A/N: Howdy, so this is pretty long and essentially took me all day to do so have fun reading it! It's entirely based on today's episode, lucky number 13, so definite spoilers lie ahead! Enjoy!
Tech x Female reader - established relationship
starwars masterlist. Ultimate masterlist. AL series
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"Cid better pay us extra for that mission." Echo grumbled, helmet held under his arm as you and the others waded off of the ship. Wrecker shrugged his shoulders, a carefree smile on his lips, "Eh, it wasn't so bad." he mused. You nodded along with him, although your aching joints would happily disagree with you.
"She failed to mention the drop zone would be swarming with Gundarks," Echo continued, his tone getting more frustrated as he spoke. Tech's hand nudged against yours as he leapt into the discussion, his ability to remain quiet and unopinionated practically non-existent, "It is not the first time she has left out key details." he pointed out, finger sticking up.
It was true, Cid was known to leave out important details, details which determined whether you'd live or die on a mission. You couldn't count the many near-misses you've had over your time working for her. As you approached the bar, feet scuffing against the dirt ground, you noted the excessive amount of people clustered around the entrance, "When did this place get so popular?"
The bar was bustling with life, quite a contrast to its normal dead atmosphere, you stood closer to Tech suddenly feeling nervous. What if the Empire knew you were here? All just double agents waiting for the perfect moment to snatch you up, throw you in a cell and burn the key.
"Not our problem, let's just find Cid." Hunter huffed out, slowly moving forward while keeping an eye on his surroundings. You did the same, finger scratching the hilt of your blaster as you surveyed patrons who stood by the bar, something didn't sit right with you. Cid's bar wasn't as bad as some places you had visited in the galaxy, but it wasn't a five-star resort by any means, so why the sudden boom in customers.
As you all approached the door, an armed guard blocked the way, his weapon pushing against Hunter's chest with every step he took, "And where do ya think you're goin'?" he questioned out, mask hiding his face. Hunter flicked his gaze behind his shoulder catching all the confused looks you were giving one another. With patience running thin, Hunter punched the man back against the wall ending the brewing argument there.
The corridors seemed darker than usual, maybe a few lights had blown out in the time you were gone, this place did seem rather old. The office door swooshed open, only to reveal a few more guards and someone who wasn't Cid. The men's blasters raised up, you doing the same, you were quite proud at how quickly you were able to reach your blaster; practice did make perfect.
"It's rather rude to barge into one's office unannounced, don't you think?"
"This isn't your office," Hunter growled out, two more guards coming up from behind. You, Wrecker and Echo turned to face them, your eyes looking their outfits up and down. You didn't recognise the design nor which side they seemed to be on, but from the way this interaction was playing out, you could only assume it wasn't yours.
"What are you doing with her?" Omega spoke up, you had nearly forgotten she was here with how quiet she had been, very out of character for her. You zoned back into the conversation, but your eyes still glared at the two men in front of you, blaster raised to the height of their foreheads.
The man began to move around, kicking his legs off of the table, "I paid, Cid delivered." he smirked, ugh you had barely spent five minutes with this guy but you already hated him. Hunter scowled at the man, "Where is Cid?" he spit out.
"Cid's out," the mobster laughed, standing in front of his desk, attention purely on the sergeant. He stroked the tips of his fingers against the dusted horn on the desk, resting his hands on the guard's shoulders as he spoke, "This parlour and Ord Mantell is now my territory, but if you're looking for work, I might have use for you."
You groaned under your breath, catching the attention of Wrecker for only a moment, "We'll think about it," Hunter mumbled, placing his blaster down. Once he did that, the rest of you followed, moving to leave the office in a hurry.
"You do that," the man echoed, giving a brief wave before the doors sealed shut.
The moment you left what used to be Cid's bar, you headed towards the ship, Hunter taking lead like always. You had to pick up your steps, falling behind as your brain took over, too many guilty thoughts fueling you. Tech noticed your missing presence beside him and turned to see you scuttering along.
"What's wrong, cyar'ika?" he whispered, taking your hand in his so he could politely drag you to match his speed. You shook your head, mumbling a "Nothing," under your breath, but the more you thought about it the more it unnerved you. Opening your mouth with a sigh, you spoke "It just feels wrong to not help Cid out, what if something bad happened to her?" You expected you'd have to get Tech's attention again, but the moment you turned your head to meet him your eyes caught, he was waiting for you to respond this whole time.
