Hunter sighed as he waited in the speeder for the drop off. "Fucking siths pit. If this guy doesn't show up in twenty, I'm calling it." He said into his comm, alerting his brothers. He hated waiting games, and wanted to get jobs done as quickly as possible.
"copy that," Tech chirped, his tone indicating that he was busy doing some kind of maintenance on the Marauder.
He didn't exactly like being in Mos Espa, let alone Tattooine. Too many slavers who would take one look at a clone and know they could make a lot of money. The fact that Hunter was the one out in the open made him even more nervous. Pleasure slaves were sought after, after all, and he was no stranger to wanted and unwanted advances.
Hunter stares at the mirror. He can hear Echo talking with someone ─probably Rex─ in the other room, his voice low and even, and he knows Wrecker is probably taking a walk around the island since he can’t hear his snoring.
They should all be sleeping. None of them seem to be able to.
His sigh echoes in the small space, bouncing off of the refresher’s walls, almost as if it were mocking him. He turns on the tap and splashes water on his face, rubbing with a little too much force in a futile attempt to erase the memories from his mind.
It’s all your fault. You didn’t stop them and now he’s dead.
He knows it’s not true. He knows they would have found a way to go regardless, because when have they ever followed orders. It’s still painful. It still doesn’t change the fact that none of this would have happened if he’d been more strict, if he’d acted like the leader he was supposed to be. If he’d been half the man he was decanted to be, everyone would be safe.
Omega would still be here.
Crosshair would still be here.
Tech wouldn’t be lying dead at the bottom of a valley on Eriadu.
He doesn’t punch the wall, mainly because it would probably leave a dent and Echo would complain. Hunter takes his frustrations out on the sink instead, holding onto it with so much force he thinks he can hear the metal groan and give a little under his hands.
He wants to rip it out. Throw it out the window, down the side of the cliff. He wants to throw himself down the side of the cliff. It’s all his fault. Omega and Crosshair are gone because of him. Echo is one step closer to joining the Rebellion and leaving them all behind because he couldn’t take the time to sit down and listen to him. Wrecker is better off with the people here on Pabu because he failed to care for him the way he should have.
Tech is dead because he wasn’t fast enough to stop him.
An ugly sob tries to break past his lips at that. Hunter swallows hard and forces himself to let go of the sink, opting to sit down on the floor instead. He pulls his legs up and wraps his arms around them, resting his forehead on his knees with his eyes closed.
He was supposed to take care of him. He’d promised. You’re supposed to take care of your partner, that’s what all the natborns and the regs say.
And yet all he managed to do was let him walk to his death.
Summary: The guys and Omega go on their first mission for the Rebel Alliance
A/N: Hello Lovelies,
First I want to give a big shout out to @DragonRider_905 on AO3 for the inspiration and for giving me their idea. I hope I did it justice.
Secondly, a big giant hug @avathebestx for being the most amazing mutual ever and for always supporting my writing.
I wrote this for the both of them in mind - love oo, and thank you for the inspirations.
Italics - flashbacks
Warnings: Grief, angst, flirting, kidnapping, mentions of alcohol, mentions of slavery, discussions of moving on, anger, frustrations, mentions of loss, implied deaths, being stunned, I think that’s it, if I miss any warnings please let me know.
Part Two - Part Four
AO3 Link | OS & MS Master List | Main Master List
Everyone was tense as we were coming out of hyperspace, this was going to be our first mission since our meeting on Alderaan. It been two months since the day we decided to join the Rebellion, somehow saying it out loud since then made me nervous. I glanced at my family, I already lost Perap and Crosshair, I couldn’t lose anymore.
I kept remembering Crosshair’s expression as we stood on the last platform on Kamino, Echo was right, things were easier and simpler during the war. Now, it was all a mess. I kept wondering if he regretted his decision on remaining behind, we had all been through so much together, and now he was on his own. I wish at least I could know someone was watching his back, while he was with the Empire. Hopefully, at some point in the future I’ll hear about how Crosshair was doing.
“Tech, how much further?”
“Another ten minutes, Hunter”
“Alright, let’s all go over the plan one more time, Omega! Wrecker!” It wasn’t long before the two joined the three of us in the cockpit. “Echo, wanna do the rundown”
“Sure. We’ll be extracting an undercover agent who has some very important information to pass on to the rebellion. We will be conducting a fake kidnapping perpetrated by Tech, Wrecker, and Hunter, while Omega and I will be your watch outs from our designated spots. Once we have the agent ‘in custody,’ we’ll have to keep hidden for at least five hours before we make our way to the rendezvous location. We will stay at the RV location for at least ten hours while the agent provides the information to her rebel contacts. From there we bring the agent back to Ord Mantell, where they will steal a pre-arranged transport back to their original point of egress.”
“Any questions?”
“Do we have any idea what this spy looks like?” Wrecker
“We have a name” Tech clarified, “Ava Rider, rebellion call sign Dragon. She’ll be wearing their uniform which will make it difficult for them to identify. However, she will be the only one wearing a vermin blaster in her holster.”
“Call sign? Are they a pilot?”
“We don’t know - again this is all new for us, but we’re not new to missions. This is just another mission, right?” I looked at everyone, reaffirming we got this, “everyone double check your charges, make sure everything is topped up and good to go.”
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Wrecker couldn’t help chuckle at the last minute details we received from Dimed, just as we landed on Hosnian Prime, apparently it would raise less suspicions if I were to wait at the local cantina bar and make myself ‘available.’ Omega was quick to give me an alias, which I thought was absolutely ridiculous, however the guys were insistent I used the name.
Internally I was groaning, and hating having to be the one served up as bait, I did my best to keep an eye focused on those coming in to order. We were informed she apparently was a regular at the cantina, the plan was to allow her to pick me up, and then ‘kidnap’ her when we exited. I wasn’t wearing my armour, rather a poncho that covered most of my face and civvies underneath.
It had been about ten minutes, I took a swig of my drink when I heard footsteps stop beside me.
“See now that’s a shame” a feminine voice spoke up beside me, I turned slightly to look at her.
“What’s a shame?”
“What you’re wearing”
I looked at the poncho, “What’s wrong with it?”
