#crosshair x iden vena

[wild-karrde]

Shadows and Shades - Part 16

Master List | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

A/N: HEADING INTO THE HOME STRETCH NOW, FOLKS! As always, thank you to the outstanding @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading this chapter for me!

Warnings: mention of abortion, pregnancy, and Chuckles being real tired of everyone's shit

Iden breathed in the night air sharply, the coolness of it biting her lungs and setting her nerve endings alight as she took in her surroundings. Alarms were beginning to blare around them as Senna and Chuckles led them outside with Nisa covering their rear.

Inhale. Exhale. Be alert.

Crosshair’s breathing was labored next to her, his teeth clenched against the pain from the wound in his shoulder, but even with his injury, his eyes hardly left her. She couldn’t decide if she found it endearing or annoying and wasn’t currently graced with the time to figure it out, so she nudged him in his uninjured shoulder. His hand slid to the small of her back protectively, and she leaned into his touch.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“I’m not the one that’s been shot.”

“Iden.”

“I’m fine. If you’re going to fret over me for the next few months, I’m going to hide out on some remote moon until the baby is born. Now, focus up or else I’ll be giving birth in an Imperial prison,” she muttered under her breath.

“The hell you are.”

“Oi! Less chatter, more running,” Chuckles snapped from up front.

“You know, you’re not as jovial as your name would imply,” Iden jabbed dryly. Chuck just glanced back at her, but she assumed he was absolutely scowling at her beneath his bucket.

They quickly crossed the rear yard of the facility, reaching the outer fence just as they heard shouting near the backdoor of the building. Senna pushed Iden and Nisa behind a stack of crates before striding to the gate to work on the control panel. Chuckles and Crosshair flanked the stack of crates, their eyes scanning the area for the first signs of movement. Iden tried to reach for the Firepuncher that was dangling from Senna’s back as she passed, but Crosshair shoved her back down. She glared at him.

“You. Are. Pregnant,” he gritted out quietly.

“Yes, not useless,” she snarled. “You seemed perfectly satisfied to let me fire a blaster before you knew.”

“That was different.”

“Wait, you’re WHAT?” Chuckles exclaimed.

Iden huffed, catching Senna’s eye and raising an eyebrow. The Jedi shrugged, and Iden bit the inside of her cheek to avoid making a remark that would reveal what Senna was. Of course she sensed it. She glanced over at her sister, who hadn’t appeared to note the exchange.

Suddenly, a shout rang out in the dark. “YOU THERE! STOP!”

Crosshair pushed Iden lower behind the crates next to Nisa as the troopers approached. He ducked into the shadow, and she watched as he drew the pistol Senna had given him from where he’d tucked it into his belt, taking aim at the approaching troopers. Chuckles shoved him back against the crate, stepping around him and walking towards the squad.

“We’re securing this gate. What seems to be the problem?” Chuckles asked.

“We were ordered to secure the gate.”

“That can’t be correct. We were directed here by Commander Vena herself,” Chuck replied evenly.

Nisa swore silently under her breath and Iden clapped a hand to her forehead.

There was a pause. “Did you just say Commander Vena?” the trooper asked.

Chuckles didn’t immediately reply, clearly fumbling. Nisa swore again, gripping her sidearm and standing, swinging her blaster around to face the troopers. “It’s Commodore, you idiot.” She fired off three quick rounds, striking the first two and downing them. Crosshair aimed and peppered a few more with Chuckles finishing off the last few.

The clone trooper turned, jogging back to them. “Better hurry up, Atiniir. There’s no way someone didn’t hear that.”

“Wouldn’t have to if you’d just known the difference between a commodore and a commander,” Nisa grunted.

Chuckles whirled on her. “Yeah, well excuse me for never having served under the Empire. I’m not exactly familiar with how they run things nowadays.” He stood inches from her face, pushing his helmet up so that he could glare down at her. “You’d do well to keep your mouth shut since we’re saving your ass here, Imp.”

Nisa’s eyes widened slightly as she took in the clone’s scarred face, but she didn’t back down, returning his glare. Iden stepped in between them. “Enough. Or I’ll shoot you both myself.” She stepped past them, making her way over to Senna. “We’ve got to get moving. What do you need?”

The Jedi had her helmet pushed up to rest atop her head and a pen light clamped between her teeth. Without looking up, Senna handed her the pen light. “Hold that so I can see the wiring.”

Iden clicked it on, illuminating the inside of the box and the cabling Senna was working to hotwire. She turned to look over her shoulder and watched as Crosshair spoke quietly to Chuckles, laying his hand on his shoulder. Chuck sniffed and spat before shrugging out of Crosshair’s grasp, pulling his helmet back down and striding over to stand next to Senna. Crosshair turned, speaking quietly to Nisa, and while Iden couldn’t hear the words that were being said, her chest bloomed with warmth. Nisa’s glare softened as she met Crosshair’s eyes, her brows slightly relaxing before she finally nodded, dropping her eyes to the ground.

There’s a connection between the two of them. They’ve both gone through the same thing, something I’ll never quite understand. Her eyes stung for a moment, and she coughed hard to hide the lump that suddenly rose in her throat. I’m glad I have him. And that she has him too.

“So how far along are you?” Senna asked quietly.

Iden sighed. “A little over four months. It happened early on when we got here or just before we left the base.”

“Were you two… uh… was it-“

“No. No it wasn’t planned.”

Senna nodded. Iden’s hand unconsciously drifted down to her belly.

She’d first noticed something felt… off with her the night she first met with Nisa. She’d vomited of course, but her stomach hadn’t stopped churning from the moment she’d seen her sister, so of course she’d attributed it to nerves. But that night as she’d laid in bed next to Crosshair, trying not to think of how angry and hurt she was, she’d realized that something felt inexplicably different physically.

Her concern had only grown in the days that followed as she noted more and more things that were suddenly changing in her body along with the looming feeling of something just feeling different. It hadn’t been hard to escape the dwelling to get to a clinic. Crosshair had been more than willing to give her space as she stomped out the front door of the dwelling with her pulse pounding in her ears, more from her nerves than her anger.

“Congratulations! You’re pregnant,” the droid at the clinic had chirped cheerfully, and Iden had immediately vomited into the bin next to the med table.

“I… that can’t be,” she gasped, spitting into the bin again. “I’ve got an implant.”

The droid leaned forward, and Iden extended the arm where her contraceptive implant was embedded. A scanner popped out of one of the droid’s cavities, running back and forth across her skin before the mechanical medic straightened. “Your implant is past its expiration. It should have been replaced a year ago.”

Iden swore under her breath. She’d thought it had a little while longer, but it wasn’t hard to guess how she’d lost track of that. Fighting the Empire and attempting to prevent Kestia’s assassination did take up a good amount of my mental capacity. She sighed, scrubbing her hands over her face. And now I’m carrying his child. The argument she and Crosshair had the night before had rushed back to the forefront of her mind once more, making her stomach clench painfully as a lump rose in her throat. Luckily, she’d already emptied the contents of her stomach.

“Would you like a list of potential treatments to remedy the situation? It seems as though you are displeased with this news,” the droid offered helpfully.

Iden chewed her lip, studying the toes of her boots. You’ve always wanted a family. But is this the right way to do it? Especially with where you and Crosshair currently are at. Do you want to have a child with him? Lying aside, you both are soldiers currently fighting in a war. What happens if one of you, or Maker forbid, both of you get killed?

A sudden image of Crosshair holding a child, their child, invaded her mind, and Iden let out a sob she didn’t realize she’d been suppressing.

“No decisions need to be made today,” the droid tried again. “You have some time to think things through.”

Iden sniffed hard, wiping at her eyes. “I’ll take the information on all of my options, please.”

The data chip the droid had handed her with the information weighed heavily in her pocket as she had trudged back to the dwelling she and Crosshair shared, her head ducked against the biting chill of the breeze.

What the fuck do I do?

She’d taken a route that led her around the park that she’d met Nisa at, and she’d even stopped at the same bench they’d sat on, replaying that conversation in her mind.

Nisa made it pretty clear that she doesn’t want to go with you. And do you really want to start a family with a man that lied to you, when you told him…

The thought gave her pause. She sat down heavily on the bench.

When you told him you’re a killer.

She huffed in frustration as her eyes burned and her vision blurred. Her fingers slipped over the back of her neck and interlaced as she leaned forward, fighting the sob that was eager to burst out of her.

“Are you alright?”

She straightened quickly, wiping at her eyes. Before her stood one of the fathers she’d seen in their first week on Raxus. His sharp green eyes were studying her from beneath furrowed brows as he squatted down in front of her.

“Do you need me to call someone?” he offered gently.

“No, no I’m fine. I just… I got some news today that I’m struggling to deal with,” Iden said quickly, toying with the edge of her coat and tugging at a loose thread that was dangling from the cuff of her sleeve. The man watched her for another moment before digging through his pocket, extending a small pocket knife towards her. Iden smiled gratefully, taking it from him and going to work on the loose thread.

“May I sit?” he asked.

“Of course,” she replied.

He plopped down next to her, leaning back and inhaling deeply. His eyes tracked something distant, and it was at that moment that Iden noticed his husband and their child were playing near one of the trees that stood in the middle of the park. The little boy was jumping, trying to grasp one of the lower limbs of the tree. His father stood off to the side watching him until the boy turned to him, appearing to ask for help, which he quickly provided, lifting the boy up to dangle from the branch.

Iden smiled. “This may sound strange coming from the emotional woman on the park bench, but I’m glad to see the three of you out and about. The last time I saw you, your boy’s tooka had escaped and you were in the process of being scolded about it.”

She cut the loose thread, handing the knife back to the man. He took it, pocketing it quickly. “That was honestly not as bad as it could have been. Far too much hassle over an escaped tooka, but after the stories we’d heard… well, let’s say it could have been a very different outcome.”

Iden nodded, picking at a cuticle.

“Would you like to discuss whatever’s bothering you?” he offered quietly. “I know I’m the strange man in the park with a pocket knife, but I also am a completely unbiased party in all of this.”

His smile was gentle, and in the moment where Iden seemed more alone than ever, it felt like a hand reaching out while she was drowning. She huffed a laugh. “You do have a point.” Her eyes drifted back to the boy again. “How old is your son?”

“He’s just entered his third year.”

She nodded again, chewing her lip. “So how did you and your husband decide to bring him into the galaxy? Especially at that point. Everything was in turmoil and everyone was figuring things out.”

He shrugged. “We’d wanted one for years and had been trying. It was surely the strangest bit of chance that it happened when it did. We were terrified, but also thrilled.”

Iden’s hand drifted to her stomach reflexively, and his eyes followed it. She ducked her head when she realized what she’d done, moving to smooth her coat over her knees. The man scooted slightly closer, lowering his voice as he folded his hands, resting his elbows on his knees.

“I cannot deny that I had some of the same trepidation that you seem to be feeling now. I laid awake many nights wondering how we could bring a child into all of this.”

Iden turned to face him, finally meeting his gaze. “And how did you overcome that fear?”

He smiled. “We decided to raise a monster slayer in the time of monsters.” His gaze drifted out to where the little boy was swinging his feet, giggling loudly as his other parent watched, cheering him on. “He is fearless, he is honest, but most importantly, he is kind. He wants to help. The tooka you saw him chasing wasn’t his, but the little neighbor girl’s. She wasn’t fast enough to catch it, and when he was caught by the Imperial soldiers, he instantly said it was his. When we asked him why he lied later, he told us it was to keep his friend safe. And that is the type of child I want to raise. A brave one that will look out for those around him.”

Iden watched the boy again as the man’s words echoed in her mind. A monster slayer in the time of monsters. She smiled to herself, allowing her hand to drift to her belly again. That this child certainly will be.

She made her decision.

Iden hadn’t been sure Crosshair would be part of the equation, but he’d slowly won her back, working to rebuild the trust he’d broken. Even tonight, she hadn’t been certain she wanted him included until he’d spared Rampart, and in that moment, she had watched the last trace of the shadows that seemed to follow him finally slip away. She knew his actions from his time with the Empire would always haunt him, but at least it didn’t feel like they controlled him, not anymore.

The wires Senna was working on sparked, bringing Iden out of the memory as the gate flew open with a metallic creak. 

“Time to go,” the Jedi whispered, pulling her helmet back down. “It’s not far. Less than a click outside of town.” 

“Don’t you start fussing over me as well,” Iden joked, shoving her playfully. 

Senna tilted her helmet down, placing her hand on Iden’s shoulder and gently guiding her out the gate. 

“I think the fussing will happen regardless. And it won’t just be me.”

Iden rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. Senna just chuckled.

The five of them moved quickly down the back alleys of Raxulon’s industrial district, following Senna and Chuckles as Crosshair covered their rear. The sound of alarm klaxons blared in the distance, keeping a steady trickle of adrenaline pumping into Iden’s system, but with every step, they grew more faint, and some of her concern abated.

When they finally reached the edge of town and slipped into the treeline, Crosshair’s hand found Iden’s, squeezing gently. As they moved deeper into the foliage, she could practically see the tension melting off of him. His eyes turned towards her, and it was as if he was finally able to look at her the way he wanted. Reaching up, he brushed a strand of hair away from her face before gently cupping the back of her head and pressing a kiss to her forehead. 

“I love you,” he said quietly. 

She gripped his wrists, smiling to herself. 

“Of course you do,” she murmured.

“Despite you being a pain in my ass.”

“That’s my love language, dear.” Her tone was teasing, trying to diffuse some of the intensity with which he was observing her. She couldn’t remember the last time he’d looked at her like this, really looked at her. There had hardly been time in between their stolen moments at Yavin before being assigned to Raxulon, and here, well, everything had been in a constant state of flux. But now, his amber irises bored into her with an adoration that nearly made her feel like it was weighing her down. She giggled nervously.

“Not yet, lovebirds,” Senna teased as she and Chuckles quickly stripped out of their armor, hiding it in the brush. Her blue eyes were twinkling with laughter as Crosshair scowled at her. The only evidence that he didn’t mind the teasing was the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. Senna winked at him, her tongue poking between her teeth. 

Chuckles paused before removing his helmet, pressing a finger to the comm channel feed button. “It sounds as though they’re still sweeping the city, but we’d better move fast before they freeze all traffic queuing for the hyperspace lanes.” 

“That’s good news. I was hoping that’s how they’d play it.” Senna pulled her braid from its tight bun, allowing it to dangle down the back of her black undersuit. Iden noted she adjusted a pouch on her belt, a glint of metal flashing inside of it. So she did bring the lightsaber. She smirked but said nothing as the Jedi approached her sister. Senna gave Nisa an apologetic smile.

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask for that weapon now.” 

Nisa stared at her for a few beats, and Iden felt her pulse beginning to accelerate just as her sister sighed, pulling her blaster free and handing it to Senna. “Would you like to cuff me too?” 

“I don’t think that’s-” Before Senna could finish her sentence, Chuck stepped forward, slapping a pair of binders onto Nisa’s wrists. He glanced at Senna, almost daring her to argue with him, and for a second, Iden thought she might. After a few moments, Senna turned to look at Nisa, who nodded. 

“It’s alright. I understand.” 

The Jedi gave Chuck one last hard look before pushing past him, heading into the forest. The clone jerked his head at Nisa, who fell into step just in front of him. Iden’s stomach clenched at the sight of her sister with her hands bound in front of her, a blaster loosely aimed at her back. 

“She’ll be alright.” Crosshair’s voice was quiet next to her, but sounded deafening in the dark, making Iden jump.

She turned to find the sniper watching her carefully. His hand pressed reassuringly into the small of her back. “She’s going to be fine,” he repeated. “They’re just being cautious. She understands that. This is going to take time.” 

Iden nodded, trudging through the dead leaves that coated the forest floor. 

A short while later, a ship loomed out of the late night mist. Iden squinted in disbelief and Crosshair smirked at the familiar silhouette of the Havoc Marauder. 

“Can’t believe he let them take it without him,” he murmured. 

“Right?” Iden whispered.

Senna snickered from up ahead as the steps to the modified gunship descended. “I thought he’d put up more of a fight too, but when he saw Chuckles fly, he relented. Especially when he knew it was to come get you. He’s working on some other things at base anyway.” 

Iden couldn’t stop the chuckle that erupted out of her as Crosshair’s mouth fell open in surprise for the second time that evening. She nudged him with her shoulder, and he recovered, rolling his eyes slightly. Senna climbed the steps, followed by Nisa with Chuckles close behind, trigger finger still tense on his blaster. Iden began climbing as well before pausing and looking over her shoulder. Crosshair was still standing on Raxus’s surface looking out into the forest, his eyes scanning the darkness. 

“What’s wrong?” she asked. 

He turned to face her, and she was surprised by the sadness in his eyes. “Nothing. This was just… it was ours. Even if only for a while, we had a home.” 

Iden stepped back down to the ground, coming to stand next to him and slipping an arm around his waist. “We’ll make another home, my love. We don’t need a dwelling for that. Just each other. Well, plus one.” 

He slipped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her against him. His other hand drifted down to rest on her belly, and she covered his knuckles with her palm, leaning against his frame. 

“I suppose you’re right,” he rasped, resting his chin on the crown of her head.

“Again, you shouldn’t be surprised by that,” she joked before standing on her toes to kiss him. Their lips lingered for a moment, and Iden had to press down the urge to stand there prolonging the moment. She lowered herself to her heels, grinning up at the sniper.

“Now let’s go before Chuckles gets crankier.” 

Stepping into the Marauder’s hold almost felt like coming home to Iden. Seeing Chuckles sitting in the pilot’s seat was jarring, but other than that, the ship was largely the same from the last time she’d set foot on it. Wrecker’s boxes of explosives were open and scattered around the rear of the ship. He’d clearly been doing inventory and reloads when they headed out. One of Tech’s half finished projects sat at the comm station, all wires and components. A shirt she recognized as Echo’s was flung over one of the pull-down bunks, and some of Hunter’s knives could be seen resting on the bunk below it. Lula sat in the gunner’s nest, surveying the new arrivals as they stepped aboard. It was all evidence of Crosshair’s brothers, her family, and just how quickly they’d pushed Senna and Chuckles to come and save the two of them. 

They’re going to be the strangest set of uncles a child could ask for, she thought, unable to fight the smile that tugged at the corner of her lips.

Senna was stripping out of the black undersuit at the front of the ship, revealing a grey tank top and her cybernetic limb that she’d gained after a battle with an Inquisitor. She rolled her shoulders, flexing the metallic fingers and picking a few pieces of lint out of her knuckle joints that the glove had deposited. A metallic band hung from a chain around her neck. A wedding band, Iden surmised. It was then that Iden noticed Nisa watching the Jedi carefully. Too carefully.

Shit.

“Atiniir was it?” Nisa asked hesitantly. Senna froze, turning to look at her.

“Yes. That’s my surname. Why?”

Nisa straightened, her eyes following Senna’s movements and lingering on her prosthetic. “I need to clarify one thing before we take off.” 

Senna stared at her, the black shirt that she’d just removed dangling from her fingers. Chuckles had paused his pre-check as well and was now watching the exchange suspiciously.

Nisa’s tongue darted out to wet her lips. “I… I know who you are, Master Aven. I thought I recognized you when you removed your helmet, and your left hand confirms it for me.” 

Shit. Shit. Shit. 

Iden felt panic beginning to rise within her, and her eyes flicked to the Jedi. Senna was watching her sister, unmoving. Chuck started to rise from the seat, but the Jedi raised her hand, stilling him. Nisa wet her lips before continuing. “I want you to trust me, however hard that may be, and I figured it would be a poor first step to hide that I knew who you were. Your file came up in association with Iden’s when I was looking up the incident on Naboo.” 

Iden’s heart was thundering in her chest as she watched Senna. The Jedi appeared impassive, studying Nisa for a moment before heaving a deep sigh. 

“It’s not Aven anymore, it’s Ati-”

“Atiniir,” Nisa interrupted. “I heard Chuckles call you that. That was also in the file as a possible alias. It’s suspected that you married… CT-7567.” She paused. “I’m sorry, I don’t know his name. It wasn’t in the file.” 

Senna’s eyes were glistening with a sadness Iden hadn’t ever seen from the Jedi before. Her right hand toyed with the ring dangling from around her neck, her thumb tracing along the band. “Rex,” she said softly. “My husband’s name is Rex.” 

Nisa nodded, her cuffed hands raised slightly in surrender. “I understand that you need to sedate me to keep me from knowing wherever we’re going, and that’s fine. I hope that… that someday I will be worthy of your trust.” 

Senna nodded, swallowing hard before leaning over and opening a drawer near the medkit. She pulled out a syringe that glinted in the dim lighting coming from the Marauder’s various control panels. Senna toyed with it for a moment as if she was suddenly unsure of their choice to sedate the Imperial they’d collected. Chuckles glanced at Iden and then Crosshair, who seemed to make a decision, nodding at him. The sniper extended his hand towards Senna.

“Let me do it.”

The Jedi met his eyes and he flexed his fingers in a silent demand. She nodded, placing it in his palm and turning quickly towards the cockpit, sitting down heavily in the co-pilot seat. Iden didn’t know much about what had happened with Senna and Rex, but she could tell that their forced separation was weighing heavily on her friend.

Even with all of that, she’s letting me get away with bringing an Imperial to base. I’m going to owe her after this is all said and done. 

Crosshair stepped forward, his eyes softening as he looked at Nisa. Iden could see a degree of uncertainty lingering in her sister’s gaze, but Crosshair placed his hands on her shoulders. “You’re doing the right thing. It will take time, but the trust will come. Alright?” 

Nisa’s teeth were digging into her lip, but she nodded. 

“This won’t hurt other than a slight pinch. Then you’ll be out for a few hours. Maybe more depending on if I have to re-dose you or not. We’ll patch you up while you’re out. The next time you’re awake, you’ll be at base. You’ll be safe though. Do you understand?” 

Nisa met his gaze, giving him a half-hearted smirk. “Just don’t let me go tumbling when you do it.” 

He huffed a laugh. “Might want to sit down then.” Carefully, he guided her over to one of the jumpseats, lowering the restraints over her shoulders. “Ready?”

Nisa nodded. Crosshair leaned forward, pulling her collar down and depressing the injector against her neck. Nisa’s eyes fluttered closed after a few seconds, and she slumped forward. Crosshair gently readjusted her to a more comfortable position before pressing his fingers against her pulse-point for a few seconds. “She’s out.” 

Iden fought the tears that were burning in her eyes. She wasn’t sure what they were from: relief, sadness, fear? She glanced over to see Chuckles finally turn back to the controls, readying the Marauder for take-off. As the engines hummed to life, Iden noted the clone pilot briefly spared a look over at where Senna was staring out the side viewport. Hesitantly, he reached over, gripping her arm just above her cybernetic and giving it a reassuring squeeze. The Jedi reached back, gripping his forearm firmly with her metallic hand, returning the gesture. 

The ship shuddered as it lifted off the ground, and Iden stumbled slightly, catching herself against Crosshair’s chest. His arms wrapped around her, bracing her as they rebelled against the planet’s gravity. She looked up to find Crosshair smirking down at her. She rolled her eyes, lightly slapping his chest.

“Oh come off it. I haven’t exactly been on a ship in several months.” 

“Your space legs weren’t that good to begin with.” 

“I thought I was fine.” 

“You think a lot of things.”

She huffed, burying her face in his shirt, inhaling the smell of his skin, linen, and blaster smoke. His palm cupped her cheek, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. The way he was studying her so carefully made her chest clench again. His thumb stroked her cheek. 

“So. Am I now allowed to be excited?” he joked.

She leaned into his touch, finally allowing one of her tears to trail down her cheek. “Is excitement what we’re going with?” 

“What else would I feel?”

“Fear. Terror. Anger at being deceived. All things I’ve been worrying about.”

“Iden.” The way he said her name, as if it were a vow pulled a sob from her. He leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers. “I’ll admit I was shocked, but not disappointed or angry. It… it wasn’t something I’d considered. And I thought you had an implant.”

“I do. Just apparently was in need of maintenance. I have been a bit distracted lately.” 

He laughed, genuinely laughed, and it made Iden giggle as he stroked her cheek. “I would agree with that statement.”

“So… you’re happy then?” she asked hesitantly.

“Very. I’m excited. And terrified, yes. But if there was anyone I would face the challenge with, it’d be you, Iden Vena. I have no doubt we can do this. If it’s something you’re interested in doing with me.” 

Iden sniffed, her hand coming to rest on her belly again as she met Crosshair’s eyes. It was the happiest she’d ever seen him, and for a moment, she wondered if this was what he’d looked like before the Empire, before the war, full of hope and possibilities. 

The father of a monster slayer. 

She smiled, pressing her forehead against his and hugging him tightly. 

“I wouldn’t do it with anyone else, my love. Now let’s get that shoulder patched up.”

A/N: ONE MORE CHAPTER TO GOOOOOO!

Tag List: @seriowan @partoftheeternalsoul @rosmariner @misogirl828 @ellichonkasaurusrex @zoeykallus @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @gjrain20-starwars @dsburnerblog @staycalmandhugaclone @redheadgirl @fordo-kixed-rex @wizardofrozz @moonstrider9904 @rain-on-kamino @ladykatakuri @sleepingsun501

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #s&s #star wars #the bad batch #fanfiction #fan fic #the clone wars #tcw #tbb #crosshair #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x oc #crosshair x original female character #crosshair x iden vena #OC Iden Vena #crossden #established relationship #angst #fluff #OC Senna Atiniir #OC Chuckles #tw: pregnancy #tw: abortion mention

[wild-karrde]

Shadows and Shades - Part 15

Master List | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

A/N: Alright, so if you missed the last chapter, then SPOILER alert on these warnings: canon-typical violence, graphic description of injury, pregnancy. Also, some Reunion spoilers in this chapter. As always, thank you to the outstanding @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading this for me!

A chill rocketed up Crosshair’s spine as his eyes met the consistently indifferent gaze of Admiral Rampart for the first time in years. He’d replayed the last moment they’d seen each other so many times in his mind that he could confidently recite it from memory.

“So you returned then.” Rampart’s eyes didn’t even leave the datapad he was reading as Crosshair was escorted into his office onboard the Venator.

The sniper stood at attention. “I’m loyal to the Empire. My job isn’t finished.”

“And your squad? Did they also manage to survive?”

Crosshair stared at him evenly. “They did not. They were buried in the wreckage of the city. They died serving the Empire honorably and-“

Rampart raised a hand to cut him off. “That is not the squad I’m referring to.” His eyes finally drifted up from the datapad, boring into Crosshair’s with what almost seemed to be disinterest. “I’m aware Clone Force 99 escaped with you. Would you care to elaborate on how that happened?” He heard the click of the troopers behind him tightening their grips on their blasters.

He sighed as defeat sunk in, fighting the urge to allow his shoulders to sag as they suddenly became heavy. “Why would I elaborate when you clearly already think me a traitor?”

Rampart huffed a laugh. “Oh, I don’t think anything, Commander. You missed one of your squad mates, and they were more than happy to relay exactly what took place in the training center.” He flipped the datapad around to face Crosshair. “In fact, we were able to pull footage from the Tipoca City back-up relays that broadcast their security feed.”

Crosshair watched as his brothers stood, surrounded by his squad. Hunter was in binders, Tech, Wrecker, and Echo standing behind him with their weapons flung to the ground. As he watched, Tech glanced over at one of the reflectors he’d placed, nudging Wrecker and jerking his head. Of course he noticed them first. Crosshair felt a twinge of something akin to affection warm his stomach just before he watched himself turn and fire his sidearm at the reflectors. The bolt pinged around the circle, and his entire squad slumped to the ground. Rampart placed the datapad on his desk, standing and striding across the room to Crosshair. Out of habit, Crosshair straightened to attention once more, staring straight ahead as Rampart came to stand directly in his line of sight. An uncharacteristic glimmer of annoyance flared in his eyes for a moment as he clasped his hands behind his back before meeting Crosshair’s gaze again.

“I see that perhaps Moff Tarkin was correct in his assessment of you and your squad. How unfortunate.”

Crosshair wet his lips as his mind raced for a way out of this. It felt as though his world was crumbling beneath his feet. I came back. I was a good soldier. I chose the Empire.

“I am-“

“You are a traitor,” Rampart interrupted. “Your exemplary service record and any favor it might have earned you vanished the moment you chose your former squad over the Empire.” He leaned forward, speaking quietly, as if he were sharing some private joke. “A waste of genetic material, if I’m honest.” Crosshair didn’t need to turn his head to see Rampart’s lip curl upward for a moment before he stepped back, his voice returning to a louder volume, announcing his verdict to the room. “No matter. CT-9904, you are charged with treason against the Empire. You are hereby stripped of your rank, your service record, and will be remanded to an Imperial prison until your court martial.”

Crosshair’s knees were quaking, but he bit the inside of his cheek to steady himself. “And when can I expect that to occur?” He was relieved there was no waver in his voice.

Rampart was already striding back behind his desk, not answering as he waved absently at the troopers behind Crosshair, who moved forward quickly, slapping binders on his wrists behind his back. He didn’t even struggle as he was dragged from the room, and Rampart hadn’t spared him another look.

Crosshair bit his cheek once more to bring himself back to the moment. He blinked rapidly, clearing the memory as Rampart smirked smugly at him. He felt Iden’s fingers lock around his arm, squeezing hard, and he glanced down at her. Her eyes were burning into him, and he immediately understood her wordless plea.

Don’t give up. Fight.

Rolling his shoulders, Crosshair finally turned back to face his former commanding officer. “I suppose I should congratulate you on your promotion,” he sneered. “Although it was inevitable with the way you stab those in the back most loyal to you and then step over their bodies.”

Rampart’s eyes glittered, but the rest of his features remained relaxed. “I did not come here to rehash your definition of loyalty, CT-9904.” He stepped forward, leaning closer to Nisa’s face. “I must say, I am somewhat surprised to see you standing here with them, Commodore. I thought you were more driven than that.”

Crosshair watched as some of Nisa’s fire faded for a moment before she glanced at her sister. Iden jutted her chin out defiantly, nodding at her. Something about her sister’s unspoken affirmation straightened Nisa’s spine and set her jaw. “I am compelled to do what’s right, Admiral. And imprisoning people without a damn good reason is not right. It’s not how I was raised. And I will not do it any longer.”