He opened his mouth to speak but was immediately cut off by Hunter, "We're getting off Ord Mantell. Tech and (Y/N), prep the ship, the rest of us will gather supplies." he ordered.
"But what about Cid? We can't just leave her!" you argued back, glaring as the troopers stopped to face you. Omega stood beside you, echoing your point further, "What did he mean when he said she was 'out'?" her eyes just as frantic as yours. You knew Hunter could say no to you, but he could never resist Omega, her sweet-natured attitude combated his brutal tones perfectly.
"Given his tone, it is a plausible assumption that Cid was either forced out or taken out." Tech suspected, feeling you squeeze his hand at the mere thought. "W-we need to help her!" you stated, standing up to Hunter, something you rarely did.
"Nice to see two of you care. Inside. Now." Cid demanded from the ramp of the Havoc, your eyes widened when you caught her form, slightly relieved she wasn't dead as Tech had thought. Speaking of, you had turned to Tech to gauge his reaction, it was equally as startled as yours: eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. As expected, you all boarded the ship and followed Cid to the cockpit where she began to explain the entire situation.
--
"Where are we?" Hunter groaned, stepping further and further into the dark. You were one of the last to come down, deciding to stand beside Omega incase anything were to occur. The tunnels were dark and dingy, lit up by the torches you had brought along, the boys all wearing their helmets while you, Omega and Cid braved it face on.
"Ord Mantell's old mining tunnels. These rails run underneath the city, it's how we're sneaking into my parlour to steal the spice." Cid informed you all, Wrecker pounded his fists together, voice rough, "Well, why don't we just walk in there and take it? We can handle those guards." he was getting too cocky again.
"No one can know we're involved," Cid reminded us, pointing her light around the tunnel searching for something, "Roland is one thing, but the Pykes aren't an enemy you want to make." Her flashlight settled on some mining carts, their motors old but still held the possibility of working, "We'll use these carts to transport the crates of spice."
Tech moved over to the rusted carts the moment light was shone on them, crouching down to get a better look. Even with his helmet on, you could tell he was struggling to see, so being the good girlfriend that you were, you held your light above him; allowing him to see all sorts of hidden decay.
"Thank you, cyar'ika." he hummed out, fingers fiddling with random parts, "They're not in the best shape, but I can get the motors operational." he offered. Cid stopped him, slapping his hand away from the contraption before getting on one herself, "You crazy? Motors are too loud, this is a stealth mission; you guys are good at that, right?"
"Last time I checked," you mused, wiping some cobwebs away from your legs, a shiver crawling up your spine. You hated spiders, perhaps the thing you fear most in the galaxy, no matter what breed or species, it still freaked you out; badly too.
"Tiny, Goggles, Doc, you're with me." Cid commanded, pointing her finger at each of you then motioning with her thumb for you all to get in. The cart shook and rattled as you got on board, the yellow paint chipping off when you rested a hand against the rail. The other batch members trailed in behind you, Wrecker furiously pumping the cart to keep in time with your own.
"Now, listen up, when we pass through those doors, not a peep out of anyone. We don't want to wake the hive."
"H-hive?" you stuttered out, eyes centre to the door. With the thought of a hive that could mean anything, giant wasps, massive cockroaches or even worse, spiders. Tech sensed your fear, saw the immediate tension in your shoulders, your position going in on itself. He placed a firm grip onto your shoulder, squeezing it with a whisper of encouragement, "You'll be fine, (Y/N), as long as you don't speak."
"The caverns have a slight infestation problem." Cid dismissed, batting it away as though it wasn't the most terrifying thing you've ever encountered. Wrecker laughed, hands braced against his hips, "We're not afraid of a few bugs." he obviously couldn't see your retreating form.
"Well, it won't be a problem if everyone keeps their traps shut. Big guy, get the door." Cid remarked, hands held against the cart, ready to push away. The moment the doors etched open your eyes widened, the room was dark much like the rest of the place, large cobwebs coated each wall, this didn't help you at all. But you had to remain quiet, as long as you were silent no giant spiders were rearing their gross massive heads.
