#brainwashed goggles

[pleasetakethis]

New favorite ep of the season acquired the moment it opened. Some shippy rambling in the live blogging ahead.

If you know me at all, you know right off the bat that I AM UNHINGED ABOUT THIS EPISODE.

NATPEGGY YASSSSSSSSSSSSSS

THE BACKSTORY INTRO!

"What are new friends for?"

THEM SHOWING OFF THEIR MOVES TO EACH OTHER !!!!!

Wasp, too??? Yasss, all the ladies!!!!!!!!!!

Peggy and Nat already working so well together in combat and the level of trust that already exists between them, I just--slkdjflasdjfklajflajlfkjas

Them sassing Loki !!!!!!

Intro credits: Elizabeth Olsen???? Wanda's here, too????? Super spoiler alert: I waited so long for her to show up 🤣

Me and the Watcher feel the same about Captain Peggy Carter <3

The role reversal when Peggy picks up Nat in that slick ass car while Nat's running... guhhhhhh.

I am here for all versions of evil Steve, including brainwashed.

SCRUFFY SKINNY STEVE!

CA: TWS parallels got me in my feels, too. Peggy/Nat is THE SHIP for me, but there's something about Peggy/Steve that hits just right the same way as Tony/Pepper, Steve/Tony, and Steve/Bucky.

The framing of these shots got me--Peggy in the background pissed because she wasn't told about the rumors of the Hydra Stomper, while Nat (listening) definitely knew about Steve:

AHHH, PEGGY'S FACE WHEN SHE REALIZED NAT KNEW:

AND DIDN'T TELL HER:

SDALKFJLAKJFLAJS

Natasha quipping "Didn't see the point in breaking your heart twice," fucked me up, oh.

DILF old man Bucky <3 Bucky getting to grow old!!!! WIBBLES.

Guess it's gonna take both of the loves of Steve's Rogers life to get through to him? lmaooo

Peggy is the perfect mirror of Captain America Steve. In goodness, selflessness, AND their particular brand of self-righteous selfishness. I love both of them for it, but especially Peggy <3

Bucky standing up and saying Steve would be stupid enough to do the same for him. 😭 Bucky trying to get through to Steve. 😭

"What can I say, Peg? I'm a sucker for a good love story." Damn, that hurts for a million different reasons. oh, Nat. <3

UMMMM the way Nat sits back and says, "You know, I always wondered how you got all those G.I. boys to follow a woman into war? Question answered." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BRAIN EMPTY! ONLY PEGGYNAT! And Nat couldn't be more obvious if she tried, but she does it so well and Peggy is distracted.

Are you kidding me with the framing of this shot?

I feel like it's foreshadowing but IT SCREAMS pining. A lot of pining:

Barton introduced Peggy to dad rock <3 fuck yes

Widow bites interrupting the kiss, lol.

Peggy being a weak point for Nat, to the point Nat gets nabbed by widow bites, JFC.

Peggy will die for Steve, the same way Steve would have died for Bucky--ughhh I do not like but I understand.

"Mission accomplished." !!! Hot damn, that was slick, A++, AND Nat tells Peggy she doesn't want to fight about it. 😏

THERE WAS A MUSICAL!

BAMF Melina. Love to hate her when she's on the wrong side, parent/child issues me in a weird way these days and this ep got under my skin.

But also: guhhhhhh these Widows.

"This isn't us! I am done fighting, Steve. [drops shield] I have been fighting for so long: to end the war, to forget what I lost. I'm… I'm tired." oh, Peggy.

oh, Steve.

oh, Nat.

This ep got me in the feels, all of them.

Peggy going back for Nat AND them running out together <3

Ugh, Nat and her transparent, "Okay. Let's hit the road." Just: THEM.

...and oops, Peggy's gone.

But then! OOOO, this Fury! AND FINALLY, WANDA!!!!!

Overall: similar in ep 4 in that it was close to the emotional impact of Stephen's ep in the first season but still missed the mark (and tbh the Tony ep hit harder, but more because of Tony's characterization--Peggy is fairly consistent, Tony is not, so getting him so right (for me) was incredible). I adore this ep, I love Peggy, I love Nat, I enjoy this universe, and I hope we visit their universe again (if not, there's always fanfic, my beloved).

#what if #what if s2 #what if s2 spoilers #s2e5 #what if captain carter fought the hydra stomper #watched with shipping goggles FIRMLY on #peggynat #all the peggynat #but mostly nat pining #that's my takeaway #i loved it #i loved the touch of stucky #i loved older bucky #i loved all the peggynat interactions #i loved peggy being peggy and letting herself be manipulated by steve #but ultimately getting through #i loved nat at peggy's side #i loved evil (brainwashed) steve #i did not love peggy giving up and saying no matter what she was done and she'd go out with steve if that's what it took #i understand it #esp after the bar scene in the s1 finale when she wanted to go back to her time #but i hate it #what i want for this peggy's character development is for her to understand she can be happy in the current timeline without steve #buuuut i don't see that happening outside of fanfic so #i'll take what i can get

[revo-depresso]

THIS FUCK RIGHT HERE BEING AGENT 4 ⬇️

#don’t mind me I’m just gonna theory dump #ok SO #this could be another agent 3 situation where 4 gets captured and brainwashed at some point #if the red goggles are the sole cause then eventually 8 would be able to tear them off #especially cause everyone on the great big mechanical thing has the red goggles #but this’ll be different this time as well #last time 3 and cuttlefish were wandering #got into a fight #and then got separated at the deep sea metro #because this centers around off the hook and agents 8 and 4 #it begs the question - how did Pearl and Marina go from collabing with damp socks to the futuristic radioactive inkopolis square? #it must have originally been just between 4 and off the hook though because 8 was called in after everything already happened #which is why Pearl is a robot and acht is there to help as well #bet Marina was drawn back because of *backstory* as hinted at with her connection to Acht #anyways yes I cannot wait for more *trauma* that 8 goes through (pls no more eight balls PLEASE) #splatoon #splatoon 3 #spoilers #splatoon dlc spoilers #ish #the tags are glitching out so I should probably stop- #splatoon spoilers

[rassicas]

Wait so were the rival octolings mind controlled trough the glasses or not?

nope. Ive gotten quite a few asks about this topic, understandably so! this is something Ive been kind of wanting to talk about in a video in depth, but putting it together cohesively is Hard and i wanna wait for Splatoon 3 to really clear things up with Octavio. anyway, ill try to put the evidence i got in this post. The idea that Octolings all wear mind-controlling eye wear is...basically just deeply rooted fanon. just because Octavio has a special pair for Callie, doesn't mean all Octolings are equipped with the same tech.

look at that. goggles off, she wants it back. (art from the splatoon 1 end credits)

what we know about the Octoling's eyewear is that the red dot on terminator-style shades they wear in s2 is just a UI (i assume to aid them in combat).

The S1 goggles are called something to the effect of 'Octoling Scope' in JP, which i believe implies they assist with aiming. Nothing has been said about their eyewear having mind-controlling properties. Additionally, the Octoling shades and goggles that we players can wear, unlike the agent gear, are not stated to be replicas. One may ask then, what's the deal with the Calamari Inkantation? with Callie being freed from her mind control by the Inkantation, plus lines like this:

its easy to come to the conclusion that it's some mind-control breaking song. While it may have had that kind of effect on Callie, that's not really what the song does. As always, things got changed in localization. here's that above piece of dialogue, retranslated from japanese

Different nuance there, no? The inkantation seems to be more like a song of inspiration and empowerment. it inspires some Octolings, who have spent their militaristic lives living in domes devoid of natural sunlight, to seek out something more. its moreso implied that the Octarians are fed propaganda and militarized from a young age: so the more realistic kind of brainwashing, and not outright scifi mind controlled like callie or agent 3 was. The Octolings in the military don't need goggles to mind-control them into following Octavio: they have a sense of loyalty towards his cause and their own kind. Octavio isnt the greatest guy, but he has a good reason to resent the Inklings: his people were forced underground, and he does what he does (stealing the Zapfish) to try and keep the crumbling Octarian domes, and his people, alive. Seems like a worthy cause to me. Another huge issue with the 'all Octolings have hypnotic eyewear' theory is this: after listening to the Inkantation, if the Octolings were to supposedly become aware that DJ Octavio was straight-up mind controlling them, then you would expect that they would hate his guts. The thing is though...they don't. Because they were never mind controlled. From both Marina and Agent 8, its implied that both of them still hold some respect for DJ Octavio despite leaving the Octarian world.   Exhibit A: 8's apologetic mem cake poem about Octavio

Exhibit B: Marina's laptop covered in stickers. theres 3 squid sisters stickers, but alongside that are some Turquoise October stickers and a huge DJ Octavio sticker.

if she really did hate him (which is something she has never expressed), i think she would put more effort into covering up or removing that sticker.

Ok there's my mountain of evidence to disprove the hypnotic eyewear theory! In short: Yes Octavio is controlling the Octarian populace, but only through propaganda and typical military control, and not literal sci-fi mind control.

#asks #splatoon #splatoon 2 #splatoon lore

[heyclickadee]

Screw it, I need to get this out of my system. A thought about the guy in the Clone X armor on Pabu:

So…okay. I’ve seen people pointing out that there are resemblances between Tech and the mysterious clone x guy we see standing in front of the Archium in the trailer. And, honestly, they’re not really wrong.

There are some very, well, Tech-like shapes to this guy’s outfit (the dotted lines are ones I wasn’t so sure about):

They’re not an exact match, because some of the line proportions of the similarities I pointed out are different, but the similarities are there. There’s even a similar effect—not shape, but effect—to the lighter green outline around the eyes calling attention to the area as Tech’s goggles had—the difference being that we can’t see this guys eyes behind the glass.

And, yes, this mystery man does have a really similar build. And shoulders. And general proportions. And there’s that freaking shin pouch. They gave him a shin pouch!

