The most Executive of Cucumbers

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.

[xecutivecucumber]

I dread the day a casual fan of Star Wars asks me who my favorite character is and I'm going to have to Autistically explain that of my top ten favorite characters, only two have appeared in the movies, and only one has any lines and even then, it's like two lines and then a cool fight in which he's cut in half.

[xecutivecucumber]

So I have a group of really close friends from college, close enough that we send each other birthday presents. They aren't into Star Wars as much as I am, so I didn't talk to them much about my grief over Tech. I had other outlets for that, so I don't think I really got across how badly it had affected me and still does affect me. Plus, I never described the scene to them.

Well, almost 3 years to the day that Plan 99 aired, this shirt arrived from my friend.

...I don't have the heart to tell her....

[local-cryptid]

phee enjoyers rise up!!!!!!

[xecutivecucumber]

I literally named my cat after her. I adore Phee!

[xecutivecucumber]

You Will Be Warm Again

Even hours after escaping a frozen hell, Echo can't seem to get warm. An unexpected member of the Bad Batch is determined to change that.

AU based off of @star-farer 's Protostar AU, featuring a toddler Omega being raised by the Batch. Ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/78928721

Hello!

This is pure, self indulgent fluff inspired by star-farer's Protostar AU and Yatzstar's adorable fics set in it!

I've tagged them so you can check it out, but the gist is the Bad Batch as teenagers/adults, raise a baby Omega. This is a little different, especially timeline-wise, but the important thing is there. Mainly Lil Omega calling her brothers ‘daddy.’

It's also randomly a tiny exploration of Echo's thoughts during his rescue.

I had been in a bit of a writing rut over the holidays, so it was nice to bust this out in just a few days. 

Mando'a translations at the end!

Echo watched Rex board the Bad Batch's ship. It still felt so surreal. With every blink, he expected to be returned to the frozen hell of that stasis chamber. He'd dreamed, sometimes, of rescue. 

This time it was different. He knew in his heart that this was real. Because in each and every one of those desperate delusions, Fives had been there. 

Echo knew that nothing in their universe would have stopped Fives from being there. So his absence meant that something terrible had happened after Echo had been captured. Hell, for all he knew, Fives had died later on the very same mission at the Citadel. Echo hadn't had the energy to ask Rex. He didn't know if he could bear the answers.

He finally found the strength to climb the ramp. The ship was in chaos, but Echo had expected that, considering its owners. Two droids had been thrown into the mix: a GONK and a tutting med droid that Wrecker brushed off when it tried to scan him. Rex, who had been waiting for him, took him by the shoulder and guided him to a crash seat. Echo found himself shivering. He doubted he had really stopped, even in battle he'd been so cold, but now he noticed it again.

“I'll go get you a blanket, vod.” Rex said. “And see if they have anything for you to wear.”

Echo nodded and Rex went to go and try to cut into the chaos. Echo rested his head back and closed his eyes. He was so tired. He could have fallen asleep right then if he hadn't been so cold. And if the Batch could stop being so loud. Tech in particular was calling something over and over. The word fuzzed in Echo's mind, making no sense to him. He drifted, letting the noise wash over him. 

Something small and warm touched his thigh. His eyes flew open and he straightened, trying to find the disturbance. 

It turned out to be a hand. A tiny hand. A tiny hand that seemed to be attached to an equally tiny person who was peering up at him from beneath messy blonde bangs.

Why the hell was there a child on the ship?

Echo continued to stare and he was stared at right back. The ik'aad had clone brown eyes, Echo noted. In fact, this kid looked a lot like the littles on Kamino. The little placed their hand flat on Echo's leg, small brow scrunched.

“There you are!”

Before Echo could find his voice to ask this kid what exactly they were doing here, Tech emerged from the chaos. He picked up the child, who bore it without a squeak. 

“You must be more careful, dear one.” Tech told the kid. His voice was low and gentle. “With so many people on the ship, it is easy for little girls to get lost.”

Echo blinked again. Girl?

“Daddy,” The little girl said. That threw Echo for another loop. “He's cold.”

“I would expect so.” Tech said. “He was in a cold place for a very long time. We should leave him be.”

He glanced to Echo.

“I will be with you momentarily.”

His voice had returned to its natural briskness. Then he left with no explanation for the child in his arms, leaving Echo to contemplate the implications of a little girl with Jango Fett's eyes that called a clone ‘daddy.’

Echo's perplexed musings were interrupted by Rex returning with a bundle of blankets and a set of blacks. 

“Here you go, vod.” Rex said.

Echo absently pulled on the blacks, watching Tech hand the child to Crosshair. Tech returned to the cockpit and Crosshair carried the girl to the gunner's mount, where what looked like a child's bed had been set up. 

“What were you up to while we were gone, lovely?” Crosshair asked.

Echo stared. Was this the same sniper he'd met mere hours ago?

“I sploded a drillion droids!” The girl said. 

“Hear that Wrecker?” Crosshair called back. “She topped us again.”

“Ah well!” Wrecker said cheerfully as he cleaned his gear. 

Echo finally noticed Rex's smile as he sat down again. Rex tucked the blankets around Echo's shoulders. It helped, but he was still cold.

“That's Omega.” Rex said.

“She called Tech-”

“It's not what you think.” Rex interrupted him. He sat down next to Echo. “She's another enhanced clone, their sister. But they've raised her since she was a tubie, so she calls them all dad.”

“And they bring her on missions.” Echo said. 

“That's what the med droid's for.” Rex said. “Tech did some enhancing. He's her nanny droid now, with a bit of body guard thrown in.”

Echo eyed the droid with discomfort.

“Don't-” He said, and then swallowed. “Don't let that thing near me.”

Rex's expression grew pained. 

“I won't.” He said. “We'll have Kix look you over when we get back.”

General Skywalker came over then, as the ship moved under them. 

“Finally got into contact with the Council.” He said. “They’re glad you’re all right, Echo.” 

“Thank you, sir.” Echo said. A knot formed in his chest. “They’ll want a debrief, I’m assuming.”

General Skywalker put his hand on his shoulder.

“Not yet.” He said. His tone was gentler than anything Echo remembered hearing from him. “You’ve been through hell, Echo. They understand that you’ll need some time.”

Echo nodded, though he still felt anxious. Time. How much time until he was ready to talk about what happened? When he’d woken up, he could only remember the Citadel. But now he could feel memories stirring, memories that he couldn’t face right now.