“Hides too much of your handsome face” I glanced down to see the verpine blaster sitting in her holster.
I heard a smirk on my comm, I glanced over to see Wrecker and Omega in the corner chuckling to themselves. Due to the last minute changes, Wrecker and Omega agreed to be my backup in the cantina, as much as I didn’t want her to be in a place like this, the only options for her, was by Wrecker’s side, or standing with Echo in the alleyway across the way to keep an eye out, or hiding with Tech in the alleyway we were going to take, making sure to keep miscreants and vagrants away.
It was definitely better she was with Wrecker. Alright time to act interested, I guess.
I gave her a subtle smile, “You can’t see my face, how can you tell what I look like?”
“I saw a glimpse, and the glimpse I saw was enough. Name’s Rider by the way, what’s yours?”
I could hear Omega snickering on the comm, she couldn’t wait for me to say my name with all seriousness “It’s Key-koo”
“Key-koo?” I noticed she bit her bottom lip, not sure if that was to keep herself from laughing or a nervous habit she had, however I didn’t have to guess as she cleared her throat, and let out a small cough, she was definitely trying to keep from laughing, “Unusual name, I like it. Care to buy me a drink Key-koo?”
“Definitely” I motioned for the bartender to come over. We spent several minutes talking, flirting, my hand brushed against her cheek, as her hand rested on my thigh, we kept subtitling move closer and closer to each other, until we gave a convincing enough performance. We walked out of the bar, heading towards the alley we were going to be ambushed in, “You ready, Dragon?” My voice was low so only she could hear me, she glanced over to me, smirking.
“Do or do not. There is no try, Key-too.”
“Huh?”
“Never mind, let’s go Key-koo”
“You’re just enjoying saying the name aren’t you”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I, Key-koo”
I suppressed my chuckle, simply smirking and shaking my head as I pressed the button on my utility belt which had carefully been hidden under the poncho, an acknowledgement ping bouncing back. I put my arm around her, drawing her in closer, playing the part of two people interested in each other. She leaned into my side, her hand reaching up and holding mind.
My heart broke a little knowing I never had the chance to do this with Perap. I did my best pushing the feeling that was causing my heart to ache far away from me, especially since we were close to ambush point.
Like clockwork, Tech and Wrecker cut off our path ahead, as Omega blocked our path from the rear. We pretended to put up a good fight, only for Omega to stun me a few minutes in.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
My surroundings were slowly coming into focus, as my eyes opened. We were back on the Marauder, Omega sat beside me as she held a cold compress against my forehead.
“Omega, I thought I told you to put that thing on it’s lowest setting?” I mumbled the massive size headache slowly making it’s presence.
“That was the lowest setting, Tech tweaked it before we met up with you”
“I’ll make sure to discuss that with him” I groaned as I sat up, I slowly made my way to the cockpit.
It was nice to see Tech and Echo laughing and joking with Rider, somehow I had a feeling had Perap travelled with us, that would’ve been the atmosphere in the Marauder at all times. I rubbed my face pushing the wish Perap had a chance to actually get to know them out of my mind. I cleared my throat announcing my presence, “How did it go?”
“Without a hitch. It’s officially been reported, she was kidnapped along with a civilian, assailants are unknown, according to the report Tech was able to download” Echo answered as he wiped a tear of joy from his eye.
“Anyone going to look for you?”
“Not unless they actually knew what I carried” she answered turning in her seat, a smirk appearing on her lips, “Key-koo.”
“You can blame my little sister for that name”
“Yeah, Omega told me. Hunter, right?”
“Right. Nice to officially meet you, Dragon” I held out my hand to shake hers, she readily took it.
“You can just call me Ava”
“Alright, Ava” I smirked as I pulled my hand out of her hold.
“What is this information?” Tech asked
“The location of the scientists from Kamino”
“What?” Omega’s voice popped up from behind me, Wrecker appearing behind her, his face told us he wanted to listen but yet didn’t care enough to, outside of Crosshair, Wrecker had the most hatred from the Kaminoans “I thought … l thought the Empire killed them?”
“More like forceable relocation”
“Meaning?” Echo turned in his chair to face us.
“They’ve become basically indentured servants, which I can’t really feel bad about it. After all, they deserve it from what I’ve read and learned about Kaminoans they weren’t exactly the nicest bunch, were they?” Ava glanced at Echo, answering his question.
“No one deserves to be treated like that, regardless” Omega stood firm in her determination, I couldn’t help smile at her sense of justice. I placed my hand on her shoulder, hoping to calm her down.
“Ava’s not responsible for the position they find themselves in, Omega.”
“Hunter’s right, Omega,” Tech added, “after all they were very quick in wanting to make deals with the Empire and now they find themselves living a life they inflicted on others.”
“Still…”
“I understand it’s upsetting” Ava offered, “and you’re right no one deserves to be treated that way, however the bigger concern is that they’re practically working round the clock on a secret project. One that only a handful of people closest to the Emperor are privy to the true nature of their work. Kaminoans have some of the most brilliant scientific minds in the galaxy, whatever they’re working on, can’t be good for anyone.”
“Has anyone attempted to find out what their secret project is?” Echo tilted his head as he looked at Ava.
“There was one spy who got close enough.”
“What happened?” Wrecker asked as he took his seat.
Her hands played with the insignia on her jacket, I could hear her pulse quicken, her eyes lost focus, she had the same look Dimed had when I saw him for the first time after we received news of Perap “You know what guys” I cut in, “this has probably been quite the trip so far for Ava here, why don’t we call it a day for now, and pick this up later.”
“Not to mention, the information is not for us” Tech added
“Yeah, okay. I’m gonna get a ration pack, anyone want one?” Wrecker looked around the cockpit, Omega nodded indicating she’d go with him, Echo shook his head turning back to face the hyperspace window, Tech shrugged, as he adjusted his controls on the dashboard in front of him, his way of saying he could eat but it wasn’t a present need.
“Ava? That’s your name right?” Wrecker nudged his boot against hers, getting her to look at him as she nodded, “Ration pack?”
“Uhh … no, thanks. Not hungry yet.”
