#autistic tech | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sailorkamino · 1 year

Text

the force and plants (tech's pov)

wildflower masterlist

relationships: twi'lek!jedi!reader x tech [gn, neurodivergent reader, can be platonic or romantic]

word count: 1.9k

summary: You and Tech can talk for hours about your shared interests and curiosities. On your first mission to Felucia you go on a nature walk and explain how you perceive each batcher in the force.

warnings: tech and reader are neurodivergent, brief insecurities, mentioned sensory overload, tech worries his info dumping is annoying, reader befriends a snake, dehumanization/mistreatment of clones

mando'a translations: vod- sibling, ori'vod- older sibling

ryl translations: nerra- brother

Tech has never met anyone that shared his thirst for knowledge, then he got a jedi.

When you mention liking plants he tells you every fact he knows. When you fire back with plants he’s never even heard of he stares at you in shock. Later he uses his datapad to confirm everything you told him is correct. He doesn't sleep that night. Too busy researching.

The next day he sees the lockscreen on your own datapad. It’s you, a Kel Dor jedi, and a clone trooper with a gigantic white wolf. You notice his stare and smile. “Did you know loth wolves are force sensitive?” No, he did not know that. He asks you multiple questions about the force and the jedi. He knows Hunter told him not to interrogate you but he can’t help himself and you don’t seem to mind.

“I read that jedi can heal with the force. How does that work, sir?”

“Well first you use the force to assess the injury, feel how much damage is done and envision what needs to be fixed. Then you use the living force to speed up the natural healing process.”

“Can you read minds?”

“Yes but not in the way that you think. I don’t hear verbal thoughts, it’s more like feelings and intentions.”

“What is the force like?”

“It’s like a comm in the back of my mind, constantly flicking through channels. The volume changes but it never turns off.” Without meaning to his face screws up. That sounds completely overwhelming. He thinks about Hunter hiding under his blankets, whimpering from sensory overload after a hard training session. He frowns worryingly.

You smile as if sensing his concern. You probably can. “I know it sounds like a lot but once you’re used to the background music, you can’t live without it.”

You also enjoy mechanics but oddly enough you talk about droids like they're living beings. You confess that when you first joined the order, later than most and unable to speak a word of basic, you had a hard time making friends. You spent a lot of time with droids. Tech can relate.

Then you’re excitedly pulling him to your temporary quarters on Kamino, saying you have something to show him. “When my master found out I was joining a unit without an official medic he got me Pup.”

“Pup?”

“She’s an AZI series surgical assistant droid!”

He shouldn’t be surprised you’ve named your droid. And gave it pronouns. You never use CT numbers when referring to clones. If they don’t have a name yet you call them vod or nerra or even an affectionate name like dear one. But never by a number.

You even show him the inner workings of your lightsaber, all though Tech is a bit distracted by the fact the parts are all levitating. The way you explain your weapon as it’s a part of you reminds him of Crosshair.

You both have an interest in foreign languages and cultures. Tech explains that growing up the bad batch were completely isolated from other clones and most trainers. The little mando’a they do know they learnt from their ori’vod, 99.

Your conversations become a mix of languages the others fail to keep up with: Basic, Ryl, Dai Bendu, Mando’a, and even Huttese. You’re practically fluent thanks to past undercover work and Tech finds the crass language interesting. The insults are most creative.

When he sits in the pilot seat of the marauder for the first time you’re beside him with a smirk, “modify anything you want, just tell me how to use it.” He has never been given so much creative freedom before and it makes his mind buzz with ideas. When he tests how fast the ship can go his brothers scream but you grin in the co pilot's seat. Tech finds he quite enjoys your company.

Your first mission takes you to Felucia. It’s a success. The locals invite the you all to a feast that night but until then you have some free time. Tech wonders if you would be interested in helping him with those modifications you mentioned. Just then you enter the ship.

“I’m going to do some exploring if anyone wants to come. A local told me a lot of flowers are blooming right now.”

Tech’s head snaps up at your offer. Being raised on Kamino he has no real life experience with plants. It sounds most fascinating. He tells you so. You grin, bid goodbye to the rest of the batch, and the two of you are off.