“I’ve got to get a hold of the 501st and prep them.” Rex said. “You’ll be all right, Echo? I won’t be long.”

Though he was terrified of the memories, and still so cold, Echo nodded. He was an ARC trooper. He could be strong.

“Get some rest, Echo.” General Skywalker said. 

It was so nice to hear his name again. They left him then and the ship somehow fell quiet. He closed his eyes again. He wanted to sleep so badly. But even with the blanket, he was shivering too much. 

The hum of the engines nearly masked the soft pitter patter of tiny feet. Echo blinked open his eyes to find that Omega had returned. Crosshair followed a few paces behind. Omega held up a small, fluffy blanket. 

“Gotta get warm!” She told Echo as she draped the blanket on his knee. 

Feeling Crosshair's gaze on him, Echo reached out with his flesh hand to pull the blanket onto his lap.

“Thank you.”

Omega’s eyes had gone wide and Echo quickly withdrew his arm with its wires and bolts. His heart sank. Was this how all strangers would react to him now? 

“You hafta do tests too?” Omega asked.

Echo paused.

“Tests?” He asked.

Omega pushed up her sleeve and showed him the crook of her little elbow. Echo could see marks, layers upon layers of scars. Injection sites?

“Tests.” Omega said in a matter-of-fact tone. Crosshair had stepped closer. “I don’ like ‘em.” 

Echo could suddenly understand why the Batch might prefer bringing their sister with them rather than leaving her with the Kaminoans. 

“Yeah.” He said thickly. “I had to do tests too. I- didn’t like them either.” 

“They hurt.” Omega said softly.

“Yeah, they do.”

Memories bubbled to the surface of Echo’s mind. Strapped to a table. Screaming until they gagged him. A thousand jabs and cuts as they experimented on him and tore his body apart. And cold, always so cold.

Omega’s warm little hand on his helped bring him back.

“You’re still cold.” She told him.

Then she clambered onto his legs and pressed herself into his chest. Echo froze, unsure what to do. He glanced at Crosshair for help, but the damn sniper just shrugged.

“Ooooh, super cold.” Omega mumbled. 

But she didn’t move except to tug her own blanket over herself. And oh, she was warm. Echo couldn’t help but pull her closer and wrap his arms around her. 

“What’s your name?” Omega’s question was a little muffled. 

“I’m Echo.” 

“Hi, Echo. I’m ‘Mega.”

Her body heat seemed to spark his own body, teaching it how to be warm again. Omega said something more, but Echo’s mind was drifting. For the first time since he’d come out of that hell, he was warm.

Tech sat back from the controls as the ship settled into hyperspace. There. They’d be at Anaxes within hours. He passed Rex and General Skywalker, who were talking quietly with the holo of one of their men, and went into the main bay. He glanced at his datapad as he walked.

“Echo-”

“Sh.” 

Tech looked back up to see Crosshair pointing at a fast asleep Echo, who had a bundle tucked against his chest. Tech raised an eyebrow before sidling up to Crosshair. 

“She decided to share her blanket with him.” Crosshair said quietly. “And I guess she thought he needed some extra help to warm up.”

“I was going to suggest something similar to Captain Rex.” Tech said. “Unfortunately, I need to run some scans, and it would be best if he was awake.” 

He stepped forward and Omega’s head popped up. 

“No, Daddy!” She said in her best, and not very quiet, whisper. Crosshair chuckled and she whipped her head around to glower at him. “Daddy, hush! He’s seeping!”

“Yes, my love.” Tech said. “But-”

Omega fixed him with a glare worthy of Crosshair and Tech raised his hands in defeat. 

“Very well.” He said. “But we must wake him soon. He is not well, dear one, and will need help.”

Omega gave a gasp, as if she had not noticed Echo’s skeletal appearance and ghostly skin. She turned and placed her hand on Echo’s forehead.

“Not too warm.” She relayed. “Still jus’ cold.”

“Thank you.” Tech said with a smile. “But you are helping with that.”

“Uh huh!” Omega said, forgetting to whisper. 

Echo didn’t stir regardless. Tech watched fondly as Omega burrowed back down. Hunter joined them a minute later. He blinked at the sight, then glanced at Tech. 

“You think it’s safe?” He murmured. “I’m still not sure we can trust him.”

“What’s he going to do?” Crosshair asked with a scoff. “I’m surprised he could lift a blaster.” 

“We will keep watch.” Tech said. “And I am sure Omega will be a good influence.”

Indeed, though Tech knew there was logically far from a guarantee that Echo had remained loyal, it was hard to think it of a man who so tenderly held Omega close.

“Daddy?”

“Hm?”

Things were quiet for once on the Marauder, with only Hunter and Omega and the others having gone with Echo to get him checked out. That jolt he had received on the space station had seemed nasty. Usually just Omega was enough for a ruckus, but she had spent the last half hour quiet. Her little brow was furrowed with the deepest thoughts a three year old could have. 

“Can Echo come wif us?” She asked. 

Hunter took a moment to finish buffing out a scorch mark on his pauldron. He had worried about this. Omega had insisted on being with Echo during his recovery, despite the Batch’s misgivings about his loyalty. She was thoroughly attached by the time they had been called on this latest mission. Hunter had been relieved to find out Echo had stayed true, if only to save Omega from heartbreak.

But what about the heartbreak of him leaving?

“That’s up to him.” Hunter finally chose to say. “He might not want to join us.”

“Why not?” Omega demanded. “I yuv him!”

“Yeah?” Hunter couldn’t suppress a grin. “Even though he’s a reg?”

“Some regs are nice!” Omega protested. “Cody an’ Rex an’ Kix!”

He was surprised she had only stopped at three. The 501st had been taken with her the last few weeks and Omega had made many reg friends.

Hunter sighed.

“I’m sorry, Omega.” He said. “But Echo still has brothers with the 501st. I’m going to invite him to join us, but he might want to stay with Rex.”

Omega fell silent again. Hunter could practically see the gears turning in her head.

“I wan’ ‘im to be happy.” She finally said. “But I wan’ him t’be happy wif us.”

Hunter reached out and pulled her closer. She squeaked. 

“Me too, sunshine, but we have to let him choose.”

She wriggled free.

“I’m gonna go watch for ‘em!” She said. “And I’ma ask him!” 

Hunter considered the idea. The proposition might seem more appealing coming from her. 

It wasn’t long before Omega chirped, “Daddies!” Hunter watched carefully as she scrambled down the ramp and ran to the returning Batch, Rex, and Echo. Wrecker stepped forward and scooped her up.

