12 Days Of Rexsoka Day 2: Just Like Old Times/Memories

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!

GUYS GUYS GUYS Last year my sisters got me a commission from the one and only @lornaka to make a cover for my fic, and it's finished, right in time for the end of my hiatus!!! LOOK AT IT IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL I'M GOING TO CRY!!!

All credits go to the wonderful @lornaka, as if I could ever draw something this amazing.

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.

Executive Cucumber's (sorta) thoughts about the Bad Batch 03×10 & 03x11!

Spoilers under the cut

All right guys, I'm not doing my full list of thoughts. These episodes were really, really emotional for me for many reasons and I do not have the emotional energy to do my usual dives. I'm stepping away from the fandom in general for this week. Honestly, for my mental health, I just do not need to be around Fandom discourse right now. I've already left the pertinent subreddits and hopefully I'll survive.

But my brief thoughts!

So, I majored in the Humanities in college. I saw and read a lot of amazing art. But there was a category of art that I like to call, 'this was beautiful and poignant and life changing, but I never want to consume it again.'

These episodes fall under this category. They were art, and they were excruciating.

I also am still firmly in camp 'CX-2 is Tech.' Because it actively makes The Point of No Return less tragic if it is not him. Part of the reason I was sobbing during it was that it was TECH who was being so cruel, destroying the home he'd nearly had, destroying HIS ship, nearly killing his brothers.

And it's Tech, who gave Omega her first comm, who loves her, who would die to keep her safe, who takes her comm and takes her back to Tantiss.

Plus, who the heck else says 'domicile?'

(On the plus side, he gets his revenge on Cid)

My heart is broken for Omega. I hate that she has to make this choice. I KNEW she was going to sacrifice herself. If anyone says 'the Empire did nothing wrong' to me, even as a joke, they're losing a finger.

I dread how the rest of the Batch are going to confront each other about this. Crosshair was also the only one who would let her do this. In a positive way.

...I loved seeing Phee.

I wish I had more to say about Identity Crisis, but I spent that episode trying to overcome my disappointment that it wasn't about Tech. It was still an exceptional episode, regardless of my expectations.

But I do want to say, Cad Bane takes a lot of kid jobs. What's up with that? Weirdo.

Anyway, happy birthday to me! I get: Omega getting taken and Tech destroying everything he loves. Yaaaaaaaaaaaay.

This is me. All the time now. So many emotions AND THE BLOODY SEASON HASN'T EVEN STARTED YET.

i am having an overwhelming amount of anxiety over bad batch season 3 coming out. but i’m also having a lot of excitement too.

bc i’m very much “FUCK YEA WERE SO FUCKING BACK” but at the same time it’s “do i really wanna be back after that?” idk im very scared and excited at the same time. im very much “we all live or we all die” rn bc i i can’t stand the idea of them not being all together :(( it breaks my heart i just love them too much

i’m also very sad abt leaving clone wars era bc i love the clones sm.

idk just feeling a lot of emotions rn and it’s very overwhelming and it’s very scary but bad batch season 3 so i’m chilling

Rexsoka Week 2021 Day 5: Show Me Your Dark Side

Honestly, I’m considering fleshing this one out into a full fic.

Day 5: Show Me Your Dark Side

Commander Rex stood at the communications station. He was not supposed to be here, but as both Lord Vader's and the First Sister's favored pet, few would challenge him. Rex never thought he'd be grateful for that position, especially now that he was leaking information to the Rebels. But it gave him protection from the clone-hating higher ups, like Tarkin, who would have him killed in a moment.

Rex tried to look business-like as he entered the frequency for whoever received his information. Part of him clung to a hope that it was his brothers that used his knowledge to fight against the Empire. He had been able to wake up from the chip; surely there were others.

"This is King." He muttered into the receiver. "Sending coordinates for Imperial supply rendezvous now." 

He entered the data stick that would wipe itself after it transferred the information. He waited, tense as it uploaded the coordinates.

"Coordinates received." A distorted voice crackled through the comm. "Thank you, King." 

"May the Force be with you." Rex said before shutting the comm off.

It was easy to erase the logs of his communication. He crushed the datastick under his heel and threw it down the garbage chute. He sent a few sanctioned messages before turning to the doorway.

It was occupied.

