Chapter Text
Ada laid awake in the early-morning darkness, staring at the wall. Her eyes drifted shut, then popped open again to check the window, before finally shifting to the chronometer on the nightstand – 3:09 in the morning. It was still way too early to be up for the day, so she laid in their bed, wide awake, contemplating every bodily sensation. She kicked the covers off to let the cool night air touch her skin, then slowly and agonizingly rolled her cumbersome self over to face Tech. He was sound asleep, verified by the soft snores rhythmically escaping his parted mouth.
Well over a year after the first miscarriage, Ada was now eight months pregnant. The journey to this point was slow and steady, but not all-consuming like the first time around. The pair had managed to make this time and space a sanctuary, taking each day as it came while continuing to grow and coalesce around their profound devotion to each other. The result: twin baby girls on the way, and they were expected to arrive any day now.
She sighed, marginally jealous of Tech’s current comfort and oblivion. Waking up at three was becoming a routine as her body continually changed and prepared for the birth. The aches and restless legs, along with hormone shifts, roused her like clockwork, seemingly preparing her for the overnight caregiving and midnight feedings. Her only relief was the cooler night air, brought on by Pabu’s brief rainy season.
After she decided she needed to use the fresher, Ada worked her way out of bed to do so. Then, she shuffled into the kitchen and made a little snack to ease her cravings. Pickled Gorg eggs doused in hot sauce was her particular favorite right now, much to the disgust of Tech. He had a hard time consuming anything that was the slightest bit spicy, and was definitely not a fan of pickled eggs – from any species.
She ate her snack in peace, free from ridicule and side-eye glances. It was quiet in the kitchen at this time of night, alone with just the hum of the cooling chamber. She chewed in silence and stared blankly out the window above the sink, mind moving slowly through what the coming weeks would likely bring. Sometimes the realization that she would soon be responsible for two infant humans settled in, and a pang of nauseating awareness would pulse through her and break out in a sweat across her forehead.
“We have evolved to do this…,” she whispered to herself, a mantra that she would repeat when she frequently had her doubts.
Ada brought her empty plate to the sink, then filled a glass with cold water and took a long drink. She dumped the remainder and set the glass on the window sill. She spent another moment staring out to the stars. They twinkled and shined, reminding her of her past hunger to know all there was to know about the life that existed between them. Those were ambitious and wild days, a great change from the present moment – and not that long ago. Did she miss it? Yes. Was she unhappy? Not at all. Was she nostalgic? Absolutely. She took a deep breath, thanking the stars one more time, then headed back to their bedroom.
Her bare feet padded softly down the hallway floor. As she approached the bedroom, she heard Tech’s voice. Upon entering, she quickly realized he was not actually awake. A muted cry abruptly left his mouth and she knew right then he was having another nightmare.
She rushed to the bed and sat beside him, gently reaching for his wrists to hold his arms steady. Tech squirmed uncomfortably, his face pained as pathetic whimpers and moans escaped him like a wounded animal. His sleeping eyes were wide open and vacant. Her hand reached up to cradle his cheek, and she shushed to comfort and rouse him awake.
Ever since Ada began sleeping next to Tech, she noticed he would have a nightmare like this occasionally. But the frequency had increased exponentially in recent months. It seemed that the pending arrival of the babies was triggering his PTSD. There was nothing he wanted more than to keep his family safe.
The tension in his arms slowly melted as he regained consciousness. His shirt was soaked through with sweat and his heart pounded. His wide eyes found Ada as he reclaimed his awareness, then he reached desperately to pull her into a suffocating hug.
“It’s okay,” she whispered. “You’re okay.”
He buried his face into her hair, breathing in her familiar, safe scent. She held him tightly as his body calmed down. His hot, heavy breaths on her neck eventually lessened, and he was able to let her go and lean back against his damp pillow. Ada handed him the glass of water that was sitting on his nightstand.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
He took a sip, but did not answer her. He was thinking.
“We don’t need to. I just wanted to make sure–”
“They took you,” he finally said.