“Hey, squirt!” He said.

“Notta squirt ‘nymore!” Omega complained, though she cuddled close to Wrecker. “I grewed.” 

“It is just ‘grew,’ my love.” Tech said absently.

“Aw, you’ll always be my squirt.” Wrecker said.

Omega pouted at him, then turned to Echo. 

“Echo, you ‘urt?” 

Echo gave a tired smile. 

“I’m all right, ad’ika.” He said. “Just a little worn out.”

“You can take’a nap.” Omega offered. 

“Might just do that.”

Omega then reached for him and Echo took her with a blink. She snuggled against him.

“D’ you wanna come wif us?” She asked. 

“With you where?” 

“Wif us everywhere.”

Echo looked at Hunter. Hunter smiled and nodded. 

“I-” Echo looked down, which was a mistake, because Omega was that direction. “I don’t know.”

“But I’ll miss you!” Omega cried. 

“I’d miss you too, Omega, but it’s not that simple.” Echo said and Hunter did not miss his glance towards Rex. 

“Your path is different.” Hunter put in. “Like ours.”

Echo’s brow furrowed further and he held Omega towards Wrecker. Hunter’s heart sank. Well, he’d meant it when he said it was Echo’s choice. Wrecker took Omega and she gave a wail that dissolved into broken hearted sobs.

Hunter gave Echo a nod and signalled his squad to retreat to the ship. He couldn’t quite hear what Rex said quietly to Echo over Omega’s cries, but the sound of approaching footsteps was unmistakable. Omega’s delighted gasp confirmed it, and Hunter turned to see Echo coming to them.

“Welcome aboard.” He said.

“Thank you.” Echo said quietly, wincing as Wrecker slammed a hand on his shoulder.

“You do realize that we are leaving before the accolades are given.” Tech said. “If that is something you wished to attend.”

Echo chuckled.

“I’ve had my fair share of commendations.” He said.

He glanced back one more time and Hunter followed his gaze. Rex stood alone, watching. Hunter wondered what he had lost, what he was giving up by letting Echo go. Hunter was grateful in any case. When Echo gave the Captain a salute, Hunter joined him. 

Echo woke up shivering. He bit back a curse. By the way he felt, it had only been a few hours since he’d fallen asleep on one of the Marauder’s bunks. Being cold seemed to be his default now, with his metal parts and lost body weight. 

He debated asking for another blanket, but he didn’t know how much it’d help. Travelling in space was always going to be chilly. He sat up and stared at his knees. He might as well get up. He wasn’t going to get any more sleep like this, even though his eyelids felt like they had training weights hanging off of them. 

“What are you doing?” 

Echo looked over, but Crosshair wasn’t looking at him. His eyes were narrowed at Omega, who slowly pulled her leg back up into the gunner’s mount. 

“Nuffin.” She said.

“Uh huh.” Crosshair said. “So you’re definitely not sneaking down the ladder, which you’re not supposed to go down alone, while you’re supposed to be asleep?”

A pause.

“‘M not.”

“That’s right.” Crosshair said. “You’re going back to bed.” 

Another pause.

“Wanna be with Echo.”

“Well, Echo doesn’t want to be bothered right-”

“I do.” Echo interjected. 

The only time he had slept well since being rescued was when Omega had been in his arms. Crosshair and Omega both looked at him, the former with a raised eyebrow and the latter beaming.

“Fine.” Crosshair said. “But I wonder if you’ll change your mind when she wakes you up three times in an hour.” 

He deftly scooped Omega and her blankets up and tossed her onto Echo in a giggling bundle.

“You’re still cold!” Omega scolded once Echo’d gotten her situated. 

“That’s what you’re for, trac’ika.” He said. 

Already he could feel the chill slowly ebb from his bones and he gave a sigh.

“You say funny words.” Omega said with a yawn. “Night, Echo.”

“Night, kid.” 

Echo was warm again.

Mando'a:

Ik'aad: baby, child under 3

Vod: brother

Ad'ika: little one

Trac'ika: little fire, a nickname

Okay so I wanted Omega to be there immediately as Echo was boarding the ship, but I was desperately thinking of why and how the heck the Batch would keep her on the ship during dangerous missions. Like who would feed her, or take her away if the Batch were killed? Then I remembered AZ and decided that the Batch just stole him. 

And as to not screw with the Fives’ timeline, let's just say they started taking Omega with them after that. 

But yeah, if IG-11 could be converted into a nanny droid, I can see Tech being able to reprogram and upgrade AZ to be able to defend Omega. I like to think whenever it happens, AZ has no idea what's going on. 

And yes, for a minute, Echo thought that Tech had gone and had a child. 

Omega's kid talk is based off of my own niblings. Especially ‘yuv.’

I legitimately wonder if blankets are less effective on Echo, since he's producing less heat to warm the same amount of space. I don't know, I'm not a scientist

And then Order 66 didn’t happen for some reason and Tech met Phee and they all went to Pabu and lived happily ever after.

Again, check out the creator of the AU, star-farer! Here’s their tumblr (https://www.tumblr.com/star-farer/769563721092726784/the-ikaad-au?source=share) and their ao3, (https://archiveofourown.org/users/star_farer/pseuds/star_farer)

[xecutivecucumber]

I learned yesterday that Steven Spielburg was my age when he directed Jaws.

Meanwhile, I'm over here, having written 898,573 words of fanfiction, most of which is about torturing clones, so I'd say we're on pretty equal ground.

I told my sister this and her response was: 'I mean he was torturing the beach goers.'

Therefore we can only conclude that all great art requires the torture of at least one person. Usually the artist themselves.

[xecutivecucumber]

EXREMELY MILD SANCTUARY SPOILERS

I'm approximately 7% of the way through the book and I'm already grinning like an idiot. Not only am I getting timeline confirmation and info on how Hunter's abilities ACTUALLY work, I'm getting basically a fanfiction in the best way. I swear I've seen people describe Omega as vibrating with enthusiasm in fics, I'm loving what we're getting for Hunter (he had nightmares about Crosshair??? He calls them his family in his head??? HE CATASTROPHIZES ENOUGH THAT PHEE CALLS HIM OUT ON IT???), Gonky is being adored by the kids AS HE SHOULD BE, and Phee and Tech ARE DOING THE PRETEND TO BE MARRIED THING??? This is just glorious.

