TechPhee Weekend: Day 2
TechPhee Weekend: Day 2
(almost 2 weeks after the actual event)
Title: Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also
Rating: T
Summary:
TechPhee Weekend Day 2: Treasure
A year after the fall of Tantiss, Tech is recovering well from his time as CX-2. The more he feels like himself, the more he is ready for a taste of freedom. Phee, with one of her treasure hunts, seems just the opportunity he needs. And if the mission gives him time more time to spend with her alone, all the better.
And here is the TechPhee Weekend Day 2!
1.5 weeks after it was supposed to be done…
Oh well, the flu and just life in general got in the way. I do like to think this one was worth the wait. I started out with a basic plot idea…and it kinda devolved into fluff.
This takes place in the same timeline as the first day: Tech was CX-2 and was saved during the fall of Tantiss. I wanted some more normal Tech, so it’s been a while and he’s recovered a fair amount.
Anyway, let’s get going!
DAY 2: Treasure
For the first Galactic year after Tech had come home with his family, he had been content to stay on Pabu. He had needed peace to heal and to forgive himself. But the anniversary of the destruction of Tantiss had come and gone, and he found himself growing increasingly agitated with the sedate lifestyle.
As a result, when Phee asked him to accompany her on a short retrieval mission, or ‘treasure hunt’ as she liked to call it, he was eager to accept.
His brothers were not.
“Are you insane?” Crosshair spat. “We finally have a safe place, no one’s looking for us, and you want to galavant off to who knows here on one of Genoa’s laser brained schemes?”
Tech frowned. He felt rather like he was standing before a tribunal rather than in front of his brothers in their modest home’s living room. At least Omega was in bed and was not adding to the conflict.
“Phee’s plans are well thought out and prepared for.” He said tersely. “You did not experience Cid’s missions. Phee is far more competent and trustworthy.”
Wrecker chuckled at that.
“Gotta point there.”
“I wouldn’t be comfortable sending you if it was a plan by Rex and Echo.” Hunter said. “Tech, we don’t need to risk ourselves anymore. And let’s be honest, you’re not at your best.”
“I am well enough to go to an uninhabited planet.” Tech said. “To explore the ruins of a village.”
“I don’t like it.” Crosshair said, folding his arms.
“Neither do I.” Hunter said.
“Unfortunate.” Tech said. “I was not asking for permission. I was merely giving you the courtesy of informing you of my plans.”
Crosshair’s expression immediately darkened.
“Fine.” He snapped. “Go risk your life, I don’t care. But you get to tell Omega what you’re doing.”
Tech quietly thought that Omega may be the most accepting of the plan. But a part of him did twinge with guilt as Crosshair got up and stalked from the room. Silence followed.
“Tech.” Hunter said finally. “I guess we can’t stop you. But I need to know you’ve thought this through. You’re okay here- but what if you run into the Empire? We don’t know how you’ll react.”
“The planet is uninhabited.” Tech repeated.
“Daro was supposed to be too.” Hunter said.
Tech tightened his lips to a line. As much as he disliked it, Hunter was correct. The Empire had a habit of appearing where it was not expected. And he could not guarantee that he would remain calm when faced with them.
“If we find an Imperial presence, we will retreat.” He found himself saying.
Hunter frowned, as if he did not believe Tech.
“I could come with ya, too.” Wrecker piped up.
Tech paused, considering. It would likely assuage Hunter’s worry, but Tech found that he wanted to go with Phee alone. It was likely due to their mutual attraction and budding relationship.
“While appreciated, it is not necessary. Either the mission will be as we expect, without danger, or we will retreat.” Tech said.
Wrecker’s brow furrowed, but he shrugged.
“I guess you’re going.” Hunter said. Tech could tell that he was still displeased. “But don’t expect help getting Crosshair to talk to you again.”
He got up and followed Crosshair. Wrecker just shrugged before retreating as well. Tech sighed. His brothers were not happy. But it would be well worth it to leave the planet, if only for a short while.
As Tech expected, Omega took it well the next morning, telling him to be safe. Perhaps her hug lingered longer than normal, but she seemed in relatively high spirits when he left.
Phee was waiting for him at her ship. Her face lit up into a smile when she saw him and Tech could not resist smiling back.
“How’d they take it?” She asked, turning to board the Providence.
Tech grimaced.
“They were- resistant. I had to inform them that I was not asking permission.”
“Ooh.” Phee said with a wince. “I bet Crosshair wasn’t happy.”
“He was not.”
“Well,” Phee said, taking the pilot’s seat. “Hopefully this will go well, we'll grab our treasure, and they can get a little used to the idea of you leaving every once in a while.”
Tech sat down in the copilot’s chair, which still felt a little odd to him.
“I did tell them that if we ran into the Empire, we would retreat.” He told her as she started the ship.
“Probably a good idea.” Phee admitted. She paused, hands hovering over the controls before turning to him. “Is this a good idea, Browneyes?”
Tech blinked at her.
“This was your plan.” He reminded her.
“I know, but-” Phee trailed off, but reached out to take his hands. She ran her thumb over the knotted scars on the back of one, brushing the thin cybernetics implanted there. “We can't lose you again.”
Tech squeezed her hands.
“We will be cautious.” He said. “I trust your intel and I trust you. I would very much like to go on this mission with you.”
Phee gave him a crooked smile.
“You're such a charmer when you want to be, Browneyes.”
“I was merely being sincere.” Tech said.
“And you know what that does to me.”
Phee turned back to the controls and guided the ship into the sky.
“It'll be a couple of hours.” She said once they were in hyperspace. “How do you want to pass the time?”
“You have not told me about the artifact we are seeking.” Tech said.
Phee grinned at him.
“Well, we might as well get comfortable.” She said, getting up.