Rampart rolled his eyes at that. “Your family clearly had a penchant for producing disappointments.”

Iden practically snarled at him, and Crosshair placed a hand on her arm as she stepped forward. Her eyes practically glowed with hatred as she addressed Rampart. “You’ll have to excuse us if we don’t hold your opinion in particularly high esteem.”

The admiral turned to her, his gaze drifting from her toes to her face, appraising her. “The infamous Iden Vena, I presume. You’ve been a thorn in the Empire’s side for quite some time, and now it’s apparent why due to your present company.”

“I get into trouble just fine on my own, thanks,” Iden snapped.

A glint caught Crosshair’s eye, and he stole a glance at Nisa. She was staring at him hard, and when their eyes met, she flicked her gaze down quickly. Crosshair followed her indication. Her hands were raised, but she twisted her hips enough so that he could see the source of the glint from within her coat: her blaster in its hip holster.  

His pulse thundered in his ears as he looked away, quickly counting their adversaries. Four troopers with him. I can maybe get two before they open fire. They’re back on their heels as it is. His eyes met Nisa’s once more, and she gave him a subtle nod.

Here goes nothing.

Reaching over, he pulled Iden behind him, shielding her from the weapons pointed at them. Rampart smirked, stepping forward. “I see you’ve been busy making new friends.” Anger flared in Crosshair’s chest as Rampart continued, coming to stand next to Nisa as he faced the former clone commander. “Let me offer you a compromise. If you come with me now and tell me exactly where I can find your brothers and the other rebels I know you’ve been in league with, I’ll see to it that Lieutenant Vena serves out her sentence in an Imperial prison rather than being executed for her crimes. You’ll be dealt with like the traitor you are, but she’d be safe.”

Crosshair flexed his fingers as he glared back at Rampart. “There’s one thing you’ve always had wrong about me, Admiral.”

“And what is that?”

“I’m no traitor.”

Crosshair lunged forward, deftly pulling Nisa’s blaster from its holster and flipping it in his hand, taking aim and firing two quick blasts at the troopers closest to them. The other two raised their weapons that they’d relaxed as Crosshair gripped Rampart by the shoulder, ignoring the pain from the blaster wound inflicted by Nisa and spinning the admiral to face his men as he wrapped an arm around his throat, squeezing until Rampart gripped his forearm frantically. Blaster fire erupted around them. Crosshair pressed his weapon to the admiral’s temple.

“DROP YOUR WEAPONS NOW!” he roared.

The stormtroopers didn’t immediately comply, but they did pause enough for him to fire two more plasma rounds into their helmets, their bodies slumping to the floor with two dull thuds.

For a moment, the room was completely silent aside from the labored breathing of the four people still standing. Crosshair strained his ears for any commotion outside the door that may be responding to their blaster fire, but after a few moments, he was satisfied no one was coming. Rampart writhed in his grasp, but Crosshair tightened the arm that was locked around his throat.

“That’s unwise, Admiral. I wouldn’t do that again.”

“NISA!”

Iden’s voice startled Crosshair, and he whipped his head around to look at her sister. Nisa was leaning heavily against the desk, clutching at her side. When she pulled her hand away, Crosshair swore under his breath at the sight of the burn mark in her coat that exposed a blaster wound in the flesh of her abdomen.

“I’m… I’m alright,” she gasped. Reaching under her coat, she unhooked a pair of binders from her belt, tossing them to Iden. “P-put those on Rampart.”

Iden stood staring at the wound in her sister’s side, her hands trembling.

“Iden,” Nisa snapped with as much heat as she could muster. Her sharp tone jolted her sister back into the present. Iden strode quickly over to Crosshair, wrenching Rampart’s arms behind his back and clicking the binders into place. Crosshair forced him to his knees. The admiral was breathing heavily, his indifference seemingly evaporated as his eyes bored into his captors.

“You can’t possibly think you’ll escape unscathed.”

“I’d say we’re already past unscathed,” Nisa muttered, gripping the wound in her side and limping over. Turning away from her commanding officer, she gave her sister a tight smile. “We’ve probably only got a few minutes. Best to get moving.”

Iden quickly went to empty the essentials out of their bags in the corner. Crosshair hadn’t moved, staring down at Rampart, the blaster still gripped tightly in his right hand. Rampart glowered at him.

“Go on then. Finish it. Traitor.”

Crosshair had long ago lost track of the number of times he’d dreamt of this moment, standing over the man that had manipulated his mind, turned him against the only family he’d ever known, ripped them apart and made him believe his only purpose was as a mindless killing machine. Now, that man, that monster from his nightmares knelt before him, helpless and ripe for his vengeful machinations.

It would be so easy. 

His finger twitched against the trigger.

Good soldiers follow orders.

The mantra still haunted him every time he closed his eyes. The faces of the civilians he’d had executed brutally, the senator he’d sighted through his scope, all shades of his past that he seemingly could never escape. And here, the cause of them all sat, the reason for his torment, the perpetrator of his imprisonment. A simple squeeze of a tendon in his hand would even the score. He raised the blaster, levelling it at Rampart’s forehead. The admiral closed his eyes.

“Crosshair.”

Iden’s voice wasn’t loud. If anything, it was so quiet he almost didn’t hear it. She wasn’t yelling, wasn’t demanding; she was pleading. He turned to face her. Her eyes were wide, her hand covering her belly as though she could shield their unborn child from the sight of their father becoming the monster he had feared.

“Please. Don’t.”

His eyes burned. He blinked rapidly, turning back to look at Rampart. The admiral’s eyes were open wide as they flicked between his former soldier and the one person in the room that might save his life. The fear he saw in Rampart’s eyes warmed something within him, and he could feel the satisfaction curling in his stomach again, a snake ready to strike. He raised the blaster once more.

Iden inhaled sharply.

“I was a soldier. I served honorably. You made me a killer,” he rasped. 

Rampart’s lip quivered.

Crosshair moved the blaster a few centimeters to the right, firing off five rounds in rapid succession into the floor. Rampart flinched at the sound, falling away from it. Crosshair continued firing until the ammo was almost expended and the blaster overheated, the barrel glowing red. Crouching down, he yanked Rampart up by his collar, pressing the nearly molten metal to his adversary’s cheek. Rampart writhed, grinding his teeth against the pain as his flesh seared with a sickening hiss. Crosshair held it for several seconds, watching as a tear trickled from Rampart’s eye, rolling down his cheek and tracing along his chin. Finally, he dropped his former commanding officer to the ground. The Imperial continued to squirm, gasping with relief and a renewed pain as the cool air of the room caught his raw, burned skin. To his credit, he didn’t scream, Crosshair thought as he watched the metal on the blaster cool enough to return to its normal color. He stood over Rampart, who glared back up at him, clearly biting back a wail as he breathed loudly through his nose in sharp inhales and exhales.

Crosshair leaned over him, his voice even. “I hope that scars, Admiral, so that like me, you can have a reminder of a time where the universe showed you mercy when you didn’t deserve it. I am no longer the killer you made me.”

The weapon had fully cooled down, and Crosshair’s thumb found the mode setting. He clicked it to stun before raising the blaster a final time and firing off a volley of blue stun rings. Rampart slumped to the floor, unconscious.

Crosshair suddenly realized he was breathing hard, inhaling in short gasps as his shoulders heaved. He felt fingers slip around his arm, and he turned to find Iden gently removing the weapon from his hand. She said nothing, but she didn’t need to; her eyes were glistening with relief when they finally met his. 

Nodding at him, she handed him his Firepuncher. He winced as he adjusted his grip on it, trying it a few different ways before he finally huffed a frustrated sigh, extending the weapon back towards her.

“Can’t hold it correctly. Give me back the pistol. You take the rifle.” 

She considered it for a moment before taking it from him and giving his beard a playful tug. “Guess I’m responsible for your figurative and literal child now.” 

“Someone has to be the responsible one.” 

“As much as I hate to break up this disgusting banter, there will be additional guards coming, and if we’re trying to remain inconspicuous, I need to carry the rifle,” Nisa hissed through clenched teeth. “The two of you will need to be in binders to get back out the front door. 

Iden’s brows furrowed in concern. “But you’re wounded.”

“She can carry it on her back,” Crosshair stated firmly, doing his best to hide his discomfort. He knew Nisa was right, but that didn’t stop his fingers from nervously flexing at the thought of Nisa holding his beloved rifle. 

Nisa gave him a grateful nod before turning back to her sister. “We need to move,” she insisted. 

Iden hesitated, staring down at the weapon in her hands before appearing to agree. “Alright then.”

Nisa turned back to Crosshair. “By the way, does this make us even?” 

He huffed a short laugh. “I know that all happened rather quickly, but surely you didn’t fail to notice that I didn’t shoot you,” he replied snidely. 

“You didn’t shield me either.” 

“You’re not carrying my child.”

She rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “Fair point, I suppose.” 

Crosshair stepped closer, carefully moving her coat and inspecting her wound. “Are you able to walk straight without being too dramatic about it?”

“It is a blaster wound, you know.” 

“Yes, and if you’re seen leaving here obviously injured, we’ll never make it out. We can’t possibly hope to shoot our way out of here, so you’re going to have to walk out with us as if everything is normal.” Bending down, he rolled Rampart over roughly, yanking the coat off of his shoulders. “Here, Iden, help her change into this coat.”

“It’s going to be too big for me.”

“Maybe, but I think the blaster hole in yours will be a bigger issue.” 

“Again, fair point.”

Iden gingerly helped Nisa remove her damaged coat before sliding Rampart’s over her shoulders. Nisa’s teeth dug into her lip as she shrugged the heavy coat over her arms, but kept quiet. Iden didn’t question her again as she gingerly slipped the Firepuncher’s strap over her sister’s shoulder before shoving the datapad and the few other valuable items they needed from their go-bags onto her own belt. Finally, she retrieved the two sets of binders, casting one final questioning glance at her sister. Crosshair could see she was still struggling to trust Nisa completely, and Nisa was no fool; she understood. To her credit, she didn’t scoff or snort indignantly. She just waited, meeting Iden’s gaze evenly until her older sister gave a nod, apparently deciding to take the leap of faith. She slipped the binders over her own wrists and clicked them into place in front of her, handing the other pair off to Crosshair with her bound hands. 

He cast one last look at Nisa, examining his reservations a final time. It’s quick to forget and forgive, but we won’t get out of this without her. But, if Iden trusts her, then so do I. He slipped the binders on. 

Some tension he hadn’t previously noticed appeared to slip from Nisa’s shoulders as she readjusted the Firepuncher on her back. Drawing her sidearm one more time, she fired one last round of blue stun rings at Rampart. His body twitched slightly, and she smirked as she glanced back at her sister and Crosshair. 

“For good measure.” 

The sniper shrugged.

“Alright, let’s go.” 

The three of them stepped out into the hall, the door hissing shut quickly behind them. Nisa kept her sidearm trained on the two of them, her eyes scanning the hall in front of them. “Straight down this long corridor and then take the second to last turn to your right. That’ll take us to the rear entrance where there’s less security. Also, speeders.” 

Her two false captives nodded silently, striding forward at a pace that wasn’t too rushed. Crosshair’s blood pounded in his ears, his adrenaline spiking each time an officer or group of stormtroopers crossed the hall in front of them. They passed through several intersections, keeping their eyes averted as Nisa nodded at her former comrades. 

Crosshair kept his outer appearance calm despite his inner turmoil. He’d never struggled to focus as much as he was at this moment, his mind continuing to drift to the life growing inside Iden. His eyes frequently flickered to her stomach to the point where she noticed and nudged him with her shoulder. 

“Later.”

“You know, that’s a hell of a thing to drop on me and then insist we wait to discuss it later,” he muttered.

“Both of you, be quiet,” Nisa growled. “Otherwise there won’t be a later.” 

Crosshair noted Iden rolling her eyes. “She’s so bossy,” she whispered loudly to him, winking. 

Nisa scoffed but didn’t say anything else. 

As they drew near the place Nisa had directed them to turn, a pair of stormtroopers crossed the hall in front of them, the one closest turning and looking at them before nudging the other trooper’s arm.

Kriff. 

Crosshair’s stomach knotted as the two stormtroopers paused before turning and approaching them. He glanced over at Iden, who appeared to be thinking furiously, her brows knitted. Her eyes met his and she nodded. 

“I’ll take the one on the left if you take the one on the right,” she whispered urgently. 

“No, just keep walking. If they get a shot off, we’ll be swimming in them,” Nisa argued under her breath. 

“Then what do you propose?” Crosshair murmured. 

“Let me do the talking.” 

The first stormtrooper marched straight up to Nisa, who smiled engagingly at him. However, before she could utter a single word, he fired a stun bolt at her, dropping her to the ground in a crumpled heap. It all happened so quickly, Crosshair and Iden stared at each other mouths agape, their minds both frantically trying to determine what came next. The stormtrooper left them no time to waste wondering.

“Crosshair and Lieutenant Vena, I assume.”

“Yes…” Iden replied hesitantly, her eyes narrowing as if that would enable her to see beyond the visor. “And you are?”

“Your ride out of here. Best get moving.” 

“Wait, we don’t even know who you are.” 

The stormtrooper paused before sighing huffily and ripping his helmet off. Crosshair stared at a face he’d seen thousands of times before, one not that different from his own. The reg’s hair was shorn into an unruly mohawk that cut across the top of his scalp, and he sported a scar ripping from the right corner of his mouth up his cheek, pulling his lips into a nearly perpetual smirk. “Name’s Chuckles, but you can call me Chuck. Hunter sent us to come get you. That good enough?” 

“How’d you know it was us?” Iden asked, but Crosshair was carefully watching the other stormtrooper standing behind Chuck, finding the figure increasingly familiar. Chuckles appeared not to notice as he grinned at Iden. 

“Well I was told to look for a prematurely-grey man chomping a toothpick with a stick up his ass, and that’s you sans the toothpick,” he joked, pointing at Crosshair. “Oh, and a short woman that looks like she’ll rip your throat out if you look at her funny, so here we are.” 

Iden grinned at Chuckles. “I like you.”

Crosshair rolled his eyes. “That makes one of us.” 

The other stormtrooper laughed quietly, striding up and placing a hand on Chuck’s shoulder. “Or, you know, you had help since I was the one that recognized them.” Crosshair’s suspicions were confirmed as she removed her helmet, revealing electric blue eyes and brown hair that was coiled into a braid that she’d wound into a bun. “Figured when the two of you didn’t make your rendezvous that you’d found trouble. Once we got a hold of a commlink, you weren’t hard to find,” Senna teased.

Iden’s eyes widened before she smiled at the Jedi. “Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, Master Atiniir? Congrats on the nuptials by the way.” 

Senna shoved her playfully. “Alright let’s cut the chatter. Need to get this Imp stored and then get out of here.” 

Iden seemed to suddenly recall her sister was lying on the floor unconscious behind them. She cringed, and Senna’s eyebrow furrowed as she took her in. “About that. So, this Imperial needs to come with us.”

“And why is that?” the Jedi asked. 

“She… well, she’s my sister.” 

“The sister that was working for the Empire that Hunter was very worried about? That one?” One of Senna’s eyebrows had skyrocketed into a skeptical arch.

Iden was becoming frantic, which was not something Crosshair was used to, but he could see the fear in her eyes as the prospect of the family she’d dreamed about was threatened. It was clear she knew she didn’t have a leg to stand on, but she wasn’t about to abandon her sister again. 

“She helped us escape,” Crosshair said quietly, and Senna turned to face him. He always found it unnerving how piercing her gaze was, as if she could see right through him. The fact that he knew she had the ability to reach into people’s minds didn’t exactly instill ease either.

Let her look. Maybe she’ll see there’s no threat. He set his jaw. 

“She wants to leave. The intelligence she carries is invaluable.”

“She’s an Imp,” Chuckles hissed. “You can’t be serious.”

Crosshair ignored him, meeting Senna’s gaze evenly. They hadn’t liked each other at first, but a mutual respect and trust had grown between them. Even though it had been nearly a year since he’d seen Senna, he hoped now, it would be enough. 

“You know how this looks, don’t you?” the Jedi asked quietly. 

“I do. But if Imperials didn’t get second chances, I wouldn’t be here.”

“That’s different, and you know that,” she replied. 

“My chip was failing when I went back to them. That was my decision. And yet, here we are.” 

“Wait, he was an Imp too?” Chuckles demanded incredulously. 

“We all walk different paths, Chuck,” Senna said, resting a hand on his arm. The clone scoffed. 

“You all figure it out. But let me remind you there are plenty of innocent lives that will be put at risk by this,” he said quietly, his voice dripping with venom. 

Senna glared back at him. “I’d never put those lives in danger, Chuck. You’ve got to trust me.”

“Trust has to be earned,” he muttered, shooting one last glare at Crosshair before glowering at Senna. “Do what you’re going to do, but if it’s as dangerous as I think it is, you and I are going to have words.” He jammed his helmet back on his head. “I’m going to go keep watch at the end of the hall. But keep in mind she’s going to come to any minute, and we should have our next move figured by then.” With that, he turned on his heel and stormed away and muttering under his breath. 

“I like him slightly less now,” Iden whispered loudly. 

Senna raised a hand. “No, I deserve that. He’s just worried. He’s got people to protect. That’s why this call is very important to get right.” Her eyes were still flicking between Nisa’s still form, Crosshair, and Iden and her teeth were digging into her lip, a habit Crosshair had come to note she did when she was thinking hard about something. Nisa groaned. Senna turned to Crosshair, clearly understanding their time was running out. 

“You’re certain?”

“What about me?” Iden demanded.

“Lieutenant, you can’t be expected to be impartial on this,” Senna said firmly, then more softly, “I know what she means to you, Iden. I can feel your desperation. But I need a somewhat objective opinion.” 

Crosshair met her gaze. “I’m sure. I’ll stake my life on it.”

“Won’t just be your life on the line. She could endanger all of us. So you’re betting your brothers’ and sister’s lives as well.”

Crosshair paused for a moment before nodding. “Still certain.” 

Senna glanced between them and Chuckles’s silhouette at the end of the hall one more time before seeming to come to a decision. “Very well. She’s likely going to have to be sedated before we reach base. We make no mention of the place it’s located. She will be scanned for any sort of tracker before we even leave this sector. If at any point she gives me reason to believe that she’ll betray us, we drop her at the first moon we find.” 

“You can reach into her mind when she comes to, can’t you?” Iden asked. “Won’t that give you confidence in her?”

Senna grimaced. “Yes, but I hate doing it. Imperial or not, it’s invasive, and it steps into a darker part of the Force. I don’t want to read her mind.” 

“But her intentions?” Iden pressed.

“She could be firm in her conviction, but that won’t speak to her motivation,” Senna replied. “She could be certain that spying on us in order to turn us over to the Empire is the right move.” 

Iden opened her mouth to object again, but Senna raised her hand. “She will come with us, but we keep an eye on her.” She nibbled at her lip again. “And we don’t tell her what I am. Or that there are Jedi at the base.”

“There are Jedi at the base? Besides Omega?”

“A lot’s happened since you left. There’ll be plenty of time to fill you in. But now’s not the time.” Nisa groaned again, her fingers twitching at her side. Senna looked at Crosshair. “Get her up. Chuck and I will be waiting for you at the end of the corridor. We can help walk you out. Don’t take long.” Giving Iden one more tight smile, she slipped her bucket back on, trotting down the hall to stand next to Chuckles, their heads swiveling back and forth. Crosshair noted the way she gently gripped the clone’s arm as she leaned over to presumably reassure him. 

Iden crouched down next to her sister, gently gripping her arm between her cuffed hands and giving it a firm shake. “Nisa, you’ve got to get up. Come on, rise and shine.” 

Nisa’s eyes finally fluttered open, and she groaned loudly, gripping the back of her head as she winced. “What the kriff? Did I just get stunned by those stormtroopers?” She reached for her weapon, but Crosshair grabbed her other arm, stilling her. 

“Miscommunication, but that’s our ride out of here. They came looking for us, and apparently our ruse was convincing enough for them to think you were still holding us captive.” He and Iden helped pull her to her feet. “Sorry about that,” he grunted.

“Are we even yet?” she mumbled.

“Still wasn’t me that shot you.”

“Yes, but it’s because of you.”

“Will you two shut up?” Iden muttered. “I’m starting to wonder if this was a good idea if I’m going to have to listen to you bicker all the time.” 

Crosshair bent down and pecked her on the forehead. “Remember darling, you wanted this.” 

“Didn’t understand the full implications,” Iden groused. “Let’s go.” 

The three of them marched down the hall, and when they met the two stormtroopers, Senna nodded at them before she and Chuck began leading them down a different corridor. Iden and Crosshair walked in silence, the only sound the pounding of his pulse in his ears and the sound of Nisa’s labored breathing behind them. He suddenly realized she was struggling with the Firepuncher, and he leaned forward to speak quietly to Senna. 

“The younger Vena is injured and struggling to carry my Firepuncher. Would you be so kind as to take it from her so that it won’t get damaged if she keels over?” 

Senna huffed a laugh at him before nodding, stepping back and gently sliding the weapon off of Nisa’s back. Nisa gave her a grateful smile as she straightened, continuing forward with slightly less labored breathing. 

“You know, I’d almost mistake that for you caring about someone other than Iden,” Senna joked quietly to Crosshair. 

“I told you, it was for the rifle.”

“Uh huh.” 

The five of them moved quickly through the winding halls, finally making it to an exterior door after what felt like an eternity. Chuck’s gloved finger had just pressed the button on the access panel to open the door when an alarm began to blare in the distance, crescendoing towards them. 

“I’m going to assume that’s for us,” Iden sighed.

“Let’s not stick around to find out.” Senna unclicked their binders, extending the Firepuncher towards Crosshair. 

“No, no give it to Iden. My shoulder’s injured.” 

Senna cocked her helmet at him before handing the weapon to Iden. “I guess I should congratulate you on your nuptials as well.”

“Not married, dear,” Iden joked. 

“Might as well be if he’s letting you use that.” 

Iden rolled her eyes, but Crosshair didn’t miss the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips as she adjusted the rifle. Senna handed Crosshair a DC-17 from her belt. 

“Still remember how to use one of these?”

“Certainly.”

“We gonna let the Imp keep her gun?” Chuckles snarled from beneath his bucket. 

“The more blasters, the better Chuck,” Senna said before turning to Nisa. “If you give me any reason to think you’re betraying us, I will kill you immediately. Do you understand?”

Nisa swallowed hard, but kept her gaze trained on the visor of Senna’s helmet. “Yes, I understand.”

Senna’s head bobbed. 

“Good. Now let’s move.” 

Tag List: @seriowan @partoftheeternalsoul @rosmariner @misogirl828 @ellichonkasaurusrex @zoeykallus @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @gjrain20-starwars @dsburnerblog @staycalmandhugaclone @redheadgirl @fordo-kixed-rex @moonstrider9904 @rain-on-kamino @ladykatakuri

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #fanfiction #fan fic #star wars #the bad batch #tbb #crosshair #crosshair x oc #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x original female character #OC Iden Vena #crosshair x iden #crosshair x iden vena #crossden #established relationship #OC Senna Aven #OC Senna Atiniir #OC Chuckles #angst

[wild-karrde]

One of my 2023 things I want to do is commission more art of of OCs and I JUST GOT ONE FROM @sleepingsun501 AND AM VERY EMOTIONAL ABOUT IT!!!

It is from the end of Shadows and Shades and is a massive spoiler, so I’m putting it below a cut but AHFNFLSVSKFNDKSHFKSMBFKGDH ERIN IT IS PERFECT!!!

LOOK AT THEM!! LOOK AT THIS LITTLE FAMILY!!! I LOVE THEM SO MUCH AND AM JUST SO VERY NORMAL ABOUT IT!!

ERIN - THANK YOU SO MUCH!! MAY YOUR PILLOW ALWAYS BE COOL AND YOUR SWEATSHIRTS ALWAYS BE SOFT ON THE INSIDE, YOU ABSOLUTE LEGEND.

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #sleepingsun501 art #Star Wars #the bad batch #tbb #Crosshair #Crosshair x ofc #Crosshair x original female character #Crosshair x oc #OC iden vena #Crosshair x iden vena #CrossDen

[wild-karrde]

Shadows and Shades - Part 13

Master List | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

A/N: There are some “Reunion” spoilers in this chapter, so heads up if you’re looking to read that fic spoiler free! As always, thank you to the outstanding @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading this chapter for me! :)

Another week passed, and with every day that ticked by, Crosshair wondered if he’d made the right decision in planting the tracker on Nisa. They had fallen into a routine each night: as they ate dinner and unwound from the day, the datapad sat within view, Nisa’s glowing green blip visible to both of them. They’d become familiar with her daily habits and routes, which she seemed to follow religiously. Every evening, Crosshair hoped she’d deviate from her route back to where he assumed her dwelling was, and every day he was disappointed. While he hid that disappointment well, Iden did not. Her shoulders would slump a little lower with every passing second until she’d sigh deeply, plaster a smile across her face, and rise to punch the datapad off and clear their dinner away.

She thinks she’s hiding it. But she’s so easy to read.

His dismay didn’t necessarily stem from Nisa not defecting; it came from watching Iden torture herself, wishing there was a way to save her but knowing it had to be her own decision. He had little doubt Iden had considered stunning her sister and dragging her back to base with them, but they both knew the risk that posed.

We’d endanger the entire rebellion. It has to be her decision. Even if it’s not the one we’re hoping for.

His datapad beeped on the table, rousing him from his train of thought. Before he could reach for it, Iden had snatched it, her eyes scanning something on the screen.

“What is it?” he drawled, reaching for his glass of wine instead.

“A message from Hunter,” Iden replied. “Sounds like they’ve finally got a plan for us. And some other updates.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Other updates?”

She shrugged. “No idea. But better not keep them waiting.”

The two of them stood from their small table, moving to the couch where they’d become accustomed to taking Hunter’s calls. Crosshair popped a toothpick between his teeth as Iden punched in Hunter’s frequency and placed the holopad in the middle of the low table in front of them. Almost immediately, the sergeant’s blue glowing form popped into view, but he wasn’t alone. Tech stood to his left, eyes locked onto his datapad as usual, but there was something about the way he was bouncing on the balls of his feet with a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips that struck Crosshair as unusual.

He's certainly chipper. He’s normally only like that if he’s gotten some new tools. Or come up with some new invention.

Hunter, on the other hand, looked exhausted. It seems he always looks like that these days, Crosshair thought. The sergeant smiled tightly at the two of them. “Good to see you both. It’s been a while.”

“It has,” Crosshair agreed. “Everything alright over there?”

He’s clearly got something bothering him. 

Hunter sighed. “It’s been…an eventful last few days. I’ll spare the details since we’re short on time, but Master Atiniir was attacked by… by a clone that she and Rex brought back. Commander Wolffe. She’s alive, but it was a close call. She’ll heal.”

Crosshair stiffened. “His chip?”

“Removed before the attack.”

“That makes no sense. Then he-“

Hunter nodded. “I know. Like I said, sparing the details. But Rex is going to take him offworld to keep him safe and away from everyone else until he becomes less of a danger. Rex and Gregor are already off scouting for a place to lay low. And when they get back, I have a sneaking suspicion we’re going to have a wedding so Rex can take that last name he and Senna have been kicking around.”

Iden let out a low whistle. “That’s a hell of a development.”

Hunter shrugged, but the tension didn’t leave his shoulders. “I think the close call served as a reminder that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, particularly with what we’re doing here. So, I understand to an extent, I suppose.” He glanced over at Tech, who Crosshair noted was practically vibrating. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this. Hunter jerked his head at his brother, who stepped forward.

“There’s been one other development. Using the files we recovered from Wayland, I have been able to create a treatment for us that will decelerate our aging.”

Tech’s delivery was so easy and effortless that it was almost as if he hadn’t just told them life-changing information. Crosshair almost let the toothpick fall from between his teeth, only recovering at the last millisecond. Iden let out a small gasp next to him. They’d of course discussed his accelerated aging very early on in their relationship, and Iden had taken the news rather well, all things considered. He had supposed perhaps losing people close to her so early in life had made her cherish whatever time she had with those she cared for, even if it was only going to be for a limited time. Maybe since she knows it’s coming, that makes it easier. Now, a spark of hope flashed in her eyes as she turned to look at him, her fingers flying to cover her mouth.

“Crosshair,” she breathed.

He was sitting still, unsure of how to react. He’d never really been one to mourn his shortened lifespan, figuring it was just part of being a clone, but now, his mind flooded with possibilities that he’d never dared to consider. A life with Iden and his brothers, a full life, growing old together, perhaps even living to see the Empire fall. All of that suddenly had been placed within his reach, and he was unsure of how to react to the overwhelming flood of emotions he suddenly felt. Reaching over, he slipped his hand into Iden’s. Tech was still jabbering away, something about side effects and the process taking a few years, but Crosshair barely heard any of it as his eyes met Iden’s, and he saw the same thoughts and possibilities dancing behind her eyes.

A life together.

He smiled, squeezing her hands in his. Her eyes were glistening.

“Crosshair, are you listening?” Tech’s question snapped them out of their fantastical haze.

“Yes. I get it. It’ll take some time and there’ll be side effects.”

Tech blinked at him, raising an eyebrow before continuing. “Correct. You’ll need anywhere from a few days to a week to recover, but we can make that happen once you return. We’ll have to monitor your cellular activity over the next few years to ensure the process works, but so far, results have been promising.”

Crosshair rolled his eyes, but couldn’t hide the smile that was smeared across his face. “Can’t wait to become one of your science experiments.”

“To be fair, I tested this on myself first, so I’m not asking you to do anything I haven’t already done.”

“Not as comforting as you might think, Tech,” Crosshair joked dryly.

Tech shrugged, clearly unphased by his brother’s teasing. “There’s one other thing. I’m sending you schematics on how to construct a camera like the one Senna and Hunter used on Naboo. If possible, we’d like you to try to scan and take pictures of the weapon on the other side of the factory. This should be simple enough for Iden to construct with relatively easy to procure components. Let me know if you have any questions or difficulties.” The datapad beeped to alert them of the file’s arrival.

