Rexsoka Week 2021 Day 7: FUBAR

Preach it!

A couple points of note before we venture into Bad Batch season 3 tomorrow...

Let us remember a few things before Bad Batch season 3 begins tomorrow.

It is NOT Dave Filoni that we "blame" for any emotional trauma. It is Jennifer Corbett and Brad Rau 😝 He may be one of the executive producers, but Filoni hasn't been involved in the writing of this show since the pilot, it's all Jennifer and Brad.

Our theories/headcanons are NOT canon! Which also means that if your theories don't pan out, it's NOT "bad writing". WE are not the tellers of this story, we are the receivers of it. We do not determine how this season is going to go. That is Jennifer, Brad and Lucasfilm. So don't get mad and pissy if certain theories don't happen or if things didn't go the way you thought they would. (Unless anyone dies, then you have every right to be mad 😝)

BE! PATIENT!! If we haven't seen certain characters in a while...be patient. They might show up in the next episode or two. You never know. If we haven't had certain questions answered yet...be patient. They'll most likely get answered in time. There are 16 episodes, so not everything is gonna happen at once. It's okay to wonder, but don't be getting mad that certain things haven't happened yet. We've got a couple months of this and it's gonna be a very long ride if you're not patient!

If things happen in the show that you don't agree with, but other people do, don't be rude about it. Either just keep scrolling and don't engage with discussions about those topics if you're not gonna be nice about them or just block the posts/people who talk about them. It's not that hard!

ACT YOUR AGE!! A good majority of us in this fandom are adults. ACT like adults and don't get pissy about things. Get as emotional as you want (cuz we all know it's inevitable), but still be mature about it all. Follow all of the above points and you should be fine. Don't be hateful, don't be rude, don't act like you're better than anyone, etc.

If anyone has other things they think the fandom needs reminding of before tomorrow, feel free to add them!

Otherwise...once more unto the breach, my friends 🥺 We're in for a long, emotional ride, so let's get through it together!

Oh, is it time for the pre-season 'the season is terrible' dreams? I had at least 3 before season 2. One was that the season was actually a board game.

I dreamed the first trailer for The Bad Batch s3 dropped and we found out they recast Dee Bradley Baker. Each bad batch member had a different voice actor and the characters sounded NOTHING like the previous seasons. It was so bad. I was genuinely so upset I considered not watching the last season. I was like "really you're gonna let us down THIS HARD on THE LAST SEASON"

Executive Cucumber's Thoughts on the Bad Batch Season 3, Episode 5, The Return!

(And I'm doing this instead of sleeping)

Spoilers after the break

Notes may not be in order

At first I was a little disappointed that we didn't start immediately after the end of the last episode, but I think I prefer it. We can have the reunion any way we want now. It's possible that the writers thought that they would all just awkwardly and quietly get on the Marauder and fly off and they knew we would be disappointed by that. So they left it to us to imagine what happened next. I think that's also why they didn't show Crosshair finding out about Tech. For them, Crosshair might just stay silent, or disassociate or something and we wouldn't be satisfied. But now we get to imagine all kinds of angst for when that happened.

Oh, the contrast between Omega waking up on Pabu and on Tantiss. SHE DESERVES THIS SO MUCH.

Aww AZ really loves Omega.

Okay, but how did Crosshair accept the fruit? Did he say thank you? I NEED TO SEE CROSSHAIR BE AWKWARD AROUND NORMAL PEOPLE.

I honestly think Crosshair wants to train Omega as his replacement if he can't get over his hands.

Wrecker and Hunter just blatantly watching them is amazing.

MOM'S HOME

Crosshair's sass is everything to me in this episode.

I honestly think that Echo is the only one who really talks about Tech out loud because he's the only one of them who has experienced loss before. He knows how to handle it. The others...do not.

STOP MAKING CROSSHAIR GO TO COLD PLACES, ESPECIALLY WHEN THAT COLD PLACE TRAUMATIZED HIM

'Little brother' oh my gosh they are my everything.

I expected Crosshair to love Omega, but he ADORES her and I am here for it. I'm also here for the fury for when she is inevitably captured again.

Hunter, you are a butt. I still love you.

HIS ARMOR. YES. YES. YES.

'It still fits' it might not have because he was so skinny and that is devastating.

Oh my gosh Hunter and Crosshair's arguing is everything I could have wanted.

'Kill each other later' Echo I love you.

I love that Batcher is just a member of the Batch now. Also, Hunter, get your senses in order the dog is doing your job.

THE HELMETS. AAAAAAAAAGH.

