This next episode is gonna be two parts since it's an emotional roller coaster! This chapter is kinda rushed as I am finishing editing in the airport about to board my plane to Hawaii.

The ship rocked back and forth violently as Tech made all sorts of maneuvers to avoid the ongoing blaster fire from the ships following them.

"How much longer till we're in hyperspace, Tech?!" (Y/N) said, trying to steady herself in the seat behind Tech's.

"That depends on when Echo plans on getting the drive back online." Tech answers, still focused on piloting.

"I'm working on it!" Echo snapped from the copilot seat.

The Bad Batch had gone on a mission to retrieve a reptilian creature that the Rhokai gang had stolen. The female lizard's name was Ruby, and Omega was quite fond of her. Once the squad had successfully stolen Ruby, the Rhokai sent 3 transports to shoot them down and get Ruby back. Their escape plan got more complicated when the Marauder's hyperdrive was hit and disabled.
Hunter was currently in the gunner's nest, shooting back at the hostile gang. While Echo was sitting in (Y/N)'s seat so he could fix the hyperdrive, though it seemed to be taking a little longer than expected. Meanwhile Omega was in her seat towards the back of the ship, and Wrecker tried to keep Ruby's cage in place.

"I don't think Ruby likes this very much!" Omega yells as the Marauder shakes.

"You named that thing?" Wrecker yelled back after strapping in.

There was an explosion and the ship shook once more.

"What's with these guys?!"

"Well, we did steal from them!" Omega answered.

"Technically, the Rhokai stole the lizard first. We are merely intercepting it." Tech joined the conversation.

"I don't think they see it that way!" (Y/N) exclaimed as she tried to stabilize the Marauder by pushing some controls.

Suddenly there was banging noise and (Y/N) heard Wrecker screaming in terror.

"It's loose! It's loose!"

There was some squealing coming from Ruby, and (Y/N) grit her teeth.

"Get it off! Get it off! Get it off!!!" Wrecker yelled.

"Stay calm! You're scaring her!" Omega replied desperately.

"Get it off! Get it off! Get it off!!!" Wrecker repeated.

The giant ran into the cockpit and straight into
(Y/N)'s seat, causing the elf to be propelled forward to the back of Tech's seat.

"Are you alright?" Tech's voice was surprisingly soft amidst the chaos.

(Y/N) blinked in surprise at the unexpected gentleness in his tone.

"Yes, I'm fine," she replied.

Tech's expression was momentarily betrayed his astonishment.

"Hey, lovebirds, as much as we appreciate the romantic tension, how about lending a hand here?" Echo sarcastically said.

Tech shot Echo a pointed look, and (Y/N) reached over to assist Tech. Duty quickly took over, and he turned back to his work, his fingers flying over the control panel.

Another bolt from the shuttles behind them rocked the Marauder.

"Hyperdrive's online!" Echo yelled.

A clang came from behind (Y/N).

"Got her!" Omega said.

"Tech, make the jump!"

Tech pulled the controls back, and the ship jolted into the all familiar feeling of fast traveling. (Y/N) sighed in relief.

XXXXX

"That is one strange looking lizard." Cid said as she bent down to look at Ruby from inside the cage.

"What's your client want it for?" Echo asked.

"Maybe it's a pet. Maybe he wants to turn it into a stew. Don't know, don't care." Cid answered.

"-As long as you get paid." Hunter added.

"Now you're catching on. And guess what? That means you get paid too. Bring the lizard in the back." Cid motioned for the squad to follow her.

Echo grabbed the cage and began to follow Cid, the rest of the squad following. But before (Y/N) could do the same, she sensed something different around the bar.

A prickling sensation ran down her spine. Something felt off, out of place, in the familiar surroundings. She paused, her senses alert, searching for the source of her unease.

Her keen elvish instincts led her gaze to a figure shrouded in a dark brown cloak, lurking in the corner of the room where Bolo and Ketch usually sat. The figure's presence felt familiar yet foreign, stirring a sense of familiarity in (Y/N).

Before she could dwell on her suspicions further, Hunter interrupted her thoughts with a concerned frown.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.

(Y/N) hesitated for a moment, torn between voicing her concerns and maintaining caution.

"Someone in this bar isn't a regular," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the noise of the crowd. "I sense a presence... one that doesn't belong."

Hunter's expression hardened, his instincts as a soldier kicking in. "Alright," he replied, his eyes scanning the room with newfound caution.