Too bad I have this stupid job so I can't just READ. (And I have therapy right after work WHY DOES THE WORLD HATE ME)

Probably more thoughts later when I get the chance to read more.

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I'm just trying to finish my late chapter and my cat Phee just HAS to sit and groom herself right here.

[xecutivecucumber]

Man, I pre ordered Sanctuary from Barnes and Noble, because Amazon has been trying to undermine book stores and I thought I'd try and do the right thing, but they won't be shipping it until THE DAY IT RELEASES. And if it takes until FREAKING AUGUST 13TH, EIGHT DAYS AFTER, like the order's estimated delivery date, I might die. (Though in all honesty, the last time I ordered from Barnes and Noble, it arrived 4 days before the estimated) ...I might have to buy the ebook from Barnes and Noble.

[xecutivecucumber]

TechPhee Weekend: Day 3

Title: She'll Take it

Rating: T

Summary:

TechPhee Weekend Day 3: Reunion

Phee had accepted that her daydreams about reuniting with Tech would go unfulfilled. Well, maybe not completely unfulfilled. Just a little different.

HERE WE ARE. HERE IT IS. ALMOST THREE WEEKS AFTER.

It’s a bit shorter, but I think it’s sweet.

Day 3: Reunion

Phee had daydreamed about how her reunion with Tech would go. If she was realistic, she’d probably have to chase him down. But it was nice to imagine that he’d come looking for her. Sometimes he’d be unhurt, sometimes he’d have an arm in a sling.

Phee would be casual, saying something like “There you are, Brown Eyes.”

Even in her fantasies he was awkward. “Yes.” He’d say. “I have returned.”

Then he’d give her one of his tiny smiles, smiles she’d learned were as precious as kyber.

“You gonna tell me where you went?” She’d ask.

He would cock his head.

“Of course.”

He would sit next to her, and give her a practical recounting of the mission. She’d enjoy it anyway.

She’d take his hand when he was done. He’d probably stare at their hands, confused.

“I’m glad you’re back, Brown Eyes.” 

He’d look up, focusing on her with his gorgeous gaze.

“As am I.” 

Sometimes she’d kiss him, sometimes they’d just sit and hold hands. But they were happy.

Then she’d gotten the news. Wrecker, tears in his eyes and voice rough, had told her. Cid, a traitor. Omega, captured. Tech-

Oh, Tech.

The reunion would never happen. The months passed, Phee’s time split between her own work and the dogged search for Omega. Then the brilliant girl got herself out. But before Phee could come see her, she was gone again. Sacrificed herself, just like he had. Phee had helped Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair as best she could. She’d given them the best chance to find their kid again.

Phee would forever regret taking a job after helping them. She had figured that she couldn’t help them and there was no way she could just sit around and wait. 

But that meant she was halfway across the galaxy when she got the comm from Hunter.

“We’re on our way back. Couple hours out.” He’d told her. “Omega’s safe. But-”

Phee had caught her breath. Had Wrecker-

“We- found something. Someone.” Hunter had gone on. “He was one of them, but- after I-”

Phee had never heard Hunter sound so lost or shaky. When Omega had been taken the first time, he’d been dark and angry. The second, he had been determined and focused. Nothing like this.

“Start from the beginning.” She’d said, heart pounding. 

So she listened, horrified, as Hunter described a dark monster, cruel and vitriolic. It had taken Crosshair’s hand, been the one to burn Pabu, and had tried very hard to keep Omega from them. Hunter had hurled an electrospear through its chest. 

And then- and then, after Hemlock was dead, as they passed the body, it had called their names. Not even to get their attention, it had seemed. Just a reaction to seeing them. Against his better judgement, Hunter had approached. Taken its helmet off.

It had been Tech.

Hunter had paused there, waiting for Phee’s response.

“Is he still alive?” She had managed to demand.

“Yes.”

Phee had clapped a hand to her mouth, torn between sobbing and throwing up. 

“He survived thanks to the cybernetics they’d given him. But- he’s acting more like himself now. Something- something to do with his injury.”

Silence for a moment, and then- “He’s asked for you.”

Phee’s breath had caught and her chest had ached.

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” She had whispered. “Thank you.”

She’d switched her comm off and then cried. She didn’t even really know why. Too many thoughts flooded her: he’s alive, he’s a monster, he was taken by them, he’s home.

Strangely, the thought that broke out of the haze was that she wouldn’t be there when he returned to Pabu.

Now she sent a message to her employer that explained that something had come up. If she tried to do anything now, she’d get herself killed. And then she set her course for home.

The following few days were agony. She paced, tried and failed to distract herself, and occasionally cried her heart out. MEL tried to comfort her, but Phee didn’t think she could settle until she saw Tech with her own eyes. Hunter contacted her every few hours, which was kind, but it wasn’t enough.

It was the middle of the night when she finally touched down in front of the Archium. To her surprise, Wrecker was waiting for her under the weeping maya. He looked exhausted when he came to greet her, but he still gave her a tight hug.

“Good to have you back, Phee.” He rumbled. “Come on, he’ll want to see you.”

Phee hesitated. 

“I don’t want to bug him-” She started.

Wrecker gave a weak chuckle. He seemed so subdued.

“Nah, he’s been getting plenty of rest.” He said. “He specifically said to wake him up when you got here.”

“How is he, Wrecker?” Phee asked as they walked. “How is he really?”

Wrecker’s shoulders slumped.

“I dunno, Phee.” He said. “He’s hurt bad. He feels terrible ‘bout what he did; he can barely even look at Cross. But he’s here.”

Phee nodded. She didn’t know what to say. She felt she was still in a bit of shock.

They made their way to the small clinic that was Pabu’s closest thing to a medcenter. 

“Where are you all staying?” Phee asked, realizing with a jolt that their ship, their home, was gone.

“Omega’s staying with Lyana and Shep.” Wrecker said. “Us- well, we had to stay here for a day or two, and we’ve slept in worse places than the chairs they got.”

“Nope.” Phee said. “I get having someone with Tech, but I’m not having you boys sleep on chairs after all you’ve been through. I’ve got a couch back at my place, and I can sleep on my ship so my bed will be free.”

Wrecker paused at the door to the clinic, looking back at her.

“Thanks, Phee.” He said in a thick voice. “It’s- it’s been a rough coupla days.”

Phee patted him on the arm and he smiled.