Hunter: sees Crosshair tenderly arranging helmets

Also Hunter: this is unreasonably suspicious

TOOTHPICKS YES

HIS TREMBLING HAAAANDS

Ugh I love Crosshair and Hunter's fight so much. Crosshair isn't just pushing Hunter's buttons, he's legitimately angry that Hunter let Omega get captured and go through what she did. And then there's the beautiful subtext of 'you let Tech die.'

Crosshair and Batcher are best duo.

THE SNOW IS SO GORGEOUS

CROSSHAIR SOUNDS SO MUCH LIKE TECH HE EVEN SAYS 'OMEGA' THE SAME WAY.

This is their get-along-worm.

Wrecker hugging Crosshair and Hunter may be one of my favorite things ever.

'There's no blood.' I am requesting all fic writers to provide me with a plethora of fics featuring Hunter and Crosshair fighting to bloodshed, ranging from angst to the stupidest argument ever.

CROSSHAIR YOU BEAUTIFUL PERSON YOU OPENED UP.

Okay after Hunter said he did things he regretted too I'm now convinced that he has committed so many war crimes in trying to find Omega. Wrecker has nightmares about it.

I can't remember where, but Crosshair's theme was played in the major key!!! LET HIM BE HAPPY

Crosshair is such a joy to watch this episode. This is who he is and it really contrasts with chipped Crosshair.

I miss Tech so much. I want to see him in this dynamic. I also want to see Crosshair and Phee's dynamic.

I mean this in the most complimentary way possible: this episode felt like a fanfiction. The focus on their interactions and emotions feels like something we'd get from a fic rather than Canon. And I love every moment of it.

I adore seasons 1 and 2, but there were definitely episodes I preferred over another. This season has been 10/10 for me so far. And once more I have to wait a FREAKING week for more.

Executive Cucumber's Thoughts on The Bad Batch 03×12!

Spoilers under the cut

Let start out by saying holy heck that was the cool down episode I needed. My sister watched it before me and was able to tell me that Tech/CX-2 wasn't in it for a significant amount, so I was able to get past my disappointment and not be stressed out during the episode. Yes, I'm still on the 'Tech is CX-2 Bandwagon.' I do think they should have revealed him to the audience earlier, because I have to actively avoid Bad Batch social media (*cough*reddit*cough*) for my own mental health because of the negativity around the idea. It's really draining.

Anyway, on to the actual episode!

Today I realized that I might be triggered by Omega being trapped at Tantiss because of some past experiences. (And yes, if you've read my fics you know that I've done it to her too, but I have control over that and I think the problem is the lack of control I have)

Hi Tech! I love you! Please be un brainwashed soon!

I want to murder Hemlock. I don't know if I've ever hated a Star Wars villain like this before. It feels so personal.

It devastates me that they're going to take Omega's clothes away. Clothes that were given to her by people who love her. Ow.

Also you're playing a dangerous game, not keeping those binders on her, Hemlock.

'Is everything all right, Dr. Karr?' 'No, the Jango parent gene got awakened in me and that does not go away'

Why does Emerie think she HAS to do this?

I'm a little disappointed we didn't see Hunter find out about Omega. He's probably just in 'go' mode, honestly. Adrenaline and all that.

Crosshair is so proud of Omega oh my gosh.

PHEE MY QUEEEEEEEEEN

Oh my gosh Tech told Phee about Crosshair. That implies that had more time than we saw. That makes me so happy and sad.

Phee talks about Tech with such fondness. You can tell how much she cared about him. I feel like I'm watching a widow who's processed her grief but still talks about her husband because she loved him.

Also, looking at Phee, she doesn't really have any implied make up on. She's very natural. Good for her.

...Rampart looks kinda good with a beard.

Okay Tech would find the stunt Phee pulled extremely attractive.

This is the closest we've gotten to the original Batch we've gotten in a very long time. It feels good to see them go mission mode with Crosshair.

This is reminding me of Eriadu and I don't like it.

Crosshair asking Wrecker if he remembered whatever plan and then patiently waiting for him to remember lives rent free in my head he's so sweet.

WRECKER'S THEME IS BACK BABY

Also, Crosshair's theme is played in this really fun way?

Crosshair should be allowed to kick Rampart in the balls. As a treat.

Rampart you snake. Crosshair should have shot him in the leg instead of stunning him.

My sister pointed out that the juggernaut represents how the Batch is right now. You cannot stop them.

Man, it's nice to not to be as conflicted when the TK troopers die, as opposed to when clones were sent against them. Quick thought though, does Wolffe have all the remaining clones?

Man these guys get BRUTALIZED.

Them throwing around passed out Rampart is amazing and should continue to happen.