“Who?”
“I’m not exactly sure who, but I couldn’t get to you in time. Then, I was in the cockpit of the Marauder as we were being chased by enemy fighters. I saw a Republic gunship explode beside us, full of clone troopers, shot down by the pursuing adversary. Then another on our port side – down they went.” He took another drink of water. “All I could think about was how to find you.”
Ada reached to hold his hand, listening and urging him to open up.
“The inside of the Marauder turned into, perhaps, a factory? I’m unclear what my mind was making of it, but I knew you were there, somewhere. I tried so intently to find you, but I couldn’t figure out how to get to the places I needed to search. I found myself traversing a catwalk, looking out over the large factory, or maybe it was a warehouse? Regardless, I saw you far below, and you were holding the girls. As I tried to get to you, the catwalk collapsed and I fell. That’s the last thing I remember before waking.”
“Oh, sweetheart. Another terrible nightmare. What do you think might help you?” Her hand moved from his hand up to rub his arm.
“I am unsure, but it may be something I learn to cope with. I am just thankful they are not real. However, experiencing them repeatedly has begun to make me dread going to sleep most nights.”
“I wish there was something I could help you with.”
“There is a very good chance that I am feeling more on edge right now, with you so close to the due date, and the unknowns of parenthood on our horizon. Perhaps once we settle into a new routine, I’ll be able to sleep more soundly.”
Ada grinned at him, “I expect it will be a while before either of us gets a good night's sleep after the babies are brought home.”
“I completely expect that as well,” he said, smiling and reaching to comb her unkempt hair behind her ear. “But I will be thankful for whatever relief it brings.”
She leaned in to kiss him lovingly before standing up to make her way to her side of the bed.
“Were you recently eating pickled Gorg eggs?”
“Maybe. Can you tell?”
Tech winced and licked his lips. “Yes, very much so. Incredible.”
Ada chuckled as she slipped back under the covers. “Sorry. They’re just so yummy.”
“Whatever makes you happy,” he said as he settled in next to her.
In only a few minutes, they had both fallen back to sleep.
The next morning a frantic knock came to their door right before Omega burst in.
“Echo’s here, with Rex!” She announced between labored breaths. “Come on, let’s go see what’s up!” As soon as she arrived, she was gone again.
Ada looked at Tech with wide eyes.
“Well, we had better gather with the others to see what is going on,” he told her, then stood from the kitchen table to clear their breakfast plates.
They walked together towards the top of the island, taking their time while Ada stopped to catch her breath a few times. She was embarrassed by her slow speed, but it was Tech who insisted she take it easy and rest every 100 meters.
“You should just go ahead. I’ll catch up.”
“Echo and Rex may be highly respected and bring pressing information, but my main priority is you. There is no need for me to rush.”
She gave him an exasperated look and shook her head slightly, as if she were too lucky to have such a loving partner in her life. She lifted her hand for him to help her off the bench, and they continued their hike.
When they reached the top, they found the rest of the Batch gathered around the open hatch of the Remora. Ada could see Rex as they approached, identified by his buzzed, blonde hair. She had heard a lot about this clone, but had yet to meet him. As they drew near, she grabbed Tech’s hand for security. Meeting new people did not come easy for her.
Omega ran to meet them and took Ada’s other hand, then began pulling her into the group.
“Rex, this is Ada! Ada, Rex.”
Rex’s hand outstretched to Ada’s, and she greeted him with a shy smile.
“Nice to finally meet you.”
“Hi Rex, same. I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to finally put a face with a name.” A few chuckles fluttered through the group. Ada blushed as soon as the words left her mouth, knowing it was the dumbest thing to say to a clone.
“I’m sure it is,” Rex laughed, his gorgeous, smiling eyes allowing her to relax a bit. “It looks as if you and Tech will have your hands full very soon. Twins, I hear?” He gestured to her round belly.
“Yes, twin girls,” she confirmed as her hand instinctively rubbed her abdomen.
“That’s wonderful news, congratulations to you two,” Rex said, extending his hand to shake Tech’s, followed by a slap on the back of his shoulder.
