to face Hunter.
“Wow, I never expected Kotal to wise up and tighten security.” Their voice was distorted by a vocoder.
“Yeah well word finally got around to the right people.” Hunter shrugged, still keeping his aim on the other.
“So the Emp finally got annoyed that their contraband was going missing?”
“Emp?” Hunter questioned.
“Who do you think is buying all the weapons nowadays?”
“We’re not imperial. We work for… independent contractors.”
“Not what I would call arms dealers and fixers.” Hunter could hear the smirk in their voice.
“Well at least we’re not stealing for a living.”
“Good thing I do it for fun then.”
Hunter almost didn’t notice that the intruder’s hand had slipped down to their blaster, almost. Thanks to his heightened senses he was able to dodge out of the way of the stun bolt.
“You’ve got better reflexes than any other guard Kotal’s ever hired.” The thief chided. “I guess clone training still holds up even if you defect.”
Hunter shouldn't have been surprised that the intruder recognized them as clones but it was still a bit jarring. Most people didn’t see the Bad Batch as clones since both their armor and physicality weren’t typical.
“What’s your problem with Kotal? You’ve been targeting him for months.” Hunter questioned as he fired off a few stun bolts as he moved between hiding spots.
“I target him because he’s the only one on Ceruva that’s been trading with the Empire.”
Hunter didn’t really have a comeback for that. Cid hadn’t told the batch that Kotal was trading with the imperials. A job was a job though and this thief needed to be caught.
The thief had started casually strolling through the rows of crates in a lazy search for Hunter. The sergeant was aware that he had the intruder’s full attention. He was also aware of the subtle sounds of Echo coming back to from the stun bolt. Hunter quickly devised a plan and just had to hope that Echo would know what to do.
“I’m not a big fan of the Empire but I’m not in a position to judge how others make their money.”
“How self aware of you.”
“I mean what do you even do with all the money you must make from reselling these stolen guns?”
“I told you this isn’t my livelihood. I don’t sell guns.”
“So then what? Do you give them away for free?”
“No I-”
The thief’s rebuttal was cut off by a stun bolt to the back. When they fell to the ground Hunter saw Echo standing behind the intruder.
“Nice work, Echo.” Hunter nodded his thanks. “Go check on Wrecker while I tie this asshole up. Tech, we’ve got the target. Let’s meet at the Marauder.”
“Understood.” Tech chirped.
Twenty minutes later the Bad Batch had gathered back at the ship and contacted Ral Kotal about their success. Now they were sitting around waiting for the thief to come to or Kotal’s guards to come. Tech was working on some minor repairs in the cockpit as Wrecker continued teaching Omega how to play Sabach in the gunner’s mount. Echo was sitting next to Hunter working on recalibrating his right arm after it had taken the brunt of the stun bolt earlier. Hunter was keeping an eye on their prisoner who was tied up and laying on the floor of the ship.
It was surprising that no one’s curiosity had led them to taking the thief’s helmet off. Wrecker had wanted to but he was quickly distracted by Omega begging to continue their game from earlier. They also hadn’t taken any of the person’s weapons since they knew they wouldn’t be able to do anything with their arms tied at their sides. Hunter’s attention had shifted to watching Omega and Wrecker since there wasn’t much to look at on the floor.
A low groan drew the crew's attention back to their prisoner. It was hard to tell with the mask still on but the shifting was a good indication that the thief was awake.
“Well good morning, sunshine.” Echo smirked.
“Where am I?” The thief asked. “Why am I alive?”
“Kotal’s orders.” Hunter explained. “You’ve caused him enough trouble that he wants to make it personal.”
“No.” Their voice was soft, scared. “No, please, no.”
“Sorry Sneaky but orders are orders.” Wrecker huffed as he played down another card.
“Orders!” The thief’s fear shifted to panic as they started hyperventilating. They even shuffled themself into a corner of the ship and were now half sitting.