Okay Wrecker has his knife out HE IS READY TO TORTURE A MAN.

Frick you Rampart. He is the worst replacement for Omega.

Aww they probably didn't bring Batcher on the mission to protect her. (Plus she a half trained dog and it was a stealth mission)

And then the boys spent the next hour arguing over who has to call Echo and tell him.

Hemlock you FOULE you're giving Omega ALLIES. Also why are you telling her all this. She will use it against you.

Gall, I hate Hemlock.

Again, I really needed this cool down episode. Though I'm afraid the final three episodes are going to hurt. THIS IS MY FAVORITE SHOW WHY IS IT STRESSING ME OUT SO MUCH. ALSO WAITING A WEEK FOR EPISODES ALSO SUCKS. A LOT.

A fantastic video going over the connections between Tech and CX-2. Prepare for sarcasm.

Executive Cucumber's thoughts on the Bad Batch episode 3×08 (spoilers after the cut)

Forgive me if these thoughts are less coherent than usually, I'm pretty freaking tired atm. Thoughts are as much in order as I can manage.

Firstly, this episode was a much needed, lower emotionally charged break from the last...seven episodes of the season. The thing about stories is that they can't be running at warp 9 the entire time. It will burn your audience out. Heck, I'm at a lower energy, transitiatory part of my long fic. So yeah, this episode didn't cause the emotional damage and stress that the last 7 did, but that's a good thing.

Omega has the neurodivergent ✨️leg jiggle✨️

Poor dear needs a hug and for someone to free the Tantiss clones.

PHEE MY QUEEN

Crosshair's face when Omega says 'liberator of ancient wonders' I love him.

Okay, I know that a lot of people are upset about Phee not being more emotional about Tech. I've got a few thoughts on that. My expectations going into the scene with her was that she wasn't going to be mentioning Tech. So when she did, I was really happy. She doesn't need to bring him up in the conversation, but she does.

So let's dive a little deeper into this. There are only two people who have brought up Tech without any prompting so far: Echo and Phee. Omega only mentions him when it's a direct answer to Crosshair's question. Hunter, Crosshair, and Wrecker have not mentioned him once by name. Now, I think this is because Echo and Phee have both known loss and know better how to handle it. The rest of the Batch hasn't, before Tech. We have watched practically all of Echo's loss, but not Phee's. However, we know that Pabu is a place for refugees, which Phee likely is. She's lost at least a home, if not family and friends. Add on top of that Phee is just in general a world wide person, and I think we can assume that she's someone who's got a more healthy way of processing grief than our emotionally stunted soldiers.

Something that you do with people that you've loved and lost is remember them. That's what I see Phee doing here. She's managed to process her grief in the last 4 months, and she's keeping the memory of someone she cared about alive by mentioning him in conversation.

So yeah. I liked that scene and it warmed my Tech/Phee loving heart.

Anyways,

Oooooh Fennec!!!

I love Crosshair not knowing anything but it also makes me sad.

Hunter: try to get Crosshair to get his hand looked at

Omega: what do you mean 'try'

Thoughts on Crosshair and Omega scenes:

What did my poor boy go through????

Poor man is probably resisting the idea that it's in his head because he already HAD a thing in his head that ruined his life

Omega: you don't like anything

Crosshair: true

Your honor I would die for them. Also I find his 'true' to be a little sad (and adorable)

OMG THEY'RE MEDITATING (and they have somehow stolen YET ANOTHER thing from my fic, this time before I've even gotten past the concept stage)

Omega: you missed a lot

Crosshair: I know

He's thinking of Tech in that moment.

Oh my gosh her hand on his and how he lets her move his hand THEY ARE TRYING TO KILL ME.

The Bad Batch says take care of your mental

Thoughts about Space Everglades:

I really loved Wrecker this episode. He really got to shine. He has the most banter with Fennec, he gets to do his demo thing, he freaking curb stomps space alligators, and he's the MVP in getting the bug man. It was really nice. Also, 'YOU HEARD ME!!!!' Let Wrecker go feral.

Bro, I really liked the bar music. I like seeing more of the music that plays in universe.

Wrecker and Hunter are definitely having flashbacks to Cid this entire episode. Except Fennec gives them more intel.

Fennec is a delight as always.

My prediction to who she's selling them out to? Ventress. And I don't think Ventress' intentions are bad.

So yeah, a solid episode! I'm honestly probably going to leave a lot of the star wars subreddits just to avoid everyone and their dog complaining about filler. Which this was NOT.

And as the next episode is called the Harbinger, I feel like this might be one of our last breaths before the plunge and everything goes sideways.