“Don’t push too hard to get the pictures too quickly. We don’t want you to get caught,” Hunter cautioned. “Once you’re able to feed the data back to us, we can decide on next steps. But the first thing we need to figure out is what the Empire’s working on there.” His eyes flicked between the two of them, his brows dropping into something reminiscent of an accusing stare. “I trust Rampart is still unaware of your presence.”

“We haven’t seen him around recently,” Crosshair replied.

Hunter’s eyes moved to Iden. “And what about Commodore Vena?”

And there it is. He knows. 

Crosshair tried to keep his face neutral. Iden swallowed hard, but met Hunter’s gaze evenly.

“Anisia isn’t a threat.”

Hunter’s jaw set in anger as he got confirmation of something he’d clearly hoped wasn’t true. He turned back to Crosshair. “You knew about this, didn’t you?”

“Hunter, it was my decision-“ Iden started, but he held up a hand to cut her off.

“You’ve jeopardized this entire mission twice over now. Both of you,” he growled. “The only reason we found your sister was because her name was in those files you sent back with Howzer, and after tracking down her personnel holo, it was clear you two were related. Tech was able to find your family records without much issue to confirm what I’d feared. And that leads me to believe you were both also aware of Rampart’s presence. Am I correct?” 

Their silence spoke for them. Hunter ran his hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. “How could you be so irresponsible?” he snarled, his anger beginning to crest once more.

“That’s enough, Hunter,” Iden snapped. Hunter fell silent, clearly surprised by the outburst. Her eyes were flaring as she stared him down. “You sent the both of us here because you trusted us to make the correct calls in tough situations. That’s part of what we do. If we’d bailed the moment we saw Rampart and Anisia, we would have left long before we’d understood what was going on in that factory. We’ve gathered valuable information, all while Rampart and Anisia were in the vicinity. Now, you can be upset with us for not telling you, but you cannot tell me that you don’t understand why. And you also cannot tell me that we haven’t done good work here, which is exactly why you’re going to continue to allow us to do so.”

Crosshair felt a flush of pride surge through him as Iden fell silent, her shoulders heaving slightly as she watched Hunter. His brother appeared at a loss for words, and even Tech had ceased punching away at his datapad for a moment to observe the interaction, his eyes flicking from his commanding officer to the pair on the couch and back again.

Hunter and Iden glared at each other for a few more seconds before something seemed to pass between the two of them, and Hunter heaved another frustrated sigh. “I haven’t told anyone that I suspected it was your sister outside of Tech, and I won’t tell anyone else, but you two had better ensure I don’t pay for it on the back end. You continue, but the moment things go south or even seem like they might, you get out of there and call for a pick up. Understood?”

Iden nodded. “We’ll continue to be cautious.”

“Slightly more cautious, one can hope,” Tech muttered, but another frosty glare from Iden silenced him. The tapping on his datapad resumed, echoing in the room’s silence.

Hunter stared at Iden for another few seconds before shifting his eyes to Crosshair. The sniper met his gaze, hoping Hunter was able to perceive how important this was to him, even with the parsecs that separated them.

Let us finish the mission. Trust us to do the right thing. Please.

As if he could hear Crosshair’s thoughts, Hunter finally nodded. “Report back once you get the images. We’ll wait for your call.” He paused, his voice growing slightly gentler. “Stay safe.” With that, he nodded and disconnected the call. Once their holos blinked out of existence, Crosshair released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding before turning to look at Iden. She had her thumbnail between her teeth, chewing away contemplatively. He pulled her hand away from her mouth, and that seemed to snap her out of her trance. She grinned at him.

“Well… that was quite the ride. You get to live longer. We got reprimanded. And now I have something to build.”

“And there’s going to be a wedding.”

“That too. Somewhat sad I’ll miss that. Always did like drinking and dancing.”

“You hardly drink anymore,” he countered. “And I don’t dance.”

Iden shrugged. “Been wanting to keep my wits about me. Plus it’s been turning my stomach a bit.” She smirked as she stood, slipping her hands into his and gently pulling. “And I think you’d dance with me if I asked very nicely.”

He allowed himself to be pulled to his feet, huffing a laugh as mischief twinkled in her eyes. “That would require some negotiation on your part.”

Iden raised an eyebrow, trailing a finger down his chest. “You know I enjoy getting creative in my negotiations.” She pulled his arms around her waist, slipping her hands around the back of his neck. “Tell you what. I’ll do the dishes tonight if you’ll spare me a single dance right now.”

“It was your turn to do them anyway.”

“I’ll do them naked,” she countered.

He scoffed playfully. “You truly think I’m so easily swayed?”

“Yes.”

Crosshair rolled his eyes. “I think I’d prefer you be naked after doing the dishes.”

Iden’s tongue poked between her teeth as she pretended to ponder his counteroffer. “I suppose I could live with that compromise as long as you promise to show me a good time.”

“Have I ever not?”

She shrugged before leaning forward and pressing her cheek to his chest as they swayed in the silence. After a few minutes, she chuckled, and he looked down at her with a puzzled expression.

“What?”

“I see why you don’t dance often. You couldn’t hold a rhythm if your life depended on it.”

“In my defense, there’s no music.”

“You’re still not instilling confidence, my dear.”

He glowered at her. “You know, just for that, I think I’m going to collect on your end of the bargain now, Lieutenant.” Stooping, he threw her over his shoulder with a grunt before making his way back towards the bedroom. Iden half-heartedly struggled in his grip, reaching down to slap at his buttocks and giggling the entire time.

---

A few weeks later, they stood on the factory floor once more, picking through crates of blasters as their prison counterparts moved around them. Crosshair’s eyes flicked around the floor for what felt like the fiftieth time that day, searching for Ba-Ran. He’d been trying to come up with excuses to speak with the foreman as much as he could without being obnoxious, hoping that there’d be an instance where the Gran would allow him back over to the other side of the factory to help out with some mundane task. Unfortunately, at this moment, Ba-Ran was nowhere in sight.

It had taken Iden all of a few nights to construct the camera Tech’s schematics had outlined, and it functioned perfectly after some minor tweaks. He’d been carrying it with him to work every day since then, waiting for his chance, but he couldn’t deny he was growing impatient.

“Relax,” Iden whispered from his left. He glanced over at her.

“I am.”

“You’re not.” Her tone left no room for argument as her eyes met his, an eyebrow cocked skeptically. “It’ll come. Just can’t force it. Like your brother said.”

He couldn’t deny he felt an urgency to prove himself since their conversation with Hunter. He wanted to show his brother that they could still be valuable and make the right calls, that they were trustworthy despite their deception. 

We had good reasons. Surely he can see that. 

He knew Hunter rarely got to indulge in such self-centered decisions due to his position as the team leader, but he hoped that his brother still possessed at least enough empathy to understand why he and Iden had chosen to not disclose the danger. 

Crosshair also couldn’t deny he felt a certain urgency to complete their mission and get back to base so that he could find out what this new medical procedure would entail. Ever since he’d had his chip enhanced, he carried a certain apprehension when asked to undergo any sort of significant medical treatments. Tech had never commented on it explicitly, but he suspected his goggled brother had noted it when he was around them. Tech was unsuspectingly perceptive about things like that, and he had taken to carefully explaining procedures to Crosshair when they were necessary, as if he hoped to assuage his brother’s concerns by laying it all out. To an extent, it did help, and Crosshair was grateful for the unspoken understanding between the two of them.

Giving the floor one last scan, the sniper packed the last blaster into the crate, closing the lid and lifting it off the table. “I need to make sure it’s charged. I’ll be in the storage closet. No one should be walking in there for a bit.”

“You charged it last night.”

“I just want to be sure.” His paranoia about the camera had also seemed to increase with every passing day, and Iden’s jokes about it had quickly faded to worry. She didn’t say anything else, but he could see the concern in her eyes. Without another word, he stalked off with the crate towards the next station. He set it down slightly harder than necessary before heading for the storage closet, his fingers already grazing the lump in his pocket that was the camera.

An obnoxiously loud laugh to his left caught his attention, and when he turned his head, his stomach twisted. Ba-Ran was just coming onto the floor, clearly enamored with one of his own jokes, and right behind him in their crisp grey Imperial uniforms were Rampart and Anisia. They weren’t laughing. Glancing at Iden quickly, he saw that she’d noticed as well, ducking her head and making her way off the floor, keeping her back to them. He turned back to his original destination, trying to keep his pace even and unrushed.

Just a little bit further.

Chancing another look, he saw that Iden was standing at a shelf of crates, pretending to inspect the labels and compare them to something on her datapad.

They have no reason to go over there. She’s safe. Now if I can just-

“ABAN! Come over here for a moment.” Crosshair froze. He was a few steps from the door to the storage closet, but if he continued in, he’d be trapped, and they’d just wait him out or come in after him. If I bolt for the exit, they’ll know. He sighed in resignation. I suppose it was bound to happen eventually. We knew we were playing with fire here. Hopefully Iden can make it out.

Hunter’s going to be extraordinarily smug about this. Unless I die.

Before he could turn to find her gaze, he felt Iden’s grip around his arm, her voice urgent in his ear.

“You’re ill. Keep going. Go to the dwelling. I’ll cover for you.”

Her hand rubbed his back comfortingly. He met her gaze, and her eyes were pleading.

“ABAN!” Ba-Ran’s voice carried loudly across the floor. Iden waved at him absently without turning around to face him.

“Nisa is with them,” he hissed. “She told you she’d have you arrested on sight.”

“I don’t know if she will.”

“Iden-“

“There’s no sense in both of us getting arrested. And she might not, but Rampart will absolutely have you dragged out of here in cuffs, no questions asked.” She leaned forward, pressing her lips to his ear. “I’m asking you to trust me, Crosshair. This is the right call. We have to take this gamble. Now please, go.”

His throat tightened, but he nodded, his eyes burning.

“I love you,” she whispered hurriedly. “If I’m not ten minutes behind you, leave and call Hunter and the others to get you out. I’ll find a way back to you. I promise.” She squeezed his hand before gently pushing him in the small of his back. And then she was gone. He waited another breath before continuing on past the storage closet, heading for the locker room where their jackets were stashed.

It’d look strange to just walk out.

In a sickening twist of irony, he did suddenly feel ill. He fought the rising bile in his throat as he heard Iden’s voice carry across the floor to him.

“So sorry! Aban’s not feeling well, Ba-Ran. He’s heading home. Wouldn’t want him to vomit all over anyone’s shoes. Can I help you?”

Crosshair glanced over his shoulder one last time to see Iden walking towards Ba-Ran, Rampart, and Nisa, arms out welcomingly with a confident smile smeared across her face. His eyes flicked to Nisa. She was initially looking down at her datapad, but at the sound of Iden’s voice, her head snapped up, her eyes widening in recognition. Her eyes flicked to him, and he ducked his head, continuing onward and silently praying to whatever deity was listening with every step. He braced for a shout from the Imperials, to run as they pursued him, but it never came. As he turned the corner into the room, he quickly grabbed his jacket off the hook, slipping it over his shoulders, his breath sounding too loud as he strained his ears to hear what was happening on the floor. Their voices were too muffled, and he took several deep breaths before heading back out the door. 

As he exited the locker room and pushed towards the exterior door, he still heard Iden speaking jovially to her audience, uninterrupted. He turned as he exited and saw Iden was still talking to Ba-Ran. Rampart was nodding as she gestured around at various benches and weapons, and Nisa was watching her intently. The only indication of anything being amiss with the Imperial commodore was the strength with which she was gripping her datapad at her side.

He pushed through the exterior door, and the frosty breeze knocked the air from his lungs. He let out a deep, shuddering breath, fighting the nausea that was threatening to incapacitate him. 

No time. Get to the dwelling. She’ll be alright. 

As quickly as his long legs could carry him, Crosshair made his way back home, continuing to mentally reassure himself. He kept his head on a swivel for tails and doubled back to cover his tracks as much as he could. A twinge of relief flooded him when their home came into view, and he practically bounded up the front steps, bursting through the door. He jogged to the bedroom, yanking out the individual go-bags they’d kept packed in case they had to leave quickly, dragging them to the living room with shaking hands. He counted the seconds in his head as he pulled the Firepuncher from its hiding place under the couch.

Seven more minutes, and then you’ve got to go.

He inspected his pistol, turning the blaster over in his hands.

Five more. You promised you’d leave her.

His leg bounced nervously.

You promised.

Two more. Then you go.

I can’t leave her.

A scraping sound at the door had him whipping his blaster around, taking aim at Iden’s figure as she stepped quickly inside, hands raised. As soon as he realized who it was, Crosshair tossed the blaster on the couch, leaping to his feet and closing the distance between them.

“I’m alright,” she managed to breathe before he enveloped her in his arms, pressing his lips to hers frantically. He couldn’t be certain if it was him trembling or her, but they held each other tightly for a few moments, the only sounds their shuddering breaths as they released the fears they’d both held. Finally, she pressed him back, moving to sit on the couch.

“We need to call Hunter.”

He stared at her. “You haven’t told me what happened.”

Iden scrubbed her hands over her face. “Nothing happened, which is almost more concerning. Nisa didn’t say anything while I jabbered at Ba-Ran and Rampart. To be honest, I can’t even remember half of what I said.” She unleashed a nervous, mirthless laugh.

“What did they even want?”

Iden had one hand pressed to her forehead as though she had a headache, her brows furrowed as she replayed the events in her mind. “Just to ask some stupid questions about production and the sorts of failures we were seeing during inspections. I managed to rattle off what they wanted to hear I suppose, because Rampart thanked me for my time and then they just left.” Iden opened her eyes, looking suddenly weary. “We need to call Hunter,” she repeated.

Crosshair shook his head. “He’ll pull us out.”

Iden’s mouth drew into a tight line. “He will. And I think we need him to.”

“What?”

“We’re out of time, Crosshair,” she said softly. “Nisa knows we’re in the factory working, so our cover’s blown. It won’t take her long to put together what we’re doing there. We’ve got to go in tonight, see what we can see on the other side of the factory, and then get off of this planet. It’s time to go home.”

He pondered it for a moment, but no matter how many ways his mind tried to bend the problem or search for an alternative, he knew she was right. He sighed deeply, popping a toothpick between his teeth.

“Alright. Let’s call it in. And then as soon as it gets dark, we go.” 

—

“You’ve got the key card?” 

Iden glared at him in the dark. “You’ve asked that three times already. Yes, I still have the key card. Let’s just hope they haven’t changed the passcodes anywhere along the way.” 

The two of them were walking quickly and quietly towards the factory, their go-bags slung over their shoulders and the Firepuncher resting against Crosshair’s spine. The sun had sunk below the horizon long ago, giving way to a chill that seemed to seep through their jackets as they crept through the streets. Crosshair shivered, although he wasn’t certain if it was more nerves or the cold.

Hunter had reacted about as well as they had anticipated he would, moving from shock to frustration to acceptance and planning in rapid succession. They were to get into the factory, image whatever was on the other side that might prove useful, and then make their way into the foothills for their pick-up. They weren’t sure who was coming to get them, but they’d had little time to be too inquisitive about it. 

Crosshair was nervous, although he was doing his best to hide it. Everything was happening quickly, and when things went fast, there tended to be mistakes. A number of things had to go perfectly, and no amount of planning would ensure they did; they’d be relying on luck. They needed to be lucky enough for the codes on the security panels to not have changed, lucky enough to not be seen by any guards or security cameras before they escaped. Tech had sent over a quick schematic for a jammer that would cause the security cameras on the other side of the factory to loop the same second in time over and over until the device was deactivated. It wasn’t a perfect solution; anyone watching carefully enough would be able to note the time signature had stopped ticking forward, but it was the best they could do on such short notice. Iden had managed to pull it together quickly enough, but they’d had no way to test it, leaving one more opportunity for it all to come apart. 

We’ll need all the luck in the universe for this to work. 

Before they’d ended the call, Hunter had made them both swear that if a single thing didn’t go according to plan, that they’d abort. They’d both begrudgingly agreed, but Crosshair knew deep down that they’d have little other option. 

Unless we get captured. 

The captain’s keycard that Iden had stolen so long ago still got them through the exterior doors and onto the factory floor. As soon as the door clicked open, Iden activated the jammer, and the two of them held their breath and stepped inside. 

The manufacturing floor that they’d spent the last few months working on was eerily quiet, the only sounds being the air circulating through the ventilation system and the occasional clicking and creaking of the building settling. Their footsteps sounded deafening as they made their way across the floor towards Ba-Ran’s office. 

“Well, the fact that no alarms are going off and no one’s coming to get us makes me think at least this jammer is working,” Iden whispered. 

“It would seem so,” Crosshair agreed, bending down to see the keypad to Ba-Ran’s office door. 

Next bit of luck. 

He entered the default code, and felt a little more of the stress leak out of his muscles as the door clicked open. He heard Iden sigh with relief next to him. Stepping inside quickly, he yanked open Ba-Ran’s desk drawer, feeling about in the dark until his fingers grazed the keycard he was searching for. Gripping it, he strode back out of the office with Iden close behind. 

They were silent as he led her quickly through the factory, weaving through the corridors until they came to the main door that would give them access to the other manufacturing floor. Crosshair glanced at Iden, who nodded to him, the unspoken thought passing between them.

Here goes nothing.

Crosshair scanned the card, punching in the code he’d memorized into the keypad. 2-6-4-3-1-7. After what seemed like an eternity, the door slid open with a metallic hiss. They gave each other nervous grins before stepping inside together. The same eerie red glow filled the room just as before, and to their combined relief, it was empty. 

“I’ll see if I can find the lights,” Iden whispered. Crosshair nodded before watching her silhouette disappear into the darkness. He kept walking towards where he knew the weapon was, his boots thudding against the durasteel floor, and after a few more moments, the large shadow loomed over him. He paused, straining his eyes to see in the dark before all of the lights came on with a loud bang. He swore, shielding his eyes. 

“SORRY!” came Iden’s loud whisper from one end of the room. 

Crosshair rubbed at his eyes for a few more seconds, allowing them to adjust before he turned and looked back at the weapon in the middle of the floor. As he took in the details, it was as if the air had been punched from his lungs. He didn’t even register when Iden reached him, coming to stand at his side. 

“What is it?” she whispered. “Some sort of massive cannon?”

“It has to be,” he replied. “But the scale of it is… this isn’t meant for ground warfare.” 

“Would this go on a star destroyer?” Iden asked, pulling the camera from her pocket and handing it to Crosshair, who began frantically clicking away. 

“Perhaps. But still, it’s larger than anything I’ve ever seen,” he murmured. He circled it, snapping image after image as Iden strolled over to a desk off to the side. 

“Crosshair,” Iden called softly. Her voice was quiet, but still made him jump. He turned to find her leaning over the desk near the weapon, poring over a datapad that had been sitting on it. “What’s Project Stardust?” she asked. 

“No idea. Doesn’t sound familiar.” 

“Alright, I’ll make a note of it. Maybe Tech knows something. Take a look at the power required for this. It’s… they’re going to power it with kyber? Isn’t that what’s in a Jedi’s lightsaber.” 

Crosshair’s chest felt tight as yet another startling detail wrapped itself around his mind. “It is. From the little I’ve heard, kyber does a hell of a job concentrating energy. Whatever this is being used for, it’s meant for destruction on a massive scale.” 

Iden’s eyes were scanning the massive cannon, taking in the various cooling systems, power couplings, and controls and monitors. Crosshair walked around it, imaging it from every angle he could think of and zooming in on the details he thought were important. 

“Take the datapad with us. Maybe Tech can get something out of it,” he suggested. 

“Already in my bag. You got all the pictures you need?” 

He sighed, giving the weapon one last onceover. “I think so.” 

“Alright. Well, let’s give the Imperials one more headache as a parting gift then,” Iden said, a lilt of mischief in her voice. From her go-bag, she pulled what appeared to be explosive charges, and Crosshair felt his eyes widen. 

“You want to blow it up?”

“I do, my dear. I’m sure they’ll just build another one, but it doesn’t seem like it’s been an easy task by any means. This should set them back at least a few months.” 

Crosshair stared at her for another few moments before breaking into a massive grin. “I love you.”

“Of course you do. Now help me get these in place.” They spaced the charges along the base of the cannon, ensuring that they would inflict maximum damage. Once the explosives were in place, Iden set the timing device to five minutes. “Alright my love, it’s time to make our exit.” 

“Couldn’t agree more.” 

Crosshair slipped the camera into the pocket of his trousers before grabbing their bags and jogging out of the room with Iden close behind. They tore through the halls, worrying less about stealth as they were on a timer now. When they crossed the other manufacturing floor and reached the exterior door again, Crosshair handed Iden back her bag before pushing through and out into the night. 

We did it.

A blaster muzzle pressed into his cheek as soon as his foot cleared the threshold. 

“Hands up,” Anisia snarled in his ear. 

Iden was half a step behind him, but at the sound of her sister’s voice, she dropped to her knees, going for the smaller blaster at Crosshair’s hip. Anisia whipped her blaster around, stunning her sister. Iden slumped to the ground as Crosshair tried to grab Anisia’s arm to wrestle the blaster away from her, but before he could get his fingers around her wrist, she brought her other elbow up, cracking it across his temple. Sparks shot across his vision and Crosshair stumbled backwards, trying to grab at his Firepuncher as his mind reeled. 

Iden. She’s down. Just unconscious. How did Nisa know? 

Because she isn’t stupid. Just like her sister. 

Nisa pistol-whipped him across the face, bringing him to his hands and knees and almost certainly breaking his nose. Reaching over his shoulder, she yanked the Firepuncher off of his back. 

“You won’t be needing this, CT-9904,” she growled. 

“Anisia-”

“Shut up. It was you in the alley way, wasn’t it?”

“Nisa.” 

She ignored the plea in his voice as she examined the Firepuncher, keeping her blaster on him. “I should have known it was you when we met at the factory. That ridiculous tattoo should have given you away, but no matter now. I look forward to reuniting you with your commanding officer. Admiral Rampart has stated he’s most eager to see you.”

“I wish I could say the feeling is mutual,” Crosshair rasped, blood pouring from his forehead and nose, dripping into the snow beneath him as he pushed himself up on his haunches, resting his hands on his thighs. 

Suddenly, a loud roar shattered the silence around them. Crosshair and Anisia both turned just in time to watch the other half of the factory erupt into a massive fireball, plumes of black smoke pouring into the sky as a dull orange glow lit up the night around them. 

Anisia wore a horrified expression as she realized what they’d done before stepping forward and screaming in frustration. Crosshair chuckled. 

“You should come with us now, Nisa. You’ll never recover from this failure. Not in the Empire’s eyes.” 

She whirled on him, her eyes glowing just like Iden’s did when she was angry. Some of her hair had come loose from her bun, hanging in her face as her teeth glinted underneath a snarl. 

“Not all of us are traitors like you, clone.” 

The last thing Crosshair saw was a set of blue stun rings erupting towards him before his entire world went dark and he collapsed to the ground next to Iden. 

Tag List: @seriowan @partoftheeternalsoul @rosmariner @misogirl828 @ellichonkasaurusrex @zoeykallus @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @gjrain20-starwars @dsburnerblog @rain-on-kamino

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #star wars #fanfiction #fan fic #the bad batch #tbb #crosshair #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x oc #crosshair x original female character #crosshair x iden vena #OC Iden Vena #CrossDen #established relationship #angst #fluff

[wild-karrde]

Shadows and Shades - Part 12

Master List | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

A/N: As always thank you to the outstanding @teletraan-meets-jarvis​ for beta reading this chapter for me! :) 

Voices and squealing of children outside the bedroom window roused Crosshair from a restful sleep. His eyes opened blearily as he glowered at the shadows moving past the window in the early morning light.

“You’d think they’d keep their kriffing voices down until the sun was all the way up,” Iden muttered, burying her head under her pillow in a huff.

“At least it’s a holiday and we don’t have to go into work,” Crosshair rasped, rolling over and tucking his arm around her, nuzzling at the base of her neck. He inhaled the scent of her soap before placing a soft kiss to the skin, feeling her shudder slightly in his arms.  

“Holidays are supposed to mean sleeping in,” Iden grumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow.

“Some people like to rise with the sun, darling.”

“Yeah, well I’m not one of those people,” she groaned. “Some of us need our beauty sleep.”

Crosshair pressed his lips to the spot where her neck met her shoulders, before nipping gently with his teeth. “Oh come now, Lieutenant. I’d argue you don’t need much of that.”

Iden ducked her head back out from underneath the pillow so that he would be certain to see her eye roll. “Aren’t you the charmer this morning?”

“Aren’t I always?”

“No.”

He huffed an indignant snort, giving her ass a playful swat before rolling onto his back. “Happy Empire Day, I suppose.”

It was Iden’s turn to express her indignation in the form of a raspberry, her tongue poking out from between her lips. “That’s what I say to that.”

“You’ve always had a way with words,” he joked dryly.

Iden rolled over, draping her leg over his hip, her fingers lightly tracing the scars that peppered the skin of his chest as she tucked her head into the crook of his shoulder. “Where were you for the first two?”

Crosshair sighed. “First one, in prison. Second one, out, somewhere with my brothers. Can’t even remember that one honestly. Might have passed while we were traveling somewhere.”

Iden’s face shifted at his words, her brows knitting together. “You never talk much about your time in prison.”

He shrugged. “Not much to tell. I spent my days pacing my cell, doing push ups and crunches and whatever other exercise I could think of to try and pass the time. Got three meals a day. Not much else went on. It gave me plenty of time to think when my head didn’t feel like it was going to split in two from the chip deteriorating.”

“What did you think about?” she asked quietly.

His eyes stayed focused on the ceiling, but his fingers slipped over to interlace with hers. “My brothers, mostly. What I’d have done differently. If I was a monster or not. I wasn’t being dramatic when I told Gerrera that I see the faces of those I killed every night.” He sighed. “I spent so much time trying to discern which atrocities were my decision and which weren’t. Some days, I’m still not sure.”

Iden propped herself up on her elbow, taking his chin in her fingers to tilt his gaze to meet hers. “I know that it wasn’t you.”

“You didn’t know me then.”

Iden slipped from underneath the covers, straddling his waist and leaning down to cup his face in her hands, her fingers sliding through his beard before she pressed her forehead to his. Her thumbs stroked his cheeks. “I know you, Crosshair. And that’s enough.” She kissed his forehead. “You couldn’t have done those things.” Her lips peppered his cheeks. “You’re not that monster you fear.” Finally, she pressed her mouth to his gently, grazing their noses together. “You’re not one of them, my love.”

His breathing stuttered in his chest as he reached up, gently gripping her wrists and breathing her in. “You make me believe that’s so.”

She smirked against his mouth. “Good. I’ll make sure to keep reminding you.”

—

A few hours later, the two of them were strolling through the streets of Raxulon, weaving through the crowd that was gathering for the Empire Day parade. Banners displaying the Imperial insignia hung from every building, and black and red confetti filled the air. Children sprinted by with sparklers or fried food on a stick. The entire atmosphere was one of celebration, but Crosshair could feel the underlying current of fear that rippled through the crowd anytime a squad of stormtroopers passed by.

All desperate to be seen as good citizens, and I can hardly blame them. It’s that or risk imprisonment.

He reached behind him, grasping for Iden’s hand, and he felt her gloved fingers intertwine with his as the crowd around them began to thicken. “You alright back there,” he asked over his shoulder.

“Fine,” she muttered just as two children sprinted by her, causing her to stumble. Before she could splutter out a curse, the culprits had disappeared into the crowd, leaving her with nothing but her wounded dignity as she righted herself. Crosshair smirked at her as she scowled.

“Still the epitome of grace, I see.”

He turned to continue making his way through the crowd, and just as he took his first step, he felt a toe catch his heel from behind. He managed to catch himself before he fell, whirling to see Iden’s tongue poking between her teeth, her eyes glittering.

“Who’s graceful now?” she joked.

“Alright, that’s enough out of you, darling,” he growled, gripping her shoulders and pulling her in front of him, his hands resting on her hips as he guided her forward through the crowd.

“You’re no fun,” she muttered with a slight pout.

He leaned down so that his lips were pressed against her ear. “That’s not what you said this morning.”

Whether due to the cold or a sudden shyness, Iden’s cheeks flushed. She swatted at his arm, and he chuckled, placing a kiss to her temple. “Come on. We’re almost there.” The citizens of the capital city were jostling for position along the main avenue, and Crosshair maneuvered Iden to a decent-sized gap in the crush, placing his hands on her shoulders as he leaned down to rest his chin on the top of her head. He felt her lean back into him slightly, and he gave her a reassuring squeeze.

Crosshair could hear the parade coming before he saw the first glint of sunlight reflected off of stormtrooper armor. The cheering crescendoed as the first squadron marched closer, their boots rhythmically thumping against the pavement. The roar built around them, and he felt a chill run up his spine. Glancing around, he flipped up the collar of his coat further and pulled the cap he was wearing just a little lower over his eyes. He knew no one was looking for him here, but he still felt the urge to make himself less visible, to slink into the shadows unnoticed. Iden seemed to notice his discomfort, slipping her hand into his once more and giving him a comforting squeeze. He looked down at her, and while she had the same unfeeling smile plastered across her face that the rest of the crowd did, he could see the concern in her eyes as they searched his. Leaning down, he placed a kiss to her forehead.

“I’m alright.”

She nodded, turning back to the parade and politely clapping as a pair of AT-STs plodded by them. Crosshair played along, clapping with the rest of the crowd as two Imperial officers emerged from the hatches of the walkers, waving at the onlookers, who whooped and cheered even louder. The officers tossed candies at groups of children, and Crosshair felt his stomach lurch as the younger ones clamored for their sweet prizes.

Already working to indoctrinate them and inspire them to join. Positive association with weapons meant to kill and subjugate the galaxy. The Empire certainly knows what it’s doing.

Vehicle after vehicle rolled or marched by, each one a display of the Empire’s military might. They even rolled a TIE fighter by on a hovering platform, and children squealed with glee at the sight of it. He fought the urge to roll his eyes in disgust.

The entire parade lasted around an hour, the finale being an AT-AT with Imperial banners draped on its sides. Fireworks shot off from the weapons depot, filling the air with smoke as the crowd cheered. Once the final spectacle had passed, Crosshair could feel some of the tension ease from his shoulders as the crowd’s attentions shifted. As the onlookers began to disperse, he caught a flash in the crowd and froze.

A metal leaf glinting in the sun. Dark hair. Imperial grey.