“Hey, calm down.” Hunter said evenly as he moved to stand and approach the thief. Everyone in the batch was familiar with the signs of a panic attack. Echo and Tech stood behind Hunter, ready to help if needed. Wrecker had shifted Omega behind him when the thief had started freaking out. The curious girl still peaked over Wrecker’s shoulder watching the scene unfold.
As Hunter approached he could hear the criminal muttering something that was quiet enough to not be discernible over the vocoder with the heavy breathing. It was the other’s breathing that Hunter found to be the most concerning and decided that the mask probably wasn’t helping. The thief seemed too worked up to notice or care as Hunter approached them. The sergeant slowly dropped to his knees as he began to carefully remove the thief’s headwear.
He pulled the face mask down first just so it rested around the other’s neck. With the mask out of the way the words the thief keep repeating. It was a quiet chorus of ‘Good soldiers follow orders’. The mantra along with Hunter’s growing curiosity drove him to remove the helmet with a bit more haste. When the thief’s face was revealed there was a collective gasp throughout the ship.
The thief’s face was a familiar one. He was a fellow clone which Hunter had suspected when he’d heard the words the other kept repeating. There was another reason that the criminal was recognizable to the Bad Batch. The distinctive scar on his right cheek along with the streaks of grey hair on the otherwise younger looking clone belonged to a clone they’d met before.
“Fox?” Hunter asked, breaking the silence in the room.
Fox didn’t respond of course, still thoroughly in the midst of a panic attack. But the question was rhetorical. There was no one this thief could be other than the Bad Batch’s ‘little’ brother. Hunter had so many questions that he wanted to ask but he figured that could wait until after Fox stopped freaking out.
“Hey Kit, it's okay.” Hunter soothed, resting a hand on Fox’s shoulder.
The touch seemed to help and Fox’s gaze settled on Hunter, eyes focusing.
“H-hunter?” Fox gasped out through his still shaky breaths.
“Yeah it’s just me,” Hunter softly reassured as he pulled Fox into a close hug so his little brother’s head rested on his chest. “Everything’s fine. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
It took a few long minutes of quiet words and Hunter gently rocking Fox before his breathing returned to normal. When he’d calmed down Fox pushed away from Hunter, an act made slightly difficult by the rope still keeping his hands at his sides. Hunter moved to untie the binds but in the blink of an eye Fox had managed to grab a small knife from the back of his belt and cut himself free.
“You guys always were terrible at keeping prisoners.” Fox huffed, mustering a half smile. “I mean did you even attempt to take my weapons?”
“Well we are used to normal people who do not dislocate their own shoulder to free themselves.” Tech frowned at Fox’s left side.
“I didn’t dislocate it.” Fox shrugged, rolling his shoulders to prove his point. “You forget, I’m flexible.”
“It’s great to see you, little Kit!” Wrecker exclaimed as he came over and scooped Fox up into a hug. “Where’ve you been? We haven’t heard from you in forever.”
“I would say that Order 66 had something to do with that, given that he is a Jedi.” Tech commented. Fox tensed slightly at the mention but didn’t freak out again.
“A Jedi?” Omega asked as she approached the group.
“Yeah, our little brother has magic!” Wrecker shouted.
“Older brother,” Fox quickly corrected, “and it’s not magic Wrecker. The Force is the essence of all living energy throughout the galaxy. Jedi have the power to access that energy and can shape it to suit their needs.”
“Okay Tech.” Hunter teased, earning a round of laughter from the group minus Tech.
“I did not say anything.” The engineer defended.
“Wait, you’re CC-1010 aren’t you?” Omega asked, recognition flashing across her face. “Nala Se spoke very highly of you.”
“Yeah I am.” Fox agreed shifting awkwardly at the last comment. Wrecker finally set Fox down so he could stand on his own two feet.
“Wow I never thought I’d get to meet you.” Omega’s smile was so bright it could rival a star. “And you’re part of our batch too?”
“He’s an honorary member.” Hunter confirmed as he clapped a hand on Fox’s shoulder.