Oh, and in case you forgot. Tech lives ❤️

12 Days of Rexsoka Day 3: Force Bond/AU

I'm determined to get these out, even if they're late.

Okay, so since my other fics are basically Force Bond central, we're going with an AU. I'm usually not a fan of crossovers, especially when it's the characters meeting each other. For some reason it just doesn't click for me. However, I do enjoy imagining what kind of roles the characters would play if they were in another fictional world. You know, like when people assign Hogwarts Houses to characters. I decided to try that with the Mistborn Universe, by Brandon Sanderson.

Here's what you need to know if you aren't familiar.

There are two classes, the noble class and the skaa. The skaa are slaves, owned by their god-emperor, the Lord Ruler, and basically leased out to the nobles. The nobles, for the most part, see the skaa as subhuman, killing them without remorse. Nobles also fight amongst each other quite often.

The world is dying, in a way. The sun is red, ash volcanoes spout ash into the sky which falls to the earth, and plants are mostly brown and sickly. At night, mysterious mists come out that react to the world's magic.

If you have noble blood, there's a possibility that you are an Allomancer, which are the magic users of the world. The powers are used by ingesting specific metals and 'burning' them to get specific powers. Most Allomancers only have one power, called Mistings. Mistborn have all of them. The following are the known Allomancer powers at this point of the world's history.

Atium: rare God metal that allows the Allomancer to see into the future a few seconds. Makes on practically invincible.

Brass: Allows Allomancer to soothe emotions, called Soothers

Bronze: Allows Allomancer to find anyone burning any metal, called Seekers.

Copper: Allows Allomancer to hide themselves from Allomancers burning bronze, called Smokers.

Iron: Allows Allomancer to pull on any source of metal, seen by blue lines connecting the metal to the Allomancer's chest. If the metal is lighter than the Allomancer, it will fly to them. If the metal is heavier or stuck into something, the Allomancer will move, called Lurchers.

Pewter: Enhances Allomancer's physical abilities, like their strength, reflexes, and speed. Can also help overcome wounds and heal somewhat quicker, called Thugs.

Steel: Allows Allomancer to push on any source of metal, seen by blue lines connecting the metal to the Allomancer's chest.. If the metal is lighter than the Allomancer, it will fly away from them. If the metal is heavier or stuck into something, the Allomancer will move, called Coinshots

Tin: Enhances all five senses. Allows Allomancer to 'pierce' or see through the mists, called Tineyes.

Zinc: Allows Allomancer to riot or rage emotions, called Rioters

You have to have noble blood in order to have Allomancy. Skaa Mistings are not supposed to exist, and are hunted by the Lord Ruler's priests, the Steel Inquisitors.

That should be everything you need to know!

Day 3: AU

Ash fell from the sky.

Rex looked up, squinting against the dark flakes. It began to dust the stone walkways of the keep wall. It wasn't a good evening for the ash. A ball was being held at Keep Kenobi, whose main attraction was a mostly outdoors ballroom. They had a canopy they could draw over it, but Rex could think of at least one nobleman who would throw a fit over it. Lord Skywalker, one of Lord Kenobi's adopted scions, would be one of them. Skywalker was kind, as far as noblemen went, but Rex was part of his personal guard and would have to listen to the man complain well into the night. Lord Skywalker seemed so much less composed than the rest of the noblemen. It made Rex wonder if the rumors about him were true: that Lord Skywalker had skaa blood in him.

Rex shook himself. He was skaa. It wasn't his place to wonder about his betters. That lesson had been literally beaten into him during his training under House Kamino. Most skaa soldiers were from the noble house. They dealt not in goods, but in flesh, training the Final Empire's soldiers.

"No! Not tonight!" Lord Skywalker's voice rang out from somewhere inside.

Rex shared a covert look with his brother, Cody, who guarded the same door as Rex. In a moment the young Lord burst from the door, staring into the sky in disbelief.

"By the Lord Ruler!" Lord Skywalker swore. "Damn ashmounts! Not tonight!"

It was only a moment before a slender young woman with dark skin and sparkling blue eyes followed him out. Rex straightened at the sight of her. She deigned a smile to both Cody and Rex. Rex still hadn't gotten used to her friendliness after the few weeks she had been there. Lady Tano looked up at the sky and shrugged.

"It happens almost everyday, Anakin." She said. "You're just upset because Lady Amidala is going to be here and you wanted everything to be perfect."

"No." Lord Skywalker grumbled.

Lady Tano gave an exasperated sigh.

"Whatever you say, Anakin. I'd better go get ready for the ball. I suggest you get over yourself and do the same."