He’s excitedly telling you about the medicinal properties of a neon colored flower when he spares a glance at you, his words trailing off awkwardly. Your back is to him as you kneel in the grass. Apparently the ground is more interesting than him.

The dismissal stings a bit but he tries to ignore it. He should be used to this kind of reaction by now. But… he learnt all this for you. He thought you liked plants. Maybe he’s the problem?

“Why’d you stop?”

The question makes him pause. He wasn’t expecting that. Maybe you’re pretending to care about his lecture to spare his feelings. Yes, that makes sense. From what he’s observed you care a great deal about other’s feelings.

“Apologies, general. I have the tendency to ramble.”

“I know.” You state neutrally. He gulps, feeling his ears redden in shame. Then you’re standing and turning to face him in one swift movement, a comforting smile on your lips. “I like it.”

For a moment he’s speechless. A feeling Tech is not used to. “Pardon?”

Then he notices something bright blue-green curled around your bare arm. Because you didn’t want to wear any armor for a nature walk. He has so many questions.

“I like talking to you. I always learn something new.” You calmly pet what Tech now recognizes as some kind of snake. “Your brothers don’t mind your talking either.”

He stares at you in shock. An odd warm, fluttery feeling blooms in his chest. Maybe he’s ill. You notice his stare and offer a shrug, like you soothe insecurities while adopting unknown creatures all the time. Maybe you do.

“This little guy was chilly so I offered him some body heat.”

You say it like that explains everything. Tech still has so many questions. “How could you tell he was uncomfortable?” He finally asks.

“In the force,” you answer plainly. “I can form emotional connections with animals. He's so calm because he can sense I want to help him.”

Okay. So you can communicate with animals. He’s adding that to his notes as soon as possible. Tech continues to stare at the colorful reptile. Where has he seen that scale pattern before? He made sure to research Felucia before their arrival so it’s reasonable to assume the snake popped up, but what is it’s name?

Tech frowns as he turns on his trusty datapad. He hates not knowing things. But before he can even open the app he remembers. Feluican tree viper. Venomous. He looks at your serene face in alarm.

“Don’t worry, Tech. He won’t hurt me,” you soothe, meeting his shocked gaze with a small smile. “I can feel your concern.”

He’s still put off by the venomous reptile wrapped around your flesh but he has to admit, it’s fascinating. He raises his datapad to take a pic. You wordlessly move the animal closer. “Thank you, sir.”

“You don’t have to call me that off missions.”

He hums noncommittally. The viper flicks out an orange tongue just as he snaps the holopic. “Do animals feel different than humans in the force?” He asks curiously.

“Mhmm it depends. All living things have a presence but creatures and plants are more... shallow." You give him a playful look, “I can recognize familiar signatures. I would never confuse you with a snake.”

“Do clones feel different from one another?”

“Of course they do!” You answer immediately, as if the question is ridiculous. “I could tell you apart blindfolded.”

He recalls a time the two of you were working on your droid when without looking up you greeted Crosshair who had entered the room. Tech didn’t think that much of it at the time. Growing up with a brother who can hear heartbeats and recognize scents he’s used to that kind of behavior. But now he’s curious.

“How do you perceive me?”

“You feel like… a tuned up engine.” Your eyes widen in alarm at your own words, the snake suddenly becoming restless against you. Tech is confused by your sudden change in demeanor. And slightly worried about the venomous reptile. If you get agitated while sharing an emotional connection with a creature, how will they react? For the first time in Tech life, he doesn't want to learn.

"Not in an inhuman way!” You splutter. “Your mind is just… a lot of working parts coming together. Is that rude?”

Tech has never been good at social cues but he is genuinely baffled now. Nothing about your explanation seemed snide or backhanded. “How would that be rude? It sounds like a fitting description.”

You take a calming breath as the viper slithers torwards your chest in an almost sympathetic way, small head resting over your heart. It's seemed to relax thankfully. It's almost like it's trying to comfort you? Fascinating. Your voice is meek when you answer, “well, some nat-borns treat clones like droids. I don’t want you to think I’m like that.”