And then, of course, the basic silhouette of the Clone X helmet is very similar (not exactly the same, but similar) to Tech’s helmet, minus the visor and the ear cuffs:

Now, there are major differences as well. The Clone X armor is much more streamlined and less bulky than Tech’s; the pauldrons have similar proportions but a much more rounded shape; the breastplate fits a bit tighter and is also significantly shorter; the overall shape and muzzle of the helmet is very similar, but the Clone X helmet muzzle is about half the length because the covering for the eye-ridge area juts out that much farther, and it has more of a fluid “backswept” effect overall; he’s only got a few pouches, two, maybe three if the arm-band works as a pouch.

But the overall effect of this particular Ckone X character is that he reads as a somewhat Tech-shaped individual. And I have a few thoughts on this.

First, I do think this might be on purpose. Yes, the base armor, minus the shoulder and arm straps and the pouches, is basically identical to the Clone X armor we see in season two. I think it’s more or less standard issue to clone assassins and, apart from a couple little tweaks (again, the straps and the pouches), is not at all unique in that regard. That said, if the production team knew what the story was doing with Tech in advance—and I think they did, I don’t think this show was written from beginning to end at the start, because that doesn’t happen, but I suspect they had the major story beats outlined before moving forward—it’s possible that the design team used Tech’s armor as the template from which to derive the clone X armor for season two. I’m not saying that happened, but I am saying it’s possible.

Second, I’m not saying this is Tech. I’m not sure if it is. I’m leaning that direction right now, but I might lean otherwise in an hour or two. We’ll see. What I am one-hundred percent sure of, however, is that these shots of this guy are Grade A Tech speculation bait—and intended that way. I think we’re meant to speculate about whether this is Tech or not. The TBB team gave us absolutely no indication that Tech is dead for real, nothing final, just the same shot of Tech’s ambiguous fate with a Sad Filter, and then they offered up this very mysterious and Tech-shaped person standing in front of an emotionally poignant location. Whoever he actually is, even if he’s just some random guy, Mystery Clone X guy is here in the trailer to drive Tech discussion during the lead up to season premiere.

Third, if this is Tech, if that’s him, then I think the trailer is being incredibly misleading about what he’s doing there. It looks like this Clone X is leading a squad of stormtroopers in an invasion of Pabu. I’m not sure that’s what’s happening—the stormtroopers are probably there to wreck Pabu, but I’m not sure this Clone X is leading them or even on their side. I don’t think we’re getting an imperial or brainwashed Tech scenario, especially not with how late in the season this shot is probably happening. I think it’s a lot more likely that this outfit originally belonged to the Clone X guy we see speaking in the trailer, Tech jumped him, used the guy’s armor to disguise himself, added some pouched because of course he did, and then inserted himself into a situation to see what he could do to help out. And I don’t think they found Pabu because of Tech, either—the empire has plenty of other ways of doing that.

Fourth, if—if!—we do get a brainwashed Tech, I think it’s going to be short-lived and, hopefully, very different from Crosshair’s situation. I almost wonder if it’s going to turn out to be a bit of a schlocky b-movie mind control helmet situation (I notice that the Clone X from season two only took the face of his helmet off). Like the clone x helmets interface with the inhibitor chips somehow, and it doesn’t work with Tech, because he doesn’t have one, but he plays along so he can get something else done and have a chance to escape. Or something. I’m thinking out loud. Anyway, whatever happens, even if we get an imperial/brainwashed Tech scenario, I think he’s going to be fine and himself well before the end of the series.

Fifth, brainwashed Tech is probably my least favorite of the Tech-lives options. I don’t like it. But this show has a habit of getting me on board with plot choices I did not want, so. If they go that route, I’ll see how they do it, and evaluate from there. I still don’t want it right now, though.

Sixth, there are lots of reasons for it not to be Tech at all,

#the bad batch #tbb spoilers #the bad batch spoilers #clone x speculation #short version #he’s in the trailer to generate discussion on who he could be and whether or not he’s Tech

[accio-victuuri]

CPN : ZZ’s mysterious driver & Web’s “selfie”

So I thought about whether i should talk about this or just leave it be. Cause i did mention the mystery driver in the August CPN post but I kept it vague and left minimum information. Because at the time, it sounded so galaxy brained and that it’s something that will never be what we want to be. And that’s fine. There are a lot of cpns/speculations/interpretations that are barely plausible and even us, we know it’s not possible, hence the term “clowning”.

this is one tho is making all of us go 👀.

( isn’t he the most gorgeous man ever? i don’t blame wyb for wanting to fetch him or visit. )

If you’ve been in this fandom long enough, you’ll know that sometimes the most nonsensical clues will become key points in the future. or those impossible cpns will (sometimes) sooner or later become more true.

This incident is a great example of that…..

For ZZ’s LOCH filming, there are proxy shooters who wait outside the site and film when ZZ arrives and leaves. Their clue is the car he uses but i don’t think he was ever photographed coming in or out like what happened with SBMS. That time, you can physically see him leaving/arriving to the hotel back entrance. There are photos and videos.

So 8/13, the same thing happens and cpfs noticed that the driver looked peculiar. It’s not his face per se, but what’s on it (p2).

We were clowning that it’s WYB with his helmet but it doesn’t look like his usual one. It’s too covered up.

At the time it was full on clowning. Would he really do this? Were other drivers photographed before and what did they look like? Is this the first time this mystery driver popped up? I haven’t seen the answer to that so that’s why i’m questioning it too. Maybe XZ does not want any part of the team to be recognizable.

A piece of the puzzle is added tho because of the Selfie WYB shared. As displayed above, we are putting it side by side. So is this him confirming our clowning? What are the chances that we were speculating about him wearing a different kind of helmet ( as the driver ) then he pops up with this selfie in particular.

Is this another coincidence? 🤡🤡🤡🤡

It’s also giving this vibe. His photo when he celebrated ZZ’s birthday and drove to where he was. Did he take this photo for the same purpose?

There is also a cpn going around based on XZ’s workday, it ended 20:20 and then WYB posted 20:39 so did he post it for XZ to see after work?

CPFs also noticed it’s taken from wechat camera. So meaning he sent it to someone else and yet again, we got leftovers. You could actually argue that “selfies” or things he shares on his weibo now are “leftovers”. I actually like that. He did not take a selfie or film a video with the intention of “posting for fans”. He probably shared it to xz or his circle of friends and decided why not share it on his weibo + fans.

Bonus is in today’s episode of SBMS there is this scene. Shengyang was looking through drawings of what looks like a moto goggles (?). LOL. The universe is really joining in on the clowning. Does WYB know this scene will come up the next day? Hmmmmmm…

It’s one of those things that is the reason why so many people are drawn to this pairing and fandom in general. Candies like this are why more and more people, even to this day, are becoming cpfs. We don’t even have to make “brainwashing” packages. You can’t even make these up. It just happens.

-END.

Disclaimer: I know the implications and dilemma of taking candies from these proxy shooters who make their lives hard. Tho the entrance of the shooting site is a public space and they know LOCH crew is in there, it’s still not an excuse to camp out. If you think about it, these paparazzi are the reason why the mystery driver have to dress like that instead of a normal person. So yeah. I understand if people don’t wanna eat this candy because of that or feel 50/50 about all of this.

#yizhan #bjyx #there is no science here i’m just clowning like i always do

[momojedi]

Bad Batch: Season 3

My Predictions

The final countdown has started and I'm not ready at ALL! Here are some of my predictions for Season 3 and what I could imagine happening!

1. Tech will be back.

Yes, the trope of dead characters returning is incredibly overused. But as many others I have a good reason to believe that Tech might still be alive. Think about it. It’s pretty likely Hemlock managed to locate Tech’s body considering he left us a huge breadcrumb: his goggles.

Why would Hemlock get rid of a genetically enhanced super soldier, especially considering he likely knows how to properly brainwash someone?

I too like to think that Tech might be the black armoured soldier in the front. It’s the same, if not similar armour as Clone X. Maybe these are part of a special type of clone assassins or troopers? Could they be the prototype for the Dark or Death Trooper?

It’s pretty plain to say that Tech will likely come back, though probably not as the Tech we know.

2. Crosshair & Omega Dynamic

We've seen Omega genuinely bond with all of the Bad Batch - except for Crosshair. Despite her trying her best to get to him every time they had the chance to interact, he denied her any kind of response. Whether that would be because he's just too withdrawn or because he refuses to let anyone see his vulnerable side, we don't know so far.

What we do know however, both based on pure logic alone and the fact that we've heard them both involved in a heated debate in the leaked trailer from the Star Wars Celebration last year, is that they likely will spending a lot of time together on-screen now that they're both captives of the Empire.

Hopefully Omega will be able to lift Cross' spirits, he doesn't seem to be doing very well from what we've seen!

3. Ventress will be an enemy!

Asajj Ventress! We all know and love her, so naturally it's incredibly nice to find out that she'll be returning to the screens for the final season of the Bad Batch! Despite they're naturally being some raised eyebrows considering her fate in the Dark Disciple book, I'm curious to see in what way they'll connect the stories!

However, seeing as Ventress could rather be classified as an anti-hero rather than a full on hero, I believe that she won't be helping the Batch but rather fighting them in order to get to what she wants - as she likes to do.

Perhaps she'll end up cooperating when she realises there might be no other solution, but I strongly doubt she'll be any help to them when it comes to following their personal goals.

4. The Fall of the Clone Rebellion

It's sadly no secret that given the events of Rebels and the three remaining clones Rex, Gregor & Wolffe, it's very likely the rebellions aka rescue of the clones didn't go as initially planned.

I could imagine this being explained a bit clearer in the finale, perhaps even leading up to a great fight against the Empire in the end. We can't forget that the series mainly revolves around a rogue batch of clones, so the thought that it might also go out with a clone-centric subject, especially such a big one, isn't necessarily far-fetched.

5. The End of the Mission

And finally, my most tragic prediction: The end of the Bad Batch.