“Hunt?”
“I’m gonna make myself some tea, not really hungry”
“Oh, I could go for a tea” Ava shifted out of her seat, following us to the kitchenette we had on the Marauder.
Omega was quick to grab the ration bars for herself and Tech, she also grabbed one for Echo, as much as he said he didn’t want one, he would inevitably be glancing over to Tech and her as they ate their own. As soon as she had the packs, she bolted back to the cockpit, I wasn’t sure if it was because she was simply hungry or wanting to avoid being in Ava’s presence after learning of the fate of those Kaminoan scientists she worked beside for years.
Wrecker lingered a little longer, grabbing three bars, I quirked my eyebrow at him, he simply shrugged as I shook my head. We did our best to stay within our food budget, but sometimes the guy was just hungry. Thankfully, Dimed was kind enough to give an entire supply of ration bars just for him.
“Why don’t you have a seat?” I motioned to the bench behind her, “it’ll take just a minute. What kind of tea would you like?”
“Oh, well that depends, what do you have?”
I looked at the tea container Dimed gave me, he replenished it the last time we had gone to visit him, he’d been kind in making sure we were always looked after, “Well not as many as I had originally” I passed her the card that labelled all the teas that were in the container.
Hunter’s Tea List:
Naboo Jasmine Tea
Coruscant Breakfast Chai
Gungan Matcha Tea
Tatooine Cinnamon Spice Tea
Ryloth Cardamom Black Tea
Mustafar Lava Cider Tea
Ord Mantell’s Decaf Black Tea
Kashyyyk Mango Oolong Tea
Alderaan Citrus White Tea
Mandalore Grey Black Tea
Daro Turmeric Chai
Trandoshian Liquorice Spice Tea
Tuskan Mint Tea
Pyke Rooibos Tea
Scipio Southern Peach Tea
Krayt Dragon Red Chai
Corellia Pearl Jasmine Tea
Mon Calamari Oolong
Polis Massa Nutmeg Chai
Nal Hutta Detox Tea
“Wow you weren’t kidding, you have quite a few teas; how long till we reach our destination?”
“Not sure. Tech!”
“Yeah!”
“How long before we reach our destination?”
“Thirty minutes”
“Thanks!”
“Darn”
I turned to look at her, “What’s the matter?”
“Not enough time to try them all”
I let out a barrel laugh, it was the first time in a while that I let out a good and proper laugh, “Well guess you could try one every time you fly with us”
“True. You must really love tea, to have such a wide variety”
“Well I’ve found tea sits better with me than caf; and … a dear friend gifted me these teas”
“Oh, I see” was all she mumbled, “Well that’s a good friend then” she cleared her throat, before focusing her attention on the card, “So which one you havin’?”
“The Liquorice Spice, only thing that keeps a headache at bay for me. It’s strong, bitter, an acquired taste, but I like it. Which one do you want to try?”
“All of them” she chuckled, there was a gleam of relief appearing in her eyes, it replaced the distress from earlier, “but for now, I think … um …” she reread the list one more time before looking at me, “the Mustafar Lava Cider Tea”
“Coming right up”
“Ever had it before?”
“Found it a tad too sweet for my tastes, but it’s really good on a super cold night.”
“Ahhh the joys of night duty” she giggled
“Yup” I chuckled, “it’s been my friend on more than one occasion. Often it’s just me, my cider and the night.”
There was silence behind me as I grabbed two cups taking out the appropriate teas, I was so focused on my task I hadn’t noticed she came up beside me, until I felt her brush up against my arm, “What’s your story?” I glanced over to her not quite understanding her question.
“Sorry?”
“Well you’re clearly the leader of your team here, which is commendable. You look like you can handle yourself which isn’t surprising considering your line of work, and the fact you guys are clones, leaves a lot of unanswered questions.”
My hand clenched against the mug I was holding, “How …”
“Echo” she motioned with her head towards the cockpit, she was leaning against the cabinet, a smile on her lips as her elbows rested on the ledge near her waist, she looked relaxed and very pretty in her pose. I pushed that thought aside, as Perap’s smile popped into my head. “It’s cool with me, so no worries. Plus if we are going to try and work to bring that Emperor down, we’re gonna need all the help we can get, from everyone.”
“True” I turned back to the kettle once it began whistling, pouring the hot water into the mugs, “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure”
“Who did you lose?”
“What?” The smile on her lips fell and she stood straighter then I thought possible for a non-clone.
“The look you had before when you were talking about the one spy that got close enough, just got the impression you lost someone”
“Oh you know fellow spy” she shrugged turning away slightly, despite her dismissal, I knew it was someone that meant a lot more than just a ‘fellow spy.’ If she didn’t want to talk about it, then I wasn’t going to pull it out of her, “You still haven’t told me your story” she mumbled as she took her seat back at the bench, as I handed her the mug after the timer went off indicating the teas were ready.
“Not much to tell” I began as I took a sip of my tea, “we’re clones, and we don’t agree with what the Empire is doing.”
“True, but there’s more to it then that”
“What makes you say so?”
“Two things the red bandana and the sniper rifle casing off to the side that seems to have collected a thin layer of dust”
My eyes glanced to the case, Crosshair’s case, I let out a sigh, “It belonged to our brother”
“Your brother?”
“How much do you know of clones?”
“Basics, you guys were created to fight for the Republic, but never had any rights, or any say about going to fight. Then you guys executed Order 66”
“How do you know about Order 66?”
“I’m a spy, I learn things”
“Hmmm … well for clones, your squad, your teammates are your brothers. Truthfully, all clones are your brothers, but those you live, fight, breath, and die beside especially so. The case” I motioned to Crosshair’s rifle, “belonged to my brother, we … we lost him on Kamino.”
“I’m sorry that’s rough”
“It is, but we all have choices we have to live with, and …” my eyes trailed back to the case, “this one has been the hardest.”
“Because it didn’t go the way you thought it would”
“Yeah. It didn’t go the way it should have.”
“I’m sorry, and the bandana?”
I shifted my focus from the case to the cup of tea in my hand, taking in a deep breath of the fragrant drink, “I think I’ve said enough”
She hummed in agreement into her mug, “How is it the four of you weren’t affected by Order 66?”