Tech is caught off guard. Not only do you care about his emotions, you care what he thinks of you? That should be obvious. Why would he go on a nature walk with someone who views him as subhuman? Who doesn't respect him? He’s never been good at expressing himself so he just focuses on being honest. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy your presence. You have given me no reason to doubt your character.”

Your smile is gentle but meaningful. He awkwardly pushes up his goggles. Not one for emotional conversations he reverts to his comfort zone, researching. “What about my brothers?”

You hum thoughtfully as you bend down, allowing your snake friend to slither into the brush. You notice some fire colored flowers and plop onto the ground to get a closer look.

“Hunter is like… A calm forest.” You say, plucking a few of the plants. “Wrecker is fireworks.” You begin to tie the stems together with nimble fingers. “Crosshair is the air before a storm.”

Tech finds all your descriptions fitting. He's efficient. Hunter is steady. Wrecker is free spirited. Crosshair is harsh. That only leaves one member. “What about you?” He asks.

“Me?”

“How are you perceived by fellow jedi?”

“Well it changes from person to person but I’ve been told I’m bright and warm.” You explain as you stand. “My master once called me a shooting star.”

You suddenly thrust the hoop of flowers towards Tech. “It’s a necklace!” You explain proudly. He observes your innocent happiness as he dons the creation. He finds it hard to accept you’re the same warrior who took out 50+ battle droids only hours ago.

“Thank you, gen–” he cuts himself off, recalling your preferred nickname. “Thank you, Blossom.”

You positively beam. Tech is not force sensitive, nor does he understand the mystical energy field, yet he finds himself agreeing with your master’s assessment. You are indeed a shooting star.

#the bad batch #tbb x reader #the bad batch x reader #tech x reader #tbb tech x reader #bad batch tech #tbb tech #autistic tech #the neurodivergent batch #tech x you #star wars #bad batch #tbb #clone wars #clones x reader #clone wars x reader #clone force 99

309 notes · View notes

rachelsdamhairbrush · 1 year

Text

ok so at the end of the most recent bad batch episode when Cid calls Tech “goggles” and then omega looks at him and he looks back at her was that beacuse tech had been saying how he still feels even if he doesn’t show it and cid just kinda made fun of him and omega looked at him cause she knows that could have hurt him?

#bad batch #the bad batch #tech #tbb tech #echo #tbb echo #hunter #tbb hunter #wrecker #tbb wrecker #omega #omega tbb #tbb omega #crosshair #tbb crosshair #cid #tbb cid #autistic tech

79 notes · View notes

engagemythrusters · 1 year

Text

So the reason I personally think Tech is appearing to be doing “fine” about the changes around him (loss of Crosshair and Echo, Havoc Marauder being stolen) is because he is absolutely not.

This guy is deeply autistic coded, to the point where it’s basically canon (the voice actor has mentioned he perceives Tech to be on the spectrum). And as most of us know, autistic people… we don’t do so well with change. We’re really, really bad with it. We like routines so much!

But wait—you may say—why does Tech act like he’s okay with change? Simple, really: you can’t form routines in a galactic war.

Obviously, there’s routines he could keep. Things like… like the order he ate his lunch, the way he brushed his teeth, how he preparde for battle, etc. That’s portable, for the most part. But he’s not in the same place every day. He’s not doing the same thing every day. He’s not even with the same people every day! Everything changes so constantly!

Not to mention, there’s so much grooming (not THAT type) that the clones go through. They grow up specifically for one thing and one thing only: war. Tech’s case was special, obviously, but that likely guaranteed even more grooming. He was special, like his brothers. I bet they had more hands-on training than most—and likely watched just as closely. So can you imagine what would have happened, had the Kaminoans watched him lose his cool over changes? They couldn’t have let that fly. That’s not going to work on the battlefield. If he can’t adapt, he’s dead.

So. Tech needs to adapt. Tech needs to not break with changes. He needs to cope.

How do you cope with something when you can’t cope? Stuff it deep down. Ignore it. Replace the feelings with something else (ie: working out, drinking, bingeing, etc.) and refuse to acknowledge anything else.

Tech can’t keep up with changes. Tech can’t deal with them. So… he doesn’t deal with them. At all. He doesn’t let himself acknowledge the way he would have used to. He bottles them, he ignores them, whatever you want to call it.