"I'll keep an eye out. We can't afford to let our guard down, not with the Empire hunting us."

With a nod of gratitude, (Y/N) was about to follow Cid out of the bar, her senses still on high alert, when she felt a tug on her hand. (Y/N) looked to see Wrecker and Omega's smiling and pleading faces.

"(Y/N)?" She asked shyly.

"What are you two up to?" (Y/N) suspiciously asked with a grin.

"The mission's over. Can we go?" Wrecker motioned to the door.

"Again?" Hunter questioned.

"It's a tradition." Wrecker smiled.

The giant leaned over closer to the leaders of the squad, putting his hand to his mouth, whispering rather loudly.

"It makes the kid happy."

(Y/N) and Hunter raised an eyebrow, while Omega scowled playfully.

"Uh-huh...the kid." Hunter nodded.

"You two go, don't take too long though." (Y/N) laughed.

Wrecker and Omega laughed excitedly as they left the bar.

Hunter sighed.

"They'll be fine." (Y/N) assured Hunter, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I know... I trust the kid and Wrecker." Hunter says.

(Y/N) couldn't help but bite her lip.

Sensing her unease, Hunter turned to her with a furrowed brow. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

(Y/N) bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before deciding to voice her fears.

"It's Wrecker," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "His headaches... they're getting worse, more frequent. And I can't help but worry."

Hunter's expression darkened at the mention of Wrecker's condition.

"We've all noticed it," he admitted, his voice heavy with concern. "But we haven't been able to figure out what's causing it."

(Y/N) swallowed nervously, her mind racing with possibilities.

"Have any of you ever considered... removing your inhibitor chips?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Hunter's eyes widened in realization as her words sank in. "No," he replied, his tone grave. "We never even thought about it because they didn't work. But... why?"

(Y/N) took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say.

"Because even though your chips haven't activated, there's still a chance they could," she explained, her voice tinged with fear. "And with Omega now in our care... things could escalate quickly."

Before Hunter could respond, Cid's voice rang out to the pair.

"Hey! Pretty Face! Dark and Broody! We're waiting on ya!"

"Just think about it, Hunter. Who knows what may happen if the chips do activate in the presence of an ex-Jedi."

XXXXX

"Alright fellas, here's your cut."

Cid took 3 Imperial credits out of her box of well over 1,000 credits, and handed them to Hunter.

"Woah, woah, woah, woah. You said the job paid three times this." Hunter pointed out sharply.

"For me, not for you. You're lucky Pretty Face over here attracts more customers, otherwise your pay would've been lower. Much lower." Cid snapped.

"And just how is this a mutually beneficial arrangement?" Echo asked suspiciously.

"You're breathing, aren't ya? Rather generous considering the debt you owe me." Cid picked up a datapad and passed it to Hunter and (Y/N).

"What debt?" Hunter questioned.

(Y/N) took the datapad and scrolled through the list of fees on Cid's tab.

"Docking fees, port charges, gear, fuel, rations...and 20 cartons of Mantell Mix." Hunter raised an eyebrow.

"Are you sure this is accurate?" (Y/N) asked.

"Who's the business owner here, you or me?" Cid sarcastically responded.

"Are you sure there isn't anything we can do to lower the debt?" Echo asks, annoyed.

"Unless you want Pretty Face working full time here." Cid crossed her arms.

"Absolutely not."

"No."

"Not negotiable."

Hunter, Echo, and Tech all said simultaneously at the same time.

(Y/N) wrung her hands together and furrowed her brow. Would it be so bad working at Cid's bar?

It most definitely would.

"Now I like you guys, but I'm not running a charity here. You need a big score for us to be square." Says Cid.

"Like what?" (Y/N) interjected.

"Like receiving that tactical droid, but you bungled that up. I suggest you figure something out before you see my ugly side." Cid threatened.

"That's not her ugly side?" Tech asked under his breath.

(Y/N) couldn't contain her grin at Tech's comment.

"What was that, Goggles?" Cid stood up.

(Y/N)'s ears twitched and she whirled around when she heard blaster fire coming from outside Cid's office. The group left the office in a run to see what was causing the commotion.

(Y/N) turned the corner just in time to see Bolo and Ketch making a run for it out of the bar, yelling in fear.

"Move! Out of my way!" Bolo yelled in panic as he ran out the door.