“How do you know we weren’t?”
Ava’s lips pulled off to the side smirking at me, as she took another sip, “The armour, pre-Empire Era.”
I had to say I was impressed, she was very observant, and knew when not to push, “Talk to the Kaminoans, or talk to Tech he could probably explain it more” I mumbled as I took another sip, “Why do I feel like I’m being interrogated?”
“Oh come on, you don’t trust me” she stated as her finger trailed around the rim of the mug, her eyelashes batting faster.
“If I didn’t trust you, you would still be asleep” my eyes narrowed as I finished my statement. She simply nodded, taking a sip of her tea.
“Hmmm” she looked at the mug, smelling it, taking another swallow, a contented hum escaping her lips as she swallowed another mouthful.
“Good?”
“Yeah. It’d be really great with some rum.”
“You’re right. It’s really great with rum.”
“Those cold lonely nights huh?”
“Well gotta have something to get the blood pumping” I chuckled.
“Hunt we’re ten minutes out from the rendezvous” Echo’s voice called out to us.
“Thanks Echo!” I finished up the last bit of my tea, before putting it in the sonic washer, a hand brushed past mine as Ava put in her cup.
“Thanks for the tea”
“Least we can do” I didn’t say much after that, as I headed to the cockpit, Ava following in my shadow. I gave her my seat as I leaned against the durasteel wall of the cockpit. “You know” my voice was low so only she could hear me, “you won’t be able to do this again.”
She turned her seat to face me, “What do you mean?”
“The whole ‘oh no, I got kidnap, but it’s okay because I escaped’ scenario. If you try and pull this off again they’ll know it was a set up.”
“Oh. Yeah. I know.” Her hand fidgeted with the hair on top of her head, “This is a one time deal, seeing as how when I get back, I may or may not pass their lie detector test and I may or may not live to see the next day.”
“Is it worth it then, to go back to the Empire?”
“If I can save one more life … than yes, it’s worth it.”
“Perap, you should come with us, after we spend time on your med station”
“Oh really?” The holo image of her face lit up as a smile crossed her lips, “Why is that?”
“Well for one” I smirked, “you’ll see me a lot more”
“True, but I don’t know - I mean are you good looking? Sure, who wouldn’t want to see that handsome face everyday” her holo image smirking at me, “but are you better looking than Crosshair? Tsk, I really can’t say.”
“Oh really mesh’la, that’s how you want to play this?” I chuckled
“I’m kidding, sweetie. I would love to come with you, trapse across the stars of this vast universe, as you show me all the most unique and unimaginable planets, not to mention observing it all from the comfort of your arms. I think I would thoroughly enjoy that.”
“I know I would”
“However, we are forgetting one thing”
“Which is?”
“There’s a war going on Hunter, and people are dying. Your brothers are being injured everyday. I can’t just leave my post.”
“You wouldn’t be leaving your post, you would be switching locations for a short time as our medic”
“Hunter, as much as I would love to, the truth is I can do more here, and if staying here meant I can save one more life, than it’s worth it. However, if I’m able to train a replacement for my position, so we’re not short staffed and no one suffers from my absence, then yes I will go with you.”
“I look forward to it, mesh’la. I gotta go, but I can’t wait to see you.”
“Neither can I, see you soon.”
“Hello! Hunter! You there, buddy?”
I looked at Ava, there was a questioning look in her eyes, “Sorry, what?”
“You okay, Hunt?” Wreck called over, I glanced over to him, and realized everyone in the cockpit was looking at me.
I shook my head, “Yeah, sorry, I guess my head’s not fully recovered from the stun shot, which by the way Tech, you really had to tweak it even more?”
“Of course, not every one will go down in one shot on a stun setting, so I made sure to arrange the settings according to size, species, and weight of the perspective target. This way Omega will always be safe. Right Megs?”
“Right, Tech” there was a giant smile on her lips which she knew I couldn’t say no to, I simply nodded as I let out an exhaustive sigh, followed by a smirk on my lips.
Tech dropped us out of hyperspace, as we headed down towards the unnamed moon, we landed in a very remote location, surrounded by trees concealing our ship.
“Alright boys and Omega” Ava nodded towards Megs, “this is where we part ways”
“Only for a short time before we have to take you to Ord Mantell” Echo clarified.
“True. Stay on the ship, I’ll make my way to the rendezvous, once I’m done I’ll comm and head on back.”
“I think at least one of us should go with you, just in case” it wasn’t that I didn’t trust her, but the last thing I wanted was to have to go in and rescue her for real, or for someone to get injured because of her recklessness.
“I also recommend you change clothes” Tech motioned to her uniform, “if someone sees you, it might raise an alert.”
She looked at her outfit, “You have a point. Doubt you guys have any clothes I can borrow though, do you?”
“I do” Omega fidgeted in her seat, Dimed had given her some of Perap’s old clothes, saying she could grow into them. After their first meeting, Dimed doted on her like a second daughter, I think if Perap was around, she would have been happy to see Omega wearing her shirt. Truth be told, I wish Perap was here, there were times when Omega looked sad or she would get short with us and none of us really knew what to do in those moments.
Ava followed Omega to the common room, leaving the four of us alone in the cockpit. There was a weird tension in the cockpit, and a lot of shifting eyes, as they looked at one another and then quickly glanced my way.
“She’s really pretty” Wrecker was the first to break the silence.
“Wrecker”
“What? Am I wrong? Tech, Echo?”
“He is correct. She has very appealing features.”
“Tech”
“She’s also very easy to talk too” Echo fidgeted with the dashboard, as he spoke, a slight tint appearing on his cheeks.
“What’s your point guys?”
“You told Dimed you were going to try to move on, it’s been three years, Hunter. How long are you going to hold on to Perap?”
My eyes locked onto Tech, he fixed his goggles as his eyes narrowed on me, “Tech, it’s not your place … actually, it’s not any of your places to tell me when I should move on, or if I’m ready to move on.”
“We’re not telling you to move on, we’re telling you we want to see you happy” Echo clarified
“You weren’t with her for long, but she made a deep impact on you” Wrecker leaned forward as he wrung his hand, “We just want you to know we’re here for you.”