“Like Echo?” Omega asked.
“Fox was assigned to our squad when we were all still cadets on Kamino.” Tech explained. “Due to his mutation the Kaminoian’s age acceleration has never quite worked on Fox causing him to remain on Kamino for longer than most clones typically do.”
“That would explain why a generation one looks younger than you all.” Omega nodded at Tech’s explanation.
“C’mon kid give me a break.” Echo finally chimed into the conversation.
“I’m sure she wasn’t talking about you Echo.” Hunter placated. “You barely look a day over ten.”
“Not that this little reunion hasn’t been nice but I should be going.” Fox cut in. “I mean Kotal’s men could show up any minute now and they won’t be as happy to see me as you are.”
“What you can’t leave!” Wrecker complained.
“Well considering that I’ve been enjoying living so far I think I’d like to keep doing that.” Fox shrugged but Hunter could see the fear in his eyes.
“He makes a valid point.” Tech commented. “Kotal will likely not be inclined to let Fox go considering all of the problems he has caused.”
There was a heavy silence on the ship as everyone thought about what to do next. Surprisingly it was Omega that broke the silence.
“Why don’t you come with us?” The girl asked, eyes pleading with both Hunter and Fox for approval.
“Hey, that's a great idea!” Wrecker chimed in. “With your skills you’ll fit right in with what we’re doing nowadays.”
“Wow how’d you know it was always my dream to become a mercenary.” Fox snarked.
“Like being a gun stealing criminal is a better profession.” Hunter shot back.
“I prefer the term vigilante.” Fox glared. “And I tried to tell you before that I steal the guns so I can destroy them. Weapons work best in the hands of no one in my opinion.”
“That’s a very Jedi sentiment.” Echo chirped.
“It’s also avoiding the point.” Hunter tried to steer the conversation back on track. “Why don’t you want to come with us?”
“I’ve been safe on Ceruva for this long, why would I want to leave?”
“You think Kotal is just going to stop hiring mercenaries if we let you go back? It’s only a matter of time before he gets lucky and hires someone good.”
“I can take care of myself Hunter, I'm not a cadet.”
“I never said you couldn’t but the galaxy’s just not safe for someone like you nowadays.”
“Funny I didn’t notice when all of my brothers tried to kill me.” Fox spat. “And I don’t think there are many planets that don’t have a wanted poster up for me.”
“Ord Mantell is safe though.” Omega reasoned, grabbing Fox’s hand to get his attention. “I also have a lot of people who are looking for me. It’s okay though because we travel a lot.”
Fox looked away but he didn’t take his hand away from Omega. He seemed to be considering the offer but his attention was drawn to the ship's door. Hunter worried that he was going to say no but then he also picked up the noise that drew Fox’s attention. It was the sound of approaching speeders.
“Kirff, Kotal’s guys are coming.” Hunter cursed.
“I can just pretend I escaped so you don’t get in too much trouble with your boss.” Fox quickly suggested.
“That won’t be necessary.” Hunter responded before turning to Tech. “Get the ship started and get us in the air as soon as possible.”
Both Tech and Echo nodded in confirmation before moving to the cockpit.
“Oh so now you’re kidnapping me instead of handing me over?” Fox seemed genuinely shocked.
“Hey our mission was to get you out of Kotal’s hair and kidnapping does that too.” Hunter shrugged. “We get you on the team and we still get paid for the job. It’s a win-win.”
“So it’s not my choice anymore?” Fox huffed but the glint in his eyes showed that he wasn’t too upset.
“Hey, if you want to leave when we land at Ord Mantell, be my guest. But just know you’d be disappointing Wrecker and Omega.”
“Oh that’s low and you know it.” Fox glared. “Fine but I maintain the right to leave whenever I feel like it.”
“Agreed.” Hunter said as he extended his hand for Fox to shake. “Welcome back to the batch little Kit.”
“I’m already regretting this.” Fox groaned.