The drop-down was impressive, but the inky blackness was able to cover up how far down it truly was, a fall like that would surely kill a man.
--
You hopped off of the cart, hands braced against your legs as you breathed in and out heavily, even though you didn't see a single spider you still felt like you went on a 5k walk. After the commotion of the fallen flashlight and the gentle rumbles of what lied beneath, it was safe to say you were happy you could stick your head back into the real world. A thought that consumed you as you stepped up the ladder into Cid's office.
"Ugh, and I thought Wrecker was a slob." Echo groaned, flashlight skimming the shelves screwed to the walls. Tech pulled you up the remaining steps, always a gentleman, even though you couldn't see his face you knew there to be a smile on his lips; you could tell by the crinkling of his eyes. Your comms buzzed off, Cid's voice grumbling through the messed up speaker, "Can the commentary, Roland won't be gone for long."
You got to business, searching around for the spice crates, "Six crates of spice confirmed." Tech announced, shining the boxes in a bright white light. You began pushing them over to Wrecker, you and Hunter heaving together to move the damn thing. Stretching your back, winded, you breathed heavily, "Gee, when they said spice you sure they didn't mean concrete?"
"Very funny, Doc, now get back here; Roland's on his way." Cid criticised, clearly unamused by your little joke. So you slid back into the tunnel just in the nick of time, Tech sealing the hatch and shimming down the ladder all before Roland opened the office doors.
And there you were, right back in the creaky carts that held your life, with one simple mistake you could all plunge to your death. With one hand forever encased around the chipped yellow rail, you closed your eyes tight and thought light.
"We've got incoming!" Wrecker hissed out, spotting the enemy cart beaming straight for them, illuminated by the redlight glued to the front. As if you weren't being silent like your life didn't depend on it, the guards began to shoot, the laser fire pinging on the metal of the carts; the sound echoing. Echo and Hunter began to fire back, the loud sounds ricocheting off of every surface imaginable, "I said no blaster fire." Cid whispered harshly, although the sounds of the guns firing soon covered her voice.
"Tell that to them!" Wrecker yelled out, pulling his own weapon out and shooting. The cave roared with a sound unfamiliar to you, the cave walls seemingly shaking, which didn't sound good in your professional opinion.
"If those laser brains woke the hive, we're all dead." you thought you heard Cid swear, now you knew this definitely wasn't good. A loud screeching sound caught Omega's attention, her torch swivelling around in her hand as the noise persisted, "What's that sound?"
You were sat by Tech's legs, craning your neck up to watch him pull the bar up and down in tandem with Cid, "Ugh, I really don't like this." you whined, briefly making eye contact with the clone. The earth continued to rumble and crumble around you, the webs wiggling as though something was on them, "Please don't be spiders, please don't be spiders," you whispered to yourself, eyes scrunched shut with fear.
"Power up the engines," Cid panicked, quickly moving to pull the lever down, the other cart of clones doing the same. The vehicles jutted forward, Tech's back making contact with the sides of the cart as he was jostled back, "We've got incoming!" Wrecker yelled, no longer fearing the need to be quiet.
"(Y/N), I know you're scared, but we're going to need your help to take whatever these creatures may be." Tech nudged you with his foot, gently mind you, he was trying to encourage you to move. With a huff of breath and a clenched fist, you stood on shaky legs and pulled out your blaster, one hand still wrapped around the rail; more so to stay on the thing than anything else.
It was all quiet, the sounds abruptly stopping, but you were wiser than that. You held the blaster closer to your face, eyes scanning whatever Tech's scope lit up. Out of nowhere a swarm of flying creatures shot up from the depths of the cave, teeming the two carts as they chutted along at a measly pace.
One landed inside the cart, it's teeth and claws razor-sharp, you shot it immediately, Tech then kicked it's body over the side and watched as it fell into the webbing.
"At least they're not spiders," Tech enlightened you, shooting his blaster some more, "Not helping!" you barked back, firing at the creatures fluttering around the entrance hatch.
--
"That's her, she's the one you want." Roland nudged his head towards the batch's presence in the bar, your smiling faces merging into frowns when weapons were raised. The Pyke stepped forwards, his demeanour calm but words holding a certain threatening charm to them, "It has come to my attention that you have stolen our shipment of spice. Return it to us, and we will consider this issue resolved."