(Y/N) heard Hunter draw his blaster as the group faced the brown-cloaked stranger that (Y/N) had pointed out earlier. The stranger set down their blaster on the table as a sign of peace.

The Force was screaming at (Y/N). Describing someone familiar. It wasn't a warning, it was... comfort?

"Hey! What's going on in here? Who are you?" Cid demanded.

The stranger slowly turned towards the group, Hunter raised his blaster just in case. And the stranger removed his hood. Much to the shock of
(Y/N), someone she knew and grew a personal connection to over the last couple years.

It was Rex.

"Rex?!" Echo exclaimed, shocked.

"Oh, great. Another clone. Just what I needed. Well, don't get comfy. I'm done takin' in strays."

Cid gave Hunter a passive aggressive push and turned back to her office, muttering to herself.

"This ain't a clone clubhouse, ya know. Unbelievable. Thinkin' they own the place."

(Y/N) warily looked at Rex, not sure if she should go any closer. For all she knew, Rex could be here to kill her.

She clenched her fists so hard that her knuckles turned white. Tech, ever observant, noticed her distress and silently moved to her side, placing a comforting hand on her clenched fist to offer a sense of comfort. (Y/N)'s knuckles automatically loosened at the clone's gentle touch.

(Y/N) couldn't shake the fear that gripped her. She turned to Rex, her eyes betraying her inner turmoil.

"Are you here to kill me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The Bad Batch tensed at her question, ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of danger. Tech put an arm out in front of (Y/N) protectively while Hunter and Echo subtly positioned themselves in front of her, ready to protect her at all costs.

Rex's expression softened, and he shook his head slowly.

"No, (Y/N)," he replied earnestly. "I'm here because someone told me of you, and I had to see for myself."

"How do I know you won't turn us in?" (Y/N) demands.

Rex sensed the tension in the air and raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.

"I'm not here to hurt you, (Y/N)," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

"I've had my chip removed. I would never do anything to harm one of my greatest friends."

(Y/N) searched his eyes for any hint of deceit, and slowly, the tension in her body began to ease. She allowed herself to believe his words, if only for a moment. With a sad smile, she nodded, silently acknowledging the bond they once shared.

"I believe you, Captain." (Y/N) affirmed.

The tension in the air began to dissipate as Hunter, Echo, (Y/N) and Tech walked towards the captain. (Y/N) and Tech's hands intertwined with one another. Though neither of them showed any discomfort or signs of letting go. Hunter could practically hear the blood rushing to both (Y/N) and Tech's cheeks though.

"Where have you been, Rex?" Echo questioned.

"Hmm. That's a long story." The Captain answered.

XXXXX

The group sat down at the bar. (Y/N) sat in between Rex and Tech, downing her Whiskey in a matter of seconds. Elves have a high tolerance for alcohol, so it didn't exactly matter how much she had.

"-And when the war ended, I guess you could say I've been... keeping a low profile." Rex continued as
(Y/N) finally tuned into the conversation.

"Very low. Imperial files have you listed as killed in action." Tech said after sipping his drink.

"Being dead in the Empire's eyes has its advantages." Rex answered.

"Well, how'd you track us down?" Echo asked.

"Trace and Rafa Martez. They said a squad of rogue clones helped them on Corellia. They told me I could find you here. And that you were traveling with a kid. Who is she?" Rex directed that part to (Y/N) and Hunter.

"Her name's Omega. She's a clone." (Y/N) told the captain.

Rex turned to her with wide eyes, not expecting that to be the answer to his question.

"Well, look who it is! Come here Rex!" Wrecker laughed as he and Omega jogged toward the group.

Wrecker wrapped his arms around Rex and lifted him off his feet in a tight bear hug.

"Yeah. Good to see you too, Wrecker." Rex grunts.

"I thought you didn't like the regs." Omega said suspiciously.

"Yeah, but this one we like!" Wrecker answered as he put Rex down.

Rex pushed Wrecker away playfully and turned to the young clone.

"Omega, this is Rex. One of my most trusted friends from the war." (Y/N) introduced, as she walked towards the pair.

Rex glanced back at (Y/N), surprise and elation sparkled in his eyes at the mention of (Y/N) trusting him despite what the regs had done to her. Rex kneeled down to Omega's level.

"I've met many clones in my time, but never one like you." Said Rex.

Omega squinted and examined Rex's face closely, before stepping closer to him.

"You're a generation one." She observed.

"Now how'd you know that?" Rex asked, taken aback.