Instinctively, he spun Iden to face him, turning her back to the people across the street, hiding her face from them. His eyes scanned the crowd until the same glint caught his attention.

It’s her.

Nisa was turned, speaking with a few other officers, smiling and even tipping her head back and laughing at one point at some joke being exchanged.

He felt a tug on his jacket and looked down. Iden was watching him with a hint of alarm. “What is it?”

He leaned down, hugging her to him and turning his face to press his lips against her ear. “Your sister is right across the street. Do not turn around.”

Iden slid her arms around him, pecking him on the cheek. “Has she seen us?” she murmured.

“I don’t think so.” He allowed his eyes to drift back to where Nisa stood. She was now crouched down, speaking to a few children. One little girl was pointing at the rank markers on her uniform, and Nisa was clearly walking her through what they meant. Her expression was kind, patient, all to similar too Iden’s and yet so distinctly different.

“What do you want to do?” Iden whispered, bringing him back to the present.

“I want you to step past me and head back to the dwelling,” he replied, his voice low.

“And what about you?”

“I have something I need to do.”

She pulled back to look at him, an eyebrow raising skeptically. “Are those all the details I’m going to get?”

Crosshair glanced up again. Nisa was standing, placing her cap back on her head and beginning to bid the children farewell.

“Yes. I promise I’ll tell you everything when I get back. But right now, I’ve got to go.” Iden was still analyzing him, her eyebrows knitted together as she frowned at him. “I need you to trust me, Iden,” he whispered urgently.

She gave him one last once over before heaving a sigh. “Alright. But don’t do anything stupid.”

“No promises.” With that, he placed a final quick kiss to her forehead before brushing past her and striding after her sister.

A few days after he’d seen Nisa at the factory, an idea had come to him. He’d been unable to shake the encounter from his mind, constantly analyzing it, hoping to see something definitive in Iden’s sister that would tip him one way or the other about how he felt towards her, but the conflict continued to rage within him.

Iden swears she’s worth saving, worth redeeming, but she’s an Imperial. Willingly.

It had kept him up at night until he’d formed a plan. Ever since then, he’d been carrying a small tracker with him, hoping to run into Nisa again and plant it on her. His hope was that by tracking her, he’d be able to observe her, establish her daily routine, and perhaps finally find evidence that would give him peace of mind. He even considered trying to speak with her again, although he was unsure what he’d say.

Yes, I’m your traitorous sister’s lover. Yes, the one that your commanding officer would like to see dead. Now, would you consider joining the rebellion?

The words raced through his mind as he stayed a few steps behind Nisa, weaving through the crowd and keeping his head down. He pulled the scarf around his neck up over the bottom half of his face, hiding his beard and nose. Nisa didn’t appear to be in a large rush, casually strolling between stalls set up along the roadway, perusing various wares that vendors were selling. She purchased some fried meat on a stick, chewing it contemplatively as she made her way through the celebration. Crosshair bought himself a cup of warm cider, trailing along after her, ensuring to stay far enough back to not draw suspicion and never watching her for more than a few seconds at a time.

I need to get closer. To brush past her when she’s not paying attention.

Unfortunately, Nisa’s eyes were just as bright and alert as her sister’s, and he couldn’t find the right moment.

Patience. You can do this. Just wait.

Nisa finally exited the crowd, walking along a side street. She discarded her now clean wooden stick in a trash bin before turning her collar up and speeding up her pace. Crosshair swore internally. He knew he should turn back, but he pressed on, allowing the distance between them to widen since the street was less crowded.

Just a little bit more. If you can’t tag her in the next five minutes, you’ll turn around.

But when will you get another opportunity?

Nisa suddenly turned into an alley ten meters ahead of him. He paused, weighing his options before quietly swearing and following after her. He ducked down the alley he’d seen Nisa turn into, his steps accelerating to try and keep her in view. The alley was short with several doorways pressed into the brick on either side. He didn’t see Nisa’s figure.

Damn. Probably on the other street already.

He picked up the pace, walking quickly. As he passed the final doorway on his right, he noted a dark figure pressed into the shadows. He didn’t look at her as she stepped out behind him, but the cadence of her stride was unmistakable as she fell into step behind him.

Just as clever as her sister. And I underestimated her.

Now I’m the one being followed.

He sped up, tucking his head low. He wasn’t certain if she’d seen his face, but he wasn’t about to make the mistake of misjudging her wits again. The street at the end of the alleyway was busy, and he did his best to weave through the crowd quickly, trying to lose Nisa, but she was persistent. Every time he glanced in a shop window to check behind him, she was just a few steps back.

She has to know I’m aware of her. That means she’s confident. This needs to end before she calls in back-up.

There. That’ll do it.

Crosshair suddenly stepped into another alley, pressing himself against the wall as flat as he could. He tried to slow his breathing as he heard Nisa’s steps speed up to catch him. Just as she rounded the corner, he gripped her left arm, pinning it behind her back and walking her further into the alley. She didn’t scream, but instead, swore as she reached for the blaster at her hip, but he was one step ahead of her, snatching it from its holster. Her right elbow swung back towards his face, and he blocked it with his forearm before catching it and pinning it with her other hand. He walked her further into the alley, well out of view of the main street before pressing her into a dim doorway. He pitched his voice to a different timbre, slipping into one of the hundreds of accents he’d heard during the war.

“Care to tell me why you were following me?” he hissed.

“You know damn well why, you kriffing nerfherder.”

“Language, Commodore.”

“Go fuck yourself,” she spat. “Who the hell are you anyway?”

So she didn’t see my face. At least I don’t think so.

“Your sister sent me.” The words slipped out of him before he could really consider them, and he felt Nisa inhale sharply at the mention of Iden. She recovered quickly, shaking her head and chuckling darkly.

“Would you tell her to give it up already? She’s too late.”

“Is she?”

Nisa stiffened in his grip. He leaned closer to her ear. “Here’s what I think, Anisia. I think that you resented the fact that your sister abandoned you, as you saw it. You were young; it’s hard to see the bigger picture then. In your petulant view, she left you, and you’re clinging to that perceived injustice even now. Not once did you stop to consider the fact that maybe she was doing the best that she knew to do. You were both children when your parents died, and let’s be honest, the odds were stacked against you after that. Iden wasn’t a flawless sister, but neither were you. In the end, you felt the best way to get back at her for leaving you was for you to abandon her, hoping she’d feel as you did.”

Nisa shuddered, but her voice dripped with venom. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“On the contrary, I know everything about you,” he rasped in her ear. “You were so desperate to find somewhere you felt you belonged, somewhere to give your life meaning. So, you enlisted with the Empire, convinced that it would give you a sense of purpose, some significance in a galaxy you feel has largely overlooked your potential. Even now, you cling to that thought so hard that you refuse to acknowledge the atrocities committed by the Empire. In fact, you’re a willing participant.” He huffed. “Not everyone had a choice at the end of the war about which side they chose. Some of us were forced to serve. You chose this, and you continue to choose it, even when presented with a way out.”

Silence fell between the two of them for a few moments. Crosshair watched Nisa carefully. She turned her head, but he kept her pressed into the shadows, ensuring she couldn’t get a good look at him. “You’re him, aren’t you?” Nisa whispered. “You’re the clone commander that served with Rampart. The one that my sister knows.”

He didn’t answer, considering his next words carefully. “Iden doesn’t think you’re beyond redemption. I can’t say that I agree. But I suppose even I managed to make the correct decision in the end. Will you, Anisia?”

“What makes your side the just one, clone?” she snarled.

He chuckled dryly. “In my experience, the side that’s in the right doesn’t have to resort to mind control tactics or imprison dissenters while they hold the rest of society at blaster point. You can’t truly believe everyone in that prison deserves to be there, can you?”

She didn’t answer him, and he nodded.

“Very well.”

“You going to kill me?”

“No, but not because you don’t deserve it. Because your sister would never forgive me.”

“Iden’s a traitor. She’ll get what she deserves soon enough.”

A sudden flicker of anger flared within Crosshair’s chest and he pressed her against the metal door harder, feeling the bones in her arms creak in his grip. Nisa didn’t so much as whimper, the only indication of her discomfort the sharp sound of her breath coming from her nose. Crosshair spoke quietly, his tone carrying a threat.

“Your sister is a hero to her people. She fought their oppressors even when she knew she couldn’t win, and while Naboo may remain occupied, she inspired hope in millions. What can you say, Nisa? That you’ve ensured the Empire continues to rule through fear and intimidation, keeping those that speak out like your sister imprisoned? She and I watched your planet burn at the hands of the Empire. Entire cities turned to ash. Your queen dead because she refused to allow the Empire to take whatever it wanted.” He took a deep shuddering breath, trying to calm himself. “Your sister deserves to have people around her that love her and recognize her victories right along with her flaws. She deserves to have a family, and if you continue down this path, then I can’t see any value in wanting you to be a part of it. But, there’s still time to change your mind. To have the family you’ve craved since you were a child.” He released her arms, keeping his palm pressed between her shoulder blades. She tensed but didn’t struggle. He clicked her blaster to stun. “If you change your mind, come by the park where you met Iden around sunset. Sit on the same bench. I’ll find you.” He paused. “And if you try to betray me or your sister, I’ll find you and kill you. Do you understand?”

Nisa remained stubbornly silent. Crosshair sighed.

“You’re just like her, you know.”

As Nisa turned her head to retort, he fired the blaster. A blue stun bolt erupted from the muzzle. Nisa slumped forward, and Crosshair caught her under her arms, carefully settling her on the ground with her back leaning against the door. He replaced the blaster in her holster and pulled the small tracking device from his pocket. Taking the knife from his boot, he flipped her coat open, choosing one of the seams further in and less likely to be noticed before slicing it open a centimeter or so. Quickly, he slipped the tracker into her coat, feeling the bump of it come to rest at the hem underneath the inner lining.

That should stay put. Now, we wait.

He fastened her coat closed once more before striding out of the alley quickly and into the evening light.

—

“You did WHAT?” Iden’s voice was strained as she ran her hands through her hair, staring at Crosshair as though he’d grown an extra head. He tried to keep his face neutral as he popped a toothpick between his teeth and leaned back on their couch. Her reaction wasn’t a surprise, but he hadn’t exactly come up with a plan to deal with it as he’d made his way back to their dwelling.

“I made it clear that there was still an opportunity to come with us. And then I stunned her and placed a tracker on her so we could see if she ever decides to go to the meeting place I chose.”

Iden scrubbed her hands over her face. “You stunned an Imperial officer. My sister. And you planted a tracker on her. All of this after she was following you?”

“I told you, she didn’t see my face.”

His reassurance did little to calm her. “And you didn’t think you and I should discuss this?” Iden demanded incredulously.

“As I’ve already said, it wasn’t exactly a well-planned endeavour.”

“Planned enough for you to be carrying a tracker on your person.”

He tipped his head back and sighed before pushing himself to his feet and coming to stand in front of her, resting his hands on her shoulders. “I knew it was ill-advised, and I knew you’d say ‘no’.” He paused, searching her eyes, which were boring into him, her brows knitted together above them. The toothpick flicked to the other side of his mouth. “But I also know what she means to you. And I think you’re right; she’s not entirely enamored with the Empire and everything it’s doing. So if there’s a chance your sister might change her mind, I had to give her that.”

He fell silent again, studying Iden’s face. Something in her expression had shifted, replacing anger with something softer. Her eyes were glistening and she huffed and looked away, clearly trying to quell an emotional response. Crosshair slipped his fingers under her chin, bringing her gaze back to meet his. “I know you,” he said softly. “I know you were going to take her at her word, even if you didn’t entirely believe her. I know even though you think there’s a possibility of Nisa changing her path that you were already in the process of grieving her and moving on. You would have left here without another attempt because you are putting the mission first, like a good soldier.” He slipped his hands into hers, interlacing their fingers and running his thumbs over the back of her hands. “But if anyone deserves this, it’s you. And there’s nothing I wouldn’t have done to give you and Nisa this chance. If nothing comes of it, so be it. But I wasn’t alright with not trying one more time.”

Iden nodded, swallowing hard before wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest.

“You stupid, foolish, stubborn, man,” she huffed against his shirt. “I love you so much.”

He chuckled, placing a kiss to the crown of her head. “And I love you, Iden.”

“If this somehow compromises the mission, I’m kicking your ass,” she muttered.

“I’d expect nothing less, darling.”  

Tag List: @seriowan​ @rosmariner​ @zoeykallus​ @misogirl828​ @ellichonkasaurusrex​ @partoftheeternalsoul​ @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond​ @gjrain20-starwars​ @dsburnerblog​

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #star wars #fanfiction #fan fic #my fic #the bad batch #crosshair #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x oc #crosshair x original female character #crosshair x iden #crosshair x iden vena #crossden #OC Iden Vena #OC Iden #established relationship #fluff #angst #tbb

[wild-karrde]

Shadows and Shades - Part 11

Master List | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

A/N: Heads up for some pretty significant “Reunion” spoilers in this chapter, so if you’re wanting to read that fic spoiler-free, I’d recommend pausing and coming back. As always, thank you to the stupendous @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading this chapter for me! :)

“ABAN!”

Crosshair felt his shoulders tense, his toothpick clamping tighter between his teeth. He supposed he should have readjusted to Ba-Ran’s shouting in the few weeks they’d been back at work, but somehow, he still found the Gran’s voice grating. He sighed deeply, setting the blaster he was inspecting back in its crate and rolling his neck a bit before straightening and plastering the closest thing to an indifferent expression he could muster onto his face.

“Yes, Ba-Ran. What do you need?” he asked, trying to keep the sarcasm from his tone.

If there was any annoyance in his question, the Gran never noticed, not even averting his eyestalks from the datapad he was staring at. “Come with me.”

Crosshair pulled the toothpick from between his teeth, flicking it into the nearest waste bin. “To where?”

“My office.”

Crosshair’s pulse began to accelerate, the hair on the back of his neck standing up. He’s never asked that before. “May I ask why?”

The Gran didn’t answer, continuing to walk towards his office. Crosshair glanced over at Iden. She was watching him carefully, an inquiring look on her face as he slowly started after the foreman. Her eyes flicked back and forth between him and the Gran, concern knitting her brows together. He waved his hands at her to go back to work.

Could be nothing. Most likely nothing.

He glanced around at the others on the floor. The prisoners were still working alongside them, but there was no one watching him too carefully.

It’s probably nothing.

His gut tightened with nerves nonetheless, his fingers twitching at his sides as a tingle shot up his spine.

Wish I still had my blaster on me.

“ABAN!”

“Yes, I’m coming.” He didn’t bother to keep the irritation out of his voice this time as he fell into step behind Ba-Ran. His boots clanged against the durasteel stairway that led to the foreman’s office, which overlooked the manufacturing floor. Casting one last glance over his shoulder, he caught Iden’s gaze. She was still watching him, clearly worried. He winked at her to try and reassure her. She rolled her eyes in response, but she still didn’t avert her gaze until he lost sight of her around the corner.

Ba-Ran was muttering to himself as he fumbled with the keypad to his office door, mistyping the code once or twice with his large fingers. Crosshair had to stifle the urge to snort in amusement when he noted the passcode was the default “1234”.

Maybe that’ll prove useful at some point.

As they pushed through the door into the office, he froze in his tracks at the sight of a woman in a grey Imperial uniform seated in front of the rusty desk. Ba-Ran also appeared surprised to see the visitor, jumping visibly before trying to recompose himself.

“Commodore Vena, what a surprise! I hadn’t anticipated you dropping by today.”

Anisia.

Sweat broke out across the back of his neck at the realization, and his fingers flexed nervously at his sides. 

Kriff.

The woman waved at the Gran absently, not even bothering to look up from the datapad she was reading from. “It’s fine, Foreman. It was easy enough to let myself in.”

She was seated in the left chair in front of Ba-Ran’s desk, her cap and a bag resting in the seat next to her. Crosshair’s mind raced. Will she know me? He and Iden had spoken a little about what she and Nisa had discussed after they’d broken Howzer out of prison. He knew she was aware of him at a minimum, but he was unsure if she knew what he looked like. Holding his breath, he stepped up to her right side, keeping the tattooed side of his face from her view. She glanced up for a moment at him, and he nodded at her. She returned the silent acknowledgement before turning her attention back to Ba-Ran.

“Admiral Rampart is wanting figures on how the prison labor I’ve supplied has been working out. I was wondering if you’ve been tracking statistics pertaining to their performance, any sort of disciplinary measures that have been necessary, that sort of thing.”

Crosshair was trying not to stare, but he was finding it difficult to not survey all the similarities between the woman seated to his left and the woman he fell into bed with every night. Their bone structure was similar enough to mark them as siblings. Their noses were slightly different, but they shared the same piercing eyes. When she had turned to appraise him, he’d noted the little pinch between her eyebrows that Iden also got at times. He also noticed the silver leaf necklace peeking out of her collar. When his eyes moved back upwards, they were met with a hard stare.

“Do you have a problem, worker?”

The delivery was so reminiscent of Iden’s sarcasm that he almost could have laughed if his pulse wasn’t suddenly pounding in his ears.

“No, ma’am. Just noticed your jewelry flashing in the overhead lighting. It’s a beautifully crafted piece.”

Nisa’s gloved hand closed around the leaf pendant absently, her thumb rubbing over it before tucking it back inside her uniform. She was still watching Crosshair carefully, but her face softened slightly.

“Thank you. It was my mother’s.”

Ba-Ran had frozen behind his desk at her initial remarks, concerned there was about to be a confrontation, but was clearly relieved as the situation diffused itself. “This is Aban. He’s one of our best quality engineers.”

Nisa nodded at him before turning back to her datapad.

“I can come back later if now’s a bad time, Ba-Ran,” Crosshair said noncommittally, trying to find an escape from the room to avoid being around Nisa as much as he could.

“That won’t be necessary,” she stated. “I’ll only be a few minutes. Now, the data?”

Ba-Ran was scrambling at his computer, trying to search for the files that she’d requested. “Yes, just a moment, Commodore. I’m compiling it now onto a data disk for you.”

Nisa sniffed. “Very good.” 

“Will your workers be staying with us much longer, Commodore?” Crosshair asked, trying to keep his voice neutral as if he were making casual conversation.

Nisa’s eyes immediately narrowed at the question. “Why do you ask?”

He shrugged. “Just wondering how much time I should spend getting to know my new coworkers. Building interpersonal relationships is helpful in the workplace, I hear.” He was terrible at joking, but hoped it came off as slightly teasing.

His response appeared to mostly satisfy Nisa, but she was still watching him warily. “They’ll be here a while longer I’m afraid, but I wouldn’t recommend getting to know any of them on a personal level seeing as they’re all criminals.”

Before he could stop himself, Crosshair glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. “If you say so.”

If Iden was here, she’d shoot me in the foot for that comment. 

Nisa was staring at him hard now, and he tried to keep his shoulders relaxed as he turned to watch Ba-Ran once more. The Gran was scrambling to discharge the data disk from his computer, and as the seconds dragged on, Crosshair shoved his hands in his pockets to hide the nervous flexing of his fingers.

Finally, Ba-Ran spun, extending the disk towards Nisa. “Here you are, Commodore. If you need any additional findings, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.”

Nisa took the disk, popping open her bag to tuck it inside. As she rearranged the items inside, Ba-Ran turned to Crosshair. “Now Aban, I called you up here because I need some assistance moving a few of the more hefty items in here down to the other wing of the factory. I’d normally move them myself, but threw out my karking back a few days ago.”

Nisa paused, looking up at the Gran again. “You really should be more careful, Foreman. I hope you start feeling better soon.”

Ba-Ran bowed his head stiffly, clearly unable to bend further than a few degrees. “That is much appreciated, Commodore.” He pointed at a few crates in the corner, and Crosshair stooped to lift the first one, grunting slightly as he picked the first one up. He noted Ba-Ran rummaging for something in the top right drawer of his desk, and a few seconds later, the Gran tucked a silver keycard into his pocket.

Another helpful tidbit we might be able to use later.

Nisa was sliding her bag over her shoulder and reaching for her cap as Crosshair moved towards the door, managing to keep his back to her as Ba-Ran opened the door for him before stepping in front to lead him out. Crosshair tried to steady his breathing as he heard Nisa fall into step behind them.

As they reached the base of the stairs, he scanned the floor. Please let her be somewhere else…ah, kriff. Iden was looking right at him. Her eyes moved past him, and he saw them widen as she realized who was behind him. The sight of Nisa seemed to freeze her to the spot for a second before she ducked her head, turning her back and making her way towards the locker room in the opposite direction as quickly as she could without drawing attention to herself. Crosshair swore internally.

Time to gamble. Nisa might know me, but she’ll definitely know Iden.

He turned to face the younger Vena, relieved to find her fiddling with her comm and not looking up yet. She paused when he stopped in front of her, her eyes finally finding his entire face. The irises she shared with Iden immediately flicked to the tattoo over his eye, and he felt his stomach plummet.

“I hope I didn’t offend you, Commodore. I am truly grateful for the help that your…resources have given us over the last few months,” he stated, trying to keep his voice firm yet deferential. 

Nisa’s eyes briefly met his in some form of acknowledgement before she went back to studying his face. “None taken, Aban.” She paused. “That’s a very interesting tattoo. Might I inquire about its significance?”

“Looking to get some ink yourself?” he asked evenly.

“No, I’ve just always found the meanings behind the symbols we choose to adorn ourselves with fascinating. Sometimes they mean nothing, sometimes they mean everything. Which is yours?”

Crosshair’s mind raced as he spun a lie on the spot. “It’s my family symbol.”

“Whereabouts is your family from?” she pressed.

“Nowhere really. We’re nomadic. The symbol is meant to represent our wandering path outward from the familiar. The lines represent venturing out while the circles represent the orbits we keep with our family members.”

“Ah.” Her eyes narrowed as she leaned forward. “It almost resembles a blaster’s crosshairs.”

He huffed a laugh, hoping it didn’t betray his nerves. “I’ve heard that before. But we’re actually quite a peaceful people. Not sure I could shoot a blaster straight if my life depended on it.”

Nisa straightened, appearing to at least be momentarily satisfied. “That’s a lovely symbol. I appreciate you for sharing its meaning with me, Aban.” Placing her cap on her head, she nodded at him before turning back to Ba-Ran. “Thank you again for your help, Foreman. Good day.” And with that, she turned on her heel and exited out the far door, disappearing from view.

Crosshair fought the urge to sag against the wall in relief. His knees were shaking underneath him, and he released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“Aban, let’s get moving. I haven’t got all day,” Ba-Ran muttered.

He sighed, shifting the crate in his hands and falling into step behind the foreman. The Gran was apparently unconcerned with how much Crosshair was laboring under the heavy crate, keeping a moderately fast pace as he moved off the floor and strode down the corridors towards the opposite end of the facility. By the time they reached a large locked door with a keypad and camera, Crosshair was breathing hard and felt a cool trickle of sweat trailing down his temple. He tried to hide his exasperation, focusing instead on Ba-Ran as the foreman pulled the keycard out from his pocket, inserting it into the keypad and entering a six digit code, doing little to hide it from Crosshair.

264317. 

Crosshair repeated the code over and over again in his mind, trying to commit it to memory as he followed Ba-Ran into the darkened room. Only the default emergency lighting was on, casting an eerie dim red glow into the darkness. Judging by the way their footsteps echoed, Crosshair could tell the room was massive and open, much like the floor they worked on at the other end of the factory, but without all of the tables and stations, leaving it far more open as they made their way towards the middle of the room. He squinted in the darkness as a massive dark shape loomed ahead of him. It was cylindrical and long with struts that converged on one end in a somewhat conical shape. The scale of the thing was massive, extending at least ten meters on either side of him. He couldn’t really make out much at first, but as his eyes adjusted, he tried to take in more and more details.

What the kriff is this?

“Right here is good, Aban.” He snapped his attention back to Ba-Ran, who was watching him with disinterest, pointing at an area near some sort of control panel. Crosshair carefully set down the crate before straightening, his eyes scanning the object again.

“Never seen anything like this,” he murmured, placing another toothpick from his pocket between his teeth. “Do you know what it’s for?”

“Above my paygrade,” the Gran replied dismissively.

“They don’t tell you what they’re building in your factory?” Crosshair asked in surprise.

“Don’t need to. The droids they use for assembly are all programmed to know what they’re building. They cut out the need for flesh and blood manufacturing at all. Well, almost. Still need the supervisory tech around to stop things if a droid goes haywire. Guess they figure it’s more secure that way. I can’t tell anyone what they’re doing if I don’t know.”

“Aren’t you the least bit curious?”

The Gran finally looked up, his three eyes narrow with irritation. “Look, they pay me for the space, resources, and facilities, not to ask questions. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll ask fewer of them. The Empire doesn’t take kindly to nosiness.”

Crosshair shrugged. “Where are all the droids then? Thought they were urgently needed, and that’s why we have convict coworkers.”

Ba-Ran sighed. “We only have one supervisory tech right now. The other two have come down with some flu or something, so right now, I’m only able to run one shift. That’s been a pain. Was actually worried the commodore was here to rip into me about that.” He glanced down at the datapad in his hands again. “Alright, that’s enough chit-chat. Back to it.”

Crosshair lingered for another half a second, taking in as much as he could, but ultimately, he still had no idea what he was looking at. He followed Ba-Ran out, trying to note as much as he could about the room. He saw the blinking lights of security cameras lining the walls of the massive room, counting at least ten as they approached the door that they’d entered from. Ba-Ran had to badge out again to exit, but didn’t have to enter the code.

They’re actively tracking who goes in and out. Smart.

Crosshair repeated the door access code in his mind all the way back to the opposite wing. Ba-Ran didn’t so much as spare him an additional glance before heading back up to his office and slamming the door. Crosshair searched the floor, and not seeing Iden, headed for the locker room.

She was sitting on one of the benches, her knee bouncing nervously. Her eyes snapped up to his when he entered, and he raised his hands to calm her. “I need to write something down. Right now,” he said quietly. Without questioning him, Iden scrambled to search a few of the coats and jackets hanging up until she found a piece of flimsi and a pen in one, handing it to him quickly. He jotted down the code he’d memorized, looking it over one more time before folding the scrap and placing it in his pocket. He handed the pen back to Iden, and she slipped it back into the coat she’d raided. “Did she see me?” she asked, her voice tight.

“No. I don’t think so. I spoke with her to keep her distracted. She’s gone now.”

“Did…did she recognize you?”

“I don’t think so. The tattoo gave her pause, but I explained it away. I’m not sure she was convinced, but she wasn’t certain about it either. I think the beard actually helps hide it a bit,” he chuckled.

She gave him a smirk. “Alright. We’ll have to hope our luck holds. Now, care to enlighten me as to what you just wrote down?”

He glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one was hovering outside the door before turning back to her and lowering his voice. “I just saw whatever it is they’re working on on the other side of the factory.”

Iden’s eyes widened. “That’s great! What is it?”

“No idea. But it’s huge. The lights were out, so it was difficult to get a look at it, but it stretches at least twenty meters or so and is made of metal. The code I just wrote down is the access code to get in the door to the other wing, and I know where Ba-Ran keeps his keycard. He’s really not very good at keeping things secure.”

“I assume he keeps the key somewhere obvious in his office.”

“Correct, and that’ll be simple enough to break into. The fool hasn’t changed the code to the door. It’s 1234.”

Iden snickered at that. “He really is terrible at keeping things secure. Alright, so when can we get back to the other side?”

He considered it. “There’s a few more hurdles. They’ve got security cameras all over the place in there, so it might be time to call home and see if Tech’s got any ideas in that brilliant mind of his to kill them for a few minutes. Also, might not hurt to see if we can get a camera of our own in there to take some images. Tech and Senna might have a much better idea of what that thing is just by looking at it. Also, they can’t run a shift without a supervisory engineer. Right now, a few of them are down with a flu of some sort, so they’re only running one shift a day.”

Iden chewed her lip. “That’s good info. Alright. Let’s finish up here and get home to call the others.”

---

The rest of the shift seemed to drag on, but as soon as their time was up, Crosshair and Iden snagged their jackets and made their way back to their dwelling as quickly as possible. Crosshair had sent Hunter an encrypted message on the way home to be prepared for a call once they got there, and the sergeant had returned an affirmative. As soon as they were through the door, Crosshair ripped his jacket off, tossing it to Iden, who hung it up as he grabbed the holopad and punched in Hunter’s frequency. The sergeant’s glowing blue form snapped into view almost immediately as Iden plopped down on the couch next to Crosshair.

The sniper opened his mouth to launch into his debrief, but the sight of Hunter gave him pause. He looked exhausted, strained, as though something was weighing on him. “Hunter, what’s wrong?” he asked.

His brother huffed a sigh. “Later. Right now, tell me what you’ve got.”

Crosshair watched him for another second before nodding. He spent the next ten minutes relaying in detail everything he’d seen in the factory, ensuring to leave out any mention of Nisa. Iden squeezed his leg gratefully as he passed that part over, and he slid his fingers over hers, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. When he reached the end, he realized how fast he’d been speaking, and he took a deep breath, sitting back.

Probably sounded like Tech there for a moment.

Hunter was stroking his chin in contemplation. “This raises more questions than it answers, but it’s good work. Let me speak with the others and see what we can come up with. I can already tell you they’re going to want you to get back into that side of the factory again to get more information. I’ll comm you as soon as we’ve got something.” He met Crosshair’s eyes. “Well done.”

Crosshair nodded. “Alright, now what’s going on that’s got you looking like you haven’t slept in a week?”

Hunter sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. “We should probably wait to talk until you get-“

“Hunter.”

His brother paused before his shoulders sagged in surrender. “Alright. But this can’t impact your mission. We’ve got it handled here.”

“You’re not doing much to assuage concerns, Sergeant,” Iden joked, but Crosshair could hear the tension in her voice as well. He slipped his hand into hers, interlacing their fingers.

“It’s Omega,” Hunter began, and Crosshair felt his heart leap into his throat. “She’s not hurt or anything,” his brother continued, clearly noting the sniper’s reaction. “It’s just…it’s hard to explain quickly.”

“Do your best then.”

Hunter ran his hand through his hair. “Senna, Rex, Echo and Tech recently infiltrated a top-secret Imperial base on Wayland. They found Echo’s twin brother there, which is a whole thing in and of itself, but they were also able to recover some project files while they were there. One of them, Project Phoenix, finally told us why Omega was created.” He paused. “She’s Force sensitive, Crosshair. She was engineered to have a higher-than-average midichlorian count.”