The clinic's lights were dimmed, but one of the island’s two nurses, a middle aged Devaronian man who smiled at them when they came in, was sitting at the front desk. Phee noted that Crosshair was curled on one of the chairs, face buried in his arms. She also noticed the bandaged nub at the end of his right arm. 

“Hey, Raiz.” She said,  making herself not stare. “You’re here late.”

Raiz shrugged. “Got a lot of patients right now.” He said. “Your Tech’s in room three.”

Her Tech.

Phee moved as if in a dream. She didn’t quite remember getting to the door. It opened at her touch. Hunter’s back blocked her view of the bed. He looked back at her and gave a vague, tired smile. He got up and slipped out of the room.

Leaving Phee alone with Tech.

He was asleep, like she expected. He had deep shadows under his eyes, reminding her of Echo. His chest was wrapped in bacta, cybernetics glinted from his arms and sides, and he’d lost weight. His face was streaked with unfamiliar scars.

It didn’t seem like him. It was just a husk with his face.

Phee took a trembling step to his bedside. She reached out an equally shaking hand to touch his shoulder.

His eyes opened. He focused on her after a moment of confusion.

Phee let out a breath.

“There you are, Browneyes.”

“Phee.” He croaked. 

His voice was weak, trembling. She'd never heard it like this.

“I'm here.” Phee said. 

She slipped her hand against his. She didn’t know what to say. She held back from holding him, which she desperately wanted to do. 

“I-” He whispered. Phee leaned closer. “I did not run off with any pirates or smugglers.” 

It was then that Phee noticed that his pupils were blown wide, a clear sign that he was drugged to high heaven. A laugh she couldn't help burst from Phee. Tech's brow furrowed. 

“You were concerned I would.” He said. “During our last conversation, you specifically told me not to do so.”

Phee felt tears fill her eyes even as she smiled. 

“I did.” She said. She leaned forward, brushing her forehead against his and running her hand through his hair. “Thank you.”

To her surprise, he hesitantly pressed his forehead forward to meet hers. They stayed like that for a moment. 

“I- must tell you something.” He finally said. His breathing changed, becoming ragged. “Phee- I was the one to invade Pabu.”

Phee took his hand.

“I know.”

“I do not think you understand, as you are still being affectionate.” His voice was strained. “I ordered the burning of Pabu, the destruction of-”

“I know.” Phee said. 

She stopped stroking his head and instead pulled him closer.

“Then why are you still holding me?” He asked. 

“Do you want me to stop?” Phee asked. 

“No.” He was quick to reply. “But you should be disgusted and horrified by what I have done.”

Phee's heart broke at his tone of voice. It was clear to see that he was the one disgusted and horrified. 

“I am.” Phee said. “But by what the Empire has done, what they did to you.”

He was quiet, stiff in her arms.

“I do not deserve this.”

Phee pulled him closer.

“I don’t really care if you do or not.”

Tech began to shake and he turned his head to press into Phee’s shoulder. She felt warm tears soak into her shirt, though Tech made no noise. She rocked him back and forth.

“It’s all right.” She murmured. “You’re safe. You’re home. We’re here.”

Not quite the reunion she had dreamed of, but she would take it.

Honestly, not much to say here. Pretty straightforward. I did try a little bit of a different writing style thanks to a fantastic book I read recently. 

But I did it! I did the weekend, if not a little late. I’m looking forward to the next TechPhee event!

Thanks for reading!

[xecutivecucumber]

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!

[xecutivecucumber]

TechPhee Valentine's Weekend - Day 1

Not Beyond Repair

Rating: T

Summary:

TechPhee Weekend Day 1: And if you have a minute, why don’t we go talk about it somewhere only we know?

There's a room in the Archium not many know about, a place to repair the ancient wonders Phee liberates. Tech is fond of it: for the work, the company, and the help he himself receives.

For @techpheeweek

ANs: Hello! This takes place in an AU where Tech is CX-2 and he was recovered after Hemlock dies in Canon, though I suppose a good part of it takes place BEFORE that happens.

One Week After Arriving on Pabu

“Got a minute, Browneyes?” 

Tech looked up from his datapad. He sat in the shadow of the Marauder, where Phee had joined him. The self proclaimed liberator gave him a smile as she leaned against the ship.

“Do you truly mean a minute, or do you need my assistance for longer?” Tech asked.

Phee laughed.

“You got me there.” She said. “I’m thinking an hour, maybe?”

Tech nodded. 

“I can spare the time.” He said.

He got up and dusted his legs off. He was wearing his armor less and less as their time on Pabu continued.

“What can I assist you with?” He asked Phee.

“Just wondering if you could fix something.” She said. “Gotta get to the Archium, though.”

“Very well.” Tech said.

He followed her through the bright sunlight to the beginning of the many, many sets of stairs on Pabu. 

“Here.”

Tech blinked as Phee tossed him a Jogan fruit. She winked.

“I heard your stomach rumble loud as a hyperdrive.” She said. It had? Tech had not noticed. “You like Jogan, right?”

He did. A far more pleasant breakfast than a ration bar. They climbed together in silence for a while. It was broken occasionally by islanders calling greetings to Phee and occasionally to Tech. Despite the sun, the temperature was temperate, and many of the inhabitants were out enjoying the fine weather.

“Where’s the rest of your squad?” Phee asked as they reached the bottom of the wall that separated Upper and Lower Pabu. “Didn’t see them on the way up.”

“Lyana took Omega to explore the shore, Hunter is watching them, and Wrecker is continuing his fishing lessons.” Tech listed off.

“Leaving you to just waste away, huh?”

“Hardly. I know how to keep myself occupied.” Tech looked up at the long way still ahead of them. “And the climb to the Archium will certainly do so.”

Phee glanced at him and grinned.

“We could take your shortcut.”

Tech paused, thinking of when he had grabbed Phee and grappled to a higher level. He thought of that incident often, though he was unsure why.

“It would be unnecessary.” He decided. “We are not racing against a sea surge.”

“Well then, we’ll just have to endure the stairs.” Phee said. She looked at him, watching him eat the last piece of Jogan. She waited for him to swallow. “Race you.”

“What-”

Phee began sprinting up the steps. After a brief moment of surprise, Tech found himself rushing after her. Wrecker and Crosshair tended to be the most competitive of their squad, but Tech had been known to be tempted by challenges.

Despite her head start, Tech slowly closed her lead. She glanced behind her and eyes widened.

“Not- fair!” She puffed as he passed her.