She turned with a grace that Rex swore wasn't natural. The rumors were that Lady Tano had been sent here by her previous patron, Lord Koon, because she was a Mistborn, to be trained under Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker. They were apparently Mistborns too, but watching Lord Skywalker storm back into the keep like a petulant child made Rex wonder about those rumors.

To Rex's surprise, Lady Tano stopped before entering the keep again.

"Anything out of the ordinary?" She asked Rex and Cody.

Rex blinked and glanced at Cody. Lady Tano had a teasing lilt to her voice. Rex knew better than to respond in kind.

"No, my Lady." Rex finally said.

"Keep up the good work then." Lady Tano said.

She left, Lord Skywalker complaining after her.

Rex waited until they were out of earshot before turning his head slightly to Cody.

"What was that about?" He muttered.

Cody shrugged.

"I guess not all nobles are like House Kamino."

It was dark soon and the mists came. Rex shivered in them. Even House Kamino's harsh training had not completely removed the fear of the mists from its skaa soldiers. It didn't make sense, seeing as Rex, along with almost every other soldier under their 'care', had been taken at a very young age. Rex barely remembered his mother. He wasn't even sure that Cody was his full blood brother. Not that that mattered. Rex considered many of the soldiers he had trained with his brothers.

The limelights soon were lit and Rex could see the carriages begin to roll in. He recognized most of them; most bore their house's colors and crest. He spotted Lord Koon's, Lady Amidala's, and Lord Organa's. Good people, at least by noblemen standards.

Music began drifting up from the open pavilion that Lord Kenobi used as a ballroom. The ash fall had stopped, so no canopy was needed. From up on the wall, all Rex could see was vague colored shapes that represented the couples.

Rex's stomach growled. He wouldn't have a chance to eat until the night's festivities were over. He was used to it. House Kenobi was in fact far more generous in feeding their skaa than House Kamino had been.

He watched the swirling bright colors below him. Ball nights usually meant the guards could be a bit lax. Any Mistborn that would want his lords dead was probably at that ball.

The hours passed slowly. Rex vaguely wondered how they could keep dancing for so long. He didn't see the appeal.

A noise behind him made him jump. Both he and Cody stepped back, readying their spears at whoever was coming through the door.

It was Lady Tano, dressed in a sparkling maroon ball gown. Rex relaxed as she slipped out of the door. She was bearing a large tray, filled with pieces of bread stuffed with meats and cheeses.

"Lady Tano?" Cody asked. "Is there something you need?"

"I'm more concerned about what you need." She said. "Obi Wan told me that ball nights are long for the guards. I'd figured you hadn't had anything to eat."

She proffered the tray. Rex and Cody stared at it. Questions lay on Rex's tongue, but even with Lady Tano's friendly demeanor, he didn't dare ask them.

Lady Tano rolled her eyes.

"Obi Wan said it was okay." She said. "All the other guards took one. Go ahead."

Rex finally lifted one off the tray and bowed his thanks. Cody followed suit. Lady Tano's smile widened.

"You're Cody and Rex, right?" She asked.

Rex blinked in surprise. Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker knew their names, but it had taken far longer than a few weeks to get them right consistently. Rex nodded again.

"Have a good night then, Cody and Rex. Hopefully the ball won't last much longer." She said.

She turned, most likely to find the next set of guards.

"Why aren't you still at the ball?" Rex burst out, then winced.

Lady Tano turned with a dark expression. Rex swallowed, but ready to be punished for speaking out of turn.

"I don't care for much of the company down there." She said. "And I don't care to pretend to."

It took a moment for Rex to realize her anger wasn't directed at him. She was glaring down at the bright lights and swirling colors.

"I understand that we have to keep the Houses from war, but-" She shook her head. "Tolerating scum like Dooku and Krell is too much."

Rex watched her expression. Even with her brow furrowed in frustration, she was beautiful. Rex found himself wanting to stare for a long time.

Then he remembered what she was, and more importantly, what he was. He looked down.

She sighed and turned around again. Once again boldness hit Rex.

"Have a good night, my Lady." He blurted.

She looked at him and broke into a genuine smile. Rex's heart fluttered oddly.

"Thank you!" She said, as if he had given her a lovely compliment. "Good night!"

Rex watched her go. Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker were good masters, but there was something different about Lady Tano. It was almost as if she cared.

Rex found himself thinking of Lady Tano often, especially on quiet nights like tonight, as he led the midnight patrol. In the weeks following the ball, Rex tried not to let himself get too attached to her. Lady Tano made it very difficult. She was constantly around, talking to the guards and servants. She seemed genuinely interested in their lives. Rex had tried very hard at first to be terse with her and give little information, but she was beginning to crack him. He was still waiting for the day that she proved her noble status.