Iden gasped next to him, and Crosshair blinked rapidly. “So…she’s a Jedi? We...you never saw anything that would make you think that, did you?”

“She’s not a Jedi, at least not yet. Senna has offered to train her, and Omega took her up on it. We completely left the decision up to her. And no, we never saw anything terribly obvious, but when Senna explained how the beginnings of a Force sensitivity might look, a lot of things made sense all of a sudden. We think her skills manifested in the form of mimicry. She’s always picked up on things very quickly.”

Crosshair considered his words. After his rescue, there had been little discussion about this time with the Empire, but he had recalled the story of how Omega had shot his weapon from his hand when his brothers and she had escaped Kamino right after his chip had been enhanced. He thought Wrecker had been exaggerating when he said that she’d never picked up a weapon until that moment, but now he was starting to wonder if it had actually been true. It was a hell of a shot.

“I’m sorry we didn’t comm to tell you sooner. It all happened so quickly, and we had planned on maybe waiting to tell her until you got back, but she overheard us arguing about it and-“

“Hunter, it’s fine,” Crosshair said, holding up a hand to silence his brother’s apology. “She needed to know. Me being there wouldn’t have changed much.”

“No, but you’re her brother too, and I wanted you to be a part of the decision.”

Something within Crosshair softened at his words. “I appreciate that.” Iden squeezed his hand reassuringly. “Just make sure you keep her safe,” he said evenly.

Hunter gave him a small, relieved smile. “Absolutely.” Crosshair could tell the conversation had been weighing on his brother. He was worried I’d be angry that this happened without me. He gave Hunter a smirk. “Is the kid harassing you all with her abilities yet?”

Hunter huffed a laugh. “She only moved a chair yesterday. I think it’s going to be a while before she’s getting into too much trouble.”

Crosshair grinned. “I look forward to hearing all about it.”

Hunter returned the smile. “I’ll be sure to make a note of anything.” He sobered, giving his brother a final nod. “I’ll comm you as soon as we’ve got a plan for you.”

Crosshair bobbed his head in agreement. “Talk soon.”

Hunter’s hologram flickered out of existence. Crosshair sat still for a moment before heaving a deep sigh and scrubbing his hands over his face. “Well…that was certainly unexpected.”

Iden rubbed the back of his neck. “A lot to take in. Are you sure you’re alright being away while all that’s happening?”

He thought about it for a moment before nodding. “Not much I could do to be helpful. I’d have agreed to tell her, so it seems as though we were all on the same page in that respect. I can see he’s worried about her, and I don’t blame him. But with Master Atiniir, I don’t think she could be in better hands.”

Iden grinned. “I have to imagine they’re getting up to all sorts of mischief together.”

Crosshair sat back, folding his hands behind his head and smirking. “I’d be disappointed if they weren’t.”

Tag List: @seriowan @rosmariner​ @misogirl828​ @ellichonkasaurusrex​ @zoeykallus​ @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond​ @partoftheeternalsoul​ @hockeyjedi13​

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #star wars #fanfiction #fan fic #the bad batch #tbb #clone force 99 #crosshair #ct 9904 #crosshair x oc #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x original female character #crosshair x iden #crosshair x iden vena #iden vena #crossden #established relationship #angst #fluff #romance

[wild-karrde]

Shadows and Shades - Part 10

Master List | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

A/N: HAPPY STAR WARS DAY! As always, thank you to the outstanding @teletraan-meets-jarvis​ for beta-reading this chapter for me! :)

Crosshair sat on the edge of the bed, watching Iden sleep peacefully. It had been a day since he’d apologized, and they’d spent the entire prior day barely leaving the bedroom, snacking on whatever they could find in the kitchen as they reacquainted themselves with one another after their week apart. Now as he watched the morning light start to filter into the bedroom again, he felt conflicted about waking her, but there was something he wanted to do. His fingers traced along her temple, pushing some hair out of her face before dragging along her collarbone and coming to gently grip her shoulder.

“Iden.”

Her eyebrows knit together in annoyance, and he couldn’t help but smile at her sleepy indignance. Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her forehead before saying her name again softly.

“Wake up, darling.”

“Tickles,” she mumbled.

“Hm?”

She opened one bleary eye, affixing him with a surprisingly piercing gaze. “Your beard. Tickles my cheeks when you kiss my face.”

“Remember, you said it would look good.”

“I did. But that doesn’t mean I won’t complain about the drawbacks.” Rolling onto her back, she stretched, wiggling her toes under the sheets and flexing her wrists over her head. “So what’s got you up so early?”

“We’re going somewhere.”

She raised an eyebrow inquisitively. “No further details?”

“You’ll find out when we get there.”

“Reassuring.”

Leaning down, he tossed a shirt at her, hitting her in the face. She glowered at him, but he ignored her, pushing himself to his feet. “Dress warm. And wear comfortable boots.”

Iden watched him carefully for a few more seconds before apparently accepting that she would garner no further details from him. Stepping out of bed, she began searching for some undergarments, swaying her hips enticingly as she rummaged through the small dresser in the corner. “Fine then, have it your way, oh mysterious one.”

He strode down the hall to the kitchen, where he threw some food and a thermos of caf into a pack before heading to the living room and retrieving the Firepuncher’s bag from beneath the couch. Iden emerged as he straightened, tucking her hair up under a cap. She eyed the Firepuncher, raising an eyebrow inquisitively. “Do I need to come armed?”

“You should always carry a blaster, Lieutenant,” he teased. “But no, I’m not taking you into a fight.”

Iden narrowed her eyes at him as she strapped her holster to her thigh before pulling on a jacket. “I don’t get why you’re being so cryptic right now.”

“Part of my charm,” he replied, handing her the pack with food. “Carry this.”

“Oh, I see, you’re just bringing me along as a pack carrier. I have other uses, you know.”

“I’m well aware.” He rested his hands on her shoulders before leaning down and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Just trust me. Now come on, we’ve got a ways to hike.”

The sun was just above the horizon as they exited the dwelling. Their breath hung in the air as a swirling mist in the chill and the ground sparkled with an early morning frost. Crosshair pulled up the collar of his jacket before jerking his head at Iden for her to follow. He led her down a few side streets until they were at the city limit. As he strode towards the tree line of the surrounding forest, he heard her pause for a moment before apparently deciding he couldn’t be that far out of his mind and resuming her pace behind him.

They hiked for a little over an hour, Crosshair leading Iden through the trees and over several foothills, the only sound being the crunching of their boots against the frosty ground and the occasionally labored breathing when there was a change in elevation. Finally, he grinned when he saw the clearing he’d pinpointed on the maps. Taking his binocs from his hip, he scanned the area to ensure they were completely alone before stepping out of the trees. He assumed in the spring, this area would be littered with wildflowers, but now, the grass was yellow and dead, the trees finally relenting to the oncoming winter and beginning to drop their auburn leaves. After about twenty meters, Crosshair stopped, taking the rifle bag off his back and kneeling down on the ground. Iden stood in front of him, inspecting the area.

“Alright, care to enlighten me as to what we’re doing all the way out here, Toothpick? Not that I don’t enjoy a brisk morning hike as much as the next person, but-“

“Come down here.”

She paused, her teasing smile faltering slightly as she looked down at him. He had the bag open and was kneeling in front of it. He gestured at the ground across from him. “Sit.”

Iden slowly sank to the ground, her eyebrows furrowing.

“What are we doing out here, Crosshair?”

He inhaled deeply, searching for the right words. “You said you wanted me to trust you completely, and I don’t know a better way of showing you that I do other than this.” Reaching down, he flipped the edges of the bag open, exposing the glinting metal of his rifle’s parts inside. “You always compare this rifle to me having a child, and in a way, you’re not far off. I’ve never had any kids to care for aside from Omega, and even that’s not the same. But this weapon is my life. They put it in my hands as soon as my aptitude for sharpshooting was recognized, and I’ve spent years working on it, modifying it. It’s saved my life and the lives of my brothers countless times. Aside from you, this might be the thing that means the most to me in my life.” He didn’t miss the way her eyes averted shyly at the mention of how much she meant to him. He continued, “So, in order to show you how much I trust you, I want to show you how to assemble this rifle, how to shoot it. Not just like we did on Naboo. I want you to be skilled with it, and if there’s ever a time where I’m not… around, then I want you to have it. And I want it to keep you safe in the same way it’s protected me. Got it?”

He finally met her gaze, trying to gauge her reaction. The night before, he’d laid awake for several hours, trying to come up with a gesture he felt would convey his trust. Now, as the seconds ticked by, he started to worry that maybe this was a bad idea, and he began bracing himself for one of Iden’s snarky comments. However, she nodded quietly, crawling a little closer to the bag.

“Alright. Show me then.”

Relief washed over him as she settled in, listening intently as he walked her through the assembly of the rifle. He made sure to point out any particular sticking points in the assembly or things she should be aware of, and Iden interjected questions on occasion to ensure she understood. Once the rifle was assembled, he disassembled it, repeating the process of walking her through anything she should know or be wary of. Once it was completed, he gestured down at the parts between them.

“Your turn.”

Iden was a quick study, and he felt a swell of pride in his chest as she snapped the pieces together efficiently, only needing one or two minor corrections the first time. There was never a question as to why they were doing this; as a former Naboo guard, she understood the importance of intimately knowing all the ins and outs of the weapon you’re holding without him having to lecture her, and as her fingers moved across the metal, he could see shades of former lieutenant flickering within her. The woman I first fell in love with. Her fingers moved quickly and efficiently, tightening bolts and checking calibrations before moving on, her eyes carefully focused on the balance of things, her mouth drawn in a thin, tight line. They repeated the assembly and disassembly a few more times until she could almost do it faster than he could.

Once he was satisfied, he picked up the rifle, extending a hand down to help her to her feet. “Now we shoot.” Pulling her out to the middle of the clearing, he walked to a tree that was roughly twenty meters away, pulling some chalk from his pocket and marking a crude ‘X’ on the trunk before returning to her.

“Alright, you remember how to do this?”

She gave him a playful smirk. “If I say ‘no’, will you show me like you did last time?”

He rolled his eyes before coming to stand behind her, resting his hands on her hips and nudging her feet with his. She tucked the rifle against her shoulder, letting her finger slip to the trigger as if she’d practiced it a hundred times. As Crosshair leaned forward to rest his chin on her shoulder, memories of Naboo flashed to the front of his mind. How his hands had slightly trembled the last time she’d held his rifle like this as he’d rested them on her hips. He breathed in her scent more easily this time as he gazed down the rifle’s barrel with her.

“One eye or two?”

“Still two.”

He hummed indifferently.

“Two, like my father taught me.”

He hadn’t known what had happened to her parents then, but now, there was no way he was going to question anything tied to their memories.

“Elbow strong.”

“Yes sir,” she whispered back teasingly.

He felt her hold her breath, her back tightening against his abdomen as she lined up her shot before squeezing the trigger. The bolt hit the tree a few centimeters left of center.

“Again.”

“No feedback?”

“Your form is good. It’s a matter of getting a feel for it. Repetition.” He nodded at the tree. “Again.”

After another hour, Iden was consistently hitting the target dead on and was beginning to wear a hole clean through the trunk. She was all business, never even taking a moment to indulge in leaning back into Crosshair’s body as he stood behind her. He admired it, but also found his fingers itching to hold her tighter with every bolt that landed on the target. She’s truly something else.

Once he was satisfied that she was keyed in at this range, Crosshair took his chalk back out, moving to the far end of the clearing, roughly fifty meters from where Iden stood, marking the tree there with another ‘X’ before returning back to her. Iden was already sighting through the scope as he approached.

“Anything I should account for with additional distance?”

He smiled at the question. “Slight drop in the bolt over time. Not much, but enough to where it’ll matter once you start shooting at distances measured in klicks. You should start to notice it at this distance.”

“Wind?”

“Rarely impacts blaster bolts. You’d have to be shooting in a gale to note a difference.”

“Which I assume you’ve done.”

“I have,” he smirked. “But I can’t exactly control the weather to simulate that environment.”

“How disappointing,” she snarked before lining up the shot. She inhaled sharply, held it, and fired. Crosshair pulled his binocs from his hip to see where the shot had landed. “A little high. You overcompensated for the drop. You’ll get it with practice. Again.”

After another few hours, they took a break to munch on some of the food Crosshair had packed. The day had warmed up significantly, Raxus’s autumn not completely surrendering to the winter just yet. They’d both stripped out of their coats, and Crosshair had rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, trying to take in some of the warmth that had been absent the last few weeks. He watched as Iden popped a piece of dried fruit into her mouth, tipping her head back and closing her eyes as the sun kissed her skin.

“Can I ask you something,” he said quietly.

She opened one eye, looking at him curiously. “Of course.”

“You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but the first time you shot with me, you told me your father taught you to aim with two eyes. I was just curious how old you were when you first learned to shoot.”

Iden hummed thoughtfully as she chewed, her eyes reaching for some distant point. “It was about the time that the Trade Federation showed up on Naboo. My father quickly realized that shortages were going to reach our village with the blockade, and he knew there might be a time where he and my mother might not be able to defend us, so he took me out to a meadow one day with the old family blaster and his rifle and taught me to shoot. He wanted me to be able to use both in case I needed to hunt for food or defend the house.” She paused, picking at a blade of the dead yellow grass. “A few weeks later, I shot one of the burglars that came into our home and killed my parents. Didn’t get out completely unscathed, but I survived.” Her fingers absently trailed over her abdomen right where her scar was.

“You don’t talk about your parents much.”

She nodded. “The memories hurt. There was so much happiness and love and laughter. And then…there wasn’t.” She swallowed hard. “But, I find the memories are starting to slip away a bit. I can’t quite remember what their faces look like any more. Nisa had the last holo of them, and I assume she took that with her. So.” She shrugged with a sense of finality. “Is what it is.”

Crosshair leaned back on his elbows, watching her. “You know, if talking about them more would help you remember, I’d be more than willing to listen.”

Iden met his eyes, still picking at the grass. She nodded wordlessly, releasing a deep shuddering breath. The silence hung between them for another few minutes before she spoke, changing the topic.

“You think Hunter will pull us out of here?”

He sighed. “I’m not sure. I hope not, but I’ll understand why if he does.”

She picked up a small rock, running her thumb over it before tossing it somewhere. “I should probably tell him about Nisa.”

“No you shouldn’t.”

“You told him about Rampart. It’s only fair I disclose my risk as well.”

“Technically, Howzer told him about Rampart. And I think the decision to tell him should be yours. You know the risk the best.”

“Like you did?”

“I never said that.” He flicked a toothpick between his teeth before lying all the way back, tucking his jacket under his head as a pillow as he gazed up at the cloudless sky. “I know I wasn’t being objective when I kept that from him. But I think you can be. So I leave it up to you.”

“She threatened to have me arrested if she saw me again.”

Crosshair turned his head to look at her. They’d never discussed what had been said the night Iden had gone to meet Nisa, and he’d never felt like he’d had the right to ask, but now, curiosity was getting the better of him, and he felt like wading into the waters.

“Do you believe her?”

“I do. I think.”

The doubt in her voice made his brow furrow. “What is it, Iden?”

Iden sighed, flopping down on the ground next to him and scooting closer so that their shoulders were touching. “I’m not sure. There was something about that conversation that’s still bothering me. Nisa’s no fool. Misguided perhaps, but not someone that would wholeheartedly buy into just anything. When I told her some of the things Rampart had done, I could see…something. Like an inkling of doubt for just a second.” She rubbed her hands over her face in exasperation. “I’m not sure if I was just seeing what I wanted to or not.” She paused, folding her hands on her chest. “I asked her to come with us.”

Crosshair flicked the toothpick with his tongue, choosing his words cautiously. “I’m going to assume she declined that offer.”

“Astute as always, Toothpick.”

Crosshair turned his head to look at her, and she met his gaze, their noses almost brushing. “I’m going to ask you something, and I want you to answer it as objectively as you can, alright?” he said softly.

She nodded, but he could see the bob of her throat as she swallowed hard.

“Is Anisia worth saving?”

He could see the question surprised her, but she didn’t immediately recoil or get angry. Her teeth dug into her lip. “I understand why you’re asking,” she finally replied quietly. “It’s because she’s willingly choosing to be an Imperial.”

He nodded, not saying anything.

Iden took a deep breath before continuing. “But she’s my younger sister, and if there’s any chance at all of saving her from this, I have to try. I owe her that much.” She rolled onto her side, and he matched her, allowing her fingers to slide into his. “I may not succeed at the end of the day, and I’ll have to prepare for that. But I have to try.”

Crosshair reached up, brushing some of her hair out of her eyes. I wonder if Hunter ever had a thought like this when I was gone. Even as the question ran through his mind, he already knew the answer. They came after me after I’d already told them no once. They still came for me. Sighing, he cupped the back of her head, pulling her forehead to his.

“I understand. And I’ll support you in this.”

She nodded against his forehead, closing her eyes. A tear slid from the corner of her eye, trailing down her nose. He reached up and brushed it away.

“I trust you, Iden.”

She opened her eyes, that same odd expression that fell somewhere between about eight different emotions creeping across her features as she looked at him. Propping herself up on one elbow, she leaned over him, cupping his cheek and kissing him gentler than she ever had. His hand slipped around to tangle in her hair as she worked her lips against his before separating, staring down at him.

“I love you,” she whispered.

It took Crosshair a moment to figure out what about the statement struck him, and then he realized it was because she’d only ever said it to him unprompted the first time she’d said it at all, back on Naboo. She leaned down, resting her forehead against his, stroking his cheek.

“I love you so much,” she repeated.

“I love you too, Iden.”

They laid like that for several more moments, staring at one another as they lay in the grass before Iden chuckled.

“What?” he asked.

“I’ve got to pee like a racing fathier,” she joked.

He tipped his head back and laughed loudly at that. “Bushes are over there.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Great.”

---

They shot for several more hours before making the trek back down to the city. This time, Iden stuck closer to Crosshair, slipping her hand into his after the first fifteen minutes. He looked down at her, but she just kept her eyes forward. He smiled to himself, raising her hand to his lips and brushing a kiss across her knuckles. She ducked her head to hide her grin, and his stomach flushed with warmth.

The sun had just sunk below the horizon when they finally returned to their dwelling. Crosshair slipped the Firepuncher’s bag back under the couch as Iden stripped off her coat. Coming to stand behind her, he took the coat by the collar as she shrugged out of it, hanging it on its hook by the door before undoing his own jacket and hanging it up.

“Crosshair.”

He turned to see Iden was looking at the comm on the table. It was flashing, indicating a message was waiting for them. They met each other’s eyes before he nodded, stepping forward and reading it.

“It’s Hunter. He wants us to comm when we get a chance.” He looked at her. “I’ll call him now.”

She nodded. “I’ll go heat up some food. Do you want anything?”

He gripped her arm gently. “Stay. I want you to be here for this.” It was very different from all of the calls he’d taken privately, afraid of her walking in and exposing him, and the significance wasn’t lost on her.

“Ok.”

She sank onto the couch next to him as he placed the holopad in the center of the table in front of them, punching in Hunter’s frequency. It only took a few seconds for his glowing blue form to spring into view. Crosshair internally cringed. He was waiting for it.

“Where’ve you been?” the sergeant demanded. “I’ve been trying to comm you all day. We were a few hours away from sending out a scout to see if you’d been captured.”

“Sorry,” Crosshair deadpanned. “Went out hiking and left my comm here.”

“Hiking?”

Crosshair shrugged nonchalantly. “Better than strolling around town where we might be seen, I imagine.”

Hunter sighed in exasperation before scrubbing his hand over his face. “Alright, well next time, take a comm or send us a message or something.”

“I assume you called for a reason other than to scold me.”

Hunter glowered at him for a second. “Yes, it’s been decided that you should stay and complete the mission. We really need to figure out what’s going on in the other half of that factory, so you are to return to work. Ultimately, it was decided that was worth the risk, even with Rampart there.”

The language Hunter was using was intentional, distancing himself from the decision, and the meaning behind it didn’t go unnoticed by Crosshair. “You don’t agree?”

Hunter hesitated before sighing, his tongue darting out as he very carefully chose his words. “I think the risk is too great.” He paused, looking Crosshair in the eye. “You’re my brother. I’ve already lost you once. I’m not exactly objective when it comes to your safety.”

Crosshair’s gut twisted a bit at that. He wasn’t sure if it was the conversation with Iden about Nisa that afternoon and the subsequent realization or just the final bit of resentment that he might have been holding over for Hunter slipping away, but something within him softened at his brother’s words.

“We’ll be careful, Hunter. I promise. Nothing foolish.”

The sergeant’s expression shifted to something slightly surprised. He stared at Crosshair for a few more seconds, clearly assessing him as much as he could before he nodded.

Crosshair glanced over to Iden, but she shook her head subtly.

She’s not going to tell him about Nisa. Alright.

Hunter didn’t appear to note the exchange, pressing forward. “We have noticed an increase in Imperial activity monitoring comm channels since Howzer’s escape, so to play it safe, we’re going to cease the regular debriefs. Only call if you have something to report. Otherwise, radio silence.”

Crosshair nodded. “Howzer?”

“Made it out safely with Gerrera.” Hunter grimaced. “Heard that was an interesting exchange.”

“Nothing I hadn’t earned.”

Hunter gave him an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t told who was coming to get him.”

“It’s fine. Is Howzer going to Yavin?”

“He’ll lie low with Gerrera’s crew for a bit before we decide what to do with him. I imagine he’ll eventually make his way here.” Hunter paused, grinning. “Speaking of making their way here, your favorite Jedi arrived a few days ago. With Rex in tow.”

Crosshair’s eyes widened at that. “Didn’t think we’d hear from her in a while.”

“Yeah, she didn’t seem to think she’d be back here that soon either. She hadn’t told Rex about Naboo, so you can imagine how that went over.”

Crosshair chuckled at that. “I’m sure the captain took that very well.”

“Well enough. They’ve already made up, it would seem.”

Iden snickered next to him, and he turned to look at her. “I’m assuming that’s the captain she’s been pining after all this time?”

“The one and only.”

“Well, good for them,” Iden teased. “I look forward to meeting the captain that captured Master Aven’s heart.”

“Atiniir now,” Crosshair reminded her, and she rolled her eyes.

“Whatever. She could have chosen a surname with a different initial if she wanted me to remember it more easily.”

He smirked at her before turning back to Hunter, who was trying to stifle a grin at Iden’s remarks. “Regardless, I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you both when you get back. Senna’s already been asking after the two of you.”

“Tell her we say ‘Hello’ and ‘please don’t kill our friends with your caf’,” Iden replied, and Hunter chuckled.

“I’ll be sure to pass that along.” The sergeant sobered slightly. “That’s all I’ve got for now. You two be careful. I mean it. If things get hairy and you need a ride, you comm immediately. We’ll come and get you as quick as we can.”

“Understood.”

Hunter nodded. “Stay safe.”

“We will.”

Crosshair leaned forward to turn end the call before settling back on the couch. Iden turned to face him.

“How do you feel?”

“Relieved, I suppose,” he replied. “Regardless of how I feel about Rampart, I think we can do good work.”

She grinned, sliding her hand around his and squeezing. “We can. And we will. Now let’s get some food and then get to bed. It’s back to work for the two of us tomorrow.”

Iden stood, heading to the kitchen to heat up some of their food. Crosshair lingered on the couch, turning everything over in his mind.

We can do some good, and we will.

Tag List: @seriowan​ @rosmariner​ @misogirl828​ @ellichonkasaurusrex​ @zoeykallus​ @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond​ @hockeyjedi13​ @partoftheeternalsoul​

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #star wars #fanfiction #the bad batch #tbb #clone force 99 #crossha #ct 9904 #crosshair x oc #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x original female character #crosshair x iden vena #iden vena #crosshair x iden #CrossDen #established relationship #angst #fluff #hurt and then comfort

[wild-karrde]

You might not have heard about this one so I am recommending it to you right now: Shadows and Shade Part 15 by : @wild-karrde

With characters on point and getting drawn into the story, all you can do is hope and wish that things will turn out alright. The sassyness and banter between characters is so good and we meet such interesting characters as well. Chuckles ! If only for this one character, you should read it. I`ll say it again: Chuckles !

This is so kind and I do so appreciate it! I’m excited but also sad that there are only two chapters left in this story. It means the world that you’re enjoying it as much as I am, and I can NEVER pass up an opportunity for Chuckles (he may start popping up more and more). THANK YOU FOR THIS REC!!

Participate in Fandom Friday to show your favorite creators from this week some love! :)

#FANDOM FRIDAY #creator appreciation #fic rec #fanfiction #fan fic #Star Wars #the bad batch #tbb #Crosshair #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x iden vena #crosshair x iden #crosshair x original female character #crosshair x oc #OC iden vena

[wild-karrde]

Shadows and Shades - Part 17 (FINAL PART)

Master List | Previous Part

A/N: WELL, THIS IS IT! The last chapter! I fell in love with this fic and these characters more than I thought I would, and I have had the last page of this written for FOREVER. I am so very excited to share it now with you all! As always, I have to thank @teletraan-meets-jarvis for being an absolutely phenomenal beta reader and friend. These fics don't happen without TJ, and she makes them so much better. SO THANK YOU, TJ! YOU ARE THE BEST, AND I ADORE YOU, DEAR FRIEND!

Warnings: pregnancy, childbirth

“Oi! Out of the way! Can’t you see she’s pregnant? Make room, ya nerf herders!”

Iden bit back the sigh that was threatening to erupt out of her as Wrecker shooed a group of young rebels from their seats at one of the tables in the mess hall. Only one of them dared toss a glare over their shoulder at the massive clone.

“Got somethin’ to say?” Wrecker growled.

“Easy big guy,” Iden teased, patting his arm. “I think they got the message.” She inhaled deeply before heaving one leg over the bench to straddle it. The tables were frustratingly not accommodating for someone whose stomach was the size of an overinflated bolo-ball, but sitting down was something of a relief nonetheless. Wrecker hovered behind her as she lowered herself down, his hands ready to catch her at any moment, and for once, Iden allowed herself to grip his hand as she plopped onto the bench.

I’m really ready for this to be over.

Iden had never understood the ‘beauty’ of pregnancy, never being one to fall under the illusion that it was some magical experience where you just flitted about and then one day a baby for the entire galaxy to fawn over just appeared in your arms. However, even having a reasonable set of expectations hadn’t prepared her for the way her body had stretched and changed to accommodate their child. The nausea she’d experienced the first few months seemed like a gracious reprieve compared to the back pain, swollen feet, weird cravings, and constant need to urinate.

Oh, and she was still nauseous regularly.

“I’ll go get your food and be right back,” Wrecker reassured her before jogging off. She allowed herself to lean one arm on the table, patting her belly with her other hand.

“I’m so tired of this. A few weeks to go still, but I think I’ve had enough.”

She’d never really gotten used to the constant fussing and accommodations. Iden was used to being self-sufficient, almost to a detrimental point, but it had become quickly apparent she was going to have to get used to asking for help. She’d even briefly considered asking Crosshair to wait to tell everyone else she was pregnant until she was unable to hide it, if nothing else but to spare herself the hovering and worrying, but when she saw how excited he was the first night back on Yavin 4, she knew she couldn’t possibly deprive him of that.

Hunter’s mouth had fallen open in shock, Echo had grinned like a fiend, letting out a loud bark of a laugh, and Wrecker had practically started bawling on the spot. Even Tech had looked up from what he was tinkering with to offer congratulations, and then had immediately launched into a barrage of medical questions.

With the slew of varied reactions from his brothers, Omega had been Iden’s favorite. She had walked in in the middle of everyone digesting the news, immediately understanding that she’d missed some piece of important information. Her eyes had glided over to Crosshair, and then to Iden, briefly flicking down to look at her belly before meeting her gaze. She stifled a smile.

Maker alive, she’s picking up on things quickly, Iden had thought. Senna must be pleased.

Crosshair hadn’t seemed to notice Omega’s perceptiveness, striding over to her and resting his hands on her shoulders. “I have something to tell you, and I hope you’ll be excited.” Iden had to stifle a giggle at the way he suddenly got nervous. She knew that he loved the kid, even if he didn’t show it in a conventional way. The two of them had a unique relationship, one that existed more in the quiet space and unspoken words when they were just sitting next to one another, but this moment was different for him. Omega smiled up expectantly, waiting for him to tell her what she’d already figured out.

“You’re going to be an aunt, Omega. Iden’s pregnant.”

Iden had to give it to the kid, she played it perfectly, squealing with excitement and flinging her arms around Crosshair’s waist. He hesitated for a moment before returning the hug, smiling to himself. Omega met Iden’s eyes, and Iden had winked at her, mouthing a thank you.

The months had dragged on since then, and with every day, she found some new annoyance with how her body was changing. She’d been determined to not allow her body to lose its strength and endurance, going running daily until she’d been forced to switch to walking. Senna had accompanied her every day, dragging her out when she didn’t want to mentally go. “This is important to you, and I can’t help you in many ways, but I can do this. Let’s at least go do a lap around the tarmac and we can come right back in,” she’d urged on one of the days where Iden was feeling at her lowest and most frustrated. They’d done three laps before Iden had begged off to waddle to the refresher.

Everyone had been wonderful. Well, mostly everyone. Chuckles, the clone pilot that had picked them up, was still a bit distant. She’d seen him spending time with his two children, a teenage Twi’lek and a young Pantoran. Both of the younglings seemed to have adjusted well to their new surroundings, but Chuckles constantly seemed ready to bolt. Senna had quietly relayed their story on one of their walks, how Chuckles’s inhibitor chip hadn’t activated, how he’d managed to save the two younglings that had become his adopted family, and how they’d been running ever since.

“He’s been doing nothing but looking over his shoulder for the last few years,” Senna had said quietly. “I can understand his reluctance to relax. I just hope with time, he’ll find a place here.” She’d leaned over, nudging Iden’s shoulder. “But I have to tell you, since he may not; he was very grateful that the two of you got Howzer out.” 

“They knew each other?” 