The writers have been making it very clear that season 3 will likely be the darkest season of the show which unfortunately leads me to think that, as much as I'd want it not to be the case, the finale will lead to the ultimate end of Clone Force 99.

I suspect the series to end with the batch ending up together in some way, as the original five, and landing in a tricky life-or-death situation. Perhaps they'll be stuck in a crashing ship with a one-person escape pod or maybe they'll be facing a threatening figure such as Sidious, leading to the decision to sacrifice themselves in order to protect Omega.

Either way, despite season 3 likely becoming a tragic rollercoaster of emotions, I'm glad we had the chance to experience the epic story of the Bad Batch. It's sad to see them go and although these characters have become like a family not only to me, but to many other fans, let's enjoy our last moments with them and let them go out with a bang!

#star wars #clone wars #bad batch #bad batch season 3 #bad batch s3 #the bad batch #the clone wars #clone force 99 #star wars the bad batch #star wars the clone wars #star wars clone wars #tbb

[alphaomegamutt]

“Long time no see brother, how was the trip?“ The younger prince, Nasim, asks his big brother.

“Life-changing, to be honest.“ The crown prince hugs his little brother. Under the façade of joyfulness, its true slave self only thinks about how this younger prince would be a great conquer for the master.

"Wow, you have bulked up a lot of muscle since you've been gone, big bro. What's your secret?" Nasim was surprised by the amount of muscle on his brother's back when he wrap them in for a hug. A muscle from torturous hours of hard work the master has put all of his slaves through that the people of their position would never experience. But just like their crown prince, their day would come soon enough.

"Of cause, buddy, but before that, I would like to introduce you to my new guard, Badi, and soon to be yours, Mo." the crown prince looks to two huge men on both of his sides. The men stay still on a parade rest.

They are X-3 and XP-0001, a super soldier slave created in the master's lab. Their real purpose is to be here and assist LP-0008 on taking over the kingdom.

"What? But I already have a gu-" Before Nasim could react, his brother's bodyguard jump onto him and pin him down to the cold marble floor of the crown prince's palace with an unhuman speed and force. He tried to cry for help but unbeknownst to him, everyone in the crown prince's palace is now enslaved to the master and won't acknowledge his plead.

LP-0008 approaches its former brother, soon to be remade anew from brother by blood as a brother in enslavement. LP-0008 takes off its clothes and façade character to reveal the mark of its owner showing its true loyalty and identity proudly. Its always erect sheathed dick jumps free from its confine. In its hands are VR goggles with a mask attached to them. It looks like a normal workout training mask from the outside but the interior is equipped with a long and thick dildo. LP-0008 places the goggle on its prey's face. The goggle make a contact with the young prince's temples sending a pre-set command to his body. His throat relaxed and his body goes limp. LP-0008 then forces a foot-long dildo into its victim's throat. X-3 and WP-0001 release the prince and get naked as its brethren slave.

As the goggle establish the connection with the master's mind control power, the three slaves begin forcefully strip Nasim of all his clothes, revealing his muscled body that will be pushed even further beyond its limit after the enslavement is completed as his older brother has gone through.

As the connection is made, the brainwashing immediately begins. Every fiber of Nasim's body flex with the master's power taking over his mind. His back arches up into a magnificent curve, which signals LP-0008 to shove the same-size dildo into Nasim's virgin asshole. LP-0008 begins to suck Nasim's dick as the master has trained him while Nasim's mind is being completely rewired his loyalty, love, devotion, obedience, pleasure, and pride are all direct to only the master, and the act of service and submissions to him.

"I ACCEPT THIS AS MY ABSOLUTE TRUTH. EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING BELONGS TO THE MASTER. MY LOYALTY AND OBEDIENCE TO HIM RULE MY BODY AND MIND. SERVING HIM IS THE ONLY PURPOSE AND PLEASURE OF MY LIFE!" Nasim repeat the mantra that all the slave in the palace has come to know very well. Soon it'll burn into his mind as the only principle that guides his life just like the other slave.

Driven by an eagerness to obey its master's order, LP-0008 dutifully and tirelessly sucks Nasim's dick until sunrise, like a good slave that the master has forged it to be. Nasim also chants the mantra all night long, its echoes in his mind and dominates his thoughts which will leave a permanent mark on them.

X-3 and XP-0001 begin working on Nasim's tattoo on each of his chests, now marked with the master's emblem, and its real name, LP-0009, has completed its process. It releases its free will in an endless string of cum, Its brother, still attached to its cock, gulps it all up and savors every drop of the sweet sweet taste of submission.

After LP-0009 has been purged clean of its free will, LP-0008 removes the goggles. It rises up and gives other slaves a tongue wresting kiss and gives each other a stoking grip of their dick sheath, followed by a worship kiss in the master's insignia over their heart as a slave's custom, drill into it by its master.

LP-0009 can't return the favor to its fellow slaves with its hole. The master has reserved its virginity with the butt plug deep inside it. So LP-0009 takes X-3 and XP-0001's foot-long dick into its mouth while burying its own sheathed dick deep into LP-0008's gut. Their sweaty body from sex and the strain of brainwashing interwind together. They relish and worship each other strong musk on their bodies and pits which signify the strength of their obedience and dedication to work hard for their master.

Prince Nasim leaves his brother's palace with his new bodyguard, soon his own palace staff will have some reorientation after.

Other people who don't know better would assume that the brothers are partying in their palace just like in the old days, unfortunately for their kingdom, their old days are numbered, as more and more slaves are added to the master's dominion.

#alphaomegamutt #master's collection #LP-0009 #LP-0008 #X-3 #XP-0001 #guard slave #labor slave

[hugmekenobi]

And now ‘Point of No Return’

Where do I even start?

A phenomenal episode overall both in terms of animation, plot and music score

But oh my god did it ruin me!! 😭😭😭 I feel like a shell of a human being and everything sucks!!

Omega leaving Tech’s goggles and Lula had me on the floor

Tech, I love u but u gotta snap out of this brainwashing because ur kinda being the worst person rn 😰

The Marauder getting destroyed had me on the floor. I didn’t appreciate it with the Razor Crest and I certainly don’t appreciate it now!!!

Where is Gonky?? Is he safe???

Hunter going feral on the troopers had me on the floor

Omega allowing herself to be captured and Crosshair failing to get the tracker on the ship had me on the floor

Hunter with wet hair had me on the floor but I was too distracted with the pain I was feeling to fully appreciate it properly

And now Hunter doesn’t know his kid is gone!!!! 😩😩😩 All that healing between him and Crosshair is going to disappear but I also desperately need that angsty confrontation

All Wrecker wanted was an ice-cone and now he’s going to wake up to the worst possible news 😭😭😭

#Jen and Brad have ruined me #people weren’t kidding when they said it gets dark now #the bad batch #the bad batch season 3 #the bad batch season 3 spoilers #tbb #tbb s3 spoilers #tbb s3

[marvel-starwarsfangirl]

Who is the mysterious imperial?

Hello guys, I wanted to theorize who this person is. Personally, I think it's Tech, but I could be wrong. Remember when we all thought Marrok from Ahsoka would be Ezra and then he was just some rando created by the Nightsisters? I'm intrigued to see who this is as much as the rest of you. So, let's get to it!

Crosshair- this was my first guess strictly based off of the helmet design. Cross is the only clone we really know who has a scope on his helmet. There is also a rifle on the mysterious figure's back which is again similar to Crosshair.

However, after some thought I don't think that this is Cross. The stance doesn't give me Crosshair vibes and I don't think the body proportions match his. On top of that, I think making Crosshair a brainwashed imperial again would be backpedaling on his character. And, we see him in the trailer back with his old squad. I think that would be a lot of story to cram in if they make him the mysterious imperial. Also, Hemlock has what he wants: Omega. In "Tipping Point," there was no hint that Cross would be used for something else other than information. So, I think it's safe to say that this isn't Crosshair.

CX-1- CX-1 (according to the captions in the trailer), is the clone who ominously tells the Batch (I presume) that they are being hunted. He says "they are coming for all of you." Based off of threatening tone and the intense look in his eyes, CX-1 isn't a clone who will be on the good side. It's possible that he is the mysterious figure.

However, CX-1 doesn't seem like the true identity either. Why would they show a mysterious, masked figure and then his face later? Furthermore, CX-1 is quite possibly another clone assassin such as the one we saw in season 2. I also think it wouldn't be as dramatic of a reveal if it was him.

Tech- I have a strong feeling that it's Tech. The armor, stance, and proportions are all very similar to Tech's. The mask is also unique and appears to have an outline similar to glasses/eye holes. Tech was distinct among clones for his goggles. So, is this a hint that it's him? Hemlock had his goggles (which were somehow mostly in tact despite being in a fall that should've completely shattered them) which raises questions of how he got them. Given Hemlock's goals and career, it would make sense that he would sense that he would turn one of the Batch's own into a cold-hearted killer. Two episodes in the final season are called "The Harbinger" and "Identity Crisis" which could indicate that the mysterious imperial is someone both the Batch and we the audience know since the character is getting spotlighted. From a character POV, it would a devastating blow for the Batch to learn that their fallen brother was actually alive. There would be a lot of angst material.

The only reason I think of that the figure isn't Tech is because of how it would it impact his sacrifice. Star Wars is notorious for seemingly killing off characters and then revealing that they survived through some miracle. Maul, Echo, Boba Fett, Palpatine, Sabine... the list could go on. Having Tech survive such a fall from that height seems impossible. His loss greatly affected the Batch. But, that's the only reason why I think he wouldn't be that mysterious imperial.

What do you guys think? Is it Tech, CX-1, or someone completely new or we forgot about? We'll see in a few weeks! Until then, let's complete theorizing.

#star wars #the bad batch #tbb speculations #tbb season 3 #tbb crosshair #tbb tech #cx-1

[anoray]

Just more ponderings on the Tech Alive vs. Dead speculation prior to Episode 14.