The First Sister's sickly yellow eyes narrowed as Rex met her gaze.

"My lady." Rex said calmly, though his heart was in his mouth. "Do you need something?"

"What were you doing?" Her voice was harsh.

"I was sending communications to-"

"Don't lie to me, Commander."

Rex stood straight as she stalked around him. 

"Did you think we haven't noticed?" She hissed in his ear. "Your work is sloppy and obvious. You think Lord Vader and I will protect you. You are wrong."

A lightsaber ignited behind him and Rex tried not to flinch.

"Why now?" Rex asked, hit with a surge of boldness. "If you've known this whole time, why only now?"

The First Sister did not immediately run him through.

"It is the Emperor's will." She said softly, sounding more like herself than Rex had heard in months.

Then Rex was correct. She, along with Vader, had tolerated his treachery out of, if not affection, respect for their previous bonds. Rex slowly turned to again meet her gaze.

"Ahsoka-"

"That is not my name!" She hissed.

"You know this is wrong." Rex plowed on. "You've always known."

Silence.

"I thought you were above stalling for your own life, Commander." She said.

"I'm not stalling for mine." Rex said. "I'm trying to save yours."

She once again didn't respond.

"This isn't who you are, Ahsoka." Rex said. This time she didn't protest the use of her old name. "You're like me. We are meant to protect."

"There is no turning back." Ahsoka said. "The person I was is dead. It's- too late for me, Rex."

Rex shook his head. He refused to believe the woman he had loved was gone.

"I don't think it is." Rex said. "And I don't think you're going to kill me."

For a moment, Rex thought he was wrong. Her eyes grew hard and she lifted her sabers. 

Rex tried not to shake as he reached past the red blades to touch her face. Immediately she closed her eyes against his touch and her lightsabers lowered. They shut off.

"I can't, Rex." She whispered. "You know what we've- what I've done."

"I can be with you." Rex said. "I'll help you. We can undo the harm we've caused."

Pain crossed Ahsoka's face. Rex could see her slipping back under into the shroud of the First Sister.

“Ahsoka-” Rex pleaded, desperate to keep her here with him.

“So, you have caught the traitor in the act.”

The deep voice of Vader made Rex’s blood freeze. He barely turned his head to see the imposing figure of his general in the doorway.

“Why do you hesitate?” Vader said. “The Emperor has ordered his death.”

Ahsoka’s lightsabers ignited again. Rex closed his eyes and readied himself for her strike.

It did not come.

“He’s been leaking information to the Rebellion.” Ahsoka said. “There is much he could tell us.”

“The Emperor was clear in his instructions.” Vader’s voice was flat. “If you are too weak to do it, then I will.”

He ignited his own lightsaber. Rex flinched as the red blade swung towards him. It was caught by Ahsoka’s sabers. Ahsoka stumbled back, as Vader lifted his blade. She seemed surprised by what she had done.

“You are not only weak, but a traitor as well.” Vader said. 

“No, Master, I did not mean-” Ahsoka stammered. “His information is beneficial to us! Master-”

She sounded like the padawan Rex had first met on Christophsis.

“I had deluded myself into believing you would not be a disappointment.” Vader went on. “I should have trusted my instincts.”

Rex did not expect the pain that flashed across Ahsoka’s face. Nor did he expect Vader to raise his hand and hurl Rex backwards into the wall of screens. Rex let out a strangled shout and then darkness fell.

Rex woke with a throbbing headache. His training kicked in and he forced his eyes open regardless. The first thing he saw was the glowing streaks of hyperspace and the dashboard of a ship. He was propped up in the co-pilot's chair of a Lambda-class Imperial shuttle. He knew who would be in the pilot's seat, but he still slowly turned his head.

Ahsoka was silently controlling the craft. What he could see of her face was pale, but her hands were steady. She was turned slightly away from him and he couldn't see her eyes.

"Ahsoka?" Rex asked.

"How do you feel?" There was something in her voice that hadn't been there since before the Empire rose to power.

Rex reached his hand up to feel the back of his head. His fingers met bacta patches.

"Like I've been thrown against a wall of screens." He said.

Ahsoka was silent.

"I'm sorry." She finally said. "I should have realized he would have gone for you.”

“It’s okay.” Rex said. “How- how did we survive?”