He kept a comfortable distance between them, though his legs and lungs began to burn with each footfall. He was in exceptional shape, but prolonged step climbing was a challenge. This was certainly the case as the stairs became increasingly steep the further they climbed. He was surprised with how well Phee kept up.

And was even more surprised when she surged forward and past him on the last set of steps. She reached the top mere seconds before he did, turning and grinning with hands on hips.

“I win.” She said.

“You were holding back.” Tech said as he joined her.

“Nah, more like I got a second wind.” Phee said, her breathing labored. “Though I was enjoying the view.”

Tech blinked.

“Of my back?” 

“A little lower, but yeah.”

It took Tech a moment to parse her meaning, forgetting for a moment that backsides could be considered attractive, but he felt his face heat when he did.

“Oh.” He said.

Phee laughed.

“Sorry, Browneyes.” Though I might call you Longlegs now; you’ve got quite the stride.”

Tech decided she was teasing due to the wink she gave him. He nearly had told her that he preferred Browneyes.

“Was there a reason for that display?” He asked, following her across the courtyard.

“Fun.” Phee said. “I’ve decided you boys, not to mention Omega, have not had enough in your life.”

“We have had fun.” Tech protested, thinking of Wrecker’s shouts of joy when scrapping droids.

“Fun that doesn’t have anything to do with fighting.” Phee said.

“I enjoy flying.” Tech pointed out.

“Yeah, but you fly like you’ve constantly got bogies on your tail. This way.”

She did not take him to the main entrance as he expected. Instead, she veered to a nook on the side of the Archium. 

“This place isn’t only for displaying artifacts.” She said, opening a door that was nearly camouflaged against the wall. “It’s meant for repairing them too.”

The room inside was lit with a low, soothing light. While not small, much of the space was occupied by stone shelves or what looked like work tables. The shelves were filled with artifacts. Some were obviously damaged, which led him to conclude that they were all in need of repair. The wall that was not festooned with shelves was hung with ancient looking tools.

Tech sneezed as Phee kicked up dust by moving into the room.

“Sorry.” She said. “Not many people know about this room, and I don’t come as often as I used to.”

She traced her finger through the dust on a near work table.

“Shep’s wife, Jora, used to come work here all the time.” She said. “When she passed- I got a little too sad to visit. By the time I felt like coming back, I’d dumped so many things in here that I didn’t know where to start.”

Tech identified where he would start: an interesting orb that seemed to him that it was supposed to open. Phee took a breath and turned back to Tech.

“Anyway, I picked something up on my last trip for one of our new refugees.” She said. “But it’s not working and I can’t for the life of me figure out why. Mind taking a look for me?”

She gestured to a complex object made up of bronze gears lying on the table. Tech stepped to it and studied the contraption.

“A music box.” He decided.

“Yeah, that’s what he said. I promised him I’d get it going. He’s been having a hard transition.”

Tech took a seat. He found the head of a lamp and turned it on.

“I will see what I can do.” He said. “Which, I imagine, is repairing it.”

Phee laughed. Tech was finding he liked it when she did.

“Thanks, Browneyes.” She scooted a seat close to his. “Wanna hear how I got it?”

He did.

Two days before the mission to Tantiss

Tech hurried towards the Archium’s workshop. He was late; Phee would have been waiting for him and he had failed to inform her of his delay.

“There you are.” Her familiar voice said as he entered. Though, he felt her voice was becoming something more than familiar. “I thought you left an hour ago.”

“I was briefly tasked with a more urgent project.” Tech reported.

Phee, sitting at their normal work table, grinned at him.

“One of the kids needed a toy fixed, huh?”

Tech adjusted his goggles.

“Well, yes.”

His skill with repairs had spread around the island, and a young boy had approached him on his way to the Archium. It had been a simple, but time consuming fix. He had had to take apart the boy’s battered toy speeder to get at the power source. 

“You’re almost as popular as Wrecker now.” Phee said. “Well, sit down, let’s get going!”

She seemed excited, so Tech sat next to her. Lying on the stone surface was a tiny bird. It seemed to be made of segmented porcelain painted with tones of orange and violet. 

“It’s from my home planet.” Phee said.

Tech looked to her, surprised. She had told him that it was nearly impossible to find artifacts from her homeworld and she had not yet done so. He picked it up and examined its glossy surface. 

“I assume you will tell me about it in detail.” He said. 

“Only if you want to hear.”

“I do.”

Tech gently prised a panel off, exposing the mechanical insides. 

“It's based off of a pendulum lark.” Phee said, leaning in to watch his work. “It's said that no one needs a clock on my planet because the larks sing every hour, on the hour.”

“Fascinating.” Tech said. He finished removing the shell and began the careful dismantling of the device. “I assume they do this even with seasonal changes.”

“Yup.” Phee was excited; even Tech could tell. “My planet has eight moons and the larks could tell the time by their movements. When my people started leaving the planet, they recorded the lark and started building these as time keepers.”

Tech nodded, examining the tiny speaker. Phee paused in her explanation, a rarity for her.

“I haven't heard their song in years.” She finally said softly. 

Tech looked up at her. She was staring at the pieces of the bird and she gently brushed a piece with her finger. 

Tech wanted her to hear the song again. 

“I am sure that I will be able to repair it.” He said in an attempt to console her. 

Phee smiled. 

“Of course. I've got perfect faith in you.”

He worked for a moment more, studying each piece.

“Got an idea of what's wrong?” Phee asked.

“Yes.” Tech said. “The wiring from the power source is corroded. The voice coil for the speaker is broken as well. A simple repair.”

He glanced at her.

“In fact, you did not need me to mend this.” He said. “Your mechanical skills are more than sufficient to perform the repair.”

He froze as Phee put a hand on one of his.

“Maybe. I probably could have fixed a lot of the artifacts you’ve worked on, in all honesty.” She said. “But- I wanted to share this one with you.”

Tech looked at her. He could not read her expression and yet- his heart began to pound quickly in his chest. 

She wished to share something she felt so strongly about with him. He realized how intimate a gesture it was. And he realized that he was glad she did.

“I- would like to hear their song.” Tech said. “With you.”

He found he could not take his eyes from her lips. He became very aware of their skin touching and how close her face was to his. 

“I might just kiss you, Browneyes.” Phee said.

He very much wanted her to. 

She didn’t. At least, not at first. She leaned down.

“Can I?” She whispered in his ear.

Tech nodded, breathless from anticipation.

The kiss came.