Tech followed her to her bunk. Hers was far more pleasant than the Batch’s had been on the Marauder. Phee grabbed her datapad and plopped down on the edge of the bunk. She patted the spot next to her. Tech sat and hesitantly brushed his shoulder against hers. She, in return, leaned fully against him. He ended up with an arm around her waist, her head on his shoulder.
It was- nice.
“For once we’re looking at something worth a fair bit of cash.” Phee said, pulling up a sketch of a crystalline figurine. “Depiction of a goddess of wind, Sylphrena. It’s carved from wind-crystal, which is why it’s worth so much.”
“And how did you discover its location?” Tech asked.
“I’ve got a friend who doesn’t like the ‘hands on’ part of collecting artifacts.” Phee said. “He contacted me with the details.”
Tech glanced at her.
“You trust him not to send competing ‘liberators?’” He asked.
“Yeah, Luthen’s good at not setting up races.” Phee said. “And he pays well.”
Tech nodded. Phee took jobs like these occasionally to keep her other operations funded.
He relaxed slowly as Phee explained the history and mythology behind the figurine. They did this often on Pabu, but it was even more pleasant here in the quiet of hyperspace.
The hours passed quickly and soon the ship’s console beeped. Phee sighed as if annoyed.
“Time to get ready, huh?” She said.
As she went to guide them down to the planet, Tech kitted up. He had wanted to dispose of his CX armor, but Echo had insisted that it would be better to keep and repurpose it. He had been correct. The armor was near unrecognizable now due to Tech and Echo’s work, but he sometimes still had a hard time looking at it.
He joined Phee in the cockpit and surveyed the jungle landscape. Most of it was shrouded by a layer of clouds. Kaladin IV was known for its rain.
“There are not many landing areas.” Tech commented.
“Nope.” Phee said. “I’m thinking the ruins will be overgrown too. But lucky for us, the site is near some mountains. Might be easier to find a place there.”
Tech nodded and found what he assumed to be the mountains in question on the horizon. They quickly approached the range: great stone wedges devoid of the green below.
“There we are.” Phee said, pointing.
Tech raised an eyebrow at the small ledge she indicated. Possible, yes, but difficult.
“Would you like me to-”
Phee cut him off by sending the ship into a sharp dive. With a smooth jerk, she twisted the ship and settled it neatly on the surface. The ship did not even shift as she turned the engines off.
Tech stared at Phee. Had he ever flown with her as the pilot before? How had he not known how exceptional she was? He knew that he was attracted to her, but he felt that her beauty was more apparent at this moment.
“Hey, you okay?” Phee asked.
Tech blinked.
“I am fine.” He told her.
Her brow was furrowed.
“You were staring.”
Oh.
“I am well.” He assured her. “It was not like before.”
She nodded slowly, but she watched him as she got up and grabbed her vibroblade and blaster.
“I was not having a flashback episode.” He told her. “I was merely- appreciating your talents.”
She raised an eyebrow, but to his relief, she smiled.
“You charmer.”
Tech shrugged.
“I was unaware of your flying skills.”
“You always insisted on taking the controls before.” Phee said. She made her way to the ramp. “And I didn’t want to deal with any man pride you had.”
“Man pride?” Tech asked.
“A lot of men, in my experience, don’t react well when you’re as good- or even almost as good, as they are in certain areas.”
Tech frowned.
“I do not think I would react poorly.” He said.
The rain pattered on his helmet as he followed her.
“Well obviously now I know that.” Phee said. “But at the time, I didn’t know you as well. This way.”
The trek down the mountain was more straining than Tech would like to admit. He had still not returned to the physical prowess he had had in the past. He did not know if he ever would.
Phee, observant as ever, proffered him her arm about halfway down. Tech took it. He was long past the point of pride.
“Sorry.” She said. “I should have realized we would have had to climb down.”
“It is my own fault for not considering it.” Tech replied. “I will manage.”
And he did, if not slightly out of breath and slower than he would have liked. The rain fell on his helmet less frequently as they moved into the verdant cover of the jungle. Tech winced at the swishing of wet ferns as they moved forward. Too much sound. But there should not be any enemies here. Kaladin IV was abandoned.
Which was why, after thirty minutes of hiking, Tech froze at the sound of voices not their own. Phee stopped as he did, cocking her head and listening. Tech signalled the direction the voices were coming from and quickly began a scan on his datapad.
Several lifeforms, specifically eleven, within a klick. Most were in the same area. He showed Phee the datapad and she grimaced. Tech nodded. The coordinates the intruders were at were likely the village.
Tech signalled again and they backed away, until the voices faded to nothing.
“I guess there goes that paycheck.” Phee muttered.
“We have no indication that they are the Empire yet.” Tech pointed out. “I doubt they will be friendly, but I only promised to retreat if we ran into Imperial forces.”
Phee sighed and rolled her eyes.
“You and your semantics.” She mumbled. “Tech, part of the problem is that we don’t know how you’ll react to combat situations.”
“You have expressed fondness for my interpretation of definitions and the like in the past.” Tech said. “And I am a trained soldier, genetically designed to be resistant to PTSD that would affect my performance in battle.”
“I know, but-” Phee shook her head. “I’m going to scout. If I see that stupid cog, we’re leaving.”
“Agreed.” Tech said.
Normally he would have volunteered, but she was likely the better choice. He could not guarantee his ability to be stealthy. She gave him a lazy salute before forging back into the brush.
He watched her go. He trusted Phee in all things and her skills were not near the bottom of that list. Still, he could not help but worry. His anxieties had risen significantly since his return to them. He could not prevent the images of Phee being caught and mercilessly slaughtered from coming to his mind. Or worse, her being captured and being given to Hemlock-
No. He thought forcefully. Hemlock was dead. Even if he wasn’t, the Empire had no reason to take Phee to their scientists.
He still found himself inching closer, straining his ears for any sound.
This anxiety was not what he had been anticipating for his escape from Pabu. He had imagined freedom and relief. He was feeling quite the opposite.