“Don’t miss out on an opportunity”
“There is nothing to miss out, Tech. Wrecker, I appreciate that you want to be here for me, but telling me to move on, or forcing me to forget about her is not the way to do it, and I’m sorry if I’m not happy, Echo. However, pushing me into something when I’m not ready for it, is not going to make me happy either. I’m not able to just forget about her, as thought she didn’t mean anything. Now, drop this.”
“Hunter”
“No! We’re done talking about this! Understood!”
Echo placed his hand on Tech, telling him to not push his luck, “We’re just concerned about you, that’s all.”
“We hear you when you get up in the middle of the night pacing back and forth, talking to her”
“We also hear you when you shed tears, when you realize she’s gone” Tech added, “we know it’s difficult, but losing Perap wasn’t your fault, losing Crosshair wasn’t your fault either, punishing yourself is not what she would have wanted, and it’s not what Dimed wants.”
“In fairness, he’s the one who told us to help you move on” Echo clarified.
“We’re done!” Omega’s voice rang out behind me, I turned to see Ava dressed in the same outfit Perap had on the mountain the first day I met her. There was a tightening sensation in my chest, my blood ran cold, my lungs couldn’t breathe, I shifted my eyes, looking anywhere else but at her.
“Great, should be on your way then” I mumbled as I passed her, heading towards the ramp. I stood outside breathing in as much fresh air as I could, as Perap’s words from that first day came flooding back.
“Nice to meet you, Hunter, despite the circumstances.”
“I’d know those eyes anywhere. Patched up enough of your brothers."
"Tell me about your brothers, and you"
“Oh, you’re definitely appreciated, I certainly appreciate you … they. They certainly appreciate you.”
“Wanna join me for dinner?”
“Well I never thought I would have ended my day with an amazing handsome gentleman who rescued me. Who’s so good at his job, I won’t have to worry he won’t show up.”
“Except you didn’t show up, you were suppose to show up” I mumbled as I took in the clear blue sky, out of all the outfits Dimed had to give Omega, why that one. Why the one that was burned into my memory for all of time.
“Ahem”
I turned to look at Ava, her light footsteps gave her away, “You taking one of us, for security?”
“No. However, I do have my comm, so I’ll ping you guys to let you know I arrived, and when I’m on my way back.”
I nodded as I turned to look at the landscape before me, “All the best”
“The outfit I’m wearing, it belonged to someone you lost, didn’t it”
I cleared my throat, keeping my eyes focused on the view in front, I didn’t answer her question, I didn’t need to, “You should get going, sun will be setting in a few hours”
“I’m sorry, if I’d known I would have worn something else”
“Make sure to keep track of landmarks, it’ll make it easier for you to find your way back. Double check your blaster charge as well. Just in case.”
I could hear her heartbeat quicken, she simply cleared her throat, “I’ll be off then. Don’t leave without me” I respected that she didn’t try to offer any condolences or tried to get me to talk about it.
“Don’t worry, we’ll be here”
She entered my field of vision as she headed off towards her rendezvous, Tech and Echo stood beside me, as I watched her retreating form, “Keep your distance, make sure she doesn’t run into any trouble.”
They both simply nodded as they followed her at a distance, I’m sure she probably was already aware we wouldn’t have just let her walk off on her own, but at least she’d feel we trusted her to some extent.
“Hunter?” Omega took my hand in hers giving it a squeeze, “Are you okay? Did I do something wrong?”
“No, Omega. You didn’t do anything wrong. Guess I’m just tired”
“Wrecker said he’d keep watch, why don’t you rest for a bit?”
I turned to look at my younger sister, a smile appearing on my face, “Thanks, Megs, but I don’t think I’ll be able to rest while Tech and Echo are out there”
“And while Ava’s out there too, right?” She quirked her eyebrow
“And while Ava’s out there too” I nodded
“She’s nice”
“Thought you didn’t like her because of her comment regarding Kaminoans”
“No. I like her, she’s really kind, I wish she could join our group”
“She has a different responsibility from us, but I doubt this will be the only time we see her.”
“You think?”
“Mmhmm, don’t know why, but I just get the feeling this is just the beginning of our weird friendship with her, and with the rebellion.”
“I like being part of the rebellion”
“You do?”
She nodded against my arm, “Makes me feel like I’m doing something to help.”
“Then I’m glad, but we’re going to up your training.”
Summary: The guys go to see Dimed with Omega after the fall of Kamino
A/N: Hello Lovelies,
I’m sorry this took me so long to put together, I know a few of you have asked for a second part to this story, I hope you all like it, I left it open ended I may add something to it, I may not.
I didn’t do a third read through, so if there are errors or mistakes I do apologize
Love oo.
Italics - Flashback
Warning: Angst, Grief, I think that’s it, if I miss any warnings please let me know.
Part One - Part Three
AO3 Link | OS & MS Master List | Main Master List
I couldn’t believe it had really been three years since Perap’s dad … I smirked thinking if he heard me, he would’ve been angry at me. Dimed threatened more than enough times telling me over and over again, that he was as much my father as he was Perap’s. He didn’t need anyone or anything to tell him differently.
My eyes scanned the red bandana I held in my hand, it had been hers, Dimed insisted that I take it with me when we went back the first time after he had messaged; it was something she always wore to keep her hair out of her face when she was at home. When I first got it, I didn’t want to wear it, I wanted to keep her scent for as long as possible, but as time passed and it smelled less and less like her, I started wearing it, it was like she was there with me. Whenever we were close to Alderaan we always made a point to stop in and see Dimed.
It broke my heart to see the man he had become, he was no longer the virile man that he was when she was alive. Not that he let himself go, or didn’t maintain his house, but he lost a spark, he lost a little bit of the joy he had when she was alive. I still don’t understand how I could have fallen so quickly for someone; how all we really had was one day on Alderaan and string of comm messages we sent back and forth, but those little bits of interaction indicated more than all the interactions I’ve had previously. Truly, all those messages that were filled with so much nothing, had meant more to me than a whole bunch of somethings.