He hadn’t known what to expect. He had no experience in the matter. In the past, he had wondered at the act of pressing mouths together. He knew lips were sensitive, but it still seemed odd.

It was not odd.

It was exquisite.

For a moment, the shock of the experience froze him, leaving him to just allow Phee to move her lips against his. Then, without his usual confidence, he pressed back. Why had he not researched this? He felt so ignorant and incompetent.

But Phee just applied more force and slid her hand up his neck into his hair. It must have been sufficient.

For a moment, he merely enjoyed the sensation and his closeness to her. Then- then his exceptional mind betrayed him.

What- what did this mean? Was this mere animal attraction? What would their relationship be moving forward? Did he wish to be in a relationship? Was he doing any of this correctly? What exactly did she feel for him?

Did he love her?

Anxiety became the clearest of the tangle of emotions in his chest. He pulled away from Phee, his heart pounding for a new reason.

“Hey.” Phee said, removing her hands and holding them as if afraid to touch him. “Hey. Are you all right? Kriff, I’m sorry-”

“I-” Tech forced out. He had never been so lost for words. “I do not- I need to think-”

“I understand.” Phee said quickly. “I get it. I’m sorry for pushing.”

Then she was gone. A small part of him wanted her to stay. Most of him was just confused and overwhelmed. The emotions were too strong. Did all beings feel like this during courtship? He tried to sort through his reaction, but doing so dug a pit in his stomach.

He did not understand.

A distraction. He needed to focus on something else. He forced himself to look at the work in front of him: shining pieces of porcelain scattered around their mechanical insides. He swallowed as the confusing emotions surged again. No, this would not do.

He got up and left the workshop with a steady stride he did not feel. Perhaps- perhaps Omega would like a flying lesson.

Six weeks after the destruction of Tantiss

“Gotcha.”

Tech looked up from his work and immediately looked down again. Phee was leaning against the doorframe of the ragged, burnt hut he currently occupied. He tightened his lips to a line and tried to focus on the cooling unit he was repairing. He heard Phee take a step in.

“You sure like tinkering in odd places.” She went on. “I’m surprised you managed to escape your family.”

Tech bit back the reply that it had been difficult, though he doubted he’d be able to get it out regardless. His brothers and sister tended to keep him on a short leash since they’d come back. But he could not bear to look at Crosshair’s residual limb for even a moment longer.

“You know you can come to me if you need a break from their fussing, right?” 

It almost made Tech laugh. As if she fussed any less. As if he could bear her kindness after all he had done. They were in a reminder of that: a blackened, uninhabitable, shell of a building.

A moment of silence passed.

“So you’re gonna stay here.” Phee said.

Tech gave her a nod. More silence. He heard her walk closer and felt her crouch beside him.

“You got a minute?” She asked. “I know you’re busy helping rebuild-”

Helping rebuild? No, he was atoning for what he had done, in some miniscule way.

“But I think we need to talk.” Phee finished.

Tech continued working. Talk? He could barely speak on his more functional days. What manner of conversation could he engage in that would be of use? Even if he could, how could mere words help? What he felt, what had happened to him, what he had done was beyond verbalization.

So he shook his head. She didn’t say anything. Then she placed her hand next to one of his. When he did not draw away, she took it. He stared at their entwined fingers. Touch had become common from her since his return.

“We’re worried, Browneyes.” She said. “Can we just try?”

Tech swallowed. He knew they were worried. Crosshair had no jibes for him. Echo checked in far more often than he had before, asking after Tech specifically. Hunter made sure someone was with him at all times. Wrecker constantly asked if he was well, even when it was obvious he was not. And Omega- Omega, who watched him always, who cried for him when she thought he couldn’t hear, who stubbornly pushed him towards things she believed would help him.

He did not want them to worry. Perhaps knowing that he had tried would ease their anxiety.

So he nodded.

“Thank you.” Phee said. She pulled at his hand. “Come on.”

Tech considered resisting. They could converse about his status here as well as anywhere. But Phee put her other hand on his. It felt- nice. He let her tug him to his feet. She led him out of the crumbling house and into the sunlight.

He did not miss her subtly click a button on her comm. Likely informing the others that he had been found.

She led him up the many steps up the island. They had to stop to rest a few times. He was still recovering from the wound Hunter had given him. His cybernetics had been damaged as well. They still worked, allowing him to move and live, but not as efficiently or painlessly as they could. Unfortunately he could not yet stand them being touched, even by his own hands.

The cybernetics ached as they reached the top of the island. The Archium loomed over them, casting its shadow across the courtyard. Phee took him straight to the building, but ignored the main entrance. Good. Tech did not wish to see his brothers’ armor, donated after their return from- that place. More accurately, he did not wish to see the empty space beside them where only his shattered goggles lay.

Only when Phee guided him to the side of the building did his addled mind realize where she was taking him. She ushered him into the workshop.

He paused at the threshold, taking the dusty workbenches and low, soothing light in. The room seemed untouched from when he had last been there. In fact, the pieces of a mechanical bird lay on the workbench. He remembered taking it apart, Phee telling him what it was. He remembered what had happened afterwards.

“Remember how full this room used to be?” Phee asked. “How many broken things were on those shelves?”

Tech nodded, letting her distract him and bring him a few steps further in.

“You fixed dozens of artifacts.” Phee said. “Some easy, some hard. But they were all here, just waiting for you.”

She stepped in front of him. He closed his eyes, unwilling to meet her gaze. He felt a delicate touch on his cheek, fingers against his skin.

“Can you imagine if they ran and hid, not giving you the chance to help?” She whispered. “They’d never be whole again.”

Tech saw the metaphor. “I- am a human.” He managed. “They are not as easily restored.”

“True.” Phee admitted. “But we’re not exactly strangers to challenges.”

Slowly, as if to give him time to pull away if he wished, she put her arms around him. He did not wish to. He let her and even raised a hand to touch her arm.

“It feels undeserved.” He said. “After all I have done.”

Phee held him tighter.

“It’s not your fault.”

“I feel the guilt all the same.”

It was- easier to speak here in this quiet room, just to her. She let go.

“Look at me.” She said. “Please.”

Tech opened his eyes and managed a moment’s eye contact before looking at her ear instead. She did not scold him.

“You did all this, fixing so much, without being asked.” She said. “No pay, nothing.”

“You and the rest of the island gave us a home.” Tech said. “It was the least I could do to repay you.”

“We didn’t ask to be repaid.” Phee said. “You like helping people. You’re a good person.”