After fifteen long minutes, he clicked his comm on. It stuttered with static and his heart rate rose to meet it. Why would these individuals block comms if they did not suspect enemies? Or worse, had captured an enemy and now were keeping watch for her allies?
Tech plunged into the brush. He slowed after a moment and forced a deep breath. He could not run down there, blasters blazing. He was outnumbered. Perhaps once there was a time where he could defeat eleven enemies, but that time was past.
He kept low in the ferns, thankful for the wind that made them wave and the rain pounding the leaves overhead. He finally picked up voices. As he came close enough to make them out, he realized they were speaking Pyke.
Not the Empire. Part of his fear melted away. Still, the Pykes were a formidable and often cruel faction.
He sorely missed his old helmet. He didn’t know much of the Pyke language and while his datapad could translate, it would not be advisable to just stand there and read what they were saying, even if his datapad could clearly record their voices from this distance. He needed to keep moving.
They laughed, a harsh sound, and a shiver ran down Tech’s spine. Were they rejoicing in the fact that they now had a captive to torture? That thought caused him to hurry faster.
Soon he could see two guards, chatting to each other as they peered into the jungle. He glanced down at his datapad, but it seemed they were discussing their next job after this one. Tech pulled out a thermal detonator and connected it to his datapad. He gauged the distance and when the wind rippled through the ferns again, he rolled it along the ground. He let out a breath as it came to a rest not far from the Pykes’ feet, but still out of sight.
He crept away. If the Pykes were competent, they would have formed a perimeter. If Tech could find each pair and set up a thermal for each, he would be able to eliminate all of them in one fell swoop.
He found the next set of guards easily. They seemed more alert than the last pair, silent as they searched the jungle. It was much more difficult to get close enough to roll the grenade. Tech brought the thermal out and then paused as both guards straightened as a comm chirped. As usual, they had a free frequency unaffected by the blocking device. Tech quickly engaged his datapad as one responded to their comm.
The words ran across the datapad screen as their ally spoke: We’ve found the figurine. It’s undamaged.
Finally. Where did it end up being?
In the largest building.
Tech raised an eyebrow. They were speaking as if in a casual conversation with a friend, rather than giving a report. He was so used to dealing with militaries, he had forgotten than some were not as well trained as he and his brothers.
We searched that one three times.
I know, it was-
A blaster shot shattered the air. The Pykes jerked their heads around, searching. Tech’s breath caught, and he took an involuntary step forward. A branch cracked under his foot.
The Pykes stopped their frantic hunt and turned to look straight at him.
Old instincts moved him. With one hand he hurled his thermal towards the Pykes. With the other, delayed a few seconds, he detonated both this one and the original left by the first set of guards.
The explosion threw him backward. He saw a flash of red and orange, heard screams of pain, and then something hit his head, and he knew no more.
“Tech!”
Tech groaned at the noise. He tried to open his eyes, but when he did, the light made his head throb.
“Tech!”
He knew that voice. He tried to speak, but he could only cough. He then tried to move, which went just as well due to his heavy, aching limbs. He couldn’t quite feel his legs.
“Tech!”
The tone in the voice made him force himself to speak.
“Phee?” He croaked.
Footsteps thudded nearby and then someone jerked his helmet off. He blinked his eyes open to get a flash of her worried face, but once again, the light hurt. He felt her feel at his body, searching for breaks or injuries.
“Possible concussion.” He managed to tell her. “And- possible damage to cybernetics.”
He was very confused when he felt her lips press to his face. Then again. And again.
“What happened?” She asked between the quick kisses. “I was on my way back- they’d blocked the comms and cut off my escape route. I just had to distract them. I was coming.”
“I-” Tech tried to speak. It was very distracting to have her caress his face with her hands while all the while pressing kisses to every part of it. “I was concerned for your safety.”
Phee let out a breathless laugh.
“So you got yourself blown up?” She asked. “Kriff- When I heard the explosion and you weren’t answering, I thought-”
She took a deep, shuddering breath before kissing his forehead.
“We’ve got to get you back to the ship.”
“The Pykes-” Tech said.
“I took care of them. Do you think I’d be kissing you silly if we still had hostiles around?” She asked.
Tech shrugged.
“Perhaps.”
Phee laughed again.
“Come on, Browneyes.”
“The figurine-”
“Nuh uh.” Phee said. “We don’t have time for me to search the whole village. They called for backup before I finished them off.”
Tech frowned.
“But-”
“No buts.” Phee said. She rested her forehead against his. “I’m not risking you again, not for any treasure.”
Tech’s hazy mind took pleasure in her closeness, but he needed to let her know.
“I know where it is.” He said.
Phee froze in the act of trying to get him to his feet.
“Why didn’t you lead with that?”
Tech tapped vaguely at his head.
“Possible concussion.” He reminded her. “They said- the largest house. If you go now, you can retrieve the figurine before more Pykes arrive.”
Phee didn’t say anything for quite some time. Then he felt her lips on his.
“I’ll be right back.”
A few hours later, Tech lay on the bunk on Phee's ship as she jumped them to hyperspace. He glanced to the side to the shadowed figurine. He was glad they had been able to retrieve it, though he couldn’t quite remember how they had.
Phee came back into the darkened hold a few moments later.
“Hey.” She said, sitting by the bunk. “How are you feeling?”
“As well as can be expected.” Tech said.
His head throbbed and his stomach churned, but the symptoms would likely fade now that they were no longer dodging enemy fire.
He saw the glint of her teeth in the low light as she smiled.
“Sorry about the crazy flying.” She said. “The Pyke ships showed up right as I broke atmosphere.”
“I like your flying.” Tech said. “I find it very attractive.”
He had not meant to say that aloud. Phee stared at him and then grinned broadly.
“Oh yeah?” She said, leaning against the bunk frame.