Tech firmly returned Rex’s hand shake, then adjusted his glasses that slipped down from the force of the endearing back slap.
“Thank you, Rex. I am looking forward to new challenges and responsibilities ahead.”
“I CAN’T WAIT to babysit my nieces!" Omega barged in between them.
“I don’t know that they could find a more trustworthy babysitter, Omega,” Rex told her, looking at her proudly and squeezing her shoulder. “Those girls will have a lot to look up to. Speaking of, you sure are getting tall…”
Omega smiled proudly at him, standing up straighter from his comment.
Echo stepped over to Rex and Tech, bringing a more serious tone to the conversation. “I think you’ll find what Rex and I have to share rather dismaying, considering your circumstances. And everyone’s, in fact. Come on, let’s go aboard and review the information.” Echo signaled for the group to follow him up the ramp back into the Remora.
Ada was taken back immediately to the rescue mission to Mount Tantiss when she stepped aboard. A flash of panic stirred her insides, and she clasped Tech’s hand even tighter. Her breath became shallow and the air felt thick. Her left hand found her chest as she grasped at her tunic, feeling the panic swell. Sweat broke out across her forehead.
“Darling, are you feeling okay?”
“Just need to sit down, I’ll be fine. It’s a little warm in here.”
Echo and Rex gathered everyone on the ship’s main bridge and activated a console display. A series of faces appeared, each accompanied by a bounty: Hunter, Tech, Crosshair, Wrecker, Omega, and Echo. Several others filled the screen as well, though the full list was far longer than what could be shown. Among them, Ada recognized Rex, but names like Cody and Gregor she did not.
Ada sat, and Tech adjusted the ventilation controls so she could feel some cooler air. It was immediate relief, and she leaned into him when he sat down beside her. Through her deep, intentional breaths, she allowed the anxiety to subside.
“Bounties? But I thought Tech was able to get into the system and delete those,” Hunter exclaimed, worry mixed with anger exuding from his face.
“I did successfully eradicate our records in the BHG’s systems, but this looks different.”
“It is different,” explained Echo.
Since the crew had been staying on Pabu, they had little to worry about. After the death of Dr. Hemlock, the interest in the Empire in tracking down Cone Force 99, especially Omega, had dissipated. Rogue clones were viewed as minor nuisances to the Empire, therefore, focusing any military resources on going back to Pabu was of little interest. They were eventually forgotten. The focus of Grand Moff Tarkin and other Imperial leaders was now almost completely concentrated on Project Stardust.
The Bounty Hunter’s Guild had attempted to use this information early on, but Tech was able to successfully delete their records in their systems, including Ada’s small bounty that got her into some interesting trouble on Tatooine.
Echo continued, “evidently, bounty hunting has gotten incredibly competitive, and everyone and their best friend jumped at the opportunity during the new Galactic Empire’s crack down on ‘corruption.’” Everyone snickered at the irony. “It seems that there are not enough bounties to go around, so the different houses under the Guild approached the Empire requesting direct access to public military criminal records – even the long forgotten ones, or minor offenses, and of course, the deserters. So, all the rogue clones are now up for a bounty, under contract by the Imperial military.”
Ada listened intently, this was definitely concerning. Was their peaceful time on Pabu coming to a quick end? She turned to Tech and whispered, “what does this mean? Can’t you get back into the system and delete those new records?”
“I don’t see why I couldn’t,” he assured her.
“This is different this time, and with the BHG’s system connected directly to the military’s system, there creates a complication with simply being able to hack in to eradicate the records again,” explained Rex.
“We’ll have to access it directly from an Imperial military console,” Tech piped up, as he began piecing together the information and formulating a plan in his mind.
“Exactly,” Echo responded. “We have a few access points identified as possible weak spots in the defense – a few potential outposts, and one opportunity right on Coruscant. But no matter where we go, we will have a complicated and delicate mission at hand.”
Ada’s stomach flipped, her anxiety rose again. She leaned into Tech, “you’re not leaving for this, are you?”