I began to feel the bubble of emotion rise in my throat, Wrecker, Echo and Tech were kind enough to leave me alone, they all took turns keeping Omega busy, especially today of all days. I took in a shuddering breath when reminding myself it was the fourth year of Perap’s death. I felt my comm beep, pulling it out, I looked at the encrypted message from Dimed.
Dimed: Son, I can’t wait to see you when you get here. I know you’re taking a big risk coming here, and perhaps I’m being selfish in telling you not to stay away, but just having you and your brothers, and now your sister coming to visit me will help me get through the difficulty that is this day. Please be safe, my son. I can’t wait till I am able to see you and hug you.
Hunt: Even if you told me to stay away, you know that was never going to happen, dad.
Dimed: I know, but it’s still selfish of me to tell you not to come.
Hunt: Not selfish in the least, since I could really use some fatherly advice and a good hug, especially after our last mission.
Dimed: What happened son?
Hunt: A lot. A lot happened. However, the more important part, we couldn’t … I couldn’t convince Cross to leave the Empire. He’s staying with them, he said this is who he is. He really believes the Empire will care for him because he’s valuable to them. Dad he also told me he had his chip removed, but he didn’t say when he got it removed.
Dimed: Son, I’m so sorry. We’ll talk more when you get here, how long before I can expect five very hungry mouths to feed?
“Tech, how much longer till we reach Alderaan?”
“Another hour”
Hunt: Another hour, but we’ll have to park somewhere far to stay off the sensors, then hike to your place, keeping to the shadows as much as possible, all in all probably two hours, maybe three.
Dimed: Then I will make sure to have a really good bounty for all of you. Be careful. See you soon, son.
I looked at the message again, it was his daughter that passed away, yet he was the one taking care of us. Guilt riddled my bones. Perap would’ve been disappointed in me; not that I knew her well, but she would’ve. She loved her father, of that I had no doubt. I quickly wiped the tear the was building in the corner of my eye, away. Omega didn’t need to see that, nor did the other guys need to be worrying about me, we were all dealing with Cross’ decision in some way shape or form.
“Hunter?”
I glanced over to Omega, “Yeah ‘Megs?”
“It wasn’t your fault”
“I’m sorry?” I was confused by her statement, what wasn’t my fault.
“Cross leaving, it wasn’t your fault”
“I know ‘Megs, I know. Doesn’t hurt any less though.”
Omega nodded as she stood beside me, “No. I guess not.” A moment of silence passed between us, “Hunter, can …” she looked down at the floor, kicking some none existent dirt, “can I …” her hands fidgeted, “can I get a hug?” Her question threw me for a loop that’s not what I expected, nor what I imagined she would need.
“Oh … Sure”
Before I even registered it, my vision was blocked by a blond hair and tiny arms wrapping around my neck. I chuckled at her reaction, wrapping my arms around her holding her tightly, I didn’t realize I needed this just as much as she did. She pulled away looking at me, my hair fell in front of my face, she tilted her head looking at my face, “There’s something else bothering you, isn’t there?”
I smirked at her intuitiveness, I simply nodded, motioning for her to take the seat beside me. “Did I ever tell you where I got my bandana?” I asked her as my eyes focused on the fabric in my hand.
“No. I imagined you picked it up during one of your missions”
I couldn’t help offering a sad smile at her statement, “Well it wasn’t a mission any of us really wanted to complete, me specifically”
“What happened?”
I took in a deep breath before I began telling Omega about Perap, our first meeting, how she looked on the hike, when I first found her, helping her with her ankle, how she could tell I was a Sergeant within minutes of meeting me. I smirked remembering the argument I evaded with her, when she was trying to insist she didn’t need to be looked after, she would crawl her way down the mountain. How she eventually relented and allowed me to give her a piggy back ride down the trail. How we fell in love on a trail on Alderaan, how for one day I thought I could have had a future.
My throat tightened before I continued, I glanced to see Omega sitting on the edge of her seat, smiling as she learned about Perap. I saw how that smile fell quickly, when I told her Dimed, Perap’s father had ended up messaging me informing me about Perap’s demise, that five days after I had met her and fallen in love, she was gone from my life. Killed by the Separatists on her way back to the med station. Omega had unshed tears welling up in her eyes.
“It didn’t take us long to head from our mission to Dimed’s place…
How could everything have changed so quickly, in five days. We were literally talking about going to visit her, I looked at the wild flowers I had picked on the planet when we were leaving, they were growing close to where we had landed. The bright vibrants colours that had been there a moment ago, seemed to have died and faded at Dimed’s message.
I furiously kept wiping the tears that were streaming down my face. It was one day. One day. How did I fall in love in one day? It was love, I was feeling, wasn’t it? This ache in my chest, this hole that seems to be growing bigger with each passing moment, that’s what it was, right? I wanted arms to hold me, I wanted to see that smile of hers. I picked up my comm, scrolling till I reached her name.
Hunter: Perap? Are you there? Please tell me you’re there.
Perap:
Hunter: I just heard from your father, he told me the news, tell me you weren’t on the transport.
I wiped away the tears as I waited patiently for her to write back.
Hunter: Please tell me this is a big misunderstanding, that you weren’t on that transport.Tell me this is a dream, and that you are alive. Tell me you’re waiting for me. Tell me you’re there.
Perap:
Hunter: Your dad wants us to go back to Alderaan he says there’s something he wants to give me, but I don’t think there’s anything he has that will make it easier knowing you won’t be coming back to me.
Perap:
The screen was becoming difficult to read through the blurriness of tears.
Hunter: I should’ve stayed. The day I met you on the hike. The day I fell in love with you. I should’ve stayed on that couch with you. Should’ve had dinner with you. Should’ve kissed you like I really wanted. Cyar’ika, please, I’m begging… I’m pleading, please, for all the beauty that is in this world, for all the hopes and dreams I had, please write back. Tell me you’re there.