“They were apparently best friends during the war. He’d assumed Howzer was dead or serving the Empire. When he showed up here… well, to put it mildly, Chuckles was beside himself. I’m not sure I’ve seen a more emotional reunion. When he found out we were going to rescue the two people that had busted his friend out, he was the first one to volunteer as a pilot.” 

Iden had smiled to herself. If nothing else, at least we did that much good. She’d been sad not to find the former clone captain at the base when they arrived. Hunter had told her that he hadn’t stayed long. When he found out the Twi’lek general he’d served alongside during the war had escaped Ryloth with his family, Howzer had decided to go looking for them to carry on the fight. She sighed. 

“Echo’s brother certainly seemed to have no issue adjusting.”

Senna had laughed at that. “Fives is a different story altogether.”

Iden huffed a laugh. “That he is.”

Fives had hovered awkwardly in the background when they returned, clearly not sure where he fit with these new people. He’d watched his twin interact with Crosshair, gripping his arm in greeting, and Iden had noticed a slight scowl on his face. But with time, Fives had gotten around to greeting both of them, and clumsily, he’d thanked Crosshair quietly for rescuing Echo.

“Without you and your squad, I wouldn’t have gotten a second chance to razz him at any given opportunity,” the former ARC trooper said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

“He clearly didn’t tell you what I said on the mission,” Crosshair joked dryly.

“Oh, he did,” Fives replied. “Says you can be a bit of a prick, but you’re really sweet as a tooka. You just don’t want people to think that.”

Iden had burst out laughing at the way Crosshair’s nose wrinkled with disgust.

Nisa’s reception had been far more chilly. She was still unconscious when they arrived, and they’d carefully placed her on a gurney to be moved to one of the few small cells they kept on the base just in case. Every day for the first few weeks she was there, she was only taken out of her cell to be interrogated for hours on end. Hunter and Senna led most of the interrogations, grilling her sister about every tidbit of Imperial intelligence she could provide. Iden had been torn about whether or not to at least listen in, but Crosshair had offered to observe and relay anything important.

“We need to minimize the amount of duress you put yourself under,” he’d insisted. “Let me worry about Nisa. You go make yourself useful elsewhere.”

And she had. With Echo and Wrecker’s help, they’d completely audited every piece of weaponry and equipment on the base. She’d helped Tech repair everything from a squeaky bench in the mess to the Marauder’s hyperdrive, which always seemed to be on the fritz. She’d asked Senna if she could observe Omega’s training, wanting to ensure she could also be as helpful as her brothers if needed. She’d been astounded to watch Omega, the Twi’lek Arni, and the young Pantoran Nita train together. The three of them appeared to have grown attached to each other quickly, especially Omega and Arni, who seemed to have a particularly special bond. Where Arni was anxious and a perfectionist, Omega was encouraging and gentle. Nita on the other hand, was a force to be reckoned with, and Iden adored the spark that burned within her.

I hope my child has a fraction of her fire. That one’s a monster slayer to be sure.

After a few months, Senna and Hunter had agreed to allow Nisa a few more freedoms. She was allowed outside of her room with supervision, and occasionally joined Senna and Iden for their walks. But just because Senna and Hunter had decided to trust her didn’t mean that trust permeated the remainder of the base. She noted that Arni and Nita were frequently nowhere to be found on the days Nisa was allowed out, having been shuffled off somewhere by Chuckles with some mumbled excuse. Many of the rebels would glare in Nisa’s general direction when she’d walk through the mess hall. Fives in particular had been the most upset at the decision to have Nisa on base, and while Iden could somewhat understand why after what had happened to him, his animosity towards her sister still annoyed her. At times, he was a downright bully.

Several months in, they’d been walking through the mess when Fives had approached, clearly pretending to be distracted by something else. He’d dropped his shoulder and rammed Nisa, sending her lunch tray lurching against her chest, spilling food down the front of her and onto the floor.

“Oops.”

Nisa clenched her fists, glaring at him. Fives had returned the stare, seemingly bored with the entire exchange, but his anger and intention was clear. Iden was on him in a second. She’d charged forward, shoving him roughly.

“She didn’t put you in that tube, you fucking mynock.”

Fives stepped forward, glaring down at Iden, and at that point, Echo had reached the escalating situation, pushing his brother back as Crosshair had come sprinting across the mess with murder in his gaze.

“Enough Fives,” Echo snarled.

“She shouldn’t be here. And you kriffing know it,” his twin bit back, his amber irises practically glowing. “She’s one of them. And she went willingly.” He turned to Nisa, his voice raising. “Our brothers didn’t have a choice. You did.” He bumped against Echo, who was trying to keep him at bay while also pressing a palm to Iden’s shoulder to keep her back, shooting a pleading look at Crosshair, who seemed satisfied to let Iden go toe-to-toe with the former ARC trooper. 

Senna appeared suddenly, stepping in front of Fives and placing her hands on his chest. Her blue eyes were alight and she was speaking to him in a quiet but angry tone. Iden couldn’t hear what was being said, but it was enough to draw Fives’s attention. He glared at her for a moment before his expression softened and Iden could see some of the tension leave his body. Senna said a few more things to him before patting him on the shoulder and glancing over at Echo, who took his cue, grabbing Fives by the arm and dragging him away.

Senna watched him go before stooping to help Crosshair and Iden clean up the mess on the floor. Nisa’s fists were still clenched at her sides. She unleashed a shaky breath.

“You didn’t deserve that,” Iden muttered.

“It’s going to take time,” Crosshair rasped. “More so with some than others. Although that was underhanded.”

“Fives has his reasons. They’re not necessarily the right reasons, but he’s still healing,” Senna said quietly. “You’re just an outlet for his anger right now.”

“I’m an easy target,” Nisa agreed. “I’m the closest thing to the Empire that he can take a swing at.” She sighed. “I don’t need him to like me. I just need him to tolerate me being here.”

Senna gave her a half-hearted smirk. “He burns a little hotter than Echo does, but he’ll come around. Eventually.”

Nisa sighed again. “We’ll see.”

That all seemed so long ago as Iden readjusted again on the bench, trying to get comfortable on the stiff seating in the mess hall. At least then, I could bend at the waist. Now everything’s an ungraceful squat or waddle.

Wrecker was making his way back towards her, and she tried to hide the frown of disappointment at the rations that she could see on the trays he was carrying. Fucking protein bars again and whatever that sour shit is. They were due for a new shipment of supplies and rations, and she internally made a note to make her way down to the store room as soon as it arrived to claim at least a few choice snacks for herself.

She grunted in frustration as she shifted again, the back pain that she’d been noticing all morning intensifying again, and she gripped the table a little tighter for a moment, exhaling sharply. Wrecker set the tray down in front of her before sliding into the seat across from her.

“Sorry. Couldn’t find the chocolate thing you like so much.”

She gave him a pained smile as the pain finally abated a bit. “S’alright, Wreck. I appreciate the effort.”

“You alright? You look like you’re sweating a bit.”

“Yeah, was just a cramp.”

Omega entered the hall with Arni in tow, the two of them chattering excitedly to one another. The young clone spotted Iden and her brother, and her eyes lit up. She bid a hurried goodbye to her Twi’lek friend before making her way over, plopping down next to Wrecker.

“How’s the baby?”

“On my last nerve,” Iden grunted, shifting again as the muscles in her back seemed to rebel again.

“You alright?”

“Yeah, just a back spasm.”

“She had one a few minutes ago too,” Wrecker commented. “Seems like they’ve been happening all morning.”

Omega’s eyes widened. “Iden… have they been happening at regular intervals?”

“No. Well, I don’t know. My back’s just hurting non-stop, but if I could just get shifted here-“ Iden rocked against the bench again, trying to find a position that was more comfortable. “I had it a second ago, and now… kriff.” She sat back and sighed in frustration. “I’m so ready for this to be done.”

Omega’s brows were furrowed as she watched Iden carefully. She punched something on the comm on her wrist.

“What did you just do?” Iden asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing.”

“You’re a shit liar, kid.”

Wrecker nudged Omega, and the young clone ducked her head slightly. “I… I’m timing your back spasms. You’re far along enough to where… well, they might not be spasms Iden.”

Iden stared at her for a moment before her exhaustion-addled brain pieced together what Omega was implying. “You… you think I’m in labor?”

“It’s possible.”

Iden shifted again, grimacing as another spasm gripped her. Omega punched a button on her wrist. Iden rocked around again, trying to find a way to get the pain to stop, suddenly gripped with a bit of panic. “Th-the droid said I had another week or two to go.”

“I thought you wanted this to be over.”

“Yes, well the thing standing between me and this pregnancy being over happens to be childbirth, and I hadn’t exactly worked my way up to being ready for that.” The pain relented, and she relaxed. “See, just gotta find the right spot. It’s just a spasm.”

Omega clearly wasn’t convinced. “Maybe I should comm Crosshair.”

“No, don’t bother him,” Iden replied, beginning to become more annoyed. “He didn’t take his comm with him this morning anyway. Wanted Tech to fix something on it that had been giving him trouble.”

“All the more reason to go and find him then, don’t you think?” Omega tried again, growing more insistent. “Wrecker can go and I could stay with you.”

Iden bit off a piece of the ration bar, trying to keep her annoyance in check. Don’t snap at the kid. Don’t snap at the kid. She chewed quickly, swallowing just as another wave of pain hit her, and she fought the urge to vomit the foul-tasting ration right back up. “No! No, it’s fine.” The pitch and volume of her voice was rising quickly, starting to draw attention from the few others in the hall. The spasm passed, and Iden struggled to push herself to her feet. Wrecker stood to help her, but she hastily waved him off.

“Iden, they’re coming every two minutes,” Omega said quietly. “Like clockwork. You should at least go down to the medbay and get looked at.”

“I’m FINE.” Iden finally snapped. “I-I just need to go lie down.”

To her absolute horror, Iden felt a gush of warmth between her legs and looked down in time to see the front of her trousers quickly becoming soaked. The rush of fluid continued for what felt like an eternity, and when it was done, Iden was standing in her own personal puddle, mortified. She looked up to see a look of pure terror on Wrecker’s face. Omega was already standing and frantically waving Arni over.

“It’s alright, your water just broke,” she assured Iden. “We’ll find him. Wrecker, get her to the medbay. Carry her if you have to.”

Iden looked down as another contraction hit, nearly bringing her to her knees.

Shit.

---

Crosshair shouldn’t have been surprised by the sheer amount of chaos in the medbay, and yet, somehow he was. A med droid went wheeling past him quickly followed by a metal tray that he just managed to duck as he stepped into the tiny room Omega had led him to. The tray crashed against the wall outside, and the droid tried to utter some sort of what he assumed was an apology, but it was drowned out by shouting coming from inside the room. Wrecker was notably absent, and Crosshair assumed he’d already fled. Iden, on the other hand, was sitting up in the bed in a medical gown that was falling off one shoulder, hair stuck to her sweaty forehead, swearing loudly.

“AND DON’T FUCKING COME BACK WITHOUT HIM, YOU KRIFFING BUCKET OF BOLTS!”

Crosshair glanced at Omega, who was right behind him. She had a hand clapped over her mouth, clearly trying to stifle a giggle. Iden was panting, but her expression softened as he stepped into the room. 

“I see things are going well in here then,” he stated evenly. 

“I just don’t want to have one more cold, metallic instrument shoved up inside me or poking me,” Iden grunted. “And if I hear one more time what‘isn’t advisable’, I’m going to break its arm off and beat it with it.” 

“Perhaps it’s worthwhile to listen to the droid engineered to provide medical care.”

Iden glared at him. “I’m not choosy about whose arm I rip off at this point, dear. Are you sure you want to run that risk?” She readjusted, her knuckles tightening on the sides of the bed as her face contorted in pain. Crosshair stepped to the side of the bed, trying to figure out how to help her, but she waved him off, swearing loudly. His heart clenched at seeing her in so much pain. 

“Did the droid give you meds?” 

“No,” she snarled. “Turns out, that’s something coming on the new shipment. We are currently fresh out, so I’m just going to have to feel this.” 

“Alright, what else can I do?”

“Make sure that kriffing droid brings your brother back in here.”

“Tech?”

“No, Hunter. He and his karking bandana will be so useful right now. OF COURSE, TECH.” 

He raised his hands in surrender, looking back at Omega with a silent plea. She nodded, taking the hint. “I’ll go find him.” With that, she slipped out of the room, leaving the two of them alone.

Crosshair pulled up a stool from the corner of the room to sit by the bed. “Did the droid at least tell you how much longer you have to go?”

Iden sighed. “I suppose that’s the one bit of good news. I apparently have been laboring for a while and didn’t want to face reality. It sounds like it won’t be much longer.” Something in her voice gave him pause, he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. He leaned forward, slipping his fingers into hers.

“What is it?” he asked, and when she finally met his eyes, he saw what was bothering her: Iden was afraid. There were so few times Iden had ever been truly vulnerable around him. This was the woman that had faced down an entire Imperial army and threatened to kill Saw Gerrera in her own living room. But now, he could see it, but he knew naming it would shame her, so he took a different tack. 

“You know you can do this, right?”

Iden huffed. “I have spent so much of my life struggling to stay in control, and now, I have to let go and allow my body to do what eons of evolution has prepared it to do, but… it’s still… unnerving.”

He grinned, kissing her knuckles. “You’ve gone toe-to-toe with an AT-AT and just about every authority figure we’ve run into. This will be a walk in the park for you. And you’re not going to do it alone.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t see your body having a complete cramp every few minutes, or were you saving all your strength for the push?” She laughed dryly. “No, no dear, I think this one is on me.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Of course I do, but sarcasm is how I’m coping at the moment.” Just then, another contraction wracked Iden, and she swore loudly as its intensity grew. Crosshair bit the inside of his cheek as she clamped onto his hand. The joints in his knuckles creaked, and he fought back a smile despite the pain. 

“What… what the hell is so funny?” Iden gasped. 

“I was just remembering the last time you were breaking my fingers,” he said quietly. “In the back of that speeder as we escaped Theed. Echo was trying to set your leg after a blaster had blown clear through your knee. I was quite honestly shocked you were still conscious.”

“I’ve been known to have a high tolerance,” Iden replied, some of the pain clearly starting to abate. He could see her body relax, no longer bracing against the contraction. 

Crosshair placed his palm on her sweaty forehead, brushing some of her hair out of her eyes. “I was amazed at your strength then, Iden. I think that’s where things started to turn for me.”

Her eyes glittered teasingly. “What, it wasn’t the fact that you were holding a beautiful woman in your arms?”

Crosshair chuckled. “That didn’t hurt either.” Leaning forward, he captured her lips with his before pressing his forehead against hers. “You’re going to make an incredible mother.” 

She cupped his cheek, a tear leaking from the inner corner of her eye and tracing down her nose. “And you’re going to be a wonderful father.” 

Another contraction shattered the moment, and Iden braced herself again. “It feels like it’s time. Where the fuck are they?” She groaned, reaching for him again, and he gave her his hand, trying to keep his face neutral as he felt the joint in at least one finger pop. 

“Focus on your breathing, Iden. Just a little longer, I’m sure.” 

She muttered something he didn’t quite catch, but he assumed she was cursing someone, probably him. “Are you excited to tell them her name?” he asked, trying to distract her. 

They’d known the sex of the baby for a while, but had decided to keep it to themselves along with the name they’d chosen. Iden opened one eye to look at him, nodding. “I hope it’s a good one for our little monster slayer.” 

He smiled. “If she’s anything like her namesake, it’ll be perfect.” 

Footsteps in the hallway drew Crosshair’s attention, and he turned in time to see Omega sprinting back into the room with Tech close on her heels. “I really must stress that a medical droid has more expertise in this area than I-”

“Do you know how to deliver a baby, Tech?” Iden interrupted, any semblance of patience clearly having left her.

“In principle, yes, however, seeing as the majority of my experience was in combat on specialized missions, I didn’t exactly-”

“I don’t care. Get down there and let’s do this.” 

Tech looked at Crosshair, who shrugged. His brother sighed, adjusting his goggles and walking over to the supply cabinet to gather some items. 

“Very well.” 

—

In a matter of minutes and only a few pushes, it was over, and Tech was holding their daughter, rubbing her down with a towel and clipping her umbilical cord. He glanced up from beneath Iden’s knees, smiling wide. “It’s a girl,” he breathed. “Congratulations.” The little girl in his hands began squalling, and he quickly moved to clean her off a bit more before placing her on Iden’s chest. “I will need to scan her to be thorough, but based on a preliminary glance she seems healthy.” As he turned away, Iden gripped his arm. Tech turned back to her, a confused expression crossing his face as he looked back and forth between her and Crosshair, who was smiling with glistening eyes. 

“What is it?” he asked.

Iden’s face was covered in sweat and tears, but she smiled up at him, panting. “I’m glad you were the first one to meet her, Tech. I’d like to introduce you to your niece, Kestra. It’s not an exact match on the name, but we plan to call her Kes for short.” 

Tech’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his eyes misting behind his goggles. There was no doubt who they had named their daughter after, the former queen of Naboo that had died defending her world, the woman that they all had fought for and been inspired by. The woman that Tech had loved. “That… that’s a perfect name. She’s perfect,” Tech said quietly. Leaning over, he took a blanket from where he’d laid out the supplies, gently draping it over Kestra. “Th-thank you,” he stuttered out, “for allowing me to be here and meet her.” 

Iden reached out, clasping his hand and giving it a squeeze. He squeezed back before moving over to begin calibrating the medical scanner. 

Crosshair leaned over Iden’s shoulder, taking in his daughter’s face. She had a full head of hair, chubby cheeks, and was smacking her lips in between breaths. Reaching forward, he gently took one of her tiny hands in between his fingers, and her eyes snapped open, looking directly at him. Iden’s breath caught in her throat. 

“She has your eyes. I’d know that eye color anywhere,” she whispered. 

Crosshair stared at his daughter. “She has so much of both of us.” He realized his cheeks were wet with tears, but he couldn’t be bothered to care. “Tech’s right. She’s perfect.” He turned, kissing Iden, and she reached up to cup his face. 

“Thank you,” he breathed. 

Iden rested her forehead against his. “For what?”

“For loving me. For her. For all of it.” 

—

It didn’t take long for word to travel around the base, and after a few hours, Iden was finally feeling up to having visitors. Hunter, Echo, Wrecker, and Omega had been hovering in the hall, and when Tech finally opened the door to allow them in, they all stepped inside cautiously. 

“She won’t break by you being here,” Iden teased. “Come on in.”

Crosshair sat in a chair next to the bed with his shirt open, cradling his daughter in his arms against his bare chest. Tech had coached him through how to properly hold an infant, and after only a few scowls and muttered comments, the sniper had mastered it. Iden had watched the two of them quietly, her heart feeling as though it could burst. She was still sore despite Tech doing his best to make her comfortable, and she felt as though she could sleep for three rotations, but in this moment, everything was perfect. 

I never could have imagined what this would be like. Never in my wildest dreams. I’m so terrified, but so overwhelmed with happiness. 

Crosshair stood, bouncing his daughter slightly as he stepped towards his brothers, pulling the blanket back from her face. She yawned sleepily before opening her eyes to stare wide-eyed at her uncles and aunt. 

“This is Kestra,” Crosshair said quietly. “My… my daughter.” 

Hunter placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder as he leaned over the little girl. “Congratulations to you both.” 

“Would you like to hold her?” 

Hunter looked at him for a moment before smiling and nodding. Crosshair carefully wrapped the blanket around Kestra in a swaddle and shifted her into Hunter’s arms. The sergeant smiled down at her as she stared up at him. “Her eyes. They’re.. they’re ours.” 

“Yeah. Yeah they are.”

Kestra met each of her uncles and Omega in turn. Echo was nervous cradling her with his cybernetic, insisting on wrapping his metal limb in a blanket so that he wouldn’t pinch her with a joint inadvertently. Omega held her next, speaking quietly to her and smiling down at her. Wrecker was last. 

“Don’t think I should,” he said quietly. “She’s so little. I-I-I don’t want to… to hurt her.” 

“You won’t,” Omega reassured him. 

Wrecker’s brow furrowed deeper, and he recoiled slightly as Omega approached him. Crosshair took his daughter from Omega, holding her out to Wrecker. “You hold explosive equipment all the time that is far more risky to drop than she is.” 

“I don’t want to hurt-”

“You won’t. Now, sit down if you’re nervous.” Iden scooted over in her bed, patting the mattress next to her. Wrecker ducked his head sheepishly before sitting down next to her. He reached over, taking her hand. 

“Are you alright?”

“I’ve been better, but not the worst shape I’ve been in,” Iden joked, squeezing his hand. “Sorry I gave you a fright earlier. Appreciate you getting me here. Even if I was swearing the entire way.” 

Wrecker grinned for a moment before Crosshair stood in front of him. “Hold out your hands.” 

The large clone did as he was told, and Crosshair gently placed Kestra into his massive palms, making minor adjustments to support her where needed. Then he stepped back. “There. See. Not so bad.” 

Wrecker was staring down at the tiny life form in his hands, and Kestra watched him with equal intensity before gurgling and smiling at him. “She… she’s not afraid of me,” he said quietly. “Thought the scar and the eye might put ‘er off, but she doesn’t seem to care.” 

“Technically, newborns can only see a distance of up to-” Echo interrupted Tech’s lecture with a shoulder nudge, shaking his head as his brother glared at him, readjusting his goggles.

A soft knock at the door drew their attention, and Iden turned to find Senna standing in the door. 

“May we come in?” 

Iden nodded, and the Jedi stepped inside followed by a hesitant Nisa. Her sister was fidgeting with something in her hands and chewing her lip as she approached the bed. Senna was already leaning over the infant in Wrecker’s arms, stroking her cheeks with a finger. 

“She’s beautiful, you two.” 

Wrecker carefully started to hand her to Senna, but the Jedi backed away, reaching back to motion Nisa closer. “Come meet your niece.” Iden could see her sister’s hesitation as her eyes scanned the room, taking in all the faces around her. She extended her hand. 

“Come on, family’s meeting her first. And that’s you.” 

Nisa bobbed her head, stepping forward. Wrecker held Kestra out to her, and she took her, gently cradling her. Wrecker moved out of the way so that Nisa could take his place on the bed next to Iden, and she sat gingerly down next to her sister. The room was quiet aside from Kestra’s gurgles and coos as Nisa studied her carefully. 

“She’s got so much hair,” she commented after a few moments. 

“You had that much too when you came,” Iden said quietly. “Mom always told me I came in bald as a barren moon, but you had a full head of hair.” 

Nisa nodded, her eyes glistening. Readjusting Kestra, she produced the item she’d been fidgeting with, letting it fall from her fingers. The silver leaf pendant dangled just above the baby, and Kestra watched it swing back and forth with apparent interest. 

“I think she should have this,” Nisa said. “If that’s alright with you. Not right now of course. I hear babies put everything in their mouths. But when she’s older.” 

Iden’s eyes shone as she reached for the necklace. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” 

Nisa nodded, smiling at her sister. “It belongs in your family. This family.”

Iden reached forward, gripping her sister’s hand tightly. 

“Our family, Anisia.”  

Her sister looked around the room, and to her surprise found warm smiles and nods. She huffed a quiet laugh. 

“I’d like that, I think. To have a family again.” 

Iden’s voice broke as she replied. 

“Me too.”

—

Crosshair sat next to Iden’s bed in the medical suite that she’d been in since delivering Kestra a few rotations ago. It was the most at peace he’d seen her in a while, and he leaned forward to gently brush some of the hair out of her face. Her nose wrinkled at the slight tickle, but she did not wake. He stood and stretched, his limbs popping as he interlaced his fingers and reached upward. He’d been sleeping on a cot on the floor of the medical suite, waking to feed, change, and comfort Kestra as much as he could to give Iden a reprieve, but he hoped that their sleeping arrangements would change soon. Senna and Hunter had told him that they’d found a small store room to convert into a tiny one-room dwelling for the three of them for when Iden was medically cleared. 

“Figured you would want some privacy,” Hunter had said quietly, “while you adjust to being parents.” 

“And so that the crying baby won’t keep everyone else up,” Crosshair joked. 

“You know damn well we’ll all be clamoring to take turns helping out,” Senna replied, jabbing him in the shoulder. “All you have to do is ask, and we’ll be there. You don’t have to do this alone if you don’t want to.” 

He had nodded gratefully. “That was never in the cards, I don’t think.” 

Now, as he relaxed his shoulders, he turned to glance over at the chrono, noting it was almost dawn, and a thought occurred to him. Turning to the makeshift crib Omega had put together, he watched his daughter stir before opening her amber eyes and staring up at him with wide-eyed wonder.

“What do you say you and I go see your first sunrise, little star?”

Kestra gurgled in response, and he huffed a quiet laugh before carefully lifting her out of the crib and tucking her against his shoulder. With one hand, he typed out a quick note to Iden on the datapad on her bedside table to tell her where they’d gone before he quietly slipped out the door and trudged down the hall.

The base was completely silent, no one even beginning to stir in any of the common areas or the mess hall, and Crosshair was secretly glad. It was a relief to finally leave the tiny room, and he couldn’t explain why, but he wanted this moment with his daughter for himself. Punching the unlock code for the main hangar door, he stepped out into the dim early morning haze. The air was a little cool, and he hugged Kestra closer to his chest, but the infant seemed unphased in her warm swaddling of blankets, cooing away and dribbling into the fabric of his shirt. He smirked.

“Quite the drooler, aren’t you?”

Kestra appeared to agree, giggling at him, and he smiled down at her. Crosshair made his way to the edge of the tarmac before carefully sitting down, cradling his daughter gently in his hands. He knew this wasn’t a moment that she’d ever remember, but it was one he’d never forget.

The sun gently crested the horizon, the golden rays sparkling in Kestra’s locks that were poking out of the blanket she was wrapped in. He still couldn’t believe she’d been born with a full head of hair, and he carefully ran his fingers through the delicate curls. The little girl turned her face towards the sunlight, smiling widely before turning back to stare at her father.

Crosshair stared back at her, committing her face to memory. He knew she’d grow at a normal human rate, Tech had confirmed it, but it would still be too fast, and before long, the baby girl that was staring up at him with wonder and curiosity would be lost to time. His eyes prickled at the thought, and he blinked rapidly, trying to clear the mist. 

And thanks to Tech’s treatment, I’ll get to see all of it. A full life of watching her grow. Of watching the person she’ll become. My little monster slayer.

Kestra wriggled one of her tiny arms loose from her blanket and before he could re-swaddle her, she wrapped her hand around his thumb, gripping tightly. A lump rose in his throat as he looked down at her, staring into the eyes they shared. He’d never really cared much for children, but this little girl was his, and he knew that he’d cut his heart from his own chest if it meant hers would keep beating. He loved her more than he’d ever loved another person or thing, even his Firepuncher, which he was certain Iden would tease him about relentlessly, but in this moment, he couldn’t care less.

“All of this is for you, you know,” he said quietly. “The rebellion. This fight. I never really saw the reason for it, always thinking it was a waste of time and effort to stand up to the Empire, but now, I know who it’s really for. It’s for you, Kestra. So that you can grow up in a better galaxy than your mother and I did.” His voice cracked as he tipped his face down, pressing a gentle kiss to his daughter’s forehead before resting his against hers. “It’s all for you, my little star. So that you can have the life you deserve. I’ll do anything to give you that.”

A/N: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR READING!

Tag List: @seriowan @partoftheeternalsoul @rosmariner @misogirl828 @ellichonkasaurusrex @zoeykallus @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @gjrain20-starwars @dsburnerblog @staycalmandhugaclone @redheadgirl @fordo-kixed-rex @wizardofrozz @moonstrider9904 @rain-on-kamino @ladykatakuri @sleepingsun501

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #star wars #fanfiction #fan fic #the bad batch #tbb #crosshair #OC Iden Vena #Crosshair x original female character #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x oc #established relationship #angst #fluff #wrecker #tech #omega #hunter #echo #OC Senna Aven #OC Senna Atiniir #OC Chuckles #Captain Howzer #tw: pregnancy #tw: childbirth

[wild-karrde]

Hello there. I just want to tell you that I really enjoyed your take of Crosshair’s redemption arc in “Guarded” and “Shadow and Shade”. Can I count this as an early #FandomFriday rec? I did like “The Outpost” episode, but we don’t know when the writers are going to arrive at the redemption part yet. Crosshair murdering an Imperial doesn’t count no matter how hateful the guy was.

My favorite parts are his conversations with your OCs Iden and Kestia about what he was thinking/not thinking during that period, and his realization of what he did. It shows his struggle, his desire for acceptance, redemption, and forgiveness, and how he and his family (old and new) can start a new relationship. It’s great long form story telling for a complex character in a complex situation. Story telling through various media has it’s restrictions. I’m glad that you’re in the Star Wars fan fiction space.

I'll count it, because dammit, I'm proud of that arc. I wasn't certain I'd continue it after Guarded, but Iden presented such a great opportunity to expand on it, I had to write Shadows and Shades. I really enjoyed fitting the reconciliation puzzle together with each of his brothers, and where there were gaps, the OCs slotted in perfectly. I'm so happy you enjoyed that, because honestly, it was very important to me that he have a fully-fledged arc where he atoned, made amends, and started moving in the right direction. I seriously appreciate this so much and thank you for the exceptionally kind words.

Participate in Fandom Friday to show your favorite creators from this week some love! :)

#FANDOM FRIDAY #creator appreciation #fic rec #fanfiction #fan fic #star wars #the bad batch #tbb #the bad batch spoilers #crosshair #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x original female characters #crosshair x oc #OC Iden Vena #crosshair x iden #crossden

[wild-karrde]

Karrde's Fandom Friday Rec #1 (1/20/23)

For my FIRST REC of 2023, I have to go with this artwork for my fic Shadows and Shades that I commissioned from the LOVELY @sleepingsun501. It's a spoiler for the end of the fic if you haven't read it, but I let Erin pick what she wanted to do for the commission, and I LOVE THIS PIECE WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING. Without spoiling too much, Erin perfectly captured this moment, and it has been living in my brain rent-free since I first laid eyes on it. Even now, I'm just internally screaming looking at it again. THANK YOU AGAIN, ERIN!!