“It sounds like I may need to.”
Ada suddenly felt sick, and her fingers began to tingle as if she were ready to pass out. The ringing in her ears drowned out the conversation around her as she began spinning out of control, thinking about how Tech would be leaving her to complete a dangerous mission, when they were about to become parents at any minute.
“Ada. ADA,” Tech squeezed her thigh, pulling her attention a million kilometers back to him, sitting in the Remora next to her. “We’re going back to Hunter’s place to have lunch and continue with our initial planning. We might even leave tonight.”
“I don’t know that I’m very hungry, –did you say tonight?”
“Yes, it is for the best that we complete this sooner than later. Come, let’s keep up.”
He extended his hand for hers. She hesitated to grab it, but instead looked at him disappointingly. Without any reaction from him, she relinquished with a sigh, and finally accepted his hand. He helped her up and they made their way down to Hunter and Feena’s home.
Ada was quiet on the walk down, quiet during the lunch, and quiet on the short walk back to their house that evening. She was nervous, and frankly, a little angry.
So far he hadn’t said anything to her, didn’t even seem to show any concern or worry that he was going to be gone, potentially, for the birth of his children. All his mind was focused on was this mission. He never made an effort to discuss this with her first; it was automatically assumed he was leaving.
Did he even realize, at all, that this was more than just hacking into a computer somewhere dangerous? Even if Ada was not going, this was just as much about her as well. What if he doesn’t come back?
When they returned to their home, Tech began preparing right away.
“I am going to have to dig out that spare armor in storage. I don’t believe it is a full kit, but I'm certain Echo and Rex have what I’ll need on the Remora. It’s a good thing I cleaned my blasters recently, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be needing them so soon.”
Tech disappeared down to his workshop, returning a few minutes later carrying a large storage container. He opened it, revealing an old Republic clone armor kit, incomplete and wore out to hell. It had definitely seen better days, covered in blaster burns, scratches, cracks, and gouges. Tech’s old armor was gone, destroyed in his fall, and whatever was left was lost at Tantiss somewhere in the depths of the mountain laboratory. This old kit would have to do. He even found that old spare pair of scratched goggles. He picked them up and replaced his glasses immediately.
Ada was almost certain Tech seemed enthusiastic about another mission. It burned her seeing him like this, not even showing concern about leaving her at eight-plus months pregnant. A lump formed in her throat, and finally, the ache from the impending tears caused her to tuck her chin and look away from him. She found a seat and sat. She looked back over her shoulder at him, her cheeks streaked with a couple hot tears, and continued watching him organize his equipment.
“Isn’t there another way?” She finally choked out, barely audible.
Tech stopped his busy work and glanced up at her, uncertain if he had heard correctly. He did a double take when he saw her tearful face. He quickly stood up from where he was crouched on the floor next to his strewn-about gear, and went to her.
“Isn’t there another way to do this?” She said to him again, louder and more distraught. “I don’t want you to leave.”
“Ada, there is no need to be upset. I need to do this for our safety.” He reached to place his hand on her shoulder then up to cup her cheek, attempting to assure her that this was all going to be okay.
She jerked her head away from his hand. “I don’t think you understand why I am upset.”
“I’m certain I do understand. You are experiencing increased emotional sensitivity due to the surge of hormones brought on by the pregnancy.”
Ada gave him a scathing look after his blunt comment. Her normal understanding and tolerance of Tech’s frank remarks were not anywhere within her frame of mind right now, and she could feel her blood begin to boil.
“No, Tech. No! I’m upset because you just decided to do this, without ever consulting with me or seeing how I feel, or whatever!”
“I have to do this.”
“But you didn’t even stop to think about alternative actions, or talk to me first. It was just automatically assumed! Remember that conversation we had a long time ago about how we are a team, we make big decisions together?”
“Yes, but this is different. This is a mission that needs to occur to retain our safety – our family’s safety. It was a decision made with high expectations from Echo and Rex. There is no other alternative.”