Lady Tano never visited too late at night. Rex guessed it was because she was out training as a Mistborn. Rex had never seen one before, but he had heard plenty of rumors. They were supposed to be gods among men, able to kill with a look, and virtually invincible.

A crash sounded above. Rex and his men looked up. As if called by his thoughts, two dark figures had burst from a window and were flying towards Rex's patrol.

Rex gave a shout, readying his men. They moved into position. The first dark figure landed in front of them on the wall, tassels floating around them. Rex's suspicions had been right: a Mistborn. The figure wore no hood, and Rex recognized the man as Lord Maul Talzin. The man turned a crazed eye towards the group of soldiers. Rex was thrown backwards by his breastplate, skidding across the ground. Most of his men followed him. Out of the corner of his eye, Rex saw one of the guards go over the side.

"Jesse!" Rex roared, trying to get to his feet.

"No!" A new voice shouted. It sounded like Lady Tano.

The second figure had landed. The mists swirled around her and from over the side, Jesse rocketed back up. Rex scrambled to catch him as his fellow guard crashed back onto the wall. Rex glanced back at the two Mistborn. The second was definitely Lady Tano. Had she Iron-pulled Jesse back up?

Lady Tano rushed at Maul, two daggers gleaming in her hands. Maul laughed openly and dodged gracefully out of the way. Rex watched them duel, uncertainty freezing his limbs. Should he help? Did she even need help? Where the hell were Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker?

As the battle progressed, it became clear that Maul was the stronger Mistborn. Rex realized that Lady Tano was struggling against her foe as well as keeping his attention away from his patrol. She was backing up farther and farther away down the wall. Rex looked down, one of their spears at his feet.

She had been kind to him, kind to his men. But could he risk-

Lady Tano cried out as Maul scored a hit. Rex didn't think as he grabbed the spear, hefted it, and hurled it at the dueling pair. Then, burning the steel he shouldn't have been able to use, he pushed. The spear flew down the length of the wall, like an oversized arrow. It hit its mark. Maul froze as the spear pierced his back. Lady Tano took the opportunity to slash Maul's throat.

Maul fell.

Lady Tano paused only for a second before hurrying back towards the patrol. Rex felt cold. He'd revealed his secret, the power he wasn't supposed to have. There was a difference between being kind to skaa and accepting a skaa Misting. If he was lucky, Lady Tano would just kill him right then and there. If he wasn't, she would call the Steel Inquisitors to take him away.

Rex bowed his head as Lady Tano grew closer. He waited for her angry words or even her blade. She rushed past him to his groaning squad.

"Is everyone okay?" She asked. "Jesse? Are you hurt?"

Relief washed over Rex as he heard his men assure her they were all right. They had been disorientated by Maul's Steel-push far longer than Rex had. Had they realized what he'd done?

"Go inform Lord Skywalker and Lord Kenobi what's happened." Lady Tano said. "I must speak to Rex."

Rex listened to his men's armor clank as they ran off. He could feel Lady Tano's eyes on him.

"You're lucky he wasn't burning atium." Lady Tano said. "Otherwise that would never have worked."

Rex stayed silent. Lady Tano came closer.

"It was you who helped, wasn't it?" She asked. "You were the only one up. Only an Allomancer could have made that shot. Are you a Thug or a Coinshot?"

Her voice- it wasn't angry or aggressive. Just curious and thankful.

"Coinshot." Rex found himself muttering.

He chanced a glance upward and found Lady Tano studying him. She didn't seem offended by his existence.

"Do you know who in your family is noble?" She asked.

Rex hesitated. She was probably trying to out whatever noble was failing in his duty of killing his half-blood bastards. No matter. Rex's father was dead.

"Lord Jango Fett." He said.

Lady Tano cocked her head.

"Huh." She said. "He always seemed more efficient than that."

Rex snorted. If only she knew the amount of half breed bastards Jango had left behind. Rex knew of at least four other Mistings from Jango's line. Cody was a Smoker, Wrecker was a Thug, Crosshair was a Tineye, and Hunter was a Seeker. Rex knew better than to let Lady Tano know that.

It was silent for a long moment after that. Rex clenched his fists. Was she or was she not going to turn him in?

"Lady Tano-"

"Do you want me to teach you?" Lady Tano interrupted.

Rex stared at her.

"What?" He asked. "You're- you're not going to have me killed?"

Lady Tano's expression darkened.

"No." She said. "No, Rex, I'm not."

"Will you tell Lord Kenobi or Lord Skywalker?" He asked.