Cid took a reluctant step forward, arms raised in surrender, "Woah, woah, woah, buddy. Not sure what he's been telling you, but we don't have any spice." she insinuated, a confident smile on her face, but it was a lie. The Pyke dismissed her ruse, solemnly shaking his head while raising his hand towards his men, "Kill them."
"Wait," Hunter stepped forward, arm stretched out in a feeble attempt to stop them. Cid side-eyed him unsure what his move was, "We don't have the spice on us, but we know where it is." Cid cursed the trooper under her breath, why on Tatooine did she enlist these guys to help again?
The Pyke turned back to face you all, eyelid at half-mast, "My patience is wearing very thin. If you know where the spice is, then you should have no problem retrieving it." It felt like an insult slapped straight in the face, an unknowing nerve-rattling your bones at the very thought of having to engage with that devil of a nest again. You took timid steps closer towards Tech, needing to feel some sense of comfort in these trying times.
He didn't look at you, too busy memorising every little detail about the Pykes, maybe he could find a weakness or highlight their strengths for later purposes.
"Until you do, the child and woman stay here." the moment the sentence was said, the boys raised their weapons, aimed at the aliens in front of them. Tech stood in front of you, ushering you behind him as he took your defence, a hard glare held behind his goggles; you could have sworn you heard a small growl although that could have been Ruby.
"Not happening," Hunter snarled, the sentiment followed by the rest of the batch. The Pyke shook his head, glare equally as harsh as Tech's, "You misunderstand, this is not a negotiation." though his tone wasn't commanding it was clear that there was no room for arguing, yet the boy's didn't put down their blasters.
"If I may?" Cid asked, receiving a simple nod in return she turned to face you all, voice a gruff whisper, "You all don't realize who you're dealing with. If you don't lower your blasters, we're all gonna wish we were dead."
"We're not giving up (Y/N) and Omega, it's simply too dangerous and out of the question." Tech huffed, his arm curled around your back, bring you incredibly close to his chest. Your cheeks warmed at the opinion, feeling the love Tech has for you in the way he protected you, even if you could protect yourself by all means.
"I got a plan, Goggles, so calm down. Let me handle this." Cid resumed conversation with the Pykes. Tech shifted the position of his goggles on the bridge of his nose, "The last time you handled this we were fighting our way out a hive infested tunnel," he grumbled to death ears.
--
"We can't leave Omega with them." Wrecker reprimanded the batch, shaking his head, the thought of leaving her behind didn't sit well with him. Tech pushed Wrecker aside, butting into the conversation, "Nor (Y/N), if those Pykes are as dangerous as Cid said, then why should we trust them with hostages? For all we know, they could kill the girls before we get to the Havock."
"Listen, Goggles, I told ya I'll get ya girl back so quit ya whining."
"Why does it seem that all your plans lead us to more failures, I've calculated that out of all the missions we've done for you over the last few weeks, only 35% have gone smoothly. We have no reason to agree to your plans or the idea that (Y/N) and Omega will come out of that room alive."
"Tech," Hunter barked, drawing the genius' frustration away from Cid. But it couldn't be helped, the love of his life was being held as a hostage, possibly never to come out alive if they failed. How did Hunter expect him to act when the person that caused all this was stood right in front of him.
"If all you do is plan to argue then be my guest, but if you plan on helping us rescue (Y/N) and Omega then shut up and get movin'. Like it or not, Cid's the only one who knows this place better than any map, so put your feelings aside and work together for a day."
Still, Hunter was right, without Cid there was no way they could get the girls back alive, Tech needed to trust her no matter how much it conflicted with his statistics. Tech sighed, feeling quite possibly useless to defend you, "Fine, but I won't like it."
"Whatever, now can we get movin' please, I gotta get my bar back."
"And Omega and (Y/N)," Echo chorused, Cid waved the back of her hand dismissively as she approached the Havoc's ramp, "Yeah, yeah, Tiny and Doc too."
--
Back at Cid's bar, you and Omega sat tied up bored out of your minds. Roland was chained next to you, his expression equally if not more so bored than yours. As the guards patrolled the perimeters of the room, you couldn't help but drift your thoughts to Tech, wondering when he was going to get back with the spice and save your butt; you'd have to remember to return the favour someday.