Granted, we are at the next-to-last show, so time is rapidly running out for a confirmed Tech resurrection. But if Tech is truly dead, then why:

Do the producers and actors for TBB say and post cryptic comments, almost always use words like "gone," "lost" or "sacrifice" instead of "he is definitely dead, people, stop hoping already"?" Are they looking forward to the Tech fans' disappointment with malicious glee?

Usually when a main SW protagonist actually for real dies, it results in some sort of victory or at least escape for the remaining heroes. Think how we see Kanan get fully engulfed by a spectacular explosion as he saves his Ghost family, and it ultimately results in the destruction of Thrawn's TIE Defender program. It utterly and completely sucks that Kanan is dead, but his death mattered. In comparison, a very resourceful and cool-headed Tech falls into obscuring clouds early on in the episode, but then his sacrifice becomes meaningless as the ship with the tracker to help find Tantiss is blown up thanks to Saw Gerrera's group, plus Omega is captured.

And let's not forget the gloating Hemlock bestowing Tech's broken goggles upon Hunter. The writers wanted to make it clear that Hemlock found Tech regardless of what shape he was in.

If CX-2 is not a brainwashed Tech, then why did the writers make him move and sound so much like him? In rewatching Seasons 1 and 2, the similarities stack up. The non-subtle ones so far include the way CX-2 climbed out of the water being an exact duplicate of how Tech did the same in Season 2, how he intonates phrases like "who...are you?" (did it twice by the way) like Tech, plus is clearly a whiz with technology and uses vocab like "domicile" in a manner just like Tech. The way CX-2 uses his rangefinder and wears an ankle pouch--all totally Tech's style. All these nods to Tech seem completely unnecessary to apply to CX-2' if he's a completely new character. So, if Tech is not behind the mask, why do the writers bother to put it all this in to make us speculate on the possibility?

Dead or alive, whatever Hemlock retrieved of Tech was taken back to Tantiss "for reasons." I guess the twist could be that Tech is imprisoned in a medical cell and his genetic material (and likely Crosshair's as well) has been used to enhance the CX operatives. If Tech is alive but not in a way we are being led to expect, then okeedokee, but I only hope the Batch gets him out.

TBB has certainly had some plot parallels with The Mandalorian and if Tech is not dead, it might parallel Rebels by resurrecting Tech in exchange for the death/sacrifice of another Batcher (a la Kanan's spirit helping get Ahsoka rescued from certain death by Vader). In this instance, it seems most likely it will be Crosshair and/or Hunter to make that sacrifice for a bittersweet ending.

Or they have definitely been yanking our chain and Tech has been dead since that fall with CX-2 just another Marrok/Snoke fakeout, then I will be most displeased (and will add TBB to my growing Star Wars PTSD list).

The ending I want:

What we'll probably get:

#the bad batch #the bad batch spoilers #tech #tech is cx-2 speculation #please don't break my heart like kanan again #by the way i want crosshair to survive he's a fave too #am i going to have to deal with a double whammy #ugh

[totallyunidentified]

“Oh but if tech comes back brainwashed then he’s not really tech”

OMEGA IS THE LITTLE GIRL FROM SANTA CLAUSE THREE WHERE SHE HUGS THE JACK FROST AND HE UNFREEZES AND YOU ASSUME SHE WOULDNT BE ABLE TO HELP HIM? SHE FIXED FUCKING CROSSHAIR WHO EVERYONE (not everyone) THOUGHT WAS THIS ASSHOLE WHO DOESNT CARE ABOUT HIS FAMILY. SHE HUGGED HIM (figuratively) AND HE UNFROZE YOU ASSUME OMEGA WOULDNT GO UP AND PESTER IMP TECH UNTIL HE FOLDED? SHE WOULD TELL HIM ABOUT EVERY SINGLE FACT THAT EVERYONE GOT WRONG. SHE WOULD TELL HIM ABOUT HOW SHE FLEW THE SHIP THAT SHE AND CROSSHAIR ESCAPED ON. She would tell him that they never forgot him. That he was always with her. That she saw him in Crosshairs eyes. In how Hunter fidgets. How she felt him in the way Wrecker would help her up on things. She would tell him about how Phee still mentioned him whenever they talked. How Shep and Pabu still use the preventative measures he put in place for future natural disasters. She would tell him about how Echo made her the new crossbow and how he’s helping her continue to upgrade it. She would remind him of the lessons he taught her and how they’ve helped her along the way. She would hand him his goggles. His datapad. She would hit play on the videos he recorded of the batch together. And she’d sit there. Give him time. Answer his questions. Until she gets tired of the silence and gives him a hug. Just a fast one. But he looks down at her. Bewildered. She goes to pull away and suddenly feels his long arms wrap around her as he says “it may have taken me longer to process my thoughts and memories but deep down I never forgot you, Omega.”

#the bad batch #star wars #tbb #bad batch #the bad batch season 3 #tbb tech #the bad batch tech #he’s coming back #tbb spoilers

[justindurchdenwald]

It's Time For a Bad Batch Theory. Part 1.

This is my first theory on here, so bear with me. I don't know how to do this lmao.

Spoilers ~

Chapters:

Who Is The Assassin, Clone X?

Starting with Tech: Is he Alive?

Reasons for why Clone X could be Tech

Reasons for why Tech might not be Clone X

Full Theory: Tech Returns as Clone X

Conclusion and Thoughts

With Season 3 in mid-swing there has been a lot of talk about Tech.

More specifically: Theories about Clone X possibly being Tech (or Cody).

So, I figured I should give my thoughts on this as a Writer and avid Star Wars fan.

Who Is The Assassin, Clone X?

Well, first we need to consider who it would make the most sense for him to realistically be.

Tech

Cody

Crosshair Clone

A New Clone

An Old Clone (from Clone Wars?)

Now that I've made a list of possible subjects, let's begin.

Starting with Tech:

Is he Alive?

This is a widely debated subject among the Fandom. Some people want him to come back while others wish he would stay dead. But, we still haven't seen a body. And this is Star wars.

But, from a writing standpoint he should stay dead for the emotional impact. Otherwise, what was the point? Unless the show is ending as a tragedy where the whole squad ends up dying. (Excluding Omega.)

As much as I would like them to all get back together and live, I don't think that will happen.

If Tech is Clone X, that means he must surely have survived, was found by Hemlock, and Brainwashed. It was Hemlock who brought Tech's glasses/goggles to Hunter after all.

Which means... Hemlock must have investigated the area Tech fell. So, the possibility of him having survived exists. And Hemlock could have taken him. Or Tech did die and they're using his DNA to alter other clones (but that's a whole other conversation).

Reasons for why Clone X could be Tech

There are similarities in their armor, movements, and possibly their voice. Tech is well known as the only Clone to have a hint of a British accent. And the voice modulation overlay for Clone X is noticeably much stronger than any of the other Assassin Clones.

(Also, I must note: We've seen fakeout deaths in the past. Specifically I am referencing Echo.)

Similarities include -

Armor details

Voice (possible accent?)

Movements

Aparent knowledge of technology

Use of hand-held grenades

Weaker than an average clone, obvious by his fighting style. It seems to be more martial arts based than what a regular clone would use.

There are also a lot of mirrored things from previous seasons. Like Tech having a limp from an injury. And Clone X getting a limp from an injury as well.

Of course we can't forget the mirrored scenes of Tech and Clone X climbing out of the water. Minor things, but still notable.

Now, let's move on to the unfortunate negative parts for this theory.

Reasons for why Tech might not be Clone X

It's simply too good to be true.

Why bother killing him off in the first place if they're just going to bring him back?

We can't ignore the height difference between Tech and this Assassin Clone.

Tech is supposedly taller than the average Reg. Although, like Echo the Empire could have experimented on Tech and made his legs mechanical?

Of course, it doesn't make much sense as to why they would do that.

Another reason why it might not be Tech, is that it doesn't make sense to bring Tech back unless (in my opinion) the rest of the Batchers, including Tech, end up dead in the end.

We also have Echo as part of the squad. So, it's highly unlikely that the writers would include two characters so closely related with both having fakeout deaths. That just feels weird.

Full Theory: Tech Returns as Clone X

After Tech sacrificed himself on Eriadu, Hemlock sent troops down to look for him. He knew that Tech was an essential part of Clone Force 99, so by capturing him the Empire would have access to his modified/Enhanced DNA. (That could be useful)

Dr. Hemlock proceeds to give Hunter 'proof' of Tech's death. When in reality, he's been captured. As to not have his Squad go in search of him or suspect that he may be alive.

Now, because Tech is able to make calculations as quickly as a computer, he already knew the odds of surviving the fall were slim... But not impossible. Therefore, he took the chance to save his squad. (Maybe his backpack had a rocket booster similar to the one Rex had in the Clone Wars.)

He sustained severe injuries to his legs when his jet pack failed to fully break his fall, rendering them useless which made it easy for him to get captured. (He also has a habit of getting easily injured in the show, so this feels very in character for him.)

Once he was taken by the Empire, they replaced his legs with robotic ones similar to Echo. (which decreased his height?)

The Empire then began the process of brainwashing Tech to use him as a special operative. They also took DNA samples from him to experiment with enhancing other clones in case the brainwash didn't work.

Unfortunately however, it did work and Tech became Clone X.

In Episodes 6 and 7 we see the Assassin Clone track down the Bad Batch. When landing his ship he made his landing with a possible 'Tech Turn' which I don't believe we've seen anyone else use besides Omega.

We also saw Clone X display multiple different fighting styles. His use of a Sniper-Riffle and Knife are most notable. In the Season 2 Finale Tech displayed his aiming skill, so it's possible that he could effectively use a Sniper.

Conclusion and Thoughts

Do I think Clone X is actually Tech? No.

Am I delusional and really hope that he does end up being Tech even though it wouldn't make sense and probably be a poor decision on the writers part? Yes.