"Not if you don't want me to." She said.

She held out her hand.

"Let me teach you." She said. "You have a wonderful gift."

Rex hesitated. If any other nobleman found out-

He looked into her earnest, beautiful eyes.

He took her hand.

The mists were Rex's home. He wondered how he could have ever feared them as he fell through the air. Of course six months being forced to fly about in them desensitized one to the swirling white mass. Rex pushed against a blue line, forcing himself higher into Luthadel's night. The cool air rushed past his face. Ahsoka flew parallel to him, mistcloak tassels streaming behind her. She flashed a grin at him.

No, the mists alone were not his home. Being in the mists with her was home. They arced over buildings together, pushing in sync. Suddenly she veered off to the side, disappearing into the mists. It was an invitation. Catch me if you can.

Rex immediately changed course, pushing on an iron gate below to follow her trajectory. Part of him wished for the abilities of a Tineye, to pierce the mists, but that would take away some of the challenge of the game. He didn't know if he wanted that.

She was better than him, of course, but he was improving quickly. He didn't know if he'd ever be able to match her. She had an unfair disadvantage of being able to Steelpush and Ironpull. The mists streamed by him. They hid the ugly, dirty shame that was Luthadel. At night, Rex could almost ignore the suffering of the city. Ahsoka and Rex's lords did everything they could to alleviate the misery of the skaa here. Rex loved her for that.

"Rex!"

Ahsoka's voice bounced around the mists, seeming to come from everywhere. He managed to see her silhouette far above. He pushed on a few more lines to reach her, and pushed on something below to join her.

He burst from the mist into a field of white. He looked around, disorientated, until he saw Ahsoka. She was hovering in the air, pushing just enough so that she neither fell or went up. Rex quickly balanced himself as well. He followed her gaze, which was trained upward.

"Stars." She whispered.

Rex could barely see the pinpricks through the hazy sky. Ahsoka had told him about them, but most nights it was too clouded by the ash to see them. Rex stared at them. What exactly were they? What made them burn? Why-

He noticed with a jolt that Ahsoka had drifted closer to him. Her relaxed posture as she looked up belied the intense effort and concentration it would take to float over to him.

Rex took in her face, captivated by the enraptured look there. She always made the hardest things look easy.

"I wish we could see them every night. I wish the world wasn't this way." Ahsoka said. "The ash, the noble squabbles, the way the skaa are treated."

She closed her eyes for a long moment. Rex realized that tears were streaming down her face.

"Ahsoka." Rex said.

She turned to look at him. Her eyes were so blue. There was no color that was that vibrant in nature.

Rex fought against years of training and being told he was less than those he served as he lifted his hands to her face. Those beautiful blue eyes widened as he touched her. He prayed he wasn't making a mistake as he used his thumb to wipe away some of her tears.

"Things have changed. You changed them. Things are better for the skaa in the lands you and the lords control. You made them better."

She continued to stare into his face. He had nothing more to say, but he kept his hands on her cheeks.

"Thank you." She whispered.

Lord Ruler, he loved her.

He lifted her face slightly. He heard her breath catch as he lowered his head. He pressed his lips to hers.

She wrapped her arms around him and together they lowered slowly back into the mists, where they belonged.

I hope you enjoyed, even if you're not familiar with Mistborn. (I highly recommend Brandon Sanderson, start with Mistborn: The Final Empire)

The next one should be out in a couple of days. I'm so close to being done with the semester.

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

i know it’s been while since since the bad batch ended but i still felt empty and i don’t know what to do. yes it was like 3 months ago, yes it ended happily, but what do the creators expect, for me to move on????

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!

Executive Cucumber's thoughts on the Bad Batch: Season 3x06 and 3x07 (I'm pretty sure I'm formatting this differently every time. Oh well)

Okay, there's a subject I'm going to have to postpone until the end of the post because I want all my thoughts on that to be together: the main operative clone. And the rest might be slightly out of order. I'm also doing this before I see anyone else's thoughts, just so we get the pure version.

Let's go!

I honestly thought that Senator Singh and Riyo were dead meat. But no, they're fine because REX IS COOLER THAN ANYONE. Ugh that man. Freaking throwing the grenade back at him.

Clones are beautiful. That is all.

THAT'S THAT ONE PLACE FROM THE OG CLONE WARS MOVIE!!! TETH!!!

Howzer I love you but if you touch Crosshair we will be having words.

I am actually really proud of Crosshair and his restraint this episode. He could have been really cutting to Howzer.