As another like-minded guard passed by, his blaster dropped to the ground with little care, you watched as it clinked to the ground, the guard unbothered by it. Your brain formed plans, you may be tied up but you've been in worse situations than this. Okay, you had to think clearly and logically here, you had to protect Omega that was the number one rule, then you have to get yourself out of here; maybe find a ship.
You began to lean forward, Omega watching you from the corner of her eye as she tried to keep tabs on all the guards in the room.
"Don't try it, they'll kill you." Roland's voice spat out, although he wasn't looking at you, only ahead at the entrance. You rolled your eyes, glaring at him, "And why would I listen to you?"
He shrugged, agreeing with you, why the hell would he care if you died or not, he doesn't know you. "You have a point, please, be my guest. Maybe while they're shooting at you I can escape unnoticed." he teased, baring his pointed teeth as he smirked. Omega began tugging on the ropes, hands burning against the stuff, "Our friends will come and save us!"
"If your friends don't return the spice, we're both dead. That's what happens when you meddle in other people's business." Roland replied casually, finally looking at you. You furrowed your brows, "Us!" the guards turned their heads at the raise of your voice, you awkwardly smiled back at them then continued when they looked away, "Us?" you whispered this time.
"You're the one who took Cid's parlour from her," Omega affirmed, evenly as pissed as you were. Roland shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, shifting uncomfortably against the ground, "You take what you want, that's the Durand way. It's a tactic my mother has perfected."
"So she was a criminal too?" you muttered, although you could talk, most of the people you grew up with were involved with some form of crime, you were just lucky the Republic found you when they did; who knows what you would've become if they didn't.
"Ugh, you make it sound so...undignified." he chuckled, leaning his head back until it bumped against the crate, "If only she could see me now," he huffed out. Omega looked up to you, eyes pleading for you to change your stance on this guy, he was just damaged, he could be fixed. You looked away from her, unable to take the cute gaze for too long, you now understood why Hunter would crumble when around her.
"Omega, he's a criminal." you uttered, eyes still focused on the dirty bottles at the bar, "So are we," she mumbled out. You shook your head, building the strength to look at her, lip in a pout and quivering, eyes wide and sparkling, "Ugh, you're the worst." you groaned; Omega let out a quiet laugh at that.
--
Two guards approached you and Omega, heaving you both up and forcing you to walk with them to the landing docs. With each shove and push, you had finally made it, looking up you saw that familiar pile of crap and struggled against your confines. The Havoc's ramp slowly opened and out walked the bad batch, Wrecker a little greener than when he left. But it didn't matter the moment you saw those yellow-tinted goggles and those brown eyes you felt your heart doing backflips, "Tech!" you yelled out quickly catching his attention.
"Kar'taylir darasuum," he croaked out, hurrying down the ramp to get closer to you. Before he could reach you the guard tugged you back and stood in front of you acting like a brick wall. Tech looked the man up and down, a glare held in his caramel eyes, "Now, now, before we release them there is still a problem to be resolved." the Pyke spoke up, revealing himself from behind the armed guards.
Hunter approached him, waving his arm to show Wrecker and Echo emptying the crates out of the ship, "We got your spices, now give us back our crew." he hissed. The Pyke did a quick inspection over Hunter's shoulder, rather choosing to wait until he could look inside one of the crates.
"Since the spice has been returned, the matter between us is resolved." he gave the order and the guards released their hands from you and Omega. The kid had rushed over to Hunter, he knelt down and gave her a brief once over, if they had harmed even a single hair on her head there would have been war. Tech had embraced you the moment you stumbled away from the Pyke's grip, doing the same as Hunter but with more detail and effort put into the search.
"My dear, I was so worried about you. I'm sorry we had to leave you behind, it felt immoral and wrong to do such a thing to the person I hold dearest to my heart." he admitted, arms tightly wrapped around your waist the minute he pulled the ropes free from you. You felt tears welling in the corners of your eyes, but held them back well, "I wasn't worried, I knew you'd come back for me, Tech."
Tech couldn't wait any longer, pulling you in for a searing kiss, lips pressed against yours in a desperate attempt to feel you. Hot breaths panted on both of your faces, Tech's goggles steaming up the longer you stayed lip-locked.