(So no fuckin wonder he kept lashing out at Wrecker. How much can a person keep inside before the dam cracks and something leaks through?!)

#‘I have to respect their decisions’ is what he tells omega #‘Even though it can be difficult to understand we must carry on.#I may process moments and thoughts differently but it does not mean I feel any less than you.’#He is processing! differently!#because he is autistic!#and that process! is not actually… processing. z #he doesn’t wholly understand BUT HE MUST CARRY ON #so that’s my ted talk #thank you for coming to it #hope you had a nice time.#autistic tech #(my beloved)#clone trooper tech #tbb tech #tech the bad batch #star wars: the bad batch #also please note I’m coming from my personal experience as an AuDHD person. autistic with adhd.#don’t you dare try to diminish my thoughts and feelings and life experiences just because you don’t completely agree with this.#all autistic people are different and I am not wrong for how I exist.#and also that being said: your view of his ability to deal with change may vary if you are a fellow autistic person who deals with—#—change diffferently than the norm! please please view this ep to how your life experiences mould your perception of tech!#do not pay attention to me if your autism and mine don’t line up and thus our versions of tech are different in our heads #you do you <3 I love you

103 notes · View notes

eelfuneral · 1 year

Text

Tech speaks very differently from other clones. He has a different accent, avoids contractions and informal slang, and uses precise wording to describe things. He also tends to gesture a great deal and utilize almost exaggerated facial expressions, which makes his communication style stand out. As an autistic viewer, this is all very interesting to me because these can all be autistic traits, and since Dee Bradley Baker went on-record saying that Tech reads as autistic to him, I think that we can assume that some of this was intentional autistic coding. Let’s take a closer look at Tech’s wonderful (and very autistic) communication style.

Tech’s many hand gestures and exaggerated body language make sense in combat situations since his face is covered and he still needs to physically communicate with his squad mates, but this behavior also persists outside of active combat and is paired up with intense facial expressions, so I think that there might be more going on. When you are autistic, you are basically born without the innate social skills that most non-autistic people have, and facial expressions and gestures are among these skills. Some autistic people may come across as having a “flat affect” because they don’t instinctively move their faces and bodies in a way that people expect, but others overcompensate for their difficulty with neurotypical-style nonverbal communication by turning the nonverbal communication cues up to eleven. Tech strikes me as someone who has to consciously choreograph his facial expressions and body movements, and due to his intense focus, they come off as a bit exaggerated. He was raised in a culture where everyone is literally a clone of the same person, so his communication differences likely stood out to his peers early on, making him feel a needed to mask them to fit in.

Tech’s formal, precise speech is known in medical literature as “pedantic speech”, which is a terrible name in my opinion because it implies intentional condescension. As someone who speaks a bit like Tech, I don’t do it to make people feel small or intellectually inferior, but I do it because I have a hard time knowing what comes off as “overly-formal” or “stilted”. While Tech can certainly be pedantic, I don’t think that the way that he speaks comes from a place of arrogance. He just sees it as the way he naturally speaks and he likely never picked up on the levels of formality and that exist in human speech. Tech also spends a great deal of time buried in research, and I imagine that he spent more time buried in holobooks than socializing with his peers as a child, so he may not have picked up on their register and slang. He may have gotten his accent from interacting with instructional and research materials where the presenter had a similar accent, and being socially isolated (as both a “defective” clone and autistic child) meant that he didn’t develop the same accent as his peers.

There are a lot of really subtle, cool things going on with Tech’s characterization in terms of his communication style. I’m not sure how much of this is intentional autistic coding or the writers adding general “nerd” character traits (which I suspect originate from people’s observation of “nerdy” people that they had no idea were autistic), but it’s weirdly affirming to see social behaviors that I have and relate to in one of my favorite characters. While other characters get annoyed with Tech (which is entirely realistic, since non-autistic people don’t always “get” why we communicate the way that we do), no one tries to change the way that Tech communicates. They just accept him for who he is.

#tbb Tech #the bad batch meta #autistic tech #actuallyautistic #disability representation

112 notes · View notes