“Yes.” Tech said. “I must add it to the list of appealing traits you possess.” He had not meant to say that either. Phee glanced at his datapad, placed out of reach lest he be tempted to use it.
“You actually have that list, don’t you?”
“Perhaps.”
Phee smiled again and ran her hand through his hair.
“You going to let me take a peek one day?” She asked.
“I will give you an answer when I am not concussed.” Tech’s head gave a particularly strong throb and he winced. “While I am glad that we retrieved the artifact, I do not believe this was conducive for my health: mental or physical.”
Phee chuckled, but it turned into a sigh.
“Your brothers are going to kill me when we get back.” She said. “And they’ll be right to. We shouldn’t have done this.”
“I was the one to insist on coming.” Tech said. “Perhaps we were foolhardy, but we survived and we retrieved the target. The mission was a success.”
He paused.
“Though I am not eager to experience Crosshair’s ire when we return.”
“You’re not looking forward to it?” Phee asked. She continued stroking his head. “You’ve got a concussion. He won’t be able to yell at you. I’m free game.”
“Then stay close to me.” Tech said. “He will not be able to lecture you if I am in close proximity.”
Phee pressed a kiss to his head.
“I was planning on that anyway, Browneyes.” She murmured. “Gotta make sure my treasure ends up somewhere safe.”
Confused, Tech looked at the blue-white figurine strapped to one of the crash chairs.
“It will be safe in the Archium until you can deliver it.” He said.
“Not that treasure.” Phee said. “I don't plan on ever giving this one up again.”
It took his hazy mind a moment to interpret what she meant. But when it clicked, he hesitantly took her hand and pressed it to his cheek.
“And I do not plan on leaving again.” He said.
Phee let out a long sigh as she laid her head next to his.
“That a promise, Browneyes?”
Tech thought of Pabu, of his brothers and sister, of Phee, of home.
“It is.”
I can imagine that Tech would get bored after a while. And even in this case, I don’t know if he’s bored exactly. It’s more like after being CX-2 and having no freedom, he needs to be able to make a few choices in his life.
Crosshair does not like this idea.
Wrecker: I could come with you on your date!
Tech: please do not
Phee and Tech are very much aware of their feelings for each other at this point and are, in Tech’s case especially, learning how to let themselves act on it. They haven’t used the word couple yet, but yeah, they’re a couple. Just a budding relationship.
If you’ve read my other fic, Across the Stars, you might recognize Kaladin IV as the planet Gek lives on. He may or may not still be running around the planet. Several Imperial patrols looking for Jedi have certainly disappeared. And of course, it’s a reference to one of my favorite book series, and the figurine they find is an expansion of that.
I grieve every day that Tech did not witness the insane stunt Phee pulls in season 3. He would ONE HUNDRED PERCENT think it was super hot that she can fly like that. I feel like Phee has dealt with her fair share of toxic masculinity and is kind of over it. Luckily, Tech is not that.
…can you guess that I got a little impatient and just wanted to get to the scene where Phee finds Tech? I just had the image of her just kissing him over and over out of relief and I got excited lol.
Frick the Pykes. They deserve to get blown up.
And then it devolves into fluff. Oh well. I liked writing it.
My idea for the next day is much shorter and will hopefully only take a few days.
Stay safe, remember to review, and have a great day!
More Posts from Xecutivecucumber and Others
I've shared some of her TikTok videos before, but this creator is starting to carve out a place on YouTube. She's doing a Crosshair analysis series and it's really good!
https://youtu.be/3BxI2fvQOBY?si=bQRL2xojPbdi7_4g
Executive Cucumber's thoughts on the Bad Batch: Season 3x06 and 3x07 (I'm pretty sure I'm formatting this differently every time. Oh well)
Okay, there's a subject I'm going to have to postpone until the end of the post because I want all my thoughts on that to be together: the main operative clone. And the rest might be slightly out of order. I'm also doing this before I see anyone else's thoughts, just so we get the pure version.
Let's go!
I honestly thought that Senator Singh and Riyo were dead meat. But no, they're fine because REX IS COOLER THAN ANYONE. Ugh that man. Freaking throwing the grenade back at him.
Clones are beautiful. That is all.
THAT'S THAT ONE PLACE FROM THE OG CLONE WARS MOVIE!!! TETH!!!
Howzer I love you but if you touch Crosshair we will be having words.
I am actually really proud of Crosshair and his restraint this episode. He could have been really cutting to Howzer.
OMEGA WITH THE TOOTHPIIIIICKS and Hunter is jealouuuus
EDIT: ECHO AND THE CROSSBOW HE'S SO SWEET
WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU CROSSHAIR
It's really nice to see normal clones being normal again. (Too bad it doesn't last)
There's something up with Omega. I'm not going to lie, I think that she and Rex are going to plan to get her captured in order to track her back to Tantiss.
HOWZER STOP DISTRUSTING CROSSHAIR THIS MOMENT
I appreciate that Hunter doesn't seem to distrust Crosshair during this point.
...they really shouldn't have brought that operative back.
Rex is considering stealing Omega, I swear. I love that he gets down to her level.
WOOOOOOOOOOOLFFE (Plo would be so disappointed in you)
It's...odd to see these normal troopers with him.
It's also strange that he cannot comprehend that the clones could be traitors at first.
STOP DYING YOU BEAUTIFUL REGS
'She only bites half the time' I'm pretty sure Omega is lying here but I don't care.
CROSSHAIR IS SUCH A WORRIED DAD HOLY CRAP. 'Oh, I'm much worse' I LOVE YOU
And this just gives such a little insight into how the Batch was when they were together. I have a feeling that Crosshair was a fusser and a nagger.
And I love how Howzer's natural and correct conclusion is: 'no one evil could love that child.' (Unless you're Nala Se)
Hey, actual candor from Crosshair. I keep saying this is who he always was under it all, but I do think he's healed somewhat, at least towards regs. The healing power of Omega.