OMEGA WITH THE TOOTHPIIIIICKS and Hunter is jealouuuus

EDIT: ECHO AND THE CROSSBOW HE'S SO SWEET

WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU CROSSHAIR

It's really nice to see normal clones being normal again. (Too bad it doesn't last)

There's something up with Omega. I'm not going to lie, I think that she and Rex are going to plan to get her captured in order to track her back to Tantiss.

HOWZER STOP DISTRUSTING CROSSHAIR THIS MOMENT

I appreciate that Hunter doesn't seem to distrust Crosshair during this point.

...they really shouldn't have brought that operative back.

Rex is considering stealing Omega, I swear. I love that he gets down to her level.

WOOOOOOOOOOOLFFE (Plo would be so disappointed in you)

It's...odd to see these normal troopers with him.

It's also strange that he cannot comprehend that the clones could be traitors at first.

STOP DYING YOU BEAUTIFUL REGS

'She only bites half the time' I'm pretty sure Omega is lying here but I don't care.

CROSSHAIR IS SUCH A WORRIED DAD HOLY CRAP. 'Oh, I'm much worse' I LOVE YOU

And this just gives such a little insight into how the Batch was when they were together. I have a feeling that Crosshair was a fusser and a nagger.

And I love how Howzer's natural and correct conclusion is: 'no one evil could love that child.' (Unless you're Nala Se)

Hey, actual candor from Crosshair. I keep saying this is who he always was under it all, but I do think he's healed somewhat, at least towards regs. The healing power of Omega.

'Too bad' I LOVE THIS MAN

STOP DYING REGS

Rex talking down Wolffe reminded me so much of him trying to talk Jesse down. So ow.

Okay, what ROCK have they shoved Wolffe under for the last YEAR??? YES THE EMPIRE WOULD GET RID OF THE CLONES YOU DOG BRAINED IDIOT

(Plo would be proud that you let them go)

...they just killed all of Rex's clones, except Howzer and Gregor. And I have a bad feeling about Howzer. STOP TAKING THINGS FROM REX HASN'T HE LOST ENOUGH???

Okay here we are, at the big topic. Hold onto your pants.

That operative clone. Is. Tech. Because if he is not, they are purposefully using the narrative to deceive us.

I might miss a few things, but that's because I'm up past my bedtime and I've been up too late the last few days.

1. The falling and water parallels. This clone falls a LOT during this episode and dives into a lot of water. He even falls into mist. This time it's to kill and capture his siblings instead of save them.

2. The injury. This clone is hobbling around a lot after his injury, which was immediately reminiscent of Tech's broken leg at the beginning of season 2. Both of them are forcing themselves past their limit to achieve a mission. Specifically with injured legs.

3. General attitude and demeanor. In combination with the stealth and injury, this clone has a more hunched posture. His speech patterns are more formal, though we haven't really heard a lot of other clone operatives talk with their helmets on. But he's also apparently allergic to orders. I first thought that he'd be out of the chain of command, but they would have told Wolffe that he wasn't in charge of the operative if that were the case. Or the operative would have straight up told him 'I don't take orders from you' instead of staring awkwardly at him. Instead he runs off and does his own thing. While injured. Not to mention the buttons on his gauntlet. The other clone operatives don't have those.

4. The cybernetic legs. Now we don't know for sure if Tech would have cybernetic legs, but it seems likely for a severely injured trooper. And when Crosshair is looking at the heat signature, you can see that his legs are blue instead of yellow or red. No heat. Not organic.

5. What he says to Crosshair. 'You could have been one of us.' 'You chose the wrong side.' Yes, he's talking about Crosshair resisting the re-education. But flip it on its head real quick. 'You could have been one of us. One of the Bad Batch.' 'You chose the wrong side. The Empire.' Those lines very easily have double meanings.

6. An interesting one is when he starts moving rocks after the explosion. Why would he do that? Why not immediately go find another way in? He's moving only the smaller rocks. There's a large one in the way that he couldn't move himself. And he doesn't get the rest of the troopers to come move it when they arrive. He almost seems confused.

Like he's somewhere else after an explosion, having to move rocks. Like in the Crossing.

I know that this hardly seem like iron clad evidence. But in the language of story telling, it's practically screaming in our faces.

And I'm so glad he's back. I missed him. He won't be himself for a while, but I legitimately believe we'll get one last fight with the Batch all together. Because brain washing is a heck of a lot easier to fix than being dead.

My sister is doing the good work and creating a tik token about it, and I'll probably share it here when she's finished.

(We're getting the episode 'Identity Crisis ON MY BIRTHDAY and so help me if that's about Tech)

Honestly I thought I'd be more excited, but I spent the entire two episodes forcing myself into not having expectations and also I might be in shock.