Perap:
Hunter: You’re so beautiful. I should’ve mentioned that; maybe I did … I can’t remember now. How am I going to face your father? Am I allowed to grieve as much as he is? Do I have a right to my grief? I wish I met you sooner. I wish you never got on that transport. I wish … oh maker, there are so many things I wish. I wish you would respond. I wish you were in my arms. I wish I could stop crying long enough to type out a sentence without having to wipe my tears. Perap, PLEASE! Cyar’ika, I am begging you, PLEASE respond.
“Hunter, we’re landing on Alderaan in ten minutes” Tech’s voice shouted from the cockpit.
“You have the coordinates on where to land?”
“Got it covered.”
I turned back to Omega, “Anyways, when we landed at Dimed’s place he was waiting for us at the door…
Dimed didn’t wait, as soon as I saw him standing there, he came to meet us half way, I thought for sure the tears would have stopped by now, but they hadn’t. I was grateful for my helmet, I didn’t want to show him that I felt I had a right to grieve, especially not for someone as beautiful as his daughter. I hadn’t earned that right. As soon as the older man could, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. It shocked me to see a man fall apart as quickly and as emotionally as the man in my arms was currently, he could barely stand, I felt his knees giving out; I simply tightened my arms around him, keeping him steady, as my own tears began to increase in intensity at seeing how completely undone he was.
“I got you, Dimed” I offered through a choked voice fighting back an avalanche of sobs.
“Come inside” he motioned to all of us, as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder guiding us inside to the house, I had visited not that many days before. As I stepped into the house, my lips began to quiver as I felt her weight in my arms again. I tried desperately not to look at the couch where I laid her, afraid if I did look over, I’d see her sitting there. Yet, despite how hard I tried not to look, how much I knew it would pain me if I did, I couldn’t help glancing over. “Let me make you boys some tea, have a seat” he motioned to the rest, I took my time following him into the kitchen.
“Dimed, I should do that”
He rested his hand on my shoulder, “Please, let me do this,” I simply nodded at his request, keeping him company, while the other three just sat in the living room. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say, it was just a matter of getting it out, I cleared my throat, doing my best to keep my breathing steady, fighting back the tears even though I hadn’t removed my helmet.
“You don’t have to hide from me, son” Dimed cut the silence between us, I turned to look at him, “you think I don’t know you’re crying under there?” His eyes pleaded with me to realize he needed to see me grieve. I simply nodded as the helmet slid off my head, I placed it on the counter, not sure if that was acceptable, but he didn’t seem to mind. “It’s okay to grieve, son. Healthy even. You loved her of that I am quite certain.”
At his statement, my bottom lip began quivering, my tears flooded my eyes, obscuring my vision, I closed my eyes hoping to stop the bombardment that was going to happen, “How … h-how did you …” it was all I could manage, before my voice broke down.
“You have the same look I did when her mother passed” he closed the distance between us.
All my strength failed me, as he held me against him, my head resting on his shoulder as he cradled me with tender fatherly love. The tears I had started to shed on her behalf were now being mixed with the tears I was shedding from his compassion, I clung on to the older man for life itself. I don’t remember much after that, simply waking on a bed that was comfortable and smelled of fresh Alderaanian Lillies mixed with a hint of spice I couldn’t quite pinpoint. As my eyes fluttered open I took in my surroundings.
“Relax Hunter” Crosshair stated from a corner in the room, I hadn’t noticed him in before.
I shifted slowly, sitting up on the bed that smelled all too familiar, bringing the memory of Perap to the forefront. “What happened?”
“You apparently became very sleepy from grief”
I looked quizzically at Crosshair, “I what?”
“According to the old man, it can happen sometimes to people when they suffer a great loss.”
“Huh” I responded, not really knowing what else to think.
“We don’t have much time, we have to leave in two hours, Kamino wants us back as soon as possible.”
“How long have we been here?” I glanced around trying to find a chrono somewhere in the room, but I didn’t see anything.
“Seven hours” I was shocked, my eyes widened as my mouth gaped open, seven… seven hours. First, I slept for seven hours. Correction, I passed out for seven hours; that’s more than a normal sleep cycle. How were we going to justify this seven hour delay to the Kaminoans? An hour or two, hell even three, three and a half, was easily explainable. But seven! “Relax, Tech’s already got it covered. He told them he detected an issue in the hyperdrive, and the exhaust manifold which put the data and us in jeopardy. Rather than try to make it back to Kamino, he took the precaution of setting the ship down on Alderaan, and did a full diagnostic sweep and repairs.”
“They bought that?”
“With Tech doing some creative thinking” Crosshair smirked, “they bought it, and if anyone searches our computer logs, there will be an incident logged in the system, justifying the detour. We got it covered. Dimed asked that when you were up, to go see him. He knows we can’t stay longer, and if we can leave sooner the better.”
My body didn’t feel like my own as I stood from the comfortable bed, I wondered whose room this was, maybe it was a guest room, but that smell … it was all too reminiscent of Perap.
“How much further till we reach his place?” Omega asked as we made our way through the woods to his house.
“About another hour, give or take” Echo answered, “as long as the patrols haven’t increased, we should be okay”
“When was the last time you guys were here?”
“Just before Order 66” Tech answered her question.
She tugged on my hand, “You were saying”
“Right” I cleared my throat …
“Dimed?”
“Son, come have a seat” Dimed motioned to me to sit down at the kitchen table, “I packed up food for you and the boys, they ate to their hearts content, I know you might not be up for eating right now, but when you are, there’ll be plenty for you.”
“Thank you” I wanted to squeeze his hand in thanks, but I felt that might be toeing the line a little. “Crosshair said you wanted to talk to me?”
He pulled out a package that was to his left and passed it to me, “This was hers, she …” he chuckled a little, “she would always wear it, when she was home doing chores. She didn’t like having her hair in her face and she didn’t like braiding it, she said it always tangled too much. I know she would have wanted you to have this.”
I steadied my breathing as I opened the package, there was a red bandana lying there. “Thank you, Dimed, you didn’t …” I cleared my throat, “I’ll treasure this forever”
“Ever since then I just kept it on me, and now I wear it all the time.”