'Too bad' I LOVE THIS MAN
STOP DYING REGS
Rex talking down Wolffe reminded me so much of him trying to talk Jesse down. So ow.
Okay, what ROCK have they shoved Wolffe under for the last YEAR??? YES THE EMPIRE WOULD GET RID OF THE CLONES YOU DOG BRAINED IDIOT
(Plo would be proud that you let them go)
...they just killed all of Rex's clones, except Howzer and Gregor. And I have a bad feeling about Howzer. STOP TAKING THINGS FROM REX HASN'T HE LOST ENOUGH???
Okay here we are, at the big topic. Hold onto your pants.
That operative clone. Is. Tech. Because if he is not, they are purposefully using the narrative to deceive us.
I might miss a few things, but that's because I'm up past my bedtime and I've been up too late the last few days.
1. The falling and water parallels. This clone falls a LOT during this episode and dives into a lot of water. He even falls into mist. This time it's to kill and capture his siblings instead of save them.
2. The injury. This clone is hobbling around a lot after his injury, which was immediately reminiscent of Tech's broken leg at the beginning of season 2. Both of them are forcing themselves past their limit to achieve a mission. Specifically with injured legs.
3. General attitude and demeanor. In combination with the stealth and injury, this clone has a more hunched posture. His speech patterns are more formal, though we haven't really heard a lot of other clone operatives talk with their helmets on. But he's also apparently allergic to orders. I first thought that he'd be out of the chain of command, but they would have told Wolffe that he wasn't in charge of the operative if that were the case. Or the operative would have straight up told him 'I don't take orders from you' instead of staring awkwardly at him. Instead he runs off and does his own thing. While injured. Not to mention the buttons on his gauntlet. The other clone operatives don't have those.
4. The cybernetic legs. Now we don't know for sure if Tech would have cybernetic legs, but it seems likely for a severely injured trooper. And when Crosshair is looking at the heat signature, you can see that his legs are blue instead of yellow or red. No heat. Not organic.
5. What he says to Crosshair. 'You could have been one of us.' 'You chose the wrong side.' Yes, he's talking about Crosshair resisting the re-education. But flip it on its head real quick. 'You could have been one of us. One of the Bad Batch.' 'You chose the wrong side. The Empire.' Those lines very easily have double meanings.
6. An interesting one is when he starts moving rocks after the explosion. Why would he do that? Why not immediately go find another way in? He's moving only the smaller rocks. There's a large one in the way that he couldn't move himself. And he doesn't get the rest of the troopers to come move it when they arrive. He almost seems confused.
Like he's somewhere else after an explosion, having to move rocks. Like in the Crossing.
I know that this hardly seem like iron clad evidence. But in the language of story telling, it's practically screaming in our faces.
And I'm so glad he's back. I missed him. He won't be himself for a while, but I legitimately believe we'll get one last fight with the Batch all together. Because brain washing is a heck of a lot easier to fix than being dead.
My sister is doing the good work and creating a tik token about it, and I'll probably share it here when she's finished.
(We're getting the episode 'Identity Crisis ON MY BIRTHDAY and so help me if that's about Tech)
Honestly I thought I'd be more excited, but I spent the entire two episodes forcing myself into not having expectations and also I might be in shock.
I have exciting news I choose to share through memes!!!
GUILTY HAS OFFICIALLY REACHED OVER ONE THOUSAND KUDOS!!!
I cannot believe how much attention it’s gotten, even within the relatively small Rexsoka reader base. I owe it all to you guys!!! (I know only a few of you are on tumblr lol. Maybe I’ll do an update on the fic itself)
Thank you all so much! I’ll try to figure out a way to celebrate soon, but school might get in the way.
(I just think it’s funny that my fic is so popular and they haven’t even kissed yet. Like it’s literally 125,000 words of me teasing you guys and apparently you love it.)
Also...soon.
And, well, it didn't end happily for everyone...
i know it’s been while since since the bad batch ended but i still felt empty and i don’t know what to do. yes it was like 3 months ago, yes it ended happily, but what do the creators expect, for me to move on????
A thought or two about our current Fandom discussion
*spoilers under the cut*
I have been a Tech lives believer since about an hour after I saw him fall. I also very strongly believe that Tech is CX-2 (I am aware of what Jennifer Corbett said today about CX-2 being a new character, but Tech being presented as CX-2 can be considered as a new character)
I've seen people say they don't want him to be Tech because they don't want to see Tech like that. Totally valid. Not everyone wants to bathe in angst like I do.
But I believe that Tech being CX-2 is going to create the most compelling story and create the most conflict.
I could go on about the reasons, and maybe I will one day. But I want to share the most devastating one that came to me today.
If Tech is CX-2, that means Echo left his brother behind, left for dead, to be tortured and used against their brothers.
Just like he was.
Executive Cucumber's Thoughts on the Bad Batch 03x09!
Spoilers under the cut
Apologies for this being late, I worked overtime and then immediately went to rescue my sister and her kids from a car breakdown. I got overwhelmed pretty quick.
I really liked this episode, but as I was in a not great mood when I watched it, I didn't absorb as much as I normally do. (My mood really affects how much I enjoy something, regardless of quality. I was in a foul mood when I first watched Faster and was fairly critical of it. I was wrong.)
This is really the first time we've seen not beautiful weather on Pabu and that's terrifying.
CROSSHAIR IS PART OF A COMMUNITY!!! Have yall considered that he's never been a part of a community before? Like yes, he's has his family, but a community?
'Does it matter? We're not giving her up.' This man. I love this man. If Tech did not already reign Supreme in my heart, I think Crosshair would be my favorite character in Star Wars.
ASAJJ VENTRESS MY QUEEEEEEEEEN
Oh Omega, that story fell apart faster than Hunter's resistance to adopting you.