Participate in Fandom Friday to show your favorite creators from this week some love! :)

#FANDOM FRIDAY #creator appreciation #art rec #fan art #star wars #the bad batch #tbb #crosshair #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x oc #crosshair x original female character #OC Iden Vena #Crosshair x Iden

[wild-karrde]

💖💖KARRDE! Congrats on 400!🍾🥂 🥰🥰🥰

I LOVE the redemption arc you’ve written for Crosshair in Shadows and Shades. What inspired you to write it, and which part or parts of the fic held special meaning for you?

Awwww Leyla THANK YOU SO MUCH and THANK YOU for the ask!

Honestly, the redemption arc was spurred on by low expectations for actual canon (as a lot of fic is I think haha). Star Wars has an awful track record with redemption arcs (I think I've only ever been good with Kallus's?), and I think Crosshair presents a super interesting opportunity for a GOOD one. There's honestly so many opportunities to explore the clones' reactions to the chips, and it seems we're going to see more of that in TBB S2 (yay!). I'm hoping we don't see Crosshair redeemed through death, but that so often happens, I'm not holding my breath.

I also wanted to explore his relationship with the rest of the Batch as he comes back into the fold. I so often see people take a black or white stance about what's going on with his brothers, but I honestly think the situation is more grey, as many things in life are. I think Hunter and the other guys are operating on super limited information and are doing the best they can. Is it flawless? No. But I think it's important to remember the characters don't have all of the same information that we do as viewers. I wanted to really kind of examine what would happen as the characters find out more and more of that information and how living under the chip's influence impacted Crosshair (which is what I tried to do in Guarded).

On the other side of that, I don't think Crosshair is a bad guy. I honestly wrote what I hope to see from him: a desperation to make sense of and justify what happened while he was with the Empire, and when he can't, I hope he does work through that. I really love Iden as a counterpart in this instance because she's someone that pushes back when he's being a closed off asshole (like I suspect he might be for a bit), and honestly, I feel like the redemption arc I wrote is pretty complete, and I'm proud of how it kinda came full circle.

Not to say that this is the last we'll see of Iden and Crosshair, but I feel pretty good about the arc that I wrote for him and how that chapter of his story closed out (desperately trying to keep this mostly spoiler-free for those that haven't read Shadows and Shades haha).

As for parts that held special meaning, I haven't talked a lot about this openly, but Nisa and Iden's arc in Shadows and Shades was something deeply personal for me due to things that were going on in the background with my personal life. At times, it was hitting so close to home that I had to pause work on the fic, but ultimately, also very proud with how that arc wound up as well. I pull a lot from my personal life when writing, and that particular piece wound up being a bit cathartic for me in several ways.

Thanks for participating in my 400 Follower Celebration!

#karrde writes #guarded #shadows and shades #karrde's 400 #400 follower celebration #fic Q&A #star wars #the bad batch #tbb #crosshair #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x oc #crosshair x original female character #OC Iden Vena

[wild-karrde]

I've asked this before in other places about Versa, but if you've read my fics "Guarded" or "Shadows and Shades", who do you fancast as Iden/how do you picture her in your head?

I've really tried to steer clear of a physical description (other than she's shorter than Crosshair) because I kind of like people being able to interpret her how they want.

#karrde writes #guarded #shadows and shades #female oc #iden vena #crosshair #iden #crosshair x iden #crossden

[wild-karrde]

Hi can I request a #1 with Crosshair and Iden please?

Something with the line "If you keep doing that, I'm going to make you scream my name all night long."

I wanna see your Darkside babe, show me your wild dreams for Cross and Iden 😝😝😝😝

Thanks love!!!!

*ahem* you asked for it. Jealous Crosshair and stubborn Iden? What could go wrong (...or right). This wound up kind of being a full-fledged one-shot over a ficlet. But, it is what it is.

Rating - E (MINORS, TAKE A HIKE - explicit sexual content, light dom/sub, oral sex, PiV, anal play, cum as lube, orgasm denial, language)

Iden sipped her drink as her eyes flitted around the bar, searching for the easiest mark. From her position, she could see Crosshair, tucked back into his booth, but while her eyes were scanning the seedy little cantina, his gaze was affixed on her. She smirked into her glass before tossing him a wink. He didn’t move, the only acknowledgement being the toothpick between his teeth flicking to the other side of his mouth as he sipped the amber liquid in his glass.

“That one seems like a bit of a stiff, love. Surely you could do better.” 

Iden turned to face the confident man that was leaning on the bar to her right. He was handsome enough, sporting dark hair that contrasted sharply with the Imperial uniform he was wearing, light hazel eyes sparkling from beneath two well-maintained eyebrows that complimented his impeccably trimmed goatee. “Might I top off whatever you’re having? Someone like you shouldn’t have to pay for your own drinks.” 

“Well aren’t you the gentleman?” Iden teased, a smile creeping across her face as she waved down the bartender. “Another of these, and he’s buying.” The bartender looked at the officer, who nodded. 

“I’ll have what she’s having.” 

Iden raised an eyebrow. “You don’t strike me as a gin sort.”

“Oh? And what do I strike you as?” 

Iden pretended to appraise him, allowing her eyes to linger in certain suggestive areas before she leaned in conspiratorially. “Well, as an officer, I’d assume you have access to more…refined options regularly. I doubt you’ll like the cheap grog I’m drinking. My credits are on you enjoying a fine wine when the social occasion calls for it, but late at night, when you’re in your dwelling by yourself, you like to have a glass of whiskey by your side, something smooth that leaves just a hint of warmth in the back of your throat and your belly.” She’d leaned forward as she delivered her conclusion, her hand now resting on the officer’s thigh, and she could feel his muscles flex beneath her fingertips. 

Too easy. 

“Well aren’t you perceptive?” the officer said, his voice a little lower than it had been a moment ago. “Might I have a name to pair with those adept deduction skills?” 

“I go by Zo,” she replied, poking her tongue between her teeth playfully. 

“Marko,” he said, extending his hand palm up, and Iden slid hers against it, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. His hands were soft, uncalloused. Never held a blaster in his life. “Got any plans this evening, Zo?”

“Nothing too important,” she teased, and he smirked. 

“Well would you mind spending it with me?”

“I think I’d like that, especially if you keep buying me drinks, Commander. In fact, I might be due for another one.” She tossed the rest of her drink back. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to run to the ‘fresher real quick. Watch my seat for me?” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

She winked at him before sliding off the bar stool and making her way towards the refreshers, being sure to swing her hips a little extra as she walked away. Passing a glass case of liquor, she noted Marko’s reflection had his eyes affixed to her ass, and she grinned. 

Way too easy. 

The goal of the mission was simple: get as much intel as you can in a week and report back to base. The routine had been the same the last few rotations. They showed up to an Imperial haunt, Iden parked herself at the bar and waited for the first catch of the evening. They’d buy her drinks, she’d flirt shamelessly as Crosshair watched from the corner, ensuring she never got in over her head. He lacked the social skills to weave a conversation, so he just provided back-up while Iden worked. She’d drink until tongues loosened, gather as much information as she could, and then signal Crosshair when it was time to head back to the inn. This evening had gone pretty much the same, but something about the way Crosshair’s shoulders were wound tightly told her tonight may end differently. 

He’s ready to snap, and I’m more than happy to give him that push as long as I get something out of it. 

Slipping inside the small refresher, she leaned over the sink, re-applying some of the dark lipstick she was wearing. The door banged open behind her and her eyes found amber irises burning into her in the mirror. Iden smirked. 

“Didn’t take you for the jealous type, Toothpick.”

Crosshair leaned his back against the counter, gripping her chin in between his fingers. “You know damn well I’m the jealous type, darling.” She rolled her eyes, jerking her chin loose from his grasp before she rummaged in her purse for her perfume, but he spun her, caging her in against the sink. 

“Careful, dear. You’ll mess up my make-up that I just worked so hard on,” she breathed against the shell of his ear. 

He turned to face her, his lips millimeters from hers. “Maybe I should mess it up just to stake my claim.” 

Iden leaned forward, taking the toothpick from between his teeth with her mouth, rolling it around on her tongue and taking satisfaction at the way his eyes followed the movement of the small wood piece across her lips. “I say it’d be a pity to waste the opportunity to get intel from someone so willing to give it. Besides, it’s just a little harmless flirting.” 

Crosshair gripped her chin between his fingers again. “I’d argue you passed flirting about five minutes before you came in here.”

“A new record for me then,” she snarked. “Normally it takes at least half an hour to loosen them up.” 

He placed his hands on either side of her hips on the counter, running his nose along the skin of her throat before nipping at her earlobe. “And if you keep this up, I’m going to make you scream my name all night long when we get back to the room. Just to make sure you remember who you’re here with.” 

Iden ignored the heat building in her stomach and the sudden dampness between her legs as she pulled the toothpick from between her teeth, holding it out to him. Her lipstick stained the end of it, and she smirked at him. “Oh my dear, I don’t scream without a good reason.” He took the toothpick from her fingers, and she patted him condescendingly on the cheek. “Do try to be less obvious. Commander Marko noticed you leering from the corner earlier.” With that, she exited the refresher, exhaling sharply to calm the electricity coursing through her veins as she stepped back into the dim bar. 

If he wants to play, we can play. 

Marko was impatiently drumming his fingers on the counter as she slipped back into the seat, taking a sip of the fresh glass of gin sitting in front of her. She allowed her foot to slip between his legs, resting on the bottom rung of his barstool as she leaned forward. “Now, where were we?” 

“Where would you like to be?” 

She hummed thoughtfully, nudging her knee in between his until he slipped a hand onto her thigh. “I’ve told you my name, but I’m much more interested in hearing about you, Commander. What do you like?”

He leaned in, his lips grazing against her ear as he whispered. “Confident women that know how to handle their liquor.”

She giggled. “Well in that case, you’re in luck.” Glancing at the booth in the corner, she noticed the way Crosshair’s look had darkened, a smirk pulling at one corner of his lips as he sipped his drink. 

And so am I.

—

“Look up for me, darling.” 

It’s all too much.

“Iden.” Slender fingers wove their way through her hair, tugging firmly, and she raised her head. Her reflection stared back at her from the full-length mirror in the inn’s room, panting on her hands and knees as Crosshair knelt behind her. The lipstick that she’d applied so carefully all those hours ago was now sloppily smeared across her jaw. The makeup that lined her eyes trailed down her face in rivulets. Her hair stuck up at odd angles from repeatedly being gripped. Before she could observe anything else, another thrust from behind her sent her tumbling back onto her hands, her fingers digging into the carpet. A hand slipped around her shoulder, the other remaining in her hair to pull her so that her back was pressed flush against Crosshair’s chest as he slammed his cock into her again. Now, she could see the fresh bruises that were blooming across her collar bone, her breasts, and on the inside of her thighs where Crosshair had marked her.

“Look how beautiful you look like this, darling.” 

The hand on her shoulder snaked around to her throat, gently gripping as she felt his breath fan across the back of her neck. The hand in her hair slid down her body, tracing the scar across her abdomen before sliding between her legs, fingers teasing at her clit as her legs quivered. 

“You’re close, I can feel it. You know what to do if you want to cum.” 

Iden dug her teeth into her lip hard enough to taste blood as the coil in her abdomen wound tighter yet again. 

“Do you want it, Iden?”

Her legs shook. He’d climaxed already once, not even softening before he had resumed his languid pace inside of her, fucking his spend back out of her cunt. She could feel his release dribbling down her thighs as obscene sounds filled the room, complimented by her labored breathing. 

Surely he’s almost done. 

He’d watched all evening as she’d let Marko touch her, buying her drinks that she sipped slowly while he downed his. She’d gathered plenty of information to feed back to the rebellion, slipping from the drunken commander’s grasp at the end of the night with a murmured farewell before making her way back to the inn. Crosshair had made his exit while she was settling her tab, and her nerves had hummed with anticipation as she’d quietly opened the door to their room, letting her jacket fall over a chair inside. Those slender fingers had been on her almost instantly, wrapping around her neck and pressing her against the wall as one of his knees slotted between her legs, grinding against her cunt. Crosshair’s breath had smelled of the whiskey he’d drank all night as his lips ghosted over the shell of her ear. 

“I told you what would happen. And now, you’ll have to make sure everyone in this inn knows who’s in here with you if you want to earn your release.” 

She’d snickered at that, determined to not let him win this petty game, and much to her surprise he’d chuckled darkly in response. That’s when she knew she was fucked. 

That felt as though it had been hours ago. Crosshair had spent countless minutes between her legs, torturing her with his tongue as she gripped the sheets with white knuckles. Each time her breathing increased, her cunt tightening around his tongue as she neared the precipice, he’d slowed, leaving her biting her cheek to keep herself from whimpering. Every time, he’d asked the same question. 

“Why don’t you scream my name for me, darling? I know you want to. Let all the nice people in this inn know just who’s fucking this sweet little cunt so well.” 

She’d refused to let him stroke his ego, so instead he’d stroked her insides until she was shaking, whispering filth in her ear just before he’d pull out and leave her quivering and clenching around nothing. Iden was stubborn though, and while the prize was her release, she was competitive to a fault, determined to win whatever game he was playing at. 

Surely he’ll grow tired. Surely he’ll slip up and let me have it. Surely he won’t keep depriving me.

But time had ticked on, and now as she was staring at herself in the mirror, sweat dribbling between her breasts as he slowly dragged his cock back out of her, she started to wonder if her stubbornness was worth this. He’s a sniper. Of course he’s patient to a fault. How many hours has he had to sit, waiting for his target? Crosshair interrupted her thoughts as he loosened his grip on her throat, bringing his hand up to cup her jaw. He rubbed his thumb across her lower lip, leaving a fresh smear of lipstick in its wake that traced down her chin.

“Look how gorgeous you are like this, coming undone for me. Just one simple word, and I’ll let you have what you want, Iden. I won’t even make you beg for it.” His eyes met hers in the mirror. “Now tell me, darling. Who’s fucking you like this?” 

Iden reached back to grip his thighs, grinding herself back down on him desperately. Almost there. I can almost get there. If I just…

He released her hair, pushing her back forward as he pulled himself out of her. Iden fell forward onto her elbows, swallowing the sob that ripped through her chest as more tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. Her legs shook harder as she felt him rub at her backside before working his way downwards and gently teasing the swollen lips between her legs as the coil unwound within her yet again. She wanted to scream, to beg, but she knew there was only one way he would let her have what she wanted, and she was determined to not give it to him. 

“Bad play, Iden. You know greediness will get you nowhere.” 

“Fuck. You.” Her words carried as much heat as she could muster, but she knew it came out as more of a whimper than a threat.

He chuckled again, and the sound sent a shiver up her spine as she felt him readjust between her legs, rising off of his haunches and dragging the head of his cock back through her folds. 

“Fine, Lieutenant, have it your way.” 

He sank back into her and Iden couldn’t bite back the moan as he immediately found the place within her that sent sparks skittering across her vision. They’d fucked enough that he knew exactly how to pull her apart, fiber by fiber like an unraveling tapestry. The head of his cock brushed against the spot inside her once more as his pelvis slammed against her, his fingers digging into the flesh at her hips. 

No. I won’t give in to this smug bastard. 

She looked up in the mirror again, and was met with the same cocky smirk that drove her insane as he fucked into her at a steady pace. Her cheek rested against the floor as he rocked her body back and forth against his. She wondered if he’d cum again, filling her while still denying her. He knew her orgasms were a steady build, not something to be rushed, but with every denial, the time it took to build seemed to lessen. Even now, she could feel herself approaching the edge once more, and she tried to keep her body from betraying her. 

Crosshair adjusted his grip on her, trailing one hand down her spine. As his fingers brushed lower, grazing her asshole, Iden shuddered. Crosshair hummed behind her. “Did you like that, darling?” He pressed his thumb against the ring of muscle again and Iden gasped. “You did. I see. Would you like me to play with you back here then?” She felt him reach between her legs, gathering some of the spend that had leaked down her thighs before he began rubbing again at her asshole, pressing experimentally. When his thumb finally slid past the entrance to the knuckle, she hissed at the burn. 

“Color?” he asked quietly, pausing his motions.

“Keep fucking going,” she hissed, her forehead resting against the floor.

“Iden.”

“Green. Fucking Green.” Her teeth were clenched tightly as he began thrusting again, gently working his thumb in further, alternating the push and pull of his digit and his cock inside of her. 

“If I’d known how much you’d like this, I’d have tried it sooner.” 

Iden could barely hear him as her orgasm built. Blood rushed in her ears, drowning out everything but the sound of his hips slapping against her as she gasped into the carpet. The coil in her stomach was winding so tightly from the bliss she felt, every thrust was knocking the wind from her lungs. Iden had never felt so full, and the stretch and slight burn combined with the complete and total pleasure emanating from her cunt was overwhelming. Her mind faltered as she reached behind her, and he gripped her wrist with his free hand, pinning it to her lower back. Her moans were crescendoing as her orgasm grew ever nearer. A trail of drool leaked from the corner of her lips, trailing down her chin. She panted loudly, her mind barely able to comprehend anything happening around her. Without thinking, she moaned quietly.

“Crosshair.”

Fuck. 

“What was that darling?” 

She couldn’t do it. It was all too much. Fuck it. Let him win.

“Crosshair. Fuck. Don’t stop. Please.” 

“Louder,” he growled. 

“That…wasn’t the-FUCK-the deal.” 

He paused and Iden sobbed loudly. “I said louder.”

“CROSSHAIR PLEASE.” 

“Good girl.” 

With that, he gripped her harder, driving his thumb into her as his cock dragged out, and Iden screamed, babbling to whoever was listening. 

“Fuck. Right there. Crosshair. Please don’t stop. Maker above, don’t stop. Crosshair. It’s so good. Please.” 

“Are you ready darling?” 

“Yes. Please Cross. Please.” 

He shifted his hips just a fraction of a centimeter, and it was enough. Iden gripped the carpet so hard she was certain she’d break her own bones as the orgasm that she’d been denied finally ripped through her. 

She screamed. She couldn’t be sure if she screamed his name or a prayer or a curse, but her lungs burned as her vision whited out and her body locked down. She was vaguely aware of Crosshair’s hips stuttering against her as he spilled himself inside her again, but the only thing she was trying to focus on was falling forward onto the ground without hurting herself. As the blood rushing in her ears began to subside, she took stock of her body. She had managed to roll onto her side, gasping for air as her head spun. She could feel the warmth of Crosshair’s release dribbling out of her and down her leg. She could vaguely make out a figure stumbling back from the room’s refresher, a towel in his grasp. Warm hands shifted her legs apart, cleaning her carefully before she was cradled gently and carried to bed. Her knees burned and she noted they were probably rugburned after all of the time she’d spent on them this evening. She was tucked under a comforter, laying on her side facing the opposite side of the bed, which Crosshair quickly slipped into, his amber eyes meeting hers. 

“Are you alright?” he asked, pushing some of her hair out of her face.

She grinned like a drunken fool. “Never better. Although, I wish you’d have done that an hour or so ago.” 

He raised an eyebrow at her. “I told you what would happen if you continued to flirt with that commander like that. And you had an easy out.” 

Iden managed to roll onto her elbows, leaning towards him with a haughty grin. “It was all part of the job, dear. Plus, I think you knew I’d push back. You’re well aware that I’m stubborn and perhaps a bit too competitive.” She leaned closer, her breath against his ear. “I think you’d have been disappointed if I’d just given in.” 

His fingers wove through her hair, the grasp much more gently as he pressed his lips against hers. “You know, you’re probably right.” He traced some of the bruising on her collarbone. “I just needed to make sure you know who you belong to.” She smiled before leaning down and biting his throat, sucking a deep purple bruise that matched the ones covering her body. “I’m yours, dear, and yours alone. And you’re mine.”

Thanks for participating in my 300 Follower Celebration! :)

Tag List: @seriowan @rosmariner @misogirl828 @ellichonkasaurusrex @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @partoftheeternalsoul​ @canesjedi31​

#karrde writes #300 follower celebration #follower celebration #fanfiction #star wars #fan fic #the bad batch #tbb #clone force 99 #crosshair #ct 9904 #crosshair x oc #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x original female character #crosshair x iden #crosshair x iden vena #crossden #jealous crosshair #established relationship #lemony lemon #nsft #lemon

[wild-karrde]

Shadows and Shades - Part 1

Master List | Next Chapter

A/N: HERE IT IS! The long-awaited CrossDen fic I've been itching to write. I've missed these two sarcastic assholes so much. This fic takes place after "Guarded" (where this pairing is introduced), and in parallel to "Reunion." This fic will be rated M (language, canon typical violence, mild sexual content), so please heed any warnings at the beginning of each chapter (the end of this one is a bit spicy). As always, thank you to the outstanding @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading this for me! :)

The jolt of the ship coming out of hyperspace jarred him awake, the blue and white streaks that had lulled him to sleep outside of the transparisteel viewport fading to the familiar silken black of space dotted with white pinpoints. The sniper’s hands felt stiff and cold from the time they’d spent on the transport, and he flexed his fingers, rubbing them together to try and warm up his palms. The recirculated air of the transport had started to smell stale hours ago, and he assumed the crew kept it cool to try and make the smell tolerable. Turning to glance out the viewport once more, he could see the planet of Raxus Prime growing larger as they puttered towards its atmosphere, the northern hemisphere glowing blue and gold in its harvest season. He sighed, refocusing his eyes to stare at his faint reflection. The tattoo over his right eye always seemed more prominent when he got less sleep, the dark circles under his eyes somehow enhancing the crossed lines that intersected across his eyelid and eyebrow. He scratched at the beard he’d grown out before reaching down and digging for his toothpick pack.

Iden stirred against his shoulder, her eyelids fluttering open as he rustled under his cloak, trying to shift slightly. “We there?” she asked.

“Just about,” Crosshair replied.

As if on cue, a robotic voice echoed throughout the passenger hold. “Approaching Raxus Prime. Atmospheric entry anticipated in approximately five minutes. Please return to your seats and stow any loose luggage at this time. Some atmospheric turbulence may be experienced, and we do not wish you to be harmed. Your patronage is appreciated.”

Crosshair huffed, rolling his eyes slightly. He’d wanted to just pilot their own ship here, but Hunter and the others had insisted that would make the pair of travelers too conspicuous, whereas who would notice just another pair of workers stepping off a public transport? It would be much easier to blend into the crowd, but he didn’t like that it made any escape dependent on a pick-up from another party.

“We can be there in a rotation if needed,” Hunter had reassured him. “If you two get in trouble, I’m confident you can evade capture for that long.”

If not, it won’t really matter. I’m not exactly in the Empire’s good graces. Crosshair shuddered.

“Chilly?” Iden asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

“A little,” he lied, not meeting her gaze.

“That’s a surprise given how cold-blooded you are,” she muttered, giving him a teasing nudge with her shoulder. Crosshair rolled his eyes.

He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t somewhat excited to have been assigned this mission, despite his misgivings about its start. It felt as though his brothers and even members of the rebellion that had been previously wary of his past were beginning to trust him, to see his value. They don’t worry I’ll betray them any longer. That had been a pleasant realization for him, and the fact that he was going with only Iden wasn’t something he’d overlooked as a positive either.

Ever since escaping Naboo together, they’d been camping out at the base on Yavin 4, waiting to be useful. He’d noted her frustration at being sidelined along with her annoyance that they never could seem to find more than a few minutes to be alone together. The base wasn’t exactly constructed with comfort or privacy in mind. They’d been sleeping in the barracks, sharing a bunk only meant for one person, but with rows and rows of beds stacked next to them, there hadn’t been exactly time for them to explore their relationship much further beyond quiet kisses and the occasional wandering hands under blankets. They’d had to rely on stolen moments in supply closets or the occasional room with a lock on the door, the two of them fumbling with each other’s clothes in the dark like a couple of teenagers while they tried desperately to fulfill their needs before either of their absences were noted. The memories warmed Crosshair’s cheeks slightly, and he unconsciously allowed his hand to drift down and grip Iden’s thigh, his fingers clamping down on the soft flesh covered by her leggings. She sat a little straighter next to him, intercepting his hand with her own and interlacing their fingers.

“Better save that for the honeymoon, dear,” she teased.

Glancing at Iden out of the corner of his eye, he raised an eyebrow and smirked at her before leaning down, pressing his lips to the shell of her ear. “Don’t pretend you’re not looking forward to having a place to ourselves.”

She squeezed his arm warningly, but he noted the heat in her gaze. “Keep your head on. We’ve got a job to do, remember?”

He grinned, stroking his thumb over the back of her hand before he placed a kiss right behind her ear. “I’m quite the multi-tasker. In case you’ve forgotten.”

Iden cleared her throat, shooting him a glare.

They’d gotten word that the Empire was planning on building several large manufacturing facilities on Raxus. With the recent pillaging of several worlds such as Lothal and Illum, there was plenty of concern about what exactly the Empire might need additional manufacturing facilities to construct given the resources they’d been amassing.

A concerning development. That’s what the senator from Alderaan had called it, and Crosshair could hardly disagree. While the rebellion had somewhat discarded rumors of a superweapon at first, it appeared as though the evidence had been mounting in recent months. The hope was that Crosshair’s understanding of Imperial protocols combined with Iden’s counterintelligence and defense training she’d received as part of a select group of Naboo’s Royal Security Forces would give them the best chance of success in gleaning information on an occupied world. They didn’t stand out much as a couple, the most noticeable thing about Crosshair being his tattoo when his Firepuncher wasn’t strapped to his back.

They’d been assigned a dwelling near the newest industrial area in the planet’s capital city. It wasn’t going to be grand by any means, but it would be theirs, if only for a little while. They were to try and find employment within one of the newer factories and feed information back to the rebellion on what was being produced and in what quantities. They’d been assured any information they were able to pass along would be helpful, but Crosshair was determined to provide as much as possible. He’d never admit it, but he felt pressure to prove himself here, not just his loyalties, but the fact that he could be a significant asset rather than a liability. It had been several months since he’d had a panic bout, but he knew Iden and his brothers were still cautious with him, watching to see if any of his memories from his time under the control of the inhibitor chip would send him careening off the rails.

He still had nightmares. There were many nights he’d woken up gasping next to Iden, trying to slow his breathing before disturbing her, chasing the memories from his mind and reassuring himself it was over. It felt as though it may never be though; he would just continue to improve in how he coped with it.

Their cover had been simple enough to construct: a newly married couple, Aban and Zo Kress, looking for work in one of the Empire’s new facilities. As the Empire’s influence had continued to expand, spreading into every industry in the galaxy, workers migrating between planets based on needs had become a more frequent occurrence. Where one factory closed, three more opened, ready to be filled with workers just looking for a way to keep their stomachs full and provide for any family they had. In fact, when they’d first settled into their seats, Crosshair had determined that more than half of the passengers on this transport were all migrants looking for work, as they were.

The jostle of the ship entering the planet’s upper atmosphere jarred him from his musings. The sniper glanced out the window once more, his fingers flexing nervously at his sides as the continent rushed up to greet them. Digging around in his pocket, he finally located the pack of toothpicks he’d stashed, shaking one loose and popping it between his teeth. He felt Iden lean into his shoulder, straining to view their new home as well. The large, impressive buildings of the capital city of Raxulon rose from the ground, their massive stained glass windows twinkling in the light of the planet’s singular sun. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Iden.

Prior to their escape from Naboo, Iden had never visited any other worlds. Since then, she’d only seen Yavin 4, but even that experience had been limiting, keeping her near the base despite the towering temples and lush jungle that surrounded it. Crosshair knew she’d longed for the opportunity to explore, and he hoped somewhat that she’d have the opportunity here. Can’t be gathering information all of the time. He suppressed a comment about the look of wonder on her face as she leaned past him to gaze out the viewport. Instead, he smiled slightly, watching the woman he loved experience yet another planet for the first time. She raised an eyebrow and glanced over at him.

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“Like what?” he asked quietly, feigning aloofness.

Iden rolled her eyes, sitting back. “You know like what, Toothpick.”

“Can’t I just enjoy looking at you? Some people might even take it as a compliment.”

“Leering isn’t complimentary, dear.”

“I’d hardly say I was leering.”

“Uh huh.”

The ship drifted over the impressive capital building, heading towards the industrial district and touching down in one of the smaller spaceports sprinkled throughout the city. Crosshair slipped his hand into Iden’s and together, the two of them quietly departed the ship, waiting in line patiently for their luggage. Crosshair was relieved to see no additional scuffs on the longer, thin case he had hidden his Firepuncher’s components in. He slipped it onto his back and grabbed two of their bags as Iden picked up the last few, falling into stride next to him.

“You worry about that thing more than a parent worries for their child,” she said under her breath as they separated from the crowd, heading down the main avenue towards the residential district.

He scoffed. “I’d argue that it’s more valuable to me than a child considering it’s saved my life several times.”

Iden rolled her eyes again, but he knew there was no animosity behind it. She’d heard the stories. She understood the weapon’s significance, even if she continued to give him grief about it. Their fingers remained interlaced as they turned the corner onto the avenue of the residential district. Crosshair was struck by the gorgeous architecture that seemed to permeate even this more humble part of the capital city. The buildings were of course smaller than those closer to the center of Raxulon, and for the most part, their architecture was less decorative, but he was still taken aback by the carved pillars, buttresses, and exterior statues that protruded from even the smallest dwellings. The street itself was clean, lined with planters that held beautifully sculpted trees. In the cooler season, the leaves on each tree were stunning shades of orange and gold, fluttering in the chilly breeze that nipped at his skin. It was all simple, nothing too eccentric, but yet elegant, and Crosshair couldn’t help but feel out of place in his tattered and stained travel clothes. All in all, not a terrible place to be assigned. Aside from the large Imperial presence, of course.

Crosshair had memorized the dwelling’s location before they’d left Yavin 4, and he easily navigated the street, stopping in front of the small stone building that would serve as their dwelling for the foreseeable future.

Iden sniffed next to him, but he ignored her. All of his life, he’d shared a room with his brothers or his squad, the only time he ever had a room to himself being in Imperial prison. He’d never considered what it might be like to have an entire building that was his, and while this wasn’t exactlyhis home, something about the entire ordeal warmed him.

“Kind of run-down,” Iden murmured, her eyes flicking to the crack in one of the pillars and the smudging on the windows.

“Nothing we can’t fix,” he replied, and he felt her turn her gaze on him. He met her eyes. “What?”