“I wish I got to meet her”
“I think she would’ve liked you too, Megs”
Thankfully the path to Dimed’s house had been pretty vacant, and we had made it in exceptional time, we entered through the back way. Dimed was sitting there, huffing on a pipe, as soon as he saw us, he pulled me into a bone crushing hug. “Welcome home, son”
“Thanks, dad”
We pulled apart, I introduced him to Omega, he kneeled down offering a hug if she wanted, she didn’t hesitate and hugged him right back. Dimed’s eyelashes began to fill with tears, as he held her against him.
“I don’t mean to cut this short, but we really must get inside” Tech offered.
Dimed nodded, standing, motioning for us to follow him inside. He didn’t hesitate to feed us, as we sat at his kitchen table. “What’s next for you boys, if as you say Kamino’s gone, and the Empire believes you to be dead.”
“We’re working as bounty hunters for our contact on Ord Mantell” Wrecker offered
“I’m learning to fire my crossbow” Omega patted the crossbow on her back
“It may be prudent if we laid low for a while, but we have another clone back on Ord Mantell we need to get” Echo stated, he was greatly concerned that Gregor could fall into the wrong hands again.
“Rex actually commed” Tech offered, “he will be getting Gregor, he agreed to help Rex with his little rebellion”
Once we finished dinner, the guys and Omega decided to turn in early, once Dimed had everything ready for them, he joined me on the back porch. He pulled out his pipe and sat beside me as we took in Alderaan’s mountains.
“You boys didn’t want to join the rebellion?” Dimed asked as he took his seat.
“Not when we have Omega with us, our priorities are different then what they would’ve been before Order 66”
He nodded as we sat there, “Makes sense. I have some of Perap’s old clothes, it might fit Omega. She can try them out tomorrow.”
“Thank you, we appreciate it.”
“Anything for you, son”
“How are things here on Alderaan? Surprised we didn’t run into more stormtroopers”
“Well the Queen and Senator of Alderaan, are doing everything they can to keep occupation minimal. You know, I have to tell you son, I never imagined things would’ve gotten so bad.”
“As bad as things are here, it’s nothing compared to some planets we’ve been too. I have a feeling things are going to get worse.”
“They usually do” silence permeated between us, I wanted to talk about Perap, but at the same time I didn’t want to hurt him, he was having a rough day, “Perap would have liked Omega” Dimed offered breaking the silence.
“Yeah, I think she would’ve too”
“How are you doing with today?”
“You know” I offered with a smirk, “I’m doing better than I thought I would, I actually spent the day telling Omega how I met Perap and why coming here today was important”
“I don’t think I told you this” he began as he took in a puff of his pipe, “When you left because you got called for an assignment, she had the biggest smile on her face, and told me she was gonna marry you.”
I chuckled at that, “I was thinking the same thing as I headed back to my ship. Dad you have to promise me, if things get rough here on Alderaan you won’t stay, you’ll comm me and we’ll come to get you.”
“Hunter, my boy” he reached over patting my forearm, “if things get that bad, no where in the galaxy would be safe. But I will promise you, if I have to leave, I will.”
“Thank you”
“I do have a favour to ask”
“Name it”
The cool night air of Alderaan was refreshing and brought hope with it, not that there was much hope but even a little hope was better than none.
“I know you want to stay out of the rebellion because of Omega, and I understand completely. However, there are two people who would like to meet you, and put on … I guess you could say retainer.”
“Just me?”
“You and the guys, and I guess Omega, but we can discuss that in greater detail.”
“Who?”
“I can’t say until you agree, just for now rest and tomorrow I can talk a bit more about with you and the guys and Omega.”
“Alright. I guess I should turn in, thank you. For everything.”
“My boy, having you here is a weight off my chest, thank you.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Once Dimed informed the guys of his request, we all got in his speeder and headed further away from the settlement. We came upon an old cave deep within the woods of Alderaan, it was a little unsettling but we were prepared for anything and truthfully I trusted the man.
“Can you tell us anything more about who we are to meet?” Tech’s voice echoed off the walls, regardless of how low he tried to keep his voice.
“I’ve known them both for a long time and have my trust. I would not even bring you to meet them if I did not trust you or them”
It was all he offered as he walked further into the cave, we stopped at the opening of a cavern, “Please remove your helmets before going in”
None of us questioned his request, we clipped our helmets to our belts, and continued in an open space, there were lights lining the walls all along the cave, standing in front of us was none other than Senator Bail Organa and a woman I had never met before.
“My dear Queen and Senator Organa” Dimed bowed, we followed suit, “these are the men I told you about, they have my trust and loyalty your Majesty” he turned to me and to the rest, “Clone Force 99 and Omega, may I introduce you to Queen Breha Organa and Senator Bail Organa”
“Your Majesty, Senator” I bowed again, “We understand from Dimed that you are in need of our services”
“What is your name?” The Queen directed towards me.
“Hunter, your Majesty” I turned to the guys and introduced each one in succession, ending with Omega.
“You bring a child with you on missions?” The Senator questioned as he looked from us to Omega.
“Omega, is our sister and a value member of our team” Tech answered not allowing anyone to dismiss her, after the incident with Crosshair, I noticed Tech became even more protective of her.
“That’s commendable, we are in need of your services gentlemen and Omega” Senator Organa offered, “this will be the first and last time we meet, after today whether you take the job or not we will not meet again. If you choose not to take on this job, then we part ways here and wish you all the best. If you choose to take the job, there is only one stipulation we will need you to agree, that is not negotiable.”
I turned to look at the guys, they all nodded, even Omega agreed, “Alright, we’re in.”
“Great, our one stipulation, you can never ask any questions”
I looked at my family again, once again they all nodded.
“Agreed”
“Great, welcome to the Rebellion”
I glanced over to Dimed, he swallowed “You knew?”
“Not really, I had a feeling”
“Is that a problem?”
I glanced from the Senator to everyone, they all shook their head no.
“No.” I didn’t want to put Omega through this but she was always one to fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves.
“We have someone inside the Empire, they’ll be feeding us information. There may be times we’ll need you to act on that information.”
“Understood”
“We may have lost the war, but the battle is far from over.”
I let out a deep breath, for Perap I would do this, she lost her life for nothing, we lost Crosshair, we lost so many, all for nothing. This will be our way to get it back. Just for one day, we’ll get it back.