"Yeah, yeah, quit the sappy crap Goggles, do that in ya own time." Cid groaned, already walking away back to her bar, "Come on, boys. First round's on me."
Tech scoffed, hand wrapped around your waist as you all began to walk back, "You owe us much more than that,"
"Don't push your luck." you teased him, poking a finger against his cheek. Cid nodded in approval, "That's the best thing you've said all day, Doc."
"I beg to differ," Tech whispered against the shell of your ear, his arm squeezing you enough to make you squeal, a hot blush blooming on your cheeks.
I know I sound like a broken record but Tech’s characterization has been absolutely phenomenal. I’m so in love.
A particular point I have to blabber about is his dynamics with Omega.
I had wondered how Tech in particular would react to her and likewise, interact. It’s not that he lacks interpersonal skills, it’s just that he is so often in his own little world and hyper focused during his performances that he tends to be disengaged from most interaction unless it’s to provide factual insight. I had wondered if this point would remain relatively the same in light of Omega, especially given that she’s a child, or if he would adapt as quickly as the others.
There’s also the trope/misconception of “nerd remains impersonal unless you’re a piece of tech and also kids are eww”, and I was worried that Tech would fall subject to this implementation to some degree.
But it has been absolutely delightful watching Tech with Omega.
I am actually really proud of this guy. I’m pleasantly surprised. All of the boys shine with Omega in their own ways, some more definitively than others, but Tech absolutely has some budding chemistry with her. He isn’t as overtly paternal as say, Hunter, but he overall has had a great attitude about navigating the change. Given his pragmatic and logic-driven disposition, I was surprised to see this.
Then again, this further reinforces that rich development he’s getting. I think Tech realizes the gravity of the situation, to some degree. These are unprecedented times, one that he in all his brilliant calculations are unable to predict the trajectory of. Yet Tech is very willing and very able to adapt already and this is such a wonderful aspect of his character that I am so excited to see flesh out further. This adaptation carries over into guardianship. While Tech doesn’t have near the tact Hunter has, he’s trying. He sometimes makes brash decisions without considering Omega as a factor, as we saw in episode two with him having the ship impounded without assuring Omega’s welfare beforehand. He doesn’t quite yet understand how to tailor the circumstances to her presence, but none of them do, and that’s something they’ll all learn together.
But Tech is very much an active participant. He performs well and seems completely untroubled by the presence of a child, which again is surprising given that Tech is very sequential in his dealings; it’s understandable that the slightest variable could present as afflicting. I think that Omega’s curious mind will appeal greatly to Tech, which will open the door for some profound bonding. They both have an affinity for knowledge. I am very much looking forward to seeing Tech pass on his skills to Omega. She is very astute and hands-on. Her and Tech are going to take to the skies.
Some stand-out scenes:
This entire scene was emotionally packed, but Tech’s reaction in particular was so very jarring. We don’t typically see Tech in such an emotive state, in fact it’s rare we witness him so openly expressive. It’s rare that we see him actually immersed in the moment, away from his gadgets and gear. This is a very profound moment for Tech. He is paying attention here, he is quiet and observing. He is sympathizing for Omega. This was such a raw and tender reaction that I think was purely instinctive for Tech. This is not a reaction that can be fabricated. It comes from the heart. This was wholly a paternal inclination, to feel deeply for Omega and her state of discomfort. Look how pained he is. This was so beautiful and heart-wrenching, and I am very much looking forward to seeing more emotionally-rich moments from the brains of the group.
Another bit here. This scene literally had me😍❤️. One of my absolute favorites. This was really the first time Tech had made physical contact with Omega. I’m sure it was somewhat strange to him, a bit of a foreign concept to assimilate for someone used to dealing with inanimate objects and pieces of technology. In spite of this, he performs admirably here. Tech absolutely has the manners for Omega. The way he motions gently for her, secures her in his grip, and gingerly places her down was just so natural in a way that can’t be forced or faked. He did great.
Like I said, Tech has a lot to learn; he is not the most emotionally attuned to a child and their many needs, but his reactions and interactions have been nothing but kind and natural. He is a Dad and he doesn’t even know it.