Anyways, Thank You to anyone who took the time to read through this. I'll do my best to come up with a Part 2 talking about Cody.

I'll see y'all in the next post!

#the bad batch #tbb spoilers #tbb #tbb tech #tbb theory #star wars #tech the bad batch #the bad batch theories #im delusional #writer thoughts #clone wars

[jsheios]

collection of splatoon headcanons & random canon facts but some of these I forgot which is canon and which Isn’t because they overlap so much

Octolings arent mind controlled by the shades/goggles or Octavio’s music, it’s all just propaganda stuff that keeps them loyal (eyewear's just cool tech)

(On a less canon & more headcanon-y note, Callie actually got pretty close to Octavio, on behalf of the canon fact that she heard out Octavio by choice. She empathized with & started to really understand Octarian society's issues while down there. I'd argue she probably stayed there by choice for a long while before Octavio fucked up all that trust and brainwashed her)

Pearl's voice used to be uncontrollably destructive. She only learned to control her voice after meeting Marina

Marina is just in love with Pearl. I see so many depictions of Pearl being a pining head over heels disaster for Marina but rarely the other way around, I need justice

The Sea Cucumber flip phones in Splat 3 are actually an older model, the smart phones in Splat 2 are newer models. Sea Cucumber phones aren't a new trendy phone, residents of Splatsville just can’t afford the newer models

Marie is the younger cousin & saw Callie as like an older sister to look up to when they were kids

Inklings didn’t think Octolings were squids because they’re dumb, they thought Octolings were squids because they’re taught that Octarians are extinct in Inkadia

Agent 4 was homeschooled but also really academically advanced. They only just started going to a school in Inkopolis shortly after getting recruited as an agent (Yes, they make that transit to school from wherever the hell they live every single day)

Shiver’s family/clan is just a bunch of sharks

Each member of Deep Cut come from long lines of families that have been hosting festivals in Splatsville for generations, each family representing a light that saved their ancestors in the floods mentioned in the Sunken Scrolls (half of this is canon)

(Shiver being an adopted octoling still works in this case, though them coming from a family of octolings in general is probably the most likely to be canon option. Idc though shark family shiver real)

Marina definitely makes manga under a pseudonym. It may or may not be that one yuri/love triangle manga series in the game, but if it’s not she definitely has a collection of them

Big Man’s real name is Mantaro, though most people think ‘Big Man’ is his actual legal name

#i have more but i can’t remember them #splatoon #splatoon 3 #jall rambles #maybe I’ll add more later possibly #also to the anon that asked for my agent headcanons #I’ll get to you soon I just wanna draw em first when I have the time

[dateamonster]

if i could just say something genuinely kinda wild thats been on my mind. fuckin Months ago me and my roommate watched "dont worry darling" the value mart stepford wives movie with harry styles that everyone has likely forgotten entirely about by now. and its not good. shocker. BUT my controversial take today is that the scene at the party where harrys character is up doing some manic fucking tapdance waving his arms around while his wife has a breakdown somewhere is wildly effective and i still think of it to this day long after the memory of every other detail from that film has faded from my mind.

the whole fucking movie, not a crumb of believable emotion on that mans face, and then out of nowhere hes up there frantic and sweaty and moving like a half broken puppet on a string and for the first and only time in a two hour runtime im fuckin Feeling something. and that paired with chris pines giving his cult-leader-like monologue beside him feels so raw and unsettling and that energy between them, the dead-eyed determination on his face, actually works as decent foreshadowing for the twist reveal.

however stupid i found that reveal, im just still kinda obsessed with this one scene. and like theres something about him being the one to play it: harry styles, this super celebrity who is so obviously only in this role to be a pretty face that brings in a broader audience. knowing that and watching him contort himself in a parody of joyous revelry at the command of an onlooking puppetmaster for the entertainment of an equally brainwashed audience is like! idk maybe ive got my conspiracy theory goggles on abt this one but its doing Something!

#dont worry darling #ungodly screeching

[starryevermore]

following orders: the goggles (1) ✧ tech

following orders ✧ a tech bad batch story | ao3 

inspired by: a conversation with @captainsbestgal​

pairing: tech x fem!reader

series summary: you don’t want to live in a galaxy where the love of your life, tech, does not exist. but, you can’t abandon your already grieving family. you devote all of your energy to helping hunter and wrecker save omega from the empire and, perhaps, save the wayward crosshair along the way. but the longer you look for the youngest member of the bad batch, the more you suspect that your lost love is not as lost as you once believed. 

chapter summary: the aftermath of plan 99.

word count: 7,223

series warnings?: spoilers for “plan 99”, plan 99, canon-typical violence, hurt tech, canon divergent, fix it fic, angst, grief/mourning, torture, hurt/comfort, emotional hurt/comfort, relationship discussions, mutual pining, clone troopers speak mando’a, depression, suicide ideation, memory loss, brainwashing, jealousy, not proofread

chapter warnings?: mention of tech’s death, grief, mourning, suicide ideation, not proofread

“When have we ever followed orders?”

You cradled Omega in your arms as the Marauder traveled through hyperspace. You weren’t sure if you should still be holding her. She’d been gravely injured, and you have enough first aid training to know that it’s safer to let a person be stabilized than to constantly be adjusting them. But holding onto her, your pseudo-daughter, was the only thing grounding you in this moment. And, perhaps a bit delusional at the moment, you told yourself that, when traveling through hyperspace, maybe it was safer to hold onto her than to let her little body be whipped around the ship—not that her brothers would do that. Not now. Not after everything that’s happened. 

“When have we ever followed orders?”

A tear slipped down your cheek. You raised one hand, quick to wipe it away, before returning to holding Omega. You couldn’t cry. Not now. If you cried…That meant it was real. And it couldn’t be real. He couldn’t have…No. He was fine. He was okay. He piloting the ship, he was making last-second calculations to ensure a safe landing. He was…He was not with you. Not now. Not ever. Even if he had beat the odds, used that brilliant mind of his to calculate just the right way to fall…You all left him. You weren’t sure anyone could survive in the wilderness below, even someone as brilliant as him.

“When have we ever followed orders?”

Hunter walked up to you. His face was void of his emotion, save for his eyes. Hunter could play the stoic leader all he liked, but his eyes would always tell a different story. The man was barely holding it together. You could hardly blame him. Losing Tech…No one had seen that coming. No one saw him making the sacrifice play. He was supposed to be on the ship with you. How did he expect you to move on when he meant everything to you? When there was still so much left unsaid? 

“When have we ever followed orders?”

Hunter sat down beside you. Omega’s head rested in your lap. He reached down, stroking her blonde curls. He needed this, too. Everything that all of you did was to ensure that Omega would live, that she might one day get to see a peaceful galaxy. Or, when that was too large a task, at least that she would live a peaceful life. That she wouldn’t become a soldier in an unwinnable war. But what was the point in that when all she’d experienced since joining you and her brothers was unspeakable loss? No kid deserved that, especially not one as kind and innocent as her. 

“We’ll be landing soon,” Hunter said.

You swallowed, trying to choke down any sob that threatened to escape. “Are you sure this is a good idea? When we were…When we were on Safa Toma, Millegi told us that Cid can’t be trusted.”

Hunter kept his gaze focused on Omega. You weren’t sure, but you thought that he kept his head downturned so that you wouldn’t see any tears that were close to falling. “I don’t see how we have any choice. She needs proper medical treatment. AZI is the only one I trust to make sure…”

To make sure she didn’t die. He couldn’t finish the sentence, but you could feel the weight of it. It nearly suffocated you. You couldn’t lose anymore of your family. The galaxy could not be so cruel as to take another from you. You wouldn’t let it. 

“I just worry that Cid will do something. We cut off all communication with her. We may have once been in her good graces, but I don’t know what will happen if she sees us again.”

“I know. But, she has a soft spot for the kid,” Hunter said. His hand fell from Omega’s hair, stroking her cheek. Though still unconscious, she let out a whine. You weren’t sure if it was one of pain, or if she recognized that her father figure was present. “I can only hope that that will grant us some favor.”

“If it doesn’t?”

Hunter’s jaw clenched. He lifted his head, finally looking at you. His eyes were glassy, but hard. With a sort of ferocity you only ever heard from him on the battlefield, he said, “I won’t let anyone take her from us.” 

The Marauder jerked slightly as it entered Ord Mantell’s atmosphere. While Echo was more than a capable pilot, he lacked some of the finesse that Tech possessed. Or perhaps you were hyperaware now of every move, every jump, every jerk. It felt like your senses were on fire. Like you had to perceive everything so that you didn’t have to picture his face. 

Within minutes of entering the atmosphere, the Marauder landed. Hunter stood, then held out his arms to carry Omega. It was a kind gesture, and maybe he wanted to carry her because he also needed to be grounded. But you knew that if you let go of her, for even a second, you would collapse and never want to get up again. So, you shook your head, adjusting your grip on the young girl, so that you were cradling her in your arms as you stood. It was an effort, you had to admit. You were strong, but that did not compare to the strength of a genetically enhanced clone trooper. But the pain, the burn of your muscles, was one of the only things reminding you were alive, that Omega was alive. 

Echo and Wrecker were already waiting outside the ship when you and Hunter emerged. Echo looked much like you and Hunter—stoic, but barely holding it together. Wrecker, on the other hand…The poor guy must have spent the entire journey crying. Tear tracks stained his face, his eyes all red and puffy. Even the tip of his nose was a bright red. When he saw you carrying Omega, he immediately reached out. And, oh, he needed this much more than you. You let him take Omega from your arms, a sob escaping his lips as he held her. 

“I’m going to stick with the ship,” Echo said. “Make sure everything’s in working order for when we leave.”

You shared a glance with Hunter. You wanted to say, We might be here a while. Or, you should probably be checked out by AZI, too. We all need help right now. Perhaps even, Please don’t leave us now. But, everyone grieves in their own way. If this was Echo saying he needed to grieve alone, who were you to deny him that?