They leave a space for Tech 💔
Apparently those blood tester things that Qui Gon had were Jedi issue only.
YOU CAN DO IT OMEGA!!! Wrecker, honey, if Omega CAN do it, that means her life gets WAY harder.
They one hundred percent sent Crosshair to look at Tech's data because Hunter and Wrecker can barely do it.
'Go get a flower kid, I gotta beat up your dads'
Okay, I honestly think Hunter doesn't have the time for romance and could honestly see him as asexual, but-
HIS WAIST IS SO SLUTTY. HOW IS IT SO SLUTTY.
I don't think we've seen such well choreographed hand to hand fighting in animated Star Wars. Except maybe that time that Rex absolutely destroyed those Zygerrians. But I might be biased about that.
'SHE'S A WAR CRIMINAL OMEGA' Okay now I need to know what defines war crimes in this universe. Did they have space Geneva?
You know, good thing Echo's not here. He'd probably be WAY more pissed than these three.
'You're naive' says the man who was changed by the child saying people can change.
I love Crosshair's 'oh shoot she's right' face.
Wrecker's little gasp when Ventress looks at them is AMAZING.
I love it when Star Wars is using the Force to connect with animals.
I'm sorry, Hunter girlies, I guess we getting wet hair everyone except Hunter. (Though Ventress looks SO GOOD)
VENTRESS YOU QUEEN I LOVE YOU YOU'VE COME SO FAR (I haven't read dark disciple but my sister has, and she informed me that Vos' Dark Side training by Ventress culminated in him summoning a water monster and killing it. This is such a beautiful parallel that she calms it.)
Crosshair helping Omega on is my everything.
I really love that Crosshair has decided to give Ventress a chance, because he was given a chance. (And also I lowkey ship them in a one night stand kinda way. Crossajj is such a good ship name too)
DAD DUO.
I don't think Ventress is lying when she says Omega isn't Force sensitive. Omega doesn't show ANYTHING in this episode that implies that she's sensitive. Yes, she uses Batcher, but she'd trained Batcher with normal friend methods. I think that Ventress stops the testing prematurely before she can be more sure, because she sees the possibly unhealthy attachment the Batch have. It might also be to protect Omega to not know for sure. My personal theory is that Omega is slightly more sensitive than the average clone, but not to any natural talent degree.
Oh gosh, I'm so scared for the next few episodes. Ventress gives them such a clear warning. This episode did such a good job of getting the tension tight again.
I know some people call this episode redundant, but the characters NEED this in order to catch up. We as an audience knew that M Counts meant midichlorians. But the Batch had no idea. Sometimes, we need to let the main characters catch up with us.
(This is also why Tech as CX-2 works on a reveal level because the mystery isn't for us, it's for the characters)
But yeah, a great episode! I'm terrified for everything and everyone!
A quick note- I've seen people say that it's too late in the season for Tech to return. I'd like to remind you that it took exactly two episodes in season 2 to get us behind Crosshair's redemption. They can do a lot in a few episodes.
Rexsoka Week 2021 Day 5: Show Me Your Dark Side
Honestly, I’m considering fleshing this one out into a full fic.
Day 5: Show Me Your Dark Side
Commander Rex stood at the communications station. He was not supposed to be here, but as both Lord Vader's and the First Sister's favored pet, few would challenge him. Rex never thought he'd be grateful for that position, especially now that he was leaking information to the Rebels. But it gave him protection from the clone-hating higher ups, like Tarkin, who would have him killed in a moment.
Rex tried to look business-like as he entered the frequency for whoever received his information. Part of him clung to a hope that it was his brothers that used his knowledge to fight against the Empire. He had been able to wake up from the chip; surely there were others.
"This is King." He muttered into the receiver. "Sending coordinates for Imperial supply rendezvous now."
He entered the data stick that would wipe itself after it transferred the information. He waited, tense as it uploaded the coordinates.
"Coordinates received." A distorted voice crackled through the comm. "Thank you, King."
"May the Force be with you." Rex said before shutting the comm off.
It was easy to erase the logs of his communication. He crushed the datastick under his heel and threw it down the garbage chute. He sent a few sanctioned messages before turning to the doorway.
It was occupied.
The First Sister's sickly yellow eyes narrowed as Rex met her gaze.
"My lady." Rex said calmly, though his heart was in his mouth. "Do you need something?"
"What were you doing?" Her voice was harsh.
"I was sending communications to-"
"Don't lie to me, Commander."
Rex stood straight as she stalked around him.
"Did you think we haven't noticed?" She hissed in his ear. "Your work is sloppy and obvious. You think Lord Vader and I will protect you. You are wrong."
A lightsaber ignited behind him and Rex tried not to flinch.
"Why now?" Rex asked, hit with a surge of boldness. "If you've known this whole time, why only now?"
The First Sister did not immediately run him through.
"It is the Emperor's will." She said softly, sounding more like herself than Rex had heard in months.
Then Rex was correct. She, along with Vader, had tolerated his treachery out of, if not affection, respect for their previous bonds. Rex slowly turned to again meet her gaze.
"Ahsoka-"
"That is not my name!" She hissed.
"You know this is wrong." Rex plowed on. "You've always known."
Silence.
"I thought you were above stalling for your own life, Commander." She said.
"I'm not stalling for mine." Rex said. "I'm trying to save yours."
She once again didn't respond.
"This isn't who you are, Ahsoka." Rex said. This time she didn't protest the use of her old name. "You're like me. We are meant to protect."
"There is no turning back." Ahsoka said. "The person I was is dead. It's- too late for me, Rex."
Rex shook his head. He refused to believe the woman he had loved was gone.
"I don't think it is." Rex said. "And I don't think you're going to kill me."
For a moment, Rex thought he was wrong. Her eyes grew hard and she lifted her sabers.