He had served under Vader long enough to know that few escaped his wrath.

Ahsoka shrugged.

“I knew there was a storage bay beneath that room. I managed to cut through the floor and grab you. I was able to lose him there. You know he can’t move that quickly.”

Rex nodded slowly.

“Thank you.” He said.

She didn’t reply. For a moment Rex let the silence hold, but eventually he needed to know.

"Where are we going?" 

"Away." 

"From where?" Rex asked.

"Everything. The Empire, the Rebellion, all of it." Ahsoka said.

Rex sat up straighter. This- wasn't what he expected. He supposed it was foolish to think she would turn back into the idealistic young woman he had known. Too much had happened to them.

"Ahsoka, we don't have to run away." He said. "There's good we could do."

"No." Ahsoka said. "No, the Empire is searching for us. We would do more harm."

"Ahsoka-"

"You're all I have left." Ahsoka said. 

She turned to look at him. One of her eyes shone a soft blue at him. The other was still a sharp yellow.

Rex was suddenly glad they were not going to the Rebellion.

"Okay." Rex said. "Okay. We'll lay low."

For a while. He added in his head. They would have to do something about that eye. Rex wasn't very knowledgeable about the Force, but he knew Ahsoka's eyes had changed when she had.

But he was confident that he would be able to turn her to the Rebellion's cause.

She leaned forward to take his hand. She studied it for a moment, before pressing it to her lips. He shivered at the touch.

"I will protect you." She said against his skin. "I won't let them have you."

Rex cupped her cheek with his other hand. He swiped his thumb across the white markings of her cheek. He relished in having her back..

But the back of his mind shuddered at her words. Protect him from what? And at what cost?

Check it out and my ongoing Rexsoka fics on A03!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34125910/chapters/85106296

https://archiveofourown.org/users/ExecutiveCucumber/works

I've finally decided to get some of my thoughts out there about the newest episode! (Even though every one does it lol)

BAD BATCH 03-04 SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT

Okay at this point, putting Crosshair in cold places has got to be thematic, right? They have to animate their visible breath and they could have had any climate. I bet Tantiss was uncomfortably cold too. LET MY MAN BE WARM.

Omega and Crosshair's sass is killing me and it's everything I could have ever wanted.

CROSSHAIR HAS A BASEBALL CAP

What really struck me about this episode is how much Omega is using her skills learned from Cid. Cid haunts this episode like Tech haunts the last three. It's really sad, actually.

CROSSHAIR BEING CALLED HER DAD

Omega: which one I have 5

Great parallels to their first mission with Cid.

Gall, I love how Crosshair trusts Omega.

I know that Crosshair is scared to meet up with the Batch, but my first reaction is that he's genuinely trying to prepare Omega for the possibility that they won't come.

WRECKER'S REUNION IS EVERYTHING I COULD HAVE ASKED FOR!!!!

Hunter's could have gone on a bit more, but that IS his first hug with her.

I totally understand that they couldn't wait for Echo but the poor man probably just got a text saying 'BRB getting Omega' and that's it. I really hope we see their reunion. And him. I miss him.

When Hemlock said that they could track the ship they took and then we saw the Marauder, I realized that Tech is still protecting them. The Marauder is a safe place and can't be tracked because of him. (And it will be great when he gets back BECAUSE HE IS ALIVE)

Hunter and Wrecker's reactions are so understandable, but it doesn't mean it can't hurt to see. We want them to see what we've seen, but they only know chip is removed, 'I'm staying with the Empire', and that he sent a message that led to Tech's fall. They don't even know that the chip was enhanced.

Not to say that they're blameless. They dropped the ball when he started manifesting symptoms. I think apologies on both sides could go a long way.

But in the end, aren't they all just victims of the Empire?

ALSO CROSSHAIR'S MUSICAL THEME. IT'S MY FAVORITE.

I DON'T WANNA WAIT A WEEK

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????

I've watched it like 5 times, and I don't really rewatch episodes normally, so I think this is an accurate statement.

i think we can all collectively agree that ep 5 the return is now The comfort episode, right?

i mean… we got so many things. echo came back, we got a little chuckle and a smile out of crosshair, his old armor, hunter and crosshair bickering (again) and the batch becoming whole again 🥹🥹

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!