She took his hands again.

“A good person who was hurt badly and wasn’t able to make the decisions he would have.”

“I know that.” Tech said. “And then- I look at Crosshair. I see the damage the Imperial troops I brought did to Pabu.”

He hated how his emotions, once so firmly under control, ruled him now. 

“And every waking hour you've tried to fix it.” Phee said. 

Before Tech could reply, Phee sighed and touched his cheek again. 

“I know you won't be able to change the way you feel right away.” She said. “All I'm asking- all we're asking is for you to try.”

Tech felt himself nod. He could try. 

Phee smiled at him. It seemed to ease the heavy emotions in his chest. Yes, he would try. If only to inspire more smiles in her, in his family. 

He looked to the disassembled bird on the workbench. There was another way to make her smile. 

And- among all the other sources of guilt from his time as CX-2, there was one from before. It was time to undo the regret he'd carried from their last interactions. 

He drew his hands away and took a step towards the workbench. He glanced back at Phee, who raised an eyebrow. 

“I wish to hear its song.” Tech explained. “With you.”

He would find the words for a true apology later. For now, it was enough to sit with her here. 

He was like this bird, he decided, taken apart and broken. But not beyond repair. Especially with a mechanic as skilled and determined as the woman holding his hand.

ANs:

Kind of a loose interpretation of the prompt, with a focus on the ‘have a minute’ and the ‘somewhere only we know’ being the repair room.

So this was originally just the final scene, with the previous two scenes just referenced to. And for once in my life, I decided I wanted more than just angst, so I wrote the other two scenes out. As a result, I think there might be a bit of a disconnect between those two first scenes and the last one. Ah well. The Archium Wookieepedia page mentions that it’s a place to repair artifacts and I knew that Tech needed to be involved with that. 

Tech’s reaction to the kiss comes from my own reaction to being kissed for the first time. He will actually be able to process it one day. And you know, he’s actually in love with the person kissing him. He’s just a lil overwhelmed. Plus, it’s an explanation on part of why he’s so awkward when she says goodbye.

Day 2 and 3 might come late, because this one took longer than I expected. I SHOULD get those written. I’ve got ideas for them both. Unfortunately, the idea for day 2 is a bit long. Ah well.

For once I am too tired for any extensive ANs. Oh well, I might add more later.

Stay safe, remember to review, and I’ll see you later!

[pabu-bound]

WAKE UP TECHPHEE NATION!!!!!!!

[eclec-tech]

PREORDERED! ✨

Let's get that backstory where Tech talks to Phee about Crosshair!

[xecutivecucumber]

GOT THAT PREORDER IN.

If they have Tech deliver a baby, I can die happy. And if they have clone confusion about the Birds and the Bees??? PLEASE.

And just...just give me Tech and Phee. Please. I just miss them so so much. And Tech and Omega. And Tech and Wrecker. And Tech and Hunter. And Tech in general.

[eelfuneral]

Why I Personally See Tech as Good Representation as an Autistic Viewer

Obligatory disclaimer: I don’t speak for every other autistic person, and this post is based on my opinions, experiences, and feelings. Not all autistic viewers will feel the same way, and that is absolutely okay. I am also not claiming that Tech is 100% perfect representation or that we don’t need more diverse autistic representation in general. I am, however, saying that for me, he is overwhelmingly positive representation.

Tech is allowed to be a character and his autism isn’t made his only defining trait. Yes, Tech absolutely has autistic traits and they do come up in-text, but his character development focuses more on his journey from a regimented military life to life on the run with a young child. This isn’t the nine millionth “heartwarming” inspiration porn story about an autistic protagonist doing “normal people” things “in spite of their autism”, and that’s so refreshing to me.

Tech isn’t looked down upon by the narrative. He isn’t a caricature followed around by a laugh track like Sheldon Cooper, and the narrative doesn’t treat him as *~inspiring~* for just doing things that allistic characters do. The framing around him doesn’t feel like it’s designed to be a voyeuristic invitation for neurotypical viewers to laugh and gawk. Tech is just Some Guy, and it’s awesome.

Tech isn’t portrayed as a burden. Yes, his disability does sometimes make communication more difficult for him (see The Crossing), but the other characters aren’t shown ruminating about how things would just be so much easier if he weren’t around. He is instead portrayed as being an integral and capable part of the team.

Tech is allowed to be an adult. Autistic adults are often stereotyped as “eternal children”, but Tech isn’t given that kind of treatment at all. He takes on a parental role with Omega, and is shown having drinks, dating, piloting, and engaging in combat. The fact that he is the only member of his team to have a love interest is also huge, because autistic adults are often treated like non-sexual entities incapable of understanding romance.

Tech is caring. Yes, he can be sarcastic and a bit bitchy when he’s in a bad mood (and I love that for him), but he is shown to care deeply for his family. When you google “can autistic people…”, one of the autocomplete options is “can autistic people love”. People genuinely think that we are unable to love others, and Tech loving so fiercely on screen directly refutes that.

While Tech fits some autistic stereotypes, he subverts others. Yes, he’s an intelligent, tech-savvy man, but he also an outgoing and confident person. He doesn’t often belittle others for not being “smart enough” and is shown to be physically capable and strong. Yeah, he is a STEM oriented dude, but he doesn’t get the “scrawny mean, and insecure guy” baggage that often comes with these types of autistic characters. He’s also a person of color (albeit a whitewashed one), and the general stereotype is that autistic people are all little white boys.

[therealcalrissian]

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????

[xecutivecucumber]

And, well, it didn't end happily for everyone...

[apparentlyautistick]

fanart of ExecutaveCucumber’s Across the Stars fic on Ao3 (absolutely you need to read it!!)

[elocinn]

@xecutivecucumber

[xecutivecucumber]

OH MY GOSH. OH MY GOSH!!!! THIS IS AMAZING!!! Thank you @apparentlyautistick for sharing your awesome art!!! (You've done Commander Jr's ears so perfectly!!!)

[xecutivecucumber]

FORGET EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON IN THE FANDOM RIGHT NOW:

I think I've finally come up with a ship name for TechPhee:

TechnoloPhee.

Like Technology.

You're welcome.

[xecutivecucumber]

I know the finale has left us feeling things (and I one day might share my thoughts on them, but honestly staying off of most social media platforms around this time has been really good for my mental), so let's go back to an episode many of us loved: The Crossing. Here's an excellent analysis of the episode looking at it through the 'Tech is autistic' lens.