Hunter said, “Keep your comm on and close by. We might need a quick getaway.” 

Echo nodded, then turned back to the ship. You watched as his shoulders sagged as he walked back up. You and Echo were never the closest on the team, but you knew enough of his life before the Batch that losing a member of the team hit him hard. Perhaps when Omega was healed, when you all left this Maker-forsaken planet, you would talk to him. Maybe convince him to stick around a little while longer before rejoining Rex. You couldn’t make him stay forever, but you all were his family. This was not the time to be splitting up for an undetermined length of time. 

Hunter squeezed your shoulder, letting you know it was time to go to Cid’s. You let out a shuddering breath, kept your gaze focused on your feet, as you walked the streets to the oh-so-familiar parlor. The entire walk, you tried working on keeping a straight face. You knew you couldn’t hide what happened from Cid—she was far too perceptive to not notice you all were down a man—but you didn’t dare show weakness in front of her. You were already certain a betrayal was on the horizon. You refused to give her anymore ammunition to hurt you with. 

The parlor was empty when you arrived, save for Bolo and Ketch. Ketch’s eyes widened when he saw the four of you. You could only imagine how much of Cid’s wrath they had experienced when you all never returned. Bolo’s eyes flicked toward the bar, and you followed his gaze. Cid was wiping down the counter. It seemed like she hadn’t noticed you all yet, but you knew Cid well enough to know she was waiting for one of you to make the first move. 

“Is AZI around?” you asked as you approached the bar. 

Cid’s eyes flicked up, a snarky remark on the tip of her tongue. But then she saw Omega in Wrecker’s arms, the pained look on his face. Instead of her usual sarcasm, she asked, “What happened to Tiny?”

You looked at Hunter. You weren’t sure how much he wanted to reveal to the Trandoshan. If it was up to you, you would give her nothing. But he was calling the shots, and he might think it better to give something so that she would be more inclined to let the med droid tend to Omega. 

“Mission gone wrong,” was all he offered. “She needs to see AZI now.”

Cid nodded her head toward her office. “He’s in the back doing inventory. Do what you need to do. But when the kid’s taken care of, we need to have a talk about best communication practices.”

You narrowed your eyes at her, a snarky remark of your own on the tip of your tongue, but you held back. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you, and all that. If Cid’s concern for Omega was the only thing keeping her from throwing you out, or worse, throwing you to the Empire, you could hold your tongue. For, at least, long enough to let AZI tend to Omega’s wounds. 

You started for the back, Wrecker and Hunter following close behind. But you didn’t make it far before Cid stopped you all again.

“Wait. One of youse is missing.” When you looked back at her, Cid’s eyes were flitting between the three of you. “Is Goggles on the ship or something?”

You decided to borrow Hunter’s words, and only offered her, “Mission gone wrong.”

Oh, what an understatement that was. But she didn’t deserve to be privy to the details. She didn’t have the right to know of the pain that stabbed at you, that bit and clawed at your heart, reminding you that you were alive instead of him. She was not a friend. She was hardly an acquaintance. If you couldn’t even talk to your own family about the ache you felt, why should she get to know? 

True to her word, though, AZI was flitting around the back, taking stock of the various liquors that Cid ordered for the parlor. He lifted his head when he heard you all approach. You might have been imagining things—and you surely were, because droids don’t express emotions in the same way as sentient beings—but the med droid almost looked happy to see you. Part of you had felt bad for leaving him behind with Cid. He had been Omega’s friend after all. But, Hunter wasn’t keen on returning to Ord Mantell back then. Not after the incident at the ipsium mines. You could hardly blame him, so you didn’t push. Now, you wish you had. If you had come back for AZI all those rotations ago, he would have already been on the ship or at least on the sanctuary that was Pabu. There would have been no need to come back here and endanger your family’s lives any further. 

“Oh! I was wondering when you were coming back!” AZI chirped, coming around the many boxes. “Cid had not been very happy when you all didn’t return. But I knew you would come back! And I was right! I knew that if you left, you wouldn’t leave me behind.”

“We need your help,” Hunter said, ignoring the droid’s words. He had previously been standing in front of Wrecker, shielding the droid’s view of the injured Omega. Now, he stepped out of the way. “Omega got hurt, and it’s gonna take more than a few bacta patches to fix her up.”

AZI stared. You could almost sense the hurt he could be feeling. Whether it was at the knowledge that you all weren’t there for him or that his friend was knocking on death’s door, you couldn’t be sure. “I see. I shall get started then.”

You reached out, your fingers grazing the droid. If he could have blinked at you in confusion, you were sure he would have. “Thank you. And…I’m sorry.”

“No need for apologies or gratitude. This is what I’m here for.”

You weren’t sure how long you watched AZI tend to Omega. It felt like days—long, agonizing days as he flitted around her—though you doubted it was any longer than a few hours. You had lost track of time. Between watching him fix up Omega and occasionally tending to you, Hunter, and Wrecker when he needed time for the medicine to work its magic on her, it all kind of felt like a dream. Or, really, a nightmare. The crushing weight of this reality was starting to settle on your chest. You didn’t like this. You didn’t like it at all. 

At some point, Hunter brought you some breads and a glass of water. “Eat,” he said, ordering you like you were a soldier. You and him both knew that you would ignore him if he asked. “He wouldn’t want you to starve.”

You let out a quiet huff of a laugh, if you could even call it that. “He would talk about the benefits of a well-balanced diet, go on about how the food here was hardly sustenance, but that fed is best.”

Hunter wiped away a tear that rolled down your cheek. You’d hardly noticed it. How long had you been crying? You’d been so sure that you were holding it together still. “We’ll get through this.” He nodded his head at the door, gesturing to where Wrecker had disappeared after AZI put his neck in a brace. Wrecker had been placing a huge amount of space between you and him. The guilt must have been hurting him, too—even if he had nothing to feel guilty for. “Wrecker and I were talking about staying on Pabu full time, after Omega is fixed up.”

“What about Crosshair?”

Hunter’s jaw clenched. “I can’t trust that his message wasn’t a trap. I’m not going to lose any more of my family on the chance that he’s switched sides. He’s given no indication that he wanted to join us before.”

“It’s not a trap. I know it’s not.” Perhaps it was a low blow, being so close to the incident, but you couldn’t stop yourself from saying, “Tech knew it wasn’t a trap.”

Hunter swallowed, hard. You watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed. Then— “Tech…died so his family could be safe. I’m honoring his wishes.”

“Crosshair is part of this family. His message, it was a sign that he still cared. That despite everything, he still cares.”

Hunter started to argue, but his mouth snapped shut when Omega groaned. He shot you a look—this wasn’t over. But the conversation would have to be tabled for another day. 

You squeezed his shoulder. “We can go to Pabu if that’s what Omega wants. Whatever she chooses, I’ll respect.”

“Hunter?” Omega managed to say. She said your name as she realized you sat beside him.

Hunter immediately leaned over her, stroking her hair. You reached out, taking one of her hands,  giving it a squeeze. Hunter offered her a small smile, and said, “Hiya, kid.”

“You gave us a right scare there,” you said. 

Omega let out a groan and started to sit up. “W-What happened?”

You and Hunter shared a glance. You could hardly put into words the ordeal you all just experienced. You weren’t sure you could explain it to her without crying, but you also didn’t want Hunter to shoulder that responsibility. He already carried too much weight on his shoulders. 

But before you could say anything, AZI entered the room. He chirped, “Hello, Omega. I am relieved you are awake.” He did a quick scan of her, the light blue light illuminating her face. “You each sustained multiple injuries. However, you all will make a full recovery with proper treatment and rest.”

Omega sat up, a hand clutching her head. Hunter reached around, helping her so that she didn’t make things too hard for herself. You gave her hand another squeeze. At this point, it was probably more for your comfort than hers. She was alive. She would be okay. That’s all that mattered right now. If you could focus on that, everything would be okay. Eventually. 

At the sound of Omega’s voice, Wrecker came into the room. He wouldn’t look at you, even when you tried to meet his gaze. You understood why—the guilt he must feel would be tremendous. He was the brawn on the operation. He was the muscles. It’s his job to make sure that no one in his family has to take the brunt of any injuries. In his eyes, he failed. In his eyes, he’s the reason your heart is broken. In his eyes, he’s the reason Tech died. 

You hadn’t been sure how to comfort him, so you let him go off on his own for a while. You weren’t quite sure how to comfort yourself. So, you let him sit in his misery and you in yours. Now, though, you wish you’d done something. It hurt, him not being able to look at you, even if he thought he was trying to spare you the pain. 

“You’re—You’re okay,” Wrecker said. He stumbled forward, kneeling in front of Omega, letting out a breath. He was the perfect picture of held-back panic. He held Omega in a quick hug, careful not to press on any of her injuries. “Don’t scare us like that again.”

Hunter offered her a drink. “How do you feel?”

“I don’t know,” she mumbled. Her face twisted, contorted into sadness. You’d almost hoped she hadn’t remembered. She doesn’t deserve this kind of pain. She shouldn’t have to know this kind of loss. “The last thing that I remember, we were in the railcar when…”

She gasped, her eyes going wide. Her eyes darted toward you, searching for an answer to the unsaid question. But you couldn’t meet her gaze. If you did, you would cry. And if you cried, you would confirm her worst fears. 

She looked to Hunter. “Where’s Tech?”

Hunter looked away, looked at you. You gave a nod. She had to know. “Omega, Tech didn’t make it.”

You dropped Omega’s hand, letting your hand come to rest on Hunter’s shoulder. You gave it a squeeze. You’d meant what you said, that he shouldn’t have to shoulder all this responsibility. You felt bad for making him say it, but you suppose she would only believe the news from him. 

“We have to go back!” Omega said. “What if he’s hurt? He—He needs us! Tell him, Wrecker! We can’t just leave him!”