Ada was clearly frustrated. “Okay, fine, yes. I realize this is critical, and you are a critical part of the team that needs to complete it. But this is a big deal, a dangerous job! And the fact that you didn’t even think to check in with me, to show any sort of concern for leaving when I’m about to give birth, really, really hurts me.” She trailed off as sobs overtook her.
She stood up from her seat and wiped her eyes and nose with her hand. “What if you don’t come back?” She pushed past him, not waiting for an answer, and swiftly disappeared into their bedroom.
Tech stood there, dumbfounded from what just happened. His eyes were frozen on the doorway Ada vanished through. Only moments ago he was completely focused on preparing gear, thinking about mission details and timelines, the strategies for hacking into military consoles with high security firewalls and intrusion detection systems, or which decryption tools and methods to use. He had no idea he was doing anything wrong. He was reverting to a mental mode that came so naturally to him – something he was literally bred to do.
He wanted to go after her, but wasn’t sure if she wanted him to. He struggled to see what he did wrong here, but it was simple for him to understand he hurt Ada somehow. It was confusing. However, he wanted to make it right, and could never leave on these terms. He paused to give her some space, and to gather his own thoughts. Then after a few minutes, he followed her into the bedroom.
He could see the door to the small balcony off of their room was open. He hesitantly approached, and before he stepped out, he stopped to view her through the gossamer window hangings. Flooded in the golden hour light, Ada was seated on a cushioned footstool, leaning against the railing. Her teary eyes reached out, searching the ocean waves. The breeze moved gently through her loose braid.
If there was such a thing as a goddess, it was her. There she was, the most beautiful being Tech had ever laid eyes on, her middle so swollen, creating life itself. She was a vessel for futurity and vitality – so radiant, powerful, caring, and so good. His love for her ached and pulsed inside of him, and he saw her so clearly before him as the mother of his children, their children. This was the closest he'd come to worshiping anything. The visceral, primeval need to protect someone was stronger inside him than he had ever known before.
It struck him right then, and it all finally made sense. This was the most important thing in his life – her, his equal and his partner – who for the past two years was always by his side, supporting him, pouring her love into him. He realized now that his decision to go wasn’t wrong, but how he went about making the decision was.
What if he didn’t come back? This was not like old times, there was so much more at stake now. All of his intentions were good, and Ada understood that. But what hurt her was him jumping in, head first, without considering any consequences.
Tech quietly cleared his throat, careful not to startle her, and cautiously sat down. Ada glanced at him, then turned her eyes back to the ocean and took a deep breath.
“You look exceptionally beautiful right now.”
Ada’s brows furrowed and she slowly turned to him, confused by his compliment. He awkwardly smiled at her, and her face relaxed enough to offer him a soft smile in return.
“Beautiful…? Tech, I haven’t felt beautiful in ages. Look at my feet.” She lifted a bare foot up off the floor of the balcony. “They look like freshly baked loaves of bread, they are so swollen.”
“They are the most perfect feet I’ve ever seen.”
“I don’t know, that’s a pretty indeterminate statement.” Ada met his eye again, her half smile shining some light towards him. The reality of the current situation came hurtling back, however, and forced her smile to slip away. Her eyes left him, finding the ocean again.
“I’m sorry, darling.”
Ada could feel the tears threatening once more. She loved him so much, and she was so incredibly afraid.
“What if you don’t come back?”
“I will be back. This is no different, no more difficult, than anything we have done in the past.”
“Did you also think Eriadu was going to be no different?” Her words were constricted and sharp, before an emotional gasp finally intervened. She turned away from him again and buried her face into her hands.
Tech took a deep breath. “This must be done, Ada, or our dreams of a peaceful life are diminished. The decision to participate in this mission came too easily for me, I realize that now. But I want you to know that it is very difficult for me to leave you like this. I wish there was another way."
“I can’t lose you again, Tech.”
She collapsed into his arms, silently sobbing into his shoulder. He pulled her impossibly close and kissed her temple. He understood now, completely, what was on the line.