Tech’s Happy Ending
Tech deserved to be more than just a soldier. He could’ve been so much more. He had so much potential for a good life, all that was taken from him—and far too early. He probably would’ve ended up settling down on Pabu….with his brothers, sister, and Phee. Maybe they’d have a child and Omega would get to be an aunt. Tech would’ve been scared about being a dad, afraid that he’d have too much trouble with emotional aspect of parenting. But Omega would comfort him, reminding him of their conversation in the cave all those years ago. He’d be a great father, just as he was a great brother to Omega. He’d probably get a job somewhere where his talents could reach their full potential. He could use his intelligence for something other than war or survival. Over time he would learn to let go, floating in the sea and lying on the sand. He would teach the kids on the island all about algorithms, flying starships, and speaking other languages. Maybe he’d even open up a school on Pabu, dedicating his days to raising a generation smart enough to survive on their own and use their knowledge for good. He’d spend his nights sipping wine with Phee and reminiscing on their old days as cadets with his brothers. One day Omega, or maybe his child, would ask him about the war. He’d tighten up at first, telling them about the old strategies they used. But eventually, he’d think back to the cave and he’d breathe a bit. He’d tell them how hard it was to feel like you’re always on the edge of death, especially while his brain was constantly calculating the odds of their survival. When things got tough he’d look to his brothers, thinking that nothing else really mattered as long as they were together. Somehow, they always got through it—but never alone. He remembered when Omega first joined them he couldn’t really understand why. What were the logistical advantages to bringing along a child as they run from the empire? But he soon realized that Omega was special, different like them. And protecting her was worth all the negative odds he could calculate. He was thankful for her presence when they lost Crosshair, but he always wished they could all be together again. He wanted to see Crosshair teach her how to shoot, like he himself taught her how to pilot. He didn’t agree with Crosshair when he stayed with the empire, but he just couldn’t rack his brain for any logistical advantage to making him his enemy. He knew, without a doubt in the world, that the Bad Batch worked best all together. He thought Echo was the final piece to complete their little puzzle, but once Omega came along he realized it was her that made them complete. When they finally got Crosshair back, he felt like he could rest. He loved having all his family in one place. The odds were much better that way.