Rex tried not to shake as he reached past the red blades to touch her face. Immediately she closed her eyes against his touch and her lightsabers lowered. They shut off.
"I can't, Rex." She whispered. "You know what we've- what I've done."
"I can be with you." Rex said. "I'll help you. We can undo the harm we've caused."
Pain crossed Ahsoka's face. Rex could see her slipping back under into the shroud of the First Sister.
“Ahsoka-” Rex pleaded, desperate to keep her here with him.
“So, you have caught the traitor in the act.”
The deep voice of Vader made Rex’s blood freeze. He barely turned his head to see the imposing figure of his general in the doorway.
“Why do you hesitate?” Vader said. “The Emperor has ordered his death.”
Ahsoka’s lightsabers ignited again. Rex closed his eyes and readied himself for her strike.
It did not come.
“He’s been leaking information to the Rebellion.” Ahsoka said. “There is much he could tell us.”
“The Emperor was clear in his instructions.” Vader’s voice was flat. “If you are too weak to do it, then I will.”
He ignited his own lightsaber. Rex flinched as the red blade swung towards him. It was caught by Ahsoka’s sabers. Ahsoka stumbled back, as Vader lifted his blade. She seemed surprised by what she had done.
“You are not only weak, but a traitor as well.” Vader said.
“No, Master, I did not mean-” Ahsoka stammered. “His information is beneficial to us! Master-”
She sounded like the padawan Rex had first met on Christophsis.
“I had deluded myself into believing you would not be a disappointment.” Vader went on. “I should have trusted my instincts.”
Rex did not expect the pain that flashed across Ahsoka’s face. Nor did he expect Vader to raise his hand and hurl Rex backwards into the wall of screens. Rex let out a strangled shout and then darkness fell.
Rex woke with a throbbing headache. His training kicked in and he forced his eyes open regardless. The first thing he saw was the glowing streaks of hyperspace and the dashboard of a ship. He was propped up in the co-pilot's chair of a Lambda-class Imperial shuttle. He knew who would be in the pilot's seat, but he still slowly turned his head.
Ahsoka was silently controlling the craft. What he could see of her face was pale, but her hands were steady. She was turned slightly away from him and he couldn't see her eyes.
"Ahsoka?" Rex asked.
"How do you feel?" There was something in her voice that hadn't been there since before the Empire rose to power.
Rex reached his hand up to feel the back of his head. His fingers met bacta patches.
"Like I've been thrown against a wall of screens." He said.
Ahsoka was silent.
"I'm sorry." She finally said. "I should have realized he would have gone for you.”
“It’s okay.” Rex said. “How- how did we survive?”
He had served under Vader long enough to know that few escaped his wrath.
Ahsoka shrugged.
“I knew there was a storage bay beneath that room. I managed to cut through the floor and grab you. I was able to lose him there. You know he can’t move that quickly.”
Rex nodded slowly.
“Thank you.” He said.
She didn’t reply. For a moment Rex let the silence hold, but eventually he needed to know.
"Where are we going?"
"Away."
"From where?" Rex asked.
"Everything. The Empire, the Rebellion, all of it." Ahsoka said.
Rex sat up straighter. This- wasn't what he expected. He supposed it was foolish to think she would turn back into the idealistic young woman he had known. Too much had happened to them.
"Ahsoka, we don't have to run away." He said. "There's good we could do."
"No." Ahsoka said. "No, the Empire is searching for us. We would do more harm."
"Ahsoka-"
"You're all I have left." Ahsoka said.
She turned to look at him. One of her eyes shone a soft blue at him. The other was still a sharp yellow.
Rex was suddenly glad they were not going to the Rebellion.
"Okay." Rex said. "Okay. We'll lay low."
For a while. He added in his head. They would have to do something about that eye. Rex wasn't very knowledgeable about the Force, but he knew Ahsoka's eyes had changed when she had.
But he was confident that he would be able to turn her to the Rebellion's cause.
She leaned forward to take his hand. She studied it for a moment, before pressing it to her lips. He shivered at the touch.
"I will protect you." She said against his skin. "I won't let them have you."
Rex cupped her cheek with his other hand. He swiped his thumb across the white markings of her cheek. He relished in having her back..
But the back of his mind shuddered at her words. Protect him from what? And at what cost?
Check it out and my ongoing Rexsoka fics on A03!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/34125910/chapters/85106296
https://archiveofourown.org/users/ExecutiveCucumber/works
Executive Cucumber's Thoughts on the Bad Batch Season 3, Episode 5, The Return!
(And I'm doing this instead of sleeping)
Spoilers after the break
Notes may not be in order
At first I was a little disappointed that we didn't start immediately after the end of the last episode, but I think I prefer it. We can have the reunion any way we want now. It's possible that the writers thought that they would all just awkwardly and quietly get on the Marauder and fly off and they knew we would be disappointed by that. So they left it to us to imagine what happened next. I think that's also why they didn't show Crosshair finding out about Tech. For them, Crosshair might just stay silent, or disassociate or something and we wouldn't be satisfied. But now we get to imagine all kinds of angst for when that happened.
Oh, the contrast between Omega waking up on Pabu and on Tantiss. SHE DESERVES THIS SO MUCH.
Aww AZ really loves Omega.
Okay, but how did Crosshair accept the fruit? Did he say thank you? I NEED TO SEE CROSSHAIR BE AWKWARD AROUND NORMAL PEOPLE.
I honestly think Crosshair wants to train Omega as his replacement if he can't get over his hands.
Wrecker and Hunter just blatantly watching them is amazing.
MOM'S HOME
Crosshair's sass is everything to me in this episode.
I honestly think that Echo is the only one who really talks about Tech out loud because he's the only one of them who has experienced loss before. He knows how to handle it. The others...do not.
STOP MAKING CROSSHAIR GO TO COLD PLACES, ESPECIALLY WHEN THAT COLD PLACE TRAUMATIZED HIM
'Little brother' oh my gosh they are my everything.