"From the lines on your face." She says.

Rex laughs.

"Yeah, I guess I've been around." Rex turned his head to the Bad Batch.

"You got that right!" Wrecker laughs, but then abruptly stops.

His laugh turned into a groan. And (Y/N) visibly tensed. Her heart plummeted into her stomach. It didn't go unnoticed by Rex either. Who also tensed and stood in front of (Y/N) and Omega protectively. His gaze narrowed dangerously like when he fought battalions of droids.

"Tech, I need one of those med patches." Wrecker clutched his head.

"You used the last one." Tech responded.

"What's wrong?" Rex growled.

"Nothing. It's just a headache." Wrecker replied.

"Which are becoming more frequent." Hunter intervened.

"Is that so?" Rex inched closer to (Y/N), who had a terrified look on her face.

Omega reached up and grabbed (Y/N)'s hand to try and comfort the ex-Jedi.

"If you're concerned about the so-called inhibitor chips, don't be. Our deviant nature appears to have impeded their functionality." Tech stood up from his stool.

"...Except in Crosshair." He added meekly.

"You're telling me you haven't removed your chips?" Rex asked.

"No, not yet." Tech replied.

Rex reached down to his holster and looked about ready to take his blaster out, still holding a protective arm in front of (Y/N).

"Rex...?" Hunter held his arms out in peace.

"You're putting yourselves and everyone around you at risk," he warned sternly. "Especially (Y/N) and Omega."

(Y/N) felt a shiver run down her spine at the mention of the inhibitor chips. Ever since Order 66, she had harbored a deep-seated fear of the clones and their programmed obedience to the Empire's commands.

Rex's words only served to confirm her worst fears.

"What do you mean?" Omega asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Rex took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully.

"Having (Y/N) with you only makes it worse," he explained gently.

"There's a strong possibility that any one of them could turn on you, without even realizing it."

The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air as the group processed Rex's words. Wrecker's headache seemed to intensify.

"Who knows what could happen with her presence. As clones it's our job to stop at nothing to follow orders. I imagine you don't want to find out what will happen if those chips are activated. You're all ticking time bombs." Rex said, his arm still in front of (Y/N).

"What's in your head is more dangerous than you can imagine. I've seen what happens when the chip activates, and I don't want to bury any more of our brothers. Trust me. It is not something you can control. I couldn't. It's a risk you do not want to take." Rex warns the squad as they stand down.

(Y/N) looks down to Omega, whose eyes are heavy with worry, not for herself, but for (Y/N).

"How do you suggest we get them out?" Hunter asked.

Rex's hand leaves his holster.

"Good question... I'll be in touch. You gonna be okay for a bit, General?" Rex turns back to (Y/N).

(Y/N) bit her lip and looked down at Omega. Her bright brown and innocent eyes looking back at her. (Y/N) needs to stay, to protect Omega if anything happens.

(Y/N) looked back up at Rex.

"I'll be okay. Just hurry... and Rex?" (Y/N) asked.

Rex cocked his head to the side.

"It's just (Y/N) now. Those days are over."

Rex smiled and turned away.

XXXXX

Echo is piloting up front while Wrecker, Omega, Tech, and Hunter are conversing. (Y/N) didn't feel much like talking, so she stayed in the corner of the Marauder's living area, fiddling with her lightsaber. Her lightsaber was different from most Jedi's. Instead of being the standard blue or green hue, it was pure white. No one had ever heard of a white lightsaber before. Which was part of the reason why she was such an outcast as a youngling. (Y/N) had thought about meditating, but realized it could be too risky. Her Midi-chlorian count was extremely high, therefore she may not be able to control her presence, and give away the fact that she's still alive.

"I don't like this plan." Wrecker groans as he clutches his head.

"We agreed to meet Rex on Bracca. That's what we're doing." Hunter placed an arm on Wrecker's shoulder.

"He wants to cut open my head." Wrecker complained.

"All of our heads actually." Tech said, tinkering with his scanner.

"Not mine. I don't have an inhibitor chip." Omega says as she hands some parts to Tech.

"Why not? That's not fair!" Wrecker crossed his arms in jealousy.

"How's the chip scanner coming?" Hunter asked Tech.

"Since Rex's chip was removed, I am able to establish a baseline by comparing his brain scan to ours. Allowing for the detection of any cellular anomaly." Tech got up and walked away while tinkering absentmindedly.

"He means, 'It's almost finished'!" Omega