“Is that optimism I’m hearing? From you?” She reached up, resting the back of her hand against his forehead, and he huffed, swatting her hand away. Iden grinned. “Just ensuring you’re not ill or that my husband hasn’t been replaced with a changeling.”

He flicked the toothpick from one corner of his mouth to the other, scowling at her before climbing the steps to the front door and keying the unlock code he’d also memorized. The door hissed open with a creak, and he stepped into the dim, dusty sitting room. We’ll need some grease for the door track.

The room was modestly furnished, a small couch tucked to one side with a low table in front of it. In the opposite corner, he glanced over the small kitchen area that also held a table large enough for the two of them to share a meal at. He reached over to flick on the lights and was met with a hum, but no light. Need to repair that as well. Stepping forward, he glanced down a short hallway that held three doors. The first one on the left was a closet, the second a small refresher, and the one across the hall opened up to a bedroom. He struggled to suppress the grin that was threatening to smear across his face as he glanced at the bed. Actually large enough for two people. The bedroom also contained a small chair tucked into one corner, a door that he assumed led to another closet, and a short dresser with a full length mirror leaned against the wall next to it.

It’s perfect.

Stepping back out into the sitting room, he leaned against the wall, watching as Iden took in their dwelling. Her nose was wrinkled, but when she finally met his gaze, she smirked.

“It’ll do, I suppose,” she teased.

“It’s the first place I’ve ever had that was my own,” he replied, his voice softer than he’d intended.

His response sobered her, and he despised the flash of sadness that flitted behind her irises before she recomposed herself, giving him a grin.

“Well then, we’ll have to spruce it up.” She collapsed on the couch, and a cloud of dust erupted from the cushions. He couldn’t stop the chuckle that erupted from him as Iden sputtered, brushing the dust from her travel cloak and shaking it from her hair where it had settled. Crosshair crossed the room, coming to stand in front of her before reaching down and brushing a smudge of dust from her cheek. She paused her fidgeting at his touch, her eyes locking onto his in the way that made his stomach flutter, although he’d never admit it. Taking her chin between his fingers, he leaned down, not pressing his lips against hers but enough so that he knew she could feel his breath against her skin. Her eyes flicked from the toothpick clenched between his teeth up to his eyes.

“I take it there’s a bedroom,” she said, her voice deeper than it had been a moment ago.

“There is.”

“With a bed large enough for two people?”

“More than enough room for us to sleep comfortably.”

“Who said anything about sleeping?”

He chuckled, leaning down further just as his commlink pinged. Iden rolled her eyes, unleashing a hard sigh as Crosshair let out a frustrated huff at the interruption. Reaching for his belt, he removed his holopad, checking the frequency before powering it on.

“Hunter,” he growled.

“Tell him he has shit timing,” Iden muttered before pushing herself off the couch. “I’m going to go check out our room. See if it’s as dusty in there as it is in here.” With that, she disappeared down the hall and into their bedroom. Crosshair could hear the opening of the closet door and the rustling of sheets being shaken out as he placed the holopad on the small table and activated it. Hunter’s blue form glowed in front of him, his eyes taking in his brother. Crosshair scratched at his beard again.

“Crosshair,” Hunter greeted him. The sniper grunted in response.

“Settling in?” the sergeant asked.

“Something like that.”

Hunter seemed unphased by his brother’s clipped responses. “I take it the trip was uneventful.”

Movement caught Crosshair’s eyes, and he glanced up in time to see a piece of cloth come flying out of the bedroom, falling to the floor in the hallway. Narrowing his eyes, he realized it was Iden’s shirt. He looked back to Hunter.

“My back may never realign itself after having to sit on that transport for a full rotation, and who knows what is crawling through my gut given the quality of the food, but other than that, nothing noteworthy.”

Another garment came flying out of the room, this time Iden’s tan trousers that she’d worn. Crosshair’s fingers clenched and unclenched at his sides.

“Very good. Take tonight to get settled. You know where you’re going tomorrow?” Hunter continued. The sergeant didn’t seem to note his brother’s twitching hands, and Crosshair was grateful for the distance the hologram provided.

“Yes,” Crosshair muttered. “It’s close enough to walk. Shouldn’t be difficult to find considering it’s a massive black building.” The factory had stuck out like a sore thumb as they’d made their way through the city, a large black durasteel rectangle amongst the city’s lighter stone architecture. Its outward appearance was somehow hostile, and the mere sight of it had made Crosshair’s gut twist with revulsion and anger.

“Alright. Let me know the moment you both find work and are in. We want you to start feeding us information as quickly as possible. Anything can be helpful, but particularly anything that the senator can use to push on the Imperials to disclose what they’re planning in a public forum.”

Crosshair fought the urge to roll his eyes. He didn’t see the point in diplomacy when the Senate was so clearly nothing more than a figurehead at this point to give the illusion of democracy. However, he gave his brother a curt nod. “We will.”

Hunter nodded in return, clearly out of things to say, but appearing to not want to end the call. Crosshair was about to snark about Hunter missing him just as another two pieces of fabric came flying out into the hall. His eyes flicked to them, and his teeth clamped around the toothpick as he recognized the items as Iden’s undergarments. Karking hells, she’s going to be the death of me.

“If there’s nothing further, it’s been a long day, and I’d like to get showered and rest,” Crosshair said shortly. Hunter seemed to want to say something, but bobbed his head.

“Very well.”

Crosshair bent down to hang up the call.

“Crosshair.”

“Yes?” He didn’t bother to keep the exasperation out of his voice.

“Be careful.”

This time, the sniper couldn’t suppress the eyeroll.

“I’m serious. We can’t lose you again,” Hunter said quietly, and the sentimentality gave Crosshair a warm feeling in his stomach that he’d never particularly cared for.

“We will,” he assured Hunter. “I’ll comm you tomorrow after we’ve got our assignments at the factory.”

Hunter nodded before blinking out of existence. Crosshair sighed, stowing the holopad back in his hip pouch.

“Oh, for Maker’s sake, do I need to come waltzing out there in front of him to get your attention?” Iden called from the bedroom, her impatience evident.

Crosshair chuckled as he made his way down the hall. “He’d likely pass out from the shock. Wouldn’t recommend it.” He felt the heat in his gut flush to the rest of him as he leaned against the doorway, taking in the sight of Iden, bare as the day she was born, examining herself in the full-length mirror in the corner. Crosshair walked up behind her, gently laying his hands on her hips. He could see she was studying the scar on her knee that she’d gotten while they were on Naboo together.

“It’s healing well,” he said softly, his arms wrapping around her waist as he rested his chin on her shoulder. “Even starting to fade a bit.”

“I suppose,” she sighed. “Could have been worse.”

“Indeed. You got to keep the leg.”

“I did.” Her fingers traced the more prominent scar on her abdomen, given to her by thieves when she was young. It was the day she’d lost her parents, and Crosshair felt his throat tighten at the distant look in her eyes before she appeared to pull herself out of it, blinking rapidly. “Another one to add to the collection, I suppose.” She whirled, facing him and allowing her arms to drift over his shoulders. “If you stick around long enough, I may just be a ball of scar tissue by the time it’s all said and done.”

He smirked, reaching up to brush a lock of her hair behind her ear. “You seem to think I’ll allow you to keep getting yourself into trouble.”

She grinned before standing on her tiptoes and taking his toothpick between her teeth. He relented, allowing her to pull it from between his lips as she lowered haughtily back down to her heels. “You seem to think you’ll have any say in the matter.” She spat the toothpick into the wastebin tucked against a wall, and Crosshair gave an exasperated sigh.

“I was using that.”

“I’ve got better ideas about what you can do with your mouth.” She slowly began pressing him back towards the bed, and he allowed her to take the lead as she peeled his travel cloak from his shoulders, flinging it somewhere random before she began working on the buttons on his shirt.

“We should eat at some point,” he teased, and she rolled her eyes before undoing the last button and gently raking her nails across his bare chest. Her eyes flicked down to his crotch before meeting his gaze again, an eyebrow raised cockily as she pressed him back onto the bed. “You’re hungry now? Seems you’ve got other things on your mind.”

He kicked off his boots before pulling her into his lap, his hands trailing up her bare spine as he mouthed at the hollow of her throat.

“I told you I’m a good multi-tasker, remember?”

She sighed heavily before pressing against his chest, forcing him to lay back as she grinned, starting to stand back up and pull away. “Well in that case, we should clearly stop and go get groceries.”

Crosshair folded his hands behind his head, a smirk creeping across his face. “Groceries? I’d planned on ordering takeout since you’ve told me you can’t cook anything.”

Her nostrils flared, making it clear he’d hit a nerve slightly, something he still took a small amount of pleasure in. He knew it was petulant, but he didn’t care.

“And what exactly can you cook?” she muttered.

He shrugged. “Wasn’t a skill required of a soldier designed to survive on rations. What’s your excuse?”

She rolled her eyes, but before she could fully stand, he surged forward, wrapping his arms around her and flipping her underneath him with a squeal. The flush in her cheeks and the flare in her eyes told him he had won, even as she huffed indignantly, and he grinned down at her.

“Here’s what’s going to happen, darling. You and I are going to break this bed in, and once we’re both sated for the moment, I’ll order whatever food you like before I spend the rest of the night reacquainting myself with every inch of your body. How does that sound?”

Her stuttering breath and the way he could feel her pulse thrumming when he pressed his lips against her throat told him exactlyhow she felt about it, even though in the next breath, she exhaled sharply, giving him a mischievous grin.

“I suppose that’ll do, dear.”

Tag List: @misogirl88 @seriowan @rosmariner @partoftheeternalsoul​ @canesjedi31

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #star wars #fanfiction #fan fic #my fic #the bad batch #tbb #crosshair #crosshair x oc #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x original female character #crosshair x iden vena #crossden #established relationship #romance #angst #fluff

[wild-karrde]

Shadows and Shades - Part 3

Master List | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

A/N: As always, thank you to the wonderful @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading this chapter for me! :)

Crosshair readjusted the bundle of food under his arm as he walked through Raxulon’s cool evening air, his breath hanging in the breeze in a puff of mist with each exhale. Today had been the last rotation of their trial period at the factory, and the Gran foreman, who they had come to learn was named Ba-Ran, had hired Crosshair and Iden full-time at the end of their shift. The previous three rotations had weighed heavily on the sniper, the pressure to succeed looming over him constantly, so when Ba-Ran had told them rather unenthusiastically that they would start full-time the following week, he’d felt like celebrating. Since Iden had been complaining of eating nothing but sandwiches for the last few days, he’d gone out to pick up some food from one of the nicer restaurants in the area and a bottle of wine for their meal this evening. It had been a slight splurge, but their funds were about to double, so he felt it was warranted.

Not like we’re paying rent where we’re staying.

He felt lighter, a feeling he wasn’t necessarily familiar with, but one he would gladly grow accustomed to. Hunter had been pleased to hear the positions they’d been hired into, and the preliminary reports that they’d been able to provide the first few days had already proved helpful according to the sergeant. They’d not only been able to glean numbers of weapons going out the door, but Ba-Ran had also briefed them on the most common failures for each type of weapon so that they could be on the lookout for the errors, information they’d been more than happy to pass along to the rebellion. They’d of course allowed no faulty weapons to slip out the door in their trial period to ensure they were hired on full-time, but now, it was time to adjust their strategy and add a little risk to the equation. Crosshair knew that the few rotations they had off before the start of the new work week would be spent planning and strategizing, but if only for tonight, he wanted to relax and let the rebellion slip away for a little while.

As he turned the corner onto the avenue their dwelling was located on, his joy faded quickly as he noted that the front door of their dwelling was cracked open, light leaking out into the street. His pulse accelerated along with his pace. Someone’s broken in. Or could it be a raid? Iden wouldn’t leave the door open like that. His blood ran cold, and he quickly shifted the food to his other hand, yanking his DH-17 from its place at his hip as he quickly and quietly charged forward. Crosshair crept along until he was even with the front of the dwelling. They’ll take her over my dead body. He heard a clatter and slowed, ducking low behind the wall that shielded the bottom half of the front stoop from his view. He set the food and wine down carefully before steadying his breath, listening. He heard a scuffle again, and he swung around, aiming the blaster at the agape front door.

Iden sat straddling the half-open door with her back against its frame, and as he aimed his blaster at her, she threw her hands up. “WHOA WHOA WHOA! What are you doing?”

Crosshair’s shoulders slumped in both relief and annoyance, and he swore under his breath as he tucked the gun back into its holster quickly, his eyes scanning the street to see if anyone had noted him sneaking up on his own home. The street was thankfully empty other than a tooka a few dwellings down that sat watching him from the railing of a porch. He scowled at it and clenched his teeth as he stooped to snatch the food and wine.

“I could ask you the same thing. Thought someone had raided the place and left the door ajar,” he muttered, striding forward. As he got closer, he took in her appearance. Her shirt, hands, and forearms were streaked with grease, and he could see she was fiddling with the track of the door, her brow furrowed and her tongue poking out between her teeth as she slammed a fist against the bottom of the door.

“Got the track greased, but the damn thing is a little off the rails. That’s part of the grinding sound we’ve been hearing,” she grunted. Crosshair set the food down inside the dwelling before coming back and gripping the door.

“Look out,” he warned, and she scrambled out of the way. He gave the door a quick, sharp kick with his foot, and he felt it slip back into the track. The two of them stepped back inside and Iden punched the door panel. The door slid shut with hardly a sound, and she smirked.

“I could have gotten to that,” Crosshair said quietly.

“Yeah, well I wanted to,” Iden replied.

Turning to pick up the food, Crosshair suddenly took in the front room, noting that it had changed significantly since he’d left. In the hour he’d been gone, she’d cleaned everything and replaced the overhead light. The couch, which had been more of a dusty green when they’d first arrived was apparently closer to a deep forest green when clean, and somehow the cushions looked more inviting. A soft light was coming from a few flickering candles Iden had placed around the room, giving it a little more character, and she’d even set a bowl of fresh fruit in the center of the table in the kitchen. She’d cleared away every speck of dust, and he suddenly realized that the windows had been shining brighter as he’d approached, although he’d failed to note it at the time. She’d wiped and scrubbed every surface, and when he turned to look at her, she shrugged.

“You said it was the first place you’ve ever had. Figured it should be a little nicer, even if it is only temporary. Don’t think I’ll be your maid all the time though.”

They didn’t tell each other they loved each other very often. In fact, Crosshair couldn’t remember saying it since they’d left Naboo. He didn’t need to; she knew it, and she’d told him as much then. But right at that moment, the words echoed in his mind loudly as he watched her. She knows me better than I know myself at times. And despite the amount of snark she throws my way, she’s the kindest person I’ve known. Maker, how is she mine?

Crosshair set the food down on the kitchen table before he turned and found her watching him, hair hanging in her face with grease and dirt on her cheeks and clothing. He closed the distance between the two of them, cradling her face gently before pressing a kiss to her lips. It was clear the tenderness of the gesture surprised her, but she didn’t pull away, instead allowing her arms to wrap around his neck, giggling slightly against his mouth. He pulled back, resting his forehead against hers, his hands settling on her hips.

“What?”

“Your beard tickles. Still getting used to it.” Reaching up, she gave his beard a playful tug. “What was that kiss for?”

“Just making sure you still know.”

“Know what?” He could see she did, even if she was giving him a hard time in the moment.

“That I love you.”

“Of course you do. I’m quite loveable.”

He huffed a laugh before leaning in and kissing her cheek softly. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Her breath stuttered at the softness of the gesture, and he could tell she wasn’t sure how to respond. Iden searched his eyes for a moment before she tugged him close again by the front of his shirt, pressing a kiss to his lips.

“You’re welcome, dear.” For once, the tacked-on term of endearment didn’t carry any sarcasm. Her eyes drifted over his shoulder to where the bag was resting on the table. “Now, what did you bring me to eat?”

He took her hand in his leading her to the small table where he took the meal out of the bag. Crosshair smiled as Iden’s eyes widened at the loaf of fresh bread, baked fish, and roasted vegetables that he pulled from the bag before he extended the wine bottle out to her. She glanced at the label, grinning up at him. “Give me a few minutes to get cleaned up. This is too nice of a meal for me to be a greaseball.”

“Want me to join you?” he teased as she sauntered away, undoing the buttons on her shirt.

“No, because then the food will be cold by the time we get out of the ‘fresher,” she tossed back over her shoulder. “You can set the table.”

“Yes, Lieutenant.”

Her eyes almost glowed as she winked at him before disappearing into their bedroom. Crosshair stood for a moment, flexing his hands nervously as he stared down at the table. This all was so unfamiliar to him, and it twisted his gut in a fit of nervousness that he despised.

It’s just a meal. You’ve shared plenty.

But he knew this was different. The dwelling, the table, the dinner, all of it part of a life he’d never really thought about having. Sure, he’d heard the regs talk about what life might be like after the war, but it wasn’t really something he and his brothers had discussed. They were experimental, defective, and had been constantly sent into the most dangerous territories with the odds stacked against them. If we’d never come back, no one would have batted an eye other than perhaps Nala Se, upset that her experiment was over. Not sure anyone was even tallying the deaths of clones, so we may not have even been a statistic. Thinking back on it now, he realized there had never been a single conversation about life after the war between the four of them, and even when Echo became part of the team, they still hadn’t thought to look ahead.

What would I even have imagined? Certainly not this.

He heard the water in the refresher shut off and realized he hadn’t moved yet. Quickly, he stepped into the kitchen, searching the various cabinets and drawers until he found a few dishes and utensils. When he couldn’t find glasses of any sort, his eyes landed on the two mugs sitting out drying. He shrugged.

A cup is a cup, I suppose.

Iden chuckled as she exited the bedroom to find him pouring wine into one of the mugs before handing it to her. “You certainly know how to show a lady a good time.”

“I’d argue that I definitely know how to show you a good time, and that’s why you’re here in the first place.”

She rolled her eyes as she slumped into the chair closest to her, sipping the wine from her mug. “Quite the ego on you, Toothpick.”

“And you’re to blame for that, darling.”

They ate their meal in comfortable silence, Iden making the occasional satisfied sound from across the table. That was one thing he liked about her; she never felt the need to press unnecessary conversation. The two of them could just be together, and that was enough.

After clearing the plates, Iden grabbed the wine bottle and plopped onto the couch, refilling her mug and then his as he sat down next to her. She snuggled into his side, and he slid his arm around the back of the couch, her damp hair brushing his cheek as she leaned against his shoulder.

“Did you comm Hunter to tell him we’re in?” she asked.

“Sent him a message on my way to grab the food. His response sounded pleased.”

She hummed, before changing positions so that she was leaning back against one end of the couch, her head rested against one of the arms, draping her legs across his thighs. “Bet you never thought we’d be doing this.”

He pulled a toothpick from the pack in his pocket. “Doing what?”

“Behaving like an old married couple. Nice dinner and drinking wine all cuddled up after. I certainly didn’t see that in my future.”

“Sorry to upset your plans.”

She nudged him playfully with her foot. “You know damn well I’m far from upset.”

“Is that something you’d want now?” he asked, his fingers tracing over the bare skin of her ankle that poked out of the bottom of her trousers. He didn’t miss the way her leg quivered under his touch.

“Is whatsomething I’d want?”

“Marriage.”

She paused mid-sip, her eyes meeting his over the cup. “Is marriage something that youwant?”

“I asked you first.”

She considered it a moment before shrugging. “I don’t feel the need to wear a fancy dress and say a few words to be committed to you. I told you before, I’m yours, and that’s enough for me if it’s enough for you.” He didn’t say anything for a few moments as he considered her words, and she sat up quickly, gripping his chin and turning his face to hers. “If that’s something that’s important to you, we can absolutely get married. Eventually. But I don’t feel like it’s something I need. I’m not against it, but it’s also not a requirement for me.”

He took her hand in his, examining the place on her left hand where a band might sit before pressing a kiss to it. “I don’t necessarily feel the need either, but it wasn’t something we’d ever really discussed.”

She smirked, leaning back down. “There’s a lot we haven’t discussed. You’re not exactly a man of many words.”

“What would you like to talk about then?”

She rolled her eyes before thinking for a few moments. “What’s your happiest memory?”

“When I met you of course.” He kept his voice neutral, but couldn’t keep the corner of his mouth from tugging upwards into a half grin.

Iden nudged him with her foot again, a little more forcefully this time. “Now that’sa lie. You hated me when we first met. No, tell me what your happiest memory was before we met.”

Crosshair flicked the toothpick to the opposite side of his mouth with his tongue as he thought. He could feel Iden watching him, and with every second that passed, he felt a growing discomfort.

Not really a time as cadets that stands out. Our deployment was fairly straightforward. A few fun campaigns, but would hardly call times where hundreds if not thousands died a ‘favorite memory.’ There was that one shot on Felucia that was pretty impressive, but I’m not sure I’d classify that as a time I was happier than others…

His eyes flicked to Iden, whose eyebrows had started to knit together slightly. “You don’t have one, do you?” she asked quietly. There was no judgement in her voice, but he could see the pity in her eyes. He shrugged.

“What’s yours?”

She toyed with the handle of her mug. “Before I met you? Probably when I was twelve. The solstice festival with my family.” Her eyes grew distant, the hint of a smile gracing her face as he watched her get lost in the memory. “My sister Nisa was seven. It was the summer before…well before everything went to hell. I had been trying to teach her how to swim the entire spring in the small pond near our village. She wanted to swim in the lake, but was scared because of the depth, so we’d practiced for hours. The first evening we were in Lake Country, she dragged me down to the lake, made me swim out as far as I could while still touching, which was a good distance, and then she swam the whole way out to me. The look on her face when she slammed into me, splashing about with a grin as wide as her face, I…I wish I could bottle that joy. She was so happy, so proud of herself. My parents were standing on the shore and cheering for her, but she just kept asking if I saw what she did. I just never realized how important it was to her, and I’d never thought much of taking her out to swim, but for that moment, I felt like a hero, her hero. Forget anything I’ve done with the rebellion or the Naboo guard, that was when I felt the most heroic. Like I could do no wrong in her eyes. I…I think about that frequently.” Her voice had softened and he could see a mist in her eyes.

“You don’t talk about your sister often,” he commented softly, watching her carefully.

Iden huffed, shrugging, but he could see she was battling the tears now, doing her best to keep them from spilling over her eyelids. “There wasn’t much after that. A few months later, my parents would be killed, and I sort of mentally checked out after that. I was a ghost drifting around the house until I was old enough to enlist in the Naboo Guard training program a few years later. I wasn’t…I wasn’t a great sister after they were killed.”

“You did what you had to do to survive.”

“Yeah, but I abandoned her in the process. Not something I’m proud of.”

He sighed, taking the mug from her hands and setting it on the low table in front of them before pulling her into his lap, cradling her against his chest.

“You were children. You can’t put that on yourself.”

“I was her older sister. That was my job.”

He sighed, seeing that there was little consolation he could offer when she’d thrown these walls up brick by brick over the years and practically reinforced them with durasteel. Perhaps with time she’ll believe me, but not tonight.

“Well, since it’s been established that we’re both sad individuals with very few happy memories, how about we agree to make a few more happy memories together?” he offered.

Iden chuckled, tucking her face into his neck. “I’d say that’s awfully sentimental of you, Toothpick.”

He rolled his eyes, starting to shift to move her off of him, but she gripped his chin, tilting his face down to meet hers before she kissed him, slipping her hand around the back of his head and gripping the nape of his neck as she worked her lips against his. Crosshair relaxed back into the couch, letting himself get lost in the feel of her lips on his, the taste of her wine lingering as her tongue grazed his for a second before she readjusted, coming to straddle his lap. She paused for a moment, her eyes finding his, burning intently as she gazed at him.

“I think I can get onboard with that deal though. Maybe right now, in fact.”

Crosshair slipped one of his hands into her hair, her locks tangling around his slender fingers as his other hand splayed across the base of her spine, pulling her closer to him. He grinned as she pulled the toothpick from between his teeth, flicking it somewhere in the room, likely to never be found again.

“Good.”

—-

“ABAN!”

Crosshair sighed, trying not to scowl at Ba-Ran as he turned to acknowledge him for what felt like the fifth time in as many minutes.

“Yes?”

“Make sure to get through that last crate and get things put away. We’ve got a tour coming through shortly. It’ll consist of the Imperial officers that will be overseeing operations for the near term, and I don’t want anything out that might get us marked down right out of the gate.”

“Certainly.” The response was short with a hint of annoyance, but the Gran seemed too stressed to notice. In fact, he’d been unusually twitchy all shift, his eyes blinking rapidly in their stalks at the most minor inconveniences, his teeth grinding. Crosshair had largely avoided his wrath. Iden however was not so lucky, although some of that could likely be attributed to her rapidly waning patience.

“ZO!”

“WHAT?” she snapped from where she was crouched on the floor a few work surfaces over. Crosshair had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from snickering at the glare she shot the Gran.

And she says Istruggle with authority figures.

“You get that final inspection log signed off?”

“Like I told you a few minutes ago, it’s gonna take me a bit. Someone mixed up the serial numbers in this kriffing crate, and I’m trying to sort that out. Won’t sign off without that fixed.”

Ba-Ran looked like he was going to retort, but thought better of it with the way Iden was staring him down, heaving a frustrated sigh and turning on his heel to stalk back up the manufacturing lines. Crosshair waited for him to get out of earshot before closing the crate he’d been in and striding over to where Iden was still crouched, muttering under her breath.

“You know, if you get fired, this whole thing goes to hell,” he said teasingly as he knelt next to her, plucking the datapad from her hands. “Read me the serial numbers. It’ll go faster with two.”

She glanced up at him through her eyebrows, clearly considering a sarcastic response before ultimately deciding it was best to not bite the hand that was helping her. “Fine.”

They finished quickly, both picking up their crates as they made their way over to the outgoing racks where the inspected weapons waited to be packaged. Crosshair moved easily between the lines, but he heard Iden stumble behind him. Pausing and glancing over his shoulder, he saw her glaring daggers at a male Twi’lek that had apparently backed into her.

“Watch where you’re going,” she snapped. The Twi’lek stood half a meter taller than her, but said nothing, merely turning his back to her and continuing whatever task he was working.

“You alright?” Crosshair asked as Iden fell into step next to him.

“Fine. Just…there’s a lot more people here than there were last week,” Iden commented under her breath. “And they all seem to be wearing the same snazzy ankle jewelry.”

Crosshair glanced down at one of the workers nearest him, and sure enough, he could see the flash of an ankle monitor blinking when the man’s trousers lifted just enough to expose it. As he set his crate of blasters on the shelf and turned to take Iden’s, he surveyed the workers in their immediate vicinity. They all wore the same monitors around their ankles, and it suddenly dawned on him.

“They’re prisoners,” he said under his breath. “Prison labor.”

“Why would they need them?” Iden murmured, keeping her eyes focused on the crate as she handed it off to him. “There have been people lined up out the door trying to get jobs as long as we’ve been here.”

Crosshair set the crate down and thought for a moment, flicking the toothpick clenched between his teeth to the other side of his mouth contemplatively. “The people waiting outside are specialized in their expertise. Look at the tasks the prisoners are doing. All simple and repetitive, what you’d expect droids to be doing.”

Iden subtly glanced around, and he could see she was drawing the same conclusion. “Why use living beings when droids will do the job?”

It struck Crosshair like a lightning bolt. “Because they don’t have enough droids.”

Iden’s brow furrowed in confusion, but the gears in Crosshair’s mind were turning quickly, all of the pieces falling into place. He grabbed Iden’s arm, pulling her along behind him until they were in a storage alcove, out of earshot of any of the foremen or other workers.

“Think about it,” he said quietly. “Why replace droids with people?”

“I don’t know, because you’ve got a power complex?” Iden muttered.

“Iden.” The use of her real name sobered her, and she glanced around again, tallying the number of prison workers striding between benches.

“You don’t have enough droids?” she repeated.

“Exactly.”

The confusion in her gaze didn’t lessen. “I’m still not getting it.”

“They’re expanding faster than they can build droids to work the assembly lines. That’s why there’s suddenly a new set of Imperial officers coming here to oversee things. They may be shipping droids in, but for some reason, this factory has ramped up production incredibly rapidly. They can’t use the workers outside because even if they’re willing to take menial jobs, those people expect to be paid. Prisoners don’t have that same issue, mainly because they’re…well, prisoners.” Iden’s eyes widened, and he nodded as he saw the same conclusions slide into her mind.

“Something is going on here, and we need to figure out what before everything dies back down,” she breathed. “I’m betting if we can figure out what the droids have been diverted to, we’ll find something important. Imperial officers don’t come to supervise just any weapon’s construction. We-”

Suddenly, a stillness settled over the factory, sending a chill skittering up Crosshair’s spine and making Iden go silent. He gripped her shoulder quickly, pressing her back against the wall in the alcove and tucking them back into the shadows. Carefully, he leaned out, and his heart thundered in his chest.

An Imperial squad was striding across the factory floor, led by a much more cheerful Ba-Ran, who was gesturing about enthusiastically. Four stormtroopers flanked three officers, but it was the officer leading the group of Imperials that made Crosshair’s blood run cold. Tall with a wide set jaw, dusty brown hair, and uninterested eyes, the man turned, his gaze scanning the floor but not quite making it to the alcove Crosshair and Iden were tucked into before he turned, hands clasped behind his back as he allowed the foreman to continue the tour, nodding occasionally. Iden squeezed Crosshair’s arm, and he suddenly realized he was breathing rapidly, and his pulse was thundering in his ears.

“Crosshair,” Iden said quietly. “Who was that?”

He took a long, steadying breath that did little to quell the shaking in his hands, so he clenched his fists, shoving them in his pockets before he finally turned to look at Iden. He could see she’d noted his reaction, and he silently swore.

Even after all this time. Still the same damn reaction. The same anger. The same fear.

Fingers tapped his cheek, and he glanced down, meeting Iden’s gaze. “Who was it?” she repeated.

“Rampart,” he spat. “My previous commanding officer.”

Tag List: @misogirl88 @seriowan @rosmariner @partoftheeternalsoul​ @canesjedi31

#karrde writes #shadows and shades #fanfiction #fan fic #star wars #the bad batch #tbb #crosshair #crosshair x ofc #crosshair x oc #crosshair x original female character #crosshair x iden #crosshair x iden vena #crossden #established relationship #angst #fluff #STRAP IN IT'S HEATING UP