I expected Crosshair to love Omega, but he ADORES her and I am here for it. I'm also here for the fury for when she is inevitably captured again.
Hunter, you are a butt. I still love you.
HIS ARMOR. YES. YES. YES.
'It still fits' it might not have because he was so skinny and that is devastating.
Oh my gosh Hunter and Crosshair's arguing is everything I could have wanted.
'Kill each other later' Echo I love you.
I love that Batcher is just a member of the Batch now. Also, Hunter, get your senses in order the dog is doing your job.
THE HELMETS. AAAAAAAAAGH.
Hunter: sees Crosshair tenderly arranging helmets
Also Hunter: this is unreasonably suspicious
TOOTHPICKS YES
HIS TREMBLING HAAAANDS
Ugh I love Crosshair and Hunter's fight so much. Crosshair isn't just pushing Hunter's buttons, he's legitimately angry that Hunter let Omega get captured and go through what she did. And then there's the beautiful subtext of 'you let Tech die.'
Crosshair and Batcher are best duo.
THE SNOW IS SO GORGEOUS
CROSSHAIR SOUNDS SO MUCH LIKE TECH HE EVEN SAYS 'OMEGA' THE SAME WAY.
This is their get-along-worm.
Wrecker hugging Crosshair and Hunter may be one of my favorite things ever.
'There's no blood.' I am requesting all fic writers to provide me with a plethora of fics featuring Hunter and Crosshair fighting to bloodshed, ranging from angst to the stupidest argument ever.
CROSSHAIR YOU BEAUTIFUL PERSON YOU OPENED UP.
Okay after Hunter said he did things he regretted too I'm now convinced that he has committed so many war crimes in trying to find Omega. Wrecker has nightmares about it.
I can't remember where, but Crosshair's theme was played in the major key!!! LET HIM BE HAPPY
Crosshair is such a joy to watch this episode. This is who he is and it really contrasts with chipped Crosshair.
I miss Tech so much. I want to see him in this dynamic. I also want to see Crosshair and Phee's dynamic.
I mean this in the most complimentary way possible: this episode felt like a fanfiction. The focus on their interactions and emotions feels like something we'd get from a fic rather than Canon. And I love every moment of it.
I adore seasons 1 and 2, but there were definitely episodes I preferred over another. This season has been 10/10 for me so far. And once more I have to wait a FREAKING week for more.
Mobile Google Docs is a COWARD.
Rexsoka Week 2021 Day 6: Truth or Dare
A little lighter than the last couple of days.
Note: Takes place in an AU where Ahsoka is promoted to the leader of the 501st and the war is prolonged. No idea where Anakin is lol.
Day 6: Truth or Dare
"Truth or dare?"
Rex rolled his eyes for the fifth time that hour. They'd been waiting for evac for over 4 hours. Night was falling. Waiting for evac meant bored clones, and bored clones meant stupid games. It did not help that General Tano encouraged them.
"Truth." Fives said confidently.
"How many times have you had to see Kix for chafing?" Jesse asked.
There was a chorus of 'oooohs' and laughter.
"And don't try lying." Kix said. "I keep very good records."
Rex glanced up from his datapad. Fives had five other clones plus the General leering at him. He looked like he was sweating laser blasts. Rex shook his head and returned to his work.
Fives mumbled something.
"What was that?" Ahsoka said with glee.
"Sixteen!" Fives said louder.
The group burst into hysterics. Rex cracked a smile. For the past hour Jesse and Fives had continually targeted each other in some sort of embarrassment contest. No one else had had a chance to go, but nobody seemed to mind.
"General!" Fives said. "Truth or dare?"
Rex raised an eyebrow. The contest was apparently over.
"Truth." Ahsoka said.
"Who's the most attractive clone?"
"Dare." Ahsoka amended.
"I dare you to kiss the most attractive clone here."
"Let's go back to truth." Ahsoka said.
"No, you didn't let me switch back earlier, you're stuck!" Kix said.
"Ugh." Ahsoka said. "Fine. Let's take a look."
There was the sound of her getting to her feet and then soft footsteps.
Rex glanced up again. Ahsoka was pacing around the circle of clones. They all looked up at her with eager faces. For a moment Rex stared at her. The way her lekku swayed as she walked mesmerized him. Her form was illuminated by the plasma lanturn they'd placed in the center of their circle.
"Hmm." Ahsoka said. "Which one, which one?"
"Oh, hurry up!" Jesse said.
Rex knew Ahsoka, while protesting it at first, was enjoying drawing this out.
Rex realized he'd been staring at her for a good minute and went back to his data pad, face heating.
Then suddenly something soft pressed against his cheek. There was a loud outcry from the group of clones as the pressure pulled away. Rex turned to see Ahsoka grinning at him, inches from his face.
Rex couldn't speak as the others, Fives especially, continued their protests. He could feel his face turning red as Ahsoka stared into his eyes for a moment more. Then she turned around and went back to the circle.
Rex watched her go. The men were still shouting and protesting.
"Are you kidding me? Rex?"
"It's the blonde hair, isn't it?"
"You just chose him cause he's captain!"
"You didn't tell me to explain myself." Ahsoka said as she sat down. "Kix, truth or dare."
"There is no way Rex is more attractive than we are." Kix said.
"Truth or dare, Kix."
Rex waited a moment for them to focus on Kix having to put his armor on backwards and then take it off. Then he reached up and touched the spot where her lips had touched his cheek. Was he imagining it, or was the skin still warm from the kiss?
Check it out and my ongoing Rexsoka weeks on A03!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/34125910/chapters/85170304
https://archiveofourown.org/users/ExecutiveCucumber/works
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Star Wars nerd, here to share her fics. Clone Wars era all the way baby. May or may not have had her expectations of men ruined by the clones.
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