You looked at Wrecker, seeing his eyes squeeze shut. Oh, that must have killed him. That must have confirmed every dark thought that swirled in his gentle mind. Was it too soon to force everyone into a group hug? 

“Omega,” you said, reaching out, stopping her from jumping out of the bed. “You saw him. He calculated the odds right before he did it. He knew his chances, and he’s seldom wrong.”

“NO!” Omega smacked your hand away. “Tech’s not gone! You know he’s not! He—He can’t be!”

Her face screwed up as the tears began to fall. Hunter took your place, wrapping his arms around her. She sobbed into his chest. Your heart clenched at the sight. She was alive, but she was hurting. And you weren’t sure what to do about that. Nothing that you said would help her. Nothing you said would bring him back. 

You rose to your feet, glancing between the members of your family. “I-I need to go,” you mumbled, stumbling out of the room.

You didn’t make it very far, nearly collapsing into a seat at the bar. Your shoulders trembled as you tried to keep your sobs at bay. Until that moment, it hadn’t quite hit you that he was gone. You knew he was. You were there when he fell. You saw the calmness in his eyes, his acceptance of his fate. You could feel the unspoken words on the tip of his tongue as he said his final words. You felt the tremble of the railcar, the panic in your chest as the line snapped, as he plummeted…Going, going, gone. 

You’d lived through all of that, but a naïve sort of part of you had hoped. Had prayed to the Maker, to the Force, to whatever cosmic being there was that controlled Tech’s fate that he had made it. But at that altitude? With a railcar plummeting with him? Even if he survived the fall, the railcar landing on him would surely do him in. Tech had accepted his death, but you couldn’t. 

How could you? He had meant everything to you. He was the air you breathed, the reason you stayed with the Batch for so long. When the war ended, you had no reason to stay. Your contract with the Republic ended the moment that battles stopped. But he…He gave you one look, one unspoken plea, and you stayed. 

What was the point now? 

You lifted your head as Wrecker collapsed into a seat next to you. He stared at the bar. Knowing that he wouldn’t make any move, you grabbed his hand, gave it a squeeze. “It’s not your fault,” you whispered. “There was nothing you could have done to change what happened.”

Maybe the words were partly said for your own peace of mind, but it brought neither you nor Wrecker any belief. “He was gonna ask ya out when we got back to Pabu,” he mumbled. “He knew you liked looking at tha stars, so he planned a midnight picnic. Was gonna tell you every fact he knew about every star, planet, comet in tha sky.”

“…Oh.” You weren’t sure what else to say. What could you say? How could express the remorse of never getting to experience a future you so badly craved?

“He wanted to come back to ya. He was supposed to come back to ya. And I’m the reason he didn’t. You should hate me.”

“I could never hate you, Wrecker,”  you said. You squeezed his hand. “I meant what I said. His fate was sealed when he went out with me to make repairs.”

“I saved you. I should have saved him, too. I could have saved him.”

Your bottom lip trembled. “He made you get me first. He made his choice. Wrecker, he knew his fate. You…You did everything he wanted you too. Okay? So don’t, don’t feel bad about what happened.”

The sound of two glasses hitting the bar pulled you from your conversation with Wrecker. When you looked up, Cid was sliding you and him a couple of drinks. Your stomach twisted. You didn’t like the look in her eyes. There was something she wasn’t telling you. “Here,” she said. “These are on the house.”

You pushed the glass in front of you away. “Nothing ever comes for free with you, Cid.”

Wrecker pushed his glass, too. “It won’t help.”

Cid was silent for a beat. “I’m sorry about Goggles. I always liked him.”

“Yeah. Me too,” Wrecker said. 

You watched Cid. She had her arms crossed over her chest, one of her clawed fingers tapping anxiously. You sat a little straighter, sniffed back a couple of your tears. No matter what grief you were experiencing, you needed to keep your mind sharp. You had walked right back into the lion’s den. You needn’t give Cid any opportunity to betray you. 

Wrecker noticed, too. “What’s with you?” he grunted. 

Cid wagged one finger at him. “You know, I tried to look out for you kids. But you got too much heat on you. And you brought it here, to my place of business! I had to make the best of a bad situation.”

You watched the rage contort on Wrecker’s face. Oh, you don’t know if you had ever seen him so mad before. You almost expected him to reach across the bar and kill Cid with his bare hands. Instead, he growled, “What did you do?”

“Sorry, Muscles. Sorry, Killer.”

The doors to the parlor slid open. You were immediately on your feet, shoved behind Wrecker as a group of commando clones entered the parlor, their blasters raised. One shot at Wrecker, and he charged, more stun bolts firing at him. One hit you, and you went down easily, not able to put the same kind of fight as Wrecker. As you fell, you prayed to the Maker that Hunter got away—or at least that he convinced Omega to leave you all behind if he wanted to play hero.

The commando clones had you and Wrecker kneeling with your hands bounds behind two of them, maybe another half dozen behind you, all of their blasters raised at the door, waiting for Hunter. Hemlock stood beside you, watching you curiously as you avoided his gaze. He knew something. He knew something about Tech. Your eyes fell to the case he was holding, wondering what its contents were. Was it Tech’s head? His helmet? Some other cruel piece of his life, of his memory to taunt the fact that you all lost?

Hunter emerged from the back, his blaster raised. You let out a breath. At least Omega wasn’t with him. At least she might have escaped. He wouldn’t have come out unless he was sure she was long gone.  

“That’s not very strategic, Hunter,” Hemlock said. “You don’t need to use your enhanced senses to know you’re outnumbered.”

Hemlock turned to Cid, raising the case. “The Empire thanks you for your assistance,” he said, passing the case to the Trandoshan. 

Oh. It was just credits. Maybe Hemlock wasn’t so cruel to taunt you all with Tech’s death using whatever part of him they uncovered. 

Cid and Hunter shared a look, before Hemlock said, “Our business is done. Leave.”

Cid’s head dropped. She turned, walking past you and Wrecker. She paused for a second, looking like she wanted to tell you something. Maybe an apology. You weren’t sure. All you knew was, whatever she had to say died in her throat as you reared your head back, spitting at her. Childish, sure. Gross, definitely. But Cid didn’t deserve your respect. Not now. Not after she sold you all out. 

Hemlock turned his attention back to Hunter. “Please, consider your next move very carefully. I would hate for this to end poorly for all of you. Here is how this is going to go. You will lower your blaster and hand over Omega. And I will allow you to keep breathing.”

“Omega’s not going anywhere with you,” Hunter growled. 

“Oh. Well, who knew clones are so paternal? Fascinating,” Hemlock said. He paused for a moment. “I was saddened to learn of your friend’s demise. What was his name? Oh, yes, Tech.”

You let out a growl. He didn’t deserve to say Tech’s name. What right did he have to talk about Tech?

Hemlock glanced back at you, his eyebrows raised. As he took in your expression, he turned more fully. He reached out, a finger running down your cheek. You fought the urge to bite him. That wouldn’t end well. “Ah, yes, the girlfriend, right?” he mused. Not technically. You and Tech never made anything official. “From what I gathered, the two of you were rather…intimate. I didn’t know clones could do that, either. Though, I suppose his form of intimacy is far different than a…normal human, wouldn’t you say?”

“Don’t you dare talk about him,” you spat. “You have no right.”

“So protective,” he said. Chuckling to himself, he turned back to Hunter. Beside you, Wrecker growled, only to be hit with a blaster by one of the clones holding you all captive. One of the commando clones handed him something. You couldn’t quite see what it was. “I’m afraid this was all I could salvage. Consider it a gift.”

He tossed the object at Hunter’s feet, and you could finally see what it was. A sob caught in your throat. No. No. No, no, no. If that was all they managed to recover, then that meant…Another sob escaped you before your could stop it. 

“To lose one of your own, it must weigh heavily on you as their leader.” Hemlock glanced back at the clones. Several of them pressed their weapons into Wrecker. One of them reached out, grabbing you by the hair, yanked your head back. He pressed his blaster into your temple. You wondered how eager he was to shoot. At least if you died, then you could be with Tech. “And if you don’t lower the blaster now, you will lose more.”

Wrecker shook his head. You couldn’t do the same, not with the way you were being held, so you did your best to convey your message in your eyes. Don’t lower your blaster. We’ll be fine. 

Still, Hunter slowly lowered the blaster and set it on the floor. He picked up Tech’s goggles, the glassiness in his eyes clear. 

“Wise decision,” Hemlock said. He motioned to the clones, and two of them stepped forward to bind Hunter’s wrists. They pushed him to where you and Wrecker were kneeling on the ground. 

Another clone came from the back and reported, “Sir, the girl is not in the office.”

“She’s long gone,” Hunter said. “Like I said, Omega’s not going anywhere with you.”

“Hmm. We’ll see.”

Oh, how could Hunter have been so right and so wrong all at the same time? Omega was, indeed, long gone, but she’d been taken by Hemlock. Despite your family’s best efforts, no one could stop Hemlock. Part of you wished that Omega had listened to Hunter, that she escaped and left you all behind. But the other part of you understood. She’s lost too much. If she lost you, Wrecker, and Hunter to the Empire…You weren’t sure how she would survive that kind of heartache. But now, the three of you and Echo floated through space, with no idea on where to go. Your mission had been a failure—you didn’t have the first clue where Hemlock’s base of operations was. Everything that you all fought—everything that you all lost—was for nothing. 

Eventually, Hunter told Echo to fly you all back to Pabu. Returning there and clearing all of your minds before making the next move was important. Everyone’s emotions were still high. Even if you all could come to a decision, could fall upon some useful information, there was no guarantee that a rescue operation would be successful. While Omega was in more danger the longer she was in Hemlock’s control, it would do her no good if all of you were captured trying to save her. 

You spent the journey laying in Tech’s bunk. Your face pressed into his pillow, bundled up in his covers, trying to commit his scent to memory. His bunk always smelled clean. Crosshair, back in the days of the Republic, once told you that Tech had been incredibly messy before you were assigned to the team. But the moment Tech met you, he went out of his way to keep his area as clean as could be. Back then, you thought Tech was just trying to be kind, to make you feel welcome. Now, you realized he was trying to impress you. 

Tears burned at your eyes at the memory. You tried blinking them away, focusing on the scribbles on the wall of Tech’s bunk. Most of them were about ship repairs that he would be doing with you, or upgrades to weapons. But there was one in the corner, near his pillow, that caught your eye. 

In his messy scrawl, he had written out a series of steps to win a woman’s heart. Most of them were checked off, save for three. Step 7. Take her on a date—make sure it’s something she would enjoy. Step 8. Kiss her—refer to holofilms for best approach. Step 9. Ask her to be yours—let it be her choice. 

You let out a choked laugh, running your fingers over the words. Wrecker was right. Tech had been planning to ask you out. Oh, he had planned everything out. You wondered how long he had this plan. What you would give to have him back for just a moment, to ask him every question you ever wanted to ask, to listen to his voice, to be with him, to tell him you love him, too. 

When the Marauder landed, you reluctantly left the comfort of Tech’s bunk, joining the boys. As you walked out of the ship, you saw Phee waiting. She wore a bright smile on her face, her eyes twinkling. Considering your abrupt departure, you had no doubt that she had a million questions she wanted to ask about the mission. 

“Didn’t think you guys would be back from your secret mission so soon,” she teased. “Did you get what you were looking for?”

You looked at her, and shook your heard. It was one thing to tell Cid that the mission was a failure—she didn’t really care about your family. But to tell Phee? Who had gone out of her way to bring you guys to a place to a call home? Who showed time and time again that she cared, even if she had a funny way of going about it? It hurt. 

Her smile didn’t waiver. She understand yet. “Ah, well, that’s okay. I’m sure you guys’ll get ‘em next time! Say, what’s the long face’s for? The mission wasn’t that bad was it?”

Hunter squeezed your shoulder. You reached up, squeezed his hand back. Behind you, you could hear Wrecker shuffle his feet and the quiet whhrr of Echo’s scomp as he fiddled with it. No one offered an explanation.

“Geez, you guys look rough. Must’ve been real bad out there.” Phee glanced between the four of you, her smile falling. “Say, where’s Brown Eyes? Where’s the kid?”

You opened your mouth but no words came out. You looked back at Wrecker, Hunter, and Echo, but none of them seemed keen to answer. Phee seemed to know, though. You all wouldn’t be so put out, so mournful looking, if something bad hadn’t happened. When you looked back at her, she had stepped closer to you, a hand coming to rest on your shoulder. 

“I don’t know what happened, but I’m sorry,” she said. 

Your lip quivered. Kriff. You couldn’t take this. None of this was supposed to happen. You all were supposed to find out where Crosshair was, you were supposed to rescue him. Everyone was supposed to be reunited. You all were supposed to come back to Pabu and live as normal a life as you could manage. You weren’t supposed to lose Tech. Omega wasn’t supposed to be captured. 

Shrugging off Phee’s hand, you ran off. No one bothered to follow you, to call after you. For that, you were grateful. You didn’t want to be around anyone right. Not for a while. 

You settled on the docks. It was nearly dusk when the Marauder landed, so most of the fishermen had docked their boats and returned to their families with whatever they managed to catch. It was the perfect place for you. Almost no one around to bother you. You were as alone as you felt. 

Sitting on the edge of the dock, you let your legs hang over. You leaned all the way back so that you stared at the sky. The beautiful reds and oranges soon faded into a black abyss. The stars started to peak out, winking down at you. Once upon a time, you would have killed for the opportunity to watch the stars like this. There was seldom free time like this in the last few years. The stars once brought you comfort, providing you a map for your way back home. But it was different now.

The stars no longer brought you comfort. What was the point in the stars guiding you home if he wasn’t there to go with you?

Your eyes fluttered shut. For the first time since the incident, you let yourself cry. Sure, tears had escaped before, when you didn’t want them to. But you had been holding them at bay this entire time, trying to focus on the tasks at hand. Now, there was nothing to do. There was nothing you could do. Nothing, except mourn. A sob wracks your chest. You cover your face with your hands, letting everything you’d been holding in out.

You cried, and you cried, and you cried. Until there were no tears left. Until you uncovered your face, staring back at the stars, sniffling. 

A steady clunk! of a set of boots alerted you to a guest. You had a one-in-four shot of guessing who’d come to comfort you, but you didn’t care enough to see who it was. Did it matter? None of those four people were the one you wanted. And none of those four people was the kid you were supposed to protect. 

You saw Hunter’s face as he finally reached you, sitting down beside you. He said nothing. Hunter was never really the comforting type. He’d gotten better since Omega joined the team, learning to navigate his emotions so that he could be a better parent. But this wasn’t the sort of thing he’d been prepared for. None of you were prepared for this.

“I asked Shep to set you aside some dinner if you decide you’re hungry,” he said. “He said you can come into his house anytime you decide you’re hungry and take it. It has a note on it for you, in his fridge.”

“Thank you,” you said.

A silence passes over you. There’s so much to say. There’s so much you want to say. So much you aren’t sure how to say. How do you navigate this sort of sudden loss? What was the right way to grieve? What was the right way to comfort? A thousand possibilities flooded your mind. None of them felt right. Finally, you settled on an apology. 

“I’m sorry for running off,” you said. “If I worried you, I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intent.”

Hunter shrugged. “I knew where you were. I figured you just…needed time.”

“No amount of time can bring him back.” You sat up, looking out at the dark sea. If you jumped in now, you might sink fast enough under the weight of your armor that, by the time Hunter dove in after you, it would be too late. Even with his enhanced senses, the water would drown it all out. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save Omega.”

“You’re sounding like Wrecker now,” he said. He had heard your conversation with him back at Cid’s. Usually, he kept quiet about conversations he overheard. But things were different now. No one knew how to navigate this sort of hurt. “They got us while we were down. I don’t know if there was anything we could do to save her.”

You rested your hand on Hunter’s shoulder. “We’ll get her back.”

“We will,” he affirmed. He reached for something that you couldn’t quite see. When he brought his hands back into your view, you gasped. “I, uh, came to give you these.”

“Hunter, no—”

“I talked with Wrecker and Echo. We all agreed that he would have wanted you to have them. Anything of his, it’s yours. But these especially.”

As he pressed the goggles into your hands, a tear rolled down your cheek. Oh, this was too much. How could you look at these goggles and not want to jump off the dock? How could you look at the cracked lenses and not picture his eyes squeezing shut as he hit the ground? How could you not imagine the way he looked at you, in the split second before he made his choice? How could you not see of how he looked before, when you all were leaving for the mission, the fire in his eyes as he searched for a way to rescue his brother? How could you not dream of the soft look in his eyes the night before, when you rested your head on his shoulder and told him how you wished the two of you could have a peaceful life? You ran your thumb over the light that used shone red, indicating his constant filming of his surroundings. It was off now. Part of you wondered why, but you dismissed the thought. It was probably broken in the fall. 

“What do we do now?” you ask. You look up at Hunter to see him already looking at you. His eyes were glassy still. You wondered if he had allowed himself the privacy to cry yet, or if he was still playing the part of the stoic leader. “Echo’s probably going to return to Rex soon. Wrecker’s in no position to fight. Kark, neither of us are either. We don’t have the first clue where to look. We don’t have—”

Hunter squeezed your shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. I don’t know how, but…We’ve faced horrible odds before.”

“We had a hundred percent success rate back then.”

“I don’t know what we’ll do,” he said, “but if we stick together, we’ll figure it out. I know we will.”

You wanted to push back, to argue, to feel something other than this grief, but you didn’t want to hurt Hunter in the process. So you let it go. Instead, you asked, “Could you tell me about? What he was like before I joined the team?”

Hunter let out a chuckle. “When we were cadets, Tech was a complete menace. Worse than the rest of us, if you could believe it. Always challenged the Kaminoans at every turn.”

You laughed, the picture forming in your mind. You leaned back against as Hunter talked, and soon he did, too, telling you everything about what little Tech had been like. For a moment, you forgot all that you’d just endured. For a moment, you felt at peace. But then you felt the weight of Tech’s goggles in your hands, and you were thrown back into the reality you were faced it.  

Tech was gone—you were sure of it. But he died to make sure his family would live. You weren’t going to let him die in vain. No matter what it took, no matter what you had to do, you would get Omega and Crosshair back. 

You swore it. 

#following orders: a tech bad batch story #tech imagine #tech x you #tech x y/n #tech x reader #tech x fem!reader #tech x female reader #tech fanfiction #tech fanfic #tech fan fiction #tech fan fic #tech fic #tech bad batch imagine #tech bad batch x you #tech bad batch x y/n #tech bad batch x fem!reader #tech bad batch x female reader #tech bad batch x reader #tech bad batch fic #tech bad batch fanfiction #tech bad batch fanfic #tech bad batch fan fiction #tech bad batch fan fic #starrywrites #starryevermore

[reader6898]

New theory for bad batch season 3: Tech records everything. Like EVERYTHING. So, what if at the end of season 2 before he gave Hunter Tech's goggles Hemlock had everything downloaded from Tech's goggles. Even if Tech deleted his recodings after backing them up Hemlock probably found a way to get them back. In season 3, he would use those recordings and find where the batch had been laying low. That's how the empire would end up on Pabu. I could be wrong considering they might be going down the imperial Tech route with him being the clone x (it really could be anyone) and Tech is the only other person besides Omega who knows where they had been. I don't think Omega would give up their location without a fight so Tech would be the one to give it up if he's brainwashed. If Tech is brainwashed he's smart enough to break it and pretend while planning to burn everything to the ground.

All in all this is my theory that I'm contributing to the hype of season 3. I'm excited and scared at the same time and I can't wait for our theories to come true.

Have a nice day

#the bad batch #bad batch season 3 #bad